Hormonally Yours with The Hormone Dietitian
Hi, I’m Melissa Groves Azzaro, an award-winning integrative women’s health dietitian. I’ve helped thousands of women struggling with hormone-related issues and helped them identify and address the root causes of THEIR hormone imbalances, so they can have regular, symptom-free periods and optimize their fertility naturally.
My mission is to be the no-BS hormone nutrition education resource for smart, busy women struggling with hormone imbalances.
Most of the women I work with are bosses in every area of their life except their own hormones. And they appreciate learning the science and wanting to understand they WHY behind their symptoms… but what they don’t have is TIME to do their own research. And there’s so much misinformation out there around what actually works. As a licensed healthcare practitioner, my hope with this podcast is to dispel some of those myths and give you the information you actually need to feel better and thrive by living a more balanced life.
A little disclosure – the information I share on this podcast is for educational purposes only and not intended to be taken as medical advice. Yes, I’m A dietitian, but I am not YOUR dietitian. Always consult with YOUR healthcare provider before implementing diet, exercise, or supplement changes.
Join me each week as I share science-based information about PCOS, fertility, and other hormone imbalances, interview guest experts who specialize in this field and talk with women just like you. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review so you don’t miss an episode, and you can find all of the episodes & links at thehormonedietitian.com/podcast
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Does nutrition make a difference in breast cancer prevention, treatment, and recurrence? If so, what specific changes make the most difference? There are so many myths about breast cancer nutrition that I wanted to find out what's really true by talking with an oncology dietitian who specializes in breast cancer.
I wanted to know... is it true that sugar feeds cancer? Do you have to go vegan after a breast cancer diagnosis? What about soy? And more...
In this episode, I'm talking to Tamar Rothenberg, MS, RDN, a registered dietitian who specializes in recovery after breast cancer in her private practice in Los Angeles. She co-led the clinical study, Coping with Cancer in the Kitchen, published in the journal Nutrients. She is also the author of a new book, Cancer Diet for the Newly Diagnosed, which focuses not only on breast cancer but all cancers. And she is a breast cancer thriver herself.
This Week We Talk About:
Myths around nutrition following a breast cancer diagnosis and why some recommendations do more harm than good
The most important goals of nutrition through breast cancer diagnosis and treatment
What may shift in your nutrition plan after completion of treatment
Why "breast cancer prevention" is itself a myth... and research-based tips to reduce risk of recurrence
Why you don't have to go vegan to benefit from adding plants to your diet
The real truth about soy and breast cancer
Lifestyle and supplement recommendations for breast cancer thrivers
Resources for people thriving after breast cancer
Mentioned in this episode
PCOS Meal Prep Made Easy Workshop – In this hour-long workshop, I break down exactly HOW to eat for PCOS. Learn my simple 3-step formula for planning meals with PCOS, no matter where you are so that you can have balanced blood sugar, lower inflammation, and support gut and hormone health... without giving up a single food or spending hours in the kitchen!
Find out if you're eligible and apply for the free Sharsheret in the Kitchen coaching program, made possible by a grant from Cedars Sinai here
Love the podcast?
Leave a rating and review! Or share an episode with a friend who could benefit!
Give us a follow on Instagram or Facebook for daily posts on PCOS, hormones, and fertility. Check out our website for more articles and information and to learn how to work with Melissa.
Disclaimer: This website and podcast are not intended to provide medical advice. Please consult with your doctor before implementing nutrition, lifestyle, or supplement changes.
Why Work With a Dietitian Doula?
Season 1 · Episode 46
Tuesday, October 18, 2022 • Duration 01:01:03
If you're thinking about trying to conceive... why might you want to consider working with a doula? What's the difference between a doula and a midwife? Can you work with a doula if you're having a hospital birth? When should you reach out to a doula during pregnancy? I had these questions about working with a doula and more, and I suspect you do too!
In this episode, I'm talking to Erika Watson-Lawson, who is not only a doula but a dietitian as well. In fact, she refers to herself as a Doula-Dietitian Diva and a Dietitian by Day, Doula by Night, and she is able to help her clients in a unique way, supporting them not only through preparing for birth physically but also nutritionally!
