Hormones, Metabolism & You!

Cassie Smith

Your hormones control everything—from energy levels to weight, mood, and overall health. But understanding them shouldn’t feel like decoding a medical textbook. Welcome to Hormones, Metabolism & You!, the podcast where board-certified endocrinologist Dr. Cassie Smith breaks down the science behind your body’s most powerful regulators. Each week, Dr. Smith tackles the real questions about metabolism, weight management, thyroid health, menopause, PCOS, insulin resistance, and more—giving you clear, actionable insights to take charge of your health. Whether you’re struggling with stubborn weight, feeling fatigued, or just want to optimize your well-being, this podcast is your go-to resource for evidence-based advice, practical tips, and expert interviews. It’s time to understand your hormones, master your metabolism, and feel your best—because when your body is in balance, you thrive! 🎧 Subscribe now and start your journey to better health!

  1. 100: The Most-Shared Episodes on Thyroid, Hormones & Fatigue — The Answers Your Doctor Isn’t Giving You

    5D AGO

    100: The Most-Shared Episodes on Thyroid, Hormones & Fatigue — The Answers Your Doctor Isn’t Giving You

    >>Join our FREE monthly Gut Health Webinar, so you can begin your Healing Journey.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://modernendocrinewellness.com/join-gut-health⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ In this special 100th episode of Hormones, Metabolism, and You, Dr. Cassie Smith celebrates the milestone with a best-of compilation featuring some of the most downloaded and impactful conversations from the show. Each segment reflects a powerful truth listeners continue to come back to: when you feel off, there is usually a biological reason, and real answers start with understanding the root cause. You will hear highlights from key conversations, including: Tamar Samuels: Debunking common nutrition myths and social media trends, including restrictive “one-food” weight loss approaches and the confusion around anti-diet culture. This segment emphasizes personalized nutrition, metabolic health, and the importance of sustainable habits that support both body composition and long-term health.  Terri DeNeui: A powerful discussion on hormone therapy in your 30s, 40s, and 50s, including the truth about estrogen and cancer risk. This segment breaks down the long-term misunderstanding from the Women’s Health Initiative and explains why timing, personalization, and proper hormone support are critical for brain, heart, bone, and overall longevity. Dr. Bruce Hoffman: A deep dive into chronic fatigue, mitochondrial dysfunction, and the concept of the cell danger response. You will learn why energy production is central to healing and how factors like toxic load, circadian rhythm, sunlight exposure, hydration, and lifestyle habits directly influence mitochondrial health and recovery. Dr. Cassie Smith (Solo): A practical breakdown of thyroid optimization, including ideal functional ranges for TSH, Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, and thyroid antibodies. This segment explains why symptoms matter more than standard lab ranges and how inflammation, gut health, stress, and cellular function affect thyroid hormone activity. Dr. Tyna Moore: An insightful conversation on GLP-1 microdosing and peptide therapy beyond weight loss. This segment explores how low-dose GLP-1s can support brain health, inflammation, metabolic function, and longevity, while also highlighting the importance of gut health, hormone balance, and foundational lifestyle habits before using advanced therapies. Together, these listener-favorite moments reinforce the core message of the show: you are not broken, your symptoms are not random, and lasting change happens when you address the biology behind the symptoms. Key Takeaways This special 100th episode highlights a core theme across listener favorites: when symptoms don’t match normal labs, the issue is often deeper biology, not willpower. Sustainable health requires personalized nutrition, strong lifestyle foundations, and attention to real markers, not trends or extremes. Hormone therapy fears are often based on outdated information, thyroid care goes beyond TSH alone, and tools like GLP-1s work best as supportive therapies, not shortcuts. The consistent message throughout is safety-first, root-cause care with the right intervention at the right time. 📲 Follow Dr. Cassie Smith & Modern Endocrine 💻 Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.modern-endocrine.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📸 Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/modernendocrine_/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🌟 Facebook:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/ModernEndocrine⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📽️ YouTube:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@modernendocrine⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🕹️ TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@modernendocrine?lang=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📰 Newsletter:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://linktr.ee/modernendocrine⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ➡️ Disclaimer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.modernendocrineokc.com/disclaimer-6353⁠

    53 min
  2. 99: Thinking About Peptide Therapy or GLP-1s? A Physician’s Safety Checklist for Women in Perimenopause & Menopause

    FEB 22

    99: Thinking About Peptide Therapy or GLP-1s? A Physician’s Safety Checklist for Women in Perimenopause & Menopause

    >>Join our FREE monthly Gut Health Webinar, so you can begin your Healing Journey.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://modernendocrinewellness.com/join-gut-health⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ What if peptides and GLP-1s are not the problem, but the internet hype is making it impossible to know what is actually safe, effective, and worth your money? In this episode of Hormones, Metabolism, and You, Dr. Cassie Smith sits down with Greg Jones, NMD to cut through the confusion around peptides, GLP-1s, microdosing, stacking, and the next wave of weight loss medications. Dr. Jones explains why lifestyle is the foundation (there is no magic shot), outlines red flags for online prescribing and questionable sourcing, and compares newer multi-agonists like retatrutide with semaglutide and tirzepatide. You will also learn how to manage common issues like nausea, reflux, constipation, fatigue, and plateaus, and why safety-first, individualized care with proper monitoring matters most. Key Takeaways Healing and body composition start with the foundation: nutrition, hydration, sleep, and resistance training Peptides fall into different categories: some affect feedback loops and require more monitoring, others are used more directly by the body GLP-1 dosing should be individualized; aggressive titration increases side effects and long-term risks Retatrutide is a triple agonist (GLP-1, GIP, glucagon) and may increase energy expenditure, but appetite and food noise can vary by person Side effects often improve when diet, alcohol intake, and hydration are addressed Weight loss should be gradual to help preserve lean mass and reduce skin laxity issues Exit strategies should be personalized: taper dose, extend dosing intervals, and keep the habits in place When the shots go away, the habits need to stay Episode Highlights Why the foundation matters: “trash in, trash out” and why sleep plus strength training drive long-term results Red flag checklist for online prescribing: no labs, no check-ins, “not for human use” labeling, and three-month scripts with no monitoring What to monitor with GLP-1s and related therapies, including why baseline labs matter Retatrutide vs tirzepatide vs semaglutide: what is different, what is promising, and what is still evolving Real-world GLP-1 troubleshooting: reflux, constipation, fatigue, nausea, and why microdosing can change tolerance Why plateaus happen and how to adjust safely without overcorrecting Who is at highest risk for muscle loss during fat loss and how to protect lean mass in midlife Growth-hormone-related peptides explained: CJC-1295, ipamorelin, tesamorelin, and what realistic goals look like Why “stacks” can be risky, when combinations may be acceptable, and why dosing flexibility matters Lightning round: the biggest plateau driver, perimenopause myths, and the single best habit for preserving muscle Connect with Greg Jones, NMD🌐 Website: https://enovativewellness.com/dr-greg-jones/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drgregjones/ 📲 Follow Dr. Cassie Smith & Modern Endocrine 💻 Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.modern-endocrine.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📸 Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/modernendocrine_/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🌟 Facebook:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/ModernEndocrine⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📽️ YouTube:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@modernendocrine⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🕹️ TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@modernendocrine?lang=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📰 Newsletter:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://linktr.ee/modernendocrine⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ➡️ Disclaimer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.modernendocrineokc.com/disclaimer-6353⁠

    1h 7m
  3. 98: Perimenopause: The Gift We Didn’t Ask For and the Health Upgrade We Needed

