The Female Health Solution Podcast

Raise your hand if you hit snooze three times this morning.  Yep, I see you. If rolling out of bed feels like dragging a boulder uphill and you don’t feel human until that first sip of coffee, you’re not alone. Trust me, I hear this all the time from women just like you—smart, driven, and doing all the right things, yet still waking up exhausted. So what gives? Let’s get one thing straight: it’s not just about getting more sleep. If it were that easy, you wouldn’t be reading this. The reality? There’s a whole cocktail of reasons why you might be waking up feeling like you got run over by a truck, and we’re about to dig into them. The biggest culprit? Low cortisol. Think of cortisol as your body’s natural morning alarm clock—it’s supposed to rise and give you that let’s-go-conquer-the-day energy. But if your levels are in the basement, you’re starting the day on an empty tank, and no amount of caffeine can fully fix that. I worked with a woman recently who had been battling morning fatigue for years. She swore she was doing everything right—going to bed early, eating well, exercising—but when we ran a DUTCH test, her pre-cortisol levels were basically nonexistent. No wonder she felt like a zombie! But low cortisol is just one piece of the puzzle. Here are a few other sneaky culprits: * Crummy sleep quality – Are you actually getting deep, restorative sleep or just logging hours in bed? * Melatonin misfires – If your melatonin is off, your body’s sleep-wake cycle might be too. * Nutrient gaps – Your body does a ton of repair work overnight, and it needs the right fuel to do it. * Circadian rhythm chaos – Stress, travel, late-night scrolling (we’ve all been there)—all of this messes with your body’s natural rhythms. How to Wake Up Feeling Better Than a Walking Zombie) First things first: You’re not lazy. You don’t need more willpower. You need to give your body what it actually needs to function. Here’s how to start: 1. Test, don’t guess – A DUTCH test will give you real insight into what’s happening with your hormones. 2. Prioritize deep sleep – Set up a bedtime routine, cut back on blue light at night, and consider magnesium or melatonin support. 3. Fuel your body right – Protein, healthy fats, and key nutrients are essential for overnight recovery. 4. Stay the course – If your system is running on empty, fixing it isn’t an overnight job. Give it time, and don’t quit too soon. I know how frustrating it is to feel like your body isn’t cooperating. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to live like this. If you’re ready to stop waking up exhausted and actually feel energized, let’s get to the root cause.  Click the link to learn more about the Female Hormone Solution Program—I’m here to help you take back your mornings and feel like you again: https://drbethwestie.com/waitlist/ [https://drbethwestie.com/waitlist/]

You know that mid-afternoon slump, the one where you’re staring at your to-do list, wondering if a nap is a socially acceptable option? Or that feeling when your energy crashes before your workout even starts? Yeah, I’ve been there too. But here’s the thing: it’s not just about getting enough protein—it’s how you eat it that makes the magic happen. Enter: protein pacing. What is it? Think of it like giving your body consistent doses of protein throughout the day instead of one giant meal at dinner. Science (and my own experience) says this can: ✅ Keep your metabolism revved up 🔥 ✅ Balance blood sugar (bye, mood swings) ✅ Support lean muscle (hello, strength and confidence) And the best part? It’s not about adding more food—it’s about spreading it out smarter. Here’s what that looks like: ☀️ Breakfast: Scrambled eggs + avocado toast (or a smoothie packed with protein) 🍴 Snack: Greek yogurt + berries + a sprinkle of chia seeds 🥗 Lunch: Chicken, quinoa, and greens drizzled with a yummy dressing 🥜 Afternoon snack: protein shake or greek yog (yes, please) 🍽 Dinner: Salmon, roasted veggies, and sweet potatoes Simple, right? And trust me, when you start fueling your body this way, you feel the difference. More energy, fewer cravings, and that steady, strong kind of confidence that makes you want to tackle your day (and maybe even that workout you were dreading). Want 12 weeks of protein pacing meal guides, hormone testing and supplements for YOUR unique hormone challenges? I’ve opened the waitlist for my next 12 week hormone solution and you are invited (special discounts await!): https://drbethwestie.com/waitlist/ [https://drbethwestie.com/waitlist/]

Have you been told to ditch carbs? In the world of keto and low-carb trends, let me tell you: Carbs are not the enemy. In fact, they’re essential, especially for women’s hormone health.  Carbs aren’t just about energy—they’re also about balance.  1. Brain Food: Your brain thrives on glucose (a form of sugar that comes from carbs). When you’re under stress or tired, your brain craves carbs because that’s what it needs to function optimally. Restricting carbs? You might feel foggy, irritable, and more stressed. 2. Hormone Health: * Cortisol: If you’re low on carbs, your stress hormone (cortisol) stays elevated, making it harder to recover from stress and even disrupting your sleep. * Thyroid: Your thyroid, the gland responsible for your metabolism, relies on carbs to produce hormones effectively. Low-carb diets can slow your metabolism. * Insulin: Skipping carbs can lead to insulin resistance over time, which impacts your energy, weight, and even fertility. 3. Digestive Health: Your gut actually produces enzymes to break down carbs. Stop eating them, and your gut stops making those enzymes. When you reintroduce carbs, your digestion may struggle, leading to discomfort. 4. Growth & Repair: Growth hormone, which helps your body repair itself and maintain healthy tissues, is most active at night. But if your blood sugar isn’t stable during the day, this process can be disrupted, leaving you feeling less rejuvenated. “Don’t carbs cause weight gain?” Not when you eat them in balance. Excessive carbs without enough protein or fats can contribute to weight gain, but eliminating them altogether can wreak havoc on your metabolism. “Isn’t sugar bad for hormones?” It’s about quality, not elimination. Focus on whole, nutrient-dense carbs like fruits, veggies, and whole grains instead of processed sugars. Think of your body like a house. If the foundation is crooked, everything else is off—no matter how much you try to “fix” the details. Nutrition is that foundation. When your carbs, protein, and fat are balanced, your body can self-regulate more effectively, improving hormone health, stress levels, and even sleep. I’m hosting a FREE 5-Day Hormone Balance & Metabolism Jumpstart where we’ll dive deeper into this and more: https://dr-beth-westie.mykajabi.com/free-5-day-metabolism-boost-hormone-balance-reset [https://dr-beth-westie.mykajabi.com/free-5-day-metabolism-boost-hormone-balance-reset]

