The DUTCH Podcast

In this episode, Tom Guilliams and Dr. Jaclyn Smeaton delve into the complexities of the HPA axis, exploring its role in stress response, metabolic regulation, and overall health. They discuss the multifaceted nature of cortisol, its impact on glucose levels, and how early life stressors can shape HPA axis function.  This episode also explores: The significance of perceived stress How circadian rhythm influences HPA axis function The intricate connections between obesity, inflammation, and the HPA axis  Holistic approaches to managing HPA axis dysfunction, including the use of adaptogens and the importance of physical activity Gender differences in stress response and the factors that contribute to burnout Show Notes:Learn more about Tom Guilliams and his research organization, Point Institute. Check out other episodes of the DUTCH Podcast with Tom Guilliams: What’s the Deal with the Pregnenolone Steal? and HPA Axis: A Whole-Body Stress Response System. Become a DUTCH Provider to gain access to free educational resources, expert clinical support, peer-reviewed and validated research, and comprehensive patient reports. 

In this conversation, Dr. Kara Fitzgerald discusses the intricate relationship between epigenetics and longevity, detailing her journey into the field, the design and outcomes of her Methylation Diet and Lifestyle Program, and the implications of biological age versus chronological age. She emphasizes the importance of personalized interventions and the role of environmental factors in gene expression, while also exploring various lifestyle changes that can positively impact biological aging.   Dr. Fitzgerald and Dr. Smeaton also explore:The impact of lifestyle changes on biological age  Recent studies on aging patterns The significance of hormonal health, especially for women How small daily changes can lead to significant improvements in health span The importance of DUTCH testing in understanding hormonal patterns and its relevance in aging discussions Show Notes Learn more about Dr. Kara Fitzgerald and check out her book, Younger You.  Follow Dr. Kara Fitzgerald on Instagram @drkarafitzgerald. Become a DUTCH Provider to learn more about using the DUTCH Test in your practice. 

In this episode, professional CrossFit athlete, Brent Fikowski, shares his journey from a competitive athlete in volleyball to becoming the world-ranked #3 CrossFit competitor. He discusses the evolution of his training, the importance of listening to his body to prevent injuries, and the crucial roles that nutrition and hormones play in his performance and recovery.  Brent and Dr. Jaclyn also discuss: - The intricate relationship between hormonal changes, stress, and athletic performance - Using the DUTCH Test to monitor hormone levels for optimal performance - Brent’s personal experience with managing his cortisol levels - The significance of lifestyle choices and accountability  - Brent’s journey with developing a high-performance mindset Show Notes:Follow Brent’s journey on Instagram @fikowski. Learn more about cortisol and the DUTCH Test in our episode Understanding Cortisol Curves. Become a DUTCH Provider to get access to free educational resources, expert clinical support, peer-reviewed and validated research, and comprehensive patient reports. 

In this conversation, Dr. Jaclyn Smeaton and Esther Blum delve into the complexities of perimenopause and menopause, discussing the myriad symptoms women experience, the medical community's understanding of these transitions, and the importance of early intervention and personalized care. Esther and Dr. Smeaton also explore: The physiological changes that occur during perimenopause and menopause The role of hormones like estrogen and progesterone How early intervention with hormones can optimize quality of life How lifestyle factors can impact women’s health during this time The importance of women advocating for themselves and seeking knowledgeable healthcare providers Show Notes: Learn more about Esther Blum and follow her on Instagram @gorgeousesther. Check out Esther’s other DUTCH Podcast episode, Finding Comfort in the Menopause Metamorphosis, to hear more tips about transitioning into menopause. Become a DUTCH Provider to learn more about how the DUTCH Test can help support your patients in the phases of perimenopause and menopause. 

In this episode of the DUTCH Podcast, Dr. Smeaton interviews Dr. Tara Scott, a hormone expert, to discuss hormone therapy (HRT) in the context of breast cancer awareness month. They delve into the definitions of HRT and its recent resurgence in media discussions, sparked by celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Halle Berry. Dr. Scott also covers: The distinction between bioidentical and synthetic hormones, clarifying that bioidentical hormones mimic what the body produces  The updated recommendations from the North American Menopause Society, which state that HRT is not universally necessary but should be an option based on individual risk factors The controversial use of testosterone in women The differing guidelines for men and women regarding hormone therapy  The importance of understanding the risks and benefits of HRT, particularly concerning breast cancer Show Notes: Check out the global testosterone therapy study, the NAMS article about misinformation on HRT, and Versalie. Learn more about Dr. Tara Scott @HormoneGuruMD on Instagram. Become a DUTCH Provider to learn more about using hormone replacement therapy in your practice and how the DUTCH Test can help. 

