I'm Hormonal | functional hormone insight + advice Bridget Walton, Functional Hormone Specialist & Menstrual Cycle Coach

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#33. In this Mother's Day episode you'll learn about how hormones change after you... become a mother! There are a lot of hormonal changes during pregnancy and postpartum of course. Understanding what those changes are can be helpful in navigating the journey and looking forward to things leveling out after a bit of time. 

Today we discuss:
- Hormonal changes after birth
- Estrogen, progesterone, prolactin, thyroid, and cortisol
- Testing considerations with trouble shooting
- Recommendations for optimal hormone health postpartum
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Learn more at bridgetwalton.com

If you're interested in working with Bridget 1:1 to overcome your period pain and irregular cycles and take charge of your fertility, click this link to connect and set up a discovery call.

If you want to support this podcast, follow this link to Buy Me a Coffee. Your support will help cover the cost of: podcast hosting platform fees, equipment, and transcription services.

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#32. If you're someone with low energy or mid-day energy drop off AND you're in the practice of working out before breakfast... this episode is for you. Bridget talks about what happens on your bod (hormonally) when you workout on an empty stomach. If you're working on healing a hormone imbalance then consider incorporating some food (ideally protein-focused) in order to set your blood sugar levels (and therefore energy levels) up for success.

You'll learn about:
- What happens in your body when you work out in a fasted state
- How eating protein before a workout can stabilize blood sugar
- The correlation between blood sugar, stress hormones, and inflammation
- Easy pre-workout food suggestions

Noted in the episode:
- @glucosegoddess on IG for blood sugar regulating tips



Join my email list for monthly guides to supporting your hormones
Connect with Bridget on Instagram
Learn more at bridgetwalton.com

If you're interested in working with Bridget 1:1 to overcome your period pain and irregular cycles and take charge of your fertility, click this link to connect and set up a discovery call.

If you want to support this podcast, follow this link to Buy Me a Coffee. Your support will help cover the cost of: podcast hosting platform fees, equipment, and transcription services.

Send us a Text Message.
#31. This episode is for you if you're new to learning about your cycle, your hormones, and how it all works. Bridget walks through the basics of:
- Normal cycle lengths, bleed lengths, and cycle length variations
- The four phases of the menstrual cycle
- Estrogen and progesterone: what they do and how they shift
- Why ovulation is the most important event in the cycle

If you've been here before and are more savvy on how your hormones fluctuate, this episode can still be a great refresher for you.

Referenced episodes for a deeper dive:
2. Getting Familiar with Cycle Syncing
7. Estrogen & Why It's Critical for Your Cyclical Health
8. Progesterone: the hormone you don't want to miss
9. GnRH, FSH, LH - Hormones that Help Us Ovulate
10. Testosterone: A hormone essential for your cycle too
11. Part 1: Common Symptoms of Hormone Imbalance
12. Part 2: Common Symptoms of Hormone Imbalance
27. Cervical mucus: why, when, how much, and who cares

Referenced freebie:
Cycle Syncing Guidelines (Downloadable)
Join my email list for monthly guides to supporting your hormones
Connect with Bridget on Instagram
Learn more at bridgetwalton.com

If you're interested in working with Bridget 1:1 to overcome your period pain and irregular cycles and take charge of your fertility, click this link to connect and set up a discovery call.

If you want to support this podcast, follow this link to Buy Me a Coffee. Your support will help cover the cost of: podcast hosting platform fees, equipment, and transcription services.

Send us a Text Message.
#30. What is one of the main causes of hormone imbalance? Endocrine disrupting chemicals. You've heard of them before, surely, and today we'll talk about how they can impact your body and reproductive system.

