About Health and Hormones

Dr. Kayla Smith is a holistic women’s health expert who helps women uncover the root causes behind hormonal and reproductive health challenges. After receiving an unexplained infertility diagnosis at 36, she began exploring factors that conventional testing had overlooked—including being very thin and possibly experiencing hypothalamic amenorrhea. She later became pregnant twice and now uses both her personal experience and professional expertise to help women optimize their health and fertility. Listen in to hear Dr. Kayla Smith share: Why “unexplained infertility” often means the root cause simply hasn’t been identified yet Her personal journey from an infertility diagnosis at 36 to becoming pregnant twice How thyroid function, hormone metabolism, adrenal stress patterns, and mineral status can affect fertility What DUTCH testing and hair mineral analysis may reveal beyond conventional testing How gut and vaginal microbiome imbalances—including issues affecting a partner—may influence conception Commonly overlooked basics like timing intercourse correctly, tracking ovulation, and evaluating luteal phase length Ways to reduce inflammation through nutrition, cleaner products, stress reduction, and better sleep How gratitude, visualization, and healthy circadian habits can support the fertility journey Why optimizing overall health may improve the chances of both natural conception and IVF success How peptides and hormone replacement therapy may be used as additional tools Perimenopause strategies, including eating more protein and prioritizing strength training Dr. Smith’s clinic, book, podcasts, and additional women’s health resources +so much more! Connect with Lauren: Get my FREE PCOS Guide here Join the Empowered Path to Pregnancy here Instagram Work With Me Thank you so much for listening to the About Health and Hormones Podcast! If you loved today’s episode, I would love to know! Please leave a rating and review so I can make this podcast even better for you all. I would love to connect with you. I’m so glad you were here today, and I wish you all health and happiness! This episode was edited and produced by Intent Media. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Today, I’m sharing my personal breastfeeding journey across all three of my children—and how dramatically different each experience has been. After relatively smooth breastfeeding experiences with my first two babies, I went into my third postpartum journey assuming breastfeeding would be the easy part. Instead, it became one of the most challenging and humbling parts of my postpartum experience. I share how my third baby suddenly stopped latching during the day at just three weeks old, despite continuing to nurse perfectly at night. I tried lactation consultants, different nursing positions, craniosacral therapy, pediatric physical therapy, stretches, courses, and more, but nothing seemed to fix the problem. Eventually, I transitioned to pumping throughout the day and nursing at night—and lived that way for months. Then, completely unexpectedly, around nine months old, she began nursing normally during the day again. Throughout this journey, I’ve developed so much more compassion for how complicated and emotional feeding a baby can be. I’m passionate about breastfeeding and incredibly grateful I was able to continue, but I also believe a mother’s mental health matters tremendously and that there is no single “right” way to feed or bond with your baby. Listen in to hear me share: How I prepared for breastfeeding before becoming a mom and why I think prenatal education can make such a difference What my relatively easy breastfeeding experiences with my first two children looked like How infertility affected my ability to trust my body during early motherhood Why my third breastfeeding journey completely humbled me What happened when my baby suddenly refused to latch during the day—but continued nursing normally at night The lactation consultants, therapies, positions, stretches, and other approaches I tried Why I eventually stopped trying to force daytime nursing and created a pumping routine instead The mental and logistical load of pumping multiple times every day while caring for three children How a wearable pump gave me back some freedom and allowed me to leave the house Why my baby unexpectedly started nursing normally again around nine months My mixed emotions around breastfeeding, formula, pumping, weaning, and protecting a mother’s mental health How this experience changed the way I soothed and bonded with my third baby Why motherhood continues to humble me—and why sometimes you can do everything “right” and still have a completely different experience than you expected Why I’m ready to wean, take a real break, and finally have my body and time back after years of pregnancy and breastfeeding +so much more. Connect with Lauren: Get my FREE PCOS Guide here Join the Empowered Path to Pregnancy here Instagram Work With Me Thank you so much for listening to the About Health and Hormones Podcast! If you loved today’s episode, I would love to know! Please leave a rating and review so I can make this podcast even better for you all. I would love to connect with you. I’m so glad you were here today, and I wish you all health and happiness! This episode was edited and produced by Intent Media. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Dr. Sahar Wertheimer is a fertility specialist and double board-certified OB-GYN and reproductive endocrinologist practicing in Beverly Hills, California. She also serves as chair of the Women’s Health Committee for the Jewish Orthodox Women’s Medical Association. Her research and publications cover topics including placental epigenetics and markers of androgen excess in PCOS and hirsutism. Dr. Wertheimer completed four years of OB-GYN training followed by a three-year fellowship in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Listen in to hear Dr. Wertheimer share: How to prepare for egg freezing, egg retrieval, IVF, and embryo transfer What fertility statistics can—and cannot—tell women about egg freezing and future family building Why male fertility deserves greater attention and how sperm health can affect treatment outcomes The connection between insulin resistance, PCOS or PMOS, ovulation, egg quality, and implantation How nutrition, sleep, exercise, and evidence-supported supplements may help optimize fertility Her perspective on GLP-1 medications for some patients with insulin resistance When advanced testing such as sperm DNA fragmentation analysis and PGT-A may be helpful Potential causes and evaluations following recurrent pregnancy loss Why IVF, donor-assisted conception, and surrogacy should be discussed without shame Encouragement for anyone navigating the emotional challenges of fertility treatment +so much more Connect with Lauren: Get my FREE PCOS Guide here Join the Empowered Path to Pregnancy here Instagram Work With Me Thank you so much for listening to the About Health and Hormones Podcast! If you loved today’s episode, I would love to know! Please leave a rating and review so I can make this podcast even better for you all. I would love to connect with you. I’m so glad you were here today, and I wish you all health and happiness! This episode was edited and produced by Intent Media. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

I’m rating popular health and wellness trends as worth it, not worth it, or somewhere in between—based on the evidence, the cost, and whether they actually move the needle for your health. In this episode, I share my honest thoughts on fads we find on the internet; intermittent fasting, detoxes, wellness retreats, seed cycling, lymphatic drainage, cold plunges, protein snacks, red light therapy, cycle tracking, and cycle syncing. Listen in to hear me discuss: 10–14-hour overnight fasting Detoxes and juice cleanses Your body’s natural detoxification pathways Wellness retreats Seed cycling Lymphatic drainage Cold plunges Red light therapy Cycle-tracking devices Wellness trends you can confidently skip +so much more! Connect with Lauren: Get my FREE PCOS Guide here Join the Empowered Path to Pregnancy here Instagram Work With Me Thank you so much for listening to the About Health and Hormones Podcast! If you loved today’s episode, I would love to know! Please leave a rating and review so I can make this podcast even better for you all. I would love to connect with you. I’m so glad you were here today, and I wish you all health and happiness! This episode was edited and produced by Intent Media. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Alexa Greenblatt is a certified health coach and the founder of Alexa Plan My Diet, where she helps women lose weight and build sustainable habits through personalized nutrition coaching. She specializes in practical nutrition for busy women, including kosher eating, postpartum recovery, and breastfeeding. Alexa is also a mother of three—including twins—and pumped exclusively for her twins for more than 10 months. Listen in to hear Alexa share: Her personal journey from struggling with her weight to becoming passionate about nutrition The realities of breastfeeding, exclusively pumping, and nourishing twins Simple, satisfying meal and snack ideas for busy postpartum mothers How to support gradual, healthy weight loss without compromising milk supply Why consistent meals, carbohydrates, protein, healthy fats, and hydration matter while breastfeeding How stress, lack of sleep, returning to work, and missed feedings can affect appetite and milk production The truth about lactation foods, electrolytes, vitamins, and milk-supply supplements Why some women lose weight while breastfeeding while others experience a plateau How to manage increased hunger and sugar cravings with realistic, healthier alternatives Giving yourself grace, releasing comparison, and accepting that every breastfeeding journey looks different Why breastfeeding and formula do not have to be viewed as an all-or-nothing decision Practical ways to care for yourself while caring for a newborn Finding flexibility with feeding, routines, motherhood, and postpartum recovery +so much more Connect with Lauren: Get my FREE PCOS Guide here Join the Empowered Path to Pregnancy here Instagram Work With Me Thank you so much for listening to the About Health and Hormones Podcast! If you loved today’s episode, I would love to know! Please leave a rating and review so I can make this podcast even better for you all. I would love to connect with you. I’m so glad you were here today, and I wish you all health and happiness! This episode was edited and produced by Intent Media. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode, I explore how understanding your menstrual cycle, hormones, and changing life stages can help you make sense of shifts in libido—and prevent those changes from creating unnecessary conflict in your relationship. Libido is about more than sex drive; it is also connected to energy, vitality, confidence, and feminine energy. Listen in to hear me share: The many factors that can influence desire, including stress, sleep, mental and physical health, medications, body image, and relationship quality The difference between spontaneous and responsive desire My “finish line and obstacles” analogy for understanding why desire sometimes feels closer or farther away How the menstrual, follicular, ovulatory, and luteal phases can affect mood, energy, and libido How desire may change during pregnancy, postpartum, breastfeeding, and menopause Why changes in libido should not automatically be taken personally by either partner Practical ways to track your cycle, communicate your needs, prioritize your health, and build greater emotional and physical intimacy +so much more Connect with Lauren: Get my FREE PCOS Guide here Join the Empowered Path to Pregnancy here Instagram Work With Me Thank you so much for listening to the About Health and Hormones Podcast! If you loved today’s episode, I would love to know! Please leave a rating and review so I can make this podcast even better for you all. I would love to connect with you. I’m so glad you were here today, and I wish you all health and happiness! This episode was edited and produced by Intent Media. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Rebekah Pearlman is a birth and postpartum doula who supports families through pregnancy, birth, and the early weeks of parenthood. She spent more than a decade working in Israel’s high-tech industry at companies including Moovit, startups, and Guesty before leaving tech to pursue meaningful work supporting mothers and families. Rebekah trained as both a birth and postpartum doula, and is passionate about helping parents feel informed, supported, and confident throughout their journey. Listen in to hear Rebekah share: Why she left a successful career in high-tech after October 7 to become a doula How addressing fear and expectations can transform the birth experience Why a healthy mom, baby, and dad matter more than rigid birth plans Practical ways postpartum support—including meals, organization, and feeding guidance—can make recovery easier Her perspective on work-life "symbiosis," setting healthy boundaries, and letting go of guilt as a mother +so much more Connect with Lauren: Get my FREE PCOS Guide here Join the Empowered Path to Pregnancy here Instagram Work With Me Thank you so much for listening to the About Health and Hormones Podcast! If you loved today’s episode, I would love to know! Please leave a rating and review so I can make this podcast even better for you all. I would love to connect with you. I’m so glad you were here today, and I wish you all health and happiness! This episode was edited and produced by Intent Media. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Comparison has become so normal that many of us don't realize the toll it's taking on our health. I unpack why constantly measuring yourself against other people—especially on social media—can quietly increase stress, rob you of peace, and make it harder to trust yourself. I also share practical ways to break the comparison cycle so you can focus on your own health journey with confidence. Listen in to hear me share: Why comparison is a normal human instinct—but social media has taken it to an unhealthy extreme. How comparing yourself in areas like appearance, motherhood, fertility, career, and health habits increases stress and anxiety. The hidden factors—genetics, environment, finances, childcare, support systems, and access to healthcare—that make comparisons unfair. How comparison creates chronic stress, decision fatigue, and causes you to lose confidence in your own intuition. Practical strategies to stop comparing, spend less time scrolling, cultivate gratitude, clarify your personal health values, and focus on progress over perfection. +so much more. Connect with Lauren: Get my FREE PCOS Guide here Join the Empowered Path to Pregnancy here Instagram Work With Me Thank you so much for listening to the About Health and Hormones Podcast! If you loved today’s episode, I would love to know! Please leave a rating and review so I can make this podcast even better for you all. I would love to connect with you. I’m so glad you were here today, and I wish you all health and happiness! This episode was edited and produced by Intent Media. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Jazzie is the creator of The Israel Bites , a celiac food blogger, social media manager, and kallah teacher. She created The Israel Bites to help English speakers navigate gluten-free living in Israel, sharing trusted restaurant recommendations, practical resources, and education about celiac disease. Jazzie holds a master’s degree in Talmud and combines her passion for Torah, health, and community in her work. Originally from a small island off the coast of South Carolina, she now lives in Israel with her husband and is expecting twins. Listen in to hear Jazzie share: Her journey from South Carolina to Israel after studying at Hebrew University at just 19 years old How years of unexplained illness led to a celiac diagnosis and the role it played in her eating disorder and recovery Why she started The Israel Bites and how to safely navigate gluten-free dining and food labeling in Israel Setting healthy boundaries on social media while balancing multiple roles as a content creator, kallah teacher, and student Her experience navigating a twin pregnancy, finding support, and processing motherhood in Israel after October 7 +so much more Connect with Lauren: Get my FREE PCOS Guide here Join the Empowered Path to Pregnancy here Instagram Work With Me Thank you so much for listening to the About Health and Hormones Podcast! If you loved today’s episode, I would love to know! Please leave a rating and review so I can make this podcast even better for you all. I would love to connect with you. I’m so glad you were here today, and I wish you all health and happiness! This episode was edited and produced by Intent Media. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

I’m excited to announce that my live, four-week Balance Your Hormones 101 program is officially open again! This course includes comprehensive hormone education along with four live Q&A sessions where you can get your questions answered directly. As a podcast listener, you can save 20% with the code PODCAST at laurenallenutrition.com. Join here : https://www.laurenallennutrition.com/balance-your-hormones-101 In this episode, I’m talking about the hidden connection between blood sugar and your mood, anxiety, PMS, energy, sleep, and overall well-being. I share my own story of growing up on a high-sugar diet and struggling with daily anxiety, only to see a dramatic improvement within weeks of reducing refined sugar and eating meals that supported stable blood sugar. I also share stories from clients who experienced improvements in depression, anxiety, energy levels, marriage, and parenting simply by focusing on blood sugar balance. I explain how blood sugar spikes and crashes trigger insulin, cortisol, and adrenaline, contributing to chronic stress, inflammation, and disruptions in neurotransmitter function. We’ll also discuss how modern foods and drinks make it easier than ever to get caught in this cycle. Listen in as I Share: Why blood sugar impacts far more than just weight and diabetes risk How blood sugar fluctuations can contribute to anxiety, mood swings, PMS, and poor sleep The signs of unstable blood sugar, including shakiness, energy crashes, cravings, waking between 2–4 a.m., severe PMS, and dependence on caffeine Simple strategies to stabilize blood sugar, including eating regular meals, reducing added sugars and refined carbohydrates, building balanced meals, prioritizing sleep, and moving your body How improving blood sugar balance can positively affect your hormones, relationships, and daily quality of life +so much more. Connect with Lauren: Get my FREE PCOS Guide here Join the Empowered Path to Pregnancy here Instagram Work With Me Thank you so much for listening to the About Health and Hormones Podcast! If you loved today’s episode, I would love to know! Please leave a rating and review so I can make this podcast even better for you all. I would love to connect with you. I’m so glad you were here today, and I wish you all health and happiness! This episode was edited and produced by Intent Media. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Charlotte Leventhal is a certified doula, content creator, and single mother living in Israel. Through her social media platform, @daniellesmom, she shares openly about marriage, divorce, motherhood, and rebuilding life after unexpected challenges. She is passionate about supporting women through pregnancy and birth, and works as a doula while also advocating for greater understanding and support around divorce within the Orthodox community. Originally from the United States, Charlotte now lives in Israel with her daughter and is navigating the realities of co-parenting, single motherhood, and building a new future for herself and her family. Listen in to hear Charlotte share: What it was like to be told she was heading toward divorce while nine months pregnant How she navigated the grief of losing the future and family life she expected The shame, secrecy, and stigma that often surround divorce—and why she chose to share her story publicly The critical role friendships, therapy, and community played during one of the most difficult seasons of her life How she is rediscovering herself through creativity, exercise, journaling, and intentional self-care The realities of co-parenting, custody arrangements, and raising a young child after divorce Her journey into becoming a doula and why supporting women through birth has become deeply meaningful Lessons she's learned about resilience, identity, and finding strength when life takes an unexpected turn Her message to others navigating divorce, loss, or major life transitions +So much more. Connect with Lauren: Get my FREE PCOS Guide here Join the Empowered Path to Pregnancy here Instagram Work With Me Thank you so much for listening to the About Health and Hormones Podcast! If you loved today’s episode, I would love to know! Please leave a rating and review so I can make this podcast even better for you all. I would love to connect with you. I’m so glad you were here today, and I wish you all health and happiness! This episode was edited and produced by Intent Media. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode, I explain why sleep is one of the most powerful and most underutilized tools for improving health, hormones, fertility, and overall well-being. I break down how quality sleep affects everything from brain function and emotional regulation to metabolism, reproductive health, and hormone balance. I also share practical strategies that can help you improve your sleep, even if you're a busy parent, work night shifts, or struggle with waking up in the middle of the night. Listen in to hear me share: How sleep helps clear toxins from the brain, supports memory, promotes neural repair, and protects long-term cognitive health The impact of sleep deprivation on cortisol, melatonin, fertility, menstrual cycles, PMS, thyroid function, appetite hormones, insulin sensitivity, and metabolism Why sleep pressure matters and how understanding it can help you fall asleep more easily Practical ways to optimize melatonin production through darkness, reducing blue light exposure, and creating a sleep-friendly environment How caffeine, screens, and stimulating evening activities can silently undermine sleep quality Strategies for navigating sleep challenges with partners, newborns, night-shift work, and middle-of-the-night awakenings The role of supplements such as magnesium glycinate, L-theanine, glycine, and low-dose melatonin How I apply principles from Atomic Habits to build sleep habits that are realistic, sustainable, and effective +so much more Connect with Lauren: Get my FREE PCOS Guide here Join the Empowered Path to Pregnancy here Instagram Work With Me Thank you so much for listening to the About Health and Hormones Podcast! If you loved today’s episode, I would love to know! Please leave a rating and review so I can make this podcast even better for you all. I would love to connect with you. I’m so glad you were here today, and I wish you all health and happiness! This episode was edited and produced by Intent Media. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Atara Bienenfeld is an executive functioning coach, educator, and founder of the Instagram page The Organized Mind ( @theorganizedmindatara ) She works with mothers to create practical home systems that reduce overwhelm, free up mental space, and support healthier, calmer family life. A former teacher and mother of six children ages 1–13, Atara shares how her move to Israel and her youngest child starting daycare gave her the opportunity to build her coaching business focused on organization, routines, and executive functioning skills. Listen in to hear Atara share: Why modern motherhood feels so overwhelming How weekly planning for meals, schedules, and responsibilities can dramatically reduce stress and decision fatigue Practical home organization strategies, including THE laundry system that changed her life. Simplifying meal planning with repeatable routines How to teach children more independence through clear instructions, timers, and simple accountability systems Why imperfect but functional systems are better than chasing perfection in the home How reducing chaos can improve family relationships, mental health, and a mother’s ability to care for herself +so much more Connect with Lauren: Get my FREE PCOS Guide here Join the Empowered Path to Pregnancy here Instagram Work With Me Thank you so much for listening to the About Health and Hormones Podcast! If you loved today’s episode, I would love to know! Please leave a rating and review so I can make this podcast even better for you all. I would love to connect with you. I’m so glad you were here today, and I wish you all health and happiness! This episode was edited and produced by Intent Media. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

I’m sharing why building muscle has become one of the biggest priorities in my health journey—not just for aesthetics, but for hormonal health, metabolism, longevity, confidence, and mental health. In this episode, I break down how muscle helps improve insulin resistance by giving carbohydrates a place to be stored and used instead of overburdening the liver, and why that matters so much for women’s health. Listen in to hear me share: Why building muscle matters for hormones, metabolism, and weight loss How muscle supports insulin resistance, PCOS symptoms, fertility, and blood sugar balance The difference between movement, muscular endurance, and true muscle-building Why lifting close to failure, using heavier weights, and resting properly matters How strength training can support confidence, mental health, and healthy aging My own at-home routine using Peloton split programs, yoga, and mat Pilates +so much more Connect with Lauren: Get my FREE PCOS Guide here Join the Empowered Path to Pregnancy here Instagram Work With Me Thank you so much for listening to the About Health and Hormones Podcast! If you loved today’s episode, I would love to know! Please leave a rating and review so I can make this podcast even better for you all. I would love to connect with you. I’m so glad you were here today, and I wish you all health and happiness! This episode was edited and produced by Intent Media. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Recurrent miscarriage is one of the hardest and most sensitive topics in women’s health, and in this episode, Lauren Allen opens up a practical, research-informed conversation about why miscarriages happen, when to look deeper, and what testing may help reduce future risk. Listen in to hear Lauren share: What miscarriage is, how common it is The difference between a random miscarriage and recurrent pregnancy loss Root cause of miscarriage, including thyroid dysfunction, PCOS, nutrient deficiencies, gut health, clotting disorders, lifestyle factors, and inflammation What tests to do after repeated losses +So much more Connect with Lauren: Get my FREE PCOS Guide here Join the Empowered Path to Pregnancy here Instagram Work With Me Thank you so much for listening to the About Health and Hormones Podcast! If you loved today’s episode, I would love to know! Please leave a rating and review so I can make this podcast even better for you all. I would love to connect with you. I’m so glad you were here today, and I wish you all health and happiness! This episode was edited and produced by Intent Media. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

Dr. Aimee Baron is a pediatrician and the founder of I Was Supposed to Have a Baby, a nonprofit supporting people through infertility, miscarriage, pregnancy loss, and related struggles in the Jewish community. After walking through secondary infertility, miscarriage, multiple unexplained losses, and eventually a surprise twin pregnancy, Dr. Baron turned her personal pain into a mission to help others feel less alone. Through shared stories, support groups, education, and her podcast, she works to reduce isolation and create more sensitive communal spaces. Listen in to hear Dr. Baron share: Her personal fertility journey, including secondary infertility, miscarriage, and repeated pregnancy loss Why she founded I Was Supposed to Have a Baby and how storytelling helps break the silence around infertility Practical ways communities can be more sensitive, from changing the way we ask about family to being mindful at Shabbos tables and simchas How to support a friend who is struggling while sharing your own pregnancy news with care Holiday survival strategies for people facing infertility or loss, including setting boundaries, opting out when needed, and creating private space Why all forms of infertility-related grief deserve validation, including circumstantial infertility for singles +So much more Connect with Lauren: Get my FREE PCOS Guide here Join the Empowered Path to Pregnancy here Instagram Work With Me Thank you so much for listening to the About Health and Hormones Podcast! If you loved today’s episode, I would love to know! Please leave a rating and review so I can make this podcast even better for you all. I would love to connect with you. I’m so glad you were here today, and I wish you all health and happiness! This episode was edited and produced by Intent Media. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this solo episode, I open up about a deeply raw season of postpartum burnout, feeling disconnected from myself just seven months after giving birth. What started as resistance to work, movement, and routine quickly intensified when war broke out, bringing daily sirens, disrupted sleep, canceled plans, and a constant sense of survival mode. I share the guilt I felt stepping away for a 36-hour desert wellness retreat—and how that decision became a turning point in helping me reconnect, reset, and begin finding myself again. Listen in to hear me share: What postpartum burnout actually felt like day-to-day, and how it showed up in my energy, motivation, and identity How living through war impacted my nervous system, routines, and family life in ways I didn’t expect The internal struggle of choosing self-care during chaos, and why it was exactly what I needed The powerful impact of a short desert retreat, including gentle movement, deep rest, and a breakthrough cold plunge experience How I began redefining productivity, rebuilding routines, and returning to work with more intention and self-trust +So much more Connect with Lauren: Get my FREE PCOS Guide here Join the Empowered Path to Pregnancy here Instagram Work With Me Thank you so much for listening to the About Health and Hormones Podcast! If you loved today’s episode, I would love to know! Please leave a rating and review so I can make this podcast even better for you all. I would love to connect with you. I’m so glad you were here today, and I wish you all health and happiness! This episode was edited and produced by Intent Media. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this solo episode, I open up about one of the most vulnerable seasons of my life, when I was deep in PCOS flare-ups, facing months of negative pregnancy tests and irregular cycles, and quietly questioning if I would ever become a mom. I share a pivotal moment at a friend’s wedding that completely blindsided me and brought up intense jealousy, shame, and the painful feeling that I was “so far behind,” especially within an Orthodox Jewish community where marriage and babies can feel closely tied to your sense of progress and belonging. Listen in to hear me share: What infertility and PCOS flare-ups felt like emotionally and socially in a tight-knit community The identity and worthiness struggles that surfaced when motherhood felt out of reach How opening up to the right person helped break the isolation and normalize my triggers The coping tools that helped me survive that season, including distraction, intentional joy, and feeling proactive through medical and lifestyle changes Why expanding your identity beyond “trying to get pregnant” is so crucial for your mental health +So much more Connect with Lauren: Get my FREE PCOS Guide here Join the Empowered Path to Pregnancy here Instagram Work With Me Thank you so much for listening to the About Health and Hormones Podcast! If you loved today’s episode, I would love to know! Please leave a rating and review so I can make this podcast even better for you all. I would love to connect with you. I’m so glad you were here today, and I wish you all health and happiness! This episode was edited and produced by Intent Media. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In today's episode we're going to talk about about a common concern I hear from women before they start focusing on eating for fertility: What if this morphs into unhealthy obsession/disordered eating? It's a great question and a fair concern. How do we balance the importance of striving for a consistently healthy diet while also maintaining a healthy relationship with food? In today's episode, we're talking all about intuitive eating, and how it can actually go hand-in-hand with eating for fertility. Here’s what I break down: Why so many women are afraid that having nutrition targets will automatically turn into food obsession What Intuitive Eating actually is, including the 10-principle framework created by dietitians Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch for eating disorder recovery, and why it wasn’t specifically designed to regulate cycles, treat PCOS, or improve fertility Why intuitive eating and fertility nutrition are not opposites, but why nutrition education often needs to come first How our cravings, “healthy meal” ideas, and food rules are shaped by upbringing and diet culture Why many gut-health habits, like eating enough fiber or fermented foods, are not naturally intuitive Why extreme calorie restriction can slow your metabolism and negatively affect ovulation Why ignoring hunger cues can damage trust with your body What “making peace with food” really means to me, including letting go of “good” and “bad” food language How I personally had to learn to honor fullness Why your hormones respond to consistent patterns over time, not one imperfect meal Why women with PCOS are at higher risk for eating disorders, and the red flags I want you to watch for, like anxiety around social meals, skipping events, compensatory exercise, or obsessive tracking The difference between intentional, flexible nourishment and punishing, rule-following eating How to adjust protein and blood sugar targets when life is hectic without falling into all-or-nothing thinking And why your nutrition plan should calm your nervous system, not stress you out +so much more Connect with Lauren: Get my FREE PCOS Guide here Join the Empowered Path to Pregnancy here Instagram Work With Me Thank you so much for listening to the About Health and Hormones Podcast! If you loved today’s episode, I would love to know! Please leave a rating and review so I can make this podcast even better for you all. I would love to connect with you. I’m so glad you were here today, and I wish you all health and happiness! This episode was edited and produced by Intent Media. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

In this episode, I address a common and often confusing question many women ask when preparing for pregnancy: do you need to detox first? I break down the myths around detoxing and reframe the conversation around supporting the body’s natural detox systems rather than relying on extreme or stressful approaches. I wok a lot with women coming off birth control and trying to conceive, offering practical, realistic guidance that feels accessible and grounding. Listen in to hear me share: Why “detoxing” before pregnancy is important, but not by doing juice cleanses or other extreme protocols The key detox systems in the body, including digestion, liver function, lymphatic system, and the kidneys Simple ways to support natural detoxification through food, hydration, and movement How reducing everyday environmental toxin exposure can make a meaningful difference How to detox after coming off of hormonal birth control +So much more Connect with Lauren: Get my FREE PCOS Guide here Join the Empowered Path to Pregnancy here Instagram Work With Me Thank you so much for listening to the About Health and Hormones Podcast! If you loved today’s episode, I would love to know! Please leave a rating and review so I can make this podcast even better for you all. I would love to connect with you. I’m so glad you were here today, and I wish you all health and happiness! This episode was edited and produced by Intent Media. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy