The Essentials, Ep 2: Are Your Symptoms Normal?

EPISODE #51 — AUG 1, 2025

This week, we’re continuing “The Essentials” — a throwback mini-series in honor of our 50th episode! Each episode in this 5-part series has been thoughtfully selected from the archives to illuminate a different foundational layer of women’s health. 

In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most common (and overlooked) questions I hear from clients: “Are my symptoms actually normal?” I’m breaking down the most frequent signs of hormone imbalance I see in my practice—things like sugar cravings, bloating, fatigue, period pain, unpredictable moods, and more—and showing you what your body might really be trying to tell you. I walk you through the root causes behind these symptoms, including cortisol imbalances, blood sugar dysregulation, estrogen dominance, nutrient deficiencies, and thyroid dysfunction. If you’ve ever wondered whether your symptoms are actually connected, this episode will give you clarity, validation, and a path forward. 

Resources:

• Personalized functional lab testing →

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In this episode:

02:59 — Unexplained weight gain (especially around the belly)

06:07 — The acne / skin connection with hormone shifts 

09:24 — Intense cravings and what they mean

13:56 — Irregular cycles, painful cramps, heavy periods, PMS

18:43— How hormones affect your mood

21:08 — The gut-hormone connections, estrogen detox, and leaky gut triggers

24:56 — Hair loss or thinning (especially postpartum or post–birth control)

27:48 — Tired during the day, wired at night

30:01 — How your symptoms are all connected

I’m so grateful to have you here, friend. If you love the show, be sure to follow and leave me a review. New episodes drop every Friday!