FX Medicine Podcast Central

Dr Stacy Sims, expert in female physiology and training, collaborates with fx Ambassador Lisa Costa-Bir to discuss the intricate relationship between hormones and physical performance. Together they explore how the female hormonal cycle introduces unique challenges and opportunities. The follicular phase is the time when women typically excel physically, while the ovulatory phase can bring variations in how one feels during exercise. The mid-luteal phase can be challenging for high-intensity training, and the days leading up to menstruation require tailored adjustments due to mood, heart rate, and performance changes. Tailored exercise strategies are discussed, with tips for conditions like endometriosis and PCOS. Maintaining muscle mass during peri/menopause through specific exercise approaches is emphasised. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is clarified as not reversing aging but preserving lean muscle mass through exercise. The podcast also covers injury prevention, nutrition, and hydration strategies, offering women and clinicians an holistic guide to optimise their fitness journey throughout life. COVERED IN THIS EPISODE (00:27) Welcoming Dr. Stacy Sims (01:57) Phases of the menstrual cycle impacting energy and exercise (08:15) How anovulatory cycles are affected in training (09:41) Endometriosis and cold water immersion (11:28) Heat exposure for adaptive stress in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases (13:14) Training during Menopause and Perimenopause (18:56) HRT (21:37) Prevalence of injury in Perimenopause (24:15) Cycling exercise throughout the menstrual cycle (27:25) Protein in hormonal production (31:16) Fasting in Perimenopause (33:35) Carbohydrates for training (36:23) True hydration (38:45) Nutritional supplements for training performance (43:51) Adaptogenic herbs for training performance (45:45) Thanking Stacy and closing remarks Find today's transcript and show notes here: https://www.bioceuticals.com.au/education/podcasts/exercise-training-the-influence-of-female-sex-hormones-with-lisa-costa-bir-dr-stacy-sims Sign up for our monthly newsletter for the latest exclusive clinical tools, articles, and infographics: www.bioceuticals.com.au/signup/ DISCLAIMER: The information provided on fx Medicine by BioCeuticals is for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional advice or care. Please seek the advice of a qualified health care professional in the event something you learn here raises questions or concerns regarding your health.

Jane Hutchens, naturopath and reproductive health and human genetics expert, along with fx Medicine ambassador, Emma Sutherland, raise awareness on the importance of understanding cardiovascular health implications during pregnancy and post-partum. This impacts 1 to 4 percent of women in Australia and is under recognized and underreported. In this discussion the naturopaths discuss the various types of cardiovascular diseases that may impact a pregnant or postpartum woman, the importance of understanding the mental and social impacts this may have on sufferers and some tools to aid practitioners in screening for risk in developing cardiac disease in pregnancy. COVERED IN THIS EPISODE (00:54) Welcoming Jane Hutchens (02:06) Types of cardiac disease in pregnancy (06:04) The amount of women with cardiovascular disease is dramatically under represented (08:08) Diagnostic criteria for cardiac disease in pregnancy (11:38) Some findings from Jane’s research (16:13) Understanding genetic and general risks (22:29) Signs and symptoms of cardiac disease during and post-pregnancy (28:40) How oxidative stress affects the placenta (31:30) Long-term risks and ongoing struggles (39:02) Treatment options and support (42:40) Thanking Jane and final remarks Find today's transcript and show notes here: https://www.bioceuticals.com.au/education/podcasts/cardiovascular-health-in-pregnancy-postpartum-with-emma-sutherland-jane-hutchens Sign up for our monthly newsletter for the latest exclusive clinical tools, articles, and infographics: www.bioceuticals.com.au/signup/ DISCLAIMER: The information provided on fx Medicine by BioCeuticals is for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional advice or care. Please seek the advice of a qualified health care professional in the event something you learn here raises questions or concerns regarding your health.

