Period Chats - A hormone wellness podcast.

Avocado Allie is back!! On this episode of the Period Chats Podcast, I reconnect with the amazing Allie, our PCOS “cyst”er, who also happens to be a social media influencer, yoga instructor and model. Today we’re talking about going to the gynecologist - the good, the bad, and the uncomfortable. We’ve all had different experiences with gyno’s, and it doesn’t get talked about enough in general, so today we’re sitting down for some relatable real talk about it. In this episode, Allie and I exchange a few stories of experiences with different gynecologists and what those visits did to our overall emotional state around the topic. A lot of gynecologists still approach the conversation of birth control by touting old-school beliefs, and this can cause a negative experience for patients who may feel gaslighted or judged. On the other hand, for some reason our conversations with almost all of our on-call nurses have ROCKED. Allie shares about her recent male gynecologist staring off their visit by mansplaining PCOS, and then suggesting that there are two camps of PCOS patients - those who are trying to get pregnant and those who are on birth control - and that there shouldn’t be anyone else. (Effectively putting the somewhere between 1-in-10 and 1-in-5 people that get periods who have PCOS into two broad boxes). This doctor performed an extra painful biopsy, and later sent her for an ultrasound that she should have gotten first. The horrible experience caused her to research other people’s stories about excessive pain after endometrial biopsies. She dealt with heavy emotions caused by the poor treatment and unexpected pain, and posted on her media outlets. The response was copious - which feels so normalizing, but also upsetting that so many people experience similar things! And it may make many of ya’ll feel less alone as we unpack why these types of procedures are often rushed, under-explained, not accompanied by any pain mitigation - and how all that is somehow still considered normal in most gynecology offices. Allie also shares about how Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and doctor visits sometimes interact, and once again I feel way less alone as I recount phone calls for cleanliness reassurance and anxiety spikes around doctor visits as well. In this episode, I also recount the time when the gynecologist told me I had an STI when it was really an autoimmune stress response after a yeast infection. We know these are frustrations that many of us can relate to regarding the medical system, but the vibe of this episode is definitely not a gripe-filled complaint sesh; it’s a relatable and relieving conversation about the wisdom we’ve gained during the imperfect treatment we’ve survived, and how it has added to our passion to invite others further into the world of holistic physical and mental health. Follow Allie: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@avocado_allie Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avocado_allie/

Welcome back to the Period Chats Podcast! We have Lara Parker here today, author of the book “Vagina Problems.” Laura has experience with endometriosis, adenomyosis, vaginismus, and vulvar vestibulitis, and began to write about the topic because it was so underrepresented in literature and she didn’t want people to feel alone. Indicators that you might be suffering with pelvic pain or a related condition are: pain during sex and/or orgasm, super heavy periods, skin irritation and redness, digestive symptoms like bloating or IBS-type issues, or tenderness to touch. Sometimes doctor visits and the nature of the issue can make people feel more isolated in the experience, and Lara gives some great examples of ways we can humanize and de-stigmatize the topic, and by extension many other issues that our society would do well to further normalize. As we all continue to advocate for ourselves, and move toward the place where we can “act like a white man,” aka confident communication without apology or other self-shrinking verbiage, we need to remember that our health issues aren’t something we need to apologize for, over-explain, or minimize. Lara shares about her experience with a surgery for endometriosis, how that particular surgery interacts with most insurance plans, and what her recovery and ongoing health journey has looked like since. Her modalities of care currently include physical therapy for pelvic pain, chiropractic care, therapy, acupuncture and others. We also talk about how the conversation around chronic illness needs to shift towards quality of life. Sometimes in our culture there can be a false dichotomy where you’re either dying or you’re fine, but focusing on quality of life gives the conversation more much-needed nuance, and can help outsiders empathize with where each of us are on the health spectrum. If you need a good reminder to take care of yourself, advocate for your own recovery and health, and leave behind the habit of apologizing for existing, Lara’s wisdom and honesty will point you in that direction today.

