Does nutrition make a difference in breast cancer prevention, treatment, and recurrence? If so, what specific changes make the most difference? There are so many myths about breast cancer nutrition that I wanted to find out what's really true by talking with an oncology dietitian who specializes in breast cancer. I wanted to know... is it true that sugar feeds cancer? Do you have to go vegan after a breast cancer diagnosis? What about soy? And more... In this episode, I'm talking to Tamar Rothenberg, MS, RDN, a registered dietitian who specializes in recovery after breast cancer in her private practice in Los Angeles. She co-led the clinical study, Coping with Cancer in the Kitchen, published in the journal Nutrients. She is also the author of a new book, Cancer Diet for the Newly Diagnosed, which focuses not only on breast cancer but all cancers. And she is a breast cancer thriver herself. This Week We Talk About: Myths around nutrition following a breast cancer diagnosis and why some recommendations do more harm than good The most important goals of nutrition through breast cancer diagnosis and treatment What may shift in your nutrition plan after completion of treatment Why "breast cancer prevention" is itself a myth... and research-based tips to reduce risk of recurrence Why you don't have to go vegan to benefit from adding plants to your diet The real truth about soy and breast cancer Lifestyle and supplement recommendations for breast cancer thrivers Resources for people thriving after breast cancer Mentioned in this episode PCOS Meal Prep Made Easy Workshop – In this hour-long workshop, I break down exactly HOW to eat for PCOS. Learn my simple 3-step formula for planning meals with PCOS, no matter where you are so that you can have balanced blood sugar, lower inflammation, and support gut and hormone health... without giving up a single food or spending hours in the kitchen! Where to find Tamar Rothenberg, MS, RDN: Tamar's Website: Tamarrothenberg.com Tamar's Instagram: @breastcancer.nutritionist Tamar's Facebook Group: A Fresh Start for Breast Cancer Thrivers Find out if you're eligible and apply for the free Sharsheret in the Kitchen coaching program, made possible by a grant from Cedars Sinai here Love the podcast? Leave a rating and review! Or share an episode with a friend who could benefit! Give us a follow on Instagram or Facebook for daily posts on PCOS, hormones, and fertility. Check out our website for more articles and information and to learn how to work with Melissa. Disclaimer: This website and podcast are not intended to provide medical advice. Please consult with your doctor before implementing nutrition, lifestyle, or supplement changes.

If you're thinking about trying to conceive... why might you want to consider working with a doula? What's the difference between a doula and a midwife? Can you work with a doula if you're having a hospital birth? When should you reach out to a doula during pregnancy? I had these questions about working with a doula and more, and I suspect you do too! In this episode, I'm talking to Erika Watson-Lawson, who is not only a doula but a dietitian as well. In fact, she refers to herself as a Doula-Dietitian Diva and a Dietitian by Day, Doula by Night, and she is able to help her clients in a unique way, supporting them not only through preparing for birth physically but also nutritionally! Erika, founder of Purely Nourishing Doula, has been a registered dietitian for over 15 years, and added virtual and in-person (Jacksonville, FL area) doula services which include nutrition coaching, pregnancy and labor services, and postpartum care. She strives to educate and empower pregnant people and their partners through the whole process. Having PCOS herself, and the mother of 4 (including a set of twins!), she not only knows what she's talking about, but she's been there herself! In this episode, I'm talking with Erika about all the reasons why you might want to consider having a doula on your team for your next birth! This Week We Talk About: What doulas do, the difference between doulas and midwives, and who might benefit from doula support The different times and places where doulas can offer support to birthing parents How being a doula dietitian allows her support her clients with 360º care What working with a virtual doula actually looks like How doulas work with birth partners to keep them involved in the process The importance of doulas in the Black community Why postpartum support is essential and what to focus on Erika's personal journey with PCOS and becoming a mother Mentioned in this episode PCOS Meal Prep Made Easy Workshop – In this hour-long workshop, I break down exactly HOW to eat for PCOS. Learn my simple 3-step formula for planning meals with PCOS, no matter where you are so that you can have balanced blood sugar, lower inflammation, and support gut and hormone health... without giving up a single food or spending hours in the kitchen! Where to find Erika Watson-Lawson, Doula-Dietitian: Erika's Website: Purely Nourishing Doula Erika's Instagram: @purelynourishingdoula Love the podcast? Leave a rating and review! Or share an episode with a friend who could benefit! Give us a follow on Instagram or Facebook for daily posts on PCOS, hormones, and fertility. Check out our website for more articles and information and to learn how to work with Melissa. Disclaimer: This website and podcast are not intended to provide medical advice. Please consult with your doctor before implementing nutrition, lifestyle, or supplement changes.

I wanted to do something a little different today and help you decide if enrolling in my PCOS course, The PCOS Root Cause Roadmap™, is the next best step for you at this time! The PCOS Root Cause Roadmap is my signature program that has already helped over 700 women with PCOS: Get regular periods Regain energy Banish cravings Have clearer skin and thicker hair Lose weight Get pregnant naturally and more... So in this episode, I walk you through why I created the course in the first place, who it's right for, a bit more about my proven and proprietary 6-step method to PCOS success, and more. If you're overwhelmed by all of the conflicting info out there and confused about what to do next to manage your PCOS, give this a listen! In this week's solo episode, I'm going through all the reasons why you might want to consider joining The PCOS Root Cause Roadmap before we close the doors on Friday October 14th. This is one of the most comprehensive PCOS courses out there, and it's the only one that focuses on overall PCOS management from a root cause perspective that's taught by a licensed integrative dietitian! This Week I Talk About: Who The PCOS Root Cause Roadmap is right for All the nutrition, lifestyle, and supplement strategies you've probably already tried My proven 6-step method for PCOS success What kind of results my students get from the course Why I created this PCOS course in the first place How following a proven roadmap can save you time and money How to know if NOW is the right time And you'll hear from several of my students about their experiences! Mentioned in this episode The PCOS Root Cause Roadmap – If you've been struggling with alll of the symptoms of PCOS and don't know where to start, The PCOS Root Cause Roadmap is my proven and proprietary 6-step signature method to PCOS success. I help you identify and address the root causes of YOUR PCOS symptoms so that you can feel confident you're making the right nutrition, lifestyle, and supplement changes for your situation. The PCOS Root Cause Roadmap is based on the exact same methods and tools I use with my clients to get results. They periods back, confirm ovulation, increase energy, decrease cravings, improve skin and hair, lose weight while eating MORE food, and get pregnant naturally. It contains everything you need for support: including dietitian-designed suggested weekly meal plans and hundreds of PCOS-friendly recipes, 6 exclusive PCOS yoga videos developed to complement the modules of this program, and a private support community where you can join the over 700 women who've gone through the course. And you get lifetime access, so there's no rush in working through the program and you can always go back if things change. The PCOS Root Cause Roadmap is only open for enrollment 2x a year! We start this round on October 17th! There is an option to upgrade to VIP and add weekly group coaching and lab testing, but those spots are extremely limited. Now open for enrollment! (enrollment closes 10/14/22) If you are looking for more information about the RCR, watch my FREE Masterclass: PCOS Foundations: A No-BS Root Cause Approach to Sustainable PCOS Management Watch before it disappears on 10/14/2022! Love the podcast? Leave a rating and review! Or share an episode with a friend who could benefit! Give us a follow on Instagram or Facebook for daily posts on PCOS, hormones, and fertility. Check out our website for more articles and information and to learn how to work with Melissa. Disclaimer: This website and podcast are not intended to provide medical advice. Please consult with your doctor before implementing nutrition, lifestyle, or supplement changes. The symptom resolution timelines discussed in this episode are typical of clients and students of The Hormone Dietitian and may not be typical.

