Functional Wellness with Dr. Alison

Dr. Alison DiBarto Goggin

Welcome to Functional Wellness with Dr. Alison, where we decode the language of your symptoms and discover the root causes conventional medicine misses. I'm Dr. Alison DiBarto Goggin, a functional medicine physician who's been serving families since 2009. Over the past 15 years, I've helped thousands of people finally get answers after years of being told "your labs are fine" or "it's just stress." As both a functional medicine doctor and shamanic practitioner, I bridge the gap between scientific precision and intuitive wisdom. Symptoms aren't problems to suppress; they're information to decode. This podcast is your guide to understanding what's really happening inside your body. We'll explore: *How gut health impacts everything from your mood to your immune system *Why autoimmunity isn't a life sentence—it's a message *The hidden connections between hormones, thyroid, and chronic fatigue *How to interpret your labs beyond "normal" ranges *Root cause solutions for chronic symptoms that won't go away Whether you're struggling with mysterious symptoms, managing a chronic condition, or simply want to optimize your family's health, this podcast will give you the education and tools to become your own best health advocate.

  1. 18 May

    The Brain-Hormone Conversation

    The Brain-Hormone Conversation Estrogen, Progesterone, Thyroid, the Estrobolome, and the Woman in the Middle of It All If your labs are normal but your brain is anything but, this episode is for you. Dr. Alison goes deep on the hormone-brain connection in Episode 3 of the May brain health series. Estrogen as a brain hormone. Progesterone as the brain’s calming hormone through allopregnanolone and the GABA system. Thyroid as the metabolic gas pedal, and why standard TSH testing misses most of the picture. And the estrobolome, the gut microbiome system that actively recycles and regulates your estrogen from inside your intestines. Includes the labs to actually ask for, why bioidentical progesterone is not the same as synthetic progestins, and why perimenopausal brain symptoms often start years before cycles change. Topics covered: estradiol and neurotransmitters, perimenopausal brain imaging, glucose regulation in the brain, progesterone and allopregnanolone, GABA, bioidentical hormone replacement, full thyroid panels, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, the estrobolome, beta-glucuronidase, gut-hormone axis, DUTCH testing. The Mama Brain Reset Doors close Sunday May 24 at midnight. The 30-day root cause program for the perimenopausal brain, the post-viral brain, and the woman whose mind has gone quiet. Investment $247 all-in. Comment MAMA on Dr. Alison’s Facebook posts or visit https://alisondibartogoggin.podia.com/mama-brain Feminine Medicine Class Wednesday May 20: Brain Medicine and the Sacred Mind. Link in description. Discount for The Mama Brain Reset for attendees. https://www.facebook.com/events/1631961514728671 Subscribe to the series Episode 4: The Forgotten Brain Foundations (drops May 25, the day the cohort begins).

    37 min

  2. 11 May

    Long COVID and the Brain What Post-Viral Inflammation Taught Me About Getting My Mind Back

    If you have not been yourself since a virus, this episode is for you. Dr. Alison goes deep on the post-viral brain in Episode 2 of the May brain health series. Long COVID, EBV reactivation, mast cell activation, POTS, and the neuroinflammation that ties them all together. Includes the full personal story arc Dr. Alison previewed in Episode 1, from EBV in high school through the February 2026 long-hauler symptoms that hit three weeks after a COVID infection. Plus the labs to actually order, the protocols she uses with her patients and herself, and the research that finally validates what women in chronic illness communities have been saying for decades. Topics covered: microglial activation, blood-brain barrier disruption, autonomic dysfunction, mast cell activation syndrome, EBV reactivation patterns, post-viral thyroiditis, the DUTCH test, monolaurin and other antivirals, methylation support, the nicotine patch protocol, and the difference between productive rest and real rest. The Mama Brain Reset Doors open today, May 11. The 30-day root cause program for brain fog, post-viral patterns, and the perimenopausal brain. Investment $247 all-in. Doors close May 24. Comment MAMA on Dr. Alison’s Facebook post or visit littleblackbagmedicine.com. Subscribe to the series Episode 3: The Brain-Hormone Conversation (drops May 18). Episode 4: The Forgotten Brain Foundations (drops May 25).

    39 min

  3. 4 May

    Mothers Brain : Why You’re Losing Your Words, Your Focus, and Yourself in the Fog

    If you are losing your words, walking into rooms and forgetting why, or feeling like the woman you used to be has gone quiet, this episode is for you. Dr. Alison kicks off a four-part May series on brain health by breaking down the five root cause drivers of brain fog in midlife women: hormones, infections, sleep, mood, and insulin. You will learn why “mom brain” is a dismissal, not a diagnosis, and why your normal labs may not be telling you the full story. Includes evidence-based citations on perimenopausal brain imaging, the glymphatic system, and the post-viral cognitive landscape, plus a brief look into Dr. Alison’s own post-viral journey. Topics covered: perimenopause and the brain, estrogen and neurotransmitters, full thyroid panels, Epstein Barr Virus reactivation, long COVID, the glymphatic system, sleep architecture, the inflammatory hypothesis of depression, insulin resistance and cognition. A foundational episode that sets up the rest of the May series. Subscribe to the series Episode 2: Long COVID and the Brain (drops May 11). Episode 3: The Brain-Hormone Conversation (drops May 18). Episode 4: The Forgotten Brain Foundations (drops May 25). Find Dr. Alison littleblackbagmedicine.com | Functional medicine consultations and ongoing care for women in midlife.

    39 min

  4. 29 Apr

    Estrogen and Cholesterol

    Estrogen and cholesterol are more connected than most doctors discuss. Dr. Alison DiBarto Goggin breaks down exactly what estradiol does for your cardiovascular system, why midlife women see lipid shifts that have nothing to do with diet, and what functional testing and targeted support actually look like. Covers ApoB, Lp(a), MPO, hsCRP, Lp-PLA2, insulin, homocysteine, thyroid, and the production vs. clearance framework. Practical supplementation including methylfolate, folinic acid, berberine, omega-3s, bergamot, and CoQ10. This is the conversation you didn't get at your annual physical. Find Dr. Alison at littleblackbagmedicine.com Quest Labs with Discount: https://us.fullscript.com/j/alison-goggin Fullscript Supplements: https://us.fullscript.com/plans/littleblackbagmedicine-estrogen-cholesterol

    32 min
  5. The Estrobolome: Why Your Gut Bacteria Control Your Perimenopause Hormones

    30 Mar

    The Estrobolome: Why Your Gut Bacteria Control Your Perimenopause Hormones

    Struggling with weight gain, hot flashes, mood swings, or brain fog during perimenopause? The answer might be in your gut. In this episode of Functional Wellness with Dr. Alison, we explore the estrobolome—the collection of gut bacteria that directly regulate how your body processes estrogen. Dr. Alison DiBarto Goggin, a functional medicine physician specializing in perimenopause and women's hormones, breaks down the science behind beta-glucuronidase, the enzyme that determines whether estrogen leaves your body or gets recycled back into circulation. You'll learn why you can experience symptoms of estrogen dominance even when blood tests show low estrogen, and what you can do about it. In this 30-minute episode, you'll discover: • What the estrobolome is and how it controls hormone balance during perimenopause • How beta-glucuronidase activity affects estrogen metabolism and drives common symptoms • Why the GI Map stool test is essential for understanding your gut-hormone connection • What disrupts the estrobolome (antibiotics, diet, stress, toxins, inflammation) • Evidence-based strategies to support healthy estrogen metabolism through fiber and probiotics • Specific probiotic strains that help (and which ones to avoid for hormone health) • How doTERRA's PB Restore probiotics and RevitaZen support perimenopause naturally • Liver detox strategies and lifestyle changes that reduce estrogen dominance • Why daily bowel movements matter for hormone balance Whether you're dealing with heavy periods, fibrocystic breasts, anxiety, weight gain, hot flashes, or night sweats, understanding the estrobolome can transform your perimenopause experience. Dr. Alison combines clinical research with practical solutions, offering functional medicine approaches that address root causes instead of just managing symptoms. This episode is part of the Perimenopause Series on Functional Wellness with Dr. Alison, where we cover sleep, brain health, weight management, ADHD, libido, and more during the menopausal transition. RESOURCES MENTIONED: • GI Map stool testing for gut health and beta-glucuronidase levels • doTERRA PB Restore probiotics • doTERRA RevitaZen for stress and hormone support • Research from PubMed.gov on estrogen metabolism and the microbiome Ready to understand your hormones from a root cause perspective? Visit littleblackbagmedicine.com to work with Dr. Alison, order functional lab testing, and access personalized perimenopause protocols. Subscribe to Functional Wellness with Dr. Alison for weekly episodes on functional medicine, women's health, chronic illness, and holistic healing. New episodes every week.

    23 min

  6. 15 Mar

    Perimenopause Support: What You Need to Know with Dr. Alison & Nurse Jen

    Struggling with perimenopause symptoms and feeling like no one understands what you're going through? Dr. Alison DiBarto Goggin (functional medicine physician) and Nurse Jen Schroer (specialized nurse practitioner) join forces to talk about what's really happening during perimenopause and how to get the support you deserve. In this 30-minute conversation, we cover: ✨ The most common perimenopause symptoms women don't realize are hormone-related ✨ Why conventional healthcare often misses the mark with perimenopause support ✨ The importance of comprehensive hormone testing (blood work + DUTCH testing) ✨ What's NOT working: random supplements, band-aid solutions, and "just deal with it" advice ✨ How functional medicine and personalized coaching create lasting results ✨ Our 90-day Perimenopause Reset Program and how it works Whether you're just starting to experience symptoms or you've been struggling for years, this conversation will help you understand what's happening in your body and what real, root-cause support looks like. Perimenopause Reset Program (90-day done-for-you support): https://www.claritywellnesscoach.com/service-page/perimenopause-power-pack Schedule Your Free Consultation: https://www.claritywellnesscoach.com/service-page/perimenopause-power-pack Connect with Dr. Alison: Website: littleblackbagmedicine.com ABOUT US: Dr. Alison DiBarto Goggin is a functional medicine practitioner specializing in chronic illness, autoimmunity, and hormone health through Little Black Bag Medicine. Nurse Jen Schroer is a registered nurse specializing in perimenopause and hormone support through personalized coaching and education. Together, we've created a comprehensive program that combines hormone testing, functional medicine protocols, and expert nursing support to help women thrive through perimenopause. KEYWORDS: perimenopause, perimenopause symptoms, hormone testing, DUTCH test, functional medicine, hormone imbalance, menopause support, perimenopause treatment, natural hormone balance, women's health, hormone coaching, perimenopause help

