The Female Health Solution Podcast

Have you ever felt like you’re doing everything right—eating clean, taking your supplements, exercising, sleeping—and yet, something still feels off? In this episode, I’m diving deep into one of the most overlooked but essential processes in your body: methylation. It might sound like something from chemistry class (and technically it is), but it affects everything—from your energy and hormones to detox, mental health, and even how your genes show up in real life. If you’ve heard of MTHFR or suspect there’s something going on under the surface that no one has been able to explain… this is for you. Here's What I Cover in This Episode: What methylation actually is—and why it matters for your overall health The connection between methylation and your detox, mood, hormones, and energy Signs you might be struggling with methylation (hint: it’s way more common than you think) Why the phrase “genetics load the gun, lifestyle pulls the trigger” applies to your health journey What MTHFR, COMT, PEMT, MTRR, and other gene variants mean for your body Why some supplements might not work for you—and how to choose the ones that actually do My personal experiences with poor methylation (including that dental numbing story 😅) What I test for with my one-on-one clients to finally help them get answers Things I Mention in This Episode: DUTCH Test for hormones and estrogen detox pathways Genetic testing for methylation beyond just MTHFR GI Mapping to assess digestion and absorption Choosing the right B vitamins (say goodbye to cyanocobalamin!)  Want Help Figuring All This Out? If you're done with guessing and you’re ready to get real answers, my VIP/1:1 program is where the deep work happens. We’ll test your hormones, genetics, gut health, and more—and I’ll guide you every step of the way with a completely customized healing plan. 👉 Click here to apply for the VIP/1:1 program If this episode helped:  Send it to a friend who’s been struggling and might not know why Leave a review—it means the world to me! Hit subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes where we dig into more of this good stuff

In this episode, I sat down with my dear friend and teammate Dr. Victoria—someone who has been instrumental in our growth over the years. We’ve worked together off and on for more than eight years, and she’s become a trusted voice and support for so many of the women we serve. We talk all about her background as a chiropractor, her passion for women’s health, and how she supports our clients in navigating hormonal imbalances, DUTCH testing, and lifestyle shifts. And of course, we got into the fun stuff—like Nikes at her wedding, her favorite foods, and her sweet pit bull, Riley. Meet Dr. Victoria—The Hormone-Focused Chiropractor: A licensed chiropractor with deep roots in women’s health Works with clients in our programs to interpret DUTCH test results and support hormone healing through lifestyle, nutrition, and functional care Helps clients understand the "why" behind their symptoms—whether it’s fatigue, cycle irregularities, PCOS, thyroid issues, or adrenal dysfunction Uses her clinical skills to bridge the gap between lab testing and real-life solutions What We Cover:  How We Started Together: From my early clinic days (where she saw me first fall in love with women’s health!) to where we are now Chiropractic & Hormones: Why the two can go hand-in-hand—especially when addressing stress, nervous system regulation, and inflammation Her Role in the Programs: Reviewing DUTCH hormone test results Helping women understand their unique hormone patterns Supporting women in implementing changes to improve their cycles, mood, sleep, and energy Bringing clarity and encouragement to women who often feel dismissed elsewhere Personal Life: Got married last year (yes, I was there!) Golfs with her husband weekly—solo if needed Lifelong Minnesotan who lives for lake time and hockey Dog mama to Riley, her 15-year-old pit bull What I appreciate most about Victoria—beyond her clinical knowledge—is how she meets women where they are. She brings a gentle, science-backed, and down-to-earth approach to everything she does. Women in our programs feel seen, heard, and empowered when she walks them through their test results or helps them troubleshoot symptoms. She’s been a huge part of evolving how we care for women—especially in how we approach hormones from a whole-body perspective, not just symptom work.  Let’s Work Together If you’re ready to feel like yourself again—Dr. Victoria and I are here to help. Join the waitlist for The Female Hormone Solution: https://drbethwestie.com/waitlist/ Book your hormone test: https://drbethwestie.com/dutch-hormone-testing/

