The Hormone Genius Podcast

Teresa Kenney and Jamie Rathjen
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Health & Fitness

Welcome to The Hormone Genius Podcast! Co-hosts Jamie Rathjen and Teresa Kenney desire to be a voice of hope for women across the world. Their mission is to inspire a new generation of women who are educated and informed about the gift and beauty of the feminine design. This is a generation of women who deserve a holistic approach to women's healthcare. Jamie and Teresa want to inspire, inform, and empower their listeners, and to make women the genius of their own hormones! Medical disclaimer: The information presented in The Hormone Genius Podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for actual medical or mental health advice from a doctor, psychologist, or any other medical or mental health professional.

  1. 3d ago

    S7 Ep : Luteinized Unruptured Follicles: When You Think You’re Ovulating… But You’re Not

    What if your fertility chart looks great, your LH surge is positive, your progesterone rises, and yet you still aren’t actually releasing an egg? In this episode of The Hormone Genius Podcast, Teresa and Jamie welcome back Krista “CJ” Johnston to dive into one of the most frustrating and misunderstood causes of infertility: luteinized unruptured follicles (LUFs). CJ spent four years navigating infertility, endometriosis, recurrent LUFs, surgeries, and the emotional exhaustion that comes with feeling like you’re doing everything “right” without getting answers. Her story eventually led to a deeper understanding of what was happening in her ovaries, and, ultimately, to her first pregnancy. Together, we explore: ✨ What exactly is a luteinized unruptured follicle (LUF)? ✨ Why a positive LH test or rising progesterone does not necessarily confirm that an egg was released ✨ Why a follicle study/ultrasound series can provide information that charting and laboratory testing cannot ✨ The possible relationship between LUFs, endometriosis, PCOS, inflammation, scar tissue, and ovarian function ✨ CJ’s experience with recurrent LUFs before and after endometriosis surgery ✨ How pelvic inflammation and postoperative adhesions affected her ovaries ✨ The role of nutrition and iodine in CJ’s personal fertility journey—and why more research is needed ✨ Emerging approaches to healing and inflammation, including the unique use of PRP during surgery ✨ The emotional toll of infertility—and knowing when to keep pushing and when it’s okay to pause ✨ Why trusting your instincts and advocating for yourself matters Perhaps the most important takeaway? An ovulatory event is not necessarily the same thing as confirmed ovulation. Connect with CJ: Dignity Empowered — hormone coaching and writing focused on infertility, women’s health, and spiritual motherhood. Email: info@dignityempowered.com We’re so grateful to have We Heart Nutrition supporting The Hormone Genius Podcast! Ready to check them out? Visit weheartnutrition.com and use code GENIUS at checkout for 20% off your order. Medical Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace individualized medical care. Fertility concerns and treatment decisions should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional who can evaluate your individual history and circumstances. Information discussed about supplements, iodine, PRP, LUFs, and other treatments should not be interpreted as medical advice or a recommendation for self-treatment.

  2. Sep 23

    S7 Ep7: The Ovarian Continuum: Understanding Your Hormones, Your Mental Health & Your Whole Self