In part two of our Perspectives podcast, fx Medicine by BioCeuticals ambassadors Lisa Costa-Bir, Dr Michelle Woolhouse, Mick Alexander and Dr Adrian Lopresti, join host Emma Sutherland to explore practical, evidence-aligned treatment strategies for patients with cardiometabolic dysfunction. The discussion covers GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) including side effect management and dietary and lifestyle support. They also discuss the evolving landscape of new cardiometabolic medications, and the behavioural, psychological, and social factors that shape long-term cardiometabolic outcomes. The ambassadors break down current evidence, share their clinic insights from their own practice, and examine how practitioners can better support patients through complementary medicine use, behavioural change, and sustained diet and lifestyle modification. A detailed case study illustrates multidisciplinary reasoning across naturopathy, psychology, pharmacy and general practice, highlighting how small, achievable steps can create meaningful momentum for complex patients. This episode gives practitioners a comprehensive and compassionate roadmap for supporting sustainable cardiometabolic change in everyday clinical practice. Covered in this episode:? (01:06) Welcome back (01:56) GLP-1 receptor agonists - Lisa (05:44) GLP-1 receptor agonists - Emma ?(08:16) GLP-1 receptor agonists - Mick (12:43) GLP-1 receptor agonists - Michelle (17:51) Complex interplay between statins and GLP-1’s (22:34) Case study - Lisa's case? (29:06) Case study - Michelle thoughts (31:13) Case study - Mick thoughts (33:12) Case study - Adrian thoughts ?(35:20) Case study - Lisa complementary medicines (37:37) Case study - Michelle complementary medicines (40:17) Case study - Mick complementary medicines (41:24) Innovative treatment for cardiometabolic health ?(46:24) Dealing with difficult cases (51:07) Favourite resources ?(55:50) Final remarks Find today's transcript and show notes here: https://www.bioceuticals.com.au/education/podcasts/cardiometabolic-rx-part-2-interventions-and-innovations Sign up for our monthly newsletter for the latest exclusive clinical tools, articles, and infographics: www.bioceuticals.com.au/signup/ DISCLAIMER: The information provided on fx Medicine by BioCeuticals is for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional advice or care. Please seek the advice of a qualified health care professional in the event something you learn here raises questions or concerns regarding your health.

In this insightful conversation, naturopathic doctor and bestselling author Lara Briden joins Emma Sutherland to explore androgen physiology, excess, and sensitivity in women. Together they discuss the complexities of diagnosing androgen excess, including polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and adrenal-driven cases, and examine the metabolic consequences of chronically elevated androgens. They discuss the challenging clinical presentation of female pattern hair loss or androgenic hair loss talking about cause and realistic treatments. Lara shares clinical insights into testing strategies, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) interpretation, and the bidirectional relationship between insulin resistance and androgens. Lara and Emma also discuss evidence-based nutrients such as zinc, inositol, diindolylmethane (DIM), and magnesium, as well as body identical hormones that can assist in restoring hormonal equilibrium. This episode provides practitioners with practical strategies to address androgen imbalance, interpret lab findings with confidence, and support women with integrative, evidence-informed care. Covered in this episode: (01:08) Welcome Lara Briden (01:35) What are androgens? (05:00) Androgens and PCOS (06:48) Causes of elevated androgens (10:59) Low androgens (14:32) Androgen sensitivity (17:23) Perimenopause (21:14) Female hair loss (27:36) Treatment options (32:34) Zinc, vitex and reishi (36:44) Inositol (40:20) Licorice and peony (42:07) DIM (44:15) Magnesium (47:38) Emerging research (49:58) Final remarks Find today's transcript and show notes here: https://www.bioceuticals.com.au/education/podcasts/androgens-in-women-from-excess-to-sensitivity Sign up for our monthly newsletter for the latest exclusive clinical tools, articles, and infographics: www.bioceuticals.com.au/signup/ DISCLAIMER: The information provided on fx Medicine by BioCeuticals is for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional advice or care. Please seek the advice of a qualified health care professional in the event something you learn here raises questions or concerns regarding your health.

Jessica Turton, Accredited Practising Dietitian, joins Dr. Michelle Woolhouse to discuss the use of continuous glucose monitors (CGM) to identify blood glucose dysregulation in non-diabetic patients in our latest podcast. Together, they discuss the role of the CGM in obtaining key, patient-specific information in terms of the blood glucose regulation of the individual, allowing for greater analysis of dietary, environmental and lifestyle influences on blood glucose regulation for the individual. Jessica and Michelle discuss the role stress, sleep and inflammation play in blood glucose regulation and share clinically practical advice on the role of magnesium deficiency in patients with blood glucose imbalances. Discussing the impact of certain exercises and alcohol, Jessica answers some of the many often-asked questions around how to best manage blood glucose levels for the non-diabetic patient. COVERED IN THIS EPISODE (01:03) Welcoming Dr Jessica Turton (01:53) What is continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)? (03:40) Using data from CGM to measure inflammation and blood glucose dysregulation (09:11) Optimal blood sugar targets throughout the day (13:45) The effects of high impact workouts on blood glucose (18:20) Hypoglycaemia vs reactive hypoglycaemia (24:30) Glucose metabolism, sleep apnea and magnesium wastage (28:06) Stress, exercise and glucose metabolism (32:34) Alcohol’s effects on blood sugar (36:29) Patients’ views on CGM (40:56) Thanking Jessica and final remarks Find today's transcript and show notes here: https://www.bioceuticals.com.au/education/podcasts/continuous-glucose-monitoring-with-dr-michelle-woolhouse-jessica-turton Sign up for our monthly newsletter for the latest exclusive clinical tools, articles, and infographics: www.bioceuticals.com.au/signup/ DISCLAIMER: The information provided on FX Medicine is for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional advice or care. Please seek the advice of a qualified health care professional in the event something you learn here raises questions or concerns regarding your health.

In part 1 of the Cardiometabolic Rx podcast, host Emma Sutherland is joined by Dr Adrian Lopresti, Dr Michelle Woolhouse, Lisa Costa-Bir, and Mick Alexander for a wide-ranging discussion on the foundations of cardiometabolic health. Together, they explore how individualised nutrition, hormonal balance, stress adaptation, and muscle and bone integrity as well as kidney health influence metabolic outcomes, emphasising why truly integrative care must extend beyond BMI, cholesterol and blood pressure checks. The panel shares the latest evidence on emerging assessment tools - including continuous glucose monitoring, homocysteine and trimethyl amine and oxide (TMAO) testing, and the body roundness index and how these measures can reveal early signs of dysfunction before overt disease develops. In an engaging exchange of clinical perspectives, the ambassadors uncover the “silent hijackers” of cardiometabolic health such as poor sleep, loneliness, medications, and gut dysbiosis. This thought-provoking discussion challenges long-held assumptions and equips practitioners with practical, evidence-based strategies to assess and address cardiometabolic risk at every stage of patient care. COVERED IN THIS EPISODE (1:07) Welcome – fx Medicine ambassadors (2:42) Cardiometabolic myth 1: “there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to diet” (4:57) Cardiometabolic myth 2: – “I’ve got big bones” (7:23) Cardiometabolic myth 3: – Cardiometabolic disease is an old person’s disease (10:21) Cardiometabolic myth 4: – If your BMI is normal, then your metabolic health is fine (11:19) Cardiometabolic myth 5: – People with a heart condition should avoid exercise (15:16) Cardiometabolic disease drivers – Stress and cardiovascular disease (18:07) Cardiometabolic disease driver – Complex interplay of conditions (20:10) Cardiometabolic disease driver – Muscles and bones (21:56) Cardiometabolic disease driver – Chronic kidney disease (25:20) Cardiometabolic disease driver – Lifestyle factors (35:06) Assessment tools – Waist measurement (37:29) Assessment tools – Continuous glucose monitoring (41:49) Assessment tools – Blood tests (44:12) Assessment tools – Pharmacy screening (49:33) Assessment tools – Cortisol testing (53:44) Cardiometabolic hijacker – Early childhood trauma (58:19) Cardiometabolic hijacker – Relationship between cardiometabolic and mental health (1:01:04) Cardiometabolic hijacker – Common medications (1:03:50) Cardiometabolic hijacker – Gut bacteria (1:06:52) Final remarks Find today's transcript and show notes here: https://www.bioceuticals.com.au/education/podcasts/the-cardiometabolic-rx-part-1-metabolic-fundamentals-and-myths Sign up for our monthly newsletter for the latest exclusive clinical tools, articles, and infographics: www.bioceuticals.com.au/signup/ DISCLAIMER: The information provided on fx Medicine by BioCeuticals is for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional advice or care. Please seek the advice of a qualified health care professional in the event something you learn here raises questions or concerns regarding your health.

Join the fx Medicine by BioCeuticals ambassadors, Emma Sutherland, Lisa Costa-Bir and Mick Alexander, hosted by Dr Adrian Lopresti, face-to-face, for an intimate discussion. Hosted by Dr Adrian Lopresti, clinical psychologist and researcher, this panel will explore the key elements of optimal brain health - going beyond theory into practical insights you can apply in clinic straight away. Our ambassadors bring decades of front-line experience and will share their top clinical pearls on brain health from multiple, integrative perspectives: - Lisa Costa-Bir (naturopath, nutritionist & women’s health expert) explores movement as “brain medicine” to slow cognitive decline, while referring to Dr Helena Popovic's work on "Adventure prevents dementia". - Mick Alexander (integrative pharmacist & naturopath) breaks down the gut-brain and HPA axis plus overlooked medication nutrient depletions. - Emma Sutherland (naturopath & women’s health expert) discusses hormones, “meno brain” and her top therapeutics. Enjoy the recording which our live audience described as "not only informative but joyful to watch", very insightful information backed by studies, gave real life examples", and "clinically relevant and practical". Don't miss out on our first ever live panel discussion. Held in collaboration with @ATMS. Covered in this episode (01:57) Key elements of optimal brain health: An overview of what makes a healthy brain? (Dr Adrian Lopresti) (10:30) Adventure prevents dementia: Practical strategies to add to you toolkit - novel activities, grip strength, tongue exercises to increase brain size (Lisa Costa-Bir) (35:00) Pharmaceutical drugs & the impact to the gut-brain axis: The significant impacts and potential therapies to maintain the gut-brain connection (Mick Alexander) (58:20) Hormones & brain function: Optimise women's brain health in perimenopause and menopause (Emma Sutherland) DISCLAIMER: The information provided on fx Medicine by BioCeuticals is for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided on this site is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional advice or care. Please seek the advice of a qualified health care professional in the event something you have read here raises questions or concerns regarding your health.