Erika, founder of Purely Nourishing Doula, has been a registered dietitian for over 15 years, and added virtual and in-person (Jacksonville, FL area) doula services which include nutrition coaching, pregnancy and labor services, and postpartum care. She strives to educate and empower pregnant people and their partners through the whole process. Having PCOS herself, and the mother of 4 (including a set of twins!), she not only knows what she's talking about, but she's been there herself!
In this episode, I'm talking with Erika about all the reasons why you might want to consider having a doula on your team for your next birth!
This Week We Talk About:
What doulas do, the difference between doulas and midwives, and who might benefit from doula support
The different times and places where doulas can offer support to birthing parents
How being a doula dietitian allows her support her clients with 360º care
What working with a virtual doula actually looks like
How doulas work with birth partners to keep them involved in the process
The importance of doulas in the Black community
Why postpartum support is essential and what to focus on
Erika's personal journey with PCOS and becoming a mother
Mentioned in this episode
PCOS Meal Prep Made Easy Workshop – In this hour-long workshop, I break down exactly HOW to eat for PCOS. Learn my simple 3-step formula for planning meals with PCOS, no matter where you are so that you can have balanced blood sugar, lower inflammation, and support gut and hormone health... without giving up a single food or spending hours in the kitchen!
Self Care for Busy Women
Season 1 · Episode 37
Tuesday, July 12, 2022 • Duration 01:02:12
A Self Care Episode
We know that self care is important, but adding self care to our never ending to do list can add more stress than it alleviates. And furthermore, the ideas about what self care looks like that are promoted on social media may not be accessible for all people. Luckily, taking care of ourselves doesn’t have to cost a lot (or any money) and it doesn’t have to take much time either – the important part is making it a consistent habit.
Valerie Agyeman is a Women's Health Dietitian, Podcast Host and Founder of Flourish Heights, a women’s nutrition practice, digital platform, and community. Valerie empowers women to build confidence around their food choices while shining the light on overlooked topics around women's health issues. In the past few years, she has brought hundreds of women together to inspire change, empower and educate, and build stronger, healthier communities. Valerie is a trusted expert in the media regularly appearing on media networks including ABC’s Good Morning Washington Show, and contributing expert quotes to publications like Women’s Health Magazine, The Thirty, and Shape.
This Week We Talk About:
What self care is NOT and what it actually is
Why the image of self care that gets portrayed in the media and on social media is actually harmful and contributes to stress levels
Why self care has to be individualized for YOUR needs
Why basic physical, mental, and emotional health needs are a good place to start when thinking about building a self care practice
How to fit self care into pockets of your day
Why you shouldn't just focus on stress management when you're busy and stressed
Foods that support moods and energy
Why sometimes self care isn't just about what you're doing... it's also about what you're NOT doing
Mentioned in this episode
PCOS Meal Prep Made Easy Workshop – In this hour-long workshop, I break down what foods you want to include for PCOS and what you may want to consider avoiding or minimizing. Learn my simple 3-step formula for planning meals with PCOS, which includes learning how to eat to balance blood sugar.
Feeding the Root for Better Hair
Season 1 · Episode 36
Tuesday, July 5, 2022 • Duration 01:04:44
A Hair and Hormones Episode
Hair is one of the first things people notice about us. And according to hair and nutrition expert Samaria Grandberry, hair is also a barometer of our inner health.
Hair issues like thinning, loss, dryness, and breakage and scalp issues like seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema are common. But what is the root cause of these hair and scalp issues?
In this episode with RDN and Certified Trichologist Samaria Grandberry, we dive deep into root causes of hair issues, and treatment regimens, lifestyle factors, and nutrition for hair health.
Samaria is a Memphis-based registered dietitian and certified trichologist. Her background in nutrition and hair science, combined with her own struggles with skin and hair, makes her uniquely equipped to help women get to the root cause(s) of their hair loss. She uses holistic nutritional and trichological therapies - focusing on all aspects of a person’s life. And she encourages honoring your heritage while pursuing overall health and wellness. Her goal is to help you reclaim the power within through nutrition, hair, and lifestyle therapies.
This Week We Talk About:
Common hair issues such as hair loss and thinning, breakage, and more
How styling practices like heat treatments, chemical colors and relaxers, and certain hairstyles can increase hair loss and damage
Common scalp issues including eczema, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis
Root causes of hair and scalp issues, such as genetics, styling issues, nutrient deficiencies, stress, illness, hormonal imbalances, and natural hormonal shifts
Why an individual, whole-person approach to hair care based on root causes is necessary — and what a healthy hair care regimen might look like
Why you might want to consider making a cup of tea... for your hair!
The connection between hair health, mindset, and mental health
Nutrition for hair health - which nutrients you should really be focusing on and which one many people are taking that isn't actually helping
What to expect during a hair consultation and which lab tests and other findings can help identify the root cause(s) of your hair issues
Root Causes of Anxiety
Season 1 · Episode 35
Tuesday, June 28, 2022 • Duration 53:58
A Hormones and Mental Health Episode
Why is it that so many women struggling with hormone imbalances also struggle with anxiety? Turns out that the root causes of anxiety overlap with the root causes of hormone imbalances... and having hormone imbalances can contribute to anxiety as well.
From an integrative and functional perspective, anxiety is not a "diagnosis," per se... it's a SYMPTOM. And in order to identify the best approach to treating it, we have to uncover what the root causes of anxiety are on an individual basis. In this episode, I'm talking with Dr. Jen Roelands about the most common root causes of anxiety, the difference between anxiety and stress, and treatment options — which can include a variety of tools depending on your goals, including nutrition, lifestyle, supplements, and medications.
Dr. Jennifer Roelands is an integrative medicine trained OB/GYN with over a decade of women's health experience. She is the CEO and founder of Well Woman MD, a clinic dedicated to a holistic, whole-body approach to care by using nutrition, lifestyle, and cutting-edge testing. She is also the host of Ignite Your PowHer podcast, a platform for badass female entrepreneurs in the health and wellness industry. Dr. Jen is an avid outdoor enthusiast and traveler. Most importantly she is the GO-TO math expert for her 4 energetic kids.
This Week We Talk About:
Why choice matters when it comes to a treatment approach for hormone imbalances and anxiety — whether you want a strictly conventional approach, a strictly natural approach, or a combination of the two modalities
The connection between hormone imbalances and anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders
What's really underlying anxiety, and what anxiety is actually a symptom of
Underlying root causes of inflammation and anxiety
Why women are more prone to anxiety than men and times in the lifespan where anxiety is more common
Symptoms of anxiety, types of anxiety, and how anxiety differs from day-to-day stress
Managing anxiety around a chronic condition such as PCOS
Labs to consider if you have anxiety
Different treatment approaches to anxiety depending on your situation
Gut Health, Parasites and The Moon
Season 1 · Episode 34
Tuesday, June 21, 2022 • Duration 01:33:16
We've talked about gut health and the connection between gut health and hormone health on this podcast. Gut imbalances and dysfunction is a common root cause of hormone issues, because if the gut isn't working right, your hormones won't be either. But the gut doesn't become imbalanced on its own. So in this episode, we're digging into some of the root causes of gut issues, and one specific gut issues that's more common than you might think: PARASITES. (Fair warning if you're squeamish!) In this episode, we talk about how common parasites are, how we get parasites, how to know if we have them, how to get rid of them, and the surprising connection between parasites and the moon.
Robin Foroutan, MS, RDN, my friend and colleague, is an award winning integrative and functional dietitian specializing in digestive health, detoxification support, and inflammation to reverse imbalances in the body that cause symptoms. Robin has an undergraduate degree in nutrition from NYU and a Masters in nutrition from Columbia University. She has done extensive post-graduate training in Integrative and Functional Medicine and in her virtual practice at Nutrition By Robin and at The Morrison Center in New York City has come to realize just how common parasites are... and how to actually get rid of them.
We get deeeep in this episode and hold nothing back when talking about gut health, parasites, and the moon!
This Week We Talk About:
Stealth infections and how they impact health
Long-COVID and post-COVID changes in the body
How the gut and gut microbiome are critical to health
Why we need to start at the bottom when we're treating gut issues
Some "red flag" symptoms that may indicate gut issues, even if you don't have overt digestive symptoms
How our guts get "jacked" in the first place - what we know and what we suspect
Why parasites are so hard to find through testing and hallmark signs to look for instead
Where we get parasites from in the first place
Common treatment approaches for parasites and why they have to be aligned with the moon cycles to be most effective
Foods and herbs you can add to your diet to support microbiome health and prevent dysbiosis
PMS, Period Pain & The Pill
Season 1 · Episode 33
Thursday, June 16, 2022 • Duration 58:51
A PMS & Period Pain Episode
Should you take the pill for PMS? What about for period pain? Despite what you may have been told, there are more options out there than taking the pill. Furthermore, the pill doesn't *actually* address any of the underlying root causes of PMS or period pain. So in this episode, we're asking the million-dollar question - what other options are there besides the pill for PMS and period pain?
I'm talking to Dr. Saru Bala, and educating women on options besides the pill for PMS and period pain is her passion!
Dr. Saru Bala is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor who has done extra training in the areas of women's health and naturopathic endocrinology. Her mission is to educate women about their periods, hormones, and overall health. She works 1:1 with women to address hormonal concerns without the use of birth control and her primary focus is on managing chronic hormonal issues such as PCOS, period pain, heavy bleeding, fibroids, endometriosis, Hashimoto's, fertility, and other women's hormonal concerns.
Or as Dr. Bala says — she works with women at any stage from their first period to their last period!
This Week We Talk About:
The most common underlying causes of PMS
Foods to eat and lifestyle habits to incorporate that can help reduce PMS symptoms
The hormone balancing supplements that may help with PMS — and why they're likely not the ones that have been marketed to you
How PMDD differs from PMS
What painful periods or pain between periods can mean and why getting a diagnosis doesn't matter as much as you think it might
How the pill makes hormonally driven conditions like PMS and period pain worse by masking the symptoms but not addressing the underlying root causes
Why you don't need a "detox",,, but you DO need to support detoxification
Why you shouldn't have to live with symptoms that may be common but aren't normal, and options beyond just "take the pill"
Mentioned in this episode
PCOS Meal Prep Made Easy Workshop – In this hour-long workshop, I break down what foods you want to include for PCOS and what you may want to consider avoiding or minimizing. Learn my simple 3-step formula for planning meals with PCOS, which includes learning how to eat to balance blood sugar.
What You Need to Know About Egg Health
Season 1 · Episode 32
Tuesday, June 7, 2022 • Duration 31:04
How fertile are you?
This may not be something you're even thinking about unless you're planning to try to conceive. But my guest today wants to change that. Dr. Aimee is passionate about empowering and educating every woman about her egg health and how fertile she is... whether she's thinking about trying to conceive in the near future or not.
With more and more people putting conception on the back burner while they focus on their careers or delay family building for other reasons, it's important to understand the impact of time on our fertility and our chances of conceiving.
Fortunately, there are some simple medical tests that can give us answers about our current fertility — taking into account our egg quantity and egg health — and make projections about what our fertility may look like 2 years from now, 5 years from now, etc!
Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh is a fertility specialist in the San Francisco Bay Area. Practicing for over 15 years, she has a specialization in IVF and has vast experience in helping women over 35 realize their dreams of becoming a mother. Her focus is on finding the sweet spot of where science and patient care meet, and empowering people to better understand their fertility.
She launched Egg Freezing Party in 2014 to help educate people about their fertility preservation options. Since then, she's launched The Egg Whisperer Show, to further the reach of how she educates people. It's broadcast to YouTube, IGTV, Facebook, Twitter, and as a podcast of the same name.
In addition, Dr. Aimee has simplified how people understand fertility by introducing the TUSHY Method, BALLS Method, and the Egg Whisperer DIET, as mnemonics to remind people about the basics of fertility diagnosis and care.