    44 min
  7. Perimenopause 101: Why It's Starting Earlier & What You Can Do About It

    9 Mar

    Perimenopause 101: Why It's Starting Earlier & What You Can Do About It

    Are you experiencing insomnia, brain fog, irregular periods, or crushing fatigue in your 40s? You might be in perimenopause—and it could be lasting longer than you think. In this foundational episode of our Perimenopause Deep Dive series, Dr. Alison DiBarto Goggin, functional medicine physician, breaks down: ✅ What perimenopause actually is and why it can last up to 10 years (not the 5 years we were taught) ✅ The most common early symptoms women notice (hint: it's not just hot flashes) ✅ Why viral infections like COVID-19 and Epstein-Barr may be triggering earlier perimenopause ✅ The truth about hormone testing—why your doctor won't run labs and what tests actually help ✅ A simple, whole-body foundational protocol supporting the brain, adrenals, liver, gut, and blood sugar balance Dr. Alison shares the exact supplement and essential oil protocol that's helping her patients regulate cycles, reduce symptoms, and regain their energy—without chasing 100 different solutions. Perfect for: Women in their 40s experiencing unexplained symptoms Anyone told "this is just part of aging" by their doctor Women seeking natural, functional medicine approaches to hormone balance Those frustrated with conventional medical options for perimenopause Coming up in this series: Sleep optimization, weight management, brain health, ADHD in perimenopause, expert interviews, and more. Resources mentioned: Foundational Perimenopause Protocol: https://link.doterra.com/BWYqQE Book a consultation: littleblackbagmedicine.com

    19 min
  8. Chronic Illness & Autoimmune Disease: Spiritual Healing Through Goddess Mythology

    2 Mar

    Chronic Illness & Autoimmune Disease: Spiritual Healing Through Goddess Mythology

    Are you a healer who has given everything to others until your body gave out? Do you wonder why healing never seems to stick? You might be walking the Heroine's Journey. In this special book launch episode, Dr. Alison DiBarto Goggin—functional medicine physician, shamanic practitioner, and author—shares the spiritual side of healing chronic illness through her new book "Goddess Medicine." What you'll learn: ✨ Why women's healing journeys are spiral, not linear (and what that means for your recovery) ✨ The red thread of Ariadne: how giving away your life force creates chronic depletion ✨ Angrboda's three burnings: surviving betrayal by your body, relationships, and the medical system ✨ Mary Magdalene's teaching: you cannot heal what you abandon ✨ The Egyptian Pylon Path: the full descent into darkness and the gifts waiting on the other side ✨ How to integrate all versions of yourself (the wounded child, the fierce protector, the sovereign woman) Available now on Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, and paperback at https://a.co/d/0di0l0Ar And come join us in the Goddess Medicine Circle on Facebook for the free guided book course starting March 6th. https://www.facebook.com/groups/goddessmedicinecircle And a chance to win a private shamanic reiki session with me: https://bit.ly/4bUEisV This episode is for women with chronic illness, autoimmunity, medical trauma, MCAS, POTS, thyroid issues, digestive disorders, or anyone recovering from surgery who knows there's more to healing than protocols alone. #ChronicIllnessWarrior #AutoimmuneHealing #WomensHealth #SpiritualHealing #TraumaRecovery #GoddessWisdom #FunctionalMedicine #ShamanicHealing

    17 min
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About

Welcome to Functional Wellness with Dr. Alison, where we decode the language of your symptoms and discover the root causes conventional medicine misses. I'm Dr. Alison DiBarto Goggin, a functional medicine physician who's been serving families since 2009. Over the past 15 years, I've helped thousands of people finally get answers after years of being told "your labs are fine" or "it's just stress." As both a functional medicine doctor and shamanic practitioner, I bridge the gap between scientific precision and intuitive wisdom. Symptoms aren't problems to suppress; they're information to decode. This podcast is your guide to understanding what's really happening inside your body. We'll explore: *How gut health impacts everything from your mood to your immune system *Why autoimmunity isn't a life sentence—it's a message *The hidden connections between hormones, thyroid, and chronic fatigue *How to interpret your labs beyond "normal" ranges *Root cause solutions for chronic symptoms that won't go away Whether you're struggling with mysterious symptoms, managing a chronic condition, or simply want to optimize your family's health, this podcast will give you the education and tools to become your own best health advocate.

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