The Well Woman Podcast with Dr Frances Pitsilis

Dr Frances Pitsilis
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In this podcast, I share evidence-based insights about hormones, ageing, longevity, natural and modern medicine — and what patients are often not told.   While these conversations are grounded in women’s health, many are equally relevant to men, particularly when it comes to midlife health and ageing well.  I will discuss common issues women have and also interview prominent women to discuss their issues. Lets see how this podcast evolves....

Episodes

  1. 4d ago

    Well Woman Podcast - What is DHEA

    DHEA should be used more but is not, because it's not taught.  DHEA has massive effects on all ages and protects all the organs. It helps prevent the diseases of ageing as well as giving mental and physical resilience and quality of life. I give details in my book - Well Woman  What is DHEA?  It is short for dehydroepiandrosterone.  I call it the quality of life hormone because it is 10-20 times more abundant in the body than any other hormone including vitamin D, progesterone, oestrogen, and testosterone.  DHEA has associated with it a lot of important factors which include less depression and better psychological profiles;  Also, there is lower perceived stress at work. So, how does this all happen?  As people get older their DHEA declines but also what drains it more is stress and disease. DHEA specifically has many effects on helping to prevent heart disease   We also know that DHEA stimulates bone formation and that is because it turns into progesterone, oestrogen and testosterone which further helps bone.  When it comes to women, it helps their sexual satisfaction, fertility because it improves the egg, and it also improves vaginal tissue function.  It is particularly good in post-menopausal women who don’t want to have oestrogen.  In fact I will often in older people, just use some DHEA and melatonin to help quality of life.    DHEA also helps to prevent, improve and reduce autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.  It also helps in allergy.  DHEA has a lot of work that it does in the brain DHEA reduces metabolic syndrome, diabetes and helps you lose weight. DHEA helps chronic kidney disease, reduces inflammation and oxidation, and reduces mortality. DHEA needs to be prescribed carefully by an experienced doctor.  REFERENCES 1. DHEA Monograph. Alt Med Rev. Vol 6, Number 3, 2001 2. Krzysztof Rutkowski et al. Review Article. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA): Hypes and Hopes Drugs (2014) 74:1195–1207  3. Fernand Labrie. Chapter 4 – DHEA, Important Source of Sex Steroids in Men and Even More in Women. Progress in Brain Research. Volume 182, 2010, Pages 97–148 4. Abdulmaged M. Traish et al. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)—A Precursor Steroid or an Active Hormone in Human Physiology. The Journal of Sexual Medicine. Volume 8, Issue 11, pages 2960–2982, November 2011 5. N. Pluchino, et al., Neurobiology of DHEA and effects on sexuality, mood and cognition, J. Steroid Biochem. Mol. Biol. (2014), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jsbmb.2014.04.012  6. Rebecca K Sripada et al. DHEA Enhances Emotion Regulation Neurocircuits and Modulates Memory for Emotional Stimuli. Neuropsychopharmacology (2013) 38, 1798–1807; doi:10.1038/npp.2013.79; published online 24 April 2013  7. Lennartsson A-K, Theorell T, Rockwood AL, Kushnir MM, Jonsdottir IH (2013) Perceived Stress at Work Is Associated with Lower Levels of DHEA-S. PLoS ONE 8(8): e72460. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0072460  8. Jean-Pierre Savineau et al. Role of DHEA in cardiovascular diseases Biochemical Pharmacology 85 (2013) 718–726  9. Edward P. Weiss et al. Dehydroepiandrosterone ( DHEA) replacement decreases insulin resistance and lowers inflammatory cytokines in aging humans. Aging, May 2011, Vol3. No 5 10. Christiaan Lucas Meuwese and Juan Jesus Carrero REVIEW ARTICLE  11. Chronic Kidney Disease and HypothalamicePituitary Axis Dysfunction: The Chicken or the Egg? Archives of Medical Research 44 (2013) 591e600  12. Moise ́s E. Bauer et al. Psychoneuroendocrine interventions aimed at attenuating immunosenescence: a review. Biogerontology DOI 10.1007/s10522-012-9412-5  13. Nikolaos Samaras et al. A Review of Age-Related Dehydroepiandrosterone Decline and Its Association with Well-Known Geriatric Syndromes: Is Treatment Beneficial? REJUVENATION RESEARCH Volume 16, Number 4, 2013&nbs

    8 min

  2. Jun 25

    Well Woman Podcast - Mighty Magnesium

    Everyone should know about this... Here is an update on the video contents... Magnesium is important for over 600 reactions. Most of my patients need magnesium. Th best absorbed magnesium's are Citrate, Glycinate and amino acid chelate. Threonate is said to get into the brain well. Beware Magnesium Oxalate or Oxide which are designed for constipation - they are not absorbed. Aspartate is also not absorbed well.  drfrances.co.nz  http://www.skinfresh.co.nz/