I am so excited to introduce you to a powerhouse on our team—Dr. Jenny Gerken! In this episode, you’ll get to hear her heart, her story, and the passion that drives the incredible work she does with our DUTCH testing and gut health clients. From childhood dreams of healing "boo-boos" to chiropractic school, deep dives into nutrition, and a heartbreaking loss that shaped her mission—Dr. Jenny’s journey is one that so many of us can relate to. She’s not just an expert; she’s a deeply compassionate guide for the women she supports every single day. Whether you’re struggling with hormone imbalances, chronic stress, gut issues, or just feel like your body isn’t working for you anymore, this episode is a powerful reminder: you don’t have to feel stuck. What We Talk About Dr. Jenny’s lifelong calling to heal and how her mom’s passing shifted her professional purpose The life-changing power of chiropractic care, functional testing, and hormone insights Why Dutch testing is a game-changer for women with PMDD, cysts, fatigue, and more What Dr. Jenny loves about reading hundreds of hormone tests—and the incredible wins she’s seen How gut health connects to hormones, mental clarity, inflammation, and beyond One woman’s transformation after years of cyst bursts... and how just one month of targeted support changed everything Why “feeling bloated” might not feel like bloating—until your gut is healed How working with women through their six-month programs creates long-lasting, functional shifts Dr. Jenny is not only brilliant at interpreting lab results—she’s heart-centered, deeply intuitive, and fiercely committed to helping every woman live a life free from the limitations of hormone and gut imbalances. Her stories of transformation will inspire you. Her approach will give you hope. And her genuine warmth will remind you that you deserve to feel amazing in your body again. Let’s Work Together If you’re ready to feel like yourself again—or meet a version of you who’s been waiting to feel energized, pain-free, and powerful—Dr. Jenny and I are here to help. Join the waitlist for The Female Hormone Solution: https://drbethwestie.com/waitlist/ Book your hormone test: https://drbethwestie.com/dutch-hormone-testing/

In this episode, I get fired up (again!) about the massive gaps, systemic bias, and flat-out inaccuracies in the way women’s health is studied, treated, and talked about. From clinical research excluding women to medical myths that still persist today, we break down exactly why so many women feel unheard—and what you can do about it. I'm talking about everything from the historical exclusion of women in medicine to why “bikini medicine” is not an actual category, how stress impacts us differently, and why your sleep, energy, and metabolism might feel totally out of whack. In this episode:  Why most health advice was never actually tested on women The true origin of gender bias in modern medicine (hint: Flexner Report) Why common recommendations like daily aspirin may not help women The real reason “alternative” medicine is dismissed in the U.S. How heart attacks, pain, and disease symptoms show up differently in women Why women are still underrepresented in studies—even today Shocking truths about maternal mortality and autoimmune disease research How women process stress, emotions, and fatigue differently The biological reasons women need more sleep than men Why eating and exercising with your cycle isn’t “woo”—it’s science What you can start doing today to support your body better Resources & Mentions Books Referenced: Doing Harm by Maya Dusenbery Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez Studies Cited: Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (excluded women for 20 years) Physicians Health Study on aspirin (conducted on 22,000+ men) Women’s Health Initiative (launched 35 years after men’s hormone research) Ready to stop feeling dismissed and start feeling empowered? Join the waitlist to work with me and learn how to support your body with what it actually needs. Registration is opening this week so don't wait!! 

