The Real Heal - Intimate Conversations with Holistic Health Experts

Dr. Renee Wellenstein
  • 5.0 (28)
  • Medicine
  • Updated Weekly

The Real Heal is a show where Dr. Renee Wellenstein (a double board-certified doc, entrepreneur, and healthcare disruptor) hosts real, raw, and authentic conversations with experts in the holistic health space. This is your opportunity to be a fly on the wall while Dr. Renee has 100% organic, unscripted chats on topics in the holistic health world that most aren't even addressing! For any podcast or affiliate inquiries, please contact me at assistant@drreneewellenstein.com

  1. 4d ago

    Testosterone for Women: Why Your Doctor Is Still 10 Years Behind

    Are you exhausted no matter how much you sleep… dealing with low libido, brain fog, mood changes, and feeling like you "lost your spark"—but your doctor says your labs are "normal"?   In this video, I'm breaking down the hormone that's often ignored in women's health: testosterone.   🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/brszxICJhKQ    DISCLAIMER: This video is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your health regimen.   You'll learn: * Why testosterone is not just a male hormone * The most common low testosterone symptoms in women (and why they're often mislabeled as depression or stress) * The real reason many doctors don't bring up testosterone (FDA approval gap + training + insurance) * The exact labs to ask for so you're not dismissed again * Your testosterone treatment options (pellets, creams, injections) and what "physiologic dosing" actually means * Why I always look at the full hormone picture (estrogen, progesterone, thyroid, cortisol + testosterone)   If you're in your late 30s, 40s, 50s, or beyond and you're struggling with weight gain, fatigue, low motivation, low sex drive, irritability, vaginal dryness, or hair thinning, this is a must-watch.   TIMESTAMPS 0:00 – The patient story that started it all 0:44 – Welcome + who this channel is for 1:08– Watch to the end: what's coming 1:22 – Testosterone is not just a male hormone 2:23 – The FDA gap: 30+ products for men, zero for women 3:27 – Symptoms of low testosterone — and what gets misdiagnosed instead 4:54 – The other hormones: what else could explain your symptoms 5:21 – What a 10-year study of 78 women actually showed 6:35 – Why most doctors haven't offered this to you 8:14 – Labs to ask for: total T, free T, and SHBG 8:56 – Pellets, creams, injectables, and off-label gels — and what physiologic dosing means 10:22 – How Dr. Renee evaluates the full hormone picture   Work With Me 1:1 Support Want help interpreting your labs and building a personalized plan for peri-menopause symptoms, hormones, metabolism, and longevity? Apply to work with me here → https://reneewellenstein.typeform.com/to/qFyuRF?typeform-source=www.drreneewellenstein.com    Links + Resources My Amazon storefront (products I personally use + recommend): https://www.amazon.com/shop/drreneewellenstein?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_2Q5HD01R6BW42HK05MSB  (I do make a small commission from sales using my link)   My favorite supplement brand: https://www.designsforhealth.com/u/drreneewellenstein  (I do make a small commission from sales using my online dispensary)   📌 Connect with Me for More Hormone & Health Tips! Follow me on all platforms → @‌drreneewellenstein IG | FB | TikTok | Pinterest