    5 min

  3. Jun 13

    Well Woman Podcast - National Health Strategy for Older People

    With our ageing population and on top of it, the reducing fertility rate, it's time to look at starting early to prevent the diseases of ageing.  Here I give an extensive suggested National strategy that would reduce costs, reduce the need for rest home beds and invigorate the national population My suggestions are based on my results as an Integrative second opinion doctor and my results along with my experience and knowledge gained over 25 years.  Please give it a listen  Share with anyone who is interested.  Like and Subscribe.  drfrances.co.nz

    18 min

  4. May 28

    Well Woman Podcast - Dealing with Midriff Weight gain

    Dr. Frances Pitsilis hosted an episode of the Well Woman podcast focused on addressing midriff weight gain, particularly in women over 40 and after menopause. She discussed how hormonal imbalances, particularly declining progesterone levels, can contribute to weight gain and metabolic issues. Dr. Pitsilis explained her approach to treating weight gain, which includes testing for hormone imbalances, thyroid function, and metabolic syndrome, as well as addressing potential toxic exposures to chemicals and heavy metals. She outlined a comprehensive treatment plan involving lifestyle changes, dietary modifications, supplements, and medications like metformin and low-dose naltrexone, emphasizing the importance of addressing underlying causes rather than just using appetite suppressants. drfrances.co.nz skinfresh.co.nz

    18 min

  5. May 18

    Well Woman Podcast - Hirsuitism and PCOS

    Dr. Frances Pitsilis hosted an episode of the Well Woman podcast focused on hirsutism and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). She discussed the prevalence and impact of excessive hair growth, explaining the difference between normal and abnormal hair patterns and the various causes including endocrine conditions, medications, and underlying health issues. Dr. Pitsilis outlined treatment options including hormonal therapies like the contraceptive pill and spironolactone, as well as natural remedies and hair removal methods. She also explained the concept of estrogen dominance and the benefits of natural progesterone treatment compared to synthetic progestins. The episode concluded with a detailed discussion of PCOS, its symptoms, diagnostic considerations, and comprehensive treatment approaches including dietary changes, nutritional supplements, and medication management with metformin and progesterone. drfrances.co.nz skinfresh.co.nz

    24 min

  6. May 10

    Curing the Post infectious Cough

    Post Infectious Cough Having trouble drinking that cold beer without coughing? Up to 25% of people suffer from a post-infectious cough – this is the cough that continues for 3-8 weeks after you have recovered from that cold or chest infection. It keeps you, or others, awake at night. It gets worse in air-conditioning, when you speak, go outside, laugh or have cold drinks. Indeed some people get this post infectious cough every time they recover from a respiratory infection. Part of its definition is that it lasts eight weeks and resolves on its own. It is also associated with no abnormal findings including a normal chest x-ray. It is just that the cough drives everyone mad. It causes a lot of misery due to lost sleep, impaired performance, fainting or incontinence associated with the coughing attacks. There have even been fractured ribs and collapsed lungs. The big three main causes of this persistent cough are: Postnasal drip – this is the mucus running down the back of your nose, past your palate and onto your windpipe.Asthma – unstable airways as a result of the previous infection.Persistent airway irritation – this is most often after a viral respiratory illness and due to persisting upper airway inflammation and irritation that reacts to the cold air environment.Other causes can include sinusitis, gastric reflux, ACE inhibitor drugs (used for controlling blood pressure), heart disease, heart failure and other lung conditions. So, if the cough persists you need to see your doctor. Why does it last this long? Because although the infection itself has resolved, it takes several weeks for the airway irritation to completely settle in some people. It is important to note that antibiotics do not work for this condition. If it is due to postnasal drip, it is important to dry this drip up with a nasal spray and possibly decongestants. The old fashioned first generation antihistamines also help this. Cough suppressants may be useful and if it is the post-infectious cough, inhaled or oral steroid drugs from your family doctor have a high success rate. My tips for helping the post infectious cough are as follows: Heat the bedroom to 25 degrees – it is not your body that needs to be warm, it is the air that you breathe that should be.Drink hot honey drinks (with or without alcoholic spirit) – the honey coats the throat and the spirit may suppress the cough.Find cold lozenges with the highest menthol content to suck on – this will heat up your throat and suppress the cough.Remember that a cough that persists could be an indication of a more serious condition. It is important that if the cough does not go, for you to see your family doctor to check it out.

    4 min

  7. May 8

    Well Woman Podcast - Is Metformin Good or Bad?

    Metformin has been controversial or even rubbished in some quarters.  Here I give extensive details regarding why some regard it as unsuitable but why there is overwhelming evidence that it gives many benefits  that extend to  - anti-aging - prevention of cancer, dementia, heart disease, macular degeneration, kidney disease etc - great for the skin, and also reducing skin cancer. - helpful in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, osteoarthritis,  - prevention and management of pre diabetes and diabetes  I literally have dozens of references because of my research in metformin over the years and for my best selling book - Well Woman - link below for book  https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=buy+well+woman+book&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8 International  https://www.amazon.com.au/Well-Woman-Prescription-Lifelong-Health-ebook/dp/B0DXMSV4VL The ebook is also available  drfrances.co.nz

    22 min

  8. Apr 30

    Well Woman Podcast - Interview Christine Rankin-Macintyre - Women in Leadership

    A worthwhile interview for women in any stage of life, but especially women in leadership.  Here I interview Christine Rankin- Macintyre, a well known figure in New Zealand, especially when it comes to leadership. Christine discusses how she developed resilience from early childhood in a stressful home. We reviewed whether strong women are born or made. She stressed the importance of women supporting each other.  We discussed developing resilience through hardship, leadership philosophy and gender challenges, Christines Leadership achievements, courage in leadership along with love. She discussed the way she transformed her department in the public service through rephrasing her terms view towards beneficiaries - calling them customers.  We discussed her public criticism, how she survived it, and her journey recovering from burnout.  christine rankin drfrances.co.nz

    40 min

  9. Apr 20

    The Well Woman Podcast with Dr Frances Pitsilis - Winter Wellness

    Please share this episode with your friends  Dr. Frances Pitsilis hosted the Well Woman podcast to discuss winter wellness strategies, focusing on how to boost immune health and prevent respiratory illnesses like colds and flu. She outlined key lifestyle factors including adequate sleep, exercise, stress management, and a plant-based diet with adequate protein while avoiding gluten and dairy when problematic. Dr. Pitsilis detailed important vitamins and minerals for immune support, including vitamin C (200-2,000mg daily), zinc (best taken at night and tested via blood work), iron (carefully monitored due to common deficiencies), magnesium (200-300mg twice daily), selenium (75-150 micrograms daily), and vitamin D (often requiring prescription strength 50,000 IU monthly in New Zealand). She also covered herbal supplements like echinacea, astragalis, Siberian ginseng, and olive leaf extract for both prevention and acute treatment of viral illnesses. The podcast concluded with specific information about COVID-19 management and substances that can help reduce viral shedding, including resveratrol, quercetin, probiotics, lactoferrin, and N-acetylcysteine. drfrances.co.nz

    26 min

  10. Mar 31

    The Well Woman Podcast with Dr Frances Pitsilis - Progesterone should be prescribed a lot more - I explain

    After years of studying, learning and her clinical experience, i still remark about the lack of use of progesterone for women of all ages that I see.  As a result she wrote a whole book about progesterone (not published) and some of this information was included in her best selling book - Well Woman. Here I explain all the areas that are important where progesterone should be used but is often not used. I also explain why progesterone is safe in most cases and should be used in higher doses. If you know someone with PCOS, endometriosis, anxiety depression sleep problems mood issues irritability, have you painful periods breast tenderness and is 35 or over then this podcast could be for them this podcast is designed for general educational purposes only and does not replace personalised medical advice. Always consult your own healthcare professional regarding individual concerns.  Also view these videos about progesterone  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxFJCfbAJYs Estrogen Dominance  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AalWVoudIM Write down below in the discussions if you would like to hear about anything in particular  drfrances.co.nz  skinfresh.co.nz

    17 min

  11. Mar 21

    Introduction to the Well Woman Podcast with Dr Frances Pitsilis

    Introduction to the Well Woman Podcast with Dr Frances Pitsilis  This podcast has been created because womens health at mid life and all around it is still too often misunderstood, rushed or oversimplified, especially in the areas of hormones. I want to get the information out there to as many women as possible.  In these podcasts I will be speaking directly to you about topics I think are relevant.  I will also have everyday and well known people and eventually, I hope to have expert guests.   Women also look after their men, so at times I will cover topics that affect both men and women as well as men only, because women tend to be the centre of care for everyone. These will be thoughtful, practical and hopeful conversations – grounded in science, experience and respect for womens’ realities Whether you are navigating change yourself, supporting someone you love, or simply want clear, trustworthy information, you are very welcome here. I don’t need to expand my practice,- I’m actually very busy.  I practice only in New Zealand  Rather I’m doing this to spread the word to more people, especially women  about good health.  I cannot give any personal advice but you can ask for particular topics on my YouTube channel which will then give you insights into how I treat that condition when I cover it on the podcast .  This podcast is designed for general educational purposes only and does not replace personalised medical advice. Always consult your own healthcare professional regarding individual concerns.  I will be creating podcasts and stocking them up so that you can look forward to perhaps one every 2 weeks to start. I look forward to seeing you again soon at the Well woman podcast  drfrances.co.nz skinfresh.co.nz

    7 min
  • 11 Episodes

About

In this podcast, I share evidence-based insights about hormones, ageing, longevity, natural and modern medicine — and what patients are often not told.   While these conversations are grounded in women’s health, many are equally relevant to men, particularly when it comes to midlife health and ageing well.  I will discuss common issues women have and also interview prominent women to discuss their issues. Lets see how this podcast evolves....

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