Biohacking Eve - Health Optimisation for Women

Judith Mueller

Biohacking Eve - differentiated health optimisation for women. Let's make it all about Eve!Have you ever listened to the titans of Health Optimisation, Biohacking and Longevity and wondered “That’s all really great, but what if I’m a woman?”If so, welcome to “Biohacking Eve – Health Optimisation for Women!”My name is Judith Mueller and I’m here to help you navigate the maze of information by shining a light on true differentiation for women when it comes to health optimisation.Together, we will explore everything from how to fast intermittently without ruining your hormones all the way to abolishing menopause, and I will show you the latest in technology and research that can help you address your individual struggles and challenges in becoming your best self as a woman, as unique and individual as only you can be.Live long and prosper, my friend.

  1. 26 May

    #20 Pt1: What Wrecks Your Flora Down Under - Antibiotics, the Pill and Yes, Your Toys

    Send us Fan Mail In Part 1 of this conversation with Ronny Szelinsky, founder of Get Happy, we explore the gynecological microbiome — the bacterial community that spans the vagina, uterus, cervix, and urinary tract. Ronny explains why this microbiome operates by completely different rules to the gut, what happens when it becomes dysbiotic, and how its disruption can silently undermine fertility, hormonal health, and longevity. The science is newer than most people realise: the uterus was considered sterile until approximately 2018. Key Topics What the gynecological microbiome is and which anatomical areas it coversWhy Lactobacillus dominance — not diversity — is the marker of a healthy gynecological microbiomeThe discovery that the uterus is not sterile: what next-generation sequencing (NGS) revealedThe bidirectional microbiome-hormone axis: how bacteria and oestrogen regulate each otherWhat causes gynecological dysbiosis: the contraceptive pill, sexual intercourse, sex toys, antibiotics, thyroid medications, vaginal hygiene productsNormal menstrual inflammation vs chronic pathological inflammation — and the difference between themHow a dysbiotic microbiome attacks sperm and prevents embryo implantationWhy 50% of bacterial vaginosis cases have no symptoms — and what that means for unexplained infertility Timestamps 00:00 — Intro and episode overview01:00 — What the gynecological microbiome is; the body's multiple microbiomes03:00 — Reproductive ageing: what it means beyond fertility06:00 — Ronny's background and why he entered this field10:00 — Causes of gynecological dysbiosis: the pill, antibiotics, sexual activity, hygiene products15:00 — How the mucosal lining absorbs compounds and why topical exposure matters19:00 — The uterus is not sterile: the NGS sequencing revolution22:00 — Inflammation: normal vs pathological, and the menstrual cycle27:00 — Sperm attack and implantation failure: the fertility mechanism References and Resources Get Happy website: www.get-happy.comRonny Szelinsky — LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronny-szelinskyNGS (Next-Generation Sequencing): technique referenced for identifying vaginal and uterine bacterial strainsBacterial vaginosis and Gardnerella vaginalis: standard medical references available on NHS/MedlinePlusInsta/TikTok: @BiohackingEve Website: www.BiohackingEve.com

    30 min
  2. 12 May

    #19 Pt2: 48 Symptoms, Five Archetypes, Zero One-Size-Fits-All Solutions: Mapping the Future of Menopause

    Send us Fan Mail In Part 2, Anna Butterworth completes the five menopause archetypes with the Post-Menopausal Visionary and the Uninformed Endurer, then explores climate impacts on hormonal health, the VC funding problem in women’s health, and the curveball questions.   Key Topics: •  The Post-Menopausal Visionary: ageing as purpose, not decline •  The evolutionary argument: why humans and whales go through menopause •  Skin and vaginal dryness, muscle loss, osteoporosis in post-menopause •  Anti-ageing culture vs. embodying age •  Home health suites and at-home biomarker diagnostics •  The Uninformed Endurer: the forgotten consumer •  Low-barrier, affordable, stigma-free menopause solutions •  Why generic, scalable tools matter as much as personalised ones •  Upskilling primary care teams to identify menopause symptoms •  Environmental factors: PFAS, toxins, climate change and menstrual irregularity •  Why a one-degree temperature rise disproportionately affects women •  VC funding models and why they’re stunting women’s health innovation •  The Phase app and cycle-based productivity •  Book recommendations: Invisible Women and Unwell Women •  Anna’s unusual habit: a lifelong fascination with Mormon culture •  Investing in your team as the highest-return decision   References & Resources Mentioned: •  The Future of Menopause 2035 – Ultraviolet Agency report - https://www.ultravioletagency.com •  Phase app (phaseapp.io) – cycle-based productivity tool •  Biohacking Eve earlier episode with Maggie McDaris, founder of Phase -  https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/15-aligning-work-with-biology-maggie-mcdaris-on-cycle/id1782080943?i=1000743385443 •  Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez •  Unwell Women by Elinor Cleghorn •  Iris Apfel – referenced as cultural example of ageing visionary •  Pamela Anderson – referenced as example of natural ageing in public life   Guest Links: •  Ultraviolet Agency – https://www.ultravioletagency.com •  Anna Butterworth LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/annabutterworth Insta/TikTok: @BiohackingEve Website: www.BiohackingEve.com

