Hormone Health Podcast is brought to you by two naturopaths, Georgia Hartmann and Chloe Sheehan. This podcast is an extension of Hormone Health Studio - our naturopathic clinic based in Newcastle, New South Wales. With collective expertise and passion for holistic health, Georgia and Chloe bring a wealth of knowledge to their listeners. The aim of the Hormone Health Podcast is to empower listeners with evidence-based medicine, practical tips, and inspiring stories. Georgia and Chloe delve into a wide range of topics related to hormonal health, fertility, mental health, gut health, and beyond. Join Georgia and Chloe as they invite expert guests from fields such as naturopathy, functional medicine, psychology, and fitness to share their insights and expertise, enriching the podcast with diverse perspectives. Enjoy the Hormone Health Podcast and follow along on socials at @hormonehealthstudio and www.hormonehealthstudio.com .
If you're a local parent in Newcastle or Lake Macquarie, chances are you've already heard of Amy Chatburn Stevens, she's a bit of a legend around here when it comes to supporting new parents and their bubs on the feeding journey. We're so thankful to have her join us today to chat about what it takes to set yourself up for a positive breastfeeding journey. Topics covered with Amy Where should you even begin when it comes to preparing to breastfeed? Are there things you can do during pregnancy to get their body ready? What should you have on hand at home before the baby comes? What happens in that first hour after birth, and how can moms advocate for the best start? How to tell if you have a good latch? Conversations around low/over milk supply, Tongues ties, How to know if your baby is getting enough milk. Amy's personal opinion on dummies and common breastfeeding products/gadgets Amy's qualifications International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), Registered Nurse, Registered Midwife, Masters Degree Child and Family Health Nursing. Where to find Amy ASC Lactation Website @ibclc.amy As always, we'd love to hear from you. Send us a DM on Instagram or email us at hello@hormonehealthstudio.com .
The nervous system is running the show and influencing our mood, hormones, digestion, recovery and relationships. And most of us were never taught how it actually works. In this episode, we break it all down with our ultimate nervous system Naturopath - T'Keyah (TK). TK explains the difference between your sympathetic (fight/flight) and parasympathetic (rest/digest) states, and why your body responds the way it does under stress. She also discusses the fawn response, a learnt behaviour and survival state that is often missed. Did you know the nervous system is a real-life, tangible thing! We also spend some time on something so many of us are quietly struggling with, how to actually do less. In a society that glamorises busyness and hustle, especially online, it can feel impossible to slow down when you're already overstimulated from work, children, and social pressures. TK gets honest about why that pull is so strong, and what it's really doing to our nervous system." As TK put it: " The goal was never to be calm. It's to have a resilient nervous system ". Content note: This episode briefly discusses the role of sexual trauma and chronic health concerns
Something is shifting. The way we talk about Herpes in 2026 looks nothing like it did ten years ago. This episode is dedicated to changing the way we speak about this very, very common virus - Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). Because HSV affects an enormous proportion of the global population, yet it remains one of the most stigmatised, misunderstood, and under-discussed diagnoses in sexual health. Today we're joined by Jessie, Naturopath and founder of Botanical Abundance, who specialises in hormonal, vaginal, and sexual health. In this episode, we're going more than skin deep. We're talking about how common HSV actually is, how it spreads, why so many people go undiagnosed for years, where the stigma came from, how naturopathic care can support people, including neurodivergent folk living with HSV, what it means for fertility and pregnancy, and what someone who has just been diagnosed actually needs to hear right now. Let's get this episode to Go Viral, excuse the pun... But this conversation is one everyone needs to be having. Episode Resources Jessie-Anne, Botanical Abundance - Join her waitlist for "The Ultimate Guide to Herpes" Comfortable In My Skin - Herpes Stories Good Vibes Clinic @IntimateEcology Abbreviations Used Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) MetaDaddy aka @Meta As always, we'd love to hear from you. Send us a DM on Instagram or email us at hello@hormonehealthstudio.com .
Sorry we ghosted you, but here's the tea on where the bloody hell we've been! Also, this weeks episode we're exploring the gut–brain axis, and a program called Nerva that we've been recommending to clients for a few years now with some genuinely incredible results. We're joined by Amy Coen, Accredited Practising Dietitian at Nerva, a clinically validated gut-brain therapy program for IBS and other disorders of gut-brain interaction. Amy brings firsthand clinical experience as well insight into her role educating healthcare practitioners across Australia to deepen their understanding of the gut-brain axis and its role in gastrointestinal symptoms. In this episode we cover: What the gut–brain axis actually is (and why it matters for digestive symptoms) How the brain influences bloating, pain and bowel changes What Nerva is, how it's structured, and who it's for? How long before people start noticing results? Some interesting (and funny) case studies - #freethefart Why hypnotherapy can feel confronting — and what the science actually says Is Nerva appropriate for those with suspected or diagnosed endometriosis? So whether you're a practitioner or someone navigating your own gut health journey, this one is worth a listen. If you are interested in Nerva and you are a current or prospective client - please reach out to us at directly hello@hormonehealthstudio.com or get some further information on Nervas website or Youtube.
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 .
In this weeks episode we’re exploring why women’s bodies respond differently to diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes compared to men — and why the same strategies for weight loss don’t always work. Women’s physiology is different, not defective - and understanding those differences is the key to creating real, sustainable results Here's a little sneak-peek into some of the topics we discuss: Why diets don't work in the long run Hormones that drive weight gain Moving smarter, not harder Five foundations for lasting change. If you’ve ever felt frustrated that the usual approaches just don’t work for you, this episode will give you clarity, and a fresh perspective on working with your body, not against it. For 10% off our Feel Good Program, use the code " PODCAST" As always, we'd love to hear from you. Send us a DM on Instagram or email at hello@hormonehealthstudio.com . *Episode warning*This episode touches on the topic of weight loss. I want to acknowledge that conversations around body weight can feel triggering, especially if you’ve experienced body dissatisfaction or disordered eating. Please know that our focus is not on shrinking bodies, but on supporting health, energy, and feeling at home in your body. If weight loss talk feels unhelpful for you right now, feel free to skip this episode or come back to it when it feels safe.
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 Resources Period ImPact and Pain Assessment (PIPPA) Online Screening Tool Pelvic Pain Foundation of Australia Efficacy of Ginger in the Treatment of Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Effect of Curcumin on Dysmenorrhea and Symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis The Efficacy of Zinc Administration in the Treatment of Primary Dysmenorrhea Tween/Teen Period Care Resources ModiBodi Period Underwear KMART Period Belt TENS machine: Tap. 2 Wet 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 .
Today we’re joined by Madeline Longrigg, founder of Body Lane, a Brisbane-based clinic specialising in myotherapy, C-section scar release, and pregnancy and postpartum support. Madeline is also the creator of the C-Section Release Method, a hands-on training course that equips practitioners to support post-surgical healing and recovery. In this episode, Maddie takes us on a deep dive into C-section scars - the physical and emotional healing journey, how a scar should feel, symptoms that manifest from poor scar healing and how you can start improving your scar right now in the comfort of your home. Maddie finishes this conversation up with a beautifully guided touch visualisation for you, the listener. I know you're going to love this ep, enjoy! Services available: Practitioner Training: C-Section Release Method Online C-Section Scar Release Course for Mums: coming soon! Make sure you're following @bodylane_ for updates. In person treatments available in Brisbane: Body Lane, 89 Beatrice Terrace, Ascot QLD 4007 Purchase the Scar Release Kit C-Section Release Practitioner List
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. Strengths Comprehensive 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. Limitations Observational 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 .
Samantha Payne founded The Pink Elephant Support Network 9 years ago, on the back of her own personal experience with pregnancy loss. We are excited to chat to Sam today about her tenacity for change and her passion for driving awareness and support for women, couples, and individuals who experience early pregnancy loss in Australia. Sam shares: "if one of my children in 20 years time had to face the journey of miscarriage, it better bloody be different to what it is now". Pink Elephant's is a platform that offers tiered support for your individual needs at a time of loss. Something Chloe personally found helpful on her journey. If you, too, have experienced pregnancy loss, you may find these links useful: Your Support Journey Help a Loved One How to Get Involved and Raise Awareness The Pink Elephants also share some incredible resources on their instagram @pinkelephantssupport page or you can find their Podcast, The Miscarriage Rebellion here. 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 sick Also, 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. Resources Sleep and our immunity Reduced sleep, particularly shorter than 7–9 hours, is associated with increased URTIs. Strategies improving sleep should be explored to prevent URTIs. PMID: 33997896 Nasal 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: 33952557 Nasal 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: 2213-2600 Thanks 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.