A Breast Health Episode October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so it's a great time to think about breast health. What's normal, what's not, and what can you do to keep your breasts healthy all year long, not just during October! In this episode, I'm talking to Dr. Linsey Gold, a breast surgeon who is not only a practicing medical doctor but also shares her insights as a host on The Breast of Everything Podcast as well as on their Website. She is a Fellowship trained Breast Surgeon, has worked as the Clinical Director of the Michigan Center for Breast Health, the Director of the Comprehensive Breast Center, Genesys Regional Medical Center. She is involved in the American Society of Breast Surgeons and is certified in Breast Ultrasound. Dr. Gold is alsoan Assistant Professor of Surgery at the Wayne State University School of Medicine and Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine. She is actively involved in clinical research and is an investigator and participant in a number of clinical trials under the oversight of the National Cancer Institute. For 20 years she has been involved in the care of women throughout every stage of their life, from puberty through pregnancy, menopause, and beyond, she knows how daunting navigating your own personal health journey can be. Her goal is to make the process of finding quality information about breast health more intuitive and empowering. In this week's episode, I'm talking with Dr. Gold about all things breast health, including normal breast changes, problematic changes, diagnostic tests, treatments, and how to prevent breast cancer. This Week We Talk About: Common conditions that lead women to schedule an appointment with a breast surgeon Benign breast health conditions such as abscesses, breast pain What are inverted nipples and when they may be a problem The differences between types of breast imaging techniques Advances in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment Tips for breast health and care for healthy breasts for a lifetime Dr. Gold's 2 big "no's" when it comes to breast health Should you wear a bra? Is there a best "type" of bra? Mentioned in this episode The PCOS Root Cause Roadmap – If you've been struggling with alll of the symptoms of PCOS in this episode and don't know where to start, The PCOS Root Cause Roadmap is my proven and proprietary 6-step signature method to PCOS success. I can help you identify and address the root causes of YOUR PCOS symptoms so that you can feel confident you're making the right nutrition, lifestyle, and supplement changes for your situation. The PCOS Root Cause Roadmap is based on the exact same methods and tools I use with my clients to get periods back, confirm ovulation, increase energy, decrease cravings, improve skin and hair, lose weight while eating MORE food, and get pregnant naturally. It contains everything you need for support including dietitian-designed suggested weekly meal plans and hundreds of PCOS-friendly recipes, 6 exclusive PCOS yoga videos developed to complement the modules of this program, and a private support community where you can join the over 700 women who've gone through the course. And you get lifetime access, so there's no rush in working through the program and you can always go back if things change. The PCOS Root Cause Roadmap is only open for enrollment 2x a year and the next round starts October 17, 2022! There will be an option to upgrade to VIP and add weekly group coaching and lab testing, but those spots will be extremely limited. Now open for enrollment! (enrollment closes 10/14/22) Where to find Dr. Gold: Dr. Gold's Website: The Breast of Everything & Online Shop Dr. Gold's Podcast: The Breast of Everything — be sure to catch my episode The Breast of Everything Instagram Love the podcast? Leave a rating and review! Or share an episode with a friend who could benefit! Give us a follow on Instagram or Facebook for daily posts on PCOS, hormones, and fertility. Check out our website for more articles and information and to learn how to work with Melissa. Disclaimer: This website and podcast are not intended to provide medical advice. Please consult with your doctor before implementing nutrition, lifestyle, or supplement changes.

