Women Talking Frankly

Our guest today is Victoria Jane Hamilton, fondly known to all as “VJ”. VJ lives near Yorkshire in the U.K. and is a functional nutritionist and autoimmune expert. 

Her passion for this work stems from her personal journey. As a five year old, she had alopecia areata (a type of hair loss) and in her teens, she struggled with severe fatigue and skin issues.  It took a few more decades to learn that she had Chronic Fatigue Syndrome along with psoriasis. By working with a functional provider, she was able to address her gut issues. She also worked on an anti-viral protocol and has kept her symptoms under control for over 10 years. 

Common symptoms of autoimmune conditions include severe fatigue, skin issues, joint pain, hair loss, brain fog and constipation. 70-80% of these conditions affect women, suggesting a hormonal link. 

VJ loves to work with clients of all types. Her starting point includes a comprehensive health and symptom history, which then guides her to do additional testing. These can include viral, mold, hormone, genetic and food sensitivity testing.  Common viruses such as Epstein Barr, CMV and Herpes 6 are often implicated in these conditions. MTHFR and other genetic variant testing are often quite helpful as well. The microbiome is a focus for healing once imbalances are uncovered. 

Join us for a fascinating conversation with an expert and learn if some of the symptoms you (or someone you know) may be struggling with are related to some of these common disorders (examples include Multiple sclerosis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Sceleroderma, Rheumatoid Arthritis). You will learn some of the tools you will need to move towards diagnosis and healing. 

VJ’s contact information: 

Website: https://theautoimmunitynutritionist.com 

Podcast: The Autoimmune Reset 

VJ is accepting new clients and would love to work with you as needed. 

Connect with Kyle & Candace:

Candace Burch:

YourHormoneBalance.com 

[email protected]

Kyle McAvoy:

[email protected]

Join Kyle and Candace in one of their candid conversations with each other as they discuss relevant topics for women that either outrage, encourage or intrigue them. With the news coming at all of us so fast all the time, your hosts at Women Talking Frankly are here to help keep YOU informed about issues that are relevant to all women.

These topics include:

~New legislation in the U.K. and the U.S (approx. 15 states so far) designed to promote education, support and possible insurance coverage for menopausal symptoms

~A courageous pilot in the U.K., Suzanne Morgan, worried about how menopause could impact her career - so she created “Menopause Cafes” and a WhatsApp group to support women in menopause

~A Menopause Liquid study at Oregon Health Sciences University is looking at the components of menstrual flow and how it might relate to heavy bleeding, endometriosis, infertility, diabetes, immune issues and other health problems

~Alisa Vitti on cycle syncing: a way for women to learn more about their bodies. Check out www.floliving.com for more info

~Planned Parenthood is facing an ethical dilemma: Continue to accept federal funding in order to provide comprehensive GYN care to millions of women or provide pregnancy terminations

~Dr. Jolene Brighten and her work on “Beyond Birth Control” - check out DrBrighten.com for more info. Also check out her podcast episode on Estrogen Replacement! 

~Delve into what makes a ‘Super Ager.’ Dr. Eric Topol: it’s not (just) genetics - but sleep, diet, exercise, the environment, and your immune system. (Think Blue Zones: there has been some pushback on the original research but there is still quite a bit of important info that came out as a result!) Listen to a podcast on this HERE.

~Caffeine & its health benefits: how it can improve your medical outcomes later in life

~Candace Is inspired by Suleika Jaouad, wife of Jon Baptiste and the author of Between Two Kingdoms (a must read!) and The Book of Alchemy, A Creative Process for an Inspired Life 

You won’t want to miss this one - it is chock full of information for women of all ages!

Our upcoming podcasts:

- A candid discussion with our two most listened to guests: Dr. David Zava and Dr. Kenna Stephenson. Learn about their latest research on women’s health and hormones and what is bugging them as well.

- An interview with V.J. Hamilton, a functional provider who specializes in auto-immune disorders.