    29 min
  3. 28 Apr

    #19 Pt1: The Five Women You’ll Become in Menopause – And Why the System Isn’t Built for Any of Them

    Send us Fan Mail In Part 1, Anna Butterworth introduces the first three of five menopause archetypes from her Future of Menopause 2035 report – the Peri Prepper, the Seeker and the High Performer – exploring who each woman is, what she needs and where the current system falls short.   Key Topics: •  The Future of Menopause 2035 report and why archetypes matter •  48 symptoms of menopause and the problem with generic solutions •  The Peri Prepper: preparing for perimenopause in your mid-thirties •  GPs dismissing younger women who want to prepare early •  Millennials ageing into menopause with cycle-tracking literacy •  The AI slop era and the challenge of validating health information •  The Seeker: holistic wellness meets evidence-based rigour •  The gap between data-led tools and spiritually-oriented tools •  The High Performer: brain fog, boardrooms and the £150bn cost •  The link between menopause-related brain fog and long-term dementia risk •  Menopause benefits as the next frontier in talent retention •  The wisdom workforce: why younger women watch how companies treat older staff   References & Resources Mentioned: •  The Future of Menopause 2035 – Ultraviolet Agency report - https://www.ultravioletagency.com •  Bloomberg statistic: £150 billion global economic cost of menopause-related symptoms   Guest Links •  Ultraviolet Agency – https://www.ultravioletagency.com •  Anna Butterworth LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/annabutterworth Insta/TikTok: @BiohackingEve Website: www.BiohackingEve.com

    33 min
  4. 14 Apr

    #18 Pt2: She Started HRT at 31 — Here's Why That Changed Everything

    Send us Fan Mail Episode description In Part 2, Yulia Mintchin gets practical — covering what women should actually do at every stage, the FemGene patient journey, her own health transformation on HRT at 31, and a surprising conversation about art, creativity and feminine power as the next frontier in women’s health Key topics discussed  Top three interventions for women aged 30–45  When to start genetic testing, with Yulia’s view being post-puberty  Cyclical nutrition: why carbs in the luteal phase support progesterone  Why cryotherapy and cold exposure can backfire depending on genetic stress response  Medical curriculum gaps: why perimenopause does not belong in sick care  The gold standard perimenopause visit in 2030  Will Be’s pharmacogenomic platform vision  Insurance models and the economics of preventative medicine  FemGene patient journey: telemedicine, test kits, Dr Vanessa consultation  Can oestrogen receptors reactivate post-menopause? Emerging research  Optimal hormones as a foundational baseline, not a longevity bonus  Peptides: only stack after hormonal foundations are in place  Yulia’s personal story: health crisis at 31, HRT and the endometriosis link  Keto, sourdough and changing her mind on carbs  The digital twin: which data streams matter and which are just noise  Curveball: the billboard question — rewriting behaviour patterns through art Remember Who You Are — Yulia’s musical  Joseph Campbell, the hero’s journey and stories as healing  Spiral dynamics and collective consciousness  A Russian utopian book by a female author written during the USSR period  Peptides for mitochondria as a sub-$1,000 purchase recommendation  Piano as an introvert’s creative practice  Biohacking Eve episode on EMS (Episode 3)  Timestamps 00:00 Why Part 2 is the action plan 01:00 Top interventions before HRT 02:20 Keto, carbs and cyclical eating 07:00 What a gold standard perimenopause visit should look like 09:30 Insurance, self-pay and democratising access 13:20 The research questions FemGene wants to answer 18:10 Why Yulia started HRT at 31 23:10 “It’s not too early” for hormone optimisation 25:00 Female digital twins and meaningful data 27:10 Why optimal hormones are a baseline, not a luxury 30:40 Why fasting and cryo are not for everyone 33:35 One change healthcare professionals can make now 35:50 Art, feminine energy and women’s health 44:30 The spiritual experiences behind Yulia’s mission 49:45 Peptides, piano and personal rituals 53:40 What comes next for Will Be and FemGene References and resources mentioned  FemGene hormone genomic test — via Will Be: https://www.mywillbe.co.uk/ Joseph Campbell — The Hero with a Thousand Faces Spiral dynamics — developmental model of collective consciousness  Biohacking Eve episode on EMS / strength training, referenced as approximately Episode 3  A Russian utopian book by a female author, written during the USSR period Remember Who You Are — musical by Yulia Mintchin  Health Optimisation Summit, London  Dr Vanessa — chief scientist at Will Be  Guest social links &nInsta/TikTok: @BiohackingEve Website: www.BiohackingEve.com

