726. Fatigue, Weight Gain & Mood Swings Out of Nowhere? Here’s What’s Really Going On
The Female Health Solution Podcast
Release Date: 05/05/2025
The Female Health Solution Podcast
In this episode, I get fired up (again!) about the massive gaps, systemic bias, and flat-out inaccuracies in the way women’s health is studied, treated, and talked about. From clinical research excluding women to medical myths that still persist today, we break down exactly why so many women feel unheard—and what you can do about it. I'm talking about everything from the historical exclusion of women in medicine to why “bikini medicine” is not an actual category, how stress impacts us differently, and why your sleep, energy, and metabolism might feel totally out of whack. In this...
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Ever wondered what the best way is to start your morning for optimal gut health? In this episode, I’m breaking down the exact routine I follow (and recommend to my clients) that supports digestion, boosts energy, helps with skin issues, and sets the tone for a smoother day overall. I’m also sharing the backstory—how I discovered my gut was behind my cystic acne, why your mouth health directly impacts your digestive system, and why skipping breakfast may be one of the worst things you can do for your hormones and metabolism. Whether you’re starting from scratch or ready to fine-tune...
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In this episode, I have the pleasure of interviewing Gina Conley. Gina Conley is the founder of MamasteFit, a perinatal fitness trainer, birth doula, and mom of four. She bridges the gap between fitness and birthwork, offering both in-person training and online support to help parents stay strong, confident, and informed throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. As the author of Training for Two, Gina provides evidence-based strategies for movement, pelvic health, and birth preparation. Her unique approach combines fitness and birth support, empowering families with the knowledge and...
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Cortisol often gets a bad rap, but it’s actually essential. Produced by the adrenal glands, cortisol helps wake you up, energize your mornings, and regulate your stress response throughout the day. It should peak mid-morning and slowly taper off by night. But stress, caffeine, poor sleep, and even late-night workouts can throw off this rhythm. If you can’t get up in the morning or hit that afternoon slump, chances are your cortisol is off. Let’s talk about some ways to get it back on track: You can’t out-supplement bad sleep. If you’re not in bed by 10 p.m., you’re...
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In this episode, I have the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Melissa McCreery. Dr. Melissa McCreery is a psychologist, emotional eating expert, author, host of the Too Much on Her Plate podcast, and the creator of Your Missing Peace, the program that supports smart, busy women in creating freedom from overeating and peace with food. She has helped thousands break cycles with overwhelm, overload, and overeating without feeling deprived, and without depending on ridiculous amounts of willpower. Participants in her signature program lose their cravings and their overeating habits. Dr....
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Let’s get real for a moment. Not “do you feel overwhelmed?” but how overwhelmed are you… right now? If your answer is “way more than I used to be,” you’re not alone. In fact, that’s the norm for so many women I speak to—feeling maxed out, overstimulated, and constantly on edge. And here’s the wild thing: most of us don’t even realize how deep into burnout we’ve gotten until our bodies shut down. Think about it: every day you juggle thousands of decisions, from “What’s for dinner?” to managing family schedules, careers, social commitments, and digital...
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“That’s just part of being a woman.” “You’re just getting older.” “Maybe you’re overreacting.” “It’s probably all in your head.” Let’s stop right there. Just because something is common doesn’t make it normal. Let’s break down the top five health issues that women experience far too often—and have been told to ignore. 1. Mood Swings Yes, your mood naturally shifts across your cycle—but when it becomes overwhelming, unpredictable, or makes you feel like you’ve lost control? That’s a red flag. If you find yourself: Crying uncontrollably over small things ...
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Here’s the truth most people don’t want to hear: the secret to balanced hormones isn’t in a miracle pill or trendy hack. It’s in the boring basics. As a women’s health and hormone expert, I want to make sure you’re doing these three simple things consistently. Prioritize Protein & Real Food If you’re skipping meals, cutting carbs, or living off coffee and snacks, your hormones are running on empty. Your body needs steady fuel to support hormonal and metabolic functions. Aim for protein with every meal Avoid processed and sugary foods Eat consistently throughout the day...
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One of my top questions: What’s YOUR routine like?” So today, I’m walking you through what I actually take on a regular basis — the supplements that give me energy and balance, even in the middle of the chaos. A quick note: Yes, I use a lot of supplements. But no, I don’t take everything every day. I listen to my body and respond based on where I’m at in my cycle, what’s going on in my life, and what my most recent labs and genetic testing show. Cycle-Synced Support Let’s start with my favorite: my hormone-support tinctures. I’m a nerd about this stuff because it...
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If you’ve ever wondered, “Is this perimenopause—or something else?”, you’re not alone. For many women, the symptoms can be confusing and frustrating. But here's the truth: perimenopause is a normal, natural phase—and it doesn’t have to feel like the end of the world. Let’s clear the air. Common signs of perimenopause include irregular or skipping periods, hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, anxiety, trouble sleeping, brain fog, joint pain, weight changes, low libido, and more. And stress can make any of these 10x worse! That’s where cortisol comes in. Stress is a...
info_outlineHave you ever found yourself thinking:
“I’m not doing anything different… but all of a sudden I’m exhausted, gaining weight, snapping at everyone, and feeling like a shell of myself. What is going on?!”
If this sounds like you — please know you’re not crazy, and you’re definitely not alone.
I hear this story from women all the time.
➡️ You’re eating well.
➡️ You’re moving your body.
➡️ You’re getting to bed on time.
➡️ And yet — you wake up drained. Mood swinging like crazy. Feeling disconnected from yourself and your people.
And when you ask for help?
You’re told “it’s just your hormones” or “maybe it’s perimenopause” — often years before you thought that was even possible.
Worse, you’re handed a birth control prescription, maybe an antidepressant, and sent on your way without real answers.
But here’s what most providers are missing:
It’s not just one thing.
Your hormones don’t operate in a vacuum. Neither does your mood, energy, or metabolism.
When your system gets depleted — from stress, life demands, shifts in hormone patterns, or nutrient deficiencies — it impacts EVERYTHING.
Your energy.
Your dopamine (the neurotransmitter that gives you motivation and joy).
Your ability to handle stress.
Even your relationships.
We need to give your system what it needs to function properly.
That’s the part that gets missed.
It’s not about doing more. It’s about supporting your body better.
Your hormones, your stress response, your neurotransmitters — they’re all connected. And unless you know where your imbalances actually are, you’re left shooting in the dark.
That’s why inside my Female Hormone Solution program, we don’t guess.
We test.
We individualize.
And we map out a plan based on your body’s actual needs.
Learn more: https://drbethwestie.com/fhs-waitlist/