    What if understanding your hormones could help you better understand yourself? In this episode of The Hormone Genius Podcast, Teresa and Jamie continue their special partnership with FACTS – Fertility Appreciation Collaborative to Teach the Systems and introduce listeners to Talia Caridi, a first-year resident and future physician who shares part of her own story of discovering the powerful connection between her hormones, her health, and her mental well-being. Talia’s story helps illustrate an important concept we call the ovarian continuum, the journey of the ovaries and reproductive hormones from puberty through the reproductive years and ultimately into menopause. Our hormones are not isolated from the rest of our bodies. They interact with our physical health, mental health, sleep, energy, mood, and overall well-being. We talk about the relationship between hormones and mental health. Hormones do not define who we are, and they certainly don't explain every mental-health experience. But reproductive hormones and the brain are interconnected, and understanding that relationship can give women and their healthcare providers additional context when evaluating symptoms and overall health. At Hormone Genius, we believe that body literacy creates empowered women. The goal isn't simply to know that hormones exist, it's to understand what your body may be communicating and to have the knowledge to participate meaningfully in your healthcare. Your hormones are part of your story, but they don't have to be a mystery. Become the genius of your own hormones! FACTS – Fertility Appreciation Collaborative to Teach the Systems Learn more about FACTS and their educational resources for healthcare professionals and students interested in fertility awareness and restorative reproductive healthcare. Perimenopause Program: Visit HormoneGenius.com to find the program and take advantage of the 50% off offer through September 30. And if you're approaching the menopause years, don't miss our Perimenopause Program, now 50% off through the end of September. For less than $50, the program provides an accessible introduction to perimenopause, common symptoms, lifestyle considerations, protein and exercise, and an overview of individualized menopausal hormone therapy. The program includes audio and visual content, PDFs, reflection questions, and practical action steps you can begin implementing right away. Whether you're 35 and wondering why you don't feel like yourself anymore, experiencing changes in sleep or mood, or simply wanting to understand what happens during the transition toward menopause, this program is designed to give you a place to start. Thanks to our epidose Sponsor, We Heart Nutrition! Go to weheartnutrition.com and find the supplements right for your stage of womanhood. Get 20% OFF with our code GENIUS. Medical Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to provide individual medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information discussed should not be used as a substitute for consultation with your qualified healthcare provider. Every woman's health history and circumstances are unique. Talk with your healthcare professional before making changes to medications, supplements, diet, exercise, or hormone therapy. Tags:#HormoneHealth #WomensHealth #Perimenopause #Menopause #OvarianContinuum #Hormones #MentalHealth #WomensHormones #BodyLiteracy #MenstrualCycle #FertilityAwareness

  3. Sep 16

    S7 Ep 7: From IVF to Root Cause Fertility: A Doctor’s Journey Back to the Whole Person

    What happens when a physician who spent years becoming highly skilled in IVF begins to ask a bigger question: Are we treating infertility, or simply trying to achieve a positive pregnancy test? In this powerful episode of The Hormone Genius Podcast, Teresa and Jamie sit down with Dr. Joseph Davis, an OB-GYN and fertility specialist with more than 15 years of experience, founder of Palm Integrative Fertility, and a member of FACTS About Fertility. Dr. Davis shares the very personal journey that led him from practicing IVF to embracing a more comprehensive, restorative approach to fertility care. His story is not about abandoning science, it is about recognizing that there is more science to fertility than many physicians are ever taught. Dr. Davis explains why conditions such as insulin resistance, thyroid dysfunction, endometriosis, diminished ovarian reserve, hormonal dysfunction, and recurrent miscarriage deserve deeper investigation, and why “unexplained infertility” may sometimes mean that we simply haven't found the explanation yet. One of the most fascinating parts of the conversation is Dr. Davis's discussion of the menstrual cycle itself. Rather than viewing ovulation as the finish line, restorative care looks closely at what happens after ovulation, including estrogen and progesterone patterns throughout the luteal phase and early pregnancy. Cervical mucus and other cycle biomarkers can provide valuable information about what is happening inside a woman's body. As Dr. Davis puts it, the patient is the best collector of her own personal health data. The conversation also tackles a difficult and important topic: the ethics of IVF and the dignity of the human embryo. Dr. Davis openly shares how his own ethical questions changed the way he viewed his work and ultimately led him to reconsider the role IVF played in his practice. Teresa also emphasizes an important message of compassion: this conversation is not about judging parents or children conceived through IVF. Rather, it is an invitation to think deeply about human dignity, informed consent, and the ethical questions surrounding fertility treatment. Finally, Dr. Davis talks about the exciting work being done through FACTS About Fertility, including the development of a new fellowship designed to train physicians in the science behind fertility awareness, restorative reproductive medicine, and cycle-based care. Your fertility matters. Your cycle matters. Your health history matters. And you deserve a practitioner who is willing to listen, investigate, collaborate, and help you understand the why behind what is happening in your body. If you've experienced infertility, recurrent miscarriage, diminished ovarian reserve, “unexplained” infertility, or simply want to understand your fertility more deeply, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Learn more about Dr. Davis and Palm Integrative Fertility: PalmFertility.com Learn about FACTS fellowship program, and electives at factsaboutfertility.org. Thanks so our sponsor We Heart Nutrition Supplements. Go to weheartnutrition.org and get 20% your first order with the CODE GENIUS! Medical Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Information discussed by guests and hosts represents their individual perspectives and should not be considered a substitute for personalized medical advice. Always consult your own qualified healthcare professional regarding your individual health and treatment options.

  4. Sep 9

    S7 Ep 6: Your Cycle Is a Vital Sign: Why Every Woman, and Every Doctor: Should Understand the Menstrual Cycle

    What if your menstrual cycle could tell you something important about your health—just like your blood pressure, heart rate, or other vital signs? In this episode of The Hormone Genius Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Pearl Huang Ramirez, a family medicine physician, fertility awareness-based medicine advocate, and founding member of FACTS About Fertility, to talk about one of the most overlooked tools in women’s healthcare: the menstrual cycle. Dr. Pearl shares her own journey of discovering fertility awareness-based methods during medical school, at a time when she realized that medical education had given her very little understanding of natural fertility or cycle biomarkers. That discovery eventually led her to Creighton medical consultant training and to helping other physicians understand how fertility awareness can be incorporated into real-world medical care. Together, we explore why the cycle can be considered a vital sign of health and what clinicians can learn by paying attention to biomarkers such as cervical mucus, basal body temperature, cycle phases, bleeding patterns, and luteal phase length. We discuss what charting patterns may reveal about conditions such as PCOS, progesterone insufficiency, abnormal bleeding, endometriosis and other hormonal concerns, and why understanding the cycle can help clinicians move beyond simply suppressing symptoms toward asking what may be happening underneath them. Dr. Pearl also explains the powerful partnership between medical professionals and fertility awareness educators. Physicians don't have to do everything themselves. A trained fertility awareness instructor or hormone coach can spend the time teaching women how to observe and chart their cycles, while clinicians can use that information to guide evaluation, laboratory testing and individualized treatment. And for the medical students, nurse practitioners, physicians and other healthcare professionals, listeningwe talk about an incredible opportunity to learn more. 🩺 FACTS About Fertility The FACTS Student Elective: FABMs for Family Planning and Women's Healthcare provides medical students and students in other health professions with education in evidence-based fertility awareness methods, female cycle physiology, chart interpretation and the integration of FABMs into women's healthcare. The elective is primarily online and can be completed in two-week blocks or as a four-week course. It is accredited through Georgetown University School of Medicine. 👉 Learn about the FACTS Student Elective: FACTS Student Elective 💻 FACTS 2026 Virtual Conference And if you're a healthcare professional who wants to learn more, mark your calendar for the FACTS 2026 Virtual Conference, happening November 20–21, 2026. The virtual conference is designed for medical and health professionals, residents, medical students, health-profession students and fertility educators. It offers an opportunity to learn from experts in fertility awareness, restorative reproductive medicine, women's health and fertility—and participate from wherever you are. Early-bird registration is currently available through October 15, 2026, with reduced rates for medical professionals, residents/FABM educators/general attendees and students. CME credit is also available. 👉 Register or learn more about the FACTS Virtual Conference: FACTS 2026 Virtual Conference his podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to replace individualized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your qualified healthcare provider regarding your personal health and medical care.

  5. Sep 2

    S7 Ep 5: The Postpartum Superpower: Breastfeeding, Colostrum & Nourishing Mom

    WonderCow is running a Labor Day Sale! Don't miss out and go this this link https://affiliates.wondercow.com/HORMONEGENIUS. We recently recorded an episode with Erica Diebersloot of Wonder Cow, who is three months postpartum with her fifth child. The conversation centered around her postpartum experience, breastfeeding, colostrum, nutrition, and practical strategies for managing motherhood and a large family. Erica shared that she has experienced a particularly smooth postpartum recovery, which she attributes in part to prioritizing a nutrient-dense diet, supplements such as beef liver, postnatal vitamins and colostrum, and making sleep a priority. She also discussed using gentle sleep-training strategies and shared that her baby began sleeping through the night around six weeks. A particularly interesting part of the conversation was our discussion about breastfeeding and the remarkable biological communication between mother and baby. Erica highlighted the feedback loop that occurs during breastfeeding, where a baby's latch and interaction with the breast can communicate information to the mother's body and help support the production of immune components and antibodies that meet the baby's needs. We also discussed why colostrum is often called "liquid gold," including its distinctive golden color and concentrated nutritional and immune-supportive properties. Erica noted that components of colostrum can continue to be present in breast milk even months postpartum. The conversation also included some practical and creative uses for breast milk that Erica has incorporated into family life. She shared using it topically for things such as diaper rash and poison oak, as well as using it as a natural facial cream. She has also added breast milk to smoothies for older children as an additional nutritional and immune-supportive boost. Motherhood, Large-Family Life & Practical Strategies Erica emphasized that one of the keys to managing motherhood is learning to be present while also accepting personal limitations. Rather than trying to do everything perfectly, she shared practical strategies that help make life with a large family more manageable. These included keeping pre-boiled eggs available for a quick source of protein, teaching older children how to prepare simple meals and take on more responsibility, and creating what she calls a "Breastfeeding Basket." The basket contains a rotating selection of special toys that are brought out specifically during breastfeeding sessions, giving toddlers something engaging to do while Mom feeds the baby. These practical conversations helped reinforce the broader message of the episode: supporting women during pregnancy, postpartum, breastfeeding, and motherhood requires not only good nutrition but also realistic strategies that make healthy choices more sustainable within the demands of everyday family life. Medical Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

