Shows
Conquering Your Fibromyalgia PodcastEP 198 When Hormones Hurt: PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder)Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions In this episode of the Conquering Your Fibromyalgia podcast, Dr. Michael Lenz delves into the complex relationship between hormones and chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia, migraines, dysmenorrhea, and others. The focus is on Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), exploring the impact of estrogen and progesterone fluctuations on pain perception and symptom management. Key studies are discussed to highlight the relationship between menstrual cycles and fibromyalgia symptoms. The episode also covers the genetic, neurobiological, and environmental factors contributing to PMDD, as well as treatment options ranging from SSRIs and hormonal treatments...2025-04-0935 minConquering Your Fibromyalgia PodcastEp 194 "Chronic Pain & Autism: Unpacking the Connection with Kristen Hovet on 'The Other Autism Podcast' Part 1Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions In this episode Dr. Lenz, is interviewed by Kristen Hovet, host of The Other Autism Podcast. The conversation delves into Dr. Lenz's medical background, his dedication to lifelong learning, and his focus on chronic pain syndromes such as fibromyalgia, EDS, POTS, and more. Dr. Lenz explains three types of pain: nociceptive, neuropathic, and nociplastic pain, and discusses the significant overlap between invisible illnesses and neurodivergence, including ADHD and autism. The interview sheds light on the challenges and misconceptions in diagnosing these conditions, emphasizing the need for a holistic, evidence-based approach to...2025-03-1245 minConquering Your Fibromyalgia PodcastEp 192 What is the most important nutrient? Joy Lenz RD Part 2Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions In the second half of the conversation with dietitian Joy Lenz, practical advice is shared on transitioning to a healthier, more plant-based diet. Topics include common nutrient deficiencies like fiber versus protein, tips for incorporating plant-based protein sources such as legumes, nuts, and whole grains, and dealing with dietary concerns and social challenges. Joy provides insights into common pitfalls people face when going plant-based and offers solutions, including her work with clients. Strategies for meal planning, handling cravings, and personalized diet plans are also discussed.00:00 Introduction to the...2025-02-2631 minConquering Your Fibromyalgia PodcastEp 183 Inspiration, Validation and Hope. Teresa's Reversal StoryText Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Teresa's Journey: Overcoming Fibromyalgia with Dr. Michael LenzIn this special Christmas episode of the 'Conquering Your Fibromyalgia' podcast, Dr. Michael Lenz shares the inspiring story of his patient, Teresa, who successfully reversed her fibromyalgia through a comprehensive holistic approach. Teresa recounts her long struggle with chronic pain, fatigue, and numerous failed treatments until she found hope and effective strategies with Dr. Lenz. This episode marks the beginning of a series exploring her journey from extreme fibromyalgia to a life of significantly reduced symptoms. Listeners will learn about...2024-12-251h 09Conquering Your Fibromyalgia PodcastEp 182 Plant based diet alternative to Ozempic with Dr. Michael GregerText Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions In this episode, we continue our series on weight loss, obesity, and their link to chronic pain syndromes. Joined by a member of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, Dr. Michael Greger we discuss various weight loss strategies, including bariatric surgery, GLP-1 agonists, and the benefits and risks of these medical interventions. The discussion focuses on the potential of whole food plant-based diets as a natural alternative for long-term weight loss, backed by evidence such as the BROAD study from New Zealand. Highlighting the role of natural satiety hormones and...2024-12-1836 minConquering Your Fibromyalgia PodcastEp 179 Exploring the Obesity and Chronic Pain ConnectionText Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions The Complex Interplay Between Obesity and Chronic PainIn this episode of the 'Conquering Your Fibromyalgia' podcast, Dr. Michael Lenz delves into the intricate relationship between obesity and chronic pain syndromes, including fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and migraines. He explores how obesity and chronic pain often co-exist, affecting each other in a challenging cycle intertwined with feelings of shame, frustration, and hopelessness. Dr. Lenz discusses various studies and findings that highlight the prevalence of chronic pain among obese individuals, the potential physiological and psychological factors involved, and the...2024-11-2733 minConquering Your Fibromyalgia PodcastEp. 