Hormone Health Podcast

Georgia Hartmann & Chloe Sheehan

Hormone Health Podcast is brought to you by two naturopaths, Georgia Hartmann and Chloe Sheehan. This podcast is an extension of Hormone Health Studio - our naturopathic clinic based in Newcastle, New South Wales. With collective expertise and passion for holistic health, Georgia and Chloe bring a wealth of knowledge to their listeners. The aim of the Hormone Health Podcast is to empower listeners with evidence-based medicine, practical tips, and inspiring stories. Georgia and Chloe delve into a wide range of topics related to hormonal health, fertility, mental health, gut health, and beyond. Join Georgia and Chloe as they invite expert guests from fields such as naturopathy, functional medicine, psychology, and fitness to share their insights and expertise, enriching the podcast with diverse perspectives. Enjoy the Hormone Health Podcast and follow along on socials at @hormonehealthstudio and www.hormonehealthstudio.com.

  1. 10/21/2025

    45 - Understand the "Endometriosis Brain" with Neuroscience Researcher, Renee Grandi

    In this episode, we are speaking with Renée Grandi all about "Endometriosis Brain" Renee is a Neuroscience Researcher with a Master’s in Neuroscience and a clinical background as a Naturopath and Clinical Nutritionist. She is also the founder of the Women’s Integrative Health Clinic, where she focuses on complex conditions such as endometriosis, autoimmune disorders, and chronic fatigue, particularly their effects on the brain and nervous system. - When we talk about endometriosis, it’s usually framed around pelvic pain and reproductive health. But the impact of endometriosis goes far beyond the pelvis—right into the brain and nervous system. In this episode, we dive deep into the neuroscience of endometriosis, exploring how chronic pain reshapes the brain, why mental health struggles are so common, and what this means for healing. Here’s what we cover in this conversation: What is the “endometriosis brain”? Understanding how this term captures the neurological and psychological dimensions of endometriosis.Endometriosis and mental health: The strong links between pain, mood, and cognitive changes.Central sensitisation explained: How bottom-up and top-down pathways, neurotransmitters, and even the brain’s detox systems contribute to neuropathic pain.What brain imaging shows us: Key research findings on the differences in the brains of women with symptomatic versus asymptomatic endometriosis.How pain rewires the nervous system: A closer look at the regions of the brain involved, how they interconnect, and what this means for the symptoms women experience.The role of stress, trauma, and hormones: How external and internal factors can trigger or intensify symptoms.The glymphatic system: A newer area of neuroscience research that sheds light on brain inflammation and pain in endometriosis.Therapeutic goals: Why supporting the brain and nervous system is just as important as treating physical symptoms.Practical strategies for healing: From medical to integrative and lifestyle approaches, ways to help rebalance the nervous system and reduce pain.A message of hope: What women need to know about the brain’s ability to change, adapt, and heal. ✨ Whether you’re living with endometriosis, supporting someone who is, or curious about the mind-body connection in chronic pain, this episode offers a science-driven, compassionate perspective on the “endometriosis brain.” As always, we'd love to hear from you. Send us a DM on Instagram or email at hello@hormonehealthstudio.com.

    56 min
  2. 09/02/2025

    43 - Supporting Tween & Teen Period Pain — The Naturopathic Way

    Period pain is experienced by 90% (yes! 90%!!) of tweens and teens — but how much is “normal,” and when should you seek help? In this episode, we explore what period pain actually is, why it happens, and how common it really is among our teens and teens in Australia. We’ll unpack the difference between mild, manageable cramps and severe pain that could signal conditions like endometriosis, plus introduce the PIPPA tool — a simple way to screen whether period pain needs further medical attention. You’ll also learn about both conventional and natural approaches for managing pain and heavy bleeding, from over the counter medications, hormone medications, to the latest research on nutrients herbal options. Whether you’re a parent or primary care giver, or a teen navigating new cycles, or a health professional, this episode will give you practical tools and insights to make periods a healthier, less disruptive experience. Episode Resources Period ImPact and Pain Assessment (PIPPA) Online Screening ToolPelvic Pain Foundation of AustraliaEfficacy of Ginger in the Treatment of Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysisEffect of Curcumin on Dysmenorrhea and Symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-AnalysisThe Efficacy of Zinc Administration in the Treatment of Primary DysmenorrheaTween/Teen Period Care Resources ModiBodi Period UnderwearKMART Period BeltTENS machine: Tap. 2Wet Pouch (A handy school bag-sized is designed to keep her worn storage safely stashed away when she's managing her period away from home).As always, we'd love to hear from you. Send us a DM on Instagram or email at hello@hormonehealthstudio.com.

