Dr Libby: "The Surprising Role of Iron in Hormones, Ageing & Glowing Skin"

In this episode of In Your Skin, we sit down with Dr Libby, nutritional biochemist and author of 14 bestselling books to unpack "Fix Iron First" & “Rushing Women’s Syndrome”, the very real (but non-medical) cluster of symptoms driven by chronic stress hormones. She explains how persistent adrenaline tells the body it’s “not safe”, disrupting periods, thyroid, gut, sleep, skin and accelerating ageing, and why mindset work is often the lever that finally shifts everything.

We also dive deep into iron: why deficiency is so common for menstruating women, how to read iron studies (ferritin, transferrin and more), what can block absorption, and the emerging case for gentle ferritin-based supplements. Dr Libby reveals the surprising role of iron in hormones, perimenopause, and even collagen production, why it matters for glowing skin and graceful ageing.

If you’re feeling wired, tired and not quite yourself, this conversation will help you trust your body’s messages and take clear, doable steps to feel good in your skin.

This episode is proudly sponsored by: Olay. You can shop Olay's Ultra Firming Serum at Chemist Warehouse: https://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/buy/155007/olay-ultra-firming-serum-30ml

0:00 – Meet Dr Libby: nutritional biochemist, 14x author, women’s health advocate

1:22 – Why so many women feel dismissed—and the cost of chronic stress

2:34 – “Rushing Women’s Syndrome”: not a diagnosis, but a helpful lens

3:52 – How persistent adrenaline disrupts hormones, digestion, sleep and skin

7:26 – Caffeine honesty, mindset work and the traits we try to “prove”

11:38 – Remembering awe: sunrise/sunset, light and nature to widen perspective

16:10 – Stress vs trust: why trusting the unfolding calms the body

18:57 – Common symptoms: IBS, bloating, cycle changes, insomnia, thyroid drag

22:21 – Is rushing ageing us faster? Free radicals, antioxidants and repair

28:33 – Burnout vs low iron: bloods for iron; HPA axis for burnout

40:25 – Fresh vs supermarket veg, farmers’ markets and practicality

41:24 – Gut health for iron: chew, stomach acid, small intestine enzymes

45:42 – Perimenopause: don’t blame hormones before you fix iron

47:00 – Daily iron? Only if you need it—know your numbers

48:56 – Preparing for perimenopause without fear—and why many sail through

52:27 – Beyond hormones: liver, insulin resistance, thyroid, nervous system

54:20 – Redirection, not betrayal: the midlife invitation to choose differently

58:26 – Iron and collagen: the biochemical link (and the thyroid skin loop)

1:00:22 – Where to test, who to see—and Dr Libby’s confidence ritual: trust

Connect with us on Instagram @inyourskin.podcast

Connect with Dr Libby @DrLibby

The content in this In Your Skin podcast is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. If listeners use the information, it is at their own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, or any other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Every person is unique and listeners should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such condition.

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