エピソード
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Being exhausted every day is not normal.
Not the “I need a little nap” kind of tired.
I’m talking about the kind of exhaustion where:You can’t do the grocery store + make dinner in the same day.
Folding a load of laundry feels like climbing a mountain.
You cancel plans (again) because you just can’t.
And when you bring it up?
You get told:
“Maybe you’re just stressed.”
“It's just getting older”
"That's just part of being a woman.No.
You are not crazy for feeling this way.
And you deserve answers.Your energy levels are the result of so many pieces working together behind the scenes. When even one gets thrown off, your whole system feels it.
Here’s what I always recommend looking at when women tell me they’re this tired:
Dutch Test — my favorite starting point. It gives a deep dive into your:
Cortisol levels throughout the day (a huge player in energy)
Estrogen, progesterone & androgens (hello stamina + muscle strength)
B vitamin markers & nutrient levels
Methylation process (how your body actually uses what you give it)
Iron Levels — one of the most common deficiencies in women, especially if you’ve been told “your labs look fine” but you still feel awful.
Thyroid Panel — because a “normal” result doesn’t mean optimal, and your thyroid is everything for your metabolism, mood, and energy.
Sometimes even inflammatory markers or other custom labs depending on what your Dutch test reveals.
Why a Dutch Test over everything else?Because it shows the full picture.
Not just one hormone. Not just one level.
It helps us see the why behind your exhaustion so we can fix it at the source.I can't tell you how many women I've worked with who were taking B vitamins or iron and still felt like garbage — because they weren’t addressing their cortisol patterns, methylation issues, or the fact they weren’t even absorbing their supplements properly.
You don’t need more guesswork.
You need strategy.This is exactly what we do in the 6 Month Female Hormone Solution.
✨ Registration is open right now — but only to the waitlist.
Learn more: https://drbethwestie.com/fhs-waitlist/
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Have you ever found yourself thinking:
“I’m not doing anything different… but all of a sudden I’m exhausted, gaining weight, snapping at everyone, and feeling like a shell of myself. What is going on?!”
If this sounds like you — please know you’re not crazy, and you’re definitely not alone.
I hear this story from women all the time.
➡️ You’re eating well.
➡️ You’re moving your body.
➡️ You’re getting to bed on time.
➡️ And yet — you wake up drained. Mood swinging like crazy. Feeling disconnected from yourself and your people.And when you ask for help?
You’re told “it’s just your hormones” or “maybe it’s perimenopause” — often years before you thought that was even possible.Worse, you’re handed a birth control prescription, maybe an antidepressant, and sent on your way without real answers.
But here’s what most providers are missing:
It’s not just one thing.Your hormones don’t operate in a vacuum. Neither does your mood, energy, or metabolism.
When your system gets depleted — from stress, life demands, shifts in hormone patterns, or nutrient deficiencies — it impacts EVERYTHING.
Your energy.
Your dopamine (the neurotransmitter that gives you motivation and joy).
Your ability to handle stress.
Even your relationships.We need to give your system what it needs to function properly.
That’s the part that gets missed.
It’s not about doing more. It’s about supporting your body better.Your hormones, your stress response, your neurotransmitters — they’re all connected. And unless you know where your imbalances actually are, you’re left shooting in the dark.
That’s why inside my Female Hormone Solution program, we don’t guess.
We test.
We individualize.
And we map out a plan based on your body’s actual needs.Learn more: https://drbethwestie.com/fhs-waitlist/
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As a physical therapist, Samantha spent years treating bodies in pain. But what she uncovered was that so many of her patients — high achievers, athletes, professionals — weren’t just dealing with physical symptoms. They were carrying deep emotional wounds: perfectionism, people-pleasing, addiction to productivity, and shame.
And it wasn’t just in their heads. It was in their nervous systems.
In her new book, Breaking the Circuit, she shares:
✨ Her personal journey through addiction recovery, grief, and self-forgiveness
✨ How trauma patterns live in the body and affect our health
✨ Why she reinvented the 12-step recovery model for modern women
✨ The life-changing practice of making amends… to yourselfOne thing Samantha said that stuck with me:
“At one point, those coping mechanisms saved you. But if they’re running the show now, they’re keeping you stuck.”
We dove deep into the intersection of trauma, nervous system rewiring, hormone health, and how so many women are unknowingly trapped by patterns they didn’t choose. Patterns that are stealing their joy, their health, and their sense of worth.
If you’ve ever carried guilt, shame, or perfectionism on your back like a heavy bag of bricks — you’re not alone.
And it is possible to heal.
This conversation cracked something open for me, and I hope it does the same for you.
Dr. Samantha Harte is a physical therapist, author, performing artist, podcast host, and sober mom of two. She has been featured on ABC7 and CBS and has been written up in People magazine, Time magazine, Best Life, and The New York Post for her expertise on the intersection of mind-body health and wellness. Her self-help memoir, Breaking The Circuit: How to Rewire Your Mind for Hope, Resilience and Joy in the Face of Trauma is a reinvention of the 12 steps of recovery so that anyone, addict or not, can turn heartbreak into hope.
