The Female Health Solution Podcast

Ever feel like stress is just... part of life? Like no matter how much deep breathing you do, your to-do list laughs in your face? Here’s the deal: You don’t just need less stress—you need a bigger bucket to hold it. I just had a game-changing conversation with Dr. Jenny (one of our fantastic docs on the team!) about increasing your capacity for stress. Because let’s be real: some stressors aren’t going anywhere. The job you can’t leave yet. The special needs child you love fiercely. The ongoing life changes. The answer isn’t just “reduce stress.” It’s learning how to handle it better. Imagine your stress capacity as a glass of water. If it’s already full to the brim, one more drop sends it overflowing. But what if you could make the glass bigger? That’s the goal. Here’s how you start expanding your stress bucket: ✅ Know your cortisol levels. High and low cortisol can feel the same—exhaustion, brain fog, and overwhelm. Testing (like the DUTCH test) helps you treat the actual issue, not just guess. ✅ Support your adrenals. Your body is working hard. Give it what it needs—nutrients, sleep, and the right adaptogens (because the wrong ones can make things worse!). ✅ Make it a lifestyle. This isn’t a quick fix. Women who truly feel better see changes over 3-6 months, sometimes even a year. But the results? Worth it. Here’s what I love: When you understand your body, you stop fighting it. You learn to work with it, build resilience, and feel more you again. Sometimes, the way forward isn’t something you figure out on your own. Whether it’s working with a practitioner, trying acupuncture, seeing a chiropractor, or just reaching out to a friend who gets it—getting support isn’t a weakness, it’s wisdom. You don’t have to do this alone. Here’s what’s amazing: when you start taking care of yourself, the world around you shifts, too. You feel more like yourself again. You have more patience. More energy. More capacity to show up for the people you love. It’s not just about stress—it’s about reclaiming your vibrancy. If you are ready to increase your capacity for stress and FEEL better, get started with a hormone test here: https://drbethwestie.com/dutch-hormone-testing/  

Ever find yourself irrationally irritated by the way your partner breathes? Like, truly—why does he have to inhale like that? Or maybe one minute, you're feeling all the love, and the next, you’re convinced your relationship is doomed. If so, before you start drafting a breakup text or Googling divorce lawyers, I need you to hear this: it might not be your relationship. It might be your hormones. The Hormone-Relationship Connection I hear these stories all the time—women who suddenly can’t stand their partner’s quirks (you know, the ones that were once “cute”). They feel distant, resentful, exhausted, or just off. They think it's perimenopause, or stress, or maybe just a sign their relationship is failing. But here’s what happens when we dig deeper: 👉 Adrenal fatigue. Chronic stress burns you out, leading to exhaustion, mood swings, and a total lack of patience. (Suddenly, everything your partner does is annoying.) 👉 Hormonal imbalances. When estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone are out of whack, so is your mood. Anxiety, irritability, and low libido? Yep, all connected. 👉 Gut health issues. 95% of your serotonin is made in your gut. If your digestion is struggling, so is your happiness. And if you’re not happy, guess who feels it? Your partner. The Power of Testing One woman I worked with was convinced she was going into perimenopause. Her cycles were irregular, she was exhausted, and she had ZERO tolerance for her husband. Turns out, it wasn’t perimenopause at all—her adrenal health was completely shot. We targeted that, and within a few months, she felt like herself again. Her mood stabilized, her energy returned, and—bonus—her marriage improved. And this is exactly why guessing isn’t the answer. You deserve real answers. You deserve to know what’s actually happening in your body so you can make decisions from a place of clarity, not frustration. The Big Question: Will Balancing Your Hormones Save Your Relationship? Maybe. Maybe not. Some women go through this process, feel amazing, and realize their relationship was never the problem. Others? They gain the clarity and energy to finally admit what they’ve known all along: they’re ready to walk away. Either way, the answer starts with YOU. If you feel like you’re losing yourself—if you’re constantly questioning your emotions, your reactions, or even your entire relationship—it’s time to check in with your body. Don’t make life-altering decisions from a place of exhaustion and imbalance. Let’s get you back to feeling like YOU first. Learn more about the 1 to 1 program here: https://drbethwestie.com/jumpstart-program/

