Episode Overview: This episode explores the intricate connection between physical health, particularly gut health and hormonal balance, and its impact on anxiety and overall well-being. Dr. Elyse Martin (Cho), a certified nurse midwife and women's health expert, joins the podcast to discuss functional medicine and its role in addressing the root causes of anxiety, rather than just managing symptoms. She highlights the importance of understanding the body as an interconnected system and emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to health and wellness.

Key Insights:

• Functional Medicine vs. Traditional Medicine (12:14): Dr. Martin explains the difference between functional medicine and traditional medicine, emphasizing the functional approach's focus on understanding the historical timeline of dysfunction within the body.
• The Microbiome and its Impact (13:25): The discussion delves into the microbiome, its role in overall health, and how dysbiosis (an imbalance in gut bacteria) can contribute to various health issues, including anxiety and depression.
• The Importance of Comprehensive Labs (33:43): Dr. Martin discusses the value of comprehensive lab testing to uncover underlying deficiencies and imbalances that might be contributing to health problems.
• Hormonal Health and Mental Well-being (16:54): The episode explores how hormonal imbalances, such as severe PMS or PMDD, can significantly impact mental health, often leading to heightened anxiety and mood swings.
• Impact of Modern Lifestyles (20:26): The conversation touches on how modern lifestyles, including constant information input, poor diets, and lack of self-care, can contribute to increased stress and anxiety.
• Collaboration Between Mental Health Clinicians and Functional Medicine Practitioners (39:51): The episode emphasizes the importance of collaboration between mental health clinicians and functional medicine practitioners to provide comprehensive care that addresses both the physical and mental aspects of well-being.
• Fertility, Postpartum, and Hormonal Health (41:47): Dr. Martin discusses the impact of hormonal and gut health on fertility, pregnancy, and the postpartum period, highlighting the importance of addressing these factors for overall maternal well-being.
• Supplementation and its Risks (36:39): Dr. Martin cautions against blind supplementation, emphasizing the need for personalized approaches based on individual needs and genetic predispositions.

Notable Quotes:

• "We're all just kind of in this standard of care washing machine being tossed around, and we're getting tumbled out at the end, and we still don't really feel good." - Dr. Martin (09:16)
• "It's not normal to have significant mood changes prior to starting your cycle." - Dr. Martin (17:36)
• "It's all so intertwined. It's like this giant tumbleweed of things." - Dr. Martin (18:11)
• "Blind supplementation can be extremely dangerous and really detrimental for the system." - Dr. Martin (36:47)

Call to Action:

• Connect with Dr. Martin: Learn more about Dr. Martin and her practice, The Hive, by visiting hivewomenswellness.com. Telehealth appointments are available for those in and outside of Texas.
• Subscribe and Review: Subscribe to The Anxiety Society podcast on your favorite platform and leave a review to support the show!

Connect with Us:

• Visit our website: anxietysocietypodcast.com
• Follow us on Instagram: @theanxietysocietypod