In this episode, Dr. Anna Cabeca and Dr. Jaclyn Smeaton discuss the multifaceted nature of fertility, exploring the impact of ovarian health, toxic burden, hormonal influences, and autoimmunity on reproductive health.  Dr. Cabeca and Dr. Smeaton also discuss: How toxic burden can significantly impact fertility and hormonal balance The importance of lifestyle factors and testing when it comes to fertility The often-overlooked role of male fertility in the conception process Taking a holistic approach to fertility that integrates both conventional and functional medicine Empowering patients in their journey toward conception Show Notes:Learn more about Dr. Anna Cabeca and her upcoming program, Magic Menopause Coaching Certification, launching October 15. Follow Dr. Anna Cabeca on Instagram @thegirlfrienddoctor. Watch Dr. Jaclyn Smeaton’s DUTCH Webinar on Fertility and the DUTCH Test to explore how the DUTCH Test can be a useful tool to explore fertility. Become a DUTCH Provider to learn more about how the DUTCH Test can help you profoundly change your patients’ lives. 

In this episode of The DUTCH Podcast, Dr. Allison Smith and Dr. Smeaton explore the topic of low estrogen in cycling females and the hormonal changes that occur during perimenopause and menopause.  Dr. Smith and Dr. Smeaton also discuss: What causes low estrogen in cycling females, such as hypothalamic suppression and genetic factors How estrogen is produced in the body The importance of estrogen in relation to bone health How estrogen levels change during perimenopause and menopause Considerations for hormone replacement therapy and the importance of individualized treatment for each patient Show Notes:Hear more about estrogen from Dr. Allison Smith in her previous episode, Estrogen Basics, and in her DUTCH Webinar, Assessment and Approach to the Estrogen Dominant Female.  Become a DUTCH Provider to discover more free educational resources from our clinical experts, comprehensive patient reports, and peer-reviewed and validated research. 

In this episode, Dr. Corina Dunlap discusses the importance of addressing libido and sexual health in women before, during, and after menopause. She emphasizes the need for open and comfortable conversations about these topics and highlights the common challenges women face in discussing their libido concerns.  Dr. Dunlap and Dr. Smeaton also cover: Hormonal shifts that can impact libido, including changes in estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and oxytocin How psychological factors, such as self-image and relationship dynamics, can influence libido The importance of maintaining pelvic and vaginal health The impact of lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, and inflammation How using the DUTCH Test to evaluate hormone levels can assist in creating personalized treatment plansShow Notes: Learn more about Corina Dunlap and follow her on Instagram @drcorinadunlap. Become a DUTCH Provider to learn more about creating individualized treatment plans for your patients using the DUTCH Test.

In this episode of the DUTCH Podcast, Dr. Tori Hudson and Dr. Smeaton discuss menopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and its resurgence in recent years. Dr. Hudson explains that HRT may be recommended for women experiencing significant quality of life symptoms related to perimenopause or menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, fatigue, and low libido. Dr. Hudson also addresses the concerns raised by the influential Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study in 2002, which showed increased risks of cardiovascular disease and breast cancer associated with HRT. However, re-examination of the WHI study found that the initial claims were misconstrued, and that the risks associated with HRT are relatively small and comparable to other lifestyle factors. Dr. Hudson and Dr. Smeaton also discuss: Bioidentical hormones versus synthetic hormones The significance of finding providers with expertise in menopause management The importance of individualized treatment plans  Show Notes:Learn more about Dr. Tori Hudson and the Institute of Women’s Health.  Watch a replay of Dr. Tori Hudson’s DUTCH Webinar, Menopause, Perimenopause, and MHT: Myths and Misconceptions. Visit the DUTCH Blog to read Dr. Tori Hudson’s four-part series on menopausal HRT, including posts on estrogen and breast cancer, age and HRT, progesterone creams, and bioidentical estrogen. Become a DUTCH Provider to discover more about using hormone replacement therapy in your practice and gain access to even more expert clinical education. 

In this episode, Dr. Kelly Ruef and Dr. Jaclyn Smeaton discuss postpartum depression and baby blues, highlighting the importance of raising awareness and providing support for women experiencing these issues. She explains the difference between baby blues and postpartum depression, emphasizing that postpartum depression is a more severe form with symptoms of major depressive disorder.  Dr. Ruef also reviews: Hormonal changes that occur after childbirth and how they can contribute to mood issues Various treatment options, including medication, nutritional support, and therapy The importance of setting realistic expectations and seeking help from healthcare providers  Show Notes:Learn more about supportive care and tips to thrive postpartum in this blog post. Become a DUTCH Provider and get access to more expert clinical education, peer-reviewed and validated research, and comprehensive patient reports.