Find Dr. Samantha:
https://www.facebook.com/samantha.harte.5/
https://www.instagram.com/drsamanthaharte/
https://www.tiktok.com/@drsamanthaharte
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-truth-about-addiction/id1604438985
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Let’s clear something up right now — if you’ve been feeling off with your hormones… whether it’s bloating, mood swings, poor sleep, stubborn weight, low energy, or unpredictable cycles… there’s one simple thing you might be overlooking:
PROTEIN.
I know, you’ve probably heard that protein’s important. But do you really know why it matters for your hormones?
Most women don’t — and it’s costing them.
👉 Here’s how protein impacts your hormones at every level:
✨ Hormone Production:
Your body literally builds hormones out of amino acids (the building blocks of protein). If you’re not eating enough, you’re not giving your body the raw materials it needs to make estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, testosterone — all of it.✨ Hormone Metabolism + Detox:
Once your body makes hormones, it has to process and clear them out efficiently. Guess what fuels your liver and gut to do that job? Protein.
Without enough, your system slows down, leftover hormones hang around too long, and you get symptoms like heavy periods, mood swings, and stubborn weight.✨ Blood Sugar + Mood Regulation:
Stable blood sugar is one of the best-kept secrets to balanced hormones — and one of the best ways to stabilize blood sugar? Protein pacing (eating balanced amounts of protein regularly throughout the day). It keeps your energy up and mood more even.✨ Stress Recovery + Resilience:
Women’s bodies respond differently to stress than men’s — we’re more likely to deplete our nutrient stores, especially during big life changes like having kids, starting new jobs, or hitting perimenopause. Protein is a key nutrient your body leans on to recover and rebuild from stress.Here’s what I see all the time:
Women come into my program thinking they’re eating “healthy” — lots of veggies, salads, clean snacks — but when we look closer, they’re seriously lacking protein. And within weeks of upping their intake and learning how to protein pace properly, their energy, sleep, mood, and hormones improve.This is why the very first thing we focus on in the Female Hormone Solution Program is something called the Primer — and it’s all about getting your protein game dialed in.
Because if you’ve spent years feeling behind on your health, stressed out, depleted, or like you “missed the boat” on taking care of yourself — you haven’t. You can start now. And protein is the simplest, most effective place to begin.
✨ The next 6-month round of the Female Hormone Solution Program is coming — and the waitlist is officially open!
If you’re ready to finally get real answers, personalized hormone testing, nutrition strategies made for your body, and guidance to start feeling better again — click below to grab your spot on the list:
👉 Join the Waitlist Here: https://drbethwestie.com/fhs-waitlist/
Don’t wait. Start today by making sure your next meal has at least 30 grams of protein — and watch how different you feel.
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Let’s talk about burnout — the kind that makes you feel mentally fried, physically drained, and like even getting through your to-do list is a monumental task.
Here’s the thing nobody tells you: burnout isn’t just “being stressed out.”
It’s a physiological hormonal crisis happening in your body.
By the time most women hit burnout, it’s not just about being tired. It’s about your adrenals, cortisol, dopamine, testosterone, and progesterone all taking a nosedive — and your body sending up all the flares.
👉 Ever felt like you’re dragging yourself through the day?
👉 No motivation, no focus, maybe even brain fog?
👉 Working out but not seeing results? Libido MIA?
👉 Mood swings and crazy cycles out of nowhere?That’s not in your head. That’s your hormones in distress.
What’s actually happening?
When your system hits burnout:
Cortisol tanks (the stress hormone that’s meant to help you handle pressure) Dopamine plummets (so no, you’re not lazy — you’re literally missing the brain chemical that gives you motivation) Testosterone drops (which slows muscle repair, messes with metabolism, and crushes libido)
Progesterone falls off (leading to cycle problems, PMS, mood swings)And on top of that?
You’re likely nutrient depleted too. (B vitamins, minerals, everything your body uses to run the show.)The problem is — most women just try to “push through.” More workouts. Less food. Another cup of coffee. Maybe a spa day for “self-care.”
But a bubble bath won’t fix a hormone crash.
This is exactly why I created the 6-Month Female Hormone Solution.
We run actual hormone testing (the DUTCH test, far more comprehensive than a blood draw) to see what’s happening inside your body. Then we create a customized plan — for you — based on your unique results.
We work on:
✅ Adrenal and cortisol support
✅ Rebalancing your dopamine and motivation
✅ Boosting testosterone naturally
✅ Supporting progesterone production
✅ Nutrient repletion (especially B vitamins and minerals)
✅ Gut health repair (because yep — burnout impacts digestion too)This isn’t a quick-fix bandaid. Healing takes time. But when you work with your body instead of against it, the results last.
And you won’t have to guess at what you should be doing.
→ Want in? Join the waitlist now: https://drbethwestie.com/fhs-waitlist/
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How do you actually know if you’re dealing with a hormone issue?
Is it something you just “deal with” because you’ve been told it’s normal, or is your body waving a big flag for help?
I get this question all the time — and honestly, most of us aren’t sure what a “normal” cycle is supposed to look or feel like anymore. That’s why I’m here to break it down for you.
Common Symptoms That Could Mean Your Hormones Are Out of Whack:Fatigue, anxiety, trouble sleeping
Could be thyroid, cortisol, melatonin — or a combo.Acne, hair thinning on your scalp, increased facial or body hair
Could be androgens (like testosterone) or even cortisol, thyroid, or gut issues.Vaginal dryness + low libido
Often connected to androgens and cortisol.Heavy periods, clots, mood swings, breast tenderness, fibroids
Hello, estrogen dominance (when estrogen’s too high compared to progesterone).Hot flashes, night sweats, cycle-related bloating
Also hormone-related, even if you’re not menopausal.The tricky part? These symptoms often overlap — and it’s never just one thing.
Your body is incredibly interconnected, and often when one hormone is off, others get pulled out of line too. That’s why band-aid fixes don’t work, and why so many women feel frustrated chasing symptoms without seeing real changes.
So Where Do You Start?With a system that supports your hormones across the board.
That’s exactly why I created the 14 Day Hormone Reset — a micro-program designed to give you a clear, supportive, and effective starting point.
We’re covering everything from:
How to build a hormone-supportive lifestyle
What to eat (and when) to support your cycle
Morning & nighttime routines that actually move the needle
A live coaching call to get your questions answered
Personalized voice-note support based on your symptoms
And yes — it works. I’ve had women message me saying they didn’t even realize their period had arrived because their usual PMS mood swings, bloating, and cramps were gone.
Your body is designed to regulate your hormones. It just needs the right support — and that’s what we’re going to do together.
Join us here: https://dr-beth-westie.mykajabi.com/14-day-hormone-reset
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Let me guess: you’re sipping your third coffee of the day wondering why you're still exhausted...
You wake up tired.
You crash by 3 PM.
Your evenings are a blur of wanting to be present with your people... but all you can manage is couch mode.If you’ve ever found yourself asking,
“Why am I so dang tired all the time?”
You’re not alone — and there’s actually a really good reason your energy feels like a rollercoaster.Here’s what most women don’t know: your energy isn’t just about sleep (though that helps), or how much caffeine you can sneak in before noon. It’s about hormones and nutrients — and how they shift throughout your cycle.
Your body is on a biological rhythm, not a 24/7 productivity sprint. But most of us are taught to power through, hustle harder, and then wonder why we’re crashing and burning.
Studies have shown that energy drink sales have skyrocketed over the past decade. Why? Because we’re all trying to patch over a real problem with a short-term fix.
And spoiler alert: the solution isn’t found in a can of Red Bull.
One of the biggest culprits?
Nutrient deficiencies. Especially in B vitamins, iron, and other energy-supporting nutrients your body needs to function, detox, and heal.Women especially tend to struggle with methylation (a fancy word for how your body activates certain vitamins). So you might be taking a supplement... but if your body can’t use it, it’s not doing much.
And then there’s cortisol — your stress hormone. When it’s out of whack, it’s like trying to drive with your foot on the gas and the brake at the same time. You’re constantly on edge and totally drained.
Here’s the good news though — this can be fixed.
With food. With targeted nutrients. With simple shifts that actually work with your body instead of fighting it.If your energy is low, your brain feels foggy, and you’re tired of living life at 60% — it’s time for a reset.
That’s why I’m so excited to invite you into the 14-Day Female Hormone Reset
This is not another detox or fad plan. This is real, science-backed, female-focused nutrition and hormone support that meets you where you are — whether you’re deep in burnout or just need a better system for your body.
What you’ll get:
✔️ Daily guidance (nothing overwhelming!)
✔️ Protein pacing strategies to balance blood sugar & energy
✔️ The exact supplements to support your body’s needs
✔️ Tips to manage cortisol and improve sleep
✔️ A grocery list, recipes, and a flexible meal guide
✔️ Custom support from me + a community of women walking this journey with youOne of my favorite stories? A woman who could barely sit up after work — she’d lie on the couch while her kids played nearby. Within three days of starting, she was on the floor playing with them. Not just existing... but living.
That’s what we want for you. Not just survival — vibrant energy.
This 14-day reset is your invitation to stop guessing, stop Googling, and start feeling better fast.
🔗 Click here to join the 14-Day Female Hormone Reset: https://dr-beth-westie.mykajabi.com/14-day-hormone-reset
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Have you ever had a moment where you completely overreacted — and then instantly thought, “Whoa… where did that come from?”
Like, maybe you were already a little annoyed. You asked someone to do the dishes. They didn’t. You decided to do them yourself because you need a clean kitchen before you cook dinner. And then your husband walks in, casually puts another dirty dish in the sink…
…and you lose it.
Later, you think: That wasn’t even that big of a deal. Why did I snap like that?
These emotional swings — from zero to sixty in seconds — can feel frustrating, embarrassing, and honestly… kind of scary. Like you’re not in control of your own reactions.
But here’s the truth:
It’s not just about willpower or being "too emotional."
Mood swings are often a sign your body is asking for help.So what causes mood swings, really?
Mood shifts can be triggered by:
Hormonal fluctuations (especially around your cycle)
Nutrient deficiencies
Poor sleep
Gut imbalances affecting neurotransmitter production
Chronic stress or burnout
So yes, your cycle and hormones absolutely play a role. But so does the food you eat, how you move, how you sleep, and how well your system is supported overall.
If this hits home… you’re not alone.
So many women tell me:“I feel bad all the time.”
“I’m losing friendships.”
“My marriage is on the rocks and I’m not sure if it’s him or me… or both.”
“I don’t even like being around myself anymore.”
And over and over again, I see this:
Once we support their hormones, mood, gut, and nutrients — everything changes.Their relationships shift.
Their marriage improves.
Their anxiety softens.
They feel like themselves again.That’s exactly why I created the 14-Day Hormone Reset.
If you’re tired of feeling out of control, this is your next best step.
It’s a short and powerful mini course where you’ll get:
✅ Daily action steps
✅ A hormone-balancing nutrition plan
✅ Morning + evening routines
✅ A customized protocol based on your assessment
✅ Tools to support your mood, energy, and resilience
✅ Support from me directly — this time, I’m adding in custom recommendations and help where you need it mostThis isn’t like any other mini course I’ve run. It’s more personal, more transformative, and it’s been completely revamped based on feedback from women like you.
You deserve to feel like you again.
You deserve to stop snapping and start feeling steady.
You deserve to enjoy your relationships and your life without the overwhelm.✨ Join the 14-Day Hormone Reset now → https://dr-beth-westie.mykajabi.com/14-day-hormone-reset
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Let me guess—you’re overwhelmed. Not because you’re doing nothing, but because you’ve tried everything. You’ve Googled your symptoms, taken the supplements, bought the fancy greens powder, maybe even downloaded a few meal plans.
And still… you feel off.
Low energy, mood swings, digestive drama, sleep struggles... you’re wondering, “Where do I even start?”You’re not alone—and more importantly, you’re not wrong. Trying to fix your hormones without a clear plan is like wandering through Target without a list. It feels productive, but your cart ends up full of randomness, and nothing really solves the problem.
Here's your fresh start:The 14-Day Hormone Reset is not just another "cleanse," restrictive diet, or bootcamp. It’s a mini-course designed with your unique body in mind. Whether you're cycling, perimenopausal, or postmenopausal, this program meets you exactly where you are.
It’s simple. It’s powerful. It’s different.
What You’ll Get:✅ Customized Recommendations: Based on an assessment you fill out when you sign up—this isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s for you.
This is for the woman who is:
✅ Eat for Your Cycle: No more guessing. Warming and cooling foods, what to eat when, and yes—there’s room for tacos (and creamer in your coffee!).
✅ Morning & Evening Routines: Practical habits that work with your hormones and metabolism.
✅ Meal Planning & Guides: Easy, family-friendly, no “rabbit food” required.
✅ Gentle Movement Guidance: Think: realistic, sustainable—not exhausting.
✅ Support for Mood, Energy, & Sleep: Because your hormones don’t just impact your period. They affect everything.Tired of doing all the things and getting nowhere
Ready for clear steps and real results
Curious about cycle syncing, but overwhelmed with where to start
Desperate for energy, less bloat, better sleep, and more stability
Done with being told to “just cut sugar” or drink black coffee forever
Real talk? You can try to overhaul your whole life again—or you can try 14 days of a gentle, guided, totally doable hormone reset that’s based around the female cycle.
This mini-course is only available for a limited time, so sign up now!
🌀 Click here to sign up now and get started right away with your personalized assessment: Join the 14 day reset
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In this episode, I have the pleasure of interviewing Molly Zemek. Molly is a professionally-trained chef, certified sommelier, and author of the new book "Decoding Your Emotional Appetite: A Food-Lover's Guide to Weight Loss." She hosts the internationally-ranked podcast "Weight Loss for Food Lovers" where she empowers food and wine lovers to feel and look their best without sacrificing the things they love. In her private coaching practice she empowers people to create mindful eating and drinking habits so they can achieve their goals inside and out.
Find Molly:
https://www.instagram.com/mollyzemek/
https://www.facebook.com/mollyzemekcoaching
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Let’s just say it: navigating birth control options without wanting to be on birth control can feel... confusing at best and isolating at worst.
You’re not alone if you've ever thought: "I’m not ready for a baby, but I don’t want to be on the pill. What do I even do?"
I feel the same way — from being put on the pill at 15, to learning the hard way that my unique uterus couldn't handle an IUD (yes, in the stirrups, mid-appointment 😳), to eventually making the decision for my husband to get a vasectomy.
But here’s the real kicker:
No one ever really taught me (or us) how to listen to my body.
So if you're in that weird space of:
not ready for kids
wanting hormone balance
and not feeling aligned with hormonal birth control...
...this is your gentle nudge that there are other ways.
Here are some natural options:
Barrier methods (yes, they still exist — and they're legit)
Natural family planning (aka, syncing up with your body’s rhythm)
Tracking ovulation with more than just a guess
And most importantly... learning your body’s cycle like a superpower 🦸♀️
Because when you work with your body instead of silencing it, magic happens. ✨
And if you’re sitting there thinking, “Okay, cool... but how do I even start?” — I got you.
I’ve got a 6 month hormone transformation program — from meal guides, supplements, cycle syncing and individual guidance — all the things that should’ve been taught to us at an earlier age.
Because you deserve to feel confident in your choices. Supported in your body. Empowered in your decisions.
Ready to take transform your hormones, energy and health? Join the waitlist for the 6 Month Female Hormone Solution here: https://drbethwestie.com/fhs-waitlist/
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I need to tell you something you might not hear enough: Postpartum is about YOU just as much as it’s about your baby. And yet, we live in a culture that’s more focused on swaddles and sleep schedules than the well-being of the person who just created a whole human.
I recently sat down with Maranda Bower from Postpartum University, and let me tell you—she dropped some serious truth bombs about what’s missing in postpartum care and how we can change the game. Maranda’s journey started when she had her first baby and realized she was completely unprepared for what came next. She is an expert in child development, a science-loving go-getter who thought she had everything figured out… until postpartum knocked her flat.
Sound familiar? Maybe you felt that overwhelming exhaustion, the anxiety, the body that didn’t quite feel like your own anymore. Maybe you were told, “Oh, that’s just mom life. Welcome to the club.” But Maranda’s work proves something powerful: Postpartum struggles aren’t just something to tough out—they’re signs that your body needs nourishment, care, and support.
The Truth About Postpartum That No One Talks About
👉 Science is just catching up to what women have always known: postpartum recovery takes longer than six weeks, and it affects everything from your hormones to your nervous system to your gut health.
👉 There are more studies on postpartum cows than postpartum women (yep, you read that right). Why? Because dairy sales matter more than maternal health. Let’s change that.
👉 Your postpartum experience literally shapes your baby’s brain. Research shows that a mother’s health has a profound impact on childhood development, yet the support for moms? Almost nonexistent.
And don’t even get me started on the whole “bounce back” culture. If you’ve been complimented on your weight loss while secretly feeling like a hollowed-out shell of yourself, you’re not alone. Maranda and I talked about how real postpartum recovery is about nourishment, rest, and support—not about how fast you can fit into your pre-baby jeans.
So What Can We Do?
✨ Shift the focus: Prioritize your recovery just as much as your baby’s needs. You both deserve it.
✨ Seek real postpartum support: Functional nutrition, hormone balancing, nervous system care—these aren’t luxuries; they’re necessities.
✨ Ditch the shame: You’re not “just tired” or “being dramatic.” If something feels off, trust yourself. Your body is speaking to you.
Maranda’s work at Postpartum University is all about giving moms and professionals the tools to make postpartum a time of healing, not just survival. If you’re in the thick of it (or know someone who is), consider this your permission slip to take your postpartum care seriously.
You are not alone, and you deserve to feel whole again.
Find Maranda:
Website: https://postpartumu.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/postpartumuniversity/
Free Postpartum Nutrition Toolkit for Providers: https://postpartumu.com/handouts
Postpartum Nutrition Certification: https://postpartumu.com/certification
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Let’s talk about something we’ve all either said or screamed at some point: Why is my period SO painful?!
I wish I could tell you it’s just one thing. That there’s one sneaky culprit behind those cramps from hell, and if we fix that, BOOM—pain-free periods forever. But the truth? It’s not that simple
Painful periods are often tied to one big bad player: inflammation. Think of inflammation like throwing gas on an already raging fire. If your gut, bladder, or reproductive organs are inflamed, your period pain is likely going to be worse. If going to the bathroom during your period makes you want to cry? That’s a sign there’s inflammation in play.
But where does inflammation come from? Here are some common culprits:
Hormonal Imbalances: Estrogen dominance can contribute to conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, and PCOS—all of which can crank up period pain.
Stress: And here’s the kicker—stress doesn’t just make you feel frazzled, it actually fuels inflammation! When you’re in pain, your cortisol (aka your stress hormone) spikes, and that keeps the pain cycle going. It’s like your body is stuck in fight-or-flight mode… during your period.
Gut Health Issues: If your gut is inflamed, your whole system is inflamed. And since your digestive system is right next to your reproductive organs, gut issues can make cramps even worse.
The good news? You can work with your body instead of against it. Here are a few things that actually help:
Reduce Inflammation
Dry brushing (it helps your lymphatic system flush out inflammation!)