    42 min
  5. 1 Apr

    #18 Pt1: Your Genes Run Your Perimenopause — The 3 Hormonal Archetypes

    Send us Fan Mail Episode description Yulia Mintchin, Forbes 30 Under 30 entrepreneur and creator of FemGene, reveals why perimenopause is an epigenetic reprogramming event — not just a hormone dip — and how genetic testing can predict your symptoms and HRT response before a single prescription is written Key topics discussed  Perimenopause as a communication breakdown between genes and hormones  Why women were excluded from medical research and what that means today  Hormone genomics and hormone genetics — a new medical category  The three hormonal archetypes: Sensitive, Silent and Resilient  The COMT gene variant and oestrogen clearance, affecting around 20% of the population  Why HRT fails for 40% of women — and how FemGene aims to fix that  Hormone metabolites vs hormone levels: the missing safety step  Bioidentical vs synthetic oestrogen — the cherry Haribo analogy  Endometriosis case study: progesterone and halted progression  Oncology’s shifting stance on HRT and oestrogen during cancer treatment  The WHI study and tamoxifen: historical context  Timestamps 00:00 Why perimenopause may be about genetic response, not just hormone decline 01:00 Meet Yulia Mintchin and the FemGene thesis 03:10 Why perimenopause is medicine’s biggest blind spot 05:05 Hormone genomics and hormone genetics explained 14:15 The three hormonal archetypes: Sensitive, Silent and Resilient 23:05 Why doubling HRT doses can backfire 24:10 COMT, oestrogen clearance and personalisation 31:40 When women should start testing 33:20 Endometriosis case study: progesterone and progression 37:20 How archetypes change HRT decisions 41:05 What the FemGene process looks like 45:00 Bioidentical vs synthetic oestrogen 51:20 Red flags that HRT is being managed poorly 56:05 Oncology, HRT and shifting views on oestrogen 58:10 Outro and disclaimer References and resources mentioned  FemGene hormone genomic test — via Will Be: https://www.mywillbe.co.uk/  The WHI (Women’s Health Initiative) study — landmark trial that shaped HRT policy  Biohacking Eve episode with Jennifer Garrison, referenced as approximately Episode 1, on hormonal changes affecting 80% of body systems  COMT gene and oestrogen metabolism — widely studied SNP; Yulia references the slow COMT variant  Tamoxifen and breast cancer treatment — historical context discussed  Guest social links  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yulia.mintchin/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuliamintchin/ Will Be website: https://www.mywillbe.co.uk/Insta/TikTok: @BiohackingEve Website: www.BiohackingEve.com

    36 min
  6. 1 Mar

    #17: Electrifying Relief: Dr Emile Radyte’s Brain Stimulation Approach for Menstrual Pain and Mood