You’ve tracked your cycle. You’ve cleaned up your diet. You’ve done the DUTCH test. You’ve optimized your hormones. And yet… still waiting on that positive pregnancy test? Let’s talk about the OTHER 50% of the equation: HIM. I know, I know—male fertility doesn’t get the same attention. But the reality? Men’s bodies respond to change faster than women’s, and the right shifts can have a massive impact on sperm health. The best part? It’s usually not about adding more—it’s about taking the right things away. So, where do we start? Here are the BIGGEST hidden culprits behind low male fertility: 1️⃣ Endocrine Disruptors That car air freshener? The heavily scented body spray? Those sneaky chemicals are tanking testosterone and sperm quality. One of my clients had her husband ditch the artificial fragrances, and just weeks later, she noticed a big difference (yes, in that way). 2️⃣ Toxic Food & Drinks Gas station snacks and energy drinks? They’re loaded with chemicals that mess with hormones. A switch to cleaner options (plus more protein—think caveman-style eating!) can make a night-and-day difference. 3️⃣ Environmental Exposures If your partner works around chemicals, oils, or industrial materials, his skin is absorbing toxins daily. Protective gear is a must. One client’s husband worked in a mechanic shop, changed a few key habits, and within weeks, their fertility outlook totally shifted. 4️⃣ The Gut-Hormone Connection A messed-up gut means messed-up hormones. I’ve seen parasites, Candida, H. pylori—things men brush off as “normal” bloating or stomach issues. If his gut isn’t right, his hormones won’t be either. 🚨 The Next Step? Test, Don’t Guess. 🚨 If you’ve made these changes and still feel like something’s off, it’s time to get serious. The truth is, regular fertility check-ups often miss key hormone imbalances. That’s where DUTCH testing + Gut testing comes in. They give us the full picture—no more guessing, no more wasted time. ✨ Let’s get you clarity and a plan. I work 1:1 with couples to dive deep into fertility, testing, and strategy so you can move forward with confidence. Click below to apply to work with me and let’s optimize both sides of the equation. Learn more about the 1 to 1 program here: https://drbethwestie.com/jumpstart-program/

Brie came to me after spending over a year trying to get pregnant with no success. She was frustrated, exhausted, and wondering what the heck was wrong with her body. After all, she had no trouble getting pregnant the first time—so why was it so hard now? She had an active lifestyle, a job she loved, a wonderful husband, and a strong desire to grow her family. But her cycles were all over the place, her energy was low, and she couldn’t shake the feeling that something just wasn’t right. And yet, when she went to her OB? No tests. No real answers. Just the classic “keep trying” and “maybe you’re too stressed” advice. (Insert eye roll.) So we took a deep dive into her health. We ran a DUTCH test to get a clear picture of her hormones, mapped her ovulation, and did a GI test that revealed Candida overgrowth (hello, bloating and gut issues!). We also looked at her genetics and found methylation issues that were likely messing with her hormone balance. Over the next six months, we tackled each issue one by one. Her cycle regulated, her painful cramps and clotting eased, her energy skyrocketed, and she even naturally lost 12 pounds without focusing on weight loss at all. And then… she got pregnant. Naturally. No more second-guessing. No more wondering what was wrong. Just a body that was finally working for her instead of against her. Here’s the thing: If you’re struggling with your hormones, your fertility, or even just feeling like yourself again, you don’t have to do it alone. There’s a reason you haven’t found the answers on Google or a 10 minute well visit with your primary care.  This is exactly why I offer 1:1 coaching—to help women like you get real answers and real results. If you’re ready to stop guessing and start feeling incredible in your body again, this is for you.  This is my MOST in-depth program, with over $2,000 of testing included and the most hands-on coaching. I will be with you every step of the way.  This is NOT for you if you are just looking for the basics or wanting to scratch the surface - this is a DEEP DIVE and will overhaul your health.  Click here to apply for 1:1 coaching and see if it’s a good fit: https://drbethwestie.com/jumpstart-program/  