Additional Resources: 

Alissa Vitti on Cycle synching 

https://www.floliving.com/blog/the-cycle-syncing-method 

The Woman Code, by Alissa Vitti 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58652739-woman-code 

Menopause: 50 Things You Need to Know: What to Expect During the Three Stages of Menopause, by Felice Gersh, MD

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59313286-menopause 

The Blue Zones, by Dan Buettner

https://danbuettner.com/blue-zones/ 

The Omnivore's Dilemma, Michael Pollan

https://michaelpollan.com/books/the-omnivores-dilemma/ 

Connect with Kyle & Candace:

Candace Burch:

YourHormoneBalance.com 

[email protected] 

Kyle McAvoy:

[email protected]

Join us for an insightful conversation about the problem of endometriosis and pelvic pain (that affects 10% of women) with one of the leading laparoscopic surgeons in the U.S., Dr. Shanti Mohling.  

Although this is a very common disorder,  most people - including physicians and caregivers - don’t know enough about it, leading to many women getting inadequate care. 50-80% of women with infertility have endometriosis, but this is often overlooked during their treatment plan.  

Risk factors include genetics, environmental and developmental causes, gut health, immune dysfunction and the impacts of stress.  

In addition, many women with endometriosis are estrogen dominant yet are usually put on oral contraceptives, which may not be the best treatment. Although it may not be preventable, early detection and optimization through better diet,  appropriate supplements, physical therapy and the use of progesterone can improve a woman’s quality of life.  

Dr. Mohling also discusses other causes of pelvic pain as well as the also misunderstood condition of vulvodynia (pain in the vulva region). 

If you or someone you know is struggling with painful periods, heavy bleeding and /or infertility, you won’t want to miss this interview with an expert and compassionate surgeon. 

Contact with Shanti:

@shantimohlingmd 

NWendometriosis.com

Connect with Kyle & Candace

Candace Burch:

YourHormoneBalance.com

[email protected]

Kyle McAvoy:

[email protected]

When Maria Ponzi was just a toddler, she helped her trailblazing parents plant grapes in what was one of the earliest vineyards in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. As a grownup and President of Ponzi Vineyards, Maria grew the family winery into a world class destination and global brand.

As the curator and speaker of “The Four-Ounce Pour," she encourages audiences to create a life of greater meaning and impact through intention and balance.

Maria currently serves as Director of the Center for Wine Education and Studies at Linfield University in McMinnville, Oregon, which is where we caught up with her.

Here’s just a sampling of what we talked about:

- The role education plays in encouraging mindful or limited drinking

- Interpreting The WHO statement: there is no safe amount of alcohol consumption

- Can moderate wine consumption be a healthier option?

- Current recommendations, studies, health benefits related to drinking wine

- Are certain wines ‘better' - lower alcohol %, lower sugar content, less additives, etc.?

- Ways to make it safer to drink wine

Learn more about Maria HERE!

Connect w/Kyle & Candace

Candace Burch:

YourHormoneBalance.com

[email protected]

Kyle McAvoy:

[email protected]

Kyle & Candace are joined today by Susan Merenstein, RPh, who has 44 years of pharmacy practice under her belt and over 21 years of clinical experience in hormone therapy. She has owned her own pharmacy, Murray Avenue Apothecary, for 18 years and its sister company, Lab Naturals, Inc, for 7 years.

Susan specializes in Hormone Balance and Health consultations (24 years) and her expertise as a Holistic Pharmacist has led to positive changes in the health, well-being and quality of life of many of her clients. Susan is a walking encyclopedia on all things to do with women’s health and hormones - and in this episode we go deep into a discussion of the pillars of women’s health and the best ways to maintain a strong foundation as we move throughlife!

Kyle, Candace and Susan discuss:

- The main foundations of every woman’s health: diet, exercise, sleep, how we handle stress

- How to ramp up support of our foundational health as we age

- The particular challenges of perimenopause & menopause

- Susan’s Top 5 Supplements for women + why do we need to take them and how do we take them?

- How to sort through the huge array of supplements available online and in multiple stores and choose a brand that has high quality & known benefits, but doesn’t break the bank

- Our latest favorite things

- Advice we'd give our younger selves

Susan’s motto: “Be aware of your symptoms, get educated and take a proactive role in your health”

CONNECT WITH SUSAN

Email: [email protected]

https://vitalhealthpharmacist.com/

https://labnaturals.com/

CONNECT W/CANDACE + KYLE

Candace Burch:

YourHormoneBalance.com

[email protected]

Kyle McAvoy:

[email protected]

Weight loss drugs have been around forever but there is a new kid in town, GLP1 drugs: names like Ozempic, Wagovy, and Zepbound, to name a few.  

Wondering how these came about? Are they safe? Are they effective?  