    11 min

  2. May 21

    Hair Shedding But Labs Are "Normal"? Top Tests for Women Over 40

    If you're noticing hair thinning after 40, more shedding in the shower, or a widening part—but keep hearing "your labs are normal"—this video breaks down the most important lab tests for female hair loss and the order I recommend starting with.   In this episode, I walk through the key root-cause factors behind hair loss in women over 40, including low ferritin, thyroid dysfunction, testosterone imbalance, insulin resistance, and nutrient deficiencies. If you've been dealing with perimenopause hair loss, menopause hair thinning, diffuse shedding, or female pattern hair loss, this is where to start.   🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/DDBDyTe09Lw    As a double board-certified OB/Gyn and functional medicine physician, I help women connect the dots between symptoms, hormones, metabolism, and lab patterns that often get missed in conventional care.   DISCLAIMER: Keep in mind, I am not your doctor. I put this video out for educational and informational purposes only. It is not to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have a specific medical concern, please consult your own personal doctor or healthcare professional.   In this video, you'll learn: * Why ferritin matters even when you're "not anemic" * Why checking TSH alone is not enough * How testosterone, DHEA-S, and SHBG can affect hair follicles * Why fasting insulin may reveal issues before glucose or A1c * Which supportive labs may matter for hair regrowth, energy, and brain fog * A practical lab priority list you can bring to your doctor   If you're tired of being dismissed and want a more complete, root-cause approach to midlife hormone symptoms, hair loss, and metabolic changes, you're in the right place.   Book a Call Book your call here: https://www.drreneewellenstein.com/work-with-me    Subscribe for science-backed education on perimenopause, menopause, hormone health, metabolism, weight loss, and functional medicine for women over 40.   Timestamps 00:00 Why hair loss after 40 deserves a deeper look 00:37 The first lab I check for hair shedding 02:03 Why your thyroid panel may be incomplete 03:07 How testosterone and DHEA-S affect thinning hair 04:39 The insulin connection most women miss 05:51 Supportive labs that can impact regrowth 07:10 The lab priority list to bring to your doctor 08:14 Why hair loss is not just "aging" 08:30 How I help women connect the dots   Shop My Favorites * Shop My Page: https://shopmy.us/drrenee/shelves  * Amazon Favorites: https://www.amazon.com/shop/drreneewellenstein?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_2Q5HD01R6BW42HK05MSB  * Supplement Dispensary: https://www.designsforhealth.com/u/drreneewellenstein    *I do make a small commission from sales of the above products.    📌 Connect with Me for More Hormone & Health Tips! Follow me on all platforms → @‌drreneewellenstein IG | FB | TikTok | Pinterest

    9 min

  3. May 14

    Puffy, Tired, and Can't Lose Weight? Your Lymph Might Be Stuck

    If you're over 40 and dealing with bloating, stubborn weight gain, fatigue, or brain fog, your lymphatic system might be the missing piece. In this episode, I'm breaking down 5 simple ways to support your lymphatic drainage at home—plus the exact daily routine I use with my clients to help improve energy, hormone balance, and metabolism. Because here's the truth:👉 If your drainage pathways aren't open… detoxing won't work. I'll walk you through the "Specific 7" lymphatic routine, plus my favorite tools to get things moving so your body can finally feel lighter, clearer, and more energized. 🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/VDe3IXFz9lU    I'm Dr. Renee, a double board-certified OB/GYN and Functional Medicine physician, and I help women over 40 figure out what's really going on with their hormones—and how to fix it.   If you feel puffy, stuck, or like nothing is working anymore… this is where you start.   ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Why you feel puffy, tired… and stuck 00:38 – The system no one talks about for weight + hormones 01:36 – Why everything slows down after 40 02:30 – The "Specific 7" lymphatic routine 03:16 – Step-by-step: the 7 areas to target 05:05 – Tool #1: The easiest way to boost lymph flow 05:41 – Tool #2: Why dry brushing actually works 06:06 – Tool #3: At-home lymphatic massage 06:47 – Tool #4: The most underrated movement tool 07:09 – Tool #5: Relaxing detox support that works 07:40 – Hydration mistakes that slow everything down 08:08 – Are your clothes blocking your lymph? 08:22 – Why your routine might not be working 08:41 – The "clogged drain" analogy that explains everything 09:06 – How to get personalized help    What You'll Learn ✔️ What the lymphatic system actually does (and why it matters after 40) ✔️ Why lymphatic drainage is critical for weight loss and hormone balance ✔️ The best at-home tools for improving circulation and detox pathways ✔️ How to reduce puffiness, bloating, and fatigue naturally ✔️ Why "drainage before detox" is the key most women miss   Learn more about The Specific 7 here from Doc Talks Detox: https://youtu.be/3uohTmbnEBQ?si=Y1HZ_yQ48Poa5ZNB    Work With Me Want help interpreting your labs and building a personalized plan for peri-menopause symptoms, hormones, metabolism, and longevity? Apply to work with me here → https://reneewellenstein.typeform.com/to/qFyuRF?typeform-source=www.drreneewellenstein.com    Links + Resources My Amazon storefront (products I personally use + recommend): https://www.amazon.com/shop/drreneewellenstein?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_2Q5HD01R6BW42HK05MSB  (I do make a small commission from sales using my link)   Products discussed in this video: https://www.amazon.com/shop/drreneewellenstein/list/1OIH68D6015SN?ref_=aipsflist    My favorite supplement brand: https://www.designsforhealth.com/u/drreneewellenstein  (I do make a small commission from sales using my online dispensary)   DISCLAIMER: Keep in mind, I am not your doctor. This video is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have a specific medical concern, please consult your own personal doctor or healthcare professional.   🔗 Connect with me on social media @DrReneeWellenstein for daily tips, updates, and more! 📌 Helpful Links & Resource 💡 Work with me: https://www.drreneewellenstein.com/work-with-me  ★ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drreneewellenstein/  ★ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLibidoologist  ★ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drreneewellenstein?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc  ★ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drreneewellenstein/

