Are You Menstrual?

Amanda Montalvo

Welcome to the Are You Menstrual Podcast with your host, Amanda, a women’s health dietitian. In this podcast, Amanda helps you navigate the confusing world of women’s hormones and teach you how to have healthy periods. Each week will be diving into a different topic on women’s health and sharing our perspective using nutrition, female physiology, and metabolic health. The goal is to help you wade through conflicting health information and empower you on your healing journey. We hope you enjoy it! Website: https://www.hormonehealingrd.com

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Top 10 Are You Menstrual? Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Are You Menstrual? episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Are You Menstrual? for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Are You Menstrual? episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Business & Motherhood

Are You Menstrual?

10/21/24 • 46 min

In this episode I’m going to talk about business and motherhood, which is something I talk about in my stories sometimes and have gotten a lot of requests for a full podcast episode with thoughts. I have so many thoughts, so I’m going to try to keep this organized and easy to listen to.

Here’s what I plan to cover:

My outlook on choosing to have a business and also be a mother
How becoming a mom helped me as a business owner
What my day to day looks like
How I take care of myself

Before I dig into everything, I want to preface this with a few things:

As of recording this, I have a 7 month old and 2.5 year old. This is the season we are in.
Our situation: military, no family close by, no childcare
This is what works for our family/our best option right now. I’m sharing my personal experience. Take what resonates and helps you and leave the rest–just like whenever I share any information.

Thyroid Mineral Training: https://hormonehealingrd.com/opt-in/free-functional-thyroid-mini-course-podcast/

Links/Resouces:

Jerrica Sannes course: https://raisewildflowers.com/

Connect with Me:

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hormonehealingrd

Free Thyroid Training: https://hormonehealingrd.com/opt-in/free-functional-thyroid-mini-course-podcast/

Feminine Periodical (weekly newsletter): http://bit.ly/2tWOBtw

Master Your Minerals course: https://www.hormonehealingrd.com/master-your-minerals-course

Hypermobility with Taylor Goldberg

Are You Menstrual?

07/22/24 • 58 min

In this episode, I am joined by Taylor Goldberg to discuss all things hypermobility. This is a diagnosis that I have seen in an increasing number of clients, so I’m excited to have Taylor on and educate more on the topic. We previously discussed hypermobility in the two MCAS episodes with Michelle Shapiro. I’ll link them below!

Taylor is a Chiropractor-turned Virtual Hypermobility Coach who helps people struggling with hypermobility (and related conditions) navigate the newness and unknowns of HSD/hEDS, enabling them to understand their body's unique needs and regain a fulfilling life. In addition to assisting clients with hypermobility, she recently launched a course aimed at helping clinicians better understand how to assist their hypermobile patients. Taylor possesses a unique perspective rooted in her education and personal experiences with hypermobility, which has driven her to initiate changes not only within the hypermobility community but also within the chiropractic field. She recently introduced a mentorship program called 'Clinical Concepts,' where they delve into the drawbacks of one-size-fits-all chiropractic practices and underscore the significance of an evidence-based approach to treatment and self-care.

This episode covers:

Taylor's journey from her background as a chiropractor to pivoting to be a hypermobility coach
What is hypermobility and it impacts our health
How MCAS impacts hypermobility
Taylor's approach to supporting individuals with hypermobility thrive, including tracking flares and lab testing
Advice for finding an exercise routine, including what to be careful with
Actionable tips to support your hypermobility daily

Thyroid Mineral Training: https://hormonehealingrd.com/opt-in/free-functional-thyroid-mini-course-podcast/

Links/Resources:

Connect with Taylor:

Website: https://thehypermobilechiro.com/

Instagram: @thehypermobilechiro

Connect with Me:

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hormonehealingrd

Free Thyroid Training: https://hormonehealingrd.com/opt-in/free-functional-thyroid-mini-course-podcast/

Feminine Periodical (monthly newsletter): https://hormonehealingrd.ck.page/d0317056cd

Master Your Minerals course: https://www.hormonehealingrd.com/master-your-minerals-course

Mineral Shifts In Pregnancy

Are You Menstrual?

10/28/24 • 47 min

In this episode, I am focusing on mineral shifts that happen during pregnancy, mineral needs that increase, as well as highlighting minerals that I often get asked about when it comes to pregnancy.

As always, this episode is for educational purposes only. Please make sure you talk with your provider before making any changes.

I cover:

Natural fluctuations in copper and iron levels during pregnancy and their crucial roles in maternal and fetal health
Importance of preparing for postpartum by addressing mineral imbalances
Why it's important to maintain healthy levels of crucial minerals like iron, zinc, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and iodine during pregnancy
Food source recommendations to support your mineral levels during pregnancy

Functional Thyroid Series: https://hormonehealingrd.com/opt-in/free-functional-thyroid-mini-course-podcast/

For the resources mentioned in this episode, visit the blog: https://hormonehealingrd.com/podcast-episode/s7-e04-mineral-shifts-in-pregnancy/

Connect with Me:

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hormonehealingrd

Free Thyroid Training: https://hormonehealingrd.com/opt-in/free-functional-thyroid-mini-course-podcast/

Feminine Periodical (weekly newsletter): http://bit.ly/2tWOBtw

Master Your Minerals course: https://www.hormonehealingrd.com/master-your-minerals-course

MCAS, POTS, & Hypermobility Part 2 with Michelle Shapiro, RD

Are You Menstrual?

07/08/24 • 54 min

We are back with part two with Michelle Shapiro! After our initial discussion in the last episode about how these conditions relate to one another, today we are diving into conventional treatments and functional approaches for MCAS, POTS, and hypermobility. Michelle and I discuss why jumping straight to restrictive diets might not be the best long-term solution, why stabilizing mast cells should come first, and why specialized care is crucial.

This episode covers:

What is missing from conventional treatments for MCAS
Why stabilizing mast cells and mediators needs to happen before addressing root causes
The importance of personalized approaches for highly sensitive and hypermobility individuals
Holistic management for POTS including sodium intake, compression socks, and potassium-rich foods
Utilizing the Highly Sensitive Body Hub for MCAS and related symptoms

Mineral Quiz: https://hormonehealingrd.com/guides-support/mineral-quiz/

Resources/Links:

Take the quiz to find out if you have a highly sensitive body: https://www.quietthediet.com/a/2147858703/QTiFyr9T
Join the HSB Hub: https://www.quietthediet.com/a/2147833897/QTiFyr9T
Reflux episode with Michelle: https://hormonehealingrd.com/podcast-episode/s5-e21-the-root-cause-of-reflux-with-michelle-shapiro-rd/
Compression socks: https://vimvigr.com/collections/women-all-collections-compression-socks
The Chop Levine Protocol (exercise protocol for POTS)
The Hypermobility Chiropractor we constantly mentioned: https://thehypermobilechiro.com/
Gupta program: https://guptaprogram.com/
Study link for long covid: https://www.helpadvisor.com/community-health/long-covid-report

Connect with Michelle:

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/michelleshapirord/

Website: https://michelleshapirord.com/

Listen to Quiet The Diet: https://www.quietthediet.com/

Apply to work with Michelle and her team: https://michelleshapirord.com/private-practice

Connect with Me:

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hormonehealingrd

Free Thyroid Training: https://hormonehealingrd.com/opt-in/free-functional-thyroid-mini-course-podcast/

Feminine Periodical (monthly newsletter): https://hormonehealingrd.ck.page/d0317056cd

Master Your Minerals course: https://www.hormonehealingrd.com/master-your-minerals-course

MCAS, POTS, & Hypermobility Part 1 with Michelle Shapiro, RD

Are You Menstrual?

07/01/24 • 54 min

Today, Michelle Shapiro joins me again for another episode! Michelle is an integrative and functional registered dietitian who has helped over 1,000 clients reverse their anxiety, heal longstanding gut issues and immune issues, and approach their weight in a loving way. Together, we discuss the complex world of long Covid, mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), and histamine issues and Michelle shares her personal journey and insights on how chronic stress, gut health, and hypermobility intersect with these conditions. This episode not only provides practical strategies for managing these conditions but also emphasizes the importance of understanding your body's unique needs. Michelle and I address how excessive mast cell activation can affect day-to-day life and pregnancy, offering a hopeful perspective on achieving full recovery through both conventional and non-conventional treatments.

