The Hormone Genius Podcast

What if the path to better hormones, clearer thinking, and deeper peace wasn’t found in doing more but in returning to less?

In this episode of The Hormone Genius Podcast, we sit down with Kim VanDolah, wife, mother of six, author of Return to Simple, and health and lifestyle coach, to explore what it really means to step away from the noise of modern life and return to the rhythms we were designed to live by.

Kim shares her journey of letting go of overwhelm, expectations, and complexity, and how embracing a simpler, more intentional way of living transformed her mind, body, and spirit.

At the heart of this conversation is a powerful idea: the body, and life itself—functions best when we live in alignment with natural rhythms. When those rhythms are disrupted, whether through chronic stress, overstimulation, or disconnection from how we were created to live, we often see the effects in our health, especially in our hormones.

Together, we explore what Kim calls The Seven Ancient Paths, timeless principles that restore balance, clarity, and vitality:

True-Hearted Living – aligning with truth and living with integrity
Fasting – creating space by letting go of what no longer serves
Nourishment – choosing simple, nutrient-dense foods that truly fuel the body
Simplicity – clearing the excess to make room for what matters most
Nature – reconnecting with the rhythms of the natural world
Play – rediscovering joy, creativity, and lightness
Presence – slowing down and being fully where you are

We also connect these principles to hormone health; how stress, disconnection, and overcomplication can dysregulate the body, and how returning to simple, foundational habits can help restore balance. From nourishment to rest, from cycle awareness to nervous system regulation, this episode is a reminder that the body often doesn’t need more intervention, it needs reconnection.

Kim’s message is both grounding and freeing: your body is not the problem. It’s often the pace, pressure, and patterns of modern life that pull us out of alignment.

In this episode, we discuss:

Why simplicity is foundational to hormone health
The connection between natural rhythms and the menstrual cycle
How fasting and nourishment work together—not against each other
The role of presence, rest, and nervous system regulation
Practical ways to begin simplifying your daily life

Sponsors
💛 We Heart Nutrition

Thoughtfully formulated supplements designed to support women’s health at every stage of life.

🎁 20% off with code: GENIUS

🐄 Wonder Cow Colostrum

Supports gut health, immune function, inflammation balance, and tissue repair — especially valuable during postpartum recovery.

🎁 30% off your subscription with code: HORMONEGENIUS

🔗 www.wondercow.com/hormonegenius

We’re excited to partner with Salt & Light by Sami, a brand whose mission is to provide toxin-free candles that enhance the aroma of any space.

Hormone Genius listeners receive 10% off

Use code HORMONEHAPPY at checkout

www.saltandlightbysami.com

Disclaimer: The views expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Hormone Genius Podcast. This content is for information is not intended to be a substitute for actual medical or mental health advice from a doctor, psychologist, or any other medical or mental health professional.

In this episode of the Hormone Genius Podcast, we dive into the science behind protein, without getting lost in the intimidating biochemical diagrams. Instead, we take a practical and approachable look at what protein actually does in the body, why amino acids matter, and how much protein people really need to support optimal health. Proteins are literally the structural foundation of our bodies. They make up a significant portion of our tissues, including muscles, organs, skin, enzymes, hormones, and immune molecules. In fact, a large percentage of our body composition is made up of protein-based structures.

Every cell in the body relies on proteins to function. That means every day our bodies must continually rebuild and repair protein structures just to maintain normal physiological balance.

This process is known as anabolism, the state where the body is building and repairing tissues. The opposite state is catabolism, where tissues begin to break down. Ideally, our bodies maintain a balance between these two states.

But if we don’t consume enough protein, or if our bodies are under stress, illness, trauma, or aging—the body can shift toward catabolism. In that situation, it begins breaking down muscle tissue in order to release amino acids needed to sustain essential functions.

One of the most common questions about protein is how much we should consume daily.

You may have heard the popular recommendation of eating one gram of protein per pound of body weight. While this guideline is common in fitness communities, it may be unnecessarily high for many individuals.

Current research from protein experts like Dr. Don Layman suggests that for most healthy adults who exercise moderately, a target of around:

0.7–0.8 grams of protein per pound of body weight

may be sufficient to maintain muscle mass and support metabolic health.

For many people, this translates to roughly 90–100 grams of protein per day.

A simple strategy is to aim for 25–30 grams of protein per meal across three meals daily. This approach naturally distributes protein intake in a balanced way and supports consistent amino acid availability throughout the day.

In other words, when the body doesn’t receive enough protein from food, it may start consuming its own muscle to survive.

This is one reason protein intake becomes increasingly important as we age.

Sponsors
💛 We Heart Nutrition

Thoughtfully formulated supplements designed to support women’s health at every stage of life.

🎁 20% off with code: GENIUS

🐄 Wonder Cow Colostrum

Supports gut health, immune function, inflammation balance, and tissue repair — especially valuable during postpartum recovery.

🎁 30% off your subscription with code: HORMONEGENIUS

🔗 www.wondercow.com/hormonegenius

We’re excited to partner with Salt & Light by Sami,

a brand whose mission is to provide toxin-free candles

that enhance the aroma of any space.