    10 min

  4. May 7

    Your Labs Are "Normal" But You Still Feel Awful: 7 Hidden Patterns Doctors Miss

    If you've ever been told "your labs are normal"—but you're still exhausted, gaining weight, losing hair, and not sleeping—this video is for you. In this episode, I break down 7 commonly missed lab patterns in women over 40 that traditional testing often overlooks. Because "normal" does NOT always mean optimal—especially in perimenopause and beyond. We're diving into the real reasons your symptoms are being dismissed—and the exact labs I look at differently in my practice. If you've been told everything is "fine" but you know something's off… you're not crazy—and you're not alone.   🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UOdt21cYpAY    What You'll Learn  ✔️ Why standard lab ranges miss early dysfunction ✔️ The most overlooked labs for women over 40 ✔️ How hormone changes impact thyroid, metabolism, and energy ✔️ Why you can feel awful even when labs look "normal" ✔️ How to start advocating for better testing and answers   Work With Me Want help interpreting your labs and building a personalized plan for peri-menopause symptoms, hormones, metabolism, and longevity? Apply to work with me here → https://reneewellenstein.typeform.com/to/qFyuRF?typeform-source=www.drreneewellenstein.com Links + Resources My Amazon storefront (products I personally use + recommend): https://www.amazon.com/shop/drreneewellenstein?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_2Q5HD01R6BW42HK05MSB (I do make a small commission from sales using my link) My favorite supplement brand: https://www.designsforhealth.com/u/drreneewellenstein (I do make a small commission from sales using my online dispensary)   DISCLAIMER: Keep in mind, I am not your doctor. This video is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have a specific medical concern, please consult your own personal doctor or healthcare professional.   📌 Connect with Me for More Hormone & Health Tips! Follow me on all platforms → @‌drreneewellenstein IG | FB | TikTok | Pinterest

    11 min

  5. Apr 30

    Hot Flashes? Try This Before Taking Medication

    Hot flashes and night sweats are some of the most frustrating symptoms of perimenopause and menopause—but what if you don't want to take hormones or can't use hormone therapy? In this episode, I walk you through science-backed, non-hormonal treatments for hot flashes, including lifestyle changes, mind-body techniques, supplements, and prescription options that can help calm your body's internal thermostat. Hot flashes happen because the hypothalamus (your brain's thermostat) becomes overly sensitive when estrogen levels decline. Even small temperature changes can trigger sweating, flushing, anxiety, and sleep disruption. While hormone therapy is still the gold standard for hot flashes, many women either prefer to avoid hormones or have medical reasons they can't take them. That's why it's important to understand the evidence-based alternatives that can help reduce symptoms and improve sleep and quality of life. In this episode, we'll cover practical strategies I use with patients in my practice to manage menopause symptoms without hormones, including nervous system regulation, lifestyle triggers, targeted supplements, and newer medications like VEOZAH (fezolinetant).  If you're dealing with perimenopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, poor sleep, anxiety, or hormone imbalance, this video will give you a clearer roadmap of your options. 🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/SzzsAD-2unQ  Topics Covered in This Episode: Perimenopause and menopause hot flashes Night sweats and sleep disruption Non-hormonal treatments for menopause symptoms Cognitive behavioral therapy for hot flashes Mind-body techniques for nervous system regulation Soy isoflavones and menopause supplements• Black cohosh safety and effectiveness SSRIs and SNRIs for hot flashes Gabapentin for night sweats Fezolinetant (VEOZAH) explained Lifestyle changes that reduce hot flashes Want Personalized Help? If you're struggling with hot flashes, hormone imbalance, low energy, or other midlife hormone symptoms, I work with women over 40 in my telemedicine practice to create personalized plans using functional medicine, lifestyle strategies, and when appropriate, hormone therapy. Learn more about working with me here: https://reneewellenstein.typeform.com/to/qFyuRF?typeform-source=www.drreneewellenstein.com  DISCLAIMER: Keep in mind, I am not your doctor. This video is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have a specific medical concern, please consult your own personal doctor or healthcare professional. Links + Resources My Amazon storefront (products I personally use + recommend): https://www.amazon.com/shop/drreneewellenstein?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_2Q5HD01R6BW42HK05MSB (I do make a small commission from sales using my link) My favorite supplement brand: https://www.designsforhealth.com/u/drreneewellenstein (I do make a small commission from sales using my online dispensary) 🔗 Connect with me on social media @DrReneeWellenstein for daily tips, updates, and more! 📌 Helpful Links & Resource 💡 Work with me: https://www.drreneewellenstein.com/work-with-me  ★ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drreneewellenstein/  ★ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLibidoologist  ★ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drreneewellenstein?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc  ★ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drreneewellenstein/

    13 min

  6. Apr 23

    Perimenopause Rage & The "We Do Not Care" Club: What's Happening in Your Brain

    Perimenopause "We Do Not Care" isn't you being lazy, mean, or broken—it's brain chemistry + burnout + hormone shifts. If you've been seeing the "We Do Not Care Club" trend and thinking …why is this me? this video will help you connect the dots (estrogen, serotonin, dopamine, GABA, stress tolerance, and that short fuse you don't recognize). In this episode, I break down what's happening in your brain during perimenopause—and what to do next so you can feel like yourself again (without pretending everything is fine). 🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KIgc5gm_9j8    What you'll learn in this episode: Why perimenopause is a neuro-endocrine event, not "just hormones" How fluctuating estrogen impacts: Serotonin (calm, resilience, patience) Dopamine (motivation, drive, reward) GABA (anxiety, sleep, feeling "wired but tired") Why you may feel:  more rage-y over small things emotionally flat or numb less motivated, more overwhelmed like your brain "can't organize life" the way it used to A practical starting plan to feel better DISCLAIMER: This video is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your health regimen.   Ready for a real plan (not just memes)? If you're in your late 30s, 40s, or 50s and you're thinking, "I don't know what's wrong with me—I just don't care anymore," I can help you sort out what's hormones, what's metabolism, what's stress physiology, and what's lifestyle overload. Work with me (telemedicine + coaching options): 👉https://www.drreneewellenstein.com/work-with-me    Links + Resources My Amazon storefront (products I personally use + recommend): https://www.amazon.com/shop/drreneewellenstein?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_2Q5HD01R6BW42HK05MSB (I do make a small commission from sales using my link)  My favorite supplement brand: https://www.designsforhealth.com/u/drreneewellenstein (I do make a small commission from sales using my online dispensary)   🔗 Connect with me on social media @DrReneeWellenstein for daily tips, updates, and more! 📌 Helpful Links & Resource 💡 Work with me: https://www.drreneewellenstein.com/work-with-me  ★ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drreneewellenstein/  ★ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLibidoologist  ★ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drreneewellenstein?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc  ★ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drreneewellenstein/

