The Strength in Hormones Podcast
The Strength in Hormones Podcast is hosted by expert Functional Registered Dietitian and hormone specialist, Lauren Papanos. Join us every Wednesday for a brand new LOdown with Lo solo episode or expert guest interview. Host Lauren Papanos asks and answers the questions around how to live a vibrant life through harnessing the power of natural hormonal balance and medicinal foods. Inquire to work with Laurenβs practice at www.functionalfueling.com. Follow her on Instagram at @functional.fueling.
Episodes

Wednesday Sep 18, 2024
Wednesday Sep 18, 2024
Micro-immunotherapy: A Novel Treatment for Hashimoto's and Autoimmunity
Micro-immunotherapy is a novel treatment approach that has taken popularity throughout functional medicine in Europe. You may be familiar with the more common treatment, immunotherapy. We define how they differ and why their differences is a key piece to the safety of micro-immunotherapy. In this episode I interview Christian Sohmen with the makers of Micro-immunotherapy to tell us about how this treatment approach works for those with autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.
A few things we chat about in this episode πππ
What is micro-immunotherapy and how it works, its similarities and differences to immunotherapy?
What is happening with the immune system in autoimmune conditions?
What are the therapeutic targets of micro-immunotherapy in Hashimotoβs?
How does one administer micro-immunotherapy and what is sequential dosing?
Can micro-immunotherapy be combined with other treatments like naltrexone, herbs, vitamins, etc?
The length of time one can expect to utilize micro-immunotherapy for autoimmune diseases
Outcomes patients have seen with micro-immunotherapy for autoimmunity
The support roles micro-immunotherapy in mitochondrial function, allergies and long COVID
Important show links πππ
Join our 1:1 coaching waitlist
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![Episode 80: [AMA]: Thyroid Healing, Colostrum vs. Collagen, Amenorrhea, Workout Fueling & More](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/18338851/New_Podcast_Cover_300x300.png)
Wednesday Sep 11, 2024
Wednesday Sep 11, 2024
[The LOdown] Ask me Anything: Thyroid Healing, Colostrum vs. Collagen, Amenorrhea, Workout Fueling & More
Welcome to our first ask me anything episode! I thought this would be a perfect opportunity to answer some of the most asked questions you guys have asked this month over on Instagram. In this episode we chat about how to heal your thyroid when thyroid medicine isn't cutting it, how to know if you need specific supplements, amenorrhea and fueling strategies around workouts and more. Tune in to learn more and let me know if you guys want me to do these more often!
A few things we chat about in this episode πππ
1:53: Can and should you balance your hormones with an eating disorder?
4:44: Getting off thyroid RX and healing thyroid naturally
9:54: Is the erythritol in oral care products safe?
13:55: Collagen vs. ColostrumΒ - which one do you need, if any?
17:39: Non-toxic coffee recommendations and what to look for
23:16: Meals around workouts and how to address weight loss resistance
27:15: The use of wearables like Oura, their accuracy and how to interpret the data
32:10: How much fat should you eat around workouts?
Important show links πππ
How to Reverse Low Thyroid Function W/O Pills Episode
Cellular Stress in Hypothyroidism with Dr. Eric Balcavage Episode
7 Day Free Trial of Strength in Hormones Workouts (fueling for workouts masterclass & recipes included!)
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![Episode 79: [The LOdown] Bacterial Vaginosis, Yeast Infections and the Vaginal Microbiome to Hormone Connection](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/18338851/New_Podcast_Cover_300x300.png)
Tuesday Sep 03, 2024
Tuesday Sep 03, 2024
[The LOdown] Bacterial Vaginosis, Yeast Infections and the Vaginal Microbiome to Hormone Connection
Β Vaginal infections like Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) and Yeast Infections afflict women at every age. In this episode we discuss the interplay between these infections and hormones. We discuss why these infections are more common during pregnancy, oral contraceptive use and menopause. We also chat about natural ways to positively influence the vaginal microbiome through food and supplemental strategies to help prevent and heal vaginal infections.Β
A few things we chat about in this episode πππ
why BV and yeast infections occur
why vaginal infections matter for fertility
the role of pH and things that influence pH
the link between hormones and vaginal infections
the role of lactobacillus in the vaginal microbiome and how to influence it
the link between your gut microbiome and vaginal microbiome
testing recommendations for recurrent vaginal infections
Important show links πππ
Sign up for the Missing Piece Hormone Workshop
Follow me on Instagram
Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

Saturday Aug 24, 2024
Saturday Aug 24, 2024
The Vagus Nerve Solution to Inflammation with Dr. Habib
The vagus nerve is a key piece to regulating inflammation levels in the body. In this episode I talk with Dr. Habib, a vagus nerve expert and author of the book, Activate Your Vagus Nerve: Unleash Your Body's Natural Ability to Heal. We discuss the role of the vagus nerve in regulating hormone signaling, the immune system and inflammatory response in the body, motility in our gut (how quickly food passes through your GI tract) and more. Tune in to learn about the role of the vagus nerve and simple ways you can support vagal tone with both daily routines and vagus nerve therapies.