Staying hydrated (simple, but so effective)
Acupuncture, chiropractic care, or massage
Support Your Stress Response
Adaptogens like ashwagandha and maca can help bring down that amped-up cortisol response.
Deep breathing, meditation, and vagus nerve exercises (yep, your nervous system plays a role here!)
Balance Your Hormones
Get your estrogen levels checked (a DUTCH test can give you a deep dive!)
Avoid endocrine disruptors in skincare, makeup, and household products
Cycle-sync your nutrition and exercise
Your body is not working against you—it's just trying to tell you something. Painful periods aren’t just random bad luck. I've formulated tinctures for cycle balance, stress relief, sleep and more, so if you are struggling check them out here: https://nutritionforyourhormones.com/
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In this episode, I had the opportunity to interview Erica Rooney—chief people officer, executive coach, and now, author of Glass Ceilings and Sticky Floors: Shattering Limiting Beliefs and Toxic Behaviors to Uncover Infinite Possibilities. And let me tell you, this chat was a must-hear for any woman who has ever felt stuck, doubted herself, or hesitated to take a big leap (yep, that’s all of us!).
Erica gets it. She’s been there. She climbed the corporate ladder, got to the top, and thought… “Wait, this is it?” She realized that women in the workplace weren’t just battling glass ceilings—they were also stuck on sticky floors like imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and burnout. Sound familiar?
One of the wildest stats she shared? Women will look at a job posting and if they don’t meet 100% of the qualifications, they won’t even apply. Meanwhile, men apply if they check off just 60%. (Cue the facepalm.)
So what’s the fix? Erica’s SNAP framework is a game-changer:
✅ Stop and take note – What is your body telling you? Sweaty palms? Racing heart? Pay attention.
✅ Name it – Call out the limiting belief. Imposter syndrome? Fear of failure? Own it.
✅ Ask and answer – Is this belief actually true? What’s the worst-case scenario, and can you handle it? (Hint: You can.)
✅ Pivot – Reframe your thinking. Instead of “I have to do this,” try “I get to do this.”
The best part? This framework isn’t just for the boardroom. It applies to every aspect of life—career moves, relationships, big life transitions. Because as Erica says, new level, new devil. The fears don’t disappear—you just get better at overcoming them.
This is just the surface of our conversation on overcoming self-doubt, perfectionism, and other limiting beliefs that act as 'sticky floors,' preventing women from reaching their full potential.
Find Erica:
Author of Glass Ceilings & Sticky Floors Host of the Glass Ceilings & Sticky Floor Podcast Follow me on LinkedIn! Follow me on Instagram! -
Raise your hand if you’ve ever been personally victimized by PMS. 🙋♀️ The mood swings, the bloating, the "why am I crying over a dog food commercial?" moments—it’s a monthly rollercoaster, and not the fun kind.
But what if I told you that you don’t have to just suffer through it? That your PMS isn’t just bad luck but actually something you can fix with a few simple daily shifts? Yep, it's true, and here are some game-changing tools that you can start using today.
Step 1: Remove the Firestarter 🔥We all love a sweet treat now and then, but excess sugar (yes, even those sneaky hidden sugars in your “healthy” snacks) can throw your hormones into chaos, making PMS symptoms even worse. The best thing you can do? Cut back on sugar, especially in the week leading up to your period. Think of it as taking the gasoline away from the fire instead of just watching the flames get bigger.
Step 2: Fuel Your Body Right 🍳Protein is your BFF when it comes to hormone balance. Aim for at least 20 grams of protein per meal (I love eggs + cottage cheese + sautéed spinach for a powerhouse breakfast). Plus, load up on greens—think asparagus, green beans, or kale—to give your body the minerals it needs to keep your cycle running smoothly.
Step 3: Work With Your Cycle, Not Against It 🌙Your hormones ebb and flow throughout the month, which means your support should, too! I’m a big believer in seed cycling—alternating pumpkin and flax seeds in the first half of your cycle and switching to sesame and sunflower seeds in the second half. I also love herbal tinctures (like Vitex and red raspberry leaf) to naturally support estrogen and progesterone balance. These small shifts can help ease PMS symptoms before they start, so you're not caught off guard every month.
Step 4: Take Charge of Your Cycle 🚀Instead of just dealing with PMS, what if you took control of your hormonal health? Whether that means trying out these daily shifts, looking into DUTCH testing, or finding the right supplement routine, YOU have the power to change how you feel every month. Your cycle shouldn’t control you—you should be in the driver’s seat.
A great place to start - my herbal tinctures!! I’ve got blends for cycle balance, metabolism, stress, detox and more. https://nutritionforyourhormones.com/
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Have you ever found yourself reaching for a new supplement because it should help your estrogen, your sleep, or your energy—only to feel exactly the same… or worse?
I get it. The wellness world is overwhelming. You want to feel better, but where do you even start?
Here’s the thing: Your body is not a one-size-fits-all equation. That’s why testing—not guessing—is the key to finally understanding what’s actually going on beneath the surface.
Enter: The DUTCH Test.
This at-home urine test is like getting a personal roadmap to your hormones. Instead of throwing spaghetti at the wall with supplements and hoping for the best, the DUTCH test shows you exactly where your imbalances are, what’s driving your symptoms, and how to fix them with a targeted approach.
Let me share a quick story. A client of mine—a total rockstar athlete—came to me exhausted. She’d tried everything: cleaner eating, more sleep, different workouts. Nothing worked.
She thought her stress was too high. But when we ran a DUTCH test? Her stress hormones were actually too low. She wasn’t just stressed—she was burnt out. And all the stress-reducing techniques she was using? They were actually making things worse.
Moral of the story? Without testing, it’s easy to go in the completely wrong direction.
Hormones control everything—your energy, mood, metabolism, sleep, skin, digestion… So why are we still throwing darts in the dark when we could be using science-backed, personalized data to get real answers?
If you’ve been struggling and feeling stuck, here’s your sign: It’s time to stop guessing and start testing.
DUTCH Test: https://drbethwestie.com/dutch-hormone-testing/
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Have you ever walked out of the doctor’s office, blood test results in hand, only to hear those dreaded words: “Everything looks normal!”
Meanwhile, you’re exhausted, your hormones are all over the place, your energy is in the basement, and you just know something is off. So now what? Just accept that feeling like a tired, cranky version of yourself is the new normal? Nope, not today.
Let me introduce you to a new approach to your health: the DUTCH test.
Unlike a standard blood test (which takes a quick snapshot of your hormone levels at one moment in time), the DUTCH test is a urine test that shows you the full story of what’s happening in your body over a 24-hour period. It looks at:
✅ Estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and adrenal markers
✅ Free vs. bound hormones (hello, actual usable hormones!)
✅ Cortisol patterns (because stress and energy matter)
✅ Nutrient metabolites like B12, B6, and glutathione
✅ Even neurotransmitters like dopamine and melatonin!Basically, it's like the full diagnostic workup for your body instead of a quick glance under the hood.
Imagine going for a bike ride. A blood test is like checking to see if the bike technically has two wheels. A DUTCH test? It’s making sure the tires are fully inflated, the chain is running smoothly, and the brakes actually work—so you don’t just move, you thrive.
And here’s the kicker: if you were to order all these tests separately, you’d be looking at over $1,200 (ouch!). But a DUTCH test bundles them together for a fraction of the cost. More info, fewer headaches, and actual insights that can help you feel like you again.
So if you’re tired of feeling off and getting zero answers, it might be time to take a deeper dive. Ready to get to the root of your hormone health? Order your DUTCH test here: https://drbethwestie.com/dutch-hormone-testing/
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If there’s one thing you need to know about me, it’s that I love hormone testing. I’m talking about the DUTCH test - dried urine test that gives us a deep, behind-the-scenes look at what’s really going on with your hormones.
And let me tell you, after looking at hundreds of DUTCH test results, there are three big things I see again and again—things that could be the missing puzzle piece to why you’re feeling off. So let’s get into it!
1. 🚨 Stress is Running the Show (a.k.a. Cortisol Chaos)Let’s get real: when was the last time you weren’t stressed? If you’re anything like the women I work with, your stress levels have been through the roof for years. Maybe you went through a tough divorce, had a high-pressure job, or just navigated the circus act of balancing work, family, and life (hello, cortisol rollercoaster!).
Your body doesn’t just forget stress. Even if life is good now, your nervous system might still be stuck in “fight or flight” mode. And when your cortisol is constantly high (or completely tanked from years of overdrive), you’ll feel it—fatigue, anxiety, gut issues, stubborn weight gain, the whole shebang.
💡 The fix? We can’t guess where your cortisol is—we have to test it. Then, we tailor the right strategy (because high cortisol and low cortisol need completely different approaches!).
2. 🚨 Estrogen is Stuck in a Traffic JamMaybe you’ve been told your estrogen levels are “normal,” but your periods say otherwise. Heavy bleeding, clots, painful ovulation, mood swings? Yeah, that’s not fine.
Here’s the deal: estrogen isn’t just about how much you have—it’s about how your body is processing it. DUTCH testing shows us whether estrogen is getting stuck in phase one, struggling in phase two, or just plain refusing to leave your system.
And the crazy part? You won’t see these imbalances on a standard blood test. That’s why so many women get dismissed when they know something’s off.
💡 The fix? Supporting your body’s natural detox pathways (like your liver and gut) and, if needed, using targeted herbs or nutrients to get estrogen moving the right way.
3. 🚨 Low Dopamine = No Motivation (and Zero Joy)I have to admit something: when I saw my own DUTCH test results, my dopamine levels were in the toilet. And I didn’t even realize it—until I started fixing it.
