Lara Briden's Podcast Lara Briden

Why do antihistamines cause weight gain? And how does hormonal birth control affect metabolism?

In this episode, Lara looks at:
how common medications affect metabolismwhy birth control that is *androgenic* is more likely to cause weight gain, andwhether natural progesterone is more likely to cause weight gain or weight loss.Links:
The histaminergic system as a target for the prevention of obesity and metabolic syndromeHigh H1-affinity antidepressants and risk of metabolic syndrome in bipolar disorderNatural treatment of menstrual migrainesWeight change among women using intramuscular depot medroxyprogesterone acetate, a copper intrauterine device, or a levonorgestrel implant for contraceptionImpact of micronized progesterone on body weight, body mass index, and glucose metabolism: a systematic reviewCyclic progesterone therapy for PCOS

Are you a morning person or an evening person? And could that affect your ability to lose weight?

In this episode, Lara looks at chronotype, which is your individual disposition to be awake or asleep at certain times. And how that might affect your overall health and metabolism.

The supplement inositol is a superstar for treating polycystic ovary syndrome. It’s also been clinically trialled for weight loss, thyroid disease, anxiety, insomnia, and premenstrual mood symptoms. 

In this episode, Lara looks at:
"what is inositol?" and how to get it from dietmyo-inositol versus D-chiro-inositol, and why it's all a little confusing.One thing Lara forgot to mention is that to get results with inositol, you need to commit to it for at least three months. And if it works, you’ll probably want to stay on it for years. Luckily, inositol can be quite inexpensive, especially if you choose straight myo-inositol powder.
Links:
Myo-inositol for insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome and gestational diabetesInositol treatment for PCOS should be science-based and not arbitraryCyclic progesterone therapy for PCOS

What do post-pill acne, hair loss, and weight gain all have in common? They can all be the result of a temporary surge in androgens when trying to come off certain types of hormonal birth control.

In this episode, Lara discusses post-pill androgen symptoms including:
why pills like Yasmin are the hardest to come offhow androgens can cause weight gain, andnatural treatments such as zinc, berberine, and cyclic progesterone therapy.Links:
Ovulation is the main event of the menstrual cycleThe central role of ovulatory disturbances in the etiology of androgenic polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)—Evidence for treatment with cyclic progesteroneBeyond the label: A patient-centred approach to polycystic ovary syndromeCyclic progesterone therapy for PCOS

Are premenstrual mood symptoms caused by progesterone or helped by progesterone? And why do antihistamines give such relief?

In this episode, Lara discusses premenstrual mood symptoms including:
the role of histamine and mast cell activationprogesterone sensitivity, andeffective natural treatments such as magnesium, iodine, and body-identical progesterone.Links:
Lara Briden's mailing listMagnesium in the gynecological practice: a literature review8 Ways magnesium rescues hormones Taurine: 5 benefits for women's health

There can be a strong hormonal component to abdominal weight gain. And in most people, that hormone is insulin. 

In this episode, Lara discusses insulin resistance including:
why you could have insulin resistance even if your blood sugar is normalthe role of mitochondria, andall the ways to lower insulin and improve metabolism.Links:
Online workshop: Metabolic health and vitality for women over 40Insulin resistance is a cellular antioxidant defense mechanismHigh-dose fructose can cause or worsen insulin resistance (but fruit is okay)