Their thoughtfully crafted candles offer a simple way to enjoy beautiful scent at home without harsh chemicals — an easy, intentional swap for women who care about what they bring into their living spaces.

Hormone Genius listeners receive 10% off

Use code HORMONEHAPPY at checkout

What if the reason you still feel “off” — despite eating well, managing stress, and taking supplements — lies deeper than hormones alone?

In this episode of The Hormone Genius Podcast, Teresa Kenney and Jamie Rathjen sit down with Star Edwards, MS, RD, LD, a Registered Dietitian specializing in Integrative and Functional Medical Nutrition Therapy. Star has a deep passion for the rapidly evolving science of the gut microbiome and works to help healthcare practitioners better understand how microbiome testing and restoration strategies can support patient care.

Star’s work bridges the gap between emerging microbiome research and practical clinical application. With experience spanning functional medicine testing, provider education, public speaking, and product development, she brings a unique perspective on how clinicians can incorporate microbiome insights into everyday practice.

During this conversation, Star explains why the gut microbiome plays such a critical role in whole-body health. The trillions of microbes living in the gut influence digestion, immune function, metabolism, hormone balance, and even mood and sleep. Disruptions in the microbial ecosystem — sometimes called dysbiosis — have been linked to a wide range of chronic conditions, including metabolic disorders, inflammatory conditions, and hormonal imbalance.

One of the challenges clinicians face is understanding how to accurately measure the microbiome and translate that information into meaningful action for patients. Star discusses the role of advanced microbiome testing and how newer technologies are helping practitioners gain deeper insights into microbial communities and their functions.

In this episode, we also explore the work of Tiny Health, a health technology company focused on microbiome testing across all stages of life. Their testing platform uses shotgun metagenomic sequencing, considered a gold-standard method in microbiome research, which analyzes microbial DNA to identify bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other organisms present in the gut or vaginal microbiome. This technology can screen for more than 120,000 microbes and provide strain-level insights into the microbiome ecosystem.

Star shares how microbiome testing may be especially relevant for women navigating fertility challenges, hormone imbalance, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and perimenopause. Because the gut microbiome interacts closely with hormone metabolism, immune regulation, and metabolic health, improving microbial balance may help address underlying contributors to symptoms rather than simply treating them.

Throughout the episode, Teresa, Jamie, and Star discuss the importance of a root-cause approach to women’s health. By combining clinical wisdom, lifestyle medicine, and emerging microbiome science, practitioners can gain a more complete understanding of the factors shaping a patient’s health.

Sponsors
We Heart Nutrition

Thoughtfully formulated supplements designed to support women’s health at every stage of life.

20% off with code: GENIUS

We’re excited to partner with Salt & Light by Sami

Their thoughtfully crafted candles offer a simple way to enjoy beautiful scent at home without harsh chemicals an easy, intentional swap for women who care about what they bring into their living spaces.

Hormone Genius listeners receive 10% off
Use code HORMONEHAPPY at checkout

Grazing Beauty Tallow Skin Care!
Grazing Beauty is a small-batch, mama-inspired skincare brand specializing in grass-fed tallow products like body balms, bar soaps, and lip balm.

Listeners can use the affiliate code HORMONEGENIUS at checkout for 10% off their order.

grazingbeauty.com/

Disclaimer: The views expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Hormone Genius Podcast. This content is for information is not intended to be a substitute for actual medical or mental health advice from a doctor, psychologist, or any other medical or mental health professional.

FACTS 2026 Annual Conference Preview

FACTS for Restoring Reproductive & Whole-Body Health

📍 Peoria, Illinois
📅 Friday–Saturday, April 10–11, 2026
📘 Pre-Conference Workshops: Thursday, April 9, 2026

On today’s episode of The Hormone Genius Podcast, we’re spotlighting an upcoming national conference that aligns beautifully with our mission of root-cause, whole-body hormone care the 2026 Annual Conference hosted by FACTS About Fertility.

The conference theme, “FACTS for Restoring Reproductive & Whole-Body Health,” brings together leading clinicians and researchers to explore how endocrine health, mental well-being, fertility, and surgical care intersect across the reproductive lifespan.

The conference will be hosted at OSF Healthcare in Peoria, Illinois, on Friday, April 10th and Saturday, April 11th, with optional pre-conference workshops on Thursday, April 9th.

Women’s health is not siloed , hormones, stress physiology, immune function, mental health, and fertility are deeply connected. This conference focuses on restoration, informed decision-making, and evidence-based care, equipping clinicians to move beyond symptom suppression toward true healing.