Menopause is far more than a hormonal shift; it is a complex biopsychosocial transition that impacts every aspect of a woman’s life. In this episode, Dr Adrian Lopresti speaks with UK clinical psychologist Dr Melanie Smith, a leading researcher in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for menopause. Together, they explore how CBT, an evidence-based lifestyle intervention, can help women better manage stress and significantly reduce menopausal symptoms, including vasomotor symptoms. Dr Smith explains the science behind the narrowed thermoneutral zone and how educating women about this physiology can reduce anxiety and improve day-to-day function. Listeners will gain insights into stress management, paced breathing, cognitive reframing, and sleep strategies that enhance wellbeing and quality of life. Evidence-based and endorsed by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and featured in the International Menopause Society 2025 white paper, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) offers practitioners a valuable, non-pharmacological lifestyle medicine approach. It provides an effective option for women who are unable or choose not to use menopause hormone therapy (MHT), and also complements MHT for those who do. By integrating CBT into menopause care, health professionals can empower women with personalised, compassionate, and holistic support throughout the menopause transition and beyond. Covered in this episode: (01:50) Welcome Dr Melanie Smith (02:54) Symptoms transitioning in to menopause (04:34) Mood related problems (09:06) Sleep disturbance (11:39) Night sweats (16:08) Hot flushes and blushing (19:38) Cognitive behavioural therapy and menopause (26:21) Stress management (32:18) Lifestyle factors (39:27) Managing symptoms (44:35) Learn more about CBT (47:27) Final remarks Find today's transcript and show notes here: https://www.bioceuticals.com.au/education/podcasts/managing-hot-flushes-with-cognitive-behavioural-therapy Sign up for our monthly newsletter for the latest exclusive clinical tools, articles, and infographics: www.bioceuticals.com.au/signup/ DISCLAIMER: The information provided on fx Medicine by BioCeuticals is for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional advice or care. Please seek the advice of a qualified health care professional in the event something you learn here raises questions or concerns regarding your health.

Join Dr. Ross Walker, a preventive cardiologist with over 45 years of experience, and Dr. Michelle Woolhouse as they dive into the wonders of ubiquinol and its heart health benefits. They discuss the critical differences between ubiquinol and ubiquinone, explore the importance of CoQ10 in combating statin-related depletion, and share strategies for improving cardiovascular wellness through lifestyle choices. Discover how calcium scoring and dietary tweaks can enhance heart health, alongside intriguing links to cognitive function and skin aging.

Dr Christabelle Yeoh, integrative medicine physician, joins Lisa Costa-Bir for a deep dive into mitochondria — the organelles influencing nearly every tissue and process in the body. Moving beyond the outdated “powerhouse of the cell” view, Dr Yeoh explains how mitochondria act as processors of energy and evolutionary sentinels of immunity, redox balance, and cellular plasticity. This episode explores how dysfunction manifests clinically — from fatigue and brain fog to autonomic dysregulation, poor vitamin D supplementation uptake, and maternal-line inheritance patterns. Dr Yeoh also shares practical “biophysics prescriptions”: exposure to sunrise and sunset, blocking blue light, eating only in daylight hours, grounding in nature, and regular movement to support mitochondrial quality control. Warm, engaging, and invested in her subject, Dr Yeoh empowers practitioners with insights that place mitochondrial health as the foundation for patient care — and shows why aligning with natural rhythms is essential for resilience and recovery. Covered in this episode: (01:02) Welcome Dr Christabelle Yeoh (03:36) What are the mitochondria? (08:38) ATP and inflammation (12:42) Mitochondria manipulating us? (15:21) Mitohormesis (17:22) Stress (22:46) Mitochondrial dysfunction (28:25) Timeline for mitochondrial change (32:18) Blood testing (36:05) Zeitgebers (41:21) Psychological stress (44:08) Biophysics prescription (48:52) Latest research (50:28) Final remarks Find today's transcript and show notes here: https://www.bioceuticals.com.au/education/podcasts/mitochondrial-medicine-the-biophysics-prescription Sign up for our monthly newsletter for the latest exclusive clinical tools, articles, and infographics: www.bioceuticals.com.au/signup/ DISCLAIMER: The information provided on fx Medicine is for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional advice or care. Please seek the advice of a qualified health care professional in the event something you learn here raises questions or concerns regarding your health.