Hormone Health Podcast

In this episode, we are speaking with Renée Grandi all about "Endometriosis Brain"Renee is a Neuroscience Researcher with a Master’s in Neuroscience and a clinical background as a Naturopath and Clinical Nutritionist. She is also the founder of the Women’s Integrative Health Clinic, where she focuses on complex conditions such as endometriosis, autoimmune disorders, and chronic fatigue, particularly their effects on the brain and nervous system.- When we talk about endometriosis, it’s usually framed around pelvic pain and reproductive health. But the impact of endometriosis goes far beyond the pelvis—right into the brain and nervous system. In this episode, we dive deep into the neuroscience of endometriosis, exploring how chronic pain reshapes the brain, why mental health struggles are so common, and what this means for healing.Here’s what we cover in this conversation:What is the “endometriosis brain”? Understanding how this term captures the neurological and psychological dimensions of endometriosis.Endometriosis and mental health: The strong links between pain, mood, and cognitive changes.Central sensitisation explained: How bottom-up and top-down pathways, neurotransmitters, and even the brain’s detox systems contribute to neuropathic pain.What brain imaging shows us: Key research findings on the differences in the brains of women with symptomatic versus asymptomatic endometriosis.How pain rewires the nervous system: A closer look at the regions of the brain involved, how they interconnect, and what this means for the symptoms women experience.The role of stress, trauma, and hormones: How external and internal factors can trigger or intensify symptoms.The glymphatic system: A newer area of neuroscience research that sheds light on brain inflammation and pain in endometriosis.Therapeutic goals: Why supporting the brain and nervous system is just as important as treating physical symptoms.Practical strategies for healing: From medical to integrative and lifestyle approaches, ways to help rebalance the nervous system and reduce pain.A message of hope: What women need to know about the brain’s ability to change, adapt, and heal.✨ Whether you’re living with endometriosis, supporting someone who is, or curious about the mind-body connection in chronic pain, this episode offers a science-driven, compassionate perspective on the “endometriosis brain.”As always, we'd love to hear from you. Send us a DM on Instagram or email at hello@hormonehealthstudio.com.

Period pain is experienced by 90% (yes! 90%!!) of tweens and teens — but how much is “normal,” and when should you seek help?In this episode, we explore what period pain actually is, why it happens, and how common it really is among our teens and teens in Australia. We’ll unpack the difference between mild, manageable cramps and severe pain that could signal conditions like endometriosis, plus introduce the PIPPA tool — a simple way to screen whether period pain needs further medical attention.You’ll also learn about both conventional and natural approaches for managing pain and heavy bleeding, from over the counter medications, hormone medications, to the latest research on nutrients herbal options.Whether you’re a parent or primary care giver, or a teen navigating new cycles, or a health professional, this episode will give you practical tools and insights to make periods a healthier, less disruptive experience.Episode ResourcesPeriod ImPact and Pain Assessment (PIPPA) Online Screening ToolPelvic Pain Foundation of AustraliaEfficacy of Ginger in the Treatment of Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysisEffect of Curcumin on Dysmenorrhea and Symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-AnalysisThe Efficacy of Zinc Administration in the Treatment of Primary DysmenorrheaTween/Teen Period Care ResourcesModiBodi Period UnderwearKMART Period BeltTENS machine: Tap. 2Wet Pouch (A handy school bag-sized is designed to keep her worn storage safely stashed away when she's managing her period away from home).As always, we'd love to hear from you. Send us a DM on Instagram or email at hello@hormonehealthstudio.com.

