Today, we’re diving deep into the differences between PMS (premenstrual syndrome) and PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) with Dr. Alessandra Autieri. We explore the realities of these conditions, from the overlooked mental health impact to how these symptoms influence every part of a woman’s life. Dr. Aless shares why she’s passionate about supporting women through these challenges and what makes her approach unique in treating not just hormones but the underlying causes that often go undetected. If you’re ready to better understand how PMS and PMDD affect the brain, gut, inflammation, and more—and to feel empowered about finding sustainable solutions—this is the episode for you!

Top 3 Highlights from This Episode

1. The Complex Causes Behind PMS and PMDD

2. • Dr. Aless discusses how PMS and PMDD often go beyond hormone fluctuations. Instead of focusing solely on estrogen, she explains why blood sugar, insulin, inflammation, and neurotransmitters play key roles in the severity of symptoms. She shares why addressing these root causes can help women find lasting relief from what’s too often dismissed as “just mood swings.”

3. Why Women Normalize Symptoms—and Why They Shouldn’t

4. • Too often, women have been taught to accept severe PMS or PMDD as part of life, leading them to apologize for their symptoms rather than seek help. Dr. Aless talks about why this normalization is so damaging and how Advanced Women’s Health works to support women in understanding their symptoms are valid and treatable. This conversation offers a powerful reminder that women should never feel guilty for prioritizing their well-being.

5. Customized Testing for Inflammation and Mental Health

   Dr. Aless explains the tests she uses to identify inflammation and other underlying factors that drive PMDD symptoms. From ESR and CRP to ferritin levels, she covers why simple, affordable tests can reveal key insights into what might be causing mood swings, fatigue, and more. This segment is a helpful guide for listeners who may not realize how accessible testing can be to transform their health

   Links and Resources Mentioned

• Book an Appointment with Dr. Aless: Visit Advanced Women’s Health to book a consultation with Dr. Aless and explore how personalized care can make a difference in your health.

• Advanced Women’s Health: Learn more about our holistic approach to women’s health on Instagram and Facebook.

If today’s conversation resonated with you, please take a moment to rate, follow, and leave a review! Every review helps us reach more women and empower them to take control of their health. And if you know someone who could benefit from this episode, don’t hesitate to share it with them.

Thank you for listening, and stay tuned for more conversations that inspire, educate, and support you on your journey to better health.

In this episode of the Advanced Women’s Health Podcast, we’re diving deep into the complex world of insulin resistance and its powerful impact on women’s health. I’m sharing my own story of overcoming weight loss resistance and how my personal journey inspired me to specialize in insulin and metabolic health. We’ll break down how insulin works, why high levels can wreak havoc on everything from weight management and energy to skin health and hormone balance, and why the root of insulin resistance often lies in inflammation, stress, and even the gut microbiome. So, if you’re tired of trying every diet and still not seeing results, this episode is for you!

Join me as we unpack what insulin resistance truly means, why it’s about more than just “eating right,” and how a holistic, data-driven approach can lead to lasting health.

Top 3 Highlights from This Episode

1. A Personal Journey from Weight Struggles to Insulin Expertise

2. • I share my personal battle with weight loss resistance and how it led me to research insulin, inflammation, and their roles in metabolic health. This journey helped me understand why weight issues often aren’t just about diet and exercise, but a complex interplay of hormones, inflammation, and other factors.

3. What Insulin Resistance Really Is – And Why It’s Not About Diet Alone

4. • We dive into the science behind insulin resistance, exploring how insulin functions, why it’s so sensitive to your lifestyle and environment, and why constantly high insulin can lead to stubborn weight gain, hormonal imbalances, skin issues, and more. I’ll explain why restrictive diets or frequent snacking can worsen insulin resistance and the benefits of a balanced, data-driven approach.

5. The Role of Gut Health, Inflammation, and Stress in Insulin Resistance

   Insulin resistance doesn’t happen in isolation! I discuss how factors like gut health, liver function, and chronic stress impact insulin and lead to a vicious cycle of inflammation and metabolic dysfunction. From adjusting meal timing to incorporating fiber and colors in your diet, we discuss holistic strategies to reset your metabolism and support your body.

• Links and Resources Mentioned Book an Appointment with Advanced Women’s Health: Ready to take control of your health? Book a consultation with our team at Advanced Women’s Health and get personalized testing and support.

  Finally Lose It: My book covers insulin resistance and metabolic health in depth. It’s a great resource if you’re looking to understand the science behind weight loss resistance and how to address it holistically.

• Follow Advanced Women’s Health: Keep up with our latest insights and resources on Instagram | Facebook.

