In this BY DESIGN segment of the Make Me Better Podcast, Dr. Chad and Misty Rooks discuss the intricate relationship between health, spirituality, and the challenges women face during menopause and perimenopause. They aim to debunk myths surrounding hormone replacement therapy and emphasize the importance of understanding one's health holistically. In this conversation, Dr. Chad and Misty discuss the intricate relationship between gut health, hormone balance, and overall wellness. They emphasize the importance of lifestyle changes, including diet and self-care, in managing symptoms and preventing health issues.

Takeaways

• Mind-body-spirit connection
• Understanding menopause misconceptions Gut health impacts overall wellness
• Lifestyle changes can reverse symptoms

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast
• 01:57 The Importance of Holistic Health
• 03:30 Menopause and Perimenopause Insights
• 04:50 Clarifying Hormone Replacement Therapy
• 06:03 Addressing Health Concerns in Hormone Therapy
• 09:56 Understanding Bioidentical Hormones
• 13:56 Intermittent Fasting and Its Effects
• 18:55 The Link Between Estrogen and Gut Health
• 20:07 The Estrobolome and Gut Health
• 22:10 The Importance of Fiber and Fermented Foods
• 24:39 Prioritizing Self-Care in Perimenopause
• 26:34 Understanding Hormone Replacement Therapy Goals
• 29:13 The Role of Lifestyle in Health
• 33:11 Cancer Prevention and Hormonal Balance
• 40:48 The Impact of Plastics on Health

Finding Strength in Vulnerability: Heather's Journey

A heartfelt conversation on addiction and recovery with Heather Ferris.

Heather Ferris, known locally as the Monster Cookie Lady, shares her profound journey of overcoming addiction. In a candid dialogue with Misty Rooks, she provides insights that resonate deeply with anyone who has faced challenges in life.

A Personal Battle

Heather reflects on her past struggles with addiction, revealing, "I basically lived with my addiction from twenty-one to twenty-nine. I was in a really dark place."

Her story is one of resilience; from blackout drinking to a moment of clarity that changed her life. After countless attempts to get sober, she reached a pivotal moment one night when she realized the dangers of her habits, particularly how they affected her son. She recalls, "This is not just about me anymore. This is about the safety of my child."

This realization marked a turning point in her life.

The Importance of Rock Bottom

Heather emphasizes the need for a rock bottom as a catalyst for change. She states, "You really do need rock bottom because that's where you have to either transition and make changes, or your life will just never go anywhere."

For Heather, it was not just a low point but a launchpad for a new beginning.

Embracing Vulnerability

In a moment of vulnerability, Heather shares how she finally accepted her addiction:

"I called my friend John and I said, you know, I'm an alcoholic. It was the first time I'd ever said it out loud."

This admission was a release, freeing her from the shackles of denial and ego. It opened the door to recovery and support from those who understood her struggles.

Conclusion

Heather's story is a powerful reminder that acknowledgment is the first step toward healing. It's a journey that requires courage, community, and the willingness to be vulnerable.

If you or someone you know is on a similar path, Heather's experiences can serve as a beacon of hope. For more insights and to hear the full conversation, tune in to the latest episode of the Make Me Better Podcast.

Dr. Chad is back! And we're here to talk about menopause and perimenopause. The conversation covers the importance of blood work in assessing hormonal health. It also discusses the impact of stress hormones on hormone production and the significance of lifestyle in managing menopausal symptoms. We also discuss a range of topics related to health, aging, hormone management, and the impact of lifestyle on overall well-being. It emphasizes the importance of understanding one's body, managing stress, and making informed choices about health care options.

Takeaways

• Perimenopause and menopause are important stages in a woman's life that require attention and proactive management.
• Blood work and hormone testing are crucial for understanding and managing the hormonal changes associated with perimenopause and menopause. Hormone management
• Impact of lifestyle on health
• Cortisol production can have an impact on estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone
• Investing in your overall health can significantly dial down perimenopause symptoms

A note from Misty:

So much info in this episode, and still so much to learn!

Here's a correction I was able to make after this talk. I was using the word SYNTHETIC to label all other meds that are not NATURAL.

WRONG

Dr. Chad explained that synthetic hormones are not used anymore (or shouldn't be) due to the horrific increased risk of cancer. Then there's bio-identical vs. natural, (which we will talk more about on the follow-up episode).

If your misunderstandings were not addressed like mine, we would love to answer your questions on the next health & faith segment!

DM me your questions or email me at misty@makemebetterpodcast.com.

#makemebetter #makemebetterpodcast #healthandfaith #healthpodcast #perimenopause #menopause #bydesign #naturalhealthoptions

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Recording Issues
• 01:55 By Design: Faith and Health
• 02:23 Understanding Perimenopause and Menopause
• 03:19 The Real Symptoms of Menopause
• 04:13 Blaming Perimenopause for Silly Things
• 05:08 Improving Lifestyle for Menopause Management
• 08:15 The Role of Cortisol in Menopause
• 09:00 Hormone Testing and Blood Work
• 13:50 Understanding Hormone Management
• 14:28 The Role of Ancestry and Family History
• 15:27 The Impact of Stress and Emotional Well-being
• 17:05 The Importance of Lifestyle and Health Choices
• 18:18 The Role of Gynecologists and Healthcare System
• 19:14 The Five Essentials for Aging Well
• 23:13 Bioidentical Hormones and Treatment Options