Attendees will have the opportunity to:

Connect with nationally recognized experts

Deepen their understanding of women’s endocrine and reproductive health

Learn practical, clinically relevant approaches grounded in physiology and patient-centered care

🎤 Featured Speakers & Topics

Autoimmune Thyroid Disease: Perspectives Across the Reproductive Lifespan
Teresa Kenney, WHNP

From Delay to Diagnosis: Understanding Female Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism
Paul Hruz, MD, PhD

Adrenal Health: Improving the Stress–Hormone Connection to Restore Cycle Health
Monica Minjeur, DO

🩺 Surgical Perspectives

Endometriosis and Surgery as First-Line Treatment
Patrick Yeung Jr, MD

Evaluation and Treatment of Tubal Factor Infertility
Kathleen Carlson, MD

PCOS and the Role of Ovarian Wedge Resection
Helen Ejiogu, MD

🧠 Mental Health & Whole-Person Care

Women’s Hormones, Mental Health, and Hormonal Balance
Sarah Hill, PhD

Transforming Women’s Mental Health Through Coaching and Connection
Jamie Rathjen

Our interview guest today is Paula Gallagher, Executive Assistant and Events Coordinator for FACTS About Fertility.

Paula brings a powerful and personal perspective to her work, aligning her own experience with infertility to FACTS’ mission of educating medical professionals to provide women with more options, better education, and truly restorative reproductive and hormonal healthcare.

Registration Details

FACTS members receive 20% off registration.
Learn more and register at:
👉 www.FACTSAboutFertility.org

Sponsors
We Heart Nutrition

Thoughtfully formulated supplements designed to support women’s health at every stage of life.

20% off with code: GENIUS

We’re excited to partner with Salt & Light by Sami,

a brand whose mission is to provide toxin-free candles

that enhance the aroma of any space.

Their thoughtfully crafted candles offer a simple way to enjoy beautiful scent at home without harsh chemicals an easy, intentional swap for women who care about what they bring into their living spaces.

Hormone Genius listeners receive 10% off
Use code HORMONEHAPPY at checkout


Grazing Beauty Tallow Skin Care!
Grazing Beauty is a small-batch, mama-inspired skincare brand specializing in grass-fed tallow products like body balms, bar soaps, and lip balm.

Listeners can use the affiliate code HORMONEGENIUS at checkout for 10% off their order.

grazingbeauty.com/

Disclaimer: The views expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Hormone Genius Podcast. This content is for information is not intended to be a substitute for actual medical or mental health advice from a doctor, psychologist, or any other medical or mental health professional.

In this episode of the Hormone Genius Podcast, Teresa Kenney and Jamie Rathjen sit down with Isabelle Adams, Education Coordinator for Natural Womanhood, to talk about a powerful and growing movement in women’s health education: Cycle Mindfulness Clubs.

👩‍🏫 Meet Our Guest

Isabelle Adams is the Education Coordinator for Natural Womanhood and a passionate advocate for holistic, science-based fertility education. She graduated from Western Kentucky University with a degree in Psychological Sciences and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Divine Mercy University.

Isabelle has led two Cycle Mindfulness Clubs—one as an undergraduate and another in her hometown after graduation. These experiences deepened her appreciation for women’s health, community-based learning, and the integration of truth, science, and human dignity. As a future counselor, Isabelle hopes to offer marriage and family therapy, walking with couples as they learn Natural Family Planning (NFP) and navigate their fertility journey together.

Outside of her work, Isabelle enjoys running half marathons, exploring new coffee shops, and spending time with her husband, Kaleb.

🌱 What Are Cycle Mindfulness Clubs?

Cycle Mindfulness Clubs (CMCs), an initiative of Natural Womanhood, provide young women with a safe, supportive, and empowering space to learn about their fertility and menstrual cycles—grounded in science and lived experience.

At their core, Cycle Mindfulness Clubs offer:

A community-based approach to understanding fertility and cycle charting

Education on menstrual and reproductive health rooted in biology and evidence

Small-group settings (typically 8–12 women) that encourage discussion and support

A non-religious, accessible curriculum open to women of all backgrounds

While the curriculum itself is non-religious, club leaders share values rooted in the dignity of the human person, informed by the Christian/Catholic tradition.

📊 Program Snapshot & Impact

28 active clubs currently operating

Goal to train 45 new leaders in person next year at the University of St. Thomas in Houston

Clubs are hosted on campuses and in local communities (not limited to Catholic centers)

https://naturalwomanhood.org/cycle-mindfulness-club-leadership-team/

💬 Why This Conversation Matters

In a culture where menstrual health education is often fragmented, confusing, or purely clinical, Cycle Mindfulness Clubs offer something different: connection, clarity, and community. This episode explores why young women are hungry for better fertility education—and how programs like CMCs are meeting that need with compassion, science, and integrity.

Whether you’re a student, educator, clinician, parent, or someone passionate about women’s health, this conversation sheds light on what’s possible when we approach fertility with curiosity instead of fear.

Sponsors
💛 We Heart Nutrition

Thoughtfully formulated supplements designed to support women’s health at every stage of life.

🎁 20% off with code: GENIUS

🐄 Wonder Cow Colostrum

Supports gut health, immune function, inflammation balance, and tissue repair — especially valuable during postpartum recovery.

🎁 30% off your subscription with code: HORMONEGENIUS

🔗 www.wondercow.com/hormonegenius

Grazing Beauty Tallow Skin Care!
Grazing Beauty is a small-batch, mama-inspired skincare brand specializing in grass-fed tallow products like body balms, bar soaps, and lip balm.

Listeners can use the affiliate code HORMONEGENIUS at checkout for 10% off their order.

https://grazingbeauty.com/