  
  

  If you found this episode insightful, please take a moment to rate, follow, and leave a review! Your support helps us spread the message of empowered, holistic health and reach more women. And if you know someone who needs to hear this, don’t forget to share this episode with them! Let’s revolutionize women’s health together. Thank you for listening, and stay tuned for more episodes that bring you closer to vibrant health.

Welcome back to the Advanced Women’s Health Podcast! In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Dr. Lauryn, one of our talented naturopathic doctors practicing both in Kingston and virtually across Ontario. We dive deep into what makes Dr. Lauryn tick, the unique insights she brings into her practice, and how she helps empower women through personalized, evidence-informed care. We talk about her journey into naturopathic medicine, the importance of understanding the whole story behind a patient’s symptoms, and how women can reclaim trust in their bodies. If you’ve ever wanted to know what makes Dr. Lauryn’s approach special—or if you’re simply looking to feel seen and understood in your healthcare journey—this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

1. Dr. Lauryn’s Journey into Naturopathic Medicine: We kick things off by exploring how Dr. Lauryn’s background in psychiatry opened her eyes to the world of naturopathic medicine. She shares the pivotal moment when a psychiatrist suggested she consider this field, sparking a path that led her to holistic, patient-centered care. We also chat about the importance of informed consent and how she ensures her patients feel supported every step of the way.

2. Connecting the Dots Between Health and Hormones: One of the most compelling parts of our discussion involves breaking down how hormonal health is connected to seemingly unrelated factors like inflammation, insulin, and the nervous system. Dr. Lauryn and I discuss the brain’s complex communication with the ovaries, what disrupts these signals, and why simply treating symptoms isn’t enough. We explain why understanding your body's “why” is essential and how we tailor treatments accordingly to empower you.

3. The Art of Listening to Your Body and Building Trust: In a world that often dismisses women’s health concerns, Dr. Lauryn emphasizes the power of listening to your body and taking your intuition seriously. We talk about how our clinic works to break down barriers between doctors and patients and why creating a warm, non-hierarchical environment is crucial for effective healing. This segment is a powerful reminder to trust yourself and to not settle when it comes to your well-being.

If you enjoyed this conversation and want to hear more, please take a moment to rate, follow, and review our podcast. Your support helps us reach more women and continue creating content that inspires and empowers. And remember, sharing is caring—if someone in your life needs to hear this episode, be sure to pass it along. For all your women’s health needs, visit us at Advanced Women’s Health Kingston, and stay tuned for more episodes full of insights and stories that can transform your health journey. Thank you for listening, and see you next time!

• Book an Appointment with Dr. Lauryn: Visit Advanced Women’s Health Kingston to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lauryn and experience her compassionate, evidence-informed approach firsthand.

• Follow Advanced Women’s Health: Stay connected for updates, resources, and more insights into women’s health.

Website | Instagram | Facebook

In this episode of The Advanced Women's Health Podcast, we dive into a sensitive yet vital topic: pain with intercourse, also known medically as dyspareunia. Dr. Sarah is joined by Dr. Lauryn and Dr. Aless for a candid discussion about the complexities behind this issue and how it's far more common than most realize.

Whether the pain is at the point of insertion or due to deep penetration, it often indicates underlying health concerns such as hormonal imbalances, endometriosis, infections, or even stress-related pelvic floor issues. Pain with intercourse is not something you should “just live with”—and this episode is all about normalizing the conversation while offering actionable solutions for those suffering in silence.

We explore:

• The different types of pain during intercourse and their underlying causes, from hormonal imbalances to physical conditions like endometriosis or vaginismus.

• The connection between pelvic pain and emotional health, particularly how stress and trauma can exacerbate the condition.

• Why lubricants and pelvic floor therapy can be helpful, especially for postpartum and perimenopausal women.

• The importance of asking your practitioner detailed questions about pain with sex and how this "cardinal symptom" can lead to more comprehensive health diagnostics.

Dr. Sarah and her colleagues break down complex medical terms into simple language and reassure listeners that they are not alone in their experiences. They discuss real-world examples from their practices and how they guide their patients through treatment options.

So, if you're someone who has experienced discomfort during sex or is simply curious about the subject, this episode is filled with practical advice, insight, and empathy.

In this episode, Dr. Sarah leads an in-depth clinical discussion on the nervous system and stress responses, providing a masterclass in understanding stress from both biochemical and emotional perspectives. You'll gain insight into how internal and external stressors impact health, the four major stress responses (fight, flight, freeze, and fawn), and effective treatment strategies to support nervous system resilience.

