Cynthia Thurlow is a passionate nurse practitioner, podcast host, and wellness expert with a dedication to helping women of all ages achieve optimal hormonal health. As the host of the Everyday Wellness podcast, Cynthia has made it her mission to empower women with the knowledge and tools they need to maintain a healthy balance in their lives. With her extensive experience in the healthcare field and a deep understanding of the complexities of hormonal health, Cynthia is the perfect guest to join Dr. Stephanie Estima for an Ask Us Anything episode covering a range of hormone topics.Links for this episode:https://cynthiathurlow.com/https://www.youtube.com/cynthiathurlowhttps://cynthiathurlow.com/podcast/https://www.instagram.com/cynthia_thurlow_/The key moments in this episode are:00:00:00 - Factors Affecting Body Fat Percentage,00:02:45 - Ask Us Anything,00:05:16 - Weight Training with Diastasis Recti,00:11:59 - Postpartum Body and Rehabilitation,00:15:08 - Understanding the Risks and Benefits of the Gardasil Vaccine,00:20:19 - Natural Hormone Balance for Hashimoto's Patients,00:24:39 - Differential Diagnoses for Low Estrogen in Hashimoto's Patients,00:29:20 - Understanding the Importance of a Full Medical History,00:29:58 - Iodine Supplementation for Seafood Intolerance,00:34:41 - Reversing Thyroid Medication Dependency,00:39:11 - Adverse Childhood Events and Autoimmune Disease,00:40:48 - Being Real in a Big Platform,00:43:48 - Moving from First Person to Third Person,00:44:57 - Ideal Body Fat Percentage for Menopausal Women,00:54:34 - Copper IUD and Menstrual Symptoms,00:58:57 - Fertility Awareness Method,00:45:30 - Importance of Body Fat Percentage,00:47:33 - Impact of Hormones on Body Fat,01:00:17 - Tips for Undisturbed Sleep,01:01:18 - Sleep Starts When You Wake Up,01:03:08 - Load Management,01:08:52 - Progesterone and Sleep.We’d like to thank our sponsors:Athletic Greens - redeem an exclusive offer hereFourSigmatic Use code DRSTEPHANIE for 10% offOrion Red Light Therapy - Use the code STEPHANIE10 for 10% offSchinouusa - Use code DR.ESTIMA10 for 10% offBIOOPTIMIZERS - receive 10% off your order with Promo Code "ESTIMA"The DNA  Company - $50 discount using code "DRSTEPHANIE" at checkout.HVMN Ketones - get 10% off your order with Promo Code “STEPHANIE”ILIA BeautyLiving Libations - Use code BETTER for 15% offLMNT Electrolytes - A FREE 7-flavor sample pack!PRIMEADINE - get 10% Off your Order with Promo Code “DRSTEPHANIE10”Follow Me On InstagramWatch Better! on YouTubeGet yourself a copy of my best-selling book, The Betty Body

In a world where the perfect vulva is pushed by cosmetic surgeons and online forums, one expert is breaking down the reality of the female anatomy. But when it comes to labia hypertrophy and the incomprehensible husband stitch, who can women trust to make the right decisions for their bodies? Tune in for some straight talk that will leave you empowered and educated.Dr. Jolene Brighten is a board-certified naturopathic endocrinologist, clinical sexologist, and prominent leader in women's medicine. She has gained international recognition as a speaker, clinical educator, and medical advisor within the tech community. Jolene is a faculty member at the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine and part of the MINDBODY Green collective. Her work has been featured in numerous prestigious publications such as Forbes, Cosmo, and The Guardian.Episode Overview (Timestamps are approximate):02:54 - Welcome03:43 - Introducing Jolene04:43 - Becoming a sex counsellor07:26 - Vulva vs vagina and how it should look10:24 - The History of anatomy textbooks15:10 - The female body is the standard17:27 - Labial hypertrophy surgery explained19:07 - the most popular plastic surgery22:29 - The “husband stitch” and why you are in charge25:20 - Being “tight” is a fundamental misunderstanding29:01 - Vaginal odour and discharge explained31:17 - The