This episode covers:

Understanding your unique body requirements and creating a specific system for introducing necessary nutrients
The critical role a hopeful and proactive mindset plays in managing and overcoming health challenges
Complexities of treating conditions like MCAS and POTS
Relation of hypermobility, nervous system, and connective tissue issues with MCAS and POTS
Importance to see the interconnectedness of symptoms
Function of mast cells and how COVID-19 can trigger MCAS

Mineral Quiz: https://hormonehealingrd.com/guides-support/mineral-quiz/

Resources/Links:

Take the quiz to find out if you have a highly sensitive body: https://www.quietthediet.com/a/2147858703/QTiFyr9T
Join the HSB Hub: https://www.quietthediet.com/a/2147833897/QTiFyr9T
Reflux episode with Michelle: https://hormonehealingrd.com/podcast-episode/s5-e21-the-root-cause-of-reflux-with-michelle-shapiro-rd/
Compression socks: https://vimvigr.com/collections/women-all-collections-compression-socks
The Chop Levine Protocol (exercise protocol for POTS)
The Hypermobility Chiropractor we constantly mentioned: https://thehypermobilechiro.com/
Gupta program: https://guptaprogram.com/
Study link for long covid: https://www.helpadvisor.com/community-health/long-covid-report

Connect with Michelle:

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/michelleshapirord/

Website: https://michelleshapirord.com/

Quiet The Diet Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/quiet-the-diet/id1663088026

Connect with Me:

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hormonehealingrd

Free Thyroid Training: https://hormonehealingrd.ck.page/bc89ec6723

Feminine Periodical (monthly newsletter): https://hormonehealingrd.ck.page/d0317056cd

Master Your Minerals course: https://www.hormonehealingrd.com/master-your-minerals-course

Building Resilience In Motherhood with Amy Slater

Are You Menstrual?

11/20/23 • 60 min

I am interviewing my friend and colleague, Amy Slater. Amy's journey of self-discovery began with the birth of her first set of twins. Embracing motherhood brought about a massive shift in her persona marking a significant turning point in her life, guiding her on a path that led to significant transformation. Amy hopes that her story can inspire others to make positive changes in their own lives. This episode is for informational purposes only. Please talk with your healthcare provider before making any nutrition or lifestyle changes.
My Favorite Paleovalley Products
Resources mentioned:

A Holistic Approach To Optimizing Cortisol Levels

Are You Menstrual?

07/24/23 • 52 min

Stress is a part of everyday life, especially in the fast-paced society we live in today. Many people are aware that having too much stress isn’t good for their health and have at least some idea that stress can cause both physical and mental issues. But what do we do about it? How can we mitigate unnecessary stressors and make our bodies more resilient to the unavoidable stressors in our day to day? That’s what I want to talk about in today’s podcast episode!

As always, this podcast episode is not medical advice. Please talk with your provider before implementing any changes.
5 main areas we will cover:

Minimizing stressors using nourishment and blood sugar
Supporting minerals for a healthy stress response
The impact of light exposure on cortisol levels and circadian rhythm
How information, inputs, and stimulation can be a blessing and a curse
Your daily rhythm’s impact on stress hormones and minerals

Mineral Quiz: https://hormonehealingrd.com/guides-support/mineral-quiz/

Connect with Me:
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hormonehealingrd
Free Thyroid Training: https://hormonehealingrd.ck.page/bc89ec6723
Feminine Periodical (monthly newsletter): https://hormonehealingrd.ck.page/d0317056cd
Master Your Minerals course: https://www.hormonehealingrd.com/master-your-minerals-course

Magnesium Deep Dive

Are You Menstrual?

03/20/23 • 80 min

In this episode, we are doing our magnesium deep dive and digging into the different roles magnesium plays in the body, how it impacts our thyroid, blood sugar, hormones, and vitamin D status. I will also be doing a rapid fire Q&A at the end where I will answer questions submitted on Instagram. I will be breaking down how magnesium levels impact heavy metal retention as well as all of the different types of magnesium and their uses for my patreon members. You can join to get access to all bonus podcasts and resources at patreon.com/hormonehealingrd.
Quick reminder, this podcast is for informational purposes only. Please talk with your healthcare provider before making any nutrition or lifestyle changes.