A bite sized ep (actually closer to a full meal) but this week's episode is all about protein! And in particular, why protein is so incredibly important for us as women and those with a menstrual cycle. Protein directly influences how our hormones function, as it's protein thats responsible for the synthesis of oestrogen and progesterone which regulate our menstrual cycle AND the hormone insulin that regulates our appetite, energy and cravings. Learn how how much protein you should be eating, take a deep dive into the protein leverage hypothesis and hear Chloe's analogy to explain reaching your daily protein targets. Georgia also gives us an insight into our Feel Good Program, a self paced 4 week program focusing on sustainable weight loss, improved energy, and overall wellness, centred around targeted nutrition and how to meet individual protein requirements. Click here to access our Feel Good Program . Thanks for listening! As always, you can find more information about our team over 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 .
We're back for our third season after a mini (maxi) hiatus from the microphones. During this time away, Georgia and Chloe both welcomed their beautiful baby girls into the world, adding to the ever growing Hormone Health Studio girl gang. So thanks for being here, for welcoming us back into your ears, and we hope you stick around for what will be an awesome next chapter in the Hormone Health Podcast series. To mark the month of April being caesarean awareness month, today's episode is Chloes recount of her birth story to her daughter Olive. This episode discusses Chloe's the details of her induced labour which required a caesarean along with other positive and not so positive recounts from her birth experience (hello balloon catheter). She also shares some helpful resources on preparing from induction and caesarean and supporting recovery. We hope you enjoy and thanks for listening. Episode Resources The meta analysis Chloe was referring to in the podcast (PMID: 23834460) C-Section Scar release by Maddy from BodyLane Helpful instagram account: @OneMammaMidwife As always, you can find more information about our team over at @hormonehealthstudio or if you would like to reach out to us, you can email hello@hormonehealthstudio.com
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 pain The hormonal changes that happen during normal physiological birth - the dance between Queen Oxytocin, Endorphins, and Adrenaline The similarities between Runner's High and "the magic of 7cm" during normal physiological birth The "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 machine If 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 .
What can you do to thrive through peri-menopause? Today we chat with the amazing Kimberly Vucurovic, also known as The Menopause Psychologist. This podcast episode is a must for every woman - whether you are currently in the journey of peri-menopause or whether it feels years away. We talk about the negative thoughts associated with peri-menopause, the overwhelm, and how we can work to shift our mindset on such a journey. Download! Share! DM us on Instagram ! Flick us an email at hello@hormonehealthstudio.com! We'd love to hear your thoughts on this one.
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.
Bernadette Lack, or more colloquially known as B, is a midwife, PT, mum of 2 and fellow prolapser. Our conversation with B was delightfully multilayered, like a fresh croissant. We spoke about her personal experience with incontinence and prolapse, and her current work supporting women through pregnancy, postpartum and motherhood through her businesses Core & Floor Restore, and Motheration. B's work and dedication to the pelvic floor is undeniable and in this episode she provides such useful information on how we can all support our pelvic floor health throughout the varying stages of life. "The amount of appointments we have in pregnancy compared to postpartum and what is actually covered in the postpartum appointments is typically topics like how to return to sex via the discussion of contraception without actually looking at the whole person". You can find B here: Core & Floor Restore Motheration The Great Birth Rebellion Podcast As always, we'd love to hear from you. Send us a DM on Instagram or email us 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.
Seed Cycling - a bit of "woo woo" or a useful approach to using food as a nutritional tool for improving menstrual cycle symptoms? This this episode we chat with Sarina Coventry, a Nutritionist who uses Seed Cycling in her clinical practice with great results. She gives us a thorough insight into: What is Seed Cycling? How does one Seed Cycle? Who is Seed Cycling beneficial for? The nitty gritty of how Seed Cycling works to improve menstrual cycle symptoms. If you are interested in starting seed cycling or keen to learn more about how it could be helpful for you, you can visit The Seed Cycle Use SARINA20 for 20% off your first purchase. As always, we'd love to hear from you. Send us a DM on Instagram or email us at hello@hormonehealthstudio.com