Are they for me? Who are the best candidates? What about the cost? 

Kyle and Candace sit down and dig in with their local compounding pharmacist friend (owner of Lloyd Central Compounding Pharmacy) and explore all of these questions and more. 

Join us and learn: 

~ How were these drugs originally used? Where do they come from (a gila monster???) 

~ How do they work? 

~ What are the most common side effects? 

~ Who can use them?   

~ How effective are they? How much weight can I expect to lose? 

~ What happens when you go off of them: do you gain the weight right back? Is there anything I can do to prevent this from happening? 

~ What about diets like Keto? Mediterranean? How do I know what is best for me? 

~ What about the shortage of these medications? 

~ Does insurance cover them? What is the cost? 

~ Controversies around compounded versions 

~ How do these medications work for weight loss? For diabetes? 

~ We have heard that there are MANY benefits on a wide variety of medical conditions: what are they (cardiovascular, neurogenerative, plus)? 

~ Are you hopeful that these medications will have long term health benefits? 

WTF Moment: Candace had commented to a man at the gym that he looked great, and he admitted to being on one of these drugs and then said, “I can eat whatever I want now” and she was aghast that this was NOT the best way to make lasting changes. 

Kyle’s favorite thing: Immune shots - these are available to buy but so easy to make at home and a great way to transition from winter into spring and keep yourself from getting sick. (See more in our most recent newsletter HERE!)

Candace’s inspiration: Dr. Katarina Dalton - a pioneer in the world of women’s health, she coined the term ‘PMS’ and unlocked some of the secrets of progesterone: (See more in our most recent newsletter HERE!) 

Natalie's favorite thing: finding the time to walk and feel grounded: a reminder to pause, take some deep breaths, walk barefoot if you can and soothe your nervous system. 

CONNECT W/CANDACE + KYLE

Candace Burch:

YourHormoneBalance.com

[email protected]

Kyle McAvoy:

[email protected]

In this episode, we’re talking frankly about the growing number of younger women (<50 years old) being diagnosed with breast cancer. According to new estimates released Thursday by the American Cancer Society, between 2012 and 2021,  breast cancer has been rising faster (1.4% per year) among “younger” women under age 50, than overall rates (1%  a year). Add to that younger women tend to have more aggressive forms of this disease.   WTF?!   

To shed more light on why and what we can do to protect ourselves, we turn to naturopathic physician, Alison McAllister, on all thing’s womanhood and protecting ourselves against breast cancer. Dr. Alison has been a clinical consultant at ZRT Laboratory for over 20 years and has taught thousands of doctors how to use bioidentical hormone therapy. She completed her medical doctorate in 1999 at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon, and her residency at Cancer Treatment Centers and Southwestern Medical Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she became interested in hormones in helping survivors of cancer.    

Here’s a sampling of what we cover in this eyepopping conversation:  

• Historically younger women who got breast cancer had family history, but that’s no longer true, why is this? 

• A lot more insulin resistance - today’s children  are way heavier than they should be, with more belly fat, less muscle, periods starting younger, and estrogens higher.  

• Windows of vulnerability – exposure to toxins in utero, or when breasts are developing etc

• Microplastic exposure – in everything from Teflon to teabags; highly inflammatory, assist aggressive cancers; found in >60% of urine samples  

• Delayed Diagnosis due to medical bias that says symptoms in younger women do not = breast cancer; plus why you must insist on a mammogram or an MRI  

• Stress effects: environmental toxins, sleep deprivation, overexercise 

• Protecting Our Girls against early breast cancer: non-negotiables, eg. kids + vegetables 

 
Our favorite ways to reduce exposure:

Alison Favs:

Environmental Working Group - follow the science https://www.ewg.org/ 

Hydroflask - stainless steel water bottles https://www.hydroflask.com/ 

Planet Lunchbox - detox the lunchbox  https://www.planetbox.com/ 

Kyle Favs:

The GROVE Collaborative - plastic-free cleaning and household products

https://www.grove.co/ 

Candace Favs:

Thrive Market – Save on organic and non-GMO foods https://thrivemarket.com/  

Kitsch Rice - water shampoo and conditioner https://www.mykitsch.com/ 

Bonus read:

Alison RAVES about this book: Having Faith, An Ecologist's Journey to Motherhood 

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/287060/having-faith-by-sandra-steingraber/ 

CONNECT W/CANDACE + KYLE

Candace Burch:

YourHormoneBalance.com

[email protected]

Kyle McAvoy:

[email protected]

*Don't miss this episode: it is chock full of news about our podcast and how you can become part of our conversation!*

At the beginning of each year, Kyle and Candace catch up on the last year and look ahead to the new one.  

