In this episode of What I Wish I Knew, host Irene Ortiz-Glass is joined by Kristin Taylor, a life and executive coach with over 20 years of experience. Kristin shares her own journey, from growing up in a family affected by domestic violence and drug addiction, through her early career in therapy and crisis counseling, to her current role as a coach.

Key discussion points include:

1. **Understanding Trauma**: Kristin defines trauma as an event that overwhelms the central nervous system, altering our ability to process and recall memories. She emphasizes that trauma is not just about past events, but about the current impact of those events on the individual.

2. **The Body-Brain Connection**: Kristin explains how trauma can lead to a heightened state of alertness or 'sympathetic activation' in the nervous system. This can be harmful to the body, leading to issues such as adrenal fatigue and high cortisol levels.

3. **The Impact of Unresolved Trauma**: Irene and Kristin discuss how unresolved trauma can resurface during periods of hormonal fluctuation, such as perimenopause and menopause. This can lead to symptoms like nightmares or intrusive thoughts.

4. **Healing from Trauma**: Kristin shares some strategies for healing, including recognizing there's a problem, reaching out for help, and practicing self-compassion. She also introduces the 'traffic light' framework for self-awareness, which involves identifying whether you're in a 'green' (calm), 'yellow' (activated), or 'red' (burnout) state.

5. **Self Compassion and Trauma**: Kristin emphasizes the importance of self-compassion in healing from trauma. She explains that many of us betray and abandon ourselves, and that learning to treat ourselves kindly is a crucial part of recovery.

Listeners can reach out to Kristin via her website, kristintaylorconsulting.com, or email her directly at [email protected]

Resources:

- Website: https://www.MenoCoaching.com: https://www.menocoaching.com/
- Book: "The Body Whispers Before It Screams" on Amazon.com (Available Now!): https://www.amazon.com/Body-Whispers-Before-Screams-Emotionally/dp/195682202X/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=SCKZOHRXEU2D&keywords=the+body+whispers+before+it+screams&qid=1697378087&sprefix=%2Caps%2C233&sr=8-1
- Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChwdVVEKUZW8WZV0Kn3gn_g
- Mira Fertility Tracking: https://www.miracare.com
- Kristin Taylor's Podcast, How I Made It Through, on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-made-it-through/id1605802615

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Remember to visit https://www.menocoaching.com to access additional resources and sign up for updates on upcoming podcast episodes and Irene's book release. Please leave a review on the podcast to help spread the word and empower more women on their menopause journey.

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Thank you to our sponsor, PodTask. Whether you’re just starting out in podcasting or you’ve been at this a while and are looking to save time so you can create amazing content for your listeners, go check out PodTask, a podcast management and marketing platform designed by podcasters, for podcasters. With PodTask's automated workflow and AI-based marketing tools, you’ll save time and sanity and be better equipped to grow your podcasts. Learn more at https://www.podtask.com

In this episode of What I Wish I Knew, host Irene Ortiz-Glass shares her insights into the menopause transition and the importance of awareness, education, and support for women going through this life phase.

1. Irene starts the episode with the significance of October as World Menopause Awareness Month and October 18th as World Menopause Awareness Day. She emphasizes the need for education and awareness about menopause and its transition period.

2. Irene announces the release of her book, "The Body Whispers Before It Screams," on October 18th. The book is a comprehensive guide for women going through perimenopause and menopause, providing them with the necessary information to handle this transition phase effectively.

3. Irene shares excerpts from her book, discussing the struggles and the silent suffering that many women experience during perimenopause. She highlights the lack of education, awareness, and support from healthcare professionals and the financial burden of seeking help.

4. Irene talks about her mission through her book, podcast, and mental coaching practice - to educate, empower, and give hope to every woman suffering in silence.

5. Irene shares statistics about menopause, emphasizing the need for non-traditional, holistic approaches to healing that consider the whole body system.

6. Irene shares another excerpt from her book, discussing the wilderness of perimenopause and the loneliness that many women feel during this period. She emphasizes that the menopausal transition can serve a purpose if women are willing to explore the terrain.

7. Irene concludes the episode by encouraging women to seek answers for themselves, to advocate for their health based on solid science and education, and to share their experiences without fear or shame.

