Welcome to The DUTCH Podcast, your go-to source for all things hormones! Join host Dr. Jaclyn Smeaton, ND, and a lineup of top functional health experts as we dive into the fascinating world of hormonal health and discover how the DUTCH Test can help. Whether you’re navigating any number of hormonal issues like dysmenorrhea, fertility, weight gain, or menopause or you’re dealing with testosterone issues, this podcast aims to break down complex topics into easily digestible insights. Tune in every Tuesday to hear from respected leaders in hormone research and get practical advice to help you manage your health - or the health of your patients - with confidence. Get ready for enlightening conversations that make hormone science approachable and actionable.
The Missing Labs in Standard Panels: CRP, Homocysteine, Ferritin & Fasting Insulin
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Dr. Stephanie Dunlop joins host Dr. Jaclyn Smeaton to discuss the gap between “normal” and “optimal” lab reference ranges, commonly missed labs, and the importance of root cause assessment over treating isolated markers. Dr. Dunlop and Dr. Smeaton also discuss: How “normal” does not equate to “optimal” when it comes to standard lab ranges Addressing the foundations before testing, like nervous system regulation, gut integrity, and sleep hygiene The importance of treating the root cause rather than treating markers in silos Other labs worth requesting, such as ferritin, homocysteine, and fasting insulin The impact of simple nervous system regulation tools Show Notes Learn more about Dr. Stephanie Dunlop and Root Rx , and follow her on Instagram @docstephaniemd ! Become a DUTCH Provider today to see how the DUTCH Test can profoundly change the lives of your patients.
Menopause & Muscle Loss: What Women Should Know About Strength, Hormones & Hormone Therapy
Send us Fan Mail In this conversation, Dr. Jaime Seeman joins host Dr. Jaclyn Smeaton to discuss muscle as an underappreciated cornerstone of women’s metabolic and hormone health, particularly during perimenopause and menopause, and the importance of resistance training. This episode also highlights: Muscle as a metabolic organ, not just a cosmetic one, and the importance of muscle tissue quality How resistance training and cardio affect body composition differently The importance of preserving fast-twitch muscle fibers for longevity later in life Strategies for protein and carbohydrate intake How the DUTCH Test can help identify where hormonal intervention can fill the gaps beyond lifestyle habits, particularly with estrogen, DHEA, and androgen levels post-menopause Show Notes Learn more about Dr. Jaime Seeman and follow her on Instagram @doctorfitandfabulous ! Become a DUTCH Provider to discover how the DUTCH Test can profoundly change the lives of your patients.
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, registered dietician and celiac disease specialist Erin Kenny joins host Dr. Jaclyn Smeaton to discuss the differences between celiac disease and gluten sensitivity, the social and emotional toll of diagnosis, and common myths and misinformation. Their conversation also covers: The underestimated social and emotional burden of the disease How less symptoms do not equate to less intestinal damage Hidden drivers behind symptoms, including dysbiosis, hormonal issues, thyroid dysfunction, and nervous system dysregulation The physiological effects of stress How DUTCH testing can help identify HPA axis dysregulation Show Notes Learn more about Erin Kenny and follow her on Instagram @the_celiac_space ! Become a DUTCH Provider to get access to comprehensive patient reports, peer-reviewed and validated research, and expert clinical support.
The Hormones Behind Hair Loss: Androgens, Cortisol & Thyroid
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Dr. Rubaina Dang and host Dr. Jaclyn Smeaton explore the root causes of hair loss in women, particularly the information that standard labs can miss. Dr. Dang and Dr. Smeaton also dive into the hormones driving hair loss, optimal versus “normal” lab levels, and the gut-skin-hair axis. Their conversation also highlights: Dr. Dang’s recommended panels for anyone presenting with hair loss The key differences between “normal” and optimal lab ranges when it comes to hair health Stressors that can cause telogen effluvium, including illness, rapid weight loss, postpartum, or a major life event How gut dysbiosis and inflammation can affect hair follicles Dr. Dang’s rankings for popular hair-growth products and ingredients Show Notes Learn more about Dr. Rubaina Dang and follow her on Instagram @healwithdrdang ! Check out our white paper on 5a-androstanediol . Become a DUTCH Provider to see how the DUTCH Test can profoundly change the lives of your patients.
Reassessing the Menopausal Transition: Estrogen, Bone Remodeling & Early Intervention
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Dr. Margaret Beeson joins host Dr. Jaclyn Smeaton to discuss bone health, estrogen decline during perimenopause, and the importance of family history as a predictor of bone health and risk of osteoporosis. Dr. Beeson and Dr. Smeaton also discuss: How estrogen decline contributes to bone loss Genetics and family history as the strongest predictors of risk The need for DEXA scans to occur earlier and establish a baseline of bone density The impact of estrogen and progesterone therapy on bone health and how DUTCH testing captures those hormone levels Systemic issues in primary care that can make proactive screening difficult Show Notes Learn more about Dr. Margaret Beeson and her practice, Yellowstone Naturopathic Clinic. Become a DUTCH Provider to get access to comprehensive patient reports, peer-reviewed and validated research, and expert clinical support.
