The Real Heal - Intimate Conversations with Holistic Health Experts

Dr. Renee Wellenstein
  • 5.0 (28)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Real Heal is a show where Dr. Renee Wellenstein (a double board-certified doc, entrepreneur, and healthcare disruptor) hosts real, raw, and authentic conversations with experts in the holistic health space. This is your opportunity to be a fly on the wall while Dr. Renee has 100% organic, unscripted chats on topics in the holistic health world that most aren't even addressing! For any podcast or affiliate inquiries, please contact me at assistant@drreneewellenstein.com

  1. 1D AGO

    Perimenopause Rage & The "We Do Not Care" Club: What's Happening in Your Brain

    Perimenopause "We Do Not Care" isn't you being lazy, mean, or broken—it's brain chemistry + burnout + hormone shifts. If you've been seeing the "We Do Not Care Club" trend and thinking …why is this me? this video will help you connect the dots (estrogen, serotonin, dopamine, GABA, stress tolerance, and that short fuse you don't recognize). In this episode, I break down what's happening in your brain during perimenopause—and what to do next so you can feel like yourself again (without pretending everything is fine). 🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KIgc5gm_9j8    What you'll learn in this episode: Why perimenopause is a neuro-endocrine event, not "just hormones" How fluctuating estrogen impacts: Serotonin (calm, resilience, patience) Dopamine (motivation, drive, reward) GABA (anxiety, sleep, feeling "wired but tired") Why you may feel:  more rage-y over small things emotionally flat or numb less motivated, more overwhelmed like your brain "can't organize life" the way it used to A practical starting plan to feel better DISCLAIMER: This video is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your health regimen.   Ready for a real plan (not just memes)? If you're in your late 30s, 40s, or 50s and you're thinking, "I don't know what's wrong with me—I just don't care anymore," I can help you sort out what's hormones, what's metabolism, what's stress physiology, and what's lifestyle overload. Work with me (telemedicine + coaching options): 👉https://www.drreneewellenstein.com/work-with-me    Links + Resources My Amazon storefront (products I personally use + recommend): https://www.amazon.com/shop/drreneewellenstein?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_2Q5HD01R6BW42HK05MSB (I do make a small commission from sales using my link)  My favorite supplement brand: https://www.designsforhealth.com/u/drreneewellenstein (I do make a small commission from sales using my online dispensary)   🔗 Connect with me on social media @DrReneeWellenstein for daily tips, updates, and more! 📌 Helpful Links & Resource 💡 Work with me: https://www.drreneewellenstein.com/work-with-me  ★ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drreneewellenstein/  ★ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLibidoologist  ★ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drreneewellenstein?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc  ★ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drreneewellenstein/

    6 min

  2. APR 16

    Your 30s Symptoms Are Valid — It Might Be Perimenopause

    Perimenopause symptoms in your 30s are showing up way more than most women were ever warned about—and getting told "you're too young" is one of the fastest ways to stay stuck. If you're 35 and suddenly dealing with cycle chaos, anxiety, hot flashes, or brain fog, this video will help you understand what perimenopause actually is, why it can start earlier than you think, what to rule out, and what to do next. In this episode, I break down the hormone shifts (especially progesterone dropping first), the lifestyle + metabolic pressures that can amplify symptoms, and how to advocate for yourself when your labs come back "normal" but you feel anything but normal. 🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/iSI7ggkzqJQ  What you'll learn in this episode * What perimenopause really is (the transition before menopause) * Why symptoms can start in the mid-30s for some women * The common early pattern:         * Progesterone drops (ovulation gets inconsistent)         * Estrogen becomes unpredictable (spikes + crashes) * Why "normal labs" don't always match how you feel * The biggest drivers that can make symptoms louder earlier:         * chronic stress + nervous system overload         * insulin resistance / blood sugar swings         * sleep debt, shift work, circadian disruption         * environmental endocrine disruptors * What to rule out so you don't miss something treatable:        * thyroid dysfunction        * low iron / ferritin, B12, vitamin D        * blood sugar + insulin issues        * autoimmune patterns (when history suggests it) Signs it might be perimenopause (even if you're "too young") * Cycles that are shorter, heavier, or unpredictable for you * PMS that shifts from annoying to intense (rage, anxiety, sadness) * New breast soreness, night sweats, hot flashes * Sleep changes—especially waking between 1–3am * Brain fog + feeling unlike yourself   Shop My Favorites * Shop My Page: https://shopmy.us/drrenee/shelves * Amazon Favorites: https://www.amazon.com/shop/drreneewellenstein?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_2Q5HD01R6BW42HK05MSB * Supplement Dispensary: https://www.designsforhealth.com/u/drreneewellenstein *I do make a small commission from sales of the above products.   Book a Call Book your call here: https://www.drreneewellenstein.com/work-with-me     DISCLAIMER: Keep in mind, I am not your doctor. I put this video out for educational and informational purposes only. It is not to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have a specific medical concern, please consult your own personal doctor or healthcare professional.   🔗 Connect with me on social media @DrReneeWellenstein for daily tips, updates, and more! 📌 Helpful Links & Resource 💡 Work with me: https://www.drreneewellenstein.com/work-with-me  ★ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drreneewellenstein/  ★ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLibidoologist  ★ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drreneewellenstein?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc  ★ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drreneewellenstein/

    6 min

  3. APR 9

    Belly Fat After 40: What Actually Works for Perimenopause & Menopause (2026 Science-Backed Guide)

    If you're over 40 and you've been checking all the boxes—eating clean, hitting your workouts, maybe even skipping meals like you used to—but that stubborn belly fat won't budge, trust me, you're not alone. I've wrestled with it myself. In this episode, I'm digging into why the old weight-loss tricks just stop working during perimenopause and menopause—and what actually moves the needle instead (and no, you don't need to torture yourself with extreme diets or endless cardio). Let's get real about what's happening inside your body: estrogen swings, insulin resistance, higher cortisol, sleep interruptions, inflammation, gut changes, even shifts in your thyroid. All of that messes with how and where your body stores fat—especially around your middle. This isn't about willpower. It's biology. And here's the good part—you can work with it instead of fighting against it. 🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ITLQo4CPRt4  Here's what I'm covering in this episode: The biggest myths about midlife weight (yeah, "eat less, move more" is at the top) The nutrition plan I actually recommend for midlife belly fat (think protein, fiber, healthy fats) Why strength training and daily movement protect your muscle and fire up your metabolism How stress and cortisol play a bigger role than most people realize Sleep and circadian rhythm tweaks that can literally shrink your waistline The supplements that support your foundation (but don't replace it) The exact labs you should ask for if you're really stuck (fasting insulin/HOMA-IR, lipids, hs-CRP, a full thyroid panel, sex hormones) How to shift from white-knuckle willpower to real grit, so you actually stick with it for the long haul  If you want a simple, step-by-step plan, grab my free 2026 Belly Fat Action Plan. It's got protein targets, a three-day strength training template, a circadian reset, and a checklist for those key labs. Belly Fat Guide: https://drreneewellenstein.thrivecart.com/belly-fat-action-plan-guide/ Book a Strategy Call: https://www.drreneewellenstein.com/work-with-me Shop My Favorites * Shop My Page: https://shopmy.us/drrenee/shelves * Amazon Favorites: https://www.amazon.com/shop/drreneewellenstein?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_2Q5HD01R6BW42HK05MSB * Supplement Dispensary: https://www.designsforhealth.com/u/drreneewellenstein *I do make a small commission from sales of the above products.   🔗 Connect with me on social media @DrReneeWellenstein for daily tips, updates, and more! 📌 Helpful Links & Resource 💡 Work with me: https://www.drreneewellenstein.com/work-with-me  ★ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drreneewellenstein/  ★ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLibidoologist  ★ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drreneewellenstein?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc  ★ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drreneewellenstein/