  6. Aug 26

    S7 Ep 4: Want to Get Pregnant? Start Here: The Hormone Genius Preconception Guide

    What if preparing for pregnancy started months before you ever saw a positive test? In this episode of Hormone Genius, Theresa and Jamie dive into the often-overlooked world of preconception health and why preparing your body for pregnancy shouldn't begin after conception—it should begin before. We start with the “fifth vital sign”: your menstrual cycle. Your period, cervical mucus, ovulation, and luteal phase can provide valuable clues about your reproductive health. Learn the three simple things to start watching in your cycle and why understanding your body's natural fertility signs can be such a powerful first step. Then we move beyond the cycle and talk about building a healthy foundation for both women and men, including: • Why giving yourself at least three months to prepare can be valuable • The role of whole foods and the Mediterranean-style approach to nutrition • Key nutrients to consider, including folate, iron, iodine, vitamin D, choline, omega-3s, selenium, and zinc • Why thyroid, metabolic health, hormones, and nutrient status deserve attention • Egg and sperm health—and why the months before conception matter • The potential roles of CoQ10, DHEA, and other targeted approaches for certain individuals • Why your partner's health matters just as much as yours • Sleep, exercise, stress, and environmental exposures • Simple ways to reduce unnecessary exposure to plastics, fragrances, and other household chemicals • Why dental and medication reviews belong on your preconception checklist • What to consider if you've recently stopped hormonal birth control Most importantly, we talk about hope without blame. If you've struggled to conceive, “just relax” isn't helpful—and fertility challenges deserve compassion, understanding, and appropriate care. Medical Disclaimer The information shared in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every person and pregnancy is unique. Always consult with your qualified healthcare professional regarding your individual health, medications, supplements, fertility, and pregnancy-related questions

  7. Aug 19

    S7 Ep:3 Woven Well: Discovering the Beauty, Purpose, and Meaning of Your Hormone Genius

    What if your menstrual cycle wasn't just about fertility, but was actually revealing something profound about your health, your identity, and even your purpose? In this inspiring episode, we welcome Caitlin Estes, fertility care practitioner, founder of Woven Natural Fertility Care, and author of Woven Well. Caitlin shares how her own journey into fertility awareness transformed the way she understood the female body—not simply as a biological system, but as a beautiful design that speaks to a woman's dignity, health, and capacity for relationship. Together, we explore why understanding the menstrual cycle is about so much more than tracking fertility. Caitlin explains how hormones are not problems to suppress but important messengers that reveal overall health. Rather than viewing the body as something to "fix" or optimize, women can learn to appreciate the wisdom built into their cycles and seek care that addresses root causes instead of masking symptoms. The conversation also dives into the growing movement toward restorative reproductive medicine and why more women are searching for alternatives to hormonal birth control when dealing with painful periods, PCOS, irregular cycles, or infertility. Caitlin shares powerful stories from women whose lives were transformed, not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually, when they began understanding their bodies through fertility awareness. We also discuss the importance of community, education, and honest conversations between women. Whether you're a teenager learning about your cycle for the first time, a mother raising daughters, navigating infertility, or simply wanting to better understand your hormones, this episode offers encouragement and hope. You'll walk away with a renewed appreciation for the incredible design of the female body and practical inspiration to begin paying closer attention to what your hormones are communicating every month. In this episode you'll learn: Why your menstrual cycle is a vital sign of health The difference between suppressing symptoms and treating root causes How fertility awareness empowers women in every stage of life The connection between physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being Why conversations about women's health can change future generations Join us for this thoughtful conversation celebrating the beauty, purpose, and extraordinary design of every woman's Hormone Genius. Woven Well: A Christian Woman’s Guide to Reproductive Health, Fertility, and Wholeness Wovenfertility.com @wovenfertility - Instagram and YouTube Substack: Woven Fertility Also, check out Teresa Kenney WHNP's book as a great Combo for every young woman in your life! The Happy Girls Guide to Being Whole https://lumenpress.org/product/the-happy-girls-guide-to-being-whole/ Medical disclaimer: The information presented in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for actual medical advice from a doctor, or any medical professional.