    Send us Fan Mail A Neuroscientific Approach to Menstrual Wellness with Dr Emile Radyte: Exploring Brain-Based Pain and Mood Therapies In this episode, we welcome Dr Emile Radyte, a Harvard and Oxford-trained neuroscientist specialising in how the brain influences menstrual mood and pain Dr Radyte discusses her extensive background, including her leadership at Harvard’s emergency medical service and the founding of Lithuania’s largest neuroscience NGO. She is the co-founder of a neuroscience company focused on a brain-first approach to menstrual wellness. The conversation dives deep into the neuroscience behind menstrual pain and mood, explaining how brain circuits, rather than just hormones, regulate these experiences Dr Radyte elaborates on the innovative non-invasive brain stimulation techniques her team is developing to provide pain relief and mood stabilisation for women with conditions such as PMS, PMDD and endometriosis. She also shares insights on the interplay between hormones, neuroplasticity and brain circuits, as well as ongoing clinical trials and the personalisation of therapeutic protocols for different conditions Throughout the episode, she highlights the crucial role of self-tracking and personal responsibility in women’s health optimisation Timestamp 00:00 Introduction and guest welcome 01:05 Understanding the brain-first approach to menstrual health 02:57 Brain circuits and emotional regulation 06:54 Pain perception and sensitivity 09:19 PMS vs PMDD: clinical definitions and differences 12:54 Brain stimulation: a new approach to menstrual health 29:14 Devices and technology for menstrual wellness 35:50 Understanding women’s symptoms and tracking 37:32 Common user mistakes and how to avoid them 41:06 Clinical trials and research initiatives 50:33 User experience with the devices 01:00:43 Curveball questions and personal insights Resources Mentioned in This Episode 1. Samphire Neurotechnology Samphire is a neurotechnology company focused on women’s brain health, particularly hormonal-cycle related symptoms such as:PMSPMDDMenstrual migrainesBrain fogMood and cognitive disruption linked to hormonal changesThe technology discussed is non-invasive neuromodulation, designed as a drug-free alternative for managing symptoms. 2. Neuroscience & Hormonal Health Discussion around how hormonal fluctuations impact the brain, not just reproductive organs.Emphasis on the lack of research funding and innovation in women’s neurological health.The gap between male-centric medical research models and women’s lived neurological experiences. 3. Clinical & Regulatory Context Samphire’s work within regulated medical frameworks.Importance of clinical validation, safety, and evidence-based design for women’s health technology.Barriers women face accessing care for cycle-linked neurological symptoms. 4. Lived Experience & Advocacy Emile shares the personal motivation behind building Samphire.Reframing “normal” suffering around periods and hormones.Advocating for women to expect better solutions, not just coping strategies. Social Media Links Samphire Website: https://url-shortener.me/4QQW  LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/eradyte/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/radytee/?hl=en Insta/TikTok: @BiohackingEve Website: www.BiohackingEve.com

    1hr 12min
  7. 1 Feb

    #16: Reproductive Reshuffle: Mary Fusillo Decodes Egg Donation and Surrogacy

    Send us Fan Mail Navigating the world of assisted reproduction with Mary Fusillo In this episode, we speak with Mary Fusillo, a practitioner in assisted reproduction for over 25 years. Mary shares insights on her company, Family Solutions International, which provides egg donation, surrogacy, and fertility consulting. She contrasts US and European practice, particularly around donor compensation, and details the screening and selection of egg donors. We examine financial, logistical, and emotional aspects of egg donation and surrogacy, including cost breakdowns, roles and expectations for surrogates and intended parents, and ethical questions around donor anonymity. Mary also highlights psychological impacts and common challenges for all involved. This episode gives a comprehensive look at the complexities, joys, and ethical considerations of assisted reproduction Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and guest introduction 00:08 Mary’s background and career in assisted reproduction 00:52 Focus on egg donors and surrogacy 01:17 The egg donor process in the US 01:38 Compensation and selection of egg donors 03:41 Fresh vs frozen eggs 04:59 Costs and European perspective 06:11 Ethics and anonymity in egg donation 08:54 Logistics and travel for egg donation 16:03 Progesterone support in early pregnancy 21:03 Donor-egg cycle timeline 22:44 Age and ethics in donor-egg usage 25:46 Reasons for choosing donor eggs 28:09 Attachment to DNA and family 30:23 Introduction to surrogacy 33:11 Cost of donor-egg surrogacy 34:26 Typical surrogate profile 36:05 Surrogate relationships and dynamics 43:00 Cross-border surrogacy trends 47:49 Single men and surrogacy 50:23 Genetic testing and embryo screening 53:39 Ethics of telling children about their origins 56:33 Regrets and relief in egg donation and surrogacy 01:00:04 Final thoughts on third-party parenting Social Media Links Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/familysolutionsinternational/ https://www.facebook.com/DonorSolutionDotCom/ Instagram:   @the_eggsplanation_pod @familysolutionsinternational @donorsolution Resources Mentioned in This Episode 1. Egg Donation & Surrogacy Pathways Egg Donation – Discussed as a family-building option for individuals and couples facing infertility, genetic conditions, or age-related fertility decline.Gestational Surrogacy – Explained as a process where the surrogate carries a pregnancy but has no genetic link to the baby.Key Distinction Covered:Traditional vs gestational surrogacyDonor eggs vs intended mother’s eggs 2. Legal & Ethical Considerations Importance of legal contracts for:Egg donorsSurrogatesIntended parentsDiscussion of cross-border surrogacy risksEmphasis on using licensed agencies and fertility clinicsConsent, autonomy, and long-term wellbeing of all parties involved 3. Medical & Screening Processes Psychological screening for donors and surrogatesMedical testing and fertility screeningHormonal stimulation and egg retrieval (egg donation)IVF processes involved in surrogacy journeys 4. Emotional & Human Aspects Emotional readiness of intended parentsThe lived experience of donors and surrogatesImportance of counselling and emotional support throughout the journeyReframing stigma around non-traditional family buildingInsta/TikTok: @BiohackingEve Website: www.BiohackingEve.com