Choosing the Right Progesterone Prescription: A Discussion on OMP & Vaginal Progesterone
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Dr. Felice Gersh joins host Dr. Jaclyn Smeaton and DUTCH founder Mark Newman for a deep-dive on progesterone: its physiological roles, concerns around standard-of-care prescribing practices, and more. Their conversation also explores: Progesterone’s role as more than an endometrial protectant Supraphysiologic allopregnanolone created by oral micronized progesterone The physiological benefits of cyclic dosing versus continuous dosing How the gut microbiome impacts progesterone metabolism The need for more research on oral micronized progesterone and dosing methods Show Notes Learn more about Dr. Gersh’s practice Integrative Medical Group of Irvine and check out her books ! Read Dr. Smeaton’s article on oral micronized progesterone in menopause . Become a DUTCH Provider to get access to comprehensive patient reports, peer-reviewed and validated research, and expert clinical support.
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Dr. Bindiya Gandhi joins host Dr. Jaclyn Smeaton to explore GLP-1 receptor agonists through a whole-person, root-cause lens with a particular focus on women’s health. Their discussion also covers: How GLP-1s work, who benefits most, and how to cease therapy successfully The role of leptin resistance in weight struggles The risk of muscle loss and bone health during GLP-1 therapy Using GLP-1s as part of a comprehensive protocol, including optimizing gut health, strength training, and managing cortisol and sex hormones Considerations for menopausal women using hormone therapy in addition to GLP-1s Show Notes Learn more about Dr. Bindiya Gandhi and follow her on Instagram @drbindiyamd ! Check out our DUTCH Article on GLP-1s and perimenopause . Become a DUTCH Provider to get access to peer-reviewed and validated research, comprehensive patient reports, and expert clinical support.
Chronic Stress, Hormones & Healing from the Inside Out
Send us Fan Mail This conversation between Dr. Sonya Jensen and host Dr. Jaclyn Smeaton covers the science of how stress disrupts female hormone health and the emotions women carry that perpetuate that disruption. They also discuss the physiological mechanisms of chronic stress and how hormone testing can tell patients their stress story. This episode also highlights: How chronic stress and sustained cortisol production can lead to suppressed progesterone The downstream effects of resentment and unexpressed emotion How a patient’s emotional history connects to their symptoms The cortisol/cortisone ratio and what it can tell practitioners and patients about fatigue, low motivation, anxiety, and burnout Using the Cortisol Awakening Response on the DUTCH Plus as a clinical conversation tool Show Notes Learn more about Dr. Sonya Jensen and follow her on Instagram @drsonyajensen ! Check out Dr. Sonya’s book, Heal Your Hormones, Reclaim Yourself. Read the ovarian aging study mentioned in this episode. Become a DUTCH Provider to get access to comprehensive patient reports, peer-reviewed and validated research, and expert clinical support.
Root-Cause Protocols for PMS & PMDD: Test Markers, Lifestyle & Supplementation
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Dr. Saru Bala and host Dr. Jaclyn Smeaton discuss the connection between hormones, the nervous system, and mood, specifically PMS and PMDD, from an integrative medicine perspective. Their discussion also highlights: Why hormonal shifts affect mood and the neuroscience behind those shifts The distinction between PMS and PMDD and why they are often dismissed as anxiety or depression How the luteal phase can reflect baseline health, including nutrition, lifestyle, and stress levels The importance of comprehensive testing and how those markers impact mood and cycle symptoms Key supplementation and lifestyle recommendations Show Notes Learn more about Dr. Saru Bala and follow her on Instagram @drsarubala ! Become a DUTCH Provider to get access to comprehensive patient reports, peer-reviewed and validated research, and expert clinical support.
An Update to the Serum-Saliva Debate for Transdermal Hormone Therapy Monitoring
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Dr. Mark Holthouse joins Dr. Jaclyn Smeaton and DUTCH founder Mark Newman to take a closer look at a recent peer-reviewed publication from Precision Analytical, Inc. in Frontiers in Reproductive Health , examining how different testing methods hold up when it comes to monitoring male TRT in clinical practice. Their discussion also covers: Common misconceptions about how creams and gels show up in saliva testing and why the numbers can be misleading What the clinical data actually shows about dosing accuracy across different testing modalities When to use serum, urine, and other testing approaches can be leveraged to optimize treatment. How under or overdosing risks can be reduced by matching the right test to the right clinical question Why advancing best practices in integrative medicine requires continually revisiting what the evidence supports Show Notes Read our DUTCH Article on the Frontiers study , Mark Newman’s commentary , and the full study here . Check out the resources mentioned in this episode: The topical progesterone cream study in Fertility and Sterility The transdermal progesterone study from Climacteric Good Energy mentioned by Dr. Holthouse The study on the cardiovascular safety of TRT in the New England Journal of Medicine The study on testosterone threshold levels and skeletal muscle strength Become a DUTCH Provider to gain access to comprehensive patient reports, peer-reviewed and validated research, and expert clinical support.
