Conquering Your Fibromyalgia Podcast

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions This episode deviates from the norm to feature excerpts from a heartfelt interview with Chuck Carroll, host of the Exam Room podcast, as shared on the Fit Vegan podcast. Chuck, known as the weight loss champion, opens up about his life beyond losing over 200 pounds and adopting a plant-based diet. He discusses his battles with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and gut-brain interaction disorders, exploring how these conditions are often misunderstood and overlooked, particularly in men. The conversation delves into Chuck’s personal struggles with addiction, severe binge eating, and the emotional rollercoaster that accompanied his journey towards better health. He provides insights into how stress and emotional turmoil exacerbated his condition, despite his diligent adherence to a healthy diet. This episode is particularly timely during fibromyalgia awareness month and aims to shed light on the intricate relationship between diet, mental health, and chronic illness.00:00 Introduction: Challenging Beliefs About Chronic Pain and Weight00:06 Meet Chuck Carroll: The Weight Loss Champion's Hidden Struggles02:39 Chuck's Early Life and Struggles with Food Addiction04:41 The Turning Point: Considering Gastric Surgery08:53 Life After Surgery: The Battle with Food Cravings09:29 Exploring a Plant-Based Diet for Recovery14:13 The Onset of Chronic Illnesses16:19 Navigating the Medical Maze: Searching for Answers17:27 The Role of Stress and Emotional Turmoil21:22 Living with Chronic Pain: Daily Struggles and Coping Mechanisms23:23 The Importance of Holistic and Compassionate Care32:24 Facing Public Scrutiny and Misunderstanding38:01 Finding Hope and Movin International Conference on ADHD in November 2025 where Dr. Lenz will be one of the speakers. Joy LenzFibromyalgia 101. A list of fibromyalgia podcast episodes that are great if you are new and don't know where to start.  Support the showWhen I started this podcast—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. You’re not alone. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 28+ years as an MD. Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace personal medical advice.* ...

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions In this second part of the interview with Laura Valero, a nurse practitioner living with fibromyalgia, the discussion focuses on practical guidance for new practitioners. Laura shares her experiences navigating the biomedical approach to fibromyalgia treatment at a new practice. The importance of using diagnostic tools like the widespread pain index and symptom severity score, and the necessity of patient education and empathy was emphasized. Highlighting the need for a holistic, lifestyle medicine approach, Laura also discusses her personal journey, the impact of ADHD on fibromyalgia, and the lack of training and understanding among clinicians. The interview underscores the value of patient-centered care in managing chronic conditions.00:00 Introduction to the Interview with Laura Valero00:20 Guidance for New Practitioners00:51 Challenges in Fibromyalgia Diagnosis and Treatment01:37 Using Diagnostic Tools Effectively02:58 Patient Interaction and Care03:24 Understanding and Managing Fibromyalgia Pain05:59 The Importance of Patient History08:23 Environmental and Lifestyle Factors12:17 The Role of Education in Fibromyalgia Treatment17:45 ADHD and Fibromyalgia Connection22:54 Functional Medicine vs. Lifestyle Medicine26:20 Impact of Menopause on Fibromyalgia27:46 Benefits of Adderall for Fibromyalgia30:55 Advice for Clinicians and Patients32:35 Conclusion and Contact Information International Conference on ADHD in November 2025 where Dr. Lenz will be one of the speakers. Support the showWhen I started this podcast—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. You’re not alone. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 28+ years as an MD. Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace personal medical advice.* ...

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions In this episode, the conversation delves into the unique journey and insights of Laura Valero, a nurse practitioner living with fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis. Laura shares her path from military intelligence officer to healthcare provider, detailing her late-life transition into medicine sparked by extensive exposure to lifestyle medicine and personal health challenges. The dialogue highlights significant knowledge and training gaps in diagnosing and managing fibromyalgia, migraines, ADHD, and related conditions. Laura discusses the transformative impact of adopting a whole food plant-based diet, obtaining ADHD diagnosis and medication, and extensive experience in primary care. Key themes include the importance of integrative medical education, the role of lifestyle changes in managing chronic conditions, and the necessity for empathetic and comprehensive patient care.00:00 Introduction and Missed Connections00:06 Discovering the Podcast and Book00:57 Guest Introduction: Laura Valero01:50 Laura's Background and Career Journey05:05 Transition to Plant-Based Lifestyle06:41 Health Challenges and Diagnoses07:22 Impact of ADHD Diagnosis08:37 Helping Patients with Fibromyalgia21:07 Challenges in Primary Care33:43 Conclusion and Key Takeaways International Conference on ADHD in November 2025 where Dr. Lenz will be one of the speakers. Support the showWhen I started this podcast—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. You’re not alone. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 28+ years as an MD. Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace personal medical advice.* ...

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions This episode continues the series on the connection between hormones and chronic pain syndromes, with a focus on the relationship between fibromyalgia and menopause. It discusses whether screening for fibromyalgia should be considered for patients experiencing unexplained chronic fatigue around menopause, reviews various studies on hormone therapy and its impact on fibromyalgia symptoms, and examines the role of food, particularly a plant-based diet, in managing hot flashes. Key findings from these studies highlight mixed results on hormone therapy's effectiveness in alleviating fibromyalgia symptoms, but underscore the importance of sleep and diet in managing both menopause and fibromyalgia-related issues.00:00 Introduction to Hormones and Chronic Pain00:12 Fibromyalgia and Menopause: An Intriguing Connection01:31 Screening for Fibromyalgia in Menopausal Women03:48 Hormone Therapy and Fibromyalgia: Research Insights08:09 Detailed Study on Hormone Therapy and Fibromyalgia12:22 Impact of Hormone Therapy on Sleep and Quality of Life22:21 The Role of Diet in Managing Hot Flashes27:14 Conclusion and Key Takeaways International Conference on ADHD in November 2025 where Dr. Lenz will be one of the speakers. Support the showWhen I started this podcast—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. You’re not alone. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 28+ years as an MD. Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace personal medical advice.* ...