    FEB 15

    98: Perimenopause: The Gift We Didn’t Ask For and the Health Upgrade We Needed

    >>Join our FREE monthly Gut Health Webinar, so you can begin your Healing Journey.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://modernendocrinewellness.com/join-gut-health⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ What if perimenopause is not your body breaking down, but your body revealing exactly what it needs to function better? In this episode of Hormones, Metabolism, and You, Dr. Cassie Smith sits down with Bria Gadd, known as The Period Whisperer, to reframe perimenopause as a powerful turning point rather than a decline. They discuss why symptoms like fatigue, sleep disruption, anxiety, stubborn weight gain, cravings, and loss of motivation often reflect an energy deficit and accumulated “health debt,” not a lack of discipline. You will learn how years of stress, overtraining, underfueling, and pushing through exhaustion can create survival mode physiology, why traditional diet and fitness strategies often stop working in midlife, and how small shifts in recovery, nourishment, gut health, and thyroid support can help restore your baseline so your body can feel safe enough to regulate again. Key Takeaways Perimenopause symptoms often reflect accumulated stress and energy depletion rather than sudden hormonal failure The “Perimenopause Gift” is your body signaling that current habits are no longer sustainable Health debt builds over time when stress, under-recovery, and under-fueling exceed your body’s capacity When the body is in survival mode, it may hold weight, increase cravings, and slow metabolism More intensity in workouts or stricter dieting often increases stress hormones and worsens symptoms Recovery, mobility, walking, and nervous system support often need to come before high-intensity training Gut health plays an important role in hormone metabolism, nutrient absorption, and inflammation balance Thyroid symptoms are often overlooked, and a full thyroid panel may be necessary when symptoms persist Food noise and sugar cravings can signal energy deficiency, not lack of willpower Sustainable progress comes from rebuilding energy and resilience rather than pushing harder Episode Highlights Why many women feel like their body “changed the rules overnight” during perimenopause The energy supply vs. energy demand model and how it affects hormones, metabolism, and mood How years of high stress, perfectionism, and overperformance contribute to midlife hormone struggles Why strength training should be supported with adequate fuel, recovery, and nervous system balance The connection between gut health and proper estrogen clearance Early signs of thyroid dysfunction that are often dismissed as “normal aging” Simple daily habits that help rebuild baseline energy, including hydration, walking after meals, and intentional rest Why joy, presence, and reducing pressure can improve physiology, not just mindset Bria’s practical framework for getting out of health debt and restoring long-term metabolic resilience   Connect with Bria Gadd 🌐 Website: https://www.briatheperiodwhisperer.com/🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bria-gadd/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bria_period_whisperer/🎧 Podcast: The Period Whisperer 📲 Follow Dr. Cassie Smith & Modern Endocrine 💻 Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.modern-endocrine.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📸 Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/modernendocrine_/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🌟 Facebook:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/ModernEndocrine⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📽️ YouTube:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@modernendocrine⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🕹️ TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@modernendocrine?lang=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📰 Newsletter:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://linktr.ee/modernendocrine⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ➡️ Disclaimer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.modernendocrineokc.com/disclaimer-6353⁠

    1 hr
  4. 97: Why Your Brain Must Feel Safe Before Detox Works: The Neurotoxic Loop of Trauma and Toxins

    FEB 8

    97: Why Your Brain Must Feel Safe Before Detox Works: The Neurotoxic Loop of Trauma and Toxins

    >>Join our FREE monthly Gut Health Webinar, so you can begin your Healing Journey.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://modernendocrinewellness.com/join-gut-health⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ What if chronic illness protocols stall not because you are doing something wrong, but because your body does not feel safe enough to heal? In this episode of Hormones, Metabolism, and You, Dr. Cassie Smith sits down with Dr. Jabin Moore to unpack why so many chronic illness protocols stall even when you are doing “everything right.” They explain how the brain prioritizes survival over repair when the body does not feel safe, and how stress, trauma, mold, Lyme, infections, and gut dysfunction can run the same threat pathways in the body. You will hear the unforgettable “$100 energy bill” metaphor, learn why detox can backfire when the nervous system is dysregulated, and get practical ways to create real safety in your environment and your biology so healing can finally stick. Key Takeaways Healing does not happen when your nervous system is stuck in fight or flight Safety is biological, not just emotional, and it shapes detox, digestion, hormones, and immune function The “$100 energy bill” explains why chronic illness creates daily energy debt and no healing margin Toxins, infections, and trauma can activate overlapping inflammatory and survival pathways You often need a two-pronged approach: calm the brain while clearing the body More protocols are not always better; too much “good” can overload an already depleted system Start with the basics: safe air, safe water, safe food, then regulate the nervous system Simple nervous system resets can work, even five minutes of stillness and nature exposure Protein matters because low protein can worsen stress physiology and recovery capacity A sustainable plan protects your energy instead of burning it all on performance or perfection Episode Highlights Why the brain can block detox, immune regulation, digestion, and cellular repair when it senses threat Mold, Lyme, PTSD, chronic stress, and gut issues: why they can “speak the same language” in the body The detox myth: you cannot force clearing without first shifting out of threat mode How perfectionism and people-pleasing can drain energy and slow recovery The difference between living in a safe environment and actually feeling safe in it What nervous system work can look like in real life, including limbic retraining tools Dr. Moore’s practical framework: safe environment, safe feeling, then advanced protocols Connect with Dr. Jabin Moore 🌐 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/redefiningwellnesskc 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjabanmoore/ 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjabanmoore_ ▶️ YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@DrJabanMoore 📲 Follow Dr. Cassie Smith & Modern Endocrine 💻 Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.modern-endocrine.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📸 Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/modernendocrine_/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🌟 Facebook:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/ModernEndocrine⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📽️ YouTube:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@modernendocrine⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🕹️ TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@modernendocrine?lang=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📰 Newsletter:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://linktr.ee/modernendocrine⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ➡️ Disclaimer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.modernendocrineokc.com/disclaimer-6353⁠