Cracking the Hashimoto’s Code: Toxins, Stress & Smarter Testing
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Dr. Jaclyn Smeaton discusses Hashimoto’s thyroiditis with Inna Topiler, a board-certified clinical nutritionist who shares her personal experience and health journey with Hashimoto’s. Their discussion also covers: Why standard thyroid testing is insufficient The four main triggers of immune confusion in Hashimoto’s, including stress, infections, toxins, and food sensitivities The impact of dysregulated cortisol on thyroid function How cortisol patterns on the DUTCH Test can be informative for Hashimoto’s patients Practical and accessible stress management tips Show Notes Learn more about Inna Topiler and follow her on Instagram @innatopiler ! Become a DUTCH Provider to get access to comprehensive patient reports, peer-reviewed and validated research, and expert clinical support.
The Estrogen Myth: Rethinking Hormone Therapy & Breast Cancer Risk
Send us Fan Mail Join us for this episode with Dr. Jenn Simmons, an integrative breast surgeon and oncologist, alongside host Dr. Jaclyn Smeaton and DUTCH founder Mark Newman. This conversation deepens the discussion from a previous episode on hormones and breast cancer risk, challenging widely held clinical assumptions rooted in the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study. This episode also explores: The critical distinction between progestins and progesterone The role of metabolic dysfunction in cancer development Breast cancer as a disease of hormone deficiency, particularly progesterone deficiency, rather than hormone excess The impact of estrogen metabolism, especially the 4-hydroxy pathway, and how the DUTCH Test can provide insight into these pathways Individualized hormone therapy for breast cancer survivors Show Notes Listen to our previous episode with Dr. Jenn Simmons ! Check out the aging human breast study, the study on menopausal hormone therapy after breast cancer , and the transdermal testosterone study mentioned in this episode. Learn more about Dr. Jenn Simmons and follow her on Instagram @drjennsimmons ! Become a DUTCH Provider to get access to comprehensive patient reports, peer-reviewed and validated research, and expert clinical support.
How Estrogen Shapes Women’s Health & Longevity
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Dr. Asare Christian and Dr. Jaclyn Smeaton discuss female longevity and health span. Dr. Christian brings his unique perspective as a former pain specialist who discovered that many of the chronic conditions he was treating were rooted in hormone imbalance. This episode also highlights: · Three main factors that can contribute to women living longer · The protective qualities of estrogen as well as the effects of its decline during perimenopause · The importance of testing early and getting baseline hormone levels before symptoms appear · How the DUTCH Test provides a picture of hormone metabolism, leading to clarity around estrogen metabolites, the HPA axis, and more · Treating the hormonal root cause rather than prescribing medications for each symptom Show Notes Learn more about Dr. Asare Christian and his practice, Aether Medicine . Follow him on Instagram @aether_medicine ! Become a DUTCH Provider to get access to free educational resources, expert clinical support, comprehensive patient reports, and peer-reviewed and validated research.
A Practitioner’s Guide to Stress Patterns, Cortisol & Recovery
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Dr. Jaclyn Smeaton and Dr. Donielle Wilson discuss Dr. Donielle’s clinical philosophy, research findings, and personal journey around understanding and treating stress. Their discussion also covers: The stress response and how it’s highly individualized, shaped by genetics, and impacted by prior stress exposure How standard cortisol testing misses most of the cortisol picture Chronic stress and its cascade to multiple body systems, including the reproductive system in women The five clinical stress patterns practitioners should be aware of Small, consistent actions toward stress recovery, like mindfulness and deep breathing, can make a big difference Show Notes Learn more about Dr. Donielle Wilson and follow her on Instagram @drdoniwilson ! Check out the study mentioned in this episode , and learn more about Dr. Wilson’s book, Master Your Stress, Reset Your Health and her podcast, How Humans Heal . Become a DUTCH Provider today to see how the DUTCH Test can profoundly change the lives of your patients.
Send us Fan Mail In this insightful episode, Dr. Heather Sandison and Dr. Jaclyn Smeaton discuss the root causes of cognitive decline and Alzheimer's, how a naturopathic approach differs from conventional medicine, and practical strategies for brain health at any age. This episode also highlights: The six drivers of cognitive decline The impact of hormones, especially the steep drop in estrogen at menopause How infections like Lyme disease, shingles, and COVID-19 can be linked to cognitive decline Tips for early intervention, including the importance of sleep hygiene along with diet, exercise, and stress management Using genetics to inform and optimize early intervention strategies Show Notes Learn more about Dr. Sandison and follow her on Instagram @dr.heathersandison ! Read the ovarian aging study mentioned by Dr. Smeaton in this episode. Become a DUTCH Provider today to see how the DUTCH Test can profoundly change the lives of your patients.
