The Strength in Hormones Podcast

Lauren Papanos
  • 5.0 (82)
  • NUTRITION
  • UPDATED DAILY

The Strength in Hormones Podcast is hosted by expert Functional Registered Dietitian and hormone specialist, Lauren Papanos. Join us every Wednesday for a brand new LOdown with Lo solo episode or expert guest interview. Host Lauren Papanos asks and answers the questions around how to live a vibrant life through harnessing the power of natural hormonal balance and medicinal foods. Inquire to work with Lauren’s practice at www.functionalfueling.com. Follow her on Instagram at @functional.fueling.

  1. 2D AGO

    Episode 143: Why Most Pregnancy Lab Work Falls Short (And What Women Actually Need)

    Most pregnancy lab work is designed for the average non-pregnant person, not the rapidly changing physiology of pregnancy. In this episode, we break down why standard lab testing often falls short during pregnancy and postpartum, and what that means for thyroid function, nutrient status, metabolism, and immune health. You’ll learn how trimester-specific lab ranges impact interpretation, which critical markers are commonly missed, and why relying on standard reference ranges can overlook meaningful changes. We also cover the role of thyroid health in fertility, pregnancy, and fetal development, how autoimmunity influences pregnancy and postpartum outcomes, and why postpartum lab testing is essential for recovery, hormone balance, and long-term health of both mom and baby. A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 Why standard pregnancy labs often miss key changes How pregnancy affects thyroid, iron, glucose, and immune function Why trimester-specific lab ranges and interpretation matter Which important labs are often missing during pregnancy and postpartum How thyroid health impacts fertility, pregnancy, and baby’s development How autoimmunity can affect pregnancy and postpartum outcomes Why postpartum testing is essential for recovery and hormone recovery Important show links 👇👇👇 Follow Demetra Diagnostics on Instagram  Apply to work with us 1:1 at functionalfueling.com/coaching-page Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

    43 min

  2. APR 15

    Episode 142: The Molecule That Supports Blood Flow, Hormones, and Fertility with Dr. Bryan

    The Molecule That Supports Blood Flow, Hormones, and Fertility with Dr. Bryan In this episode, we dive into the powerful role of nitric oxide, a key signaling molecule that directly impacts blood flow, hormone delivery, thyroid function, and fertility with leading researcher Dr. Nathan Bryan. We break down how nitric oxide supports circulation at the cellular level, why it’s essential for proper hormone signaling and tissue responsiveness, and how disruptions in nitric oxide production can contribute to fatigue, hormone imbalances, and fertility challenges. You’ll also learn how the oral microbiome, blood sugar regulation, and common exposures like mouthwash and antacids can influence nitric oxide levels and what you can do to support it naturally.   A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 What nitric oxide is and why it matters more than most people realize How nitric oxide affects circulation, hormones, thyroid function, and fertility How nitric oxide impacts hormone delivery and signaling The connection between the oral microbiome and nitric oxide production How mouthwash, fluoride, antacids, and blood sugar can affect nitric oxide Signs and symptoms that may point to low nitric oxide Simple ways to support nitric oxide production naturally   Important show links 👇👇👇 Learn more about Nitric Oxide and how it can benefit you. Use code “functionalfueling10” to save 10% at this link to try the Dr. Nathan Bryan's nitric oxide products Join our Strength in Hormones workout program Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

    45 min

  3. APR 8

    Episode 141:Understanding Stimulatory Hormones: LH, FSH, TSH

    Understanding Stimulatory Hormones: LH, FSH, TSH In this episode, we break down the role of key stimulatory hormones—LH, FSH, and TSH—and how they influence ovulation, thyroid function, and overall hormonal function. You’ll learn how to interpret LH:FSH ratios (including patterns seen in PCOS), what low vs. high levels really indicate, and why timing your labs is critical for accurate insights. We also discuss the limitations of urine hormone testing and the essential labs to run alongside these markers to uncover root-cause imbalances and optimize fertility, cycles and metabolism. A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 Why LH, FSH, and TSH are key hormone signals What’s missing from urine hormone testing When to test LH, FSH and TSH and why timing matters What your LH:FSH ratio can reveal about patterns like PCOS What low vs. high FSH and LH levels indicate What labs you should always run alongside these hormones   Important show links 👇👇👇 Apply to work 1:1 with us in our coaching program Get my thyroid inflammation lab decoder guide Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

    32 min

  4. APR 1

    Episode 140: My Morning Routine & Things I'm Loving (As a Functional RD + Mom)