In this episode, we delve into a recent study published Dietary Modification and Supplement Use For Endometriosis Pain (March 2025) that investigates the role of dietary modifications and supplement use in managing endometriosis-related pain. The research, conducted by a team from the University of Edinburgh and University College Cork, explores how certain dietary patterns and supplements may influence pain levels in individuals with endometriosis.StrengthsComprehensive Approach: The study examines both dietary changes and supplement use, providing a holistic view of non-pharmacological interventions for endometriosis pain.Collaborative Research: The involvement of multiple institutions enhances the study’s credibility and depth of analysis.Open Access Publication: Being published in an open-access journal ensures that the findings are readily available to the public, healthcare professionals, and researchers.Large Sample Size: The study surveyed 2,388 women with confirmed endometriosis, providing a substantial dataset for analysis.High Engagement: A significant majority of participants (84%) reported making dietary changes, with 67% noting pain improvement. Additionally, 59% used supplements, and 43% found them beneficial.Identification of Specific Interventions: The study pinpointed particular dietary modifications and supplements associated with pain relief, such as:Reducing alcohol (53% reported improvement)Limiting gluten and dairy (45% each)Decreasing caffeine intake (43%)Adopting a low FODMAP diet (32%)Following a Mediterranean diet (29%)Relevance to Complementary Therapies: The study sheds light on non-pharmacological approaches that many women with endometriosis are exploring to manage their symptoms.LimitationsObservational Design: As an observational study, it cannot establish causality between dietary changes or supplement use and pain reduction.Self-Reported Data: The reliance on participants’ recollection of dietary changes and pain levels introduces potential recall bias, affecting data accuracy.Lack of Control Group: Without a control group, it’s challenging to determine whether observed improvements are due to the interventions or other factors.Variability in Interventions: The study did not standardize the types or amounts of dietary changes and supplements, making it difficult to assess specific effects.Potential Placebo Effect: Participants’ expectations and beliefs about the efficacy of dietary changes and supplements might have influenced their perception of pain relief.Join us as we discuss the implications of this study for those living with endometriosis and consider how diet and supplements might play a role in pain management strategies.As always, we'd love to hear from you. Send us a DM on Instagram or email at hello@hormonehealthstudio.com.

Husky, sniffly voices from Chloe and Georgia in their timely episode covering all things sickness, in particular Winter viruses.Some topics covered in this episode include:Why do we get more sick in Winter?Factors that increase your risk of sickness (such as super common nutritional deficiencies)Fever - should you let it run it's course?Our favourite Naturopathic herbs and supplements to use when we're sickAlso, have you ever heard of leisure sickness? Also known as Holiday Sickness Syndrome. In this episode, we explore why some people get sick just as they start to unwind—and what you can do to avoid it.ResourcesSleep and our immunityReduced sleep, particularly shorter than 7–9 hours, is associated with increased URTIs. Strategies improving sleep should be explored to prevent URTIs. PMID: 33997896Nasal saline spray and reducing viral symptom duration:Study protocol of the Edinburgh and Lothian Virus Intervention Study in Kids: a randomised controlled trial of hypertonic saline nose drops in children with upper respiratory tract infections (ELVIS Kids). PMID: 33952557Nasal sprays and behavioural interventions compared with usual care for acute respiratory illness in primary care: a randomised, controlled, open-label, parallel-group trial. Lancet ISSN: 2213-2600Thanks for listening!As always, you can find more information about our team on Instagram at @hormonehealthstudio or if you would like to reach out to us, you can email hello@hormonehealthstudio.com.

Another birth story to kick off season three of Hormone Health Podcast. For this week's episode we hear from Georgia who welcomed her third baby, little Lottie into the world via a beautiful home birth experience in August 2024.Georgia talks us through her decision to try for a Vaginal Birth After Caesarean (VBAC) at home after her second birth resulted in an emergency caesarean due to breech position. If you have experienced a VBAC before, you may resonate with Georgias feelings of increasing anticipation, doubt and excitement as labour and birth approach, these feelings only intensifying as you go beyond your "due date", or in Georgias case... up to 42 weeks and 1 day. Georgia talks us through her tactics to support whilst she was labouring, making a special mention to her TENS machine and her birthing affirmation "I can, and I will". Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoy! As always, we would love to hear from you if you had any podcast feedback, or would like to hear any specific topics or stories. You can reach out to us at: hello@hormonehealthstudio.com or a DM on Instagram.

This episode is a must for those preparing for labour and birth and for those, including birth partners, who will be present during a labour and birth. We were lucky enough to speak with well-known, Rhea Dempsey, who over the last 40 years has attended thousands of births. This was such a fascinating chat about: The stats mothers are up against birthing in this modern world Understanding pain in labour - functional physiological pain vs pathological painThe hormonal changes that happen during normal physiological birth - the dance between Queen Oxytocin, Endorphins, and AdrenalineThe similarities between Runner's High and "the magic of 7cm" during normal physiological birthThe "Crisis of Confidence" many women face throughout labour How to prepare for a powerful, positive birth with tips on creating a conducive environment, when the right time is to get into a birth pool, as well as Rhea's thoughts on tools like the birth comb and the TENS machineIf you are wanting to learn more, Rhea has two phenomenal books - Birth With Confidence and Beyond The Birth Plan. I know many of you have been longing for this episode so we would absolutely love to hear your thoughts. Send us an email at hello@hormonehealthstudio.com or tag us on Instagram.