How do you know if all the changes you're making to manage your PCOS are actually working? How can you tell if your PCOS is actually improving? I got that question from a member of The Hormone Dietitian Community recently, and I thought you might want to hear my answer as well, so I dedicated this episode to answering how to know if PCOS symptoms are improving! PCOS is complex, and the symptoms can affect nearly every system in the body. And every case of PCOS is unique — different symptom presentation, different root causes driving those symptoms, different severities of root causes. Not to mention your unique needs, goals, preferences, lifestyle, time and budget to spend implementing changes, access to care, other medical conditions and medications, and more. It may seem like a lot, but the "perfect" PCOS plan for YOU has to be personalized. In other words, you can spend a lot of time trying different dietary approaches, different exercise regimens and routines, making sure you're getting enough sleep, finding a stress management approach that works for you, etc... but which changes are going to make the biggest impact on YOUR PCOS symptoms? And that's not even mentioning supplements... there are so many that can potentially be helpful in PCOS, but which is right for your situation? It's easy to waste a lot of time and money on approaches that don't work for you, so knowing how to evaluate if your PCOS plan is working or not — and relatively quickly — is important! In this week's solo episode, I'm walking you through how to know if your PCOS plan is working for YOU — in other words, how to know if PCOS symptoms are improving, and what timeline you can expect to see improvements happen on. This Week I Talk About: Common PCOS symptoms and the 4 root causes of ALL PCOS symptoms Why I don't consider diet and lifestyle to be root causes of PCOS My 4-pronged treatment approach for PCOS Why the order of my 6-step process impacts time to specific PCOS symptom resolution Which symptoms I typically see clear up first in my PCOS patients and students A realistic timeline for PCOS symptom improvement, and which symptoms take the longest to improve I also take a deeper look at 2 symptoms in particular — weight and infertility — because these are the two most common symptoms my clients and students want to improve What your next step should be in getting relief from PCOS symptoms Mentioned in this episode The PCOS Root Cause Roadmap – If you've been struggling with alll of the symptoms of PCOS and don't know where to start, The PCOS Root Cause Roadmap is my proven and proprietary 6-step signature method to PCOS success. I help you identify and address the root causes of YOUR PCOS symptoms so that you can feel confident you're making the right nutrition, lifestyle, and supplement changes for your situation. The PCOS Root Cause Roadmap is based on the exact same methods and tools I use with my clients to get results. They periods back, confirm ovulation, increase energy, decrease cravings, improve skin and hair, lose weight while eating MORE food, and get pregnant naturally. It contains everything you need for support: including dietitian-designed suggested weekly meal plans and hundreds of PCOS-friendly recipes, 6 exclusive PCOS yoga videos developed to complement the modules of this program, and a private support community where you can join the over 700 women who've gone through the course. And you get lifetime access, so there's no rush in working through the program and you can always go back if things change. The PCOS Root Cause Roadmap is only open for enrollment 2x a year! We start this round on October 17th! There is an option to upgrade to VIP and add weekly group coaching and lab testing, but those spots are extremely limited. Now open for enrollment! (enrollment closes 10/14/22) Love the podcast? Leave a rating and review! Or share an episode with a friend who could benefit! Give us a follow on Instagram or Facebook for daily posts on PCOS, hormones, and fertility. Check out our website for more articles and information and to learn how to work with Melissa. Disclaimer: This website and podcast are not intended to provide medical advice. Please consult with your doctor before implementing nutrition, lifestyle, or supplement changes. The symptom resolution timelines discussed in this episode are typical of clients and students of The Hormone Dietitian and may not be typical.

An Infertility Advocacy Episode If you're struggling to get pregnant, are you public with your journey? Infertility advocacy is not easy, and it puts your private life in the public eye. But my guest today decided that the pros far outweighed the cons of sharing her journey to becoming a mother. As a result, she built a strong infertility community of people who understand the struggles where she shares others' stories and helpful resources. Wife, mom, women's health, and infertility advocate. Monique Farook has been an entrepreneur for more than ten years. When she isn't obsessing over home and work life, you can find her on Instagram creating content for her award winning podcast entitled "Infertility And Me." She created the podcast after her own path to motherhood was disrupted by female-factor infertility. Through the podcast, Monique has been able to reach thousands of men and women from all over the world—passing the mic to other survivors to share their stories authentically. Monique's podcast has been featured in Apple iTunes "New & Noteworthy" editor's picks. In this week's episode, I'm talking to Monique about her own fertility journey, her work as a fertility advocate, and what it's like being so public about infertility on social media. This Week We Talk About: Monique's journey to conceiving — her diagnoses and challenges finding supportive fertility care What made her step away from fertility treatments for 4 years after a first failed IUI All of the things she tried when she wasn't working with a fertility clinic Why we can't ignore our mental and emotional health while trying to conceive Why she made the decision not to pursue further fertility treatments for a second child When and why she began sharing about infertility online and on her podcast Why you should care about politics if you're undergoing fertility treatments Challenges of social media Helpful resources for evidence-based fertility information and grants Mentioned in this episode PCOS Meal Prep Made Easy Workshop – In this hour-long workshop, I break down what foods you want to include for PCOS and what you may want to consider avoiding or minimizing. Learn my simple 3-step formula for planning meals with PCOS, no matter where you are! Where to find Monique at Infertility and Me Podcast: Infertility and Me Podcast Instagram: @infertilityandme Additional resources mentioned in this episode: Cade Foundation Bundle of Joy Fund The Broken Brown Egg Fertility Rescripted Chasing Creation Love the podcast? Leave a rating and review! Or share an episode with a friend who could benefit! Give us a follow on Instagram or Facebook for daily posts on PCOS, hormones, and fertility. Check out our website for more articles and information and to learn how to work with Melissa. Disclaimer: This website and podcast are not intended to provide medical advice. Please consult with your doctor before implementing nutrition, lifestyle, or supplement changes.

Did you know that September is Interstitial Cystitis Awareness Month? Until a few years ago, I had never heard of interstitial cystitis (IC), even though it affects an estimated 4–8 million women in the US alone! Also referred to as bladder pain syndrome or painful bladder syndrome, symptoms can commonly include urinary urgency, frequency, and pelvic pain. With the causes and treatments not being well understood and with lack of awareness among even healthcare practitioners, having IC can be incredibly isolating. But there is hope, and you can manage interstitial cystitis! Today we're focusing on interstitial cystitis diet and lifestyle recommendations with an IC dietitian. Callie Krajcir is a Registered Dietitian specializing in interstitial cystitis (IC), a chronic bladder condition. She helps people with IC minimize their symptoms through identifying their unique triggers. Callie is an IC Warrior herself and has suffered from the condition since she was young, making her want to help others suffering from the same condition. She is currently one of only two Registered Dietitians in North America who specializes in IC. Callie currently offers a program called Road To Remission that combines an elimination diet, education, and a private support community. Contrary to popular belief, you are not doomed to a life following a restrictive "IC diet." Like anything, managing interstitial cystitis requires a personalized approach — when it comes to IC diet, lifestyle, supplements, medications, and other treatments. This Week We Talk About: What is interstitial cystitis — common symptoms, and how it is diagnosed Conventional treatments for IC What is the interstitial cystitis diet and what the most common trigger foods are Why a short-term elimination diet to identify YOUR trigger foods is better Lifestyle triggers and suggested changes to lessen IC flares Medications and supplements for IC Mentioned in this episode PCOS Meal Prep Made Easy Workshop – In this hour-long workshop, I break down what foods you want to include for PCOS and what you may want to consider avoiding or minimizing. Learn my simple 3-step formula for planning meals with PCOS, which includes learning how to eat to balance blood sugar. Where to find Callie Krajcir: Callie K Website: callieknutrition.com Instagram: @callieknutrition & Tiktok @callieknutrition Callie's free IC masterclass - click HERE Love the podcast? Leave a rating and review! Or share an episode with a friend who could benefit! Give us a follow on Instagram or Facebook for daily posts on PCOS, hormones, and fertility. Check out our website for more articles and information and to learn how to work with Melissa. Disclaimer: This website and podcast are not intended to provide medical advice. Please consult with your doctor before implementing nutrition, lifestyle, or supplement changes.

