The Real Heal - Intimate Conversations with Holistic Health Experts

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

Your Labs Are “Normal” But You Still Feel Awful: 7 Hidden Patterns Doctors Miss 05/07/2026

Hot Flashes? Try This Before Taking Medication 04/30/2026

Hot Flashes? Try This Before Taking Medication Hot flashes and night sweats are some of the most frustrating symptoms of perimenopause and menopause—but what if you don’t want to take hormones or can’t use hormone therapy? In this episode, I walk you through science-backed, non-hormonal treatments for hot flashes, including lifestyle changes, mind-body techniques, supplements, and prescription options that can help calm your body’s internal thermostat. Hot flashes happen because the hypothalamus (your brain’s thermostat) becomes overly sensitive when estrogen levels decline. Even small temperature changes can trigger sweating, flushing, anxiety, and sleep disruption. While hormone therapy is still the gold standard for hot flashes, many women either prefer to avoid hormones or have medical reasons they can’t take them. That’s why it’s important to understand the evidence-based alternatives that can help reduce symptoms and improve sleep and quality of life. In this episode, we’ll cover practical strategies I use with patients in my practice to manage menopause symptoms without hormones, including nervous system regulation, lifestyle triggers, targeted supplements, and newer medications like VEOZAH (fezolinetant). If you’re dealing with perimenopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, poor sleep, anxiety, or hormone imbalance, this video will give you a clearer roadmap of your options. 🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube: Topics Covered in This Episode: Perimenopause and menopause hot flashes Night sweats and sleep disruption Non-hormonal treatments for menopause symptoms Cognitive behavioral therapy for hot flashes Mind-body techniques for nervous system regulation Soy isoflavones and menopause supplements• Black cohosh safety and effectiveness SSRIs and SNRIs for hot flashes Gabapentin for night sweats Fezolinetant (VEOZAH) explained Lifestyle changes that reduce hot flashes Want Personalized Help? If you're struggling with hot flashes, hormone imbalance, low energy, or other midlife hormone symptoms, I work with women over 40 in my telemedicine practice to create personalized plans using functional medicine, lifestyle strategies, and when appropriate, hormone therapy. Learn more about working with me here: DISCLAIMER: Keep in mind, I am not your doctor. This video is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have a specific medical concern, please consult your own personal doctor or healthcare professional. Links + Resources My Amazon storefront (products I personally use + recommend): (I do make a small commission from sales using my link) My favorite supplement brand: (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: ★ Instagram: ★ Facebook: ★ TikTok: ★ Pinterest: /episode/index/show/lovetheleapwithdrrenee/id/40725745

Perimenopause Rage & The "We Do Not Care" Club: What’s Happening in Your Brain 04/23/2026

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: 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): 👉 Links + Resources My Amazon storefront (products I personally use + recommend): (I do make a small commission from sales using my link) My favorite supplement brand: (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: ★ Instagram: ★ Facebook: ★ TikTok: ★ Pinterest: /episode/index/show/lovetheleapwithdrrenee/id/40725705

Your 30s Symptoms Are Valid — It Might Be Perimenopause 04/16/2026

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: 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: * Amazon Favorites: * Supplement Dispensary: *I do make a small commission from sales of the above products. Book a Call Book your call here: 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: ★ Instagram: ★ Facebook: ★ TikTok: ★ Pinterest: /episode/index/show/lovetheleapwithdrrenee/id/40725520

Belly Fat After 40: What Actually Works for Perimenopause & Menopause (2026 Science-Backed Guide) 04/09/2026

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: 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: Book a Strategy Call: Shop My Favorites * Shop My Page: * Amazon Favorites: * Supplement Dispensary: *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: ★ Instagram: ★ Facebook: ★ TikTok: ★ Pinterest: /episode/index/show/lovetheleapwithdrrenee/id/40725405

The Menopause Brain Crisis No Doctor Warns You About 04/02/2026

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: 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: Shop My Favorites * Shop My Page: * Amazon Favorites: * Supplement Dispensary: 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 /episode/index/show/lovetheleapwithdrrenee/id/40202510

The FDA's Dangerous HRT Mistake Finally Exposed 03/26/2026

Is Perimenopause Quietly Stealing Your Hair? 03/19/2026

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: 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): 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: (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 → 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 /episode/index/show/lovetheleapwithdrrenee/id/40201070

8 Weird Perimenopause Symptoms No One Warned You About 03/12/2026

2026 Weight Loss Trend Report for Women Over 40: What’s Working, What’s Not, and What’s Next 03/05/2026

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: 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: Ready to make a real change? Let’s talk. Apply for a free strategy call: 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): (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): (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 /episode/index/show/lovetheleapwithdrrenee/id/40200920