Lucy Lines is an Embryologist, Fertility Educator and IVF Advocate and she runs @twolinesfertility instagram page where she shares so much valuable information.We were lucky to speak to Lucy all about how to prepare for IVF when that's been your recommended next step on your fertility journey.A must listen to all on the IVF journey! Be sure to let us know your thoughts - send us a DM on Instagram or email at hello@hormonehealthstudio.com.

This short and sweet episode touches on one of the most common complaints we see at Hormone Health Studio - urinary tract infections (UTIs).We talk about exactly what UTIs are, who is most at risk, how the vaginal microbiome plays a role, same goes with hormones, and of course what you can start doing to get on top of recurrent UTIs. As always, we'd love to hear from you. Send us a DM on Instagram or email us at hello@hormonehealthstudio.com.*Please note that ehen Chloe mentioned uric acid crystals, she is also referring to other types of urine crystals such as Magnesium ammonium phosphate (struvite) which can coincide with UTI's.

Natalie Kringoudis has an impressive bio...and it's no surprise considering she is THE Hormone Revolutionist.With over 20 years of experience supporting women as a TCM Practitioner, herbalist and Acupuncturist, Nat has gained a deep understanding of how and why we can experience particular symptoms and how to manage them.In this episode, Nat shares with us how she started her career and the many individuals she has supported over the years, as well as her own very recent experience of an extended fast. An episode full of great insights and one not to be missed!Have a listen and let us know your thoughts - flick us an email at hello@hormonehealthstudio.com or a DM on Instagram.

Do you have golden poo? Or, are you like the majority of us and have reduce microbial diversity in our guts?In this episode we chat to self regarded Gut Nerd, Dr Brad Leech all about the complexity of the gut microbiome. Since graduating from his Health Science Degree in Naturopathy, Brad has gone on to further his education regarding gut health - so we had some questions for this gut expert....What the hell is your microbiome?How can you test or measure your microbiome?How do hormonal conditions like PCOS and Endometriosis affect your gut health?Can your intimate partner influence your own gut microbiome?What are your top three tips to improve your gut health and microbiome diversity?So if you're a practitioner or love learning about the gut, make sure you are prepared with bring a pen and paper to take notes because there are lots of golden nuggets (excuse the pun) in this episode.Dr. Brad Leech also offers mentoring and education courses on his website which you can visit hereAs always, we'd love to hear from you. Send us a DM on Instagram or email us at hello@hormonehealthstudio.com

In this weeks episode, we chat to Dr Melanie Jackson, home birth midwife and host of The Great Birth Rebellion Podcast.Melanie kindly talks us through her personal journey of birthing her two children at home with her learnt experiences as a midwife. Such a powerful birth story, with a sneak peak quote from Mel:"and I started hysterically laughing like a mad women, and I remember thinking maybe to myself, maybe I should tone this down, and then immediately telling myself ""no Mel, you're amongst friends here and you need to just let out whatever it is you want to do"".We also chat with Mel all about how she supports her clients attempting Vaginal Birth After Caesarean (VBAC) at home, along with common VBAC questions and concerns with, and yes - we ask about uterine rupture.In August this year, Mel is hosting The Convergence of Rebellious Midwives Conference with some incredible birthing experts, an event not to be missed.As always, we'd love to hear your thoughts so DM us on Instagram or flick an email to hello@hormonehealthstudio.com.

"PCOS- what a stupid, pompous title that is." - Dr Soji SwarajImagine having a hour with an Endocrinologist to ask them all there is to know about PCOS? Well we did, and we couldn't wait to release this episode.There is so much confusion and shame around PCOS - it's diagnosis; its true effect on fertility; its management. So we got none other than expert in the field, Endocrinologist Dr Soji Swaraj, on the podcast to understand exactly what PCOS is, why it happens, who it happens to (hint: Olympians and Netballers get a special mention), and how we can best manage it.If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with PCOS, this episode is not to be missed.As always, we'd love to hear your thoughts so DM us on Instagram or flick an email to hello@hormonehealthstudio.com.