The Female Health Solution Podcast

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.

Here’s the truth most people don’t want to hear: the secret to balanced hormones isn’t in a miracle pill or trendy hack. It’s in the boring basics. As a women’s health and hormone expert, I want to make sure you’re doing these three simple things consistently. Prioritize Protein & Real Food If you’re skipping meals, cutting carbs, or living off coffee and snacks, your hormones are running on empty. Your body needs steady fuel to support hormonal and metabolic functions. Aim for protein with every meal Avoid processed and sugary foods Eat consistently throughout the day I don’t overthink it—sometimes I prep meals myself, and sometimes I grab healthy options from a local meal service. And I always have a backup in the fridge or freezer, because life happens. My kids have definitely eaten the lunch I was planning to save more times than I can count.  Get Serious About Sleep Sleep is a hormonal reset button. If you are up late scrolling or surrounded by bright lights, your body struggles to regulate essential hormones like cortisol and melatonin. Wind down with dim lighting Read a real book (not a screen) Only use sleep support after you’ve established a good routine Move (But Keep It Gentle) Forget “go hard or go home.” Your nervous system doesn’t always want a 90-minute bootcamp. When I’m feeling fatigued or overwhelmed, I focus on: A 10–15 minute walk Stretching or restorative yoga Listening to my body and resting when I need it Movement isn’t punishment—it’s a privilege.  The final layer to these basics:  Seed Cycling A natural way to align with your cycle using food. → Download My Free Seed Cycling Guide Targeted Tinctures Like Estro Balance, Progesterone Balance, Adrenal Balance, and Sleep Support. These plant-based tools work best when I’m already doing the foundational work. If you’ve been trying to make healthier changes, start here. Lay the foundation. Grab my Free Seed Cycling Guide and take the next step. Click here to grab your free guide now  

One of my top questions: What’s YOUR routine like?” So today, I’m walking you through what I actually take on a regular basis — the supplements that give me energy and balance, even in the middle of the chaos.  A quick note: Yes, I use a lot of supplements. But no, I don’t take everything every day. I listen to my body and respond based on where I’m at in my cycle, what’s going on in my life, and what my most recent labs and genetic testing show.  Cycle-Synced Support Let’s start with my favorite: my hormone-support tinctures. I’m a nerd about this stuff because it works. EstroBalance & Progesterone Balance: I take these in sync with my 28-day cycle (which stays regular 80% of the time thanks to these). EstroBalance during days 1–14, and Progesterone Balance during days 15–28. https://nutritionforyourhormones.com/products/estrobalance-progesterobalance-bundle Adrenal Balance: I take this one consistently, adjusting the dose during my luteal phase (days 15–28) if I’m under more stress. https://nutritionforyourhormones.com/products/adrenalbalance Sleep Support: Not a daily thing, but when insomnia flares — especially during week 4 of my cycle — this tincture is a lifesaver. I’ve struggled with insomnia since childhood, and this is the one thing that consistently helps.  https://nutritionforyourhormones.com/products/sleep-support These four tinctures are my non-negotiables. Not all at once, but always on hand — ready when I need them. Trying to chase symptoms while you’re already tanking is like running on fumes — and it doesn’t work. Precision-Based Supplementing (Thanks, Genetics) My routine is tailored around my DUTCH hormone test results and my genetic test — and wow, have they been game-changers. Here's how: Vitamin D (10,000 IU): Despite supplementation, I tested very low. My genetics show I don’t absorb D well, so I’ve upped the ante with high-dose D — paired with Vitamin A to help with absorption. I’ll retest in 6 months. https://113022.nutridyn.com/a-d-natural-capsules Immune Support & Immune Resilience: These two do different things, and I need both. One gives me mushrooms + D + zinc for general immune health; the other helps my histamine response (thanks to quercetin, ginseng, and elderberry). Since going through mold illness, these keep me out of flare-ups and able to function. Without them? I crash. Hard. https://113022.nutridyn.com/immune-resilience-r278 https://113022.nutridyn.com/immune-support Cellular Energy: This one’s new, and it’s been a total game-changer. With CoQ10, NAC, magnesium, and more — it’s the blend I didn’t know I needed to help with inflammation and recovery. https://113022.nutridyn.com/cellular-energy NeuroBalance: After my last DUTCH test showed bottomed-out dopamine, I added this to help lift me back up. It took two full bottles to notice a difference, but what a difference. https://113022.nutridyn.com/crave-curb Occasional, But Vital I also rotate in: Detox Support: A month on, a few months off, to help with methylation and inflammation. https://nutritionforyourhormones.com/products/detox-support Charcoal: For stomach issues or if I get a histamine flare-up. https://www.amazon.com/Organic-Activated-Charcoal-Capsules-detoxification/dp/B078T354SC?crid=I3U3E0T709Q1&keywords=charcoal&qid=1678308212&sprefix=charcoal,aps,154&sr=8-6&linkCode=sl1&tag=drbethwesti07-20&linkId=debf3dbe61a874c3fbb17e0a26310ebb&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl All of this is done with intention. Not for the sake of “taking more stuff,” but to build a foundation that supports my energy, immune health, hormonal balance, and long-term wellness. My hormone-balancing tinctures are the foundation. They’re simple, effective, and adaptable. They’re what I use, and what I recommend to every woman who wants to get ahead of the hormone rollercoaster instead of reacting to it. Curious about trying them for yourself? You’ll find everything you need here. These aren’t just tinctures — they’re tools for transformation. Whether you’re struggling with irregular cycles, stress, sleep, or perimenopausal shifts, they meet you where you’re at and help guide your body back into rhythm.  