8. Irene invites listeners to visit the website, mentalcoaching.com, listen to the podcast, and share it with others.

Resources:

- Website: https://www.MenoCoaching.com: https://www.menocoaching.com/
- Book: "The Body Whispers Before It Screams" on Amazon.com (Available Now!): https://www.amazon.com/Body-Whispers-Before-Screams-Emotionally/dp/195682202X/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=SCKZOHRXEU2D&keywords=the+body+whispers+before+it+screams&qid=1697378087&sprefix=%2Caps%2C233&sr=8-1
- Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChwdVVEKUZW8WZV0Kn3gn_g
- Mira Fertility Tracking: https://www.miracare.com

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Remember to visit https://www.menocoaching.com to access additional resources and sign up for updates on upcoming podcast episodes and Irene's book release. Please leave a review on the podcast to help spread the word and empower more women on their menopause journey.

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Thank you to our sponsor, PodTask. Whether you’re just starting out in podcasting or you’ve been at this a while and are looking to save time so you can create amazing content for your listeners, go check out PodTask, a podcast management and marketing platform designed by podcasters, for podcasters. With PodTask's automated workflow and AI-based marketing tools, you’ll save time and sanity and be better equipped to grow your podcasts. Learn more at https://www.podtask.com

In this episode of What I Wish I Knew, host Irene Ortiz-Glass interviews Bill Faris, a professional Christian counselor. They delve into the topics of mental health, suffering, healing, and reconciliation. Here are some key points discussed:

1. **Mental Health and Menopause:** Irene discusses the deep connection between menopause and mental health, highlighting that 40% of women going through perimenopause and menopause are more likely to suffer from suicidal thoughts and depression.

2. **The Role of God in Suffering:** Bill explains that God is present in suffering, even though His presence can sometimes be a mystery. He encourages listeners to seek God in their suffering rather than questioning why they are suffering.

3. **Reconciliation with the Past:** Bill discusses the importance of reconciling with past hurts and traumas. He highlights that reconciliation is about mending and repairing things that were separated and broken.

4. **The Process of Healing:** Bill describes healing as a process that includes removing what is harming you, repairing the damage, restoring what was lost, redeeming the situation, and revelation - thanking God for the hardest things you've been through because they've brought you closer to Him.

5. **Bill's Book:** Bill shares about his book, "How Healed Do You Want to Be?" which lays out the process of healing in a series of steps. He also mentions his YouTube channel where he has a series of classes that cover the same principles from his book.

This episode is a deep dive into the journey of healing and reconciliation, offering hope and guidance to those navigating their own paths.

Resources:

- Bill Faris Website: https://billfaris.com/
- "How Healed Do You Want To Be" on Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/How-Healed-Do-You-Want/dp/0982328656/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1CMVJTCM743G&keywords=How+Healed+Do+You+Want+to+Be&qid=1696370391&sprefix=how+healed+do+you+want+to+be%2Caps%2C119&sr=8-1
- Mira Fertility: https://www.miracare.com/

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Remember to visit https://www.menocoaching.com to access additional resources and sign up for updates on upcoming podcast episodes and Irene's book release. Please leave a review on the podcast to help spread the word and empower more women on their menopause journey.

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Thank you to our sponsor, PodTask. Whether you’re just starting out in podcasting or you’ve been at this a while and are looking to save time so you can create amazing content for your listeners, go check out PodTask, a podcast management and marketing platform designed by podcasters, for podcasters. With PodTask's automated workflow and AI-based marketing tools, you’ll save time and sanity and be better equipped to grow your podcasts. Learn more at https://www.podtask.com

In this episode of What I Wish I Knew, host Irene Ortiz-Glass sits down with Sylvia Kang, the co-founder and CEO of Mira, a company dedicated to giving women the power of lab testing at home. They discuss the importance of understanding and tracking hormonal changes, especially during perimenopause and menopause.

Key Points:
- Sylvia Kang shares her journey of founding Mira, inspired by witnessing the struggles of women around her trying to conceive. She discusses the lack of adequate fertility products and the stress and disappointment women face when they can't understand what's happening in their bodies.

- Sylvia talks about the development of Mira, which aims to provide the accuracy of lab testing at home. Mira tests multiple hormones, including LH, estrogen, progesterone, and FSH, providing numerical data just like a blood test would.

- Irene shares her personal experience with Mira and how it helped her manage her surgical menopause. The ability to test her hormones daily at home allowed her to adjust her hormone therapy and find her 'sweet spot'.

- Sylvia discusses the importance of understanding the ratio of estrogen to progesterone and how it differs for each woman.

- They talk about the need for more scientific research in women's health and the importance of generating social awareness around it.

Useful Links:
Mira: https://www.miracare.com 
*Discount code for Mira bundle packages: menocoaching 

Remember to subscribe, rate, and review What I Wish I Knew, and stay tuned for the next episode. 