Links/Resources:

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hormonehealingrd
Mineral Quiz: https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/63fcdeb0284142001410c683
Mineral Training: https://bit.ly/38BteSF
Feminine Periodical (monthly newsletter): https://hormonehealingrd.ck.page/d0317056cd
Free Healthy Period Starter Guide: https://hormonehealingrd.ck.page/9c6b8cf34c
Master Your Minerals course: https://www.hormonehealingrd.com/master-your-minerals-course
Boron deep dive episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/nothing-boring-about-boron/id1568547321?i=1000581367892
Calcium deep dive episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/calcium-deep-dive/id1568547321?i=1000603899369
Research:
- Blood sugar:
- Nutrients magnesium:
  - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6298677/#:~:text=One%20proposed%20mechanism%20is%20that
  - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31384293/
- Nutrients for mitochondria: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30201141/
- Magnesium & ATP:
  - https://www.pnas.org/doi/abs/10.1073/pnas.0712401105
  - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27434863/
- Heart Health:
  - https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/JAHA.120.020205

Calcium Deep Dive

Are You Menstrual?

03/13/23 • 55 min

In this episode, we are doing a mineral deep dive on calcium, a mineral that is mostly known for its impact on bone health, but has a huge impact on our thyroid, ability to balance our blood sugar, and how our nervous system functions as well. As always with these mineral deep dives, I will cover what calcium does in the body and what happens when we have high or low levels. I will also be covering lab testing for calcium via blood and hair mineral testing along with providing sample days of how to get enough calcium from food for my patreon members. You can join to get access to all bonus podcasts and resources at patreon.com/hormonehealingrd.

Quick reminder, this podcast is for informational purposes only. Please talk with your healthcare provider before making any nutrition or lifestyle changes.

Links/Resources:

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hormonehealingrd
Feminine Periodical (monthly newsletter): https://hormonehealingrd.ck.page/d0317056cd
Thyroid Training: https://hormonehealingrd.ck.page/bc89ec6723
Iodine Podcast Episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/iodine-the-miracle-mineral/id1568547321?i=1000560008653
Master Your Minerals course: https://www.hormonehealingrd.com/master-your-minerals-course
Boron deep dive episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/nothing-boring-about-boron/id1568547321?i=1000581367892
Copper deep dive episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/copper-deep-dive/id1568547321?i=1000586081883
Calcium regulation: https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/minerals/calcium
Vitamin D causing calcification (both high and low):
Pregnancy and lactation: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1595236/
Bone health:
Iron absorption:

Getting To The Root Of Baby Reflux with Therese Dansby

Are You Menstrual?

11/18/24 • 69 min

In today's episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with Therese Dansby, a registered nurse and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). We dive deep into the world of infant reflux, discussing everything from symptoms and challenges to alternative therapies and personal experiences. Therese shared her wealth of knowledge on topics like oral restrictions, bodywork, and the importance of a holistic approach when it comes to helping babies with reflux. This is a great episode if you're a mom struggling with infant reflux or just want to learn more about this common issue.

Therese started her career as a NICU nurse in 2007, pivoted to birth center postpartum care in 2013, and became an IBCLC in 2015. Helping moms build confidence in their breastfeeding choices and work through breastfeeding struggles is her dream job alongside homeschooling her own three children, ages 10, 7, and 2.

We talk about:

Various root causes of infant reflux, including physical factors and chemical factors
The range of symptoms from reflux, such as mild "happy spitting" to severe cases requiring medical intervention, such as GERD in NICU settings
The value of a holistic approach for addressing feeding techniques, bodywork, dietary changes, and alternative therapies like homeopathy
The importance of identifying the underlying issues contributing to your baby's reflux, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach
Following your maternal intuition and working with healthcare providers who will listen to your concerns

Functional Thyroid Mini Course: https://hormonehealingrd.com/opt-in/free-functional-thyroid-mini-course-podcast/

Connect with Therese: