The Strength in Hormones Podcast

Episode 119: [The LOdown] Why You Can't Stay Asleep, What Your Hormones Have to do with it (And How to Fix It)

[The LOdown] Why You Can't Stay Asleep, What Your Hormones Have to do with it (And How to Fix It)
Do you find yourself waking up at 2 or 3 a.m., staring at the ceiling, wondering why you can’t stay asleep? In this week’s episode of The Strength in Hormones Podcast, I dive into the root causes of nighttime waking and what your hormones—like progesterone, thyroid, and cortisol—have to do with it.
You’ll learn why sleep disruptions often flare during certain phases of your cycle, how thyroid function impacts your ability to stay asleep, and practical strategies to finally get deeper, more restorative rest. 
 
A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇
00:00 Introduction to Sleep Disturbances04:00 Understanding Sleep Data and Quality10:41 Hormonal Influences on Sleep15:58 Cortisol and Blood Sugar Dynamics with Sleep19:47 Stress and Sleep Quality with Practical Solutions23:01 Testing for Hormonal Imbalances Driving Sleep Disturbances
 
Important show links 👇👇👇
Listen to mentioned episode: The Vagus Nerve Solution to Inflammation with Dr. Habib
Get your hormones tested with our DUTCH test, learn more about our hormone testing packages 
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Episode 118: [The LOdown] How to Control Inflammation Around Workouts

[The LOdown] How to Control Inflammation Around Workouts
Inflammation isn’t always the enemy. In fact, it’s exactly what your body needs after a workout to repair muscles, stimulate growth, and get fitter. But when exercise-driven inflammation becomes chronic, it can lead to hormonal chaos.
A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇
✅ The difference between acute (helpful) and chronic (harmful) inflammation
✅ Why short-term oxidative stress from exercise is actually a signal for repair and hypertrophy
✅ Signs your workouts are creating more harm than good
✅ The types of training that create the most oxidative stress vs. lower-stress options
✅ Nutrient timing strategies to better control inflammation and support recovery
✅ How mitochondrial dysfunction, low thyroid, toxins, and nutrient gaps can turn a healthy workout response into damaging chronic inflammation
By the end, you’ll understand how to train in a way that maximizes the benefits of inflammation—without tipping your body into overtraining, poor recovery, or systemic stress.
If you’ve been wondering whether your workouts are helping your hormones—or secretly working against them—this episode is for you.
Important show links 👇👇👇
Sign up for a FREE 7-day trial for our Strength in Hormones program 
Listen to mentioned episodes 
Fueling For Your Workouts 
Mitochondria: Fatigue, Fertility, Thyroid 
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Episode 117: [The LOdown] Minerals for PCOS

[The LOdown] Minerals for PCOS
PCOS is often talked about in terms of hormones, blood sugar, and fertility—but minerals are one of the most overlooked tools for managing symptoms and restoring balance. In this episode of the Strength in Hormones podcast, we explore how specific minerals like magnesium, chromium, zinc, selenium, and electrolytes can directly impact insulin resistance, thyroid health, adrenal function, and hormone balance.
You’ll also learn about the double-edged role of iron in PCOS, why testing matters, and how to individualize your mineral needs for better energy, cycles, and metabolism.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been navigating PCOS for years, this conversation will give you practical, science-backed insight into how minerals can be the missing link in your hormone health journey.
 
A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇
Why minerals matter for PCOS
Understanding PCOS Diagnosis and Treatment
The Role of Magnesium in PCOS
Chromium and Insulin Resistance
Zinc’s Impact on Androgenic Hormones
Selenium and Thyroid Health and How This Impacts PCOS
Electrolytes and Adrenal PCOS
Iron: The Double-Edged Sword
Testing and Individualizing Mineral Needs
 
Important show links 👇👇👇
Doors are open to our program Functional Thyroid Foundations now through 8/24. Learn more and enroll here: functionalfueling.com/functional-thyroid-foundations
Listen to mentioned episodes:
[The LOdown] Minerals for Hypothyroidism
[The LOdown] The Period Issue – Is it PCOS or Hypothalamic Amenorrhea?
Order Mineral Magic at  functionalfueling.com/mineral-magic
use code:podcast15
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Episode 116: [The LOdown] The Root Causes of Women's Hair Loss

[The LOdown] The Root Causes of Women's Hair Loss
If your hair is thinning, shedding faster than it’s growing, or just won’t regain its fullness, the problem may go deeper than shampoo or supplements. In this episode, we uncover how key mineral imbalances—especially zinc, copper, iron, selenium, and iodine—can make or break your hair health.
 