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Remember to visit https://www.menocoaching.com to access additional resources and sign up for updates on upcoming podcast episodes and Irene's book release. Please leave a review on the podcast to help spread the word and empower more women on their menopause journey.

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Thank you to our sponsor, PodTask. Whether you’re just starting out in podcasting or you’ve been at this a while and are looking to save time so you can create amazing content for your listeners, go check out PodTask, a podcast management and marketing platform designed by podcasters, for podcasters. With PodTask's automated workflow and AI-based marketing tools, you’ll save time and sanity and be better equipped to grow your podcasts. Learn more at https://www.podtask.com

In this episode of "What I Wish I Knew" with host Irene Ortiz-Glass, we welcome Rhiannon Neuharth, a certified functional nutritional counselor and a board-certified health coach. Rhiannon shares her journey into genetic testing, sparked by her daughter's health issues.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Rhiannon's journey into genetic testing: Rhiannon shares her personal journey that started with her daughter's health issues and how it led her to the field of genetic testing.

2. Understanding MTHFR: Rhiannon explains the importance of the MTHFR gene and its role in methylation and detoxification of our bodies. She emphasizes the need to look at the overall body function rather than isolating issues.

3. Rhiannon's approach to genetic testing: Rhiannon discusses her approach to genetic testing, focusing on how genes can guide lifestyle modifications, nutrition, and supplementation.

4. The impact of genetic testing on stress management: Rhiannon and Irene discuss the importance of understanding how our bodies break down stress chemicals, and how genetic testing can aid in this understanding.

5. Hormone therapy and genetic testing: Rhiannon emphasizes the importance of understanding how our bodies use hormones before deciding on hormone therapy. She discusses the role of genetic testing in this decision-making process.

6. The Genetic Test Rhiannon uses: Rhiannon explains the genetic test she uses in her practice, which provides a comprehensive blueprint of an individual's genetic makeup. This blueprint can guide lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and supplementation.

This episode provides valuable insights into the world of genetic testing and its potential role in managing health issues, particularly during the perimenopausal transition.

Resources:
- [email protected]
- www.revitalizing-wellness.com

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Remember to visit https://www.menocoaching.com to access additional resources and sign up for updates on upcoming podcast episodes and Irene's book release. Please leave a review on the podcast to help spread the word and empower more women on their menopause journey.

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Thank you to our sponsor, PodTask. Whether you’re just starting out in podcasting or you’ve been at this a while and are looking to save time so you can create amazing content for your listeners, go check out PodTask, a podcast management and marketing platform designed by podcasters, for podcasters. With PodTask's automated workflow and AI-based marketing tools, you’ll save time and sanity and be better equipped to grow your podcasts. Learn more at https://www.podtask.com

In this episode of "What I Wish I Knew", host Irene Ortiz-Glass has an insightful conversation with Ali Rezaei, a compounding pharmacist and founder of King's Pharmacy. They delve into the world of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and compounding hormones, discussing their benefits and the best ways to use them.

Key Discussion Points:

1. **Role of a Compounding Pharmacist**: Ali Rezaei explains the role of a compounding pharmacist in consulting with physicians and patients on medication dosages, drug interactions, medical equipment, disease management, and the side effects of hormones and over-the-counter medication.

2. **Bioidentical vs. Synthetic Hormones**: Ali explains that bioidentical hormones are identical to the hormones our bodies naturally produce, while synthetic hormones are not. He prefers to use bioidentical hormones because they can be measured in the body and are more predictable in how a woman might respond to them.

3. **Delivery Options for Hormone Therapy**: Ali recommends topical administration for estrogen and oral administration for progesterone. He also mentions that the timing of taking these medications can affect the outcome.

4. **Compounded Thyroid**: Ali discusses the benefits of compounded thyroid for those who are not responsive to traditional thyroid medications.

5. **How to Contact Ali**: Ali is relocating to a new state-of-the-art facility in Irvine, California. He can be reached through King's Pharmacy's website or Dr. Compound's website.

Please note: The information shared in this podcast is not meant to replace the advice of a medical professional. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Find out more about Mira:
https://www.miracare.com/menopause/

Visit https://kingspharma.com/ for more information about King's Pharmacy + Compounding Center

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Remember to visit https://www.menocoaching.com to access additional resources and sign up for updates on upcoming podcast episodes and Irene's book release. Please leave a review on the podcast to help spread the word and empower more women on their menopause journey.