If you’ve ever sat in a doctor’s office, explaining your symptoms for the hundredth time, only to hear, “Your labs are normal,” while you still feel like garbage… this is for you. You’re not crazy. You’re not making it up. And no, it’s not all in your head. The truth? Most conventional tests barely scratch the surface. Maybe you asked for thyroid testing and only got TSH checked (spoiler: that’s not enough). Maybe you’ve tried the diets, the workouts, the supplements, and still—you feel exhausted, moody, and bloated for no clear reason. You don’t need another generic “eat clean and sleep more” recommendation. You need answers. That’s where deeper testing comes in—like the DUTCH test, GI mapping, or food sensitivity panels. These tests show what’s really going on under the hood, so you’re not just guessing anymore. Here’s what I want you to hear loud and clear: You are not failing. You just haven’t found the right key for your body yet. The “magic” isn’t in doing more—it’s in doing the right things based on what your body actually needs. That’s why personalized support matters. It’s not about following another wellness trend; it’s about getting real answers so you can finally feel like yourself again. If this resonates, and you’re tired of spinning your wheels, I invite you to take the next step. Let’s get you the answers (and the support) you actually need. Click here to learn more: https://drbethwestie.com/jumpstart-program/ Because six months from now, I want you looking back, not wondering why you waited so long. You deserve to feel good. Let’s make that happen.  

One of the biggest myths about stopping birth control is that everything will just snap back to normal in a couple of weeks. But the truth? That’s not always the case. Your body has been coasting along with external hormones, and now it’s trying to remember how to do its thing solo. It’s like waking up from a long nap—you might feel groggy before you feel refreshed. How Long Does It Take to Adjust? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer because:  ✔️ The type of birth control you were on matters (pill, IUD, implant—oh my!) ✔️ How long you’ve been on it plays a role ✔️ Your genetics, detox pathways, and gut health all factor in ✔️ Your body’s natural ability to regulate hormones varies Some women get their cycles back right away, while others wait months. Frustrating? Yes. But understanding your body’s unique rhythm is key. Supporting Your Body Through the Transition If you want to set yourself up for success, here are a few ways to give your body the love it needs: 🔹 Protein, Protein, Protein – Your body needs amino acids to make hormones. Focus on high-quality sources like grass-fed meats, eggs, and legumes. 🔹 Gut Health is Queen – Since your liver and gut help process hormones, keeping them happy is a must. Probiotics, fiber-rich foods, and proper hydration go a long way. 🔹 Seed Cycling – A simple but powerful way to support hormone balance. Try: Days 1-14: 1 tbsp each of flax and pumpkin seeds Days 15-28: 1 tbsp each of sesame and sunflower seeds 🔹 Liver Support – Your liver is working overtime to process hormones. Milk thistle, dandelion root tea, and even a daily sauna session can help detoxify. 🔹 Tinctures & Supplements – Certain herbal blends can support your hormones as they wake up from their birth control slumber. If you’re unsure where to start, working with a practitioner to personalize your approach can be a game changer. 🔹 Test, Don’t Guess – A DUTCH hormone test can help pinpoint exactly where your hormones are at and what they need to get back into balance. Join the 12 Week Female Hormone Solution:  Regular: https://drbethwestie.com/12-week-female-hormone-solution/ Menopause: https://drbethwestie.com/12-week-menopause-solution/ Unsure? Link for a free call: https://calendly.com/dr-beth-westie/program-discovery-call  