Ever wondered what the best way is to start your morning for optimal gut health? In this episode, I’m breaking down the exact routine I follow (and recommend to my clients) that supports digestion, boosts energy, helps with skin issues, and sets the tone for a smoother day overall. I’m also sharing the backstory—how I discovered my gut was behind my cystic acne, why your mouth health directly impacts your digestive system, and why skipping breakfast may be one of the worst things you can do for your hormones and metabolism. Whether you’re starting from scratch or ready to fine-tune your current routine, this episode gives you 3 simple steps to implement right away—and a deeper understanding of why they matter. Inside the episode:  Why your gut is at the center of everything (mood, skin, hormones, metabolism—you name it!) The real reason cystic acne and bloating may have nothing to do with your skincare or diet How our culture has brainwashed us into treating symptoms instead of the root The 3-step morning gut routine I swear by and recommend to every woman: Oil pulling or tongue scraping to reset your oral microbiome Morning lemon + ACV water to wake up your enzymes 30g of protein within 1 hour to fire up digestion and stabilize energy Why being “not hungry in the morning” is a red flag and not a flex How deep testing like GI mapping and Dutch hormone testing can uncover what routines alone can’t fix Learn more:  Dutch Testing: https://drbethwestie.com/dutch-hormone-testing/ GI Mapping: https://dr-beth-westie.mykajabi.com/offers/atCzhzkQ/checkout The Female Hormone Solution Program: My deep-dive coaching program that gets to the root of your hormone and gut health issues ➡️ Join the Waitlist Here

In this episode, I have the pleasure of interviewing Gina Conley.  Gina Conley is the founder of MamasteFit, a perinatal fitness trainer, birth doula, and mom of four. She bridges the gap between fitness and birthwork, offering both in-person training and online support to help parents stay strong, confident, and informed throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. As the author of Training for Two, Gina provides evidence-based strategies for movement, pelvic health, and birth preparation. Her unique approach combines fitness and birth support, empowering families with the knowledge and strength to navigate this transformative journey. Find Gina:  Instagram.com: @mamastefit  Youtube.com: @mamastefit

Cortisol often gets a bad rap, but it’s actually essential. Produced by the adrenal glands, cortisol helps wake you up, energize your mornings, and regulate your stress response throughout the day. It should peak mid-morning and slowly taper off by night. But stress, caffeine, poor sleep, and even late-night workouts can throw off this rhythm.  If you can’t get up in the morning or hit that afternoon slump, chances are your cortisol is off. Let’s talk about some ways to get it back on track:  You can’t out-supplement bad sleep. If you’re not in bed by 10 p.m., you’re missing your hormonal “golden hour”—a critical window when your body detoxifies, regenerates, and resets cortisol patterns for the next day. Poor sleep disrupts this process, making your system more sensitive and reactive. Sleep tips: Power down by 9:30 p.m. Avoid intense workouts after 7 p.m. Skip screens and opt for a relaxing bedtime routine. The food you eat—and when you eat it—impacts your cortisol response. One of the simplest ways to stabilize your system is by eating complete nutrients: protein, fat, and carbs in balanced amounts throughout the day. Most women are not eating enough protein! Shoot for 30+ grams of protein per meal.  Morning strategy: Eat a high protein meal within an hour of waking up—even if it’s small. Not hungry in the morning? That’s a sign your cortisol might be off. Throughout the day: Eat regularly (don’t skip meals). Include stress-friendly carbs (yes, carbs!) to support insulin balance. Focus on high protein foods  Avoid extreme diets that aren’t tailored to female physiology. Needing three cups of coffee just to function? Or winding down every night with a glass (or two) of wine? That’s a signal your nervous system is relying too much on external crutches. Instead, we want your body to naturally produce energy and relax without chemical prompts. The goal: Not to eliminate these completely, but to shift toward choice over dependence. Supplements can help—but only when the foundation is solid. That’s why I love my Adrenal Balance Tincture, packed with adaptogens that modulate your stress response. But remember: even the best herbs won’t help if you’re sleeping 4 hours a night and living on caffeine. Finally, don’t forget to play. Engaging in a hobby like painting or gardening activates your brain’s creative centers, which helps balance your mood and enhance resilience. Add the fun back into your day—your cortisol will thank you. 🎉 Join the Free 5-Day Adrenal Repair! We’re launching a Free 5-Day Adrenal Repair —designed specifically to improve your cortisol response. It’s not restrictive. And it’s packed with strategies to help you feel calmer, more energized, and less reactive to everyday stress.  ✅ Real food ✅ Morning & Evening routines  ✅ Daily guidance ✅ No judgment ✅ Big shifts in just 5 days 👉 SIGN UP HERE

