The Female Health Solution Podcast

Being exhausted every day is not normal. Not the “I need a little nap” kind of tired. I’m talking about the kind of exhaustion where: You can’t do the grocery store + make dinner in the same day. Folding a load of laundry feels like climbing a mountain. You cancel plans (again) because you just can’t. And when you bring it up? You get told: “Maybe you’re just stressed.” “It's just getting older” "That's just part of being a woman.  No. You are not crazy for feeling this way. And you deserve answers. Your energy levels are the result of so many pieces working together behind the scenes. When even one gets thrown off, your whole system feels it. Here’s what I always recommend looking at when women tell me they’re this tired: Dutch Test — my favorite starting point. It gives a deep dive into your: Cortisol levels throughout the day (a huge player in energy) Estrogen, progesterone & androgens (hello stamina + muscle strength) B vitamin markers & nutrient levels Methylation process (how your body actually uses what you give it) Iron Levels — one of the most common deficiencies in women, especially if you’ve been told “your labs look fine” but you still feel awful. Thyroid Panel — because a “normal” result doesn’t mean optimal, and your thyroid is everything for your metabolism, mood, and energy. Sometimes even inflammatory markers or other custom labs depending on what your Dutch test reveals. Why a Dutch Test over everything else? Because it shows the full picture. Not just one hormone. Not just one level. It helps us see the why behind your exhaustion so we can fix it at the source. I can't tell you how many women I've worked with who were taking B vitamins or iron and still felt like garbage — because they weren’t addressing their cortisol patterns, methylation issues, or the fact they weren’t even absorbing their supplements properly. You don’t need more guesswork. You need strategy. This is exactly what we do in the 6 Month Female Hormone Solution.  ✨ Registration is open right now — but only to the waitlist. Learn more: https://drbethwestie.com/fhs-waitlist/

Have you ever found yourself thinking: “I’m not doing anything different… but all of a sudden I’m exhausted, gaining weight, snapping at everyone, and feeling like a shell of myself. What is going on?!” If this sounds like you — please know you’re not crazy, and you’re definitely not alone. I hear this story from women all the time. ➡️ You’re eating well. ➡️ You’re moving your body. ➡️ You’re getting to bed on time. ➡️ And yet — you wake up drained. Mood swinging like crazy. Feeling disconnected from yourself and your people. And when you ask for help? You’re told “it’s just your hormones” or “maybe it’s perimenopause” — often years before you thought that was even possible. Worse, you’re handed a birth control prescription, maybe an antidepressant, and sent on your way without real answers. But here’s what most providers are missing: It’s not just one thing. Your hormones don’t operate in a vacuum. Neither does your mood, energy, or metabolism. When your system gets depleted — from stress, life demands, shifts in hormone patterns, or nutrient deficiencies — it impacts EVERYTHING. Your energy. Your dopamine (the neurotransmitter that gives you motivation and joy). Your ability to handle stress. Even your relationships. We need to give your system what it needs to function properly.  That’s the part that gets missed. It’s not about doing more. It’s about supporting your body better. Your hormones, your stress response, your neurotransmitters — they’re all connected. And unless you know where your imbalances actually are, you’re left shooting in the dark. That’s why inside my Female Hormone Solution program, we don’t guess. We test. We individualize. And we map out a plan based on your body’s actual needs. Learn more: https://drbethwestie.com/fhs-waitlist/

As a physical therapist, Samantha spent years treating bodies in pain. But what she uncovered was that so many of her patients — high achievers, athletes, professionals — weren’t just dealing with physical symptoms. They were carrying deep emotional wounds: perfectionism, people-pleasing, addiction to productivity, and shame. And it wasn’t just in their heads. It was in their nervous systems. In her new book, Breaking the Circuit, she shares: ✨ Her personal journey through addiction recovery, grief, and self-forgiveness ✨ How trauma patterns live in the body and affect our health ✨ Why she reinvented the 12-step recovery model for modern women ✨ The life-changing practice of making amends… to yourself One thing Samantha said that stuck with me: “At one point, those coping mechanisms saved you. But if they’re running the show now, they’re keeping you stuck.” We dove deep into the intersection of trauma, nervous system rewiring, hormone health, and how so many women are unknowingly trapped by patterns they didn’t choose. Patterns that are stealing their joy, their health, and their sense of worth. If you’ve ever carried guilt, shame, or perfectionism on your back like a heavy bag of bricks — you’re not alone. And it is possible to heal. This conversation cracked something open for me, and I hope it does the same for you. Dr. Samantha Harte is a physical therapist, author, performing artist, podcast host, and sober mom of two. She has been featured on ABC7 and CBS and has been written up in People magazine, Time magazine, Best Life, and The New York Post for her expertise on the intersection of mind-body health and wellness. Her self-help memoir, Breaking The Circuit: How to Rewire Your Mind for Hope, Resilience and Joy in the Face of Trauma is a reinvention of the 12 steps of recovery so that anyone, addict or not, can turn heartbreak into hope. Find Dr. Samantha:  https://www.facebook.com/samantha.harte.5/ https://www.instagram.com/drsamanthaharte/ https://www.tiktok.com/@drsamanthaharte https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-truth-about-addiction/id1604438985  