    6 min

  7. Apr 16

    Your 30s Symptoms Are Valid — It Might Be Perimenopause

    Perimenopause symptoms in your 30s are showing up way more than most women were ever warned about—and getting told "you're too young" is one of the fastest ways to stay stuck. If you're 35 and suddenly dealing with cycle chaos, anxiety, hot flashes, or brain fog, this video will help you understand what perimenopause actually is, why it can start earlier than you think, what to rule out, and what to do next. In this episode, I break down the hormone shifts (especially progesterone dropping first), the lifestyle + metabolic pressures that can amplify symptoms, and how to advocate for yourself when your labs come back "normal" but you feel anything but normal. 🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/iSI7ggkzqJQ  What you'll learn in this episode * What perimenopause really is (the transition before menopause) * Why symptoms can start in the mid-30s for some women * The common early pattern:         * Progesterone drops (ovulation gets inconsistent)         * Estrogen becomes unpredictable (spikes + crashes) * Why "normal labs" don't always match how you feel * The biggest drivers that can make symptoms louder earlier:         * chronic stress + nervous system overload         * insulin resistance / blood sugar swings         * sleep debt, shift work, circadian disruption         * environmental endocrine disruptors * What to rule out so you don't miss something treatable:        * thyroid dysfunction        * low iron / ferritin, B12, vitamin D        * blood sugar + insulin issues        * autoimmune patterns (when history suggests it) Signs it might be perimenopause (even if you're "too young") * Cycles that are shorter, heavier, or unpredictable for you * PMS that shifts from annoying to intense (rage, anxiety, sadness) * New breast soreness, night sweats, hot flashes * Sleep changes—especially waking between 1–3am * Brain fog + feeling unlike yourself   Shop My Favorites * Shop My Page: https://shopmy.us/drrenee/shelves * Amazon Favorites: https://www.amazon.com/shop/drreneewellenstein?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_2Q5HD01R6BW42HK05MSB * Supplement Dispensary: https://www.designsforhealth.com/u/drreneewellenstein *I do make a small commission from sales of the above products.   Book a Call Book your call here: https://www.drreneewellenstein.com/work-with-me     DISCLAIMER: Keep in mind, I am not your doctor. I put this video out for educational and informational purposes only. It is not to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have a specific medical concern, please consult your own personal doctor or healthcare professional.   🔗 Connect with me on social media @DrReneeWellenstein for daily tips, updates, and more! 📌 Helpful Links & Resource 💡 Work with me: https://www.drreneewellenstein.com/work-with-me  ★ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drreneewellenstein/  ★ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLibidoologist  ★ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drreneewellenstein?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc  ★ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drreneewellenstein/

    6 min

  8. Apr 9

    Belly Fat After 40: What Actually Works for Perimenopause & Menopause (2026 Science-Backed Guide)

    If you're over 40 and you've been checking all the boxes—eating clean, hitting your workouts, maybe even skipping meals like you used to—but that stubborn belly fat won't budge, trust me, you're not alone. I've wrestled with it myself. In this episode, I'm digging into why the old weight-loss tricks just stop working during perimenopause and menopause—and what actually moves the needle instead (and no, you don't need to torture yourself with extreme diets or endless cardio). Let's get real about what's happening inside your body: estrogen swings, insulin resistance, higher cortisol, sleep interruptions, inflammation, gut changes, even shifts in your thyroid. All of that messes with how and where your body stores fat—especially around your middle. This isn't about willpower. It's biology. And here's the good part—you can work with it instead of fighting against it. 🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ITLQo4CPRt4  Here's what I'm covering in this episode: The biggest myths about midlife weight (yeah, "eat less, move more" is at the top) The nutrition plan I actually recommend for midlife belly fat (think protein, fiber, healthy fats) Why strength training and daily movement protect your muscle and fire up your metabolism How stress and cortisol play a bigger role than most people realize Sleep and circadian rhythm tweaks that can literally shrink your waistline The supplements that support your foundation (but don't replace it) The exact labs you should ask for if you're really stuck (fasting insulin/HOMA-IR, lipids, hs-CRP, a full thyroid panel, sex hormones) How to shift from white-knuckle willpower to real grit, so you actually stick with it for the long haul  If you want a simple, step-by-step plan, grab my free 2026 Belly Fat Action Plan. It's got protein targets, a three-day strength training template, a circadian reset, and a checklist for those key labs. Belly Fat Guide: https://drreneewellenstein.thrivecart.com/belly-fat-action-plan-guide/ Book a Strategy Call: https://www.drreneewellenstein.com/work-with-me Shop My Favorites * Shop My Page: https://shopmy.us/drrenee/shelves * Amazon Favorites: https://www.amazon.com/shop/drreneewellenstein?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_2Q5HD01R6BW42HK05MSB * Supplement Dispensary: https://www.designsforhealth.com/u/drreneewellenstein *I do make a small commission from sales of the above products.   🔗 Connect with me on social media @DrReneeWellenstein for daily tips, updates, and more! 📌 Helpful Links & Resource 💡 Work with me: https://www.drreneewellenstein.com/work-with-me  ★ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drreneewellenstein/  ★ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLibidoologist  ★ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drreneewellenstein?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc  ★ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drreneewellenstein/

    11 min
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5
out of 5
28 Ratings

About

The Real Heal is a show where Dr. Renee Wellenstein (a double board-certified doc, entrepreneur, and healthcare disruptor) hosts real, raw, and authentic conversations with experts in the holistic health space. This is your opportunity to be a fly on the wall while Dr. Renee has 100% organic, unscripted chats on topics in the holistic health world that most aren't even addressing! For any podcast or affiliate inquiries, please contact me at assistant@drreneewellenstein.com

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