A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇
Why low zinc or iron can shorten your hair’s growth phase and trigger excess shedding
How high copper or iron drive oxidative stress and immune dysfunction
The role of the immune system in hair follicle health—and how autoimmunity (like alopecia areata or Hashimoto’s) plays a role
Environmental triggers such as mold, infections, and toxins that sabotage hair growth
How thyroid health (especially low T3, reverse T3 dominance, or Hashimoto’s antibodies) impacts the hair cycle—and why thyroid hormone medication alone may not be enough
The androgen connection: DHT, testosterone, PCOS, insulin resistance, and how stress can ramp up androgen output
Top food sources and supplementation for essential minerals and nutrients that support healthy, strong hair
We’ll also cover lab testing strategies to restore your hair’s natural growth cycle.
If you’ve been told your hair loss is “just aging” or “just genetics,” this episode will give you a deeper, root-cause lens—so you can finally see lasting improvement from the inside out.
 
 Important show links 👇👇👇
Learn more about our hormone testing packages 
Save 15% on my Mineral Magic supplement this month only on with code 'podcast15' atlink: functionalfueling.com/mineral-magic
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Episode 115: [The Lodown] Your Guide to Coming Off Birth Control: What to Expect & How to Support Your Hormones

[The Lodown] Your Guide to Coming Off Birth Control: What to Expect & How to Support Your Hormones
 
A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇
 
Important show links 👇👇👇
Join waitlist for Inflammation Hormony now
Get your hormones tested with our DUTCH test- learn more about our hormone testing packages 
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Episode 114: Is It Really ADHD? Focus, Hormones & the Functional Medicine Lens with Christa Biegler, RD

Is It Really ADHD? Focus, Hormones & the Functional Medicine Lens with Christa Biegler, RD
In this episode of the Strength in Hormones podcast, we explore the deeper layers behind ADHD—beyond the common diagnosis and medication route. From neurotransmitters and hormones to micronutrients and brain inflammation, we dive into the functional root causes that often get missed. Whether you've been diagnosed with ADHD, suspect it, or just feel chronically unfocused and overwhelmed, this conversation breaks down what's really going on in the body and brain—and where to begin if you want a more holistic, hormone-informed approach to focus and mental clarity.
A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇
What ADHD actually is and how it's typically diagnosed
The current treatment landscape and where it falls short
The role of the thyroid and adrenals in focus and attention
Nutrition and lifestyle approaches for ADHD
Nootropics and cognitive support options
Why addressing endocrine disruptors and stress play a role in ADHD management
Functional vs. conventional approaches to ADHD
 
Important show links 👇👇👇
Join our Inflammation Hormony program today
Learn more about Christa's practice Less Stressed Life at www.christabiegler.com
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Episode 113: Keratosis Pilaris (Chicken Skin): Root Causes & Functional Solutions

Keratosis Pilaris (Chicken Skin): Root Causes & Functional Solutions
Keratosis Pilaris (KP) — often referred to as "chicken skin" — is more than a cosmetic issue. In this episode, we break down what KP really is, why it happens, and what it reveals about your internal health. You'll learn:
What causes those stubborn bumps on the back of your arms
The role of Vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and other key nutrients
How gut health and liver function impact your skin
Why KP may signal hormonal imbalances like low progesterone or thyroid dysfunction
Practical nutrition and lifestyle strategies to smooth your skin from the inside out 
Important show links 👇👇👇
Listen to mentioned episodes with Danielle from ClearStem and leaky gut 
Learn more about our 1:1 coaching program
Download my Free Hormonal Inflammation Lab Decoder Guide
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Episode 112: Your Guide to Egg Quality & Egg Freezing: How to Prepare and Support Your Body for Fertility

Your Guide to Egg Quality & Egg Freezing: How to Prepare and Support Your Body for Fertility
In this episode of the Strength in Hormones Podcast, Lauren discusses the critical aspects of egg freezing and egg quality. She emphasizes the importance of hormonal balance, nutrition, and lifestyle choices in supporting egg quality as women age or prepare for egg freezing. The conversation covers the impact of the egg freezing process on hormones, the significance of liver health, the role of antioxidants, and the necessity of stress management for optimal reproductive health. Lauren provides actionable tips for women looking to improve their egg quality and navigate the egg freezing process effectively.
 
