The Hormone Genius Podcast

What if your menstrual cycle wasn't just about fertility, but was actually revealing something profound about your health, your identity, and even your purpose?

In this inspiring episode, we welcome Caitlin Estes, fertility care practitioner, founder of Woven Natural Fertility Care, and author of Woven Well. Caitlin shares how her own journey into fertility awareness transformed the way she understood the female body—not simply as a biological system, but as a beautiful design that speaks to a woman's dignity, health, and capacity for relationship.

Together, we explore why understanding the menstrual cycle is about so much more than tracking fertility. Caitlin explains how hormones are not problems to suppress but important messengers that reveal overall health. Rather than viewing the body as something to "fix" or optimize, women can learn to appreciate the wisdom built into their cycles and seek care that addresses root causes instead of masking symptoms.

The conversation also dives into the growing movement toward restorative reproductive medicine and why more women are searching for alternatives to hormonal birth control when dealing with painful periods, PCOS, irregular cycles, or infertility. Caitlin shares powerful stories from women whose lives were transformed, not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually, when they began understanding their bodies through fertility awareness.

We also discuss the importance of community, education, and honest conversations between women. Whether you're a teenager learning about your cycle for the first time, a mother raising daughters, navigating infertility, or simply wanting to better understand your hormones, this episode offers encouragement and hope.

You'll walk away with a renewed appreciation for the incredible design of the female body and practical inspiration to begin paying closer attention to what your hormones are communicating every month.

In this episode you'll learn:

Why your menstrual cycle is a vital sign of health
The difference between suppressing symptoms and treating root causes
How fertility awareness empowers women in every stage of life
The connection between physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being
Why conversations about women's health can change future generations

Join us for this thoughtful conversation celebrating the beauty, purpose, and extraordinary design of every woman's Hormone Genius.

Woven Well: A Christian Woman’s Guide to Reproductive Health, Fertility, and Wholeness
Wovenfertility.com
@wovenfertility - Instagram and YouTube
Substack: Woven Fertility

Also, check out Teresa Kenney WHNP's book as a great Combo for every young woman in your life! The Happy Girls Guide to Being Whole
https://lumenpress.org/product/the-happy-girls-guide-to-being-whole/

Medical disclaimer: The information presented in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for actual medical advice from a doctor, or any medical professional.

In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Dr. Sarah Hill to explore the far-reaching effects of hormonal birth control, not just on the body, but on the brain, relationships, and a woman’s lived experience of the world.

Dr. Hill shares how her research was sparked by a deeply personal moment: after discontinuing hormonal birth control in her early thirties, she was struck by a profound shift in how she experienced life. Colors felt brighter, music more moving, and everyday moments more meaningful. This transformation led her to question what might be lost when the natural hormonal rhythm is suppressed.

Together, we unpack the idea that hormonal birth control creates a kind of “black and white” internal landscape, flattening the natural peaks and valleys of the menstrual cycle. While this can offer predictability and convenience, it may also dampen the richness and intensity that hormones naturally bring to a woman’s emotional and sensory world. This conversation places that trade-off within a broader cultural context, where modern life often prioritizes ease and instant gratification, sometimes at the cost of depth and meaning.

A major focus of the episode is the adolescent brain. Dr. Hill highlights how little we truly understand about the impact of hormonal birth control during the critical window of development between ages 12 and 19. This is a time when the brain is undergoing significant remodeling, guided in part by natural hormonal signals. Emerging research raises important questions about how altering those signals might influence long-term mental health and development. While animal studies suggest measurable changes to brain structure, human data points to a potential association between adolescent use and increased risk of depression later in life. Still, many questions remain unanswered, making this an area in urgent need of further study.

We also explore the fascinating connection between hormones and attraction. Natural hormonal shifts across the menstrual cycle subtly shape preferences, especially around ovulation, when estrogen peaks. During this time, women may be more drawn to cues associated with genetic compatibility. Hormonal birth control suppresses these fluctuations, potentially influencing patterns of attraction in ways that are often invisible but meaningful. For some women, this can translate into changes in relationship dynamics over time, though experiences vary widely.

At the heart of this conversation is a call to awareness. Rather than framing hormonal birth control as simply good or bad, Dr. Hill encourages women to understand it as a powerful intervention with real trade-offs. Hormones are not arbitrary they are part of an intricate system that shapes how women think, feel, and connect.

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The information presented in HGP is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for actual medical or mental health advice from a doctor, or any other medical or mental health professional.

Welcome to Season 7 of The Hormone Genius Podcast! We're kicking off this new season with a timely conversation about one of the most talked-about topics in medicine today: GLP-1 medications for weight loss.
From Ozempic® and Wegovy® to Zepbound®, these medications have sparked excitement, controversy, and countless questions. Are they safe? Who are they for? Are they simply a shortcut, or could they be a powerful tool for improving long-term health?
In this episode, Teresa breaks down the science behind GLP-1 medications, explaining how these naturally occurring hormones help regulate blood sugar, appetite, digestion, and metabolism. You'll learn how these medications were originally developed for diabetes, why they've become such a breakthrough in obesity treatment, and what the latest research tells us about their benefits beyond weight loss.
Jamie guides the conversation using the B.R.A.I.N. framework, Benefits, Risks, Alternatives, Intuition, and Next Steps, to help listeners think critically and confidently when discussing treatment options with their healthcare provider.
Together, we discuss:
What GLP-1 medications are and how they work
The difference between semaglutide (Ozempic®, Wegovy®) and tirzepatide (Zepbound®)
Why obesity is now recognized as a chronic disease, not simply a lack of willpower
The concept of "food noise" and how GLP-1 medications may reduce constant thoughts about food
Potential benefits beyond weight loss, including improvements in diabetes, cardiovascular health, inflammation, and even emerging research on addiction
Common side effects, safety concerns, and who may not be a good candidate
The importance of preserving muscle mass with adequate protein intake and strength training
How GLP-1 medications compare to alternatives such as lifestyle changes, metformin, and nutritional supplements
Why these medications should be viewed as one tool within a comprehensive plan not a replacement for healthy habits
Perhaps most importantly, this episode emphasizes the value of an individualized approach. There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The best treatment plan considers your medical history, goals, lifestyle, and values in partnership with a trusted healthcare professional.
Whether you're curious about GLP-1 medications, considering them yourself, or simply want to better understand the science behind the headlines, this episode offers an evidence-based, balanced perspective to help you make informed decisions about your health.
Join us as we launch Season 7 with one of the biggest conversations in modern medicine, and discover why understanding your hormones and metabolism is key to becoming your own Hormone Genius.

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Medical Disclaimer
This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. The information shared in this episode is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns or before making changes to your healthcare routine.

wondercowAIfinal 2 by Teresa Kenney and Jamie Rathjen

Most of us think of oral health as brushing, flossing, and avoiding cavities—but what if your mouth is actually one of the earliest windows into your overall health?

In this eye-opening episode of The Hormone Genius Podcast, we're joined once again by holistic dentist Dr. Katie Lee, author of Saved by the Mouth, to explore the remarkable connection between oral health, fertility, hormone balance, inflammation, and even sleep.

Dr. Lee explains why bleeding gums, chronic bad breath, canker sores, dry mouth, and even the shape of your tongue may be signaling much more than a dental problem. We discuss how the oral microbiome influences the entire body, including reproductive health, and why treating the mouth may be a missing piece for women struggling with infertility, endometriosis, chronic inflammation, or unexplained health concerns.

We also dive into one of the most overlooked health issues affecting women: sleep-disordered breathing and sleep apnea. Dr. Lee shares why petite women are frequently overlooked, how airway health changes during perimenopause, and why symptoms like TMJ pain, anxiety, weight gain, high blood pressure, fatigue, and dry mouth may all point to an underlying airway issue rather than "just getting older."

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why healthy gums should never bleed
• What your breath, tongue, and mouth reveal about your overall health
• How oral bacteria may contribute to infertility, miscarriage, endometriosis, and chronic inflammation
• The surprising connection between the oral microbiome and reproductive health
• Why saliva testing can identify hidden pathogens that routine dental exams often miss
• The best floss, toothbrushes, water flossers, and oral care tips for optimal health
• How perimenopause affects the mouth, and why estrogen plays a key role in oral health
• The relationship between sleep apnea, cortisol, blood sugar, weight gain, heart health, and hormone balance
• Signs you may have an airway problem, even if you don't snore
• Why root-cause medicine should include evaluating the mouth

This conversation will completely change the way you think about oral health. Whether you're trying to conceive, navigating perimenopause, or simply looking to optimize your health, you'll discover why caring for your mouth may be one of the most powerful investments you can make for your entire body.

Because your mouth isn't separate from your health, it may be the place your body has been trying to get your attention all along.

Hormone Genius wants YOU to partner with us!
PODCAST PARTNER:
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Thank you to our podcast sponsors:
We Heart Nutrition: 20% OFF CODE GENIUS
Grazing Beauty Tallow: grazingbeauty.com 10% OFF Code HORMONEGENIUS
Hormone Genius Perimenopause Program at www.hormonegenius.com

Medical Disclaimer
This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. The information shared in this episode is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns or before making changes to your healthcare routine.