176 Navigating ADHD Across Lifespans: An Invisible Journey affecting many with Invisible Illnesses. Dr Cutler Part 2Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions In this episode of the 'Conquering Your Fibromyalgia' podcast, Dr. Michael Lenz discusses ADHD with Dr. Andrew Cutler, focusing on medication use from teens to twenties and associated challenges. They delve into the impact of ADHD on self-observation and judgment, comorbid conditions, and the importance of anticipatory guidance. The conversation highlights the value of individualized treatment, ADHD coaching, and the nuances of ADHD and bipolar disorder co-existence. Personal anecdotes underscore the transformative effect of proper ADHD treatment. Resources like ADHD coaching and dietitian referrals are emphasized as part of a...2024-11-0631 minConquering Your Fibromyalgia PodcastEp 175 Debunking ADHD Myths and Addressing Realities with Dr. Andrew CutlerText Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Debunking Myths and Addressing Realities: A Comprehensive Look at ADHDJoin us this week on 'Conquering Your Fibromyalgia' as Dr. Michael Lenz hosts special guest Dr. Andrew Cutler, a distinguished psychiatrist . They discuss the evolution of ADHD understanding and treatment, challenging common myths and emphasizing its genetic neuropsychiatric nature. Dr. Cutler highlights the strengths of individuals with ADHD, such as creativity and problem-solving skills, and explores its relationship with other health conditions. They emphasize the importance of a holistic treatment approach, combining lifestyle changes, medication, and support for...2024-10-3032 minConquering Your Fibromyalgia PodcastEp 169 The Pain Behind the Canvas: Frida Kahlo's Story. Part 1Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Exploring Frida Kahlo's Battle with Fibromyalgia: Part 1In this episode of 'Conquering Your Fibromyalgia Podcast,' Dr. Michael Lenz takes a deep dive into the life of Frida Kahlo. Known for her vibrant and emotionally raw artwork, Kahlo endured a lifetime of pain, likely linked to conditions like fibromyalgia. The episode explores her early years, the traumatic accident that significantly shaped her life and art, and her use of creativity as a coping mechanism. Kahlo's story serves as a beacon of resilience, providing insights and empathy for those...2024-09-1829 minConquering Your Fibromyalgia PodcastEp 163 Transforming Health with Lifestyle MedicineText Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Understanding Lifestyle Medicine and Its Impact on Chronic ConditionsThis episode commemorates the three-year anniversary of the podcast hosted by Dr. Michael Lenz, a pediatrician, internal medicine physician, clinical lipidologist, and author of 'Conquering Your Fibromyalgia.' He explores the concept of lifestyle medicine, emphasizing its principles like whole food plant-based diets, regular physical activity, restorative sleep, stress management, avoidance of risky substances, and positive social connections. He contrasts lifestyle medicine with other medical practices like allopathic, preventive, functional, and integrative medicine. Michael also discusses the chronic health...2024-08-0735 minConquering Your Fibromyalgia PodcastEp 162 Magnesium and Fibromyalgia. What you need to know.Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Fibromyalgia and Magnesium: Exploring the Evidence and InsightsIn this episode of 'Conquering Your Fibromyalgia,' hosted by Dr. Michael Lenz, we delve into a literature review on magnesium and its potential impact on fibromyalgia. Dr. Lenz addresses a listener's question regarding the relationship between chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, suggesting that these conditions may be variations of the same syndrome. The episode includes an in-depth review of studies investigating the correlation between magnesium levels and fibromyalgia, exploring how different forms of magnesium supplementation might affect clinical parameters...2024-07-3129 minConquering Your Fibromyalgia PodcastEp 161 "You Look Perfectly Healthy to Me." Psychologist Laurie Dos Santos Part 2Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions In this episode, Dr. Michael Lenz, a seasoned pediatrician and internist, resumes his conversation with clinical psychologist Dr. Laurie Dos Santos. They delve into the complexities of supporting individuals with chronic medical conditions such as POTS, Dysautonomia, and fibromyalgia. Dr. Dos Santos discusses her approach to group and individual therapy, the importance of validating patients' experiences, and the impact of these conditions on adolescents and their families. The episode highlights a significant study, "You Look Perfectly Healthy to Me" on the quality of life for youth with POTS, stressing the...2024-07-2430 minConquering Your Fibromyalgia PodcastEp. 