For our newer listeners, Kyle gives a brief bio of both hosts and also refers you to our first 2 episodes to learn more:

Episode 1 - WTF is Going On?

Episode 2 - Hormonal Health: The 10 Essential Truths

Menopause is having a moment all over the world. We have 51 plus episodes plus 3 years of blogging about women’s health.  

Our next chapter: create a community for our listeners, a way to have a dialogue with YOU.  

Here is what we will be offering: 

Facebook page: search for Women Talking Frankly: new posts every  MWF: write a review (all it takes is 25 characters!), drop a mention 

Podcast release: first Wednesday of each month: topical and timely 

New segments each episode: WTF moments / Our favorite things / Things that inspire us 

Monthly newsletter: third Wednesday of each month: filled with tips, inspirations, links to our favorite things, recipes, etc.

Calendar of Podcasts: expect a relevant new episode each month: for example, why are certain cancers on the rise in younger people, a dive into the GLP1 diet drugs (like Ozempic), + are hormones okay for older women??? 

Naomi Watts is on the interview circuit. She went through menopause at 36 and was completely gobsmacked. A quote from her interview: if you are a woman and you live long enough, you WILL go through menopause.  Here is a clip from her interview: 

https://www.whqr.org/2025-01-21/naomi-watts-new-book-reflects-on-the-hidden-parts-of-menopause 

One of our favorite episodes was “The Happy Menopause” with Jackie Lynch (a British nutritionist). Have a listen:

https://www.whqr.org/2025-01-21/naomi-watts-new-book-reflects-on-the-hidden-parts-of-menopause 

Kyle and Candace then share their WTF moments, a few of their favorite things plus things that inspired them.  

Kyle’s hopes for 2025: increasing connections with old and current friends, strengthening her core, and continuing to explore her creative side with drawing and painting. 

Candace’s hopes for 2025: nourishing relationships and delving more into her hobby of painting (how ironic that they have similar goals!).

An episode that explores creativity is: 

https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/women-talking/ep-47-youre-never-too-old-to-L0KpWjQ3_xZ/ 

You now have to tune in to hear the entire conversation. 

Grab a cup of tea, curl up and enjoy this lively and inspiring episode. 

You don’t want to miss this one. 

And don’t forget: we want to hear from YOU.  

CONNECT W/CANDACE + KYLE

Candace Burch:

YourHormoneBalance.com

[email protected]

Kyle McAvoy:

[email protected]

Carol Petersen is an accomplished compounding pharmacist and certified nutritional practitioner with decades of experience helping patients improve their quality of life through bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. She is a widely recognized expert on the remarkable benefits of Progesterone. Candace and Kyle sat down with Carol for part 2 of this fascinating interview about the story of Progesterone and the remarkable benefits of this versatile hormone, AKA “the great balancer.”

Talking points covered in Parts 1 and 2 of  our interview: 

Resources: 

Women in Balance Institute https://womeninbalance.org/

The Wellness by Design Project

https://thewellnessbydesignproject.com/

Take Charge of Your Health Radio

https://takechargeofyourhealth.podbean.com/

CONNECT W/CANDACE + KYLE

Candace Burch:

YourHormoneBalance.com

[email protected]

Kyle McAvoy:

[email protected]

Carol Petersen is an accomplished compounding pharmacist and certified nutritional practitioner with decades of experience helping patients improve their quality of life through bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. She is a widely recognized expert on the remarkable benefits of Progesterone. Candace and Kyle sat down with Carol for part 1 of this fascinating interview about the story of Progesterone and the remarkable benefits of this versatile hormone, AKA “the great balancer.”

Talking points covered in this episode: 

CONNECT WITH CAROL:

The Wellness by Design Project https://thewellnessbydesignproject.com/

Take Charge of Your Health Radio

https://takechargeofyourhealth.podbean.com/

CONNECT W/CANDACE + KYLE

Candace Burch:

YourHormoneBalance.com

[email protected]

Kyle McAvoy:

[email protected]