This Week We Talk About:
The 3 major factors that affect our fertility and the only one we can control
What the TUSHY method is and how to use it to evaluate your current egg health and fertility
How fertility doctors are able to make predictions about your future fertility based on your current situation
What's the Best Diet for PCOS?
Season 1 · Episode 31
Tuesday, May 31, 2022 • Duration 49:38
What's the best diet for PCOS?
Depends who you ask! You might see that you "have to" eat gluten- and dairy-free for PCOS. That you should eat low carb or keto. Does glycemic index matter? On the other hand you might see that you should give up all animal products and go 100% plant-based. You may even see that Intermittent Fasting is the secret key when it comes to managing insulin resistance and PCOS. Should you count calories? Macros? Anything?
No wonder there's so much confusion!
In this episode I'm breaking down the research that does exist in PCOS nutrition, combined with my experience of working with thousands of women with PCOS, to share what actually works when it comes to managing PCOS with diet (hint: there is no best diet for PCOS... there's only the best diet for YOU).
This Week I Talk About:
Existing and emerging research in PCOS nutrition, including low-calorie diets, low-carb / keto diets, low-glycemic diets, anti-inflammatory / Mediterranean diets, vegan / plant-based diets, and intermittent fasting / caloric timing
Why you don't need to cut out any foods (even dairy and gluten) based solely on a PCOS diagnosis
The problem with trendy "30-day fixes" or "75-day challenges"
The common threads in "successful" PCOS diets and the ones that weren't so successful
Why the best diet for PCOS is one that is individualized to your needs and goals
Mentioned in this episode
Losing Weight with PCOS – In this NEW live workshop & Q&A happening June 15th at 7 PM EST, we’ll talk about all the reasons WHY it’s so hard to lose weight with PCOS, why focusing on the scale is the WRONG approach, and what to focus on instead – and the best part is it doesn’t involve giving up ANY of your favorite foods. It’s happening June 15th and it WILL be recorded if you can’t make it live, but of course you’ll want to show up live to get YOUR questions answered! Register today HERE.
Uncovering the Root Causes of Fertility Issues
Season 1 · Episode 30
Tuesday, May 24, 2022 • Duration 01:04:53
Are you trying to get pregnant but not sure where the process is going wrong and why? Getting pregnant, staying pregnant, and having a healthy baby is complex and there are many places where this process can go awry. But to a functional fertility practitioner, these can all be clues to understanding what the underlying root causes affecting your fertility actually are. In this episode, I’m talking to a prominent fertility expert, Dr. Jaclyn Chasse Smeaton who is a licensed naturopathic physician dedicated to helping couples conceive naturally.
Dr. Chasse Smeaton is a graduate of Bastyr University, an avid writer, and international speaker who has taught thousands of doctors and functional practitioners her root cause fertility methods. Her practice, Hello Fertility, is dedicated to fertility, sexual health and family wellness.
We cover a LOT of info in this episode, from nutrition to environmental toxins to oxidative stress and mitochondria. I think you’ll be surprised to learn some factors that may be affecting your and your partner’s fertility that may have never occurred to you.
This Week We Talk About:
The foundations of fertility - nutrition, environment, rest & digest, and movement & connection
Simple changes you can make in your environment to improve your fertility
The 3 categories of root causes of fertility issues and the most common root causes of fertility issues
Why most "infertility" is actually SUBfertility
What oxidative stress is and why it matters in fertility
Functional fertility testing you may want to consider if you're not getting answers from conventional medicine
Why you shouldn't follow a detoxification protocol if you're actively trying to conceive
Why immune function & blood flow in the uterus matter when it comes to getting (and staying) pregnant
What a proper fertility supplement plan looks like and which fertility supplements you should avoid
Mentioned in this episode
PCOS Meal Prep Made Easy Workshop – In this hour-long workshop, I break down what foods you want to include for PCOS and what you may want to consider avoiding or minimizing. Learn my simple 3-step formula for planning meals with PCOS, which includes learning how to eat to balance blood sugar.
Where to find Erika Watson-Lawson, Doula-Dietitian:
Leave a rating and review! Or share an episode with a friend who could benefit!