160 Understanding and Supporting those with Complex Medical Conditions with Psychologist Laurie Dos SantosText Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Understanding and Supporting Young Adults with Chronic Health ConditionsIn this episode, Dr. Michael Lenz hosts Dr. Laurie Dos Santos, a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in working with adolescents and young adults. Dr. Dos Santos discusses her journey into psychology, her experience in addressing complex medical and mental health conditions such as postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and the importance of building strong relationships with clients. She emphasizes the significance of validation and support, and shares insights on managing chronic illness through cognitive...2024-07-1730 minConquering Your Fibromyalgia PodcastEp 154 What is Interoception and why you need to know about it? with Kelly Mahler OTText Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions In this podcast episode, Dr. Michael Lenz introduces Kelly Mahler, an occupational therapist who discusses the often overlooked aspect of our sensory experiences: interoception. Kelly explains interoception as the body's ability to perceive its internal state, which affects emotions, hunger, pain, and more. She shares insights into how recognizing and fostering interoception can improve life quality, reduce distress, and aid in managing chronic conditions like fibromyalgia. The conversation also covers the challenges of those with interoceptive differences, particularly in the neurodivergent community, and the importance of personalized approaches to therapy...2024-06-0538 minConquering Your Fibromyalgia PodcastEp 153 Finding Strength in Diagnosis: Can Understanding Fibromyalgia, Autism, and ADHD Transform Lives? Part 2Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions This episode of the podcast features a conversation with Dr. Stacy Greeter, a physician who shares her personal experience with autism, ADHD, and fibromyalgia. Hosted by Dr. Michael Lenz, they delve into the challenges and encouragements for individuals living with these conditions and their loved ones. Dr. Greeter's unique perspective as both a clinician and a patient offers insights into the importance of understanding, support, and the right medical care. She discusses her diagnosis process and the importance of self-care routines. Additionally, the episode explores the difficulties neurodivergent individuals face...2024-05-2943 minConquering Your Fibromyalgia PodcastEp 152 A Neurospicy Psychiatrist's Journey with Fibromyalgia: Dr. Stacey Greeter Part 1Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Navigating Medical Fields as Both Doctor and Patient: Perspectives on Autism, ADHD, and FibromyalgiaThis podcast episode features a conversation with Dr. Stacy Greeter, a psychiatrist who discusses her experiences being diagnosed with autism, fibromyalgia, and ADHD. Hosted by Dr. Michael Lenz, the discussion covers topics like diagnosing autism in adults, the importance of accurate diagnosis, the connection between chronic pain and medical conditions, and the need for compassion within the medical profession. Dr. Greeter shares insights into her personal journey, from her path into psychiatry to identifying...2024-05-2238 minConquering Your Fibromyalgia PodcastEp 149 Fibromyalgia Awareness Day and What is a Pain Recipe?Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Understanding and Managing Fibromyalgia: Strategies for a Better Quality of LifeIn this episode, Dr. Michael Lenz discusses Fibromyalgia Awareness Day and explores the 'pain recipe' concept as a framework for understanding and managing fibromyalgia. He addresses common myths about the condition, emphasizing its reality as a medical issue that affects the brain and central nervous system's processing of pain signals. The episode provides insights into symptoms, triggers, diagnosis criteria, and management strategies, including medication, exercise, and holistic approaches. Dr. Lenz highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach...2024-05-0430 minConquering Your Fibromyalgia PodcastEp. 