If you’ve ever wondered, “Is this perimenopause—or something else?”, you’re not alone. For many women, the symptoms can be confusing and frustrating. But here's the truth: perimenopause is a normal, natural phase—and it doesn’t have to feel like the end of the world. Let’s clear the air. Common signs of perimenopause include irregular or skipping periods, hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, anxiety, trouble sleeping, brain fog, joint pain, weight changes, low libido, and more. And stress can make any of these 10x worse!  That’s where cortisol comes in. Stress is a major driver behind many of the “classic” perimenopause symptoms. If your cortisol is off, your estrogen and progesterone will feel it too. Perimenopause is like reverse puberty. It’s not a malfunction. It’s your body transitioning. And how you move through it depends on things like stress, sleep, movement, gut health, your environment—even your past habits and genetics. So, what can you do? Start with the basics: get good sleep, manage stress, hydrate, get outside in the morning light, eat protein regularly, and move your body. These things work. And if you need support along the way, herbal tinctures can make a huge difference. My go-to formulas: Adrenal Balance for stress and mood: https://nutritionforyourhormones.com/products/adrenalbalance Sleep Tincture for deep, non-groggy sleep: https://nutritionforyourhormones.com/products/sleep-support Estro Balance and Progesterone Balance for cycle support: https://nutritionforyourhormones.com/products/estrobalance-progesterobalance-bundle You don’t have to be 100% perfect to feel better—70–80% consistency is enough to start seeing real change. I’ve had women feel like themselves again by making small adjustments and using the right tools.  Curious about which tincture is right for you? Learn more: https://nutritionforyourhormones.com  

You’re not just tired — you’re exhausted. You love your life, your family, your work, but lately, you can’t keep up. You lie down to rest but don’t bounce back. You sleep, but never feel restored. You’ve tried yoga, meditation, more coffee, less coffee… and yet, nothing really works. Let’s talk about adrenal dysfunction — more specifically, low cortisol and how it mimics, and masks so many of your symptoms. If you have low cortisol, your body isn’t just tired — it’s depleted. You may: Need rest to even function — but rest doesn’t revive you Feel emotionally flat or unmotivated Lose interest in intimacy (even with a loving partner) Struggle with dizziness, especially after standing Feel overwhelmed by even simple tasks So what’s the solution? You need real clarity. That’s where the DUTCH Test comes in — my favorite functional hormone test that gives a full picture of your adrenal health (not just a snapshot). Unlike a blood or saliva test that tells you what’s happening right now, the Dutch Test shows how your body is actually using cortisol over time. Think: zoomed-out, root-cause clarity. It's not about slapping on more stress management hacks or trying harder. Healing is about having the right map to follow.  If you’re tired of guessing, tired of being told “everything looks normal,” tired of feeling like you’ve tried everything… please stop waiting. Let’s get your answers. 👉 Learn more about DUTCH testing: https://drbethwestie.com/dutch-hormone-testing/