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Thank you to our sponsor, PodTask. Whether you’re just starting out in podcasting or you’ve been at this a while and are looking to save time so you can create amazing content for your listeners, go check out PodTask, a podcast management and marketing platform designed by podcasters, for podcasters. With PodTask's automated workflow and AI-based marketing tools, you’ll save time and sanity and be better equipped to grow your podcasts. Learn more at https://www.podtask.com

In this episode of What I Wish I Knew, Irene Ortiz-Glass talks to Jennifer Foege, a certified women's holistic hormone specialist, about the power of the thyroid and cellular metabolism. Jennifer discusses the importance of the thyroid gland, the hormones it produces, and how it affects every cell in our body.

Key discussion points include:

- The thyroid controls the cellular metabolism of every single cell in the body. This means that every cell relies on your thyroid, which can lead to a variety of symptoms if the thyroid is underactive or hypothyroid.

- The importance of testing for TSH, T4, T3, and reverse T3 to get a complete picture of thyroid function.

- The role of estrogen and progesterone in thyroid function. Increased estrogen can bind to thyroid hormones, preventing them from converting to their active form, T3. Progesterone helps T3 enter cells.

- The impact of stress on thyroid function. Stress can cause the body to convert T3 into reverse T3, an inactive form of the hormone, slowing down metabolism.

- The importance of proper nutrition and supplements to support thyroid health. Key nutrients include zinc, selenium, iodine, and L-tyrosine.

- The role of the thyroid in weight control. A sluggish thyroid can slow down metabolism, leading to weight gain.

Jennifer also shares her personal journey with hormonal health and offers advice on how to manage thyroid health naturally through diet, lifestyle changes, and supplements.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the critical role of the thyroid in overall health, particularly during the menopause transition.

Find out more about Mira:
https://www.miracare.com/menopause/

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Remember to visit https://www.menocoaching.com to access additional resources and sign up for updates on upcoming podcast episodes and Irene's book release. Please leave a review on the podcast to help spread the word and empower more women on their menopause journey.

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Thank you to our sponsor, PodTask. Whether you’re just starting out in podcasting or you’ve been at this a while and are looking to save time so you can create amazing content for your listeners, go check out PodTask, a podcast management and marketing platform designed by podcasters, for podcasters. With PodTask's automated workflow and AI-based marketing tools, you’ll save time and sanity and be better equipped to grow your podcasts. Learn more at https://www.podtask.com

In this episode of What I Wish I Knew, host Irene Ortiz-Glass speaks to Sumi Epie, a functional nutritionist and founder of Wellness MedX, to discuss the role of the adrenal system, cortisol, and stress in our bodies, especially during perimenopause and menopause. 

Key Points: 

1. Understanding the Adrenal System: The adrenal glands, located on top of the kidneys, play a crucial role in regulating our bodies' response to stress. They produce hormones including cortisol, which is responsible for our fight-or-flight response. 

2. Impact of Stress: Chronic stress can lead to sustained elevated cortisol levels, which can negatively impact our bodies, leading to symptoms such as anxiety, weight gain, exhaustion, burnout, and intolerance. 

3. Role of Cortisol in Menopause: During menopause, cortisol levels automatically increase. This elevated cortisol can lead to a decrease in the production of progesterone, leading to a range of symptoms from mood swings to depression. 

4. Managing Stress: While stress is a natural part of life, managing our response to stress is crucial for maintaining balance in our bodies. This can include getting adequate sleep, maintaining a healthy diet, and engaging in regular physical activity. 

5. Role of Progesterone: Progesterone is critical for balancing estrogen levels. During perimenopause, if cortisol levels are elevated for a long period, it can impact the production of progesterone, leading to symptoms such as tender breasts, mood swings, and depression. 

6. Impact of Elevated Cortisol: Elevated cortisol can also down-regulate melatonin production, leading to sleep issues. 

7. Importance of Balance: Maintaining balance in our bodies, particularly during periods of change such as menopause, is crucial. This includes managing stress, maintaining a healthy diet, and ensuring adequate sleep. 

8. Sumi's Journey: Sumi shares his journey from a career in technology to becoming a functional nutritionist, emphasizing the importance of integrating both allopathic and functional medicine for optimal health. 

Listen to the full episode for more insights into the adrenal system, stress, and cortisol, and how to manage these for better health during menopause. 

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Remember to visit https://www.menocoaching.com to access additional resources and sign up for updates on upcoming podcast episodes and Irene's book release. Please leave a review on the podcast to help spread the word and empower more women on their menopause journey.