A Nutrition Episode You KNOW you feel better when you take the time and energy to plan out healthy, balanced meals and snacks... but for whatever reason, you're just not making it happen regularly. Maybe you're too hungry by the time you get home from work to come up with a healthy dinner game plan... or maybe your fridge and pantry aren't stocked with the staples you need to be able to pull together a meal quickly. So you end up relying on takeout again. Or maybe you're in a mealtime rut or you're dealing with challenges like cooking for one (on one end of the spectrum)... or being a short-order cook for a family with different dietary needs. Ugh. No wonder you don't want to cook! This week I'm talking to Elise Compston, of Compston Kitchen, about making meal planning fun! Can you really put the fun in meal planning? Yes you can! We all eat! Why not make that process an enjoyable one? We talk about the whole process, from planning, to shopping, cooking, and more, and you'll walk away with TONS of actionable tips and ideas you can start incorporating now! Elise is a nationally recognized registered dietitian, recipe developer, and content creator. She has developed recipes for a NY Times Bestselling author, nationwide food delivery service, and leading Los Angeles hospital. She founded and runs Compston Kitchen with her husband Stephen — who is also a dietitian. Together they create simple, affordable, plant-focused recipes with creative spins on classic dishes and tasty new favorites. And as the mom of 2 small children, she also puts a big priority on making food fun! This Week We Talk About: Easy and realistic tips for getting started planning meals and snacks Grocery shopping strategies so you always have the ingredients for quick and easy meals on hand Why swearing off "processed" foods is costing you time and money Finding the time and energy for cooking and saving time with one-pot meals Specific ideas for breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks Why sauces should get a starring role in your kitchen Tips for cooking for one without getting bored and for cooking for a family with different dietary needs without becoming a short-order cook Mentioned in this episode PCOS Meal Prep Made Easy Workshop – In this hour-long workshop, I break down what foods you want to include for PCOS and what you may want to consider avoiding or minimizing. Learn my simple 3-step formula for planning meals with PCOS, which includes learning how to eat to balance blood sugar. Where to find Elise Compston, RDN: Compston Kitchen Website: compstonkitchen.com - tons of recipes here! Instagram: @compstonkitchen Download Elise's One-Pot Wonders Recipe Guide - FREE with promo code hormone Love the podcast? Leave a rating and review! Or share an episode with a friend who could benefit! Give us a follow on Instagram or Facebook for daily posts on PCOS, hormones, and fertility. Check out our website for more articles and information and to learn how to work with Melissa. Disclaimer: This website and podcast are not intended to provide medical advice. Please consult with your doctor before implementing nutrition, lifestyle, or supplement changes.

Is there a connection between the recent overturn of Roe v Wade and fertility treatments? Unfortunately, the implications for women's healthcare and reproductive care are far-reaching beyond simply allowing states to ban abortion. And there are a lot of considerations that reproductive-aged women may be facing now that they hadn't before. And having a chronic condition like PCOS only complicates matters more. I've been fielding questions about what these changing laws mean when it comes to women's health with questions like: Should I delete my period tracking app? What's the best option for birth control? How will the laws impact IVF? If I have embryos frozen in a state with personhood laws, should I move them? I've also been hearing from a lot of women who were planning to start a family but now are afraid of getting pregnant in case they find themselves in a situation where they may require emergency care or are forced to carry a pregnancy to term if there's a medical issue with the fetus. So I wanted to dedicate an episode to PCOS and fertility in a post-Roe era. Frankly, I have a lot of questions about the situation too! So I brought in Dr. Carolina Sueldo, a Double Board Certified Fertility Specialist, to go over how the changing legal landscape may impact fertility care in America. Dr. Sueldo completed a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the UCSF-Fresno Medical Education Program, then went on to complete her fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) at the University of Connecticut while concurrently obtaining a Master in Science. Dr. Sueldo practices at Women’s Specialty and Fertility Center and is also an Assistant Professor for the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UCSF-Fresno. She is board certified in both Obstetrics and Gynecology (ObGyn), as well as Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI). This Week We Talk About: Why PCOS treatment should be based on whether you're trying to conceive or not How to track cycles when cycles are irregular Why you should be concerned about privacy of your data with apps you use and practitioners you work with Thinking about contraceptives in terms of first-line, second-line, and third-line options and why it's more important than ever to be proactive Increased pregnancy risks for people with PCOS Impact of state laws on IVF — exactly which procedures are affected and how that will decrease efficiency and success rates and increase costs Miscarriage, ectopic pregnancies, and medical terminations Mentioned in this episode PCOS Meal Prep Made Easy Workshop – In this hour-long workshop, I break down what foods you want to include for PCOS and what you may want to consider avoiding or minimizing. Learn my simple 3-step formula for planning meals with PCOS, which includes learning how to eat to balance blood sugar. Where to find Dr. Carolina Sueldo, MD, FACOG, OBGYN/REI Work with Dr. Sueldo: Women's Specialty and Fertility Center Dr. Sueldo's Instagram: @drcarolinasueldo Dr. Sueldo's YouTube Channel: Dr Carolina Sueldo Love the podcast? Leave a rating and review! Or share an episode with a friend who could benefit! Give us a follow on Instagram or Facebook for daily posts on PCOS, hormones, and fertility. Check out our website for more articles and information and to learn how to work with Melissa. Disclaimer: This website and podcast are not intended to provide medical or legal advice. This episode was recorded on July 18, 2022. Dr. Sueldo resides and practices in California and Melissa Groves Azzaro resides and practices in New Hampshire. The legal implications of this decision are a rapidly changing landscape and will continue to evolve.

Cannabis is a hot topic in wellness these days, from CBD infused teas and kombuchas available at your local grocery store to gummies and tinctures. But there's more to cannabis than just CBD and THC — there are actually hundreds of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other active compounds found in hemp plants that can impact health. But what do they actually do and are they safe? Since I work mostly with women, I field a lot of questions about cannabis and women's health: Are there hormonal conditions cannabis may help with? Is it safe while trying to conceive, pregnant, or breastfeeding? The answer is, we don't have the research either way. Which can be totally frustrating! And then let's say you decide that cannabis is something you're interested in trying... where do you even start? What's the legal way to purchase and use it in your state? What form should you buy — tincture or gummies or salve or flower or what? What dosage? Which cannabinoids in which ratio? What does "full spectrum" mean? And what the heck is "purple kush"?! I was confused too! So I invited Emily Kyle, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Holistic Cannabis Practitioner to join me on the podcast and talk through all of these issues and more. Emily Kyle, MS, RDN, HCP, helps people sort through misinformation, conquer fears, and find support as someone interesting in learning how to use cannabis. After years of struggling to manage her own chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and severe mood swings with conventional treatment, she finally turned to the cannabis plant to find relief from her symptoms and was able to reclaim her daily joy and productivity because of it. Now she shares how to use cannabis safely and responsibly with others while breaking the long-held stigma of using cannabis. This Week We Talk About: What is the endocannabinoid system (yes, it's a real thing!) Benefits of cannabis and women's health conditions it may be helpful in Why you should pay attention to cannabinoids, terpenes, strains and what "the entourage effect" is Different types of products and where to start Why "low and slow" is the way to go and what you can do if you take too much State regulations around online cannabis shopping and why clinical research has been hampered by lack of federal legality Why cannabis use is stigmatized while alcohol use and prescription drug use aren't How to avoid some of the common pitfalls of cannabis use like the "munchies" Emily's own experience being open about her cannabis use publicly and how it has evolved to her becoming a licensed grower Mentioned in this episode PCOS Meal Prep Made Easy Workshop – In this hour-long workshop, I break down what foods you want to include for PCOS and what you may want to consider avoiding or minimizing. Learn my simple 3-step formula for planning meals with PCOS, which includes learning how to eat to balance blood sugar. Where to find Emily Kyle, MS, RDN, HCP Emily's website: Emily Kyle Nutrition Sign up for Emily's Newsletter (it's great!): Emily's Newsletter Emily's Instagram: @emilykylenutrition Love the podcast? Leave a rating and review! Or share an episode with a friend who could benefit! Give us a follow on Instagram or Facebook for daily posts on PCOS, hormones, and fertility. Check out our website for more articles and information and to learn how to work with Melissa.

A Self Care Episode We know that self care is important, but adding self care to our never ending to do list can add more stress than it alleviates. And furthermore, the ideas about what self care looks like that are promoted on social media may not be accessible for all people. Luckily, taking care of ourselves doesn’t have to cost a lot (or any money) and it doesn’t have to take much time either – the important part is making it a consistent habit. Valerie Agyeman is a Women's Health Dietitian, Podcast Host and Founder of Flourish Heights, a women’s nutrition practice, digital platform, and community. Valerie empowers women to build confidence around their food choices while shining the light on overlooked topics around women's health issues. In the past few years, she has brought hundreds of women together to inspire change, empower and educate, and build stronger, healthier communities. Valerie is a trusted expert in the media regularly appearing on media networks including ABC’s Good Morning Washington Show, and contributing expert quotes to publications like Women’s Health Magazine, The Thirty, and Shape. This Week We Talk About: What self care is NOT and what it actually is Why the image of self care that gets portrayed in the media and on social media is actually harmful and contributes to stress levels Why self care has to be individualized for YOUR needs Why basic physical, mental, and emotional health needs are a good place to start when thinking about building a self care practice How to fit self care into pockets of your day Why you shouldn't just focus on stress management when you're busy and stressed Foods that support moods and energy Why sometimes self care isn't just about what you're doing... it's also about what you're NOT doing Mentioned in this episode PCOS Meal Prep Made Easy Workshop – In this hour-long workshop, I break down what foods you want to include for PCOS and what you may want to consider avoiding or minimizing. Learn my simple 3-step formula for planning meals with PCOS, which includes learning how to eat to balance blood sugar. Why and How to Track your Menstrual Cycles with PCOS — it's now more important than ever to learn how to identify your fertile window, whether you're trying to get pregnant or trying to avoid pregnancy. So I've decided to make this 38-minute video resource free to all. Where to find Valerie Agyeman, RD Valerie's website: Flourish Heights Valerie's Instagram: @flourishheights Bloom Summit DC, August 21, 2022: Get tickets Love the podcast? Leave a rating and review! Or share an episode with a friend who could benefit! Give us a follow on Instagram or Facebook for daily posts on PCOS, hormones, and fertility. Check out our website for more articles and information and to learn how to work with Melissa. Summer Break We practice what we preach here at The Hormone Dietitian and are taking a 4-week summer break from the podcast. Now is a great time to catch up on any of the episodes you've missed! Keep in touch at our website and on Instagram. We'll be back August 16th with all new episodes!

A Hair and Hormones Episode Hair is one of the first things people notice about us. And according to hair and nutrition expert Samaria Grandberry, hair is also a barometer of our inner health. Hair issues like thinning, loss, dryness, and breakage and scalp issues like seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema are common. But what is the root cause of these hair and scalp issues? In this episode with RDN and Certified Trichologist Samaria Grandberry, we dive deep into root causes of hair issues, and treatment regimens, lifestyle factors, and nutrition for hair health. Samaria is a Memphis-based registered dietitian and certified trichologist. Her background in nutrition and hair science, combined with her own struggles with skin and hair, makes her uniquely equipped to help women get to the root cause(s) of their hair loss. She uses holistic nutritional and trichological therapies - focusing on all aspects of a person’s life. And she encourages honoring your heritage while pursuing overall health and wellness. Her goal is to help you reclaim the power within through nutrition, hair, and lifestyle therapies. This Week We Talk About: Common hair issues such as hair loss and thinning, breakage, and more How styling practices like heat treatments, chemical colors and relaxers, and certain hairstyles can increase hair loss and damage Common scalp issues including eczema, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis Root causes of hair and scalp issues, such as genetics, styling issues, nutrient deficiencies, stress, illness, hormonal imbalances, and natural hormonal shifts Why an individual, whole-person approach to hair care based on root causes is necessary — and what a healthy hair care regimen might look like Why you might want to consider making a cup of tea... for your hair! The connection between hair health, mindset, and mental health Nutrition for hair health - which nutrients you should really be focusing on and which one many people are taking that isn't actually helping What to expect during a hair consultation and which lab tests and other findings can help identify the root cause(s) of your hair issues Conventional hair and scalp treatments and some of Samaria's favorite off-the-shelf brands and products Mentioned in this episode PCOS Meal Prep Made Easy Workshop – In this hour-long workshop, I break down what foods you want to include for PCOS and what you may want to consider avoiding or minimizing. Learn my simple 3-step formula for planning meals with PCOS, which includes learning how to eat to balance blood sugar. Where to find Samaria Grandberry, MS, RDN, WTS: Samaria's website: Feeding the Root Samaria's Instagram: @feedingtheroot World Trichology Society Love the podcast? Leave a rating and review! Or share an episode with a friend who could benefit! Give us a follow on Instagram or Facebook for daily posts on PCOS, hormones, and fertility. Check out our website for more articles and information and to learn how to work with Melissa.

A Hormones and Mental Health Episode Why is it that so many women struggling with hormone imbalances also struggle with anxiety? Turns out that the root causes of anxiety overlap with the root causes of hormone imbalances... and having hormone imbalances can contribute to anxiety as well. From an integrative and functional perspective, anxiety is not a "diagnosis," per se... it's a SYMPTOM. And in order to identify the best approach to treating it, we have to uncover what the root causes of anxiety are on an individual basis. In this episode, I'm talking with Dr. Jen Roelands about the most common root causes of anxiety, the difference between anxiety and stress, and treatment options — which can include a variety of tools depending on your goals, including nutrition, lifestyle, supplements, and medications. Dr. Jennifer Roelands is an integrative medicine trained OB/GYN with over a decade of women's health experience. She is the CEO and founder of Well Woman MD, a clinic dedicated to a holistic, whole-body approach to care by using nutrition, lifestyle, and cutting-edge testing. She is also the host of Ignite Your PowHer podcast, a platform for badass female entrepreneurs in the health and wellness industry. Dr. Jen is an avid outdoor enthusiast and traveler. Most importantly she is the GO-TO math expert for her 4 energetic kids. This Week We Talk About: Why choice matters when it comes to a treatment approach for hormone imbalances and anxiety — whether you want a strictly conventional approach, a strictly natural approach, or a combination of the two modalities The connection between hormone imbalances and anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders What's really underlying anxiety, and what anxiety is actually a symptom of Underlying root causes of inflammation and anxiety Why women are more prone to anxiety than men and times in the lifespan where anxiety is more common Symptoms of anxiety, types of anxiety, and how anxiety differs from day-to-day stress Managing anxiety around a chronic condition such as PCOS Labs to consider if you have anxiety Different treatment approaches to anxiety depending on your situation Nutrition and lifestyle tips for managing anxiety When you might want to consider medications for anxiety, alternatives to anxiety meds, and weaning off anxiety meds safely Mentioned in this episode PCOS Meal Prep Made Easy Workshop – In this hour-long workshop, I break down what foods you want to include for PCOS and what you may want to consider avoiding or minimizing. Learn my simple 3-step formula for planning meals with PCOS, which includes learning how to eat to balance blood sugar. Where to find Dr. Jennifer Roelands: Dr. Jen's website: WellWomanMD.com Dr. Jen's Instagram: @wellwomanmd Download Dr. Jen's Freebie: Get Relief from Anxiety Love the podcast? Leave a rating and review! Or share an episode with a friend who could benefit! Give us a follow on Instagram or Facebook for daily posts on PCOS, hormones, and fertility. Check out our website for more articles and information and to learn how to work with Melissa.

We've talked about gut health and the connection between gut health and hormone health on this podcast. Gut imbalances and dysfunction is a common root cause of hormone issues, because if the gut isn't working right, your hormones won't be either. But the gut doesn't become imbalanced on its own. So in this episode, we're digging into some of the root causes of gut issues, and one specific gut issues that's more common than you might think: PARASITES. (Fair warning if you're squeamish!) In this episode, we talk about how common parasites are, how we get parasites, how to know if we have them, how to get rid of them, and the surprising connection between parasites and the moon. Robin Foroutan, MS, RDN, my friend and colleague, is an award winning integrative and functional dietitian specializing in digestive health, detoxification support, and inflammation to reverse imbalances in the body that cause symptoms. Robin has an undergraduate degree in nutrition from NYU and a Masters in nutrition from Columbia University. She has done extensive post-graduate training in Integrative and Functional Medicine and in her virtual practice at Nutrition By Robin and at The Morrison Center in New York City has come to realize just how common parasites are... and how to actually get rid of them. We get deeeep in this episode and hold nothing back when talking about gut health, parasites, and the moon! This Week We Talk About: Stealth infections and how they impact health Long-COVID and post-COVID changes in the body How the gut and gut microbiome are critical to health Why we need to start at the bottom when we're treating gut issues Some "red flag" symptoms that may indicate gut issues, even if you don't have overt digestive symptoms How our guts get "jacked" in the first place - what we know and what we suspect Why parasites are so hard to find through testing and hallmark signs to look for instead Where we get parasites from in the first place Common treatment approaches for parasites and why they have to be aligned with the moon cycles to be most effective Foods and herbs you can add to your diet to support microbiome health and prevent dysbiosis Mentioned in this episode PCOS Meal Prep Made Easy Workshop – In this hour-long workshop, I break down what foods you want to include for PCOS and what you may want to consider avoiding or minimizing. Learn my simple 3-step formula for planning meals with PCOS, which includes learning how to eat to balance blood sugar. Where to find Robin Foroutan, MS, RDN Robin's website: Nutritionbyrobin.com Robin's Instagram: @foroutan.nutrition Love the podcast? Leave a rating and review! Or share an episode with a friend who could benefit! Give us a follow on Instagram or Facebook for daily posts on PCOS, hormones, and fertility. Check out our website for more articles and information and to learn how to work with Melissa.

A PMS & Period Pain Episode Should you take the pill for PMS? What about for period pain? Despite what you may have been told, there are more options out there than taking the pill. Furthermore, the pill doesn't *actually* address any of the underlying root causes of PMS or period pain. So in this episode, we're asking the million-dollar question - what other options are there besides the pill for PMS and period pain? I'm talking to Dr. Saru Bala, and educating women on options besides the pill for PMS and period pain is her passion! Dr. Saru Bala is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor who has done extra training in the areas of women's health and naturopathic endocrinology. Her mission is to educate women about their periods, hormones, and overall health. She works 1:1 with women to address hormonal concerns without the use of birth control and her primary focus is on managing chronic hormonal issues such as PCOS, period pain, heavy bleeding, fibroids, endometriosis, Hashimoto's, fertility, and other women's hormonal concerns. Or as Dr. Bala says — she works with women at any stage from their first period to their last period! This Week We Talk About: The most common underlying causes of PMS Foods to eat and lifestyle habits to incorporate that can help reduce PMS symptoms The hormone balancing supplements that may help with PMS — and why they're likely not the ones that have been marketed to you How PMDD differs from PMS What painful periods or pain between periods can mean and why getting a diagnosis doesn't matter as much as you think it might How the pill makes hormonally driven conditions like PMS and period pain worse by masking the symptoms but not addressing the underlying root causes Why you don't need a "detox",,, but you DO need to support detoxification Why you shouldn't have to live with symptoms that may be common but aren't normal, and options beyond just "take the pill" Mentioned in this episode PCOS Meal Prep Made Easy Workshop – In this hour-long workshop, I break down what foods you want to include for PCOS and what you may want to consider avoiding or minimizing. Learn my simple 3-step formula for planning meals with PCOS, which includes learning how to eat to balance blood sugar. Where to find Dr. Saru Bala Dr. Bala's Website: www.drsarubala.com Dr. Bala's Instagram: @drsarubala Free Guide to Female Hormones: Download here Love the podcast? Leave a rating and review! Or share an episode with a friend who could benefit! Give us a follow on Instagram or Facebook for daily posts on PCOS, hormones, and fertility. Check out our website for more articles and information and to learn how to work with Melissa.

How fertile are you? This may not be something you're even thinking about unless you're planning to try to conceive. But my guest today wants to change that. Dr. Aimee is passionate about empowering and educating every woman about her egg health and how fertile she is... whether she's thinking about trying to conceive in the near future or not. With more and more people putting conception on the back burner while they focus on their careers or delay family building for other reasons, it's important to understand the impact of time on our fertility and our chances of conceiving. Fortunately, there are some simple medical tests that can give us answers about our current fertility — taking into account our egg quantity and egg health — and make projections about what our fertility may look like 2 years from now, 5 years from now, etc! Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh is a fertility specialist in the San Francisco Bay Area. Practicing for over 15 years, she has a specialization in IVF and has vast experience in helping women over 35 realize their dreams of becoming a mother. Her focus is on finding the sweet spot of where science and patient care meet, and empowering people to better understand their fertility. She launched Egg Freezing Party in 2014 to help educate people about their fertility preservation options. Since then, she's launched The Egg Whisperer Show, to further the reach of how she educates people. It's broadcast to YouTube, IGTV, Facebook, Twitter, and as a podcast of the same name. In addition, Dr. Aimee has simplified how people understand fertility by introducing the TUSHY Method, BALLS Method, and the Egg Whisperer DIET, as mnemonics to remind people about the basics of fertility diagnosis and care. This Week We Talk About: The 3 major factors that affect our fertility and the only one we can control What the TUSHY method is and how to use it to evaluate your current egg health and fertility How fertility doctors are able to make predictions about your future fertility based on your current situation Why Dr. Aimee started the Egg Freezing Party to empower and educate women Who should consider freezing their eggs and why When to consider IUI vs IVF Creative and alternative family building Some tips to maintain hope throughout the process Mentioned in this episode Losing Weight with PCOS – In this NEW live workshop & Q&A happening June 15th at 7 PM EST, we’ll talk about all the reasons WHY it’s so hard to lose weight with PCOS, why focusing on the scale is the WRONG approach, and what to focus on instead – and the best part is it doesn’t involve giving up ANY of your favorite foods. It’s happening June 15th and it WILL be recorded if you can’t make it live, but of course you’ll want to show up live to get YOUR questions answered! Register today HERE. Where to find Dr. Aimee Dr. Aimee's Website where you can find her blog, podcast, online classes, or become a patient: DrAimee.org Social Media: YouTube: Egg Whisperer Show Instagram: @eggwhisperer Twitter: @_Eggwhisperer Facebook: Doctor Aimee Love the podcast? Leave a rating and review! Or share an episode with a friend who could benefit! Give us a follow on Instagram or Facebook for daily posts on PCOS, hormones, and fertility. Check out our website for more articles and information and to learn how to work with Melissa.

What's the best diet for PCOS? Depends who you ask! You might see that you "have to" eat gluten- and dairy-free for PCOS. That you should eat low carb or keto. Does glycemic index matter? On the other hand you might see that you should give up all animal products and go 100% plant-based. You may even see that Intermittent Fasting is the secret key when it comes to managing insulin resistance and PCOS. Should you count calories? Macros? Anything? No wonder there's so much confusion! In this episode I'm breaking down the research that does exist in PCOS nutrition, combined with my experience of working with thousands of women with PCOS, to share what actually works when it comes to managing PCOS with diet (hint: there is no best diet for PCOS... there's only the best diet for YOU). This Week I Talk About: Existing and emerging research in PCOS nutrition, including low-calorie diets, low-carb / keto diets, low-glycemic diets, anti-inflammatory / Mediterranean diets, vegan / plant-based diets, and intermittent fasting / caloric timing Why you don't need to cut out any foods (even dairy and gluten) based solely on a PCOS diagnosis The problem with trendy "30-day fixes" or "75-day challenges" The common threads in "successful" PCOS diets and the ones that weren't so successful Why the best diet for PCOS is one that is individualized to your needs and goals Mentioned in this episode Losing Weight with PCOS – In this NEW live workshop & Q&A happening June 15th at 7 PM EST, we’ll talk about all the reasons WHY it’s so hard to lose weight with PCOS, why focusing on the scale is the WRONG approach, and what to focus on instead – and the best part is it doesn’t involve giving up ANY of your favorite foods. It’s happening June 15th and it WILL be recorded if you can’t make it live, but of course you’ll want to show up live to get YOUR questions answered! Register today HERE.

Are you trying to get pregnant but not sure where the process is going wrong and why? Getting pregnant, staying pregnant, and having a healthy baby is complex and there are many places where this process can go awry. But to a functional fertility practitioner, these can all be clues to understanding what the underlying root causes affecting your fertility actually are. In this episode, I’m talking to a prominent fertility expert, Dr. Jaclyn Chasse Smeaton who is a licensed naturopathic physician dedicated to helping couples conceive naturally. Dr. Chasse Smeaton is a graduate of Bastyr University, an avid writer, and international speaker who has taught thousands of doctors and functional practitioners her root cause fertility methods. Her practice, Hello Fertility, is dedicated to fertility, sexual health and family wellness. We cover a LOT of info in this episode, from nutrition to environmental toxins to oxidative stress and mitochondria. I think you’ll be surprised to learn some factors that may be affecting your and your partner’s fertility that may have never occurred to you. This Week We Talk About: The foundations of fertility - nutrition, environment, rest & digest, and movement & connection Simple changes you can make in your environment to improve your fertility The 3 categories of root causes of fertility issues and the most common root causes of fertility issues Why most "infertility" is actually SUBfertility What oxidative stress is and why it matters in fertility Functional fertility testing you may want to consider if you're not getting answers from conventional medicine Why you shouldn't follow a detoxification protocol if you're actively trying to conceive Why immune function & blood flow in the uterus matter when it comes to getting (and staying) pregnant What a proper fertility supplement plan looks like and which fertility supplements you should avoid Mentioned in this episode PCOS Meal Prep Made Easy Workshop – In this hour-long workshop, I break down what foods you want to include for PCOS and what you may want to consider avoiding or minimizing. Learn my simple 3-step formula for planning meals with PCOS, which includes learning how to eat to balance blood sugar. Where to find Dr. Chasse Smeaton Website: Hello Fertility Instagram: @hello_fertility Download Dr. Chasse Smeaton's Hello Fertility Quick Start Nutrition Guide

Like most women’s health issues, endometriosis is complicated! It can take years to receive a proper diagnosis, we still don’t have a good understanding of the underlying causes and triggers, and conventional medicine treatment options are surgery or heavy duty medications. Fortunately nutrition and lifestyle can make a real difference in symptom intensity, but what diet is best for endometriosis? Today we're talking to fertility and endometriosis nutrition expert, Stefanie Valakas, APD, about endometriosis nutrition. Stef is a fertility dietitian & nutritionist and founder of The Dietologist. She and her virtual practice team are dedicated to excellence in nutrition for reproductive health concerns, fertility & pregnancy. Her passion for nutrition in this space has truly grown from her experience helping her clients online from around the world and also through her own personal experiences of navigating a diagnosis of endometriosis. This Week We Talk About: How Stefanie got interested in preconception nutrition by starting our working in pediatrics How specializing in fertility nutrition led to Stefanie's own diagnosis with endometriosis Why overlapping GI conditions and vague symptoms make getting diagnosed with endometriosis difficult Why there's no one-size-fits-all approach to endometriosis nutrition Easy tips for incorporating an anti-inflammatory endometriosis diet and lifestyle plan What foods you DON'T need to avoid and what you might want to consider avoiding Lifestyle factors that can impact endometriosis Mentioned in this episode Tempdrop Exclusive Offer - I'm excited to partner with Tempdrop because not only do I recommend it to my clients, but I also use it myself! You can use your Tempdrop to track your cycle without the usual early morning wake-ups or super strict tracking schedules. Tempdrop helps you collect accurate basal body readings, identify your fertile window, confirm your ovulation, plan for your period, identify pregnancy, and more. Whether you’re trying to conceive, avoiding pregnancy, or charting for health reasons, your Tempdrop can help you do it all. You can get 15% off a Tempdrop kit using the code HormoneDietitianPodcast here! (If that doesn't work, use TheHormoneDietitian) Where to find Stefanie Valakas, APD Women’s Health Nutrition & Fitness Expert Website: thedietologist.com.au Instagram: @the_dietologist and @endo.nutrition Facebook Pages: The Dietologist and The Endometriosis Dietitian Podcast: Fertility Friendly Food

Getting pregnant is just the first of many hurdles people with PCOS face. With higher risks for pregnancy complications and then unforeseen issues after pregnancy like difficulty breastfeeding, it may feel as if the universe is against you. But in this week's episode, we're tackling breastfeeding with PCOS, what complications may arise, and what to do about it. IS it true that people with PCOS have more issues with milk supply? Why is that and what can we do about it? What if you had gestational diabetes during your pregnancy, and baby ends up in the NICU for a time while you're sent home? How does THAT impact your plans to breastfeed? Well, I am in no way a lactation expert, so I invited my friend Megan McMillan to come talk about these issues and more. Meghan McMillin holds a Master’s Degree in Human Nutrition and is also an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). She spent 5 years working clinically in the NICU, pediatric floor, and women’s units. In 2019, she started her own business, Mama & Sweet Pea Nutrition, a private nutrition and lactation practice and consulting company that specializes in prenatal, postpartum, and infant care. The mother to two kids with food allergies, helping lactating dyads struggling with food allergies or intolerances is her passion! I'm so grateful for the opportunity to pick this lactation expert's brain on air... and I know you'll benefit too! This Week We Talk About: Different types of lactation certifications, which type of lactation consultant may be best for your situation, and when to reach out for help Common issues that can come up during the process of lactation What causes low milk supply in PCOS and how to know in advance if it might be an issue for you Why a blood-sugar-balancing diet is key to supporting lactation, especially in PCOS Some popular galactagogues (milk promoters) and which have actual evidence supporting their use How hormones and hormone imbalances affect lactation Which nutrients are most important while breastfeeding — and which ones your body will take from your own stores to prioritize getting those nutrients in your milk Lack of societal support for the 4th trimester/postpartum period and how boundaries can help improve your milk supply How you can meet your breastfeeding goals even when baby is in the NICU Mentioned in this episode PCOS Meal Prep Made Easy Workshop – In this hour-long workshop, I break down what foods you want to include for PCOS and what you may want to consider avoiding or minimizing. Learn my simple 3-step formula for planning meals with PCOS, which includes learning how to eat to balance blood sugar. Where to find Meghan McMillan, MS, RD, CSP, LDN, IBCLC Website: Mama & Sweet Pea Nutrition Instagram: @the.lactation.dietitian