    1h 4m
  5. 96: Ayurveda for Perimenopause & Menopause: Gut Health, Estrobolome Support, and Anti-Inflammatory Spices

    FEB 1

    96: Ayurveda for Perimenopause & Menopause: Gut Health, Estrobolome Support, and Anti-Inflammatory Spices

    >>Join our FREE monthly Gut Health Webinar, so you can begin your Healing Journey.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://modernendocrinewellness.com/join-gut-health⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ What if brain fog, bloating, exhaustion, and hormonal chaos are not separate problems, but signals of one shared root issue? In this episode of Hormones, Metabolism, and You, Dr. Cassie Smith is joined by returning guest Dr. Shivani Gupta, Ayurvedic practitioner, turmeric researcher, and author of The Inflammation Code. Together, they explore how chronic inflammation quietly disrupts gut health, hormone metabolism, sleep, mood, and energy, especially during perimenopause and menopause. Dr. Gupta explains how ancient Ayurvedic principles align with modern functional medicine, offering practical, non-diet strategies to support digestion, estrogen metabolism, circadian rhythms, and nervous system balance. This conversation focuses on working with the body rather than against it, using daily rhythms, simple rituals, and gut-forward practices to support long-term resilience at every stage of life. Key Topics Covered How chronic inflammation can drive brain fog, bloating, fatigue, and hormonal symptoms The gut–hormone axis and why digestion is central to estrogen metabolism and mood Ayurvedic “digestive fire” (agni) and how modern habits weaken it Why perimenopause and menopause represent a Vata (air and ether) phase of life Early signs of hormonal transition beyond hot flashes, including anxiety, dryness, and sleep disruption How circadian rhythms influence inflammation, hormone balance, and metabolic health Food-first strategies to support estrogen metabolism and reduce bloating Why how and when you eat may matter as much as what you eat The role of gut testing and microbiome balance in long-term healing Super spices as medicine: turmeric, ginger, cumin, coriander, and fennel Why healing does not require extreme diets or rigid routines Building personalized, sustainable self-care rituals that actually stick Key Takeaways Chronic inflammation often connects gut symptoms, hormone imbalance, fatigue, and brain fog Perimenopause and menopause represent a natural shift that requires more grounding and rhythm, not more pushing Gut health plays a central role in estrogen metabolism, mood, and overall resilience Circadian alignment supports inflammation reduction and nervous system balance Small, consistent rituals are often more powerful than complex protocols Spices like turmeric and ginger can support digestion and inflammation when used consistently Healing is individualized and works best when aligned with your body’s natural rhythms Resources & Links 🌐 Website: https://www.shivanigupta.com 📘 Book: The Inflammation Code (Hay House, February 2026)https://www.theinflammationcode.com 🎙️ Fusionary Health Podcast 📲 Instagram: https://instagram.com/dr.shivanigupta 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theshivanigupta ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.shivanigupta 📲 Follow Dr. Cassie Smith & Modern Endocrine 💻 Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.modern-endocrine.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📸 Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/modernendocrine_/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🌟 Facebook:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/ModernEndocrine⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📽️ YouTube:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@modernendocrine⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🕹️ TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@modernendocrine?lang=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📰 Newsletter:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://linktr.ee/modernendocrine⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ➡️ Disclaimer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.modernendocrineokc.com/disclaimer-6353⁠

    1h 2m
  6. 95: Why Dieting Fails in Midlife: Hormones, Insulin Resistance + Peptide Therapy