A few things we chat about in this episode πππ
What is the vagus nerve and vagal tone?Β
Why might someone have low vagal tone? Signs and symptoms of low vagal tone?
The relationship between Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and vagal tone
How vagal tone influences the inflammatory response
Why the brain to immune system communication is so critical to controlling inflammation
The relationship between vagal tone and blood glucose control, thyroid and sex hormone regulation
Simple everyday habits to improve vagal tone at home
How electrical vagal nerve stimulation and laser therapy work for improving vagal tone
Important show links πππ
Β
Follow me on Instagram
Stay connected with Dr. Navaz Habib and purchase his book at www.vagusnervebook.comΒ
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![Episode 77: [The LOdown] My Second Trimester Pregnancy Update](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/18338851/New_Podcast_Cover_300x300.png)
Wednesday Aug 14, 2024
Wednesday Aug 14, 2024
[The LOdown] My Second Trimester Pregnancy Update
I can't believe the second trimester is already nearly behind me. In a few days I enter the third trimester and before I do I wanted to update you on everything I've been up to these past few months. I'm sharing details on the advanced labs I ran on myself and why, changes in my supplements and nutrition, practices I'm doing to prepare my physical body for labor and my future plans for Functional Fueling. Tune in to learn more!
A few things we chat about in this episode πππ
the labs I ran on myself, the results of them and the changes I made based on them
new supplements and nutrition changes I've made
finding out I have marginal cord insertion
how I prepped for the Gestational Diabetes screening test, what I used and my CGM data around the test
ways I'm prepping my physical body and things I'm planning to prioritize in the 3rd trimester
my plans for the future of FFN and juggling mom life and career
Important show links πππ
Follow me on Instagram
My Pregnancy Nutrition, Supplement & Lifestyle Must Haves
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Β
![Episode 76: [The LOdown] Minerals for Hypothyroidism](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/18338851/New_Podcast_Cover_300x300.png)
Friday Aug 09, 2024
Friday Aug 09, 2024
[The LOdown] Minerals for Hypothyroidism
Minerals are the keys to unlocking better hormone production, conversion and utilization in the body. The thyroid gland is a particularly mineral dependent gland. It uses the mineral iodine to make thyroid hormones. Plus utilizes other complementary minerals to help with conversion and activation of these hormones as well as in regulating the oxidative stress that occurs during thyroid hormone production. Tune into this episode to learn about the role of these specific minerals, situations that deplete mineral levels and mineral testing I recommend.
A few things we chat about in this episode πππ
why minerals matter for thyroid health
the macro minerals - their role in thyroid health, sourcing in food and more tips
the trace minerals - their role in thyroid health, sourcing in food and more tips
situations that deplete mineral status
testing for minerals (HTMA vs. RBC vs. serum)
Important show links πππ
Purchase our Mineral Magic daily mineral support
Link to Glutathione episode on oxidative stress & thyroid
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Wednesday Jul 31, 2024
Wednesday Jul 31, 2024
Exploring Endometriosis, Its Drivers and Natural Treatment Options with Dr. G
Endometriosis is a common women's health condition, affecting roughly 11% of women ages 15 - 44. Unfortunately treatment options are limited and the time it takes to receive diagnosis is extensive which means many women suffer for several years before seeking relief. In this episode I interview endometriosis expert, Dr. Alexis Gonzales to discuss endometriosis, its drivers and the natural treatment options available. We discuss how functional medicine can be a life changing treatment approach for women and the many intricacies of treatment. We answer the question: is endometriosis a hormonal issue or an immune system imbalance and how chronic inflammation plays a role in this condition.Β
A few things we chat about in this episode πππ
What is endometriosis and what are the diagnosis criteria
Common allopathic treatment solutions for endometriosis and their success rates
The hormonal imbalance profile we see with endometriosis
The immune system's involvement in endometriosis. Should endo be treated as an autoimmune disease?