Give us a follow on Instagram or Facebook for daily posts on PCOS, hormones, and fertility. Check out our website for more articles and information and to learn how to work with Melissa.
Disclaimer: This website and podcast are not intended to provide medical advice. Please consult with your doctor before implementing nutrition, lifestyle, or supplement changes.
Why and How to Track your Menstrual Cycles with PCOS — it's now more important than ever to learn how to identify your fertile window, whether you're trying to get pregnant or trying to avoid pregnancy. So I've decided to make this 38-minute video resource free to all.
Leave a rating and review! Or share an episode with a friend who could benefit!
Give us a follow on Instagram or Facebook for daily posts on PCOS, hormones, and fertility. Check out our website for more articles and information and to learn how to work with Melissa.
Summer Break
We practice what we preach here at The Hormone Dietitian and are taking a 4-week summer break from the podcast. Now is a great time to catch up on any of the episodes you've missed! Keep in touch at our website and on Instagram. We'll be back August 16th with all new episodes!
Conventional hair and scalp treatments and some of Samaria's favorite off-the-shelf brands and products
Mentioned in this episode
PCOS Meal Prep Made Easy Workshop – In this hour-long workshop, I break down what foods you want to include for PCOS and what you may want to consider avoiding or minimizing. Learn my simple 3-step formula for planning meals with PCOS, which includes learning how to eat to balance blood sugar.
Leave a rating and review! Or share an episode with a friend who could benefit!
Give us a follow on Instagram or Facebook for daily posts on PCOS, hormones, and fertility. Check out our website for more articles and information and to learn how to work with Melissa.
Nutrition and lifestyle tips for managing anxiety
When you might want to consider medications for anxiety, alternatives to anxiety meds, and weaning off anxiety meds safely
Mentioned in this episode
PCOS Meal Prep Made Easy Workshop – In this hour-long workshop, I break down what foods you want to include for PCOS and what you may want to consider avoiding or minimizing. Learn my simple 3-step formula for planning meals with PCOS, which includes learning how to eat to balance blood sugar.
Leave a rating and review! Or share an episode with a friend who could benefit!
Give us a follow on Instagram or Facebook for daily posts on PCOS, hormones, and fertility. Check out our website for more articles and information and to learn how to work with Melissa.
Mentioned in this episode
PCOS Meal Prep Made Easy Workshop – In this hour-long workshop, I break down what foods you want to include for PCOS and what you may want to consider avoiding or minimizing. Learn my simple 3-step formula for planning meals with PCOS, which includes learning how to eat to balance blood sugar.
Leave a rating and review! Or share an episode with a friend who could benefit!
Give us a follow on Instagram or Facebook for daily posts on PCOS, hormones, and fertility. Check out our website for more articles and information and to learn how to work with Melissa.
Leave a rating and review! Or share an episode with a friend who could benefit!
Give us a follow on Instagram or Facebook for daily posts on PCOS, hormones, and fertility. Check out our website for more articles and information and to learn how to work with Melissa.
Why Dr. Aimee started the Egg Freezing Party to empower and educate women
Who should consider freezing their eggs and why
When to consider IUI vs IVF
Creative and alternative family building
Some tips to maintain hope throughout the process
Mentioned in this episode
Losing Weight with PCOS – In this NEW live workshop & Q&A happening June 15th at 7 PM EST, we’ll talk about all the reasons WHY it’s so hard to lose weight with PCOS, why focusing on the scale is the WRONG approach, and what to focus on instead – and the best part is it doesn’t involve giving up ANY of your favorite foods. It’s happening June 15th and it WILL be recorded if you can’t make it live, but of course you’ll want to show up live to get YOUR questions answered! Register today HERE.
Where to find Dr. Aimee
Dr. Aimee's Website where you can find her blog, podcast, online classes, or become a patient:DrAimee.org
Leave a rating and review! Or share an episode with a friend who could benefit!
Give us a follow on Instagram or Facebook for daily posts on PCOS, hormones, and fertility. Check out our website for more articles and information and to learn how to work with Melissa.
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