Ep. 11 - Better Than Normal: The Truth About Your Blood Work

Ep. 11 - Better Than Normal: The Truth About Your Blood Work

In this episode, we're diving into a topic that's a game-changer for anyone looking to take control of their health. Our special guest, MaryAnn Marks, is here to help break down one of the most under-utilized resources in both conventional and functional medicine - The Simple Blood Test. Conventional ranges are based on averages from a largely unhealthy population or when medication is appropriate, not when dysfunction begins, which means your "normal" might be far from optimal. And let’s face it, having “normal” health kinda sucks these days. Many of the ranges used in functional medicine, though well-intentioned lack any research-backed validation. We get into how tighter, research-backed ranges can reveal imbalances before they turn into full-blown health issues. We are covering everything from thyroid hormones and testosterone to blood sugar levels and markers that change during pregnancy and menopause. How simple and affordable lab markers can help to pinpoint deficiencies and potential health risks early on, allowing you to make proactive changes before diseases are present, and possibly before you experience any symptoms. We talk about how factors like age, sex, ethnicity, menstrual phase, and even elevation can skew your results making things look normal or abnormal when they are not. This episode is packed with actionable insights that will empower you to get the most out of your blood work and truly optimize your health. So, if you've ever been told your results are "normal" but you still don't feel right, this one's for you! Be sure to check the show notes or send me a dm on Instagram for the Blood Work Prep Guide. There are several common mistakes people make before getting their labwork done that can lead to a misdiagnosis, unnecessary treatments, or being dismissed by a health care practitioner when you know something is off. So, please don’t miss out on that. The Labsmarts Software: https://labsmarts.com/ [https://labsmarts.com/] MaryAnn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/labsmarts/ [https://www.instagram.com/labsmarts/] Blood Work Prep Guide: https://estrogenevolution.ck.page/bloodprep [ https://estrogenevolution.ck.page/bloodprep] Follow Jessie On IG: https://www.instagram.com/jessie_dotlife/ [https://www.instagram.com/jessie_dotlife/ ] Your Estrogen Evolution: https://estrogenevolution.ck.page/betalaunch [https://estrogenevolution.ck.page/betalaunch] Your Optimal Health Blueprint https://jessie.life/optimal-health-blueprint/ [https://jessie.life/optimal-health-blueprint/] Chapters 00:00 - Intro and welcome 00:36 - Introduction of Maryann Marks 01:28 - Maryann's background and health journey 02:26 - Learning about blood work and starting LabSmart software 03:29 - Understanding blood work ranges and their limitations 05:11 - Creating optimal and functional ranges for better health interpretation 07:26 - Functional interpretation examples: thyroid and testosterone 11:01 - Blood markers during pregnancy 13:21 - Impact of elevation on blood markers 15:02 - Changes in blood markers during menopause 17:28 - Research backing for LabSmart's optimal ranges 22:13 - Importance of blood chemistry in functional medicine 26:00 - Maryann's hysterectomy story 31:13 - Discussion on aging and health 33:57 - Final thoughts and where to find Maryann's software 34:55 - Sign-off Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only & does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. The use of this information & the materials linked to this podcast is at the user's own risk. The content on this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they have, & they should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

Ep 10 - The Funny Thing About Natural Birth

In this episode of The 40 & Unfiltered Podcast, Lauren Loparo shares her experience with natural birth at a birthing center which was intense and not at all what she expected. Her first birthing experience was in a hospital, so she's able to give us her thoughts on both. Was this natural birth orgasmic like she saw on Instagram? What were the key differences between the two experiences? Hit play to get all your questions answered! And you're gonna laugh way more than you'd think, starting about 20 minutes in! We talk about her care leading up to the birth, the entire birth experience, and her follow-up care afterward. We start off also discussing low milk supply and making your own formula. Do you have more questions? DM us on IG Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Congratulations 02:43 Low Milk Supply and DIY Baby Formula 08:13 The Experience of Water Breaking 12:42 Stimulating Contractions with Enemas and Herbs 29:42 The Intensity of Contractions and Rapid Progression of Labor 37:49 Debunking Myths: Water Birth and Orgasmic Birth 44:55 Postnatal Care and Lactation Consultations 55:30 The Challenges and Costs of Pregnancy and Childbirth Follow Jessie On IG: https://www.instagram.com/jessie_dotlife/ [https://www.instagram.com/jessie_dotlife/ ] Your Estrogen Evolution: https://estrogenevolution.ck.page/betalaunch [https://estrogenevolution.ck.page/betalaunch] Your Optimal Health Blueprint https://jessie.life/optimal-health-blueprint/ [https://jessie.life/optimal-health-blueprint/] Find Lauren L on IG: https://www.instagram.com/expand_thai_massage/ [https://www.instagram.com/expand_thai_massage/] Find Lauren O on IG https://www.instagram.com/coachlaurenohanlon/ [https://www.instagram.com/expand_thai_massage/] Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only & does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. The use of this information & the materials linked to this podcast is at the user's own risk. The content on this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they have, & they should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

Ep. 9 - It's Not All Doom & Gloom

After several episodes discussing all the potential problems and symptoms that can appear during perimenopause and menopause, I thought we should discuss many of the awesome things to look forward to when thinking about the rest of your life. We talk about the actions you can start doing today to ensure you are able to live a long, healthy, and independent life. Chapters 00:00 - Navigating Health Insurance and At-Home Perimenopause Testing 11:07 - What Health Screenings Do I Need During In My 40s? 31:23 - How Can Diet and Lifestyle Choices Improve Perimenopause & Menopause Symptoms? 32:07 - How to Take Charge of Your Health in Your 40s To Be Independent In Your 80s 37:56 - What Hormone Tests Should I Get for Perimenopause? 52:56 - How to Preserve Muscle and Stay Strong During Menopause Resources Mentioned Breast Cancer Screening With Dense Breast Tissue https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/mammogram/in-depth/dense-breast-tissue/art-20123968 [https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/mammogram/in-depth/dense-breast-tissue/art-20123968] DEXA Bone Mineral Density and Body Composition Scans https://radiology.ucsf.edu/blog/dxadexa-beats-bmi-using-x-ray-exam-measure-body-composition-fat-loss [https://radiology.ucsf.edu/blog/dxadexa-beats-bmi-using-x-ray-exam-measure-body-composition-fat-loss] Clear Blue Easy Perimenopause / Menopause At Home Testing Kit https://a.co/d/0bLZ712n [https://a.co/d/0bLZ712n] Huberman Lab Podcast With Dr. Means https://www.hubermanlab.com/episode/dr-casey-means-transform-your-health-by-improving-metabolism-hormone-blood-sugar-regulation [https://a.co/d/0bLZ712n] Cronometer App Cronometer.com [Cronometer.com] Follow Jessie On IG: https://www.instagram.com/jessie_dotlife/ [https://www.instagram.com/jessie_dotlife/ ] Your Estrogen Evolution: https://estrogenevolution.ck.page/betalaunch [https://estrogenevolution.ck.page/betalaunch] Your Optimal Health Blueprint https://jessie.life/optimal-health-blueprint/ [https://jessie.life/optimal-health-blueprint/] Find Lauren L on IG: https://www.instagram.com/expand_thai_massage/ [https://www.instagram.com/expand_thai_massage/] Find Lauren O on IG https://www.instagram.com/coachlaurenohanlon/ [https://www.instagram.com/coachlaurenohanlon/] Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only & does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. The use of this information & the materials linked to this podcast is at the user's own risk. The content on this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they have, & they should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