Why do periods sometimes feel like someone is stabbing you with a hot poker? (Not dramatic at all, right?) You’re doubled over, your lower back is in knots, you feel nauseous, you’ve got a headache brewing—it’s like your body throws a full-on tantrum once a month. So, why is this happening? And more importantly, how do we make it stop? First, know this: pain = inflammation. When your period starts, your hormone levels drop suddenly. This is supposed to happen, but if your body isn’t flushing out excess estrogen properly (ahem, hello estrogen dominance), it can cause major inflammation. And guess what? Your period is also a detox process. So if your liver and gut (the MVPs of detoxing) aren’t working efficiently, your system gets backed up—kind of like a clogged drain. And what happens when a drain gets clogged? Everything overflows and makes a mess. That’s your period pain. Oh, and here’s a fun fact: Your uterus doubles in size before your period. Yep, you read that right. It’s pushing up against your bladder, intestines, and all that soft tissue. If there’s any scar tissue or fibroids in the mix, that pressure gets even worse. No wonder it feels like your whole lower half is waging war against you! So, what can you do? You don’t have to suffer through this every month! Here’s where we start: ✨ Reduce inflammation every day – This isn’t just a period-week problem. Cutting back on alcohol, processed foods, and endocrine disruptors (aka hormone messers) helps lower inflammation all month long. 🔥 Support your detox pathways – Your liver and gut need some love. Start with nutrient-dense foods, hydration, and a DUTCH hormone test to see exactly where you need support. 💡 Use targeted relief tools – Heating pads, red light therapy, dry brushing, and lymphatic drainage are game-changers for pain relief and inflammation control. 🌿 Cycle support – Seed cycling, hormone-balancing tinctures, and proper mineral intake can make a HUGE difference in regulating your hormones naturally. And listen, I know this can feel overwhelming. Like, where do you even start?! That’s exactly why I created my 12 Week Hormone Solution program—to guide you through these changes step by step so you’re not stuck Googling “how to survive my period” every month. If your periods are getting worse, now is the time to take action. Registration is open for a limited time and I won't be offering this again until October. Click here to join us:  Regular: https://drbethwestie.com/12-week-female-hormone-solution/ Menopause: https://drbethwestie.com/12-week-menopause-solution/ Unsure? Link for a free call: https://calendly.com/dr-beth-westie/program-discovery-call

Have you ever woken up feeling puffy, achy, or just off—like your body is holding onto something it shouldn’t? Maybe your rings feel tight, your belly balloons after lunch, or your brain feels foggy no matter how much coffee you drink? (Been there, done that, got the headache.) What if I told you that inflammation might be behind it all—and that it could be messing with your hormones in ways you never even realized? Here’s how it works: When your body is inflamed, it sets off an alarm system. Cortisol, your stress hormone, jumps in to help—but if it stays elevated too long, it can throw off estrogen, progesterone, and even your ability to ovulate consistently. Inflammation can also slow down how your body processes hormones, leading to excess estrogen (hello, bloating and mood swings!) and making it harder for you to clear out toxins. It’s a vicious cycle, and trust me, you are not imagining it. But here’s the good news: You don’t have to stay stuck in the inflammation-hormone rollercoaster. Here’s where to start: 1️⃣ Check in with your body. Do you feel inflamed? Are you noticing swelling, sluggishness, headaches, or bloating? Your body is talking to you. Listen. 2️⃣ Look at your stress. Inflammation and stress are BFFs (the toxic kind). Identify what’s weighing you down—physical, emotional, or even environmental stress (yep, those perfume-heavy office spaces count!). 3️⃣ Nourish, don’t inflame. Swap out processed, inflammatory foods for whole, anti-inflammatory goodness—think turmeric, leafy greens, wild-caught fish, and lots of water. 4️⃣ Move in a way that heals, not harms. If you’re over-exercising and not recovering well, you could be adding fuel to the inflammation fire. Balance is key! 5️⃣ Test, don’t guess. Want to get to the root cause? Tests like the DUTCH hormone panel and GI mapping can help you pinpoint exactly what’s going on inside. You don’t have to do this alone. If you’re nodding along and thinking, this is me, then it’s time to take action. Let’s create a plan that works for your body. Click here to get on the waitlist (registration is open but ONLY to the waitlist!!) for my hormone solution program where we’ll tackle inflammation, balance your hormones, and get you feeling like yourself again. Because you deserve to feel amazing. Learn more: https://drbethwestie.com/waitlist/  