best kind of lube33:03 - How your vagina can bleach your underwear35:08 - Losing your period is not healthy36:44 - Should your vagina smell like yogurt?42:51 - The main goal of the menstrual cycle44:09 - Let’s talk about the hyman49:12 - Insulin and glucose and their role on hormones58:17 - The importance of stress management in perimenopause01:01:08 - Why you need to stay hydrated01:05:08 - You don’t get a medal for running yourself into the ground01:12:05 - Embracing masculine and feminine energies01:17:58 - Do I feel joy? Do I feel safe?We’d like to thank our sponsors:Athletic Greens – redeem an exclusive offer hereFourSigmatic Use code DRSTEPHANIE for 10% offOrion Red Light Therapy – Use the code STEPHANIE10 for 10% offSchinouusa – Use code DR.ESTIMA10 for 10% offBIOOPTIMIZERS – receive 10% off your order with Promo Code “ESTIMA”The DNA  Company – $50 discount using code “DRSTEPHANIE” at checkout.HVMN Ketones – get 10% off your order with Promo Code “STEPHANIE”ILIA BeautyLiving Libations – Use code BETTER for 15% offLMNT Electrolytes – A FREE 7-flavor sample pack!PRIMEADINE – get 10% Off your Order with Promo Code “DRSTEPHANIE10”Follow Me On InstagramWatch Better! on YouTubeGet yourself a copy of my best-selling book, The Betty Body

Get ready to go back to the basics with Dr. Jeffrey Bland, the "father of functional medicine," as he guides us through the powerful concept that food is information for our bodies. He challenges us to step out of our comfort zones (literally) and shows us the various branches of the Immune System, including innate, acquired, and lymphocytes.Also, discover how you can rejuvenate your immune system through simple lifestyle choices like diet, stress management, and exercise. And finally, explore the intriguing question of whether we can turn up our immunity too much and trigger autoimmunity. Join us for this refresher episode covering the basics to take control of your health today!Links for this episode:bigboldhealth.compro.bigboldhealth.comUse the discount code: BETTER20 for 20% off (valid through 6/30/23).Study mentioned in the episode:Public health lessons from the mid-Victorian working class dietEpisode Overview (timestamps are approximate): 5:41 - Dr. Bland’s history11:35 - Problem(s) with the current medical system14:40 - How to build your plate17:21 - Weakening nutritious food through agriculture24:20 - The diversity of the foods we eat24:49 - Our five different taste types28:40 - The rules about how to eat31:21 - Our tastebuds are programmable35:26 - Immune System 10140:40 - Innate immunity42:55 - Low Stress and Good Food45:29 - How to rejuvenate your immune system48:54 - How to take Himalayan Tartary Buckwheat52:00 - The idea of “Rewilding”54:57 - Can we boost immunity too far? ie. Autoimmunity1:04:10 - Finding your personal dietWe’d like to thank our sponsors:Athletic Greens - redeem an exclusive offer hereFourSigmatic Use code DRSTEPHANIE for 10% offOrion Red Light Therapy - Use the code STEPHANIE10 for 10% offSchinouusa - Use code DR.ESTIMA10 for 10% offBIOOPTIMIZERS - receive 10% off your order with Promo Code "ESTIMA"The DNA  Company - $50 discount using code "DRSTEPHANIE" at checkout.HVMN Ketones - get 10% off your order with Promo Code “STEPHANIE”ILIA BeautyLiving Libations - Use code BETTER for 15% offLMNT Electrolytes - A FREE 7-flavor sample pack!PRIMEADINE - get 10% Off your Order with Promo Code “DRSTEPHANIE10” Follow Me On InstagramWatch Better! on YouTubeGet yourself a copy of my best-selling book, The Betty Body