Key Takeaways:

1. Stress Isn’t Just Emotional: Stress includes biochemical factors like blood sugar dysregulation, inflammation, and nutrient deficiencies, all of which impact your body’s resilience.
2. Resilience and Homeostasis: Learn how stress disrupts the body’s balance and how to support your system in bouncing back from stress effectively.
3. Sympathetic Patterns: Fight, flight, freeze, and fawn responses each manifest differently in the body and require targeted treatment strategies.
4. Herbal and Supplement Solutions: A breakdown of the best products for supporting stress relief, such as Valerian, Ashwagandha, GABA, and more.
5. Methodical Stress Management: The importance of addressing stress methodically by tackling root causes like blood sugar imbalances and mitochondrial dysfunction.

In this episode of the Advanced Women's Health Podcast, Dr. Sarah Wilson sits down with Dr. Maryellen Tedeschi, ND, to explore her journey into naturopathic medicine and her passion for women’s hormone health. Dr. Tedeschi discusses how she became interested in perimenopause, menopause, and hormone optimization, particularly through her hands-on experiences in naturopathic practice.

They cover the basics of hormonal health, what women should know about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), and why insulin resistance is a game-changer when it comes to understanding symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, and weight gain in perimenopausal women.

Key Takeaways:

1. Start Early: Don’t wait until symptoms are overwhelming to seek support. Small, proactive changes can make a big impact on your health.

2. Comprehensive Hormone Health: Proper testing, including insulin resistance tests and hormone panels, are key to building a personalized health plan.

3. BHRT Benefits: Beyond just symptom relief, bioidentical hormones support long-term heart, bone, and brain health.

4. Empower Your Hormones: Learn how to shift your perspective on hormonal changes from a liability to an empowering force.

Whether you're in the early stages of perimenopause or well into menopause, Dr. Maryellen emphasizes that it's never too late (or early!) to take control of your hormonal health.

In this episode, we’re diving deep into an important yet often overlooked topic—vaginal health. Dr. Sarah Wilson, Dr. Michelle, and Dr. Maryellen discuss all things related to vaginal discharge, infections, and how to understand what’s normal versus what might require medical attention. If you’ve ever wondered about your vaginal health but felt too shy or uncomfortable to ask, this episode is for you.

The conversation covers a wide range of topics, from understanding the natural cycle of vaginal discharge to tackling taboo subjects like vaginal infections, libido, and even pain during intercourse. The doctors break down complex health issues like bacterial vaginosis (BV), yeast infections, and how stress, hormonal changes, and lifestyle factors, including birth control, affect your vaginal microbiome. They also dive into how partners can influence your vaginal health and the importance of washing menstrual cups and sex toys.

Key takeaway:

Knowledge is power, and your vaginal health is a vital indicator of your overall well-being. This episode aims to de-stigmatize these conversations, empowering you to better understand your body, communicate with healthcare providers, and take control of your health journey.

Whether you're struggling with chronic infections, pain during intercourse, or simply want to understand what’s going on "down there," this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you thrive.

Chapters:

[00:00:00 Intro to Advanced Women's Health Podcast

[00:02:00] What’s Going on Down There?

[00:03:00] Understanding Normal Vaginal Discharge

[00:07:00] Excess Discharge and Estrogen Levels

[00:10:00] Vaginal Dysbiosis: An Imbalance of Good and Bad Bacteria

[00:13:00] Common Vaginal Infections: Yeast, BV, and More

[00:19:00] The Impact of Birth Control on Vaginal Health

[00:24:00] Biofilms and Their Role in Chronic Infections

[00:28:00] Pain During Intercourse: Hidden Infections?

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Welcome back to the Advanced Women’s Health Podcast! In today's episode, we dive deep into histamine intolerance with special guest Dr. Michelle Mussar, a naturopathic doctor and longtime colleague. Together, we break down everything you need to know about histamine, its role in the body, and how it can contribute to symptoms like PMS, headaches, digestive issues, and allergies.

We also explore how histamine intolerance is often misunderstood and how it impacts women’s health, especially during certain points of the menstrual cycle. Dr. Michelle shares practical insights on how histamine relates to estrogen, immune responses, and gut health, offering a holistic approach to managing histamine-related symptoms.

Key Topics Discussed:

• What is histamine? How it affects the immune system, digestion, and overall health.
• The relationship between estrogen and histamine, and how this can trigger premenstrual headaches, mood changes, and sleep disturbances.
• Common signs of histamine intolerance: bloating, itching, congestion, headaches, and digestive issues.
• How gut health and histamine are interconnected and why addressing gut issues like constipation or bacterial overgrowth is crucial.
• Lab testing to diagnose histamine imbalances and related conditions, including CA 125 for assessing endometriosis.

We hope you enjoyed this episode! Stay tuned for more in-depth discussions on women’s health, where we break down complex medical issues into actionable insights.

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• ⁠Instagram⁠
• ⁠Website