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Impact of Menstrual Cycle and Menopause on Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain and introduction to a proposed new syndrome, the Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause.This episode delves into the connection between hormones, fibromyalgia, and other chronic pain conditions like migraines and endometriosis, emphasizing the significant impact of a woman's menstrual cycle, perimenopause, and menopause on chronic pain. Various studies and polls on symptom severity during different menstrual phases and post-menopause are discussed. The crucial role of estrogen in maintaining musculoskeletal health is elaborated, along with the negative consequences of estrogen decline, such as increased inflammation, bone loss, muscle weakness, and osteoarthritis. The episode also covers the benefits and risks of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in alleviating these issues, touching on the historical trends and evolving practices in HRT usage. A comprehensive approach to managing menopause-related symptoms, including nutrition, exercise, and personalized medical advice, is encouraged. The episode concludes by highlighting upcoming discussions on studies involving hormone therapy for fibromyalgia patients.00:00 Introduction to Fibromyalgia and Hormones00:20 Impact of Menstrual Cycle on Chronic Pain01:16 Fibromyalgia and Menopause01:27 Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause02:36 Estrogen's Role in Musculoskeletal Health06:39 Managing Sarcopenia and Muscle Loss08:41 Osteoporosis and Bone Health13:58 Hormone Replacement Therapy Trends17:15 Hormone Therapy Risks and Benefits26:06 Hormone Therapy and Mental Health28:32 Conclusion and Upcoming Topics International Conference on ADHD in November 2025 where Dr. Lenz will be one of the speakers. Support the showWhen I started this podcast—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. You’re not alone. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 28+ years as an MD. Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace personal medical advice.* ...

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions This episode dives into the complex relationship between migraines and hormonal changes, particularly focusing on estrogen. The discussion covers the prevalence of migraines, the distinction between migraines with and without aura, and the significant impact of reproductive hormones on migraine patterns, especially in women. Key topics include the discovery of the estrogen threshold, the influence of estrogen on neurotransmitter systems like serotonin and glutamate, and the potential of hormone-based treatments. The episode also examines the role of the trigeminal vascular system, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), and the impact of oral contraceptives on migraine frequency and intensity. Practical strategies for managing menstrual migraines and the importance of using headache diaries for accurate diagnosis are highlighted.00:00 Introduction to Migraines00:20 Types of Migraines and Auras00:42 Sex Differences in Migraine Prevalence00:59 Hormonal Influence on Migraines01:53 Estrogen's Role in Menstrual Migraines02:05 Historical Breakthroughs in Migraine Research02:35 Estrogen Threshold and Migraine Triggers04:10 Estrogen's Impact on Brain Function07:29 Neurotransmitters and Migraine Pathways11:15 Oxytocin and Migraine Prevention13:20 Trigeminal Vascular System and Migraines16:46 Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide and Inflammation20:38 Oral Contraceptives and Migraine Management24:59 The Importance of Headache Diaries26:45 Conclusion and Future Research International Conference on ADHD in November 2025 where Dr. Lenz will be one of the speakers. Support the showWhen I started this podcast—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. You’re not alone. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 28+ years as an MD. Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace personal medical advice.* ...

Discover the intriguing link between hormones and chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia and migraines. The discussion focuses on Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and how estrogen and progesterone influence pain perception. Key studies reveal the effects of menstrual cycles on symptoms. Explore genetic and neurobiological factors contributing to PMDD, along with treatment options including SSRIs and lifestyle changes. Additionally, the podcast examines the connection between ADHD in women and mood disorders, highlighting tailored strategies for management.

Dr. Skoglund, an associate professor specializing in ADHD and addiction, sheds light on the intricate relationship between hormones and ADHD in women. They discuss how PMS and PMDD overlap with ADHD symptoms, emphasizing that most research overlooks women. Individual responses to hormonal fluctuations and ADHD treatments are vital, advocating for personalized care. Misconceptions around ADHD in women are explored, along with the dramatic positive changes that proper diagnosis and support can foster. The conversation also highlights valuable resources and the societal impact of ADHD awareness.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Lotta Skoglund, a Swedish psychiatrist and author, tackles the often-overlooked topic of ADHD in girls and women. She sheds light on the biological, social, and psychological factors contributing to the frequent misdiagnosis and underrecognition of female ADHD. Dr. Skoglund also delves into the impact of hormonal fluctuations on symptoms and stresses the need for tailored medical approaches. Additionally, she calls for greater awareness among healthcare professionals to better support women navigating the challenges of ADHD.

Kristen Hovet, host of 'The Other Autism Podcast' and advocate for neurodivergent health, joins Dr. Lenz to explore the intersections of chronic pain and conditions like autism and ADHD. They address the challenges in the medical system for neurodivergent individuals, emphasizing the need for early diagnosis and compassionate care. Misconceptions about fibromyalgia are debunked, highlighting it as a genuine condition. Personal stories illustrate the importance of understanding pain perception in neurodivergent populations, advocating for more tailored healthcare solutions.