    JAN 25

    95: Why Dieting Fails in Midlife: Hormones, Insulin Resistance + Peptide Therapy

    >>Join our FREE monthly Gut Health Webinar, so you can begin your Healing Journey.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://modernendocrinewellness.com/join-gut-health⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Doing Everything Right but Still Not Losing Weight? - The Shocking Truth About Midlife Metabolism - Learn How Hormones and Peptides Can Finally Unlock Fat Loss Without More Willpower If you feel like you are eating clean, working out, staying consistent, and your body still will not respond, you are not alone. In this episode, Dr. Cassie Smith sits down with Dr. Aleksandra Gajer, M.D., to explore why weight loss resistance often shows up in midlife and why it is rarely about willpower. They unpack how hormones, sleep, stress, inflammation, and insulin resistance can combine to slow progress, and how peptides can be used as strategic tools when they are properly prescribed, sourced, and monitored. You will also hear a practical breakdown of peptide categories, plus an important safety conversation about avoiding online sourcing and quick clinic prescribing. Key Topics Covered Why traditional dieting often fails for high achieving women in midlife How shifting hormones can influence insulin resistance, metabolism, and body composition The role inflammation can play in fatigue, weight gain, and brain fog Why real food fundamentals still matter even with advanced therapies What peptides are and how they differ from typical medications in the body A simple framework: five peptide categories used in clinical practice Metabolic peptides: GLP 1 therapies, MOTS c, and growth hormone promoting peptides Recovery and inflammation peptides: BPC 157 and the use of KPV for gut and immune balance Cognitive peptides discussed: Selank and Semax, plus sleep support with DSIP Longevity focused peptides: Epitalon, plus discussion of NAD and SS 31 Aesthetic peptide overview: GHK Cu and why formulation and tolerability matter Why peptide stacks can be less effective and harder to troubleshoot The importance of medical oversight, safe sourcing, and individualized dosing Free lever for better health: sleep and boundaries around screens Connect with Dr. Aleksandra Gajer, M.D Website: https://thegajerpractice.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleksandra-gajer-md/ 📲 Follow Dr. Cassie Smith & Modern Endocrine 💻 Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.modern-endocrine.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📸 Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/modernendocrine_/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🌟 Facebook:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/ModernEndocrine⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📽️ YouTube:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@modernendocrine⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🕹️ TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@modernendocrine?lang=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📰 Newsletter:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://linktr.ee/modernendocrine⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ➡️ Disclaimer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.modernendocrineokc.com/disclaimer-6353⁠

    1h 5m
  7. 94: Your Labs Are Normal but You Feel Awful - The Hidden Gut Inflammation Blocking Hormone Healing with Josh Dech

    JAN 18

    94: Your Labs Are Normal but You Feel Awful - The Hidden Gut Inflammation Blocking Hormone Healing with Josh Dech

    >>Join our FREE monthly Gut Health Webinar, so you can begin your Healing Journey.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://modernendocrinewellness.com/join-gut-health⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ What if your lingering thyroid and hormone symptoms aren’t a lab problem at all, but a gut inflammation issue hiding beneath “normal” results? In this episode of Hormones, Metabolism, and You, Dr. Cassie Smith sits down with holistic nutritionist and physician consultant Josh Dech to explore a core idea many patients never hear: your thyroid and hormone symptoms may be driven by hidden gut inflammation, even when labs look “normal.” Josh explains how gut dysfunction can interfere with hormone signaling, disrupt metabolism, and fuel chronic fatigue, brain fog, and stubborn symptoms. They also discuss common root drivers like toxins, infections, nutrient deficiencies, poor sleep, and chronic stress, plus practical steps to support healing without extreme protocols. Key Topics Covered Why thyroid and hormone symptoms can persist even with “normal” lab results How gut inflammation can block hormone signaling and contribute to fatigue and brain fog Gut health on a spectrum: from mild symptoms to severe inflammatory conditions The “why” behind symptoms vs. labels and diagnoses Mold and environmental exposures as potential hidden drivers for some people The “three buckets” framework: toxins, microbes, and deficiencies The role of sleep, stress, and lifestyle in gut and immune function Why some “healthy” foods can still be personal triggers for certain individuals Supporting drainage and detox pathways as part of recovery Simple, sustainable steps for improving gut and overall health About the Guest Josh Dech is a Holistic Nutritionist and Physician Consultant specializing in Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and severe IBS. He is known for helping reverse over 400 cases of Crohn’s and colitis through a root-cause, holistic approach to gut health, conditions long considered irreversible within conventional care. Josh has worked alongside some of the world’s most respected medical professionals and has become a trusted educator in the field of digestive and autoimmune health. He hosts a globally ranked top 2 percent podcast, has appeared on international television, and currently serves as a medical lecturer for Priority Health Academy. Today, Josh focuses on educating both physicians and the public on integrative, evidence-informed strategies for healing chronic digestive diseases and restoring long-term gut health. Connect with Josh Dech Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoshDechInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshdech.health/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@joshdech 📲 Follow Dr. Cassie Smith & Modern Endocrine 💻 Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.modern-endocrine.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📸 Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/modernendocrine_/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🌟 Facebook:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/ModernEndocrine⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📽️ YouTube:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@modernendocrine⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🕹️ TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@modernendocrine?lang=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📰 Newsletter:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://linktr.ee/modernendocrine⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ➡️ Disclaimer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.modernendocrineokc.com/disclaimer-6353⁠