    23 min
  3. 06/24/2025

    41 - Dietary Modification and Supplement Use For Endometriosis Pain. A Breakdown of the Recently Published International Survey

    In this episode, we delve into a recent study published Dietary Modification and Supplement Use For Endometriosis Pain (March 2025) that investigates the role of dietary modifications and supplement use in managing endometriosis-related pain. The research, conducted by a team from the University of Edinburgh and University College Cork, explores how certain dietary patterns and supplements may influence pain levels in individuals with endometriosis. Strengths Comprehensive Approach: The study examines both dietary changes and supplement use, providing a holistic view of non-pharmacological interventions for endometriosis pain.Collaborative Research: The involvement of multiple institutions enhances the study’s credibility and depth of analysis.Open Access Publication: Being published in an open-access journal ensures that the findings are readily available to the public, healthcare professionals, and researchers.Large Sample Size: The study surveyed 2,388 women with confirmed endometriosis, providing a substantial dataset for analysis.High Engagement: A significant majority of participants (84%) reported making dietary changes, with 67% noting pain improvement. Additionally, 59% used supplements, and 43% found them beneficial.Identification of Specific Interventions: The study pinpointed particular dietary modifications and supplements associated with pain relief, such as:Reducing alcohol (53% reported improvement)Limiting gluten and dairy (45% each)Decreasing caffeine intake (43%)Adopting a low FODMAP diet (32%)Following a Mediterranean diet (29%) Relevance to Complementary Therapies: The study sheds light on non-pharmacological approaches that many women with endometriosis are exploring to manage their symptoms.Limitations Observational Design: As an observational study, it cannot establish causality between dietary changes or supplement use and pain reduction.Self-Reported Data: The reliance on participants’ recollection of dietary changes and pain levels introduces potential recall bias, affecting data accuracy.Lack of Control Group: Without a control group, it’s challenging to determine whether observed improvements are due to the interventions or other factors.Variability in Interventions: The study did not standardize the types or amounts of dietary changes and supplements, making it difficult to assess specific effects.Potential Placebo Effect: Participants’ expectations and beliefs about the efficacy of dietary changes and supplements might have influenced their perception of pain relief.Join us as we discuss the implications of this study for those living with endometriosis and consider how diet and supplements might play a role in pain management strategies. As always, we'd love to hear from you. Send us a DM on Instagram or email at hello@hormonehealthstudio.com.

    31 min
  4. 06/03/2025

    39 - Winter Sickness, Daycare Virus Onslaught and Holiday Sickness Syndrome - We've Got You Covered With Our Favourite Immune Supporting Tips

    Husky, sniffly voices from Chloe and Georgia in their timely episode covering all things sickness, in particular Winter viruses. Some topics covered in this episode include: Why do we get more sick in Winter?Factors that increase your risk of sickness (such as super common nutritional deficiencies)Fever - should you let it run it's course?Our favourite Naturopathic herbs and supplements to use when we're sickAlso, have you ever heard of leisure sickness? Also known as Holiday Sickness Syndrome. In this episode, we explore why some people get sick just as they start to unwind—and what you can do to avoid it.Resources Sleep and our immunity Reduced sleep, particularly shorter than 7–9 hours, is associated with increased URTIs. Strategies improving sleep should be explored to prevent URTIs. PMID: 33997896Nasal saline spray and reducing viral symptom duration: Study protocol of the Edinburgh and Lothian Virus Intervention Study in Kids: a randomised controlled trial of hypertonic saline nose drops in children with upper respiratory tract infections (ELVIS Kids). PMID: 33952557Nasal sprays and behavioural interventions compared with usual care for acute respiratory illness in primary care: a randomised, controlled, open-label, parallel-group trial. Lancet ISSN: 2213-2600Thanks for listening! As always, you can find more information about our team on Instagram at @hormonehealthstudio or if you would like to reach out to us, you can email hello@hormonehealthstudio.com.

    29 min

About

Hormone Health Podcast is brought to you by two naturopaths, Georgia Hartmann and Chloe Sheehan. This podcast is an extension of Hormone Health Studio - our naturopathic clinic based in Newcastle, New South Wales. With collective expertise and passion for holistic health, Georgia and Chloe bring a wealth of knowledge to their listeners. The aim of the Hormone Health Podcast is to empower listeners with evidence-based medicine, practical tips, and inspiring stories. Georgia and Chloe delve into a wide range of topics related to hormonal health, fertility, mental health, gut health, and beyond. Join Georgia and Chloe as they invite expert guests from fields such as naturopathy, functional medicine, psychology, and fitness to share their insights and expertise, enriching the podcast with diverse perspectives. Enjoy the Hormone Health Podcast and follow along on socials at @hormonehealthstudio and www.hormonehealthstudio.com.