Ep. 8 From Peri to Post: What I Wish Someone Would Have Told Me

This week, Other Lauren & I are diving deep into my personal rollercoaster ride through perimenopause, menopause, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). I'm sharing the gritty details of my symptoms like disrupted sleep, anxiety, and yes, even rage. We’re breaking down the science behind HRT, debunking myths, and sharing what really works. Plus, we'll chat about the impact of stress and lifestyle on menopause. If you're in your 40s or just curious about menopause, this episode is packed with insights and answers you need. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction 03:15 - Home Alone: Reflections on Personal Space 08:00 - Birthday Parties Gone Wild 15:30 - Menopause Awareness and Medical Myths 25:00 - Hormone Therapy: Personal Experiences and Insights 35:20 - The Emotional Rollercoaster of Menopause 45:00 - Practical Tips for Navigating Menopause 55:00 - Fun Facts and Future Plans Resources Mentioned The New Menopause: Navigating Your Path Through Hormonal Change with Purpose, Power, and Facts https://a.co/d/04TH0JKo [https://a.co/d/04TH0JKo] The Galveston Diet: The Doctor-Developed, Patient-Proven Plan to Burn Fat and Tame Your Hormonal Symptoms https://a.co/d/06KjhmMA [https://a.co/d/06KjhmMA] North American Menopause Society (NAMS) - Focused on Providing Physicians, Practitioners & Women Menopause Information, Help & Treatment Insights https://www.menopause.org/ [https://www.menopause.org/] A Contemporary View of Menopausal Hormone Therapy https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38484309/ [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38484309/] Clearblue Menopause Stage Indicator https://a.co/d/08YfK7az [https://a.co/d/08YfK7az] HRT and Long-Term Health: What Every Woman Needs to Know https://jessie.life/hrt/ [https://jessie.life/hrt/] Follow Jessie On IG: https://www.instagram.com/jessie_dotlife/ [https://www.instagram.com/jessie_dotlife/ ] Your Estrogen Evolution: https://estrogenevolution.ck.page/betalaunch [https://estrogenevolution.ck.page/betalaunch] Your Optimal Health Blueprint https://jessie.life/optimal-health-blueprint/ [https://jessie.life/optimal-health-blueprint/] Find Lauren L on IG: https://www.instagram.com/expand_thai_massage/ [https://www.instagram.com/expand_thai_massage/] https://www.instagram.com/expand_thai_massage/ Find Lauren O on IG https://www.instagram.com/coachlaurenohanlon/ [https://www.instagram.com/coachlaurenohanlon/] Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only & does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. The use of this information & the materials linked to this podcast is at the user's own risk. The content on this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they have, & they should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

Ep. 7 - Juggling Present Overwhelm & Getting Off The Floor At 75

Join Jessie and Lauren in this lively episode of "40 and Unfiltered" as they dive into the chaos and joys of moving furniture, finding mental clarity amidst life's hustle, and the surprising ways they cope with stress. From Jessie's upcoming solo retreat at home to Lauren's thoughtful take on long-term health, this episode is packed with relatable stories, practical tips, and plenty of laughs. They discuss what to consider doing now if you want to be able to get off the floor at 75. Whether you're navigating your own busy life or just need a moment of light-hearted fun, tune in and get inspired to tackle your day with a smile. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Cozy Chat 17:34 Do You Think About Long-Term Health 22:09 Balancing Personal Well-Being and Caring for Others 26:13 Will You Be Able To Get Up Off The Floor When You Are 75? 29:53 Making Decisions That Support Long-Term Health and Well-Being 30:21 The Clear Blue Easy Perimenopause Test Kit 35:58 The Link Between Alcohol and Breast Cancer 42:47 The Power of Self-Talk and Self-Compassion 46:39 Handling Overwhelm and Managing Stress 55:31 Finding Relaxation in Reality TV Follow Jessie On IG: https://www.instagram.com/jessie_dotlife/ Your Estrogen Evolution: https://estrogenevolution.ck.page/betalaunch Your Optimal Health Blueprint: https://jessie.life/optimal-health-blueprint/ Find Lauren L on IG: https://www.instagram.com/expand_thai_massage/ Find Lauren O on IG https://www.instagram.com/coachlaurenohanlon/ Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only & does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. The use of this information & the materials linked to this podcast is at the user's own risk. The content on this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they have, & they should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.