    1h 15m
  8. 93: Why You Can’t Lose Weight (It’s Your Hormones, Not Your Willpower)

    JAN 11

    93: Why You Can’t Lose Weight (It’s Your Hormones, Not Your Willpower)

    >>Join our FREE monthly Gut Health Webinar, so you can begin your Healing Journey.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://modernendocrinewellness.com/join-gut-health⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ What if weight loss isn’t about discipline, motivation, or trying harder, but about understanding what your hormones are actually doing? In this powerful New Year mash-up episode of Hormones, Metabolism, and You, Dr. Cassie Smith brings together the most impactful insights from three standout conversations to explain why traditional diets fail so many women and what truly supports sustainable weight loss. Drawing from expert guidance by Tamar Samuels, Shana Hussin, and Terri DeNeui, this episode reframes weight gain as a hormonal and metabolic signal, not a personal failure. Listeners will learn how stress, gut health, insulin resistance, PCOS, thyroid dysfunction, and age-related hormone shifts quietly sabotage fat loss, and why fasting, restriction, and one-size-fits-all diets often make things worse. This episode is especially for women in their 30s, 40s, and 50s who feel stuck, exhausted, and frustrated despite doing “all the right things.” Episode Highlights Why weight gain is often driven by hormones, not willpower How cortisol, leptin, insulin, and thyroid hormones block fat loss What really changes hormonally in your 30s, 40s, and 50s Why testosterone and progesterone decline earlier than most women realize The truth about fasting and why it backfires for stressed women How gut health directly affects metabolism and hormone balance Why PCOS, thyroid issues, and insulin resistance require targeted nutrition How restrictive diets and under-eating damage hormones long term Why protein needs increase with age and how much women actually need Why the scale lies and what markers matter more than weight Key Topics Covered It’s Not Your Fault: Understanding Hormone Shifts Hormonal changes begin earlier than menopause Testosterone loss affects muscle, mood, metabolism, and energy Progesterone decline impacts sleep, stress tolerance, and fat storage Weight gain is often a biological response, not a behavior issue The Hidden Conditions Blocking Weight Loss PCOS, thyroid dysfunction, and insulin resistance explained simply How cortisol and chronic stress stop fat burning Why leptin resistance develops from dieting and fasting Why blood sugar balance matters more than calorie counting Food as Medicine, Not Punishment Why personalized nutrition beats rigid diet rules Protein targets for women as they age The real role of carbs and fats in hormone health Why meal timing and eating enough matters Lifestyle Changes That Actually Work Circadian rhythm alignment and stress reduction Gut health as the foundation of hormone metabolism Why extreme fasting, overtraining, and restriction do harm Root-cause care vs symptom suppression Final Takeaway This New Year, the answer isn’t another diet, cleanse, or restriction plan. Sustainable weight loss happens when you: Support your hormones Heal your gut Eat enough of the right foods Reduce stress Stop fighting your biology Your body isn’t broken. It’s communicating. 📲 Follow Dr. Cassie Smith & Modern Endocrine 💻 Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.modern-endocrine.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📸 Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/modernendocrine_/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🌟 Facebook:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/ModernEndocrine⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📽️ YouTube:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@modernendocrine⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🕹️ TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@modernendocrine?lang=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📰 Newsletter:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://linktr.ee/modernendocrine⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ➡️ Disclaimer:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.modernendocrineokc.com/disclaimer-6353⁠

    51 min
4.9
out of 5
100 Ratings

About

Your hormones control everything—from energy levels to weight, mood, and overall health. But understanding them shouldn’t feel like decoding a medical textbook. Welcome to Hormones, Metabolism & You!, the podcast where board-certified endocrinologist Dr. Cassie Smith breaks down the science behind your body’s most powerful regulators. Each week, Dr. Smith tackles the real questions about metabolism, weight management, thyroid health, menopause, PCOS, insulin resistance, and more—giving you clear, actionable insights to take charge of your health. Whether you’re struggling with stubborn weight, feeling fatigued, or just want to optimize your well-being, this podcast is your go-to resource for evidence-based advice, practical tips, and expert interviews. It’s time to understand your hormones, master your metabolism, and feel your best—because when your body is in balance, you thrive! 🎧 Subscribe now and start your journey to better health!

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