    11 min

  4. APR 2

    The Menopause Brain Crisis No Doctor Warns You About

    Menopause isn't just hot flashes — for a lot of women, it hits your brain first. If you're in your 40s or 50s and you're dealing with brain fog, word-finding issues, memory glitches, anxiety, low motivation, or sleep that suddenly falls apart, this video will help you understand what's really going on (and what you can do next). I'm Dr. Renee Wellenstein — double board-certified OB/GYN + Functional Medicine physician — and I help women 40+ get real answers about hormones, metabolism, gut health, and midlife symptoms that are too often dismissed as "normal." In this episode, I break down: Why menopause is a brain event How estrogen supports brain energy, memory, and inflammation control Why brain fog during perimenopause can be real AND reversible What the research suggests about estrogen loss, the timing hypothesis ("critical window"), and long-term brain health The practical foundations that protect your brain: sleep, metabolic health, stress regulation, and gut health 🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UuBVYX4pGVo  DISCLAIMER: Keep in mind, I am not your doctor. I put this video out for educational and informational purposes only. It is not to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have a specific medical concern, please consult your own personal doctor or healthcare professional. Work with me (Medical + Coaching) * New York residents: I'm a New York-licensed physician, so I can evaluate and treat eligible patients in NY via telemedicine (including prescribing when appropriate). * Outside New York: You can still work with me through functional medicine coaching — we address the same root-cause foundations (hormones, metabolism, gut health, labs, lifestyle), but without prescribing medications. Book a Call Book your call here: https://reneewellenstein.typeform.com/to/qFyuRF?typeform-source=www.drreneewellenstein.com Shop My Favorites * Shop My Page: https://shopmy.us/drrenee/shelves * Amazon Favorites: https://www.amazon.com/shop/drreneewellenstein?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_2Q5HD01R6BW42HK05MSB * Supplement Dispensary: https://www.designsforhealth.com/u/drreneewellenstein I do make a small commission from sales of the above products.   📌 Connect with Me for More Hormone & Health Tips! Follow me on all platforms → @‌drreneewellenstein IG | FB | TikTok | Pinterest

    8 min

  5. MAR 26

    The FDA's Dangerous HRT Mistake Finally Exposed

    In October 2025, the FDA and federal health leaders quietly updated menopause hormone therapy labeling—removing the black box warning that scared millions of women (and their doctors) away from estrogen for more than 20 years. In this episode, I break down what actually happened, why the 2002 Women's Health Initiative (WHI) headlines were misunderstood, and what the evidence says today about HRT/menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) when it's started at the right time, in the right woman, using the right type and dose.  If you're 40–60 and you've been told "Absolutely no hormones," this is the update you deserve. 🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube:  Work with me (Telemedicine in New York + Functional Medicine Coaching in all states ): BOOK A CALL HERE – https://reneewellenstein.typeform.com/to/qFyuRF?typeform-source=www.drreneewellenstein.com  News clip courtesy of NewsNation: 'Hormone therapy black box warning was "greatest screwup" – interview with FDA Commissioner Marty Makary (aired 2025). Original segment available at: https://youtu.be/Zn-_kvroOfU?si=RzqRGBaRIvMw0qv1    Links + Resources My Amazon storefront (products I personally use + recommend): https://www.amazon.com/shop/drreneewellenstein?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_2Q5HD01R6BW42HK05MSB  (I do make a small commission from sales using my link) My favorite supplement brand: https://www.designsforhealth.com/u/drreneewellenstein (I do make a small commission from sales using my online dispensary)   📌 Connect with Me for More Hormone & Health Tips! Follow me on all platforms → @‌drreneewellenstein IG | FB | TikTok | Pinterest

    9 min

  6. MAR 19

    Is Perimenopause Quietly Stealing Your Hair?

    Menoscalp—yep, it's a made-up word… but it describes a very real pattern: hair thinning, widening part, increased shedding, and scalp dryness/itching that often ramps up in perimenopause and menopause. If you're over 40 and your ponytail feels smaller (or your shower drain feels fuller), you're not imagining it. In this episode, Dr. Renee breaks down what's actually happening to your hair follicles during the menopause transition—estrogen/progesterone shifts, relative androgen dominance (DHT), thyroid and metabolic changes, nutrient deficiencies, inflammation, and stress/cortisol—plus what actually helps (layers, not magic bullets). If you want a follow-up video where I share the exact labs I run and the "optimal" ranges I look for in menopausal hair loss, drop a comment and subscribe so you don't miss it.  🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BLNkPeEsPjA    What to Ask Your Doctor (or What I Check in Practice) Full thyroid panel (not just TSH) Iron + ferritin Vitamin D, B12, zinc (and sometimes copper) Fasting glucose, insulin, A1C Lipids + metabolic markers Sex hormones (when clinically relevant)   Amazon Hair and Scalp Favorites (for peri-menopause): https://amzn.to/49DJ7W2 These are product types I commonly recommend for scalp support and minimizing breakage. Choose based on your personal health history and sensitivities. (I do earn a small commission from sales) Favorite Supplement Store Shop my trusted supplements here: https://www.designsforhealth.com/u/drreneewellenstein (I do earn a small commission from sales) Work With Me 1:1 Support Want help interpreting your labs and building a personalized plan for peri-menopause symptoms, hormones, metabolism, and longevity? Apply to work with me here → https://reneewellenstein.typeform.com/to/qFyuRF?typeform-source=www.drreneewellenstein.com   DISCLAIMER: This video is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your health regimen.   📌 Connect with Me for More Hormone & Health Tips! Follow me on all platforms → @‌drreneewellenstein IG | FB | TikTok | Pinterest

    11 min

  7. MAR 12

    8 Weird Perimenopause Symptoms No One Warned You About

    Ever wonder why your ears start itching out of nowhere? Or maybe you get random ringing, a weird burning feeling on your tongue, or even notice you don't smell quite like you usually do? If you're a woman over 40 and you've caught yourself thinking, "Wait, is this perimenopause or am I just falling apart?"—trust me, you're not the only one. In this episode, I'm walking you through eight of the weirdest (but totally real) perimenopause symptoms I see in my practice. I'll rank them by how often women bring them up, and I'll break down what's actually happening in your body. No scare tactics—just real, straightforward science.  🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/PU-U_N8_HYc    DISCLAIMER: This video is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your health regimen. Work With Me 1:1 Support Want help interpreting your labs and building a personalized plan for peri-menopause symptoms, hormones, metabolism, and longevity? Apply to work with me here → https://reneewellenstein.typeform.com/to/qFyuRF?typeform-source=www.drreneewellenstein.com   Links + Resources My Amazon storefront (products I personally use + recommend): https://www.amazon.com/shop/drreneewellensteinref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_2Q5HD01R6BW42HK05MSB  (I do make a small commission from sales using my link)  My favorite supplement brand: https://www.designsforhealth.com/u/drreneewellenstein (I do make a small commission from sales using my online dispensary)   📌 Connect with Me for More Hormone & Health Tips! Follow me on all platforms → @‌drreneewellenstein IG | FB | TikTok | Pinterest

    11 min

  8. MAR 5

    2026 Weight Loss Trend Report for Women Over 40: What's Working, What's Not, and What's Next

    Feeling swamped by all the weight loss advice, new meds, and never-ending menopause talk? If you're a woman over 40, trust me, you're not alone. In this episode, Dr. Renee Wellenstein—a double board-certified OB/GYN and functional medicine doc—gets real about what actually helps women lose weight, balance hormones, and keep their metabolism on track in 2026. She also calls out what's just noise.   🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/x7pTSgOuKs0    Here's what's inside:  0:00 – A look at what's new in 2026 1:52 – Mixing hormone therapy with GLP-1s 2:15 – How telehealth and virtual programs fit in 2:52 – Menopause and the real risk of obesity 3:08 – Why lifestyle programs are getting smarter  3:30 – The science-backed stuff that's working right now 5:00 – What's not cutting it  5:55 – Where things are headed next   Want my free Hormone & Weight Loss Playbook?  Grab it here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uRCoPQZV2MpdbHbgOA3IB6NOz4vKF9PN/view?usp=share_link Ready to make a real change? Let's talk. Apply for a free strategy call: https://reneewellenstein.typeform.com/to/qFyuRF?typeform-source=www.drreneewellenstein.com   DISCLAIMER: This video is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your health regimen.   MY FAVORITE PRODUCTS & SUPPLEMENTS: Designs for Health (the supplement brand I use with my clients for hormone balance, gut health, and metabolic support): https://www.designsforhealth.com/u/drreneewellenstein (I do make a small commission from sales of these products which help keep this channel going) My Amazon Favorites (tools, supplements, and wellness essentials I recommend): https://www.amazon.com/shop/drreneewellenstein?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_2Q5HD01R6BW42HK05MSB (I do make a small commission on sales that help to keep this channel going) Dr. Renee Wellenstein focuses on hormone health and metabolic wellness for women over 40. She's based in New York and runs a telemedicine practice, prescribing bio-identical hormones and peptides to women in NY. Across the country, she offers virtual health coaching too, sharing real, actionable advice for hormone balance and peptide therapy. Dr. Renee's approach is practical and grounded in science—her programs help you find more energy, boost your confidence, and feel healthier, no matter where you're starting from.   📌 Connect with Me for More Hormone & Health Tips! Follow me on all platforms → @‌drreneewellenstein IG | FB | TikTok | Pinterest

    7 min
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5
out of 5
28 Ratings

About

The Real Heal is a show where Dr. Renee Wellenstein (a double board-certified doc, entrepreneur, and healthcare disruptor) hosts real, raw, and authentic conversations with experts in the holistic health space. This is your opportunity to be a fly on the wall while Dr. Renee has 100% organic, unscripted chats on topics in the holistic health world that most aren't even addressing! For any podcast or affiliate inquiries, please contact me at assistant@drreneewellenstein.com

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