144 Beyond the typical Physical Therapy: Informed Approaches to Chronic Pain Part 1Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions In this podcast episode, hosted by Dr. Michael Lenz, guests Dr. Sarah Mueler and Lauren Hogan, both doctors of physical therapy, share their insights on managing chronic pain and related conditions like Fibromyalgia, POTS, Ehlers Danlos, and Chronic Fatigue syndrome. They discuss the multidimensional approach required for managing such conditions, detailing their personal journeys into physical therapy, the generalized training physical therapists receive, and the importance of specialized knowledge in chronic pain syndromes. They emphasize the role of the central nervous system in pain perception and the strategies they use...2024-04-0331 minConquering Your Fibromyalgia PodcastEp. 141 What are the childhood brain signatures that predict chronic pain before it develops?Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Important insights from research are illuminating secrets of Chronic Pain in Children.This episode looks at research into the complexities of chronic pain among children. Dr. Lenz discusses the growing understanding that chronic pain often arises from how the central nervous system interprets sensory inputs. The episode highlights the importance of early detection and treatment of chronic pain in altering its lifelong course. Also, it emphasizes that neuroimaging studies have found specific correlations in the brain with chronic pain, but more research is needed. 00:00 Introduction to Ch...2024-03-1328 minConquering Your Fibromyalgia PodcastEp. 140 What is LONG COVID? An Evidenced Based Look.Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Understanding Long-Covid under the Fibromyalgia and related conditions framework, also known as nociplastic pain conditions.In this episode of the Conquering Your Fibromyalgia podcast, host Dr. Michael Lenz explores the possible connections between Long-Covid and Fibromyalgia. He reviews two articles(A and B) providing different perspectives on the issue, focusing on the similarities in symptoms and the overlap with other chronic pain conditions. Dr. Lenz explains the term Long-Covid, detailing the range of persistent symptoms experienced by patients post-COVID-19 infection and how they mirror those of Fibromyalgia. He...2024-03-0638 minConquering Your Fibromyalgia PodcastEp. 139 Was Long Covid predicted 4 years ago? Learn more about why and how these predictions were made.Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions COVID-19 Pandemic and its Impact on Chronic PainIn this episode Dr. Michael Lenz, he discusses the expected impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on increased levels of chronic pain based on a research article from the Journal of Pain. He explains how the pandemic has disrupted daily life across all sectors of society along with the various possibilities of chronic pain as a result of the COVID-19 virus. He discusses the psychological, physical and social stressors brought by the pandemic that potentially lead to chronic pain and other...2024-02-2829 minConquering Your Fibromyalgia PodcastEp. 138 Pain Without Lesion, What's that? Important Historical Perspectives on Chronic PainText Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions In this episode Dr. Michael Lenz explores the historical understanding of chronic pain that lacks visible physical symptoms. He discusses stigma against sufferers, hypochondria, historical sex bias in pain understanding, and the transition in recognizing non-visible pain as real with the advent of functional MRIs. Dr. Lenz makes a case for the necessity of understanding the complexity of pain beyond the classic biomedical model and acknowledging the historical roots of current attitudes towards pain for better pain management in the present .00:00 Introduction to Chronic Pain and Stigma01:06 U...2024-02-2134 minConquering Your Fibromyalgia PodcastEp. 136 How prestigious is fibromyalgia compared to other medical conditions? Why does fibromyalgia have such a big stigma?Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Dr. Michael Lenz discusses the perceptions of prestige associated with various medical conditions and the impact of stigma for people living with fibromyalgia and other chronic overlapping pain conditions. Highlighting a survey which ranked illnesses based on their prestige in the eyes of physicians and medical trainees, conditions like leukemia were ranked highest while fibromyalgia was ranked the lowest. The podcast also explores why fibromyalgia is often stigmatized, particularly in women and men, due to the perceptions of personal accountability in their development. Lastly, the role of patients' meta-narrative or...2024-02-1430 minConquering Your Fibromyalgia PodcastEp 120 