In this episode, I have the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Melissa McCreery.  Dr. Melissa McCreery is a psychologist, emotional eating expert, author, host of the Too Much on Her Plate podcast, and the creator of Your Missing Peace, the program that supports smart, busy women in creating freedom from overeating and peace with food. She has helped thousands break cycles with overwhelm, overload, and overeating without feeling deprived, and without depending on ridiculous amounts of willpower. Participants in her signature program lose their cravings and their overeating habits. Dr. McCreery’s approach to helping working mothers, busy professionals, and stressed-out business owners emphasizes leveraging your unique strengths, ditching diet mentality, and using the power of psychology. Her perspective has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, CNN Health, Weight Watchers Magazine, Good Housekeeping, Working Mother, Fitness, Women’s Health, Real Simple, and Self. Find Dr. Melissa:  The free Hidden Hungers Quiz: https://toomuchonherplate.com/emotional-eating-quiz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TooMuchOnHerPlate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toomuchonherplate/

Let’s get real for a moment. Not “do you feel overwhelmed?” but how overwhelmed are you… right now? If your answer is “way more than I used to be,” you’re not alone. In fact, that’s the norm for so many women I speak to—feeling maxed out, overstimulated, and constantly on edge. And here’s the wild thing: most of us don’t even realize how deep into burnout we’ve gotten until our bodies shut down.  Think about it: every day you juggle thousands of decisions, from “What’s for dinner?” to managing family schedules, careers, social commitments, and digital overload. Our brains weren’t designed for this 24/7 flood of input. Yet, here we are—expected to handle it all with a smile.  Compare that to 60 years ago: a black-and-white TV, a single daily paper, and meal plans based on “meat of the day.” Simpler? Yes. Less overwhelming? Definitely. Fast forward to today: social media, constant notifications, and a culture of doing more with less time have pushed us past our biological limits. And the effects are showing up in our nervous systems, hormones, and health. What Overwhelm Actually Does to Your Body That lingering fog, the irritability, the weight that won’t budge? It’s not in your head. It’s in your hormones. Chronic stress triggers a cortisol rollercoaster that can derail your entire endocrine system. Over time, this shows up as: Fatigue and brain fog Irregular cycles and hormonal imbalances Poor sleep Skin and gut issues Immune dysfunction Weight gain and insulin resistance Mood swings or anxiety Here’s the truth: you can’t fix chronic overwhelm by pushing harder, working out more, or “trying to be positive.” You need the right tools for the job—and that starts with data. That’s why I love the DUTCH Hormone Test. It gives a detailed view of what’s actually happening in your system, so we can target your healing accurately. No more guessing. No more trying every supplement under the sun. In the Female Hormone Solution Program, we walk you step-by-step through this process: Test your hormones (Dutch Test) Interpret your body’s stress and hormone story Build a personalized, science-backed plan to heal with meal guides and coaching Get ongoing support from me and my expert team Most women wait until they’re absolutely fried before they reach out. I get it. We’re taught to just keep swimming. But if you haven’t had six months of calm, uneventful life in the last few years? It’s no wonder you feel stuck. Your body is not broken. It just needs time, support, and the right conditions to heal. That’s what we do. We match the right tools to your situation.  Get on the waitlist now for the next round of the Female Hormone Solution Program. We only work with a limited number of women so we can give you the hands-on attention and results you deserve. Click here to join the waitlist: https://drbethwestie.com/waitlist/  

Women often dismiss troubling health issues as just part of life, but the podcast reveals critical misconceptions. Mood swings might signal hormonal imbalances, while bone-deep fatigue could indicate serious thyroid problems. Unexplained weight gain is not just a life phase; it's a call for lifestyle adjustments. Listeners are urged to rethink societal norms and prioritize their health by recognizing these symptoms as potential signs of deeper issues that need attention.