Let’s clear something up right now — if you’ve been feeling off with your hormones… whether it’s bloating, mood swings, poor sleep, stubborn weight, low energy, or unpredictable cycles… there’s one simple thing you might be overlooking: PROTEIN. I know, you’ve probably heard that protein’s important. But do you really know why it matters for your hormones? Most women don’t — and it’s costing them. 👉 Here’s how protein impacts your hormones at every level: ✨ Hormone Production: Your body literally builds hormones out of amino acids (the building blocks of protein). If you’re not eating enough, you’re not giving your body the raw materials it needs to make estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, testosterone — all of it. ✨ Hormone Metabolism + Detox: Once your body makes hormones, it has to process and clear them out efficiently. Guess what fuels your liver and gut to do that job? Protein. Without enough, your system slows down, leftover hormones hang around too long, and you get symptoms like heavy periods, mood swings, and stubborn weight. ✨ Blood Sugar + Mood Regulation: Stable blood sugar is one of the best-kept secrets to balanced hormones — and one of the best ways to stabilize blood sugar? Protein pacing (eating balanced amounts of protein regularly throughout the day). It keeps your energy up and mood more even. ✨ Stress Recovery + Resilience: Women’s bodies respond differently to stress than men’s — we’re more likely to deplete our nutrient stores, especially during big life changes like having kids, starting new jobs, or hitting perimenopause. Protein is a key nutrient your body leans on to recover and rebuild from stress. Here’s what I see all the time: Women come into my program thinking they’re eating “healthy” — lots of veggies, salads, clean snacks — but when we look closer, they’re seriously lacking protein. And within weeks of upping their intake and learning how to protein pace properly, their energy, sleep, mood, and hormones improve. This is why the very first thing we focus on in the Female Hormone Solution Program is something called the Primer — and it’s all about getting your protein game dialed in. Because if you’ve spent years feeling behind on your health, stressed out, depleted, or like you “missed the boat” on taking care of yourself — you haven’t. You can start now. And protein is the simplest, most effective place to begin. ✨ The next 6-month round of the Female Hormone Solution Program is coming — and the waitlist is officially open! If you’re ready to finally get real answers, personalized hormone testing, nutrition strategies made for your body, and guidance to start feeling better again — click below to grab your spot on the list: 👉 Join the Waitlist Here: https://drbethwestie.com/fhs-waitlist/ Don’t wait. Start today by making sure your next meal has at least 30 grams of protein — and watch how different you feel.

Let’s talk about burnout — the kind that makes you feel mentally fried, physically drained, and like even getting through your to-do list is a monumental task. Here’s the thing nobody tells you: burnout isn’t just “being stressed out.” It’s a physiological hormonal crisis happening in your body. By the time most women hit burnout, it’s not just about being tired. It’s about your adrenals, cortisol, dopamine, testosterone, and progesterone all taking a nosedive — and your body sending up all the flares. 👉 Ever felt like you’re dragging yourself through the day? 👉 No motivation, no focus, maybe even brain fog? 👉 Working out but not seeing results? Libido MIA? 👉 Mood swings and crazy cycles out of nowhere? That’s not in your head. That’s your hormones in distress. What’s actually happening? When your system hits burnout: Cortisol tanks (the stress hormone that’s meant to help you handle pressure) Dopamine plummets (so no, you’re not lazy — you’re literally missing the brain chemical that gives you motivation) Testosterone drops (which slows muscle repair, messes with metabolism, and crushes libido) Progesterone falls off (leading to cycle problems, PMS, mood swings) And on top of that? You’re likely nutrient depleted too. (B vitamins, minerals, everything your body uses to run the show.) The problem is — most women just try to “push through.” More workouts. Less food. Another cup of coffee. Maybe a spa day for “self-care.” But a bubble bath won’t fix a hormone crash. This is exactly why I created the 6-Month Female Hormone Solution. We run actual hormone testing (the DUTCH test, far more comprehensive than a blood draw) to see what’s happening inside your body. Then we create a customized plan — for you — based on your unique results. We work on:  ✅ Adrenal and cortisol support ✅ Rebalancing your dopamine and motivation ✅ Boosting testosterone naturally ✅ Supporting progesterone production ✅ Nutrient repletion (especially B vitamins and minerals) ✅ Gut health repair (because yep — burnout impacts digestion too) This isn’t a quick-fix bandaid. Healing takes time. But when you work with your body instead of against it, the results last. And you won’t have to guess at what you should be doing. → Want in? Join the waitlist now: https://drbethwestie.com/fhs-waitlist/