Let’s talk about something that actually matters for your health: muscle. Not just looking "toned" (because, let's be honest, that word is overused and under-explained), but truly building lean muscle—the kind that makes you feel strong, energized, and unstoppable. If you take one thing away from this, let it be this: protein is non-negotiable. I don’t care how much you’re lifting—if you’re not getting enough protein, your body can’t build muscle. Period. Most women think they’re eating enough protein, but in reality? They’re getting half of what they need. Imagine thinking you're filling up your gas tank, but you're actually running on fumes. That’s what happens when you skimp on protein. Here’s what to do: Aim for at least 120-140g of protein daily (more if you’re in menopause!). Space it out throughout the day—think protein pacing, not just one big shake at the end of the night. Lean into easy sources: eggs, chicken, fish, Greek yogurt, protein shakes, and bars. Muscle doesn’t magically appear from cardio or tiny pink dumbbells. You need resistance training—something that challenges your muscles so they can rebuild stronger. If you’re new to lifting, start small: Push-ups on the kitchen counter → then on your knees → then full push-ups. Bodyweight squats → then add weights → then increase reps. Dumbbell work—presses, rows, lunges—all amazing for muscle growth. Women can gain about 0.5 to 1 pound of muscle per month with consistency. It takes time, but it’s 100% worth it. Hormones play a huge role in muscle growth, and your cycle impacts when you build muscle best. Follicular phase (post-period to ovulation): Your body is primed for building muscle. Push harder, lift heavier, challenge yourself. Luteal phase (post-ovulation to period): Recovery takes longer. Focus on maintaining muscle and prioritizing rest. Menopause? Your body needs more protein and heavier weights to achieve the same muscle growth as before. If you’re doing everything “right” but still struggling to build muscle, check these culprits: Not eating enough → Muscle growth needs fuel, not restriction. Chronic stress → High cortisol can literally break down your muscle. Poor sleep → Recovery happens when you rest, not when you push harder. So, What Now? No more second-guessing. No more wasting time on workouts that don’t work for you. You have the shortcut—protein, strength training, and syncing with your body. Want a step-by-step blueprint customized for you? I’ve got you covered. Click here to get on the waitlist for my next program where we take all of this and make it work for you: https://drbethwestie.com/waitlist/ Because strong is the new strong—and you, my friend, are just getting started. 💪  

Raise your hand if you hit snooze three times this morning.  Yep, I see you. If rolling out of bed feels like dragging a boulder uphill and you don’t feel human until that first sip of coffee, you’re not alone. Trust me, I hear this all the time from women just like you—smart, driven, and doing all the right things, yet still waking up exhausted. So what gives? Let’s get one thing straight: it’s not just about getting more sleep. If it were that easy, you wouldn’t be reading this. The reality? There’s a whole cocktail of reasons why you might be waking up feeling like you got run over by a truck, and we’re about to dig into them. The biggest culprit? Low cortisol. Think of cortisol as your body’s natural morning alarm clock—it’s supposed to rise and give you that let’s-go-conquer-the-day energy. But if your levels are in the basement, you’re starting the day on an empty tank, and no amount of caffeine can fully fix that. I worked with a woman recently who had been battling morning fatigue for years. She swore she was doing everything right—going to bed early, eating well, exercising—but when we ran a DUTCH test, her pre-cortisol levels were basically nonexistent. No wonder she felt like a zombie! But low cortisol is just one piece of the puzzle. Here are a few other sneaky culprits: Crummy sleep quality – Are you actually getting deep, restorative sleep or just logging hours in bed? Melatonin misfires – If your melatonin is off, your body’s sleep-wake cycle might be too. Nutrient gaps – Your body does a ton of repair work overnight, and it needs the right fuel to do it. Circadian rhythm chaos – Stress, travel, late-night scrolling (we’ve all been there)—all of this messes with your body’s natural rhythms. How to Wake Up Feeling Better Than a Walking Zombie) First things first: You’re not lazy. You don’t need more willpower. You need to give your body what it actually needs to function. Here’s how to start: Test, don’t guess – A DUTCH test will give you real insight into what’s happening with your hormones. Prioritize deep sleep – Set up a bedtime routine, cut back on blue light at night, and consider magnesium or melatonin support. Fuel your body right – Protein, healthy fats, and key nutrients are essential for overnight recovery. Stay the course – If your system is running on empty, fixing it isn’t an overnight job. Give it time, and don’t quit too soon. I know how frustrating it is to feel like your body isn’t cooperating. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to live like this. If you’re ready to stop waking up exhausted and actually feel energized, let’s get to the root cause.  Click the link to learn more about the Female Hormone Solution Program—I’m here to help you take back your mornings and feel like you again: https://drbethwestie.com/waitlist/