Supplements and herbs for pain management and how they work
Recommended labs for endometriosis treatment via functional medicine
Important show links πππ
Join the Inflammation Hormony Waitlist - doors open on Monday, August 5th
Follow me on Instagram
Learn more about Dr. Gonzales
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Wednesday Jul 24, 2024
Wednesday Jul 24, 2024
How to Use Light Exposure For Optimizing Your Cycles, Blood Sugar & Thyroid Control with Sarah Marlette
Light exposure has a profound impact on our circadian rhythm control. That's because when our pineal gland (behind our eye) senses bright light or blue light, this regulates melatonin and cortisol production. In this episode I interview my dear friend and colleague, Sarah Marlette to tell us about how circadian rhythm influences hormone regulation. We discuss what the research says on circadian disruption and hormone imbalances as well as ways to support your circadian rhythm for night shift workers and new parents. Plus we chat a little bit about my current interest in this topic around oxytocin production during labor!
A few things we chat about in this episode πππ
what is circadian rhythm and what influences it
how our circadian rhythm is tied to melatonin and cortisol production that influences sleep and energy
the connection between circadian rhythm and hormone production
the link between circadian disruption and blood sugar related problems
how light exposure influences oxytocin levels during labor
practical ways to support your circadian rhythm (including options for night shift workers and new parents who wake often throughout the night)
Important show links πππ
Get your hormones, cortisol and melatonin tested with our DUTCH Hormone Testing Package- learn more about our hormone testing packagesΒ
Follow me on Instagram
Learn more about Sarah's practice at www.nourishthriveglow.org and follow her on IG at nourishthriveglow
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![Episode 73: [The LOdown] Mitochondria What? Their Connection to the Thyroid, Fertility & More](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/18338851/New_Podcast_Cover_300x300.png)
Wednesday Jul 17, 2024
Wednesday Jul 17, 2024
[The LOdown] Mitochondria What? Their Connection to the Thyroid, Fertility & More
You've likely heard the word mitochondria before and maybe wondered what are those things and why do people say they are so important? The truth is they really are that important, especially as it relates to the thyroid, fertility and autoimmunity. In this podcast episode I uncover everything you must know about mitochondrial health, its connection to our endocrine and immune system and ways to support it. We chat about the populations at the greatest risk of mitochondrial dysfunction (hint: I'm looking at you extreme exercisers). Tune in to learn more!Β
A few things we chat about in this episode πππ
how the thyroid influences mitochondrial function and vice versa
the role of mitochondria in fertility for both men and women
the PCOS-mitochondrial connection
things to limit to improve mitochondrial function
foods, supplements and lifestyle tools to add to support mitochondrial function
my thoughts on red light, sauna and exercise for mitochondrial health and how to get the best out of them
Important show links πππ
Join the Inflammation Hormony Waitlist for our August program
Read our blog post about Mitochondria: The Starting Place for Hormone Health
Follow me on Instagram
Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

Wednesday Jul 10, 2024
Wednesday Jul 10, 2024
Diastasis Recti, Strength Training and Safe Movement for Pregnancy with Dr. Mae Hughes
Working out during pregnancy can be so overwhelming. The modifications you have to make and the constant fear around what is safe and what's not. That's why I brought on an expert Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist, Dr. Mae Hughes to simplify this subject and answer all your (and my) questions around safe movement during pregnancy.Β
A few things we chat about in this episode πππ
What is Diastasis Recti and is it normal or preventable?
What does the research say on strength training during pregnancy and its benefits for labor?
Safe movement guidelines for pregnancy - what's a no and what can be modified?
Pelvic floor health and why it's not just about strengthening
Important show links πππ
Get pregnancy, postpartum and general pelvic floor fitness programs at www.drmaehughes.com. Use the code "functionalfueling" to save 10% on any program or workshop.
Learn more about our Strength in Hormones workout program and join with a 7 day free trial.Β
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Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app