How do you actually know if you’re dealing with a hormone issue? Is it something you just “deal with” because you’ve been told it’s normal, or is your body waving a big flag for help? I get this question all the time — and honestly, most of us aren’t sure what a “normal” cycle is supposed to look or feel like anymore. That’s why I’m here to break it down for you. Common Symptoms That Could Mean Your Hormones Are Out of Whack: Fatigue, anxiety, trouble sleeping Could be thyroid, cortisol, melatonin — or a combo. Acne, hair thinning on your scalp, increased facial or body hair Could be androgens (like testosterone) or even cortisol, thyroid, or gut issues. Vaginal dryness + low libido Often connected to androgens and cortisol. Heavy periods, clots, mood swings, breast tenderness, fibroids Hello, estrogen dominance (when estrogen’s too high compared to progesterone). Hot flashes, night sweats, cycle-related bloating Also hormone-related, even if you’re not menopausal. The tricky part? These symptoms often overlap — and it’s never just one thing. Your body is incredibly interconnected, and often when one hormone is off, others get pulled out of line too. That’s why band-aid fixes don’t work, and why so many women feel frustrated chasing symptoms without seeing real changes. So Where Do You Start? With a system that supports your hormones across the board. That’s exactly why I created the 14 Day Hormone Reset — a micro-program designed to give you a clear, supportive, and effective starting point. We’re covering everything from: How to build a hormone-supportive lifestyle What to eat (and when) to support your cycle Morning & nighttime routines that actually move the needle A live coaching call to get your questions answered Personalized voice-note support based on your symptoms And yes — it works. I’ve had women message me saying they didn’t even realize their period had arrived because their usual PMS mood swings, bloating, and cramps were gone. Your body is designed to regulate your hormones. It just needs the right support — and that’s what we’re going to do together. Join us here: https://dr-beth-westie.mykajabi.com/14-day-hormone-reset

Let me guess: you’re sipping your third coffee of the day wondering why you're still exhausted... You wake up tired. You crash by 3 PM. Your evenings are a blur of wanting to be present with your people... but all you can manage is couch mode. If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “Why am I so dang tired all the time?” You’re not alone — and there’s actually a really good reason your energy feels like a rollercoaster. Here’s what most women don’t know: your energy isn’t just about sleep (though that helps), or how much caffeine you can sneak in before noon. It’s about hormones and nutrients — and how they shift throughout your cycle. Your body is on a biological rhythm, not a 24/7 productivity sprint. But most of us are taught to power through, hustle harder, and then wonder why we’re crashing and burning. Studies have shown that energy drink sales have skyrocketed over the past decade. Why? Because we’re all trying to patch over a real problem with a short-term fix. And spoiler alert: the solution isn’t found in a can of Red Bull. One of the biggest culprits? Nutrient deficiencies. Especially in B vitamins, iron, and other energy-supporting nutrients your body needs to function, detox, and heal. Women especially tend to struggle with methylation (a fancy word for how your body activates certain vitamins). So you might be taking a supplement... but if your body can’t use it, it’s not doing much. And then there’s cortisol — your stress hormone. When it’s out of whack, it’s like trying to drive with your foot on the gas and the brake at the same time. You’re constantly on edge and totally drained. Here’s the good news though — this can be fixed. With food. With targeted nutrients. With simple shifts that actually work with your body instead of fighting it. If your energy is low, your brain feels foggy, and you’re tired of living life at 60% — it’s time for a reset. That’s why I’m so excited to invite you into the 14-Day Female Hormone Reset  This is not another detox or fad plan. This is real, science-backed, female-focused nutrition and hormone support that meets you where you are — whether you’re deep in burnout or just need a better system for your body. What you’ll get:  ✔️ Daily guidance (nothing overwhelming!) ✔️ Protein pacing strategies to balance blood sugar & energy ✔️ The exact supplements to support your body’s needs ✔️ Tips to manage cortisol and improve sleep ✔️ A grocery list, recipes, and a flexible meal guide ✔️ Custom support from me + a community of women walking this journey with you One of my favorite stories? A woman who could barely sit up after work — she’d lie on the couch while her kids played nearby. Within three days of starting, she was on the floor playing with them. Not just existing... but living. That’s what we want for you. Not just survival — vibrant energy.  This 14-day reset is your invitation to stop guessing, stop Googling, and start feeling better fast. 🔗 Click here to join the 14-Day Female Hormone Reset: https://dr-beth-westie.mykajabi.com/14-day-hormone-reset  