Did you know that years of dieting could be sabotaging your metabolism? Let’s unpack why this happens and, more importantly, how you can rebuild your metabolism for better energy and better health!  The Diet Trap For decades, diet culture has pressured women to pursue unrealistic body standards. From cabbage soup diets to extreme calorie restriction, the message has been clear: smaller is better. But here’s the thing—this is not true, and it’s certainly not good for your metabolism.  When you restrict calories or cut out entire food groups, your metabolism adapts. It slows down to conserve energy because your body perceives these restrictions as a stressor. Over time, this makes it harder to lose weight, creates hormonal imbalances, and depletes your energy stores. Why the Female Body is Different Here’s something diet culture ignores: the female body is designed to store fat as a survival mechanism. Fat is essential for hormone regulation, fertility, and overall health. When you drastically cut calories or follow extreme diets, your body clings to fat reserves even harder. It’s not you—it’s biology. On top of that, factors like stress, lack of sleep, medications, and birth control can further impact your metabolism. Add in chronic dieting, and the result is often a sluggish metabolic rate, nutrient deficiencies, and burnout. The Metabolism You Want The good news? You don’t have to stay stuck in this cycle. The key to a healthy metabolism is fueling your body—not depriving it. It’s about giving your body the nutrients, rest, and movement it needs to function optimally. * Protein is Your Friend: Start your day with a protein-rich breakfast to support muscle repair and metabolism. * Prioritize Sleep: Growth hormone, essential for metabolic function, is released during deep sleep. * Manage Stress: High cortisol levels can wreak havoc on your metabolism. Build stress-reducing habits into your day. * Fuel Strategically: Eating enough calories and the right balance of nutrients keeps your metabolic “fire” burning. Ready for a Reset? If you’re ready to break free from the dieting hamster wheel and build a metabolism that works for you, I’m inviting you to join my FREE 5-Day Metabolism Reset Challenge. In just five days, you’ll learn how to: * Fuel your body for better energy. * Improve your digestion. * Build habits for long-term metabolic health. Plus, we’ll be giving away prizes like DUTCH hormone tests, metabolism-supporting tinctures, and dry brushes to kickstart your journey. This is a no-pressure, supportive challenge designed to help you feel better, fast. Whether you’re looking for a reset or just some practical tips, this challenge is the perfect place to start. Details at a Glance: 📅 When: February 3rd - February 7th 🎁 Prizes: Dutch hormone tests, metabolism tinctures, and more! 📍 Where: Online 💰 Cost: FREE 👉 Join the Challenge Here: https://dr-beth-westie.mykajabi.com/free-5-day-metabolism-boost-hormone-balance-reset [https://dr-beth-westie.mykajabi.com/free-5-day-metabolism-boost-hormone-balance-reset] I know how exhausting it can feel to try diet after diet and end up disappointed. Let’s shift the focus to fueling your body, improving your health, and building a metabolism that works for you—not against you. I can’t wait to see you there!

Do you ever feel like you’re trapped in a body that’s having wild emotional responses for no reason? Like one moment you’re calm, and the next, you’re completely overwhelmed? You’re not alone. Mood swings can feel like a rollercoaster—sudden anger, tears, or irritability that seem to come out of nowhere. But here’s the thing: it’s not “all in your head,” and you’re not overreacting. Your body may be signaling deeper imbalances. Mood swings aren’t just a simple A + B = C equation. Women’s physiology is incredibly complex, and factors like hormone imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, and stress play a major role. Here are some common culprits: * Hormonal Imbalances: Issues with estrogen processing or progesterone levels often show up on advanced hormone tests like the DUTCH test. * Adrenal Stress: Elevated cortisol (your stress hormone) can throw your emotional balance off. * Nutrient Deficiencies: Lacking key vitamins or minerals can exacerbate mood swings. * Sleep Issues: Poor-quality sleep leaves you emotionally vulnerable. Severe mood swings don’t just affect you—they can ripple through your relationships, work, and overall well-being. One client described feeling like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, losing patience with her kids and spouse, and even jeopardizing lifelong friendships. Your mood swing road map:  * Testing is Key: A comprehensive hormone test can pinpoint the root causes of your mood swings. * Support Your Liver: Estrogen is processed through the liver, and if it’s sluggish, emotions like anger can build up. * Tailored Nutrition: Small tweaks to your diet can make a huge difference in how you feel. * Stress Management: Addressing adrenal fatigue can stabilize your emotional responses. You don’t have to live at the mercy of your mood swings. With the right tools, you can regain control and feel like yourself again.  Join the next 12 week Hormone solution: https://drbethwestie.com/waitlist/ [https://dr-beth-westie.mykajabi.com/12-week-program-waitlist]