    S7 Ep:3 Woven Well: Discovering the Beauty, Purpose, and Meaning of Your Hormone Genius

  8. Aug 12

    S7 Ep 2: Hormonal Birth Control and the Female Brain with Dr. Sarah Hill

    In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Dr. Sarah Hill to explore the far-reaching effects of hormonal birth control, not just on the body, but on the brain, relationships, and a woman’s lived experience of the world. Dr. Hill shares how her research was sparked by a deeply personal moment: after discontinuing hormonal birth control in her early thirties, she was struck by a profound shift in how she experienced life. Colors felt brighter, music more moving, and everyday moments more meaningful. This transformation led her to question what might be lost when the natural hormonal rhythm is suppressed. Together, we unpack the idea that hormonal birth control creates a kind of “black and white” internal landscape, flattening the natural peaks and valleys of the menstrual cycle. While this can offer predictability and convenience, it may also dampen the richness and intensity that hormones naturally bring to a woman’s emotional and sensory world. This conversation places that trade-off within a broader cultural context, where modern life often prioritizes ease and instant gratification, sometimes at the cost of depth and meaning. A major focus of the episode is the adolescent brain. Dr. Hill highlights how little we truly understand about the impact of hormonal birth control during the critical window of development between ages 12 and 19. This is a time when the brain is undergoing significant remodeling, guided in part by natural hormonal signals. Emerging research raises important questions about how altering those signals might influence long-term mental health and development. While animal studies suggest measurable changes to brain structure, human data points to a potential association between adolescent use and increased risk of depression later in life. Still, many questions remain unanswered, making this an area in urgent need of further study. We also explore the fascinating connection between hormones and attraction. Natural hormonal shifts across the menstrual cycle subtly shape preferences, especially around ovulation, when estrogen peaks. During this time, women may be more drawn to cues associated with genetic compatibility. Hormonal birth control suppresses these fluctuations, potentially influencing patterns of attraction in ways that are often invisible but meaningful. For some women, this can translate into changes in relationship dynamics over time, though experiences vary widely. At the heart of this conversation is a call to awareness. Rather than framing hormonal birth control as simply good or bad, Dr. Hill encourages women to understand it as a powerful intervention with real trade-offs. Hormones are not arbitrary they are part of an intricate system that shapes how women think, feel, and connect. Interested in being a Podcast Sponsor with THE HORMONE GENIUS? Check out these links next to get more detailson our SPONSORSHIP VISION! PODCAST PARTNER: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQL…Q0iRgHqg/viewform MONTHLY SPONSOR: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQL…al5nkGyA/viewform BRAND PARTNER: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQL…d8-G5qaA/viewform We Heart Nutrition 20% off with code: GENIUS 10% OFF Grazing Beauty Tallow at grazingbeauty.com 🎧 Subscribe to The Hormone Genius Podcast on your favorite platform Follow us on Instagram: @hormonegenius Download our free toolkits at hormonegenius.com — they’re front and center on our homepage! Interested in our PERIMENOPAUSE PROGRAM? Browse offerings here: hormonegenius.com/courses The information presented in HGP is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for actual medical or mental health advice from a doctor, or any other medical or mental health professional.

    S7 Ep 2: Hormonal Birth Control and the Female Brain with Dr. Sarah Hill
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Hormone Genius Podcast! Co-hosts Jamie Rathjen and Teresa Kenney desire to be a voice of hope for women across the world. Their mission is to inspire a new generation of women who are educated and informed about the gift and beauty of the feminine design. This is a generation of women who deserve a holistic approach to women's healthcare. Jamie and Teresa want to inspire, inform, and empower their listeners, and to make women the genius of their own hormones! Medical disclaimer: The information presented in The Hormone Genius Podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for actual medical or mental health advice from a doctor, psychologist, or any other medical or mental health professional.

Information

  • Creator
    Teresa Kenney and Jamie Rathjen
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    222
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    The Hormone Genius Podcast

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