5 Signs You're Losing Your Edge (And How to Get It Back) 02/26/2026

5 Signs You're Losing Your Edge (And How to Get It Back) If you're a high-achieving woman in your 40s and you used to crush it—but now you're just getting through the day—this video is for you. I'm Dr. Renee Wellenstein, double board-certified OB/GYN and Functional Medicine doctor, and I'm breaking down the 5 signs you're losing your edge and exactly how to get it back. In this video, you'll learn: Why your brain isn't as sharp as it used to be (and what's really causing the brain fog) The hidden reason you're exhausted even after a full night's sleep Why you've lost your competitive edge and how cortisol burnout is keeping you stuck What's really behind the weight gain around your midsection (hint: it's not just calories) How hormone decline is making you play small—and how to reclaim your confidence This isn't "normal aging." This is a hormone crisis—and it's fixable. I'll show you the exact testing you need (not just "normal" labs—OPTIMAL levels), the protocols that work (bioidentical hormones, peptides, adaptogens, and personalized supplements), and how to support your mitochondria so you can reclaim your energy, sharpness, and drive. 🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube: 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 TO GET YOUR EDGE BACK? Book a FREE Strategy Call with me and let's design your personalized optimization plan: MY FAVORITE PRODUCTS & SUPPLEMENTS: Designs for Health (the supplement brand I use with my clients for hormone balance, gut health, and metabolic support): My Amazon Favorites (tools, supplements, and wellness essentials I recommend): (I do make a small commission on sales that help to keep this channel going) 🔗 Connect with me on social media @DrReneeWellenstein for daily tips, updates, and more! 📌 Helpful Links & Resource 💡 Work with me: ★ Instagram: ★ Facebook: ★ TikTok: ★ Pinterest: /episode/index/show/lovetheleapwithdrrenee/id/39812090

The Weight Loss Gene: Could Your DNA Be Why You Can't Lose Weight? 02/19/2026

3 Stress Mistakes Making You Gain Weight After 40 (That No One Talks About) 02/12/2026

8 Lab Tests Every Woman Over 40 Needs (That Your Doctor Won't Order) 02/05/2026

Can't Lose Weight After 40? It's Your Mitochondria (5 Signs + How to Fix It) 01/29/2026

Can't Lose Weight After 40? It's Your Mitochondria (5 Signs + How to Fix It) Can't lose weight after 40? Always exhausted? Brain fog that won't quit? Your doctor says your labs are "normal"—but you feel anything BUT normal. Here's what they're not checking: your mitochondria. Your mitochondria are your cellular powerhouses—they control your energy, metabolism, fat burning, and even how fast you age. When they're struggling, EVERYTHING suffers. In this video, I'm breaking down the 5 signs your mitochondria are damaged, why conventional medicine misses it, and exactly how to fix it using my proven H.E.R. Method™. If you're tired of being dismissed and ready to get to the root cause, this is for you. 🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube: RESOURCES & LINKS: Book Your Free Discovery Call: Ready to get to the root cause? Let's talk about your symptoms and see if my programs are right for you. Dr. Renee's Supplement Dispensary: Access the high-quality, practitioner-grade supplements I recommend (CoQ10, magnesium, L-carnitine, B-complex, and more). Walking Pad (Mitochondrial-Friendly Movement): One of my favorite tools for gentle, restorative movement that supports mitochondrial health. Meditation Apps I Recommend: * Insight Timer (free guided meditations): * Headspace (stress management & sleep support): Free 30 day guest pass on me: Additional Products I Recommend To Help Support Healthy Mitochondria: Dry Brushing Kit: Supports lymphatic drainage: Red Light Therapy Device: Advanced mitochondrial optimization: Air Purifier: Reduces toxin exposure (detox support): Non-Toxic Cookware: Reduces toxin exposure from food prep: Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration (countertop): For cleaner water: A NOTE ABOUT LINKS: Some of the links in this description are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use, trust, or believe will genuinely support your health journey. Your support helps me continue creating free content like this. Thank you! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this video is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, supplements, exercise routine, or medical treatment. 🔗 Connect with me on social media @DrReneeWellenstein for daily tips, updates, and more! 📌 Helpful Links & Resource 💡 Work with me: ★ Instagram: ★ Facebook: ★ TikTok: ★ Pinterest: /episode/index/show/lovetheleapwithdrrenee/id/39811830