Conquering Your Fibromyalgia Podcast

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 Click here for the YouTube channel 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 Click here for the YouTube channel 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 Click here for the YouTube channel 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.

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions In this episode Dr.  Lenz, is interviewed  by Kristen Hovet, host of The Other Autism Podcast. The conversation delves into Dr. Lenz's medical background, his dedication to lifelong learning, and his focus on chronic pain syndromes such as fibromyalgia, EDS, POTS, and more. Dr. Lenz explains three types of pain: nociceptive, neuropathic, and nociplastic pain, and discusses the significant overlap between invisible illnesses and neurodivergence, including ADHD and autism. The interview sheds light on the challenges and misconceptions in diagnosing these conditions, emphasizing the need for a holistic, evidence-based approach to support patients.00:00 Introduction to the Interview00:17 Meet Dr. Michael Lenz02:50 Understanding Chronic Pain Syndromes06:27 Exploring Fibromyalgia and Related Conditions08:31 Personal Journey and Insights18:06 Challenges in Diagnosing and Treating Chronic Pain32:11 Tailoring Treatment for Neurodivergent Patients41:22 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser Click here for the YouTube channel 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 week's episode, we delve into Annie Kotowicz's book 'What I Mean When I Say I'm Autistic,' exploring her autistic life. The episode highlights her personal experiences before and after diagnosis, offering insights into sensory sensitivities, social interactions, and the nuances of living as an autistic adult. Addressing common misconceptions, Annie's narrative is a blend of memoir and manifesto, aimed at helping both autistic individuals and those around them better understand and appreciate the autistic mind.00:00 Introduction to This Week's Episode00:17 Inside the Mind of an Autistic Woman00:52 Understanding Autism and Its Impact02:07 The Importance of Adult Diagnosis03:13 Personal Experiences and Reflections05:41 Discovering Autism in Adulthood09:45 The Concept of Masking18:34 Sensory Sensitivity and Empathy28:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Click here for the YouTube channel 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.* ...

Joy Lenz, a registered dietitian from Nourish, specializes in simplifying plant-based nutrition. In this engaging discussion, she tackles the importance of fiber versus protein in diets and busts myths around protein deficiency. Joy shares practical tips on incorporating legumes, nuts, and whole grains into meals, while addressing common challenges faced during the transition to a plant-based lifestyle. She emphasizes personalized nutrition, meal planning strategies, and how to navigate dietary choices in social settings, making healthy eating fun and accessible.