In today's episode of period chats, we are talking about low carbs diets and how they can impact hormones and fertility.  Before we get started here is the bottom line extreme dieting is not good for your mental or physical health and that has been proven time and time again by research.  Creating balance in your body is the key!  Also losing weight is not the same thing as being healthy each and every one of us is different and we have to nurture our bodies accordingly. Spoiler alter --> the research says that extreme low carb and restrictive diets can negatively impact your hormones and menstrual cycle -  Important terms to know for the episode: Hypothalamus: a region of the forebrain below the thalamus which coordinates both the autonomic nervous system and the activity of the pituitary, controlling body temperature, thirst, hunger, and other homeostatic systems, and involved in sleep and emotional activity. Pituitary: the major endocrine gland. A pea-sized body attached to the base of the brain, the pituitary is important in controlling growth and development and the functioning of the other endocrine glands. Adrenals: relating to or denoting a pair of ductless glands situated above the kidneys. Each consists of a core region ( adrenal medulla ) secreting epinephrine and norepinephrine, and an outer region ( adrenal cortex ) secreting corticosteroids. Carbohydrate: Any of a large group of organic compounds occurring in foods and living tissues and including sugars, starch, and cellulose. They contain hydrogen and oxygen in the same ratio as water (2:1) and typically can be broken down to release energy in the animal body.  Anovulatory Cycle:  An anovulatory cycle, also referred to as anovulation, refers to a menstrual cycle in which the release of an egg from the ovaries does not occur. Chronic anovulation, or anovulation that persists for a year or longer, can be a common cause of infertility. Hypothalamic Amenorrhea: Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea is a form of amenorrhea and chronic anovulation and is one of the most common types of secondary amenorrhea. It is classified as hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Blood Sugar: Glycaemia, also known as blood sugar level, blood sugar concentration, or blood glucose level is the measure of glucose concentration in the blood of humans or other animals. Research to read for yourself:  - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5579396/ - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5372867/ - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7053439/ - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8015182/

On this episode, I sat down with Eliza G, holistic nutritionist and host of the Hotter than Health Podcast.  We talked about all things real life, trama, food, periods, and more.  This episode gives you a glimpse into the raw and unfiltered view of how Eliza lives her life and what has shaped her love for wellness and nutrition after losing her mother.  More than anything this episode is real and I hope you enjoy it! https://www.instagram.com/hotterthanhealthpodcast/?hl=en https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hotter-than-health/id1428759268?ltclid=c574c74b-cf9d-4d3e-aafa-bff6ec627bab https://www.instagram.com/elizag_wellness/?hl=en

Disclaimer: This is not medical advice and we always recommend that you talk to your doctor and do your own research on what is best for your body.  Similar to Birth Control, Hormone Replacement Therapy is a hormonal medication and has risks that you should explore before making any decisions.  Today on the Period Chats podcast, Kate talks with Dr. Ashley Alexis, naturopathic practitioner and owner of Golden Leaf Health Center in San Diego, California. Dr. Alexis breaks down the slightly complex and very important topic of hormone replacement therapy for us. Biological women with menstrual cycles are producing estrogen and progesterone in alternate peaks throughout each cycle. After menopause, whether it has occurred on the common timeline or after a hysterectomy, chemo treatments, or early menopause, these and other hormone levels drop. Hormone replacement therapy brings those hormones back into the system after they’ve waned (and can also include thyroid hormones and others when they’re found to be insufficient). When Dr. Alexis opened her practice, she discovered that many women had experienced a gap in the traditional medical system in the area of hormone health - some given birth control without being informed of other options, some being prescribed anti-depressants before exploring hormone solutions, and some even being told it was all in their head. She decided to focus on helping these patients, many of whom were in perimenopause or menopause, to explore bio-identical hormone therapy which uses naturally-sourced hormones as opposed to synthetic. Many patients experience relief from insomnia, brain fog, anxiety, and digestive issues. Dr. Alexis breaks down what the research has to say about the safety of long-term hormone use, and it’s different than you might have heard. Supplementing hormone levels after menopause has even been shown to REDUCE certain risks, including cancer. Kate and Dr. Alexis touch on gender bias, aging stigma, the lack of adequate education around hormones, and why hormone replacement therapy got stigmatized for a while. We’re so stoked to share this honest and insightful conversation with you; let’s get empowered as we learn from the best! Check out Dr. Ashley Alexis’s clinic here: www.GoldenLeafHC.com If you have any questions you’d like Kate to ask Dr. Alexis in a future episode, email us at hello@funkitwellness.com

This episode is 18+ Welcome back to the Period Chats Podcast! Today Danielle Bezalel joins us to chat about abortion. Danielle is a host of the Sex Education with DB podcast, a feminist podcast that centers LGBTQ and BIPOC experts in sex ed. She has her Master of Public Health degree from Columbia University and currently lives in Brooklyn. With the national conversation turning to Roe v. Wade’s potential overturn, we want to bring you medically accurate information about abortion. There is so much misinformation and confusion out there right now, so let’s take a deep breath and focus on the facts. Danielle starts us out by reviewing the types of abortion: at-home (medication-based abortion), and in-clinic (early term which is done by suction, and later-term which is done with dilation and evacuation). Politico recently leaked a draft from the Supreme Court that stated intent to overturn Roe v. Wade and “return the issue of abortion to the people’s elected representatives.” While we can’t predict exactly what the final draft will say, we should assume the overturn will be happening in June. Of course, during the past almost-50 years, abortion has not been equally accessible to everyone in the US, and this upcoming disruption will not put everyone at equal risk. Danielle walks us through how abortion access has always been unjust and biased, and how that will likely become increasingly disproportionate again after June. Danielle reminds us of the research that shows abortion access is a necessary and effective part of public health and explains the data linking abortion access to well-being. We walk through the average medical costs of giving birth, having an abortion, and more. Finally, we touch on what comes next, and Danielle encourages us to join the fight to bring medically accurate sex education into each and every state, and to stand for reproductive justice in our communities. LISTEN: Roe V Wade and Abortion Acess with Cathren Cohen  READ: Turn Away One Pager  READ: Reproductive Justice - Sister Song Recommended follows if you want to learn more: @heyjanehealth @carafem @ifwhenhow @aidaccess @reprolegaldefensefund @plancpills Their official TikTok: @sexedwithdb Hear Danielle’s recent podcasts: https://www.sexedwithdb.com/the-podcast

**Warning as info changes we will do our best to record new episodes and update info** On today’s episode, we chat with Rachel Moranis, the CEO of Stardust Period Tracker. Rachel explains app data sharing, encryption, and everything we need to know about being able to track our cycles without our information being shared. We won’t mention any names but… (throat-clearing cough that sounds suspiciously like the word “flo”) some apps sell your personal data for advertising reasons. On the contrary, The Stardust app never sells your data, and it keeps you anonymous through encryption. It’s also female-owned, compared to some period tracking apps that are owned by men and large companies.  Besides the fact that advertisers creepily want to know when we’re ovulating because marketing research has shown that people tend to buy more during those days, it also may be important to keep your health data inaccessible for legal reasons. It’s crazy to think about, but there may be a day in the near future where someone’s cycle information could get subpoenaed in a court of law - potentially to try and incriminate someone in a state where abortion may soon become illegal. Hopefully not, but doesn’t it make sense to track your data in an encrypted and private way, just in case? Check out Stardust here --> https://www.thestardustapp.com/ Here is a list of period tracking apps that are not selling your data:  1. Stardust  2. The Agenda Period 3. Clue 

On today’s episode of the Period Chats podcast, we talk with Avocado Allie! Allie is a content creator, model and certified yoga instructor, who works with size-inclusive brands and artists around the world to promote self-love and celebrate authenticity. Kate met Allie through TikTok and was immediately inspired by how she uses her platform for healing. Allie shares about her experience with OCD and PCOS, and brings her followers alongside her on the journey. Her presence online fosters a much-needed community of body acceptance and natural health wisdom. We all know social media can be a bit of a two-edged sword - connecting us with like-minded communities, but also exposing content creators to the more closed-minded troll types. Allie’s positive outlook is evident as she shares how even negative comments can help her go viral and spread love. Ally went to school for art and spent time in figure-drawing classes, and she now poses online for similar classes at universities all over the UK. She shares with Kate how this has become a practice in confidence, patience and authenticity. She also explains why she moved away from the term “body positivity” to “body neutrality” and “body acceptance,” and why she feels that these can be more helpful terms. Allie and Kate talk about the high prevalence of PCOS and why better education about it is needed in the medical community, and in pop culture. They brainstorm how doctors might stop equivocating weight and health, and how western, functional, and alternative practitioners all have a place. Today’s chat ends with a shout-out to Allie’s very meaningful and beautiful social media community, where you can find some PCOS “cyst”ers, check out Ally’s partnerships with conscious brands, and join her on the continuing journey of flourishing! Make sure you follow Avocado Ally and join in on the conversation: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@avocado_allie Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avocado_allie/