What Triggers Acne? Optimizing Hormones & Gut Health
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Dr. Jaclyn Smeaton sits down with Dr. Bryant Esquejo, ND to unpack acne through a functional medicine lens, moving far beyond the surface to explore what’s really happening inside the body. Dr. Esquejo and Dr. Smeaton also discuss: Acne as not just a skin condition, but a reflection of imbalances involving hormones, blood sugar, inflammation, and the gut microbiome The science behind acne development, from bacterial activity and oil production to deeper drivers like insulin resistance, androgen metabolism, and chronic inflammation The influence of diet, stress, sleep, and gut health How advanced testing, like hormone metabolite analysis, can reveal hidden imbalances in the body Treating acne as an opportunity to better understand and optimize whole-body health Learn more about Dr. Esquejo and follow him on Instagram @dr.bryant ! Check out Dr. Esquejo’s blog post on blood sugar, insulin, and acne , and read our whitepaper on 5a-Androstanediol as a marker of androgen status in women . Become a DUTCH Provider to get access to free educational resources, expert clinical support, comprehensive patient reports, and peer-reviewed and validated research.
Test Before You Prescribe: A Low Testosterone Case Study Review
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Dr. Jaclyn Smeaton and DUTCH Founder Mark Newman discuss a case study published in Integrative Medicine: A Clinician’s Journal in which Mark himself was the patient. The case covers the step-by-step hormonal and metabolic effects of using HCG to boost endogenous testosterone, revealing how increasing testosterone can cascade into elevated estrogen, impaired estrogen clearance, and strained methylation capacity. Their conversation also highlights: The benefits of combining serum testing and DUTCH testing to monitor dosing as well as metabolism, clearance, and methylation How methylation is affected by raising testosterone The value of tracking step-by-step supplementation plans with repeated testing The importance of baseline testing before beginning testosterone therapy An upcoming research publication that compares hormone testing methods for testosterone monitoring Read the DUTCH article and access the full IMCJ case report . Become a DUTCH Provider to see how the DUTCH Test can profoundly change the lives of your patients.
What the DUTCH Test Reveals About Stress, Inflammation & Immune Health
Send us Fan Mail Join Dr. Allison Smith and Dr. Jaclyn Smeaton for this episode as they share expert insights into how hormones, the HPA axis, and lifestyle factors influence immune health, injury risk, sleep, and overall well-being during perimenopause and menopause. Dr. Smeaton and Dr. Smith also discuss: The relationship between hormonal changes, stress, and inflammation How cortisol and estrogen can impact sleep quality and inflammation in perimenopausal women Patterns seen on DUTCH tests indicating inflammation, immune overactivation, or hormone resistance Inflammation markers like quinolinate and melatonin and how they can help assess immune health How hormonal fluctuations alter immune responses, leading to symptoms like itchy ears, joint pain, and autoimmunity Show Notes Check out our DUTCH Education Hub for more resources on perimenopause, menopause, stress, and inflammation! Become a DUTCH Provider today to learn how the DUTCH Test can profoundly change the lives of your patients.
Menopausal Hair Loss & Innovations in Hair Restoration
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Dr. Alan Bauman and Dr. Jaclyn Smeaton discuss the complexities of hair restoration, particularly focusing on menopausal hair loss in women. This discussion also explores: Understanding female pattern hair loss Emotional and hormonal factors affecting hair health Innovative therapies that can aid in hair restoration, including stem cell therapy The importance of nutrition and stress management in hair health How personalized treatment plans can help effectively address hair loss in women Show Notes: Learn more about Dr. Bauman and follow him on Instagram @dralanbauman ! Become a DUTCH Provider to gain access to comprehensive patient reports, peer-reviewed and validated research, and expert clinical support.
How Holistic Health Transforms Fitness For Women
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Dr. Jaclyn and Jenn Pike explore the complexities of women's health, particularly in relation to exercise, nutrition, and hormonal balance. Jenn also shares her journey from working with professional athletes to focusing on everyday women. This episode also highlights: The evolution of women's fitness goals How stress and inflammation affect overall well-being The role of recovery, nutrition, and self-care The pressures modern women face and how a supportive environment can help How hormone health plays a role in fitness and in understanding the root cause of health concerns Show Notes: Learn more about Jenn Pike and follow her on Instagram @jennpike ! Become a DUTCH Provider to gain access to free educational resources, comprehensive patient reports, peer-reviewed and validated research, and expert clinical support.