A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇
1. The role of sex and thyroid hormones in egg quality
2. Diet and lifestyle's impact on egg quality
4. How DHEA supplementation can improve ovarian response in women 35+
5. The role of antioxidants and which ones for egg quality.
6. Nutrition and lifestyle strategies to support your body before, during and after the egg freezing process.
 
Important show links 👇👇👇
Join the Inflammation Hormony program  to learn how to optimize your mineral levels through food, beverages and supplementation
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Episode 111: Case Study: How She Healed From Mold, Recovered Her Thyroid & Progesterone Levels

Case Study: How She Healed From Mold, Recovered Her Thyroid & Progesterone Levels
In this powerful case study, I’m walking you through this client's transformation — from severe bloating, brain fog, and fatigue to finally achieving regular, ovulatory cycles and reclaiming her energy.
After years of loose stools, hair loss, sinus inflammation, and dependence on caffeine just to function, she discovered that her body was battling deep-rooted mold toxicity, adrenal burnout, and hormone disruption.
We’ll explore the exact functional labs that revealed what her previous functional labs missed, the 10-step roadmap we used to rebuild her gut, hormones, and mitochondria, and the tools that made the difference when nothing else worked.
Whether you’re dealing with unresolved gut symptoms, chronic fatigue, or thyroid and hormonal  imbalances, this episode gives you real answers — and real hope.
A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇
1. The real reason behind her bloating, diarrhea, acne and chronic fatigue2. How mycotoxins like ochratoxin and citrinin were impacting her mitochondria, thyroid, progesterone levels, and skin3. The surprising connection between low DHEA, low vitamin levels, and hair loss4. Why comprehensive blood work, adrenal testing and GI MAP testing were key to uncovering hidden infections and hormonal imbalances5. The importance of phased treatment — from binding and elimination to hormonal rebuilding6. How we supported ovulation naturally in a woman with anovulatory, short cycles7. Why topical antifungals, colostrum, and liver support came before probiotics8. What labs showed when her ferritin, progesterone, and estrogen were tanked — and how we brought them back9. How she finally got to a regular 29-day cycle with ovulation after years of irregularity10. Tools like herbs, sauna, and lymphatic drainage that made all the difference
Important show links 👇👇👇
Learn more about our 1:1 program
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Episode 110: [The LOdown] The Hormonal Link to High Cholesterol

[The LOdown] The Hormonal Link to High Cholesterol
What if your high cholesterol isn’t just about your diet—but about your hormones?
In this episode, we explore the surprising hormonal connections behind elevated cholesterol levels. You’ll learn why your liver—not your lunch—is responsible for the majority of your cholesterol, and how thyroid, estrogen, cortisol, insulin, and progesterone all influence cholesterol production, clearance, and conversion in profound ways.
In this episode we cover:
Why low thyroid function leads to higher cholesterol (and the history of thyroid meds as cholesterol-lowering therapy)
How sluggish liver detox and reduced bile flow impair cholesterol clearance and ultimately, cholesterol levels
The role of estrogen in boosting HDL and lowering lipoprotein(a)
How cortisol and insulin resistance fuel harmful LDL subtypes and triglycerides
Why progesterone (and mitochondrial health) matter for cholesterol utilization and bile flow
This is a must-listen if you have ever been told to "just eat less eggs"—but your labs still tell a different story. Tune in to understand the deeper hormonal roots of lipid imbalances and what it means for long-term metabolic and cardiovascular health.
 
Important show links 👇👇👇
Join our 1:1 coaching waitlist
Follow me on Instagram
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