Our guest, Dr. Michael J. Breus, is a clinical psychologist with more than two decades of experience in the sleep field. As a sleep expert, Dr. Breus advises women going through perimenopause and menopause to establish a regular, consistent sleep schedule to manage the hormonal shifts associated with these transitions. He also recommends deep breathing, hydration, and getting sunlight. "While there is no guidebook for managing menopausal sleep issues, these strategies can help to mitigate some of the symptoms associated with this transition," he says.Dr. Breus stresses the importance of maintaining consistent sleep routines and creating a comfortable sleep environment. He also recommends moderate exercise, avoiding alcohol consumption, and using technology such as temperature-regulating pads. While discipline in sleep routine is crucial, he stresses the importance of acceptance and relaxation, rather than trying to think oneself to sleep or worrying about lack of sleep.Links for this episode:https://thesleepdoctor.com/https://www.facebook.com/thesleepdoctor/https://twitter.com/thesleepdoctor/https://www.instagram.com/thesleepdoctor/https://www.tiktok.com/@thesleepdoctorEpisode Overview (timestamps are approximate):4:05 - How menopause/perimenopause affects your sleep8:21 - Can you “catch up” on sleep?12:00 - How sleep changes around your cycle16:31 - Instituting the daily nap24:09 - When to nap during your cycling27:12 - When to exercise for the best sleep31:28 - Alcohol, dehydration and sleep34:51 - How to use acceptance as a sleep aid39:29 - Why you got to the bathroom during the night46:02 - Should you breathe through your nose or mouth?52:42 - Are you a side, back, or belly sleeper?55:01 - Should you get a “sleep divorce?”1:01:01 - Where to find Dr. BreusWe’d like to thank our sponsors:Athletic Greens - redeem an exclusive offer hereFourSigmatic Use code DRSTEPHANIE for 10% offOrion Red Light Therapy - Use the code STEPHANIE10 for 10% offSchinouusa - Use code DR.ESTIMA10 for 10% offBIOOPTIMIZERS - receive 10% off your order with Promo Code "ESTIMA"The DNA  Company - $50 discount using code "DRSTEPHANIE" at checkout.HVMN Ketones - get 10% off your order with Promo Code “STEPHANIE”ILIA BeautyLiving Libations - Use code BETTER for 15% offLMNT Electrolytes - A FREE 7-flavor sample pack!PRIMEADINE - get 10% Off your Order with Promo Code “DRSTEPHANIE10”Follow Me On InstagramWatch Better! on YouTubeGet yourself a copy of my best-selling book, The Betty Body

Today we’re joined by The Godfather of Intelligent Muscle Building®️ himself, Ben Pakulski! Ben (AKA the Pak-Man), is a Canadian IFBB professional bodybuilder and winner of the 2008 Mr. Canada competition who is currently a coach & mentor for high-achieving men. In our first ever in person episode we discuss Ben’s recommendations for progressive overload, the difference between strength & building muscle (they’re different!), and also dive into nutrition, relaxation and handling our emotions. This one is a jam packed episode…enjoy!Links for this episode:Real Love BookThe Body Keeps Score BookMuscle Intelligence Podcast Episode Overview:0:00:00 - Intro0:03:21 - Fitness goals differ between people0:07:18 - Quality vs quantity for progressive overload0:12:24 - A word from our sponsors0:17:49 - Strength vs. muscle building0:21:58 - Tips for training0:29:13 - Signalling the body to grow0:33:16 - Doing difficult things for resiliency0:47:49 - The gap vs. the gain0:52:20 - Ben’s nutrition approach1:01:20 - Tapping into parasympathetic function1:10:40 - How children affect our lives1:20:10 - Outro We’d like to thank our sponsors:Athletic Greens - redeem an exclusive offer hereFourSigmatic Use code DRSTEPHANIE for 10% offOrion Red Light Therapy - Use the code STEPHANIE10 for 10% offSchinouusa - Use code DR.ESTIMA10 for 10% offBIOOPTIMIZERS - receive 10% off your order with Promo Code "ESTIMA"The DNA  Company - $50 discount using code "DRSTEPHANIE" at checkout.HVMN Ketones - get 10% off your order with Promo Code “STEPHANIE”ILIA BeautyLiving Libations - Use code BETTER for 15% offLMNT Electrolytes - A FREE 7-flavor sample pack!PRIMEADINE - get 10% Off your Order with Promo Code “DRSTEPHANIE10”Follow Me On InstagramWatch Better! on YouTubeGet yourself a copy of my best-selling book, The Betty Body