Understanding Autism in Adulthood: A Conversation with Dr. Barry Prizant Part 3Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Ever wonder why we so seldom discuss autism in adults? Join us for a riveting conversation with our esteemed guest, Dr. Barry Prizant, as we unpack the complexities of diagnosing autism in adults, and how it can be better understood as a disability of trust. You'll hear the inspiring story of Michael John Carly, a leading figure in the self-advocacy movement for autistic people. His tale underscores the misunderstanding that can occur in relationships and marriages, primarily due to a lack of awareness and delayed diagnosis.The conversation...2023-10-1827 minConquering Your Fibromyalgia PodcastEp 116 Embracing Abilities: Overcoming Obstacles at the Every1In Wellness and Abilities Fair.Part 2Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions In this week's episode, we hear about the inspiration and purpose behind the Every1In Wellness and Abilities Fair from Jory Pradjinski. The aim is simple - to foster a sense of community, create a space for face-to-face connections, and peel back the often invisible layers of stigma associated with Invisible and Visible health conditions. We'll also highlight the overlapping struggles and how understanding, hope, and sharing stories can help patients navigate their challenges.Join us in our mission to create a more inclusive world where everyone can celebrate li...2023-09-2037 minConquering Your Fibromyalgia PodcastEp 106 The Lost Condition: Neurasthenia's Vanishing Act in Medical History. Cracking a Cold Case. A needed historical perspective of Invisible Illnesses. Part 2Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Why did neurasthenia, a once-prevalent condition, fall by the wayside as medical advancements focused on cancer, infectious diseases, and other tangible ailments? Join me, Dr. Michael Lenz, in this riveting exploration of our medical history as we uncover the cold case of neurasthenia and appreciate the transformative advances in modern medicine. Trace the fascinating development of x-rays, laboratory testing, antibiotics, vaccines, and more, while understanding why neurasthenia interest disappeared.Discover the spirited debates between neurologists and surgical gynecologists. Delve into the mind-body connection, the role of psychotropic drugs...2023-07-1235 minConquering Your Fibromyalgia PodcastEp. 105 Unraveling the History and Mystery of Neurasthenia: From 19th Century Origins to Modern Fibromyalgia Diagnosis. Part 1Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions Step back in time with me, Dr. Michael Lenz, as we unravel the fascinating history of neurasthenia, the predecessor to the modern diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Discover how Dr. George Beard's groundbreaking work in 1869 echoes the experiences of fibromyalgia sufferers today, and learn how our understanding of chronic pain and invisible illnesses has evolved over the years.Together, we'll explore the captivating medical history of neurasthenia and how the 19th-century framework of moderation and hygienic measures shaped today's approach to invigorating the body. We'll also delve into the powerful...2023-07-0531 minConquering Your Fibromyalgia PodcastEp. 102. Understanding "Access Needs" to living better with fibromyalgia and autism, as well as picky eats eating and more. Part 4 of 4 of the conversation with Dr. Mel Hauser.What are access needs? Why are they vital to reframe your understanding of and live better with fibromyalgia and autism? What about picky eating and the connection to autism? This is the last of a 4 part series with Dr. Mel Hauser, a family practice doctor who passionately cares for those living with autism, fibromyalgia, and related problems. Dr. Lenz is an internist, pediatrician, lifestyle medicine physician, and clinical lipidologist interested in helping those with fibromyalgia and related problems go beyond just learning to live with it and even reverse fibromyalgia. He is also the author of the b...2023-06-1437 minConquering Your Fibromyalgia PodcastEp. 101 Breaking down Autism's Stigma and get a needed deeper understanding. Part 3 of 4Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions This week we continue to hear more from Dr. Mel Hauser and essential insights to understand Autism better, which will help you understand fibromyalgia better. There is so much stigma and misunderstanding about autism, neurodivergent minds, and fibromyalgia that is deservedly discussed and reframed to grow a better understanding. Dr. Lenz is an internist, pediatrician, lifestyle medicine physician, and clinical lipidologist interested in helping those with fibromyalgia and related problems go beyond just learning to live with it and even reverse fibromyalgia. He is also the author of...2023-06-0735 minConquering Your Fibromyalgia PodcastEp. 100. All Brains Belong Part 2. What you need to know about Neurodivergent minds and fibromyalgia type illnesses. Profound impacts beyond the pain.We continue to gain insights into the surprising and profound connections between autism, neurodivergent minds, and fibromyalgia-related struggles. Dr. Hauser shares:"I can't tell you how often someone comes in with 40 diagnoses and they feel so broken because clearly I must be broken if there are 40 things wrong with me and I say, oh no, you don't have 40 things wrong with you.You have one thing. It's called All the Things. Oh, and by the way, let's talk about your brain. That's how those conversations tend to go.But what gave me a sense of...2023-05-3132 minConquering Your Fibromyalgia PodcastEp. 99 Autism burnout, stress behaviors and the connection to Fibromyalgia. Part 1 of the Interview with Dr. Mel Hauser from All Brains BelongText Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions This is the first part of a 4 part conversation with Dr. Mel Hauser, a family practice doctor who has dedicated her career to helping those with neurodivergent minds. Surprisingly there is a connection between autism and fibromyalgia and related problems which Dr. Hauser and her staff call "all the things." This conversation may be the most impactful and eye-opening interview I have done. It was an opportunity to zoom out, allowing me and likely you to gain a different perspective of fibromyalgia. For many listening, it will, at a minimum, b...2023-05-2430 minConquering Your Fibromyalgia PodcastEp. 95. The Invisible deadly illness lurking in many with fibromyalgia and what you can do about it.Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions This week discusses heart disease, the number one killer of men and women. In addition to having a strong interest in fibromyalgia and related problems, he also has a strong interest in preventing and treating this serious condition. In this week's episode, you hear about his journey. Nearly all heart disease, the accumulation of plaque in the heart's arteries, is preventable. Still, most, including those with fibromyalgia, are unaware of this silent, lurking disease. Last week we heard Martin Keogh, author of Naked Realities, share his journey into Chronic Fatigue S...2023-05-1032 minConquering Your Fibromyalgia PodcastEp. 92 Narrative medicine. Giving a Voice to the Suffering. Part 2 of 2.Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions We continue the conversation with Dr. Bruce Campbell discussing narrative medicine as a useful but often neglected tool for doctors and patients to help them feel better and live healthier with fibromyalgia and other chronic health conditions. Every patient has a story that goes beyond the symptoms they bring into the doctor's office.Those stories illuminate how a person became ill, the tipping point that compelled them to seek help, and the barriers to getting better. Stories can offer the depth that promotes and nourishes empathy, prompting a...2023-04-2624 minConquering Your Fibromyalgia PodcastEp. 91 Narrative medicine. Reframing patient care. Part 1 of 2 of the conversation with Dr. Bruce Campbell.Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions In this week's episode, we discuss narrative medicine as a useful but often neglected tool for doctors and patients to help them feel better and live healthier with fibromyalgia. Every patient has a story that goes beyond the symptoms they bring into the doctor's office.Those stories illuminate how a person became ill, the tipping point that compelled them to seek help, and the barriers to getting better. Stories can offer the depth that promotes and nourishes empathy, prompting a provider to switch from asking, "How can I...2023-04-1934 minConquering Your Fibromyalgia PodcastEp. 90 A Better Understanding of Chronic Fatigue. Part 3 of 3 of the Interview with Tamara Rosier. Author of "Your Brain's not broken."Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions We have been conversing with Tamra Rosier in this last of the three-part series. She is an author and ADHD coach and has worked with clients for a long time, helping them live better with their ADHD. This is relevant to the conversation about fibromyalgia because many with fibromyalgia also have ADHD and may be unaware of the role it plays in their struggles.We talked last week about the different grids and how to understand the challenges that someone with ADHD faces looking at Yellow...2023-04-1238 min