Topics include:
- Recent EPA regulation change in the United States to limit PFAS levels in public drinking water
- What are endocrine disrupting chemicals?
- How can they impact your hormones and reproductive system?
- Where/how do we come into contact with these chemicals most often?
- Six recommendations to limit your exposure to endocrine disruptors

Here are the six recommendations:
1. Eat whole, organic foods when possible to limit pesticide exposure. Find out the Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen in your area by visiting the Environmental Working Group's website.
2. Minimize contact with printed receipts which expose you to BPA
3. Replace plastics in your home with glass, metal, or other non-plastic products. Think about: cookware, anything you put food on/in, kids' toys, tooth brushes, and more.
4. Avoid artificially scented products and replace them with naturally-sourced ingredients. Think about: candles, air fresheners, perfume, and get an air purifier/plants indoors.
5. Start using clean cosmetic brands and/or use an app like ThinkDirty or Yuka to scan products in-store so you can understand what chemicals in the product may be linked to.
6. Use non-toxic menstrual products like the Nixit menstrual cup.

Use this link for 15% off your Nixit purchase

Studies referenced in this episode:
- Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals
- Environmental Toxicant Exposure and Menstrual Cycle Length
- Endocrine Disruptors
- Phthalates, bisphenols, parabens, and triclocarban in feminine hygiene products from the United States and their implications for human exposure
- EPAs New Standards for PFAS in Drinking Water




Join my email list for monthly guides to supporting your hormones
Connect with Bridget on Instagram
Learn more at bridgetwalton.com

If you're interested in working with Bridget 1:1 to overcome your period pain and irregular cycles and take charge of your fertility, click this link to connect and set up a discovery call.

If you want to support this podcast, follow this link to Buy Me a Coffee. Your support will help cover the cost of: podcast hosting platform fees, equipment, and transcription services.

Send us a Text Message.
#29. Are you curious about acupuncture, herbalism, and Chinese medicine? Have you considered how seeking a plan tailored to your specific symptoms and experience could help you achieve your health and hormone goals?

Bridget interviewed Daniel Schwartz, an Acupuncturist and Herbal Medicine Practitioner, who shared his perspective on the importance of building a foundation of healthy living, a focus on recognition that your body is the healer and heals itself, and how Chinese medicine practices can be used to elevate your health.

DOWNLOAD THE ACUPRESSURE DIAGRAM HERE
Important note: Acupressure points are NOT recommended for those of you gals who are pregnant.

This conversation touches on:
- How Daniel got started in acupuncture and herbalism
- Your body is the healer
- The basics of acupuncture
- Yin and yang
- Using a pulse to identify health status of other organs and energy system
- Bringing us back to following nature is an essential part of health
- The eight branches of east Asian medicine (nutrition, movement, meditation, medical massage, cupping and gua sha, moxibustion, herbal medicine, acupuncture)
- A foundation of health is essential and there are no quick fixes
- Chinese medicine not as "alternative" medicine but just as medicine
- The balance between western and Chinese medicines for optimal health
- Acupuncture as a supplement and support for fertility and pregnancy
- Acupressure points to consider for hormone balance and pain relief

DANIEL'S INSTAGRAM - @apolloacu
DANIEL'S WEBSITE - www.apolloacu.com
SET UP AN APPOINTMENT WITH DANIEL


Join my email list for monthly guides to supporting your hormones
Connect with Bridget on Instagram
Learn more at bridgetwalton.com

If you're interested in working with Bridget 1:1 to overcome your period pain and irregular cycles and take charge of your fertility, click this link to connect and set up a discovery call.

If you want to support this podcast, follow this link to Buy Me a Coffee. Your support will help cover the cost of: podcast hosting platform fees, equipment, and transcription services.

Send us a Text Message.
#28. Perimenopause? She's menopause's sister and is our topic for today. The transitional time between your regular fertile/cycling years and your non-menstruating years (menopause) can illicit changes in your hormones and the way you feel normally starting in your late 30s or 40s.

Listen to this episode to hear about:
- What perimenopause is
- What are the phases of perimenopause
- What you can do now to prepare your body for perimenopause

I referenced Dr. Lara Briden's book, Hormone Repair Manual, to build my notes for this episode. Great reference... check it out. 


Join my email list for monthly guides to supporting your hormones
Connect with Bridget on Instagram
Learn more at bridgetwalton.com

If you're interested in working with Bridget 1:1 to overcome your period pain and irregular cycles and take charge of your fertility, click this link to connect and set up a discovery call.

If you want to support this podcast, follow this link to Buy Me a Coffee. Your support will help cover the cost of: podcast hosting platform fees, equipment, and transcription services.