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Thank you to our sponsor, PodTask. Whether you’re just starting out in podcasting or you’ve been at this a while and are looking to save time so you can create amazing content for your listeners, go check out PodTask, a podcast management and marketing platform designed by podcasters, for podcasters. With PodTask's automated workflow and AI-based marketing tools, you’ll save time and sanity and be better equipped to grow your podcasts. Learn more at https://www.podtask.com

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In this episode of What I Wish I Knew podcast, host Irene Ortiz-Glass is joined by Dr. Jacquelyn Sammons, a highly skilled and compassionate physician specializing in women's health. Dr. Sammons shares her unique integrative approach to treating menopausal and perimenopausal women, focusing on the whole system rather than individual symptoms.

Key discussion points in the episode include:

1. Understanding the hormonal changes that occur during menopause and perimenopause.
2. The role of cholesterol in hormone production and the impact of low cholesterol diets on women's health.
3. Common symptoms experienced by women during this transitional phase, including hot flashes, night sweats, irritability, brain fog, chronic fatigue, and weight gain.
4. The mental health impact of menopause and perimenopause, and the importance of understanding the role of inflammation in psychological issues.
5. Dr. Sammons's multifaceted approach to healing, which includes hormone therapy, gut health, nutrition, hydration, correcting vitamin D levels, and exercise.
6. The importance of community and open discussion about women's health issues, particularly during this often misunderstood phase of life.

Dr. Sammons's practice, Transformation Health and Wellness, is based in Anaheim Hills, California, and is open to all ages. She encourages a proactive approach to health and wellness, offering support and guidance for those considering surgery and those simply seeking to optimize their health.

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Remember to visit https://www.menocoaching.com to access additional resources and sign up for updates on upcoming podcast episodes and Irene's book release. Please leave a review on the podcast to help spread the word and empower more women on their menopause journey.

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Thank you to our sponsor, PodTask. Whether you’re just starting out in podcasting or you’ve been at this a while and are looking to save time so you can create amazing content for your listeners, go check out PodTask, a podcast management and marketing platform designed by podcasters, for podcasters. With PodTask's automated workflow and AI-based marketing tools, you’ll save time and sanity and be better equipped to grow your podcasts. Learn more at https://www.podtask.com

In this episode, Irene Ortiz-Glass shares her personal story regarding her life changing journey through PMS, perimenopause, and eventually surgical menopause.
She battled both physically, emotionally and mentally.  Irene discusses the importance of understanding your body as a system, advocating for yourself and seeking the right lab testing support and information to heal.  She also highlights the importance of this integrated approach to healing focusing on mind, body and spirit.

Key Points:

1. Irene's journey began with difficult periods, severe PMS, and hormonal imbalances that she was told required antidepressants to be managed.
2. This led her to seek help through many different doctors spending several thousands of dollars without any real answers.
3. After experiencing a significant trauma Irene's hormonal imbalances worsened and she underwent a bilateral oophorectomy, the removal of both of her ovaries which pushed her into immediate surgical menopause.
4. Irene was left with extreme anxiety, severe bouts of depression and even suicidal thoughts.  At this point she held on to her deep faith in God, and made a decision to become her own advocate.  She became a certified hormone practitioner, took specialized lab tests to get to the root of her challenges and found healing.
5. Irene emphasizes the importance of the right testing and understanding your own unique body.  The journey of healing is not easy but with determination, faith and the right information it is possible to find balance.

Resources Mentioned:

• The Body Whispers Before It Screams - Irene's upcoming book detailing her own journey through perimenopause, surgical menopause and the healing journey she embarked on.
• Menocoaching.com: A website offering support, video series, and coaching for women going through perimenopause and menopause. See https://www.menocoaching.com for more information and support.
• National Association of Menopause Specialists (NAMS): A group of women who specialize in hormones and menopause.
• Surgical Menopause Facebook Group: A community of women who have experienced surgical menopause, providing support and sharing information.

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Remember to visit https://www.menocoaching.com to access additional resources and sign up for updates on upcoming podcast episodes and Irene's book release. Please leave a review on the podcast to help spread the word and empower more women on their menopause journey.

*****************************

Thank you to our sponsor, PodTask. Whether you’re just starting out in podcasting or you’ve been at this a while and are looking to save time so you can create amazing content for your listeners, go check out PodTask, a podcast management and marketing platform designed by podcasters, for podcasters. With PodTask's automated workflow and AI-based marketing tools, you’ll save time and sanity and be better equipped to grow your podcasts. Learn more at https://www.podtask.com