Low dopamine doesn’t just mean feeling “a little off.” It’s waking up and dreading the day, losing interest in things you used to love, and craving constant stimulation (hello, endless Instagram scrolling). It’s looking at a Halloween store vampire coffin and thinking, Wow, that looks cozy (true story—red flag, right?).
💡 The fix? Dopamine isn’t just about supplements—it’s about lifestyle. More movement, more joy, more creativity, more connection. And sometimes, targeted nutrients to give your brain the extra push it needs.
If you’re struggling with fatigue, weight changes, mood swings, or just feeling off, it’s time to stop guessing. A DUTCH test gives you real answers, so you can take real action.
So tell me—do any of these red flags sound familiar? And if you’re ready to finally get to the root of your hormone struggles, let’s test your hormones: https://drbethwestie.com/dutch-hormone-testing/
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Ever feel like stress is just... part of life? Like no matter how much deep breathing you do, your to-do list laughs in your face?
Here’s the deal: You don’t just need less stress—you need a bigger bucket to hold it.
I just had a game-changing conversation with Dr. Jenny (one of our fantastic docs on the team!) about increasing your capacity for stress. Because let’s be real: some stressors aren’t going anywhere. The job you can’t leave yet. The special needs child you love fiercely. The ongoing life changes. The answer isn’t just “reduce stress.” It’s learning how to handle it better.
Imagine your stress capacity as a glass of water. If it’s already full to the brim, one more drop sends it overflowing. But what if you could make the glass bigger? That’s the goal.
Here’s how you start expanding your stress bucket:
✅ Know your cortisol levels. High and low cortisol can feel the same—exhaustion, brain fog, and overwhelm. Testing (like the DUTCH test) helps you treat the actual issue, not just guess.
✅ Support your adrenals. Your body is working hard. Give it what it needs—nutrients, sleep, and the right adaptogens (because the wrong ones can make things worse!).
✅ Make it a lifestyle. This isn’t a quick fix. Women who truly feel better see changes over 3-6 months, sometimes even a year. But the results? Worth it.
Here’s what I love: When you understand your body, you stop fighting it. You learn to work with it, build resilience, and feel more you again.
Sometimes, the way forward isn’t something you figure out on your own. Whether it’s working with a practitioner, trying acupuncture, seeing a chiropractor, or just reaching out to a friend who gets it—getting support isn’t a weakness, it’s wisdom. You don’t have to do this alone.
Here’s what’s amazing: when you start taking care of yourself, the world around you shifts, too. You feel more like yourself again. You have more patience. More energy. More capacity to show up for the people you love. It’s not just about stress—it’s about reclaiming your vibrancy.
If you are ready to increase your capacity for stress and FEEL better, get started with a hormone test here: https://drbethwestie.com/dutch-hormone-testing/
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Ever find yourself irrationally irritated by the way your partner breathes? Like, truly—why does he have to inhale like that? Or maybe one minute, you're feeling all the love, and the next, you’re convinced your relationship is doomed. If so, before you start drafting a breakup text or Googling divorce lawyers, I need you to hear this: it might not be your relationship. It might be your hormones.
The Hormone-Relationship ConnectionI hear these stories all the time—women who suddenly can’t stand their partner’s quirks (you know, the ones that were once “cute”). They feel distant, resentful, exhausted, or just off. They think it's perimenopause, or stress, or maybe just a sign their relationship is failing.
But here’s what happens when we dig deeper:
👉 Adrenal fatigue. Chronic stress burns you out, leading to exhaustion, mood swings, and a total lack of patience. (Suddenly, everything your partner does is annoying.)
👉 Hormonal imbalances. When estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone are out of whack, so is your mood. Anxiety, irritability, and low libido? Yep, all connected.
👉 Gut health issues. 95% of your serotonin is made in your gut. If your digestion is struggling, so is your happiness. And if you’re not happy, guess who feels it? Your partner.
The Power of TestingOne woman I worked with was convinced she was going into perimenopause. Her cycles were irregular, she was exhausted, and she had ZERO tolerance for her husband. Turns out, it wasn’t perimenopause at all—her adrenal health was completely shot. We targeted that, and within a few months, she felt like herself again. Her mood stabilized, her energy returned, and—bonus—her marriage improved.
And this is exactly why guessing isn’t the answer. You deserve real answers. You deserve to know what’s actually happening in your body so you can make decisions from a place of clarity, not frustration.
The Big Question: Will Balancing Your Hormones Save Your Relationship?Maybe. Maybe not. Some women go through this process, feel amazing, and realize their relationship was never the problem. Others? They gain the clarity and energy to finally admit what they’ve known all along: they’re ready to walk away.
Either way, the answer starts with YOU.
If you feel like you’re losing yourself—if you’re constantly questioning your emotions, your reactions, or even your entire relationship—it’s time to check in with your body. Don’t make life-altering decisions from a place of exhaustion and imbalance. Let’s get you back to feeling like YOU first.
Learn more about the 1 to 1 program here: https://drbethwestie.com/jumpstart-program/
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