    My Morning Routine & Things I'm Loving (As a Functional RD + Mom) In this episode I’m sharing a realistic look at how my morning routine has evolved after having a baby—what’s changed, what I’ve simplified, and what I’ve kept as non-negotiables to support my hormone health, workout recovery, and overall wellness. We’ll cover how I structure my mornings when sleep is unpredictable, how to stay consistent with habits without relying on perfection, and how to integrate things like strength training, Zone 2 cardio, and nourishing meals into a busy schedule. Whether you’re newly postpartum or simply looking to build a more sustainable, functional wellness routine, this episode will help you focus on what actually moves the needle. A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 How my morning routine has evolved postpartum and what it realistically looks like now The biggest shifts I’ve made as a new mom to stay consistent with the most important habits How I structure my mornings when sleep is unpredictable Why I prioritize morning workouts and how I make them happen consistently My current weekly workout split (strength, zone 2, and recovery days) What my son and I eat for breakfast to support energy, blood sugar, and my workout recovery My simple morning beauty routine and products I use The role of simple routines vs. perfection in staying consistent Important show links 👇👇👇 Take our Free Low T3 Quiz on our website   Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

    33 min

  5. MAR 25

    Episode 139: Microdosing Peptides for Chronic Illness with Jay Campbell

    Microdosing Peptides for Chronic Illness with Jay Campbell   A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 What peptides are and how they function in the body What microdosing peptides means and how it differs from standard dosing How microdosing GLP peptides may help in chronic illness How peptides can influence metabolism, inflammation, and brain signaling The foundations that must be in place before starting peptides The difference between GLP-1, GLP-2, and GLP-3 peptides How peptide stacking works and when it may be appropriate Why hormone, thyroid, and metabolic health matter before starting peptides What to know about peptide sourcing, quality, and safety Important show links 👇👇👇 Visit JayCampbell.com and learn more hormone optimization, peptides, fat loss and fitness Apply to work 1:1 with us in our coaching program  Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

    55 min

  6. MAR 18

    Episode 138: [The LOdown] Is Your Immune System Overactive… or Exhausted? Understanding Immune Modulation

    [The LOdown] Is Your Immune System Overactive… or Exhausted? Understanding Immune Modulation   A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 What immune modulation is and why the goal is to regulate, not suppress, the immune system How autoimmune conditions develop when the immune system becomes stuck in a hyperactive state How immune dysregulation can drive inflammation, histamine symptoms, and thyroid autoimmunity The difference between hyperreactive and hyporeactive immune system patterns Lab markers that help identify immune activation and immune suppression Common triggers that disrupt immune regulation How targeted therapies help restore healthy immune signaling How immune modulation can improve symptoms and long-term health outcomes   Important show links 👇👇👇 Listen to the micro-immunotherapy podcast episode  Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

    32 min

  7. MAR 11

    Episode 137: Prolactin: Understanding High Levels & Prolactinomas with Romana

    Prolactin: Understanding High Levels & Prolactinomas with Romana Prolactin is most commonly known as the hormone responsible for breast milk production during pregnancy and postpartum. However, elevated prolactin levels outside of pregnancy or breastfeeding—known as hyperprolactinemia—are far more common than many people realize and can significantly impact cycles, fertility, and thyroid function. Together Romana and I explore the complex relationship between prolactin, dopamine signaling, thyroid function, and the reproductive hormones that regulate ovulation and menstrual cycles. We also discuss how chronic stress, inflammation, and underlying endocrine dysfunction can disrupt prolactin regulation.   A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 What prolactin is, and when elevated levels are expected Why prolactin may be elevated when you are not pregnant or breastfeeding How elevated prolactin impacts ovulation, progesterone production, and cycle regularity The relationship between prolactin, dopamine, and reproductive signaling The relationship between thyroid function, stress and prolactin When to suspect a prolactinoma, and which lab ranges matter How prolactin influences immune function and inflammation Treatment approaches for hyperprolactinemia and prolactinomas   Important show links 👇👇👇 Listen to podcast episode on the role of leptin in thyroid and reproductive function Apply to work 1:1 with us in our coaching program  Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

    33 min

  8. MAR 4

    Episode 136: [The LOdown] My Mold Remediation Story: Everything I Did, Used and How I Recovered

    [The LOdown] My Mold Remediation Story: Everything I Did, Used and How I Recovered In this solo episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of my personal mold remediation experience (for the second time). I'm sharing signs that indicated mold, how I organized remediation to protect my family, how I'm recovering and all the tools and resources I used along the way. A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 Early signs mold may be affecting your health How my mold experiences shaped my personal and clinical perspective The exact remediation steps I required to ensure proper mycotoxin containment Air filtration, dehumidification, and ventilation strategies I implemented What I discarded, cleaned, or replaced to prevent re-exposure How and when I retested my home environment What supported my recovery during and after remediation   Important show links 👇👇👇 Order your at home mold test and get a discount with GotMold? Use code: laurenpapanos10 Get $100 off your AirDoctor air filter with this link Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

    23 min
See All (156)

5
out of 5
82 Ratings

About

The Strength in Hormones Podcast is hosted by expert Functional Registered Dietitian and hormone specialist, Lauren Papanos. Join us every Wednesday for a brand new LOdown with Lo solo episode or expert guest interview. Host Lauren Papanos asks and answers the questions around how to live a vibrant life through harnessing the power of natural hormonal balance and medicinal foods. Inquire to work with Lauren’s practice at www.functionalfueling.com. Follow her on Instagram at @functional.fueling.

Information

You Might Also Like