Have you ever had a moment where you completely overreacted — and then instantly thought, “Whoa… where did that come from?” Like, maybe you were already a little annoyed. You asked someone to do the dishes. They didn’t. You decided to do them yourself because you need a clean kitchen before you cook dinner. And then your husband walks in, casually puts another dirty dish in the sink… …and you lose it. Later, you think: That wasn’t even that big of a deal. Why did I snap like that? These emotional swings — from zero to sixty in seconds — can feel frustrating, embarrassing, and honestly… kind of scary. Like you’re not in control of your own reactions. But here’s the truth:  It’s not just about willpower or being "too emotional." Mood swings are often a sign your body is asking for help. So what causes mood swings, really? Mood shifts can be triggered by: Hormonal fluctuations (especially around your cycle) Nutrient deficiencies Poor sleep Gut imbalances affecting neurotransmitter production Chronic stress or burnout So yes, your cycle and hormones absolutely play a role. But so does the food you eat, how you move, how you sleep, and how well your system is supported overall. If this hits home… you’re not alone. So many women tell me: “I feel bad all the time.” “I’m losing friendships.” “My marriage is on the rocks and I’m not sure if it’s him or me… or both.” “I don’t even like being around myself anymore.” And over and over again, I see this: Once we support their hormones, mood, gut, and nutrients — everything changes. Their relationships shift. Their marriage improves. Their anxiety softens. They feel like themselves again. That’s exactly why I created the 14-Day Hormone Reset. If you’re tired of feeling out of control, this is your next best step. It’s a short and powerful mini course where you’ll get:  ✅ Daily action steps ✅ A hormone-balancing nutrition plan ✅ Morning + evening routines ✅ A customized protocol based on your assessment ✅ Tools to support your mood, energy, and resilience ✅ Support from me directly — this time, I’m adding in custom recommendations and help where you need it most This isn’t like any other mini course I’ve run. It’s more personal, more transformative, and it’s been completely revamped based on feedback from women like you. You deserve to feel like you again. You deserve to stop snapping and start feeling steady. You deserve to enjoy your relationships and your life without the overwhelm. ✨ Join the 14-Day Hormone Reset now → https://dr-beth-westie.mykajabi.com/14-day-hormone-reset  

Let me guess—you’re overwhelmed. Not because you’re doing nothing, but because you’ve tried everything. You’ve Googled your symptoms, taken the supplements, bought the fancy greens powder, maybe even downloaded a few meal plans. And still… you feel off. Low energy, mood swings, digestive drama, sleep struggles... you’re wondering, “Where do I even start?” You’re not alone—and more importantly, you’re not wrong. Trying to fix your hormones without a clear plan is like wandering through Target without a list. It feels productive, but your cart ends up full of randomness, and nothing really solves the problem. Here's your fresh start: The 14-Day Hormone Reset is not just another "cleanse," restrictive diet, or bootcamp. It’s a mini-course designed with your unique body in mind. Whether you're cycling, perimenopausal, or postmenopausal, this program meets you exactly where you are. It’s simple. It’s powerful. It’s different. What You’ll Get: ✅ Customized Recommendations: Based on an assessment you fill out when you sign up—this isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s for you. ✅ Eat for Your Cycle: No more guessing. Warming and cooling foods, what to eat when, and yes—there’s room for tacos (and creamer in your coffee!). ✅ Morning & Evening Routines: Practical habits that work with your hormones and metabolism. ✅ Meal Planning & Guides: Easy, family-friendly, no “rabbit food” required. ✅ Gentle Movement Guidance: Think: realistic, sustainable—not exhausting. ✅ Support for Mood, Energy, & Sleep: Because your hormones don’t just impact your period. They affect everything. This is for the woman who is: Tired of doing all the things and getting nowhere Ready for clear steps and real results Curious about cycle syncing, but overwhelmed with where to start Desperate for energy, less bloat, better sleep, and more stability Done with being told to “just cut sugar” or drink black coffee forever Real talk? You can try to overhaul your whole life again—or you can try 14 days of a gentle, guided, totally doable hormone reset that’s based around the female cycle.  This mini-course is only available for a limited time, so sign up now!  🌀 Click here to sign up now and get started right away with your personalized assessment: Join the 14 day reset    

In this episode, I have the pleasure of interviewing Molly Zemek. Molly is a professionally-trained chef, certified sommelier, and author of the new book "Decoding Your Emotional Appetite: A Food-Lover's Guide to Weight Loss." She hosts the internationally-ranked podcast "Weight Loss for Food Lovers" where she empowers food and wine lovers to feel and look their best without sacrificing the things they love. In her private coaching practice she empowers people to create mindful eating and drinking habits so they can achieve their goals inside and out. Find Molly:  https://www.instagram.com/mollyzemek/ https://www.facebook.com/mollyzemekcoaching