    1hr 6min
  8. 1 Jan

    #15: Aligning Work with Biology: Maggie McDaris on Cycle-Syncing for Optimal Productivity

    Send us Fan Mail Harnessing the Power of Cycle-Syncing for Female Productivity with Maggie McDaris In this episode of Biohacking Eve, Judith speaks with Maggie McDaris, founder of Phase, about the untapped potential of aligning work with female biology. Contrary to popular belief, every phase of the menstrual cycle—menstrual, follicular, ovulatory, and luteal—comes with its own surprising cognitive superpowers. We explore how understanding and leveraging these shifts can help women optimise focus, creativity, communication, and decision-making at work, while reducing burnout. Maggie shares insights from neuroscience and endocrinology on why the traditional 9–5 model often clashes with women’s natural rhythms, and how cycle-synching can transform workplace productivity. This conversation is a practical roadmap for women—and the organisations that support them—to harness biology as a strategic advantage. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and guest introduction  00:59 The problem with traditional work schedules  02:21 Maggie’s personal burnout story  03:59 Introduction to cycle-synching  05:00 How Phase works  07:27 The four cycle phases and their superpowers  12:38 Phase integration in the workplace  22:19 User feedback and future plans  33:50 Embracing strengths during the luteal phase  35:03 Challenges in building Phase  35:56 Integration and user experience  39:08 Addressing irregular cycles and contraception  41:04 Future of hormone tracking and integration  48:10 Cycle-based vertical opportunities  01:02:33 Cultural and organisational challenges  01:12:30 Medium-budget wellness solutions  01:13:29 High-budget organisational wellness  01:15:59 Cultural shifts for wellness  01:18:24 Phase app: current features and plans  01:20:00 Personal insights and feedback mechanisms  01:23:15 Engaging with Phase: user participation  01:25:41 Lightning round: myths, metrics, and personal hacks  01:37:21 Investments in personal well-being  01:40:56 Future breakthroughs and sentimental reflections Social Media Links LinkedIn (Maggie McDaris): Maggie McDaris Instagram: @maggiemcdaris 📚 Resources Mentioned in This Episode Phase.io – Cycle-Aware Productivity App A neuroscience- and endocrinology-informed app that helps women align work and wellbeing with their hormonal cycles. Features: personalized daily insights, “cognitive radar,” workplace integrations (Google Workspace, Office 365), and mobile app. 🌐 Website: Phase.io – Meet the team and learn more about the mission Related Research & Concepts Cycle Syncing – Adapting lifestyle, work, and wellbeing to the four phases of the menstrual cycle. Feasibility Study (University of Greenwich) – Early research validating demand for cycle-aware productivity tools. Cognitive Radar – Mapping six key strengths: energy, focus, motivation, creativity, communication, reflection. Future Integrations – Google Calendar, Office 365, Slack, Asana, Todoist, Reclaim.ai. Referenced Tools & Comparisons Oura Ring – For sleep, stress, HRV, and cycle insights. Headspace & Calm – Examples of integrated wellness resources. Peloton & Zoey – Models for combining fitness and health. Wild.AI & Flo Living – Other cycle-based health apps mentioned.Insta/TikTok: @BiohackingEve Website: www.BiohackingEve.com

    1hr 36min

About

Biohacking Eve - differentiated health optimisation for women. Let's make it all about Eve!Have you ever listened to the titans of Health Optimisation, Biohacking and Longevity and wondered “That’s all really great, but what if I’m a woman?”If so, welcome to “Biohacking Eve – Health Optimisation for Women!”My name is Judith Mueller and I’m here to help you navigate the maze of information by shining a light on true differentiation for women when it comes to health optimisation.Together, we will explore everything from how to fast intermittently without ruining your hormones all the way to abolishing menopause, and I will show you the latest in technology and research that can help you address your individual struggles and challenges in becoming your best self as a woman, as unique and individual as only you can be.Live long and prosper, my friend.