Our audio cuts out a little here but it's worth it to listen!!  On this very special episode of the Period Chats podcast, Kate sheds a few tears of joy talking with her aunts about their new baby girl, and the fertility journey that they walked through together to get her. Abbie and Trisha, with their daughter Landry in arm, open up about their journey to motherhood. They started out by researching donors, fertility clinics, and the process of pregnancy. They spoke with others who had experienced and ended up with an amazing team of doctors, who helped them get pregnant, be pregnant, and give birth. These now new moms walked through an emotional 2 years of trying to get pregnant, and they share how their fertility team was beside them every step of the way. They express their gratitude not only for the doctors that helped them grow their family but for each other as they grew closer and supported each other in new ways during each season of the experience. Abbie and Trisha also chat about what it’s like to choose a donor, the advantages of knowing about health history, and their plan to always share the details that formed their family with Landry. Of course, anyone who has been pregnant, been on a fertility journey, or been through the process of improving their own hormone health knows that there is much to learn about our own bodies and reproductive systems along the way. Trisha ended up having a few hiccups in the fertility process that needed to be worked out, including some uniquely shaped anatomy that resulted in more difficulty during fertility procedures. When she got pregnant, she experienced a tricky first two trimesters, with a hospital visit to curb extreme morning sickness. Then, Abbie and Trisha recall what a 30 hour labor was like, and how longer labors take not only physical strength but some definite mental strength as well. Trisha used a sonogram picture of Landry as her focal point on the wall, and it came in clutch during those exhausting last few hours of her labor. This heart-warming episode will remind us all to listen to our bodies, trust our processes, and cherish the people that walk alongside us on our journeys.

On today’s episode, we chat with Dr. Brittany Barreto on FEM Tech Focus Dr. Brittany Barreto is a scientist and entrepreneur turned investor. She thrives on activism, primarily for underrepresented people, and she is passionate about science. According to Dr. Brittany, historically and systemically, females have been excluded from medicine, healthcare research, and innovation. The backdrop to medicine is male-based, and women suffer the consequences because we are not little men. Our brains are different, and our hearts are different. We cannot just make drugs, devices, and solutions for males and expect them to be great for women. Many people think that FEM tech is about applications related to women’s health. FEM tech is products, solutions, and services that address conditions that solely disproportionately or differently affect women and girls. Unfortunately, getting into a FEM tech business is difficult because when it comes to raising money, people are not always willing to invest in this industry. Another challenge in the FEM tech industry is the policies that we have. Most of these bills do not come from an informed point of reference. There is a massive disconnect between them and how the woman biology works. We end up having bills that do not address our concerns as women. According to Dr. Brittany, there are over 1000 FEM Tech start-ups worldwide. 50% of them work in four categories. They work on menstruation, maternal health, fertility, and sexual wellness. We are also seeing people go into pelvic floor health, breastfeeding solutions, breast health, and autoimmune diseases that affect women. Dr. Brittany wishes to see more innovations around heart health and pubic hair. When it comes to research and data, we all get scared because we have seen people selling our data. For instance, look at Facebook and other applications we have out there. People are making money from our data. Dr. Brittany thinks the solution to this data issue lies in blockchain and having women get paid for their data. Listen in to hear more. Relevant Links: Learn More about Brittany Barreto: Website: https://drbrittanybarreto.com/ Fem Tech Focus: https://femtechfocus.org/ Learn More about the After Sex Clean Up Sponge: Website: https://awkwardessentials.com/