Shows
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.099 - The Botox Breakdown with Meghan Morrissette: Science, Art, and ResultsThis week’s episode is all about Botox as we welcome my aesthetics nurse Meghan Morrissette. As a holistically-minded person, the idea of injecting myself with a toxic chemical just to look better did not appeal to me for many years. However, now that I have a deeper understanding about what Botox can really do, I think it’s worth exploring, which I recently did myself. I had a great experience trying Botox for the first time with Meghan. She has a soft, delicate touch, and the needles are tiny, so I felt no pain at all. She’...2025-07-2522 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.098 - Beyond Insurance: Taking Full Control of Your HealthToday we’re concluding our conversation about being independently healthy. This time, we’re focusing on preventative care and maintaining your health. Most patients believe their health insurance plan is there to keep them healthy, but this is not true. The medical insurance industry is designed only to cover catastrophically high expenses in serious health situations. It’s important to remember that your health insurance does not guarantee you access to a wide array of services with your medical care provider. If you want services outside of what’s covered by your insurance, you may have to start bu...2025-07-1826 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.097 - Understanding Your Medical Insurance: Beyond the BasicsIn this episode we’re continuing our conversation about being independently healthy, focusing on covered medical expenses. Medical insurance premiums have skyrocketed—they are extremely expensive, and therefore unaffordable for many people. If possible, it’s important to prioritize having your deductible on hand in case you ever need it. You may also need a contingency plan for specific medical expenses which are not covered. If it’s a therapy focused on maintaining wellness, balancing hormones, or anti-aging, it will likely not be a covered expense. The medical insurance business is indeed a business, so they want...2025-07-1126 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.096 - Independence Day Special: Becoming Independently HealthyMany of us are familiar with the idea of being independently wealthy, but what does it mean to be independently healthy? Health independence is the ability to maintain your physical and mental wellbeing without relying on external support. If you want to be independently healthy, you need to eat well, exercise often, sleep soundly, and manage your stress. Having this knowledge is one thing, but using it is another. The reality is that 40% of Americans suffer from two or more chronic illnesses, and 3 out of 4 Americans are overweight or obese. It’s also much easier to be in...2025-07-0435 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.095 - Beyond Statins: Holistic Cholesterol ManagementToday we’re continuing our conversation about cholesterol and debunking the myths around it. In their 50s, approximately 40-50% of men have some degree of coronary artery disease. This risk only increases as age advances. Poor food choices, sedentary lifestyle, and exposure to toxins also increases this risk. Half of men who experience a heart attack don’t even have any symptoms prior to this event. For the men who don’t make it through the heart attack, they will never get the chance to do anything about it. This highlights the importance of early detection of heart...2025-06-2726 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.094 - The Cholesterol Secret: Essential Building Block for Your Well-BeingWe all have men in our life that we care about, and it’s important to keep their health at the top of our mind. One factor that can greatly impact men’s health is his cholesterol, however the way cholesterol works is greatly misunderstood. In this episode we’re debunking cholesterol myths and shedding light on what matters when it comes to cholesterol and men’s health. 70% of heart attacks are first time events, which means those who have one never knew they had heart disease in the first place. If you experience a heart attack, it’s rea...2025-06-2036 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.093 - Beyond Testosterone: Uncovering the Real Threats to Men's Cardiovascular HealthThis month we’re taking a few episodes to explore things to keep top of mind for men’s health. Even if you’re not a man yourself, the men in your life may have some unique needs and health issues you’ll want to know about. In the United States, heart attacks kill about 325,000 men per year. So, why are men so prone to heart disease? It can develop due to a combination of lifestyle, genetic, and environmental factors. A sedentary lifestyle contributes to high blood pressure and an unfavorable lipid profile, among other things. Heavy drinking...2025-06-1330 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.092 - Demystifying Health Coverage: What Your Monthly Insurance Premium Actually Buys YouWe’re continuing our conversation about insurance coverage today, specifically how it impacts your access to wellness procedures and therapies. All insurance companies are positioned in a particularly advantageous position. People tend to have unrealistic expectations about what they’re being offered, and this usually comes to light when they get denied. Oftentimes, insurance is a lose-win situation, and only becomes a win-win for you when something unfortunate happens and you need high-cost medical care. Each medical insurance company has their own version of a formulary, which is an approved list of cheapest medications they are willing to p...2025-06-0625 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.091 - Why Your Vitamins Aren't Covered by InsuranceIn this episode we’re discussing vitamins and what insurance coverage looks like for them. IV vitamin therapy is beneficial to your health for so many reasons, but some types may be covered and some may not. Additionally, hospitals also have very specific policies and protocols about what they will offer, and typically they do not offer IV vitamin therapy. Hospitals often cite a lack of scientific evidence for IV vitamin therapy. Yet the truth is that there is actually more scientific support for the vitamins administered during IV therapy than there is for any drug administered in...2025-05-3027 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.090 - Recharge and Rejuvenate: The Essential Guide to IV Vitamins and Amino AcidsToday we’re continuing our discussion about IV vitamin therapy, especially regarding how administering vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, and amino acids through IV can be beneficial for you. Vitamin C supports a healthy immune system, and injectable forms provide a rapid increase. If you feel exhausted or stressed, whether from life changes, travelling, or everyday stresses, a vitamin C administration through IV can help protect you from getting sick. It can also reduce damage and stress to tissues. Vitamin C is also essential for collagen production and plays an important role in healing. And thanks to...2025-05-2325 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.089 - Amazing Benefits of B Vitamins with IV TherapyLet’s dig deeper into IV vitamin therapy. Specifically, we’re exploring how to administer vitamin therapy and going further in depth with the vitamins themselves. Generally, IV vitamin therapy lasts about 60 minutes, especially if you are getting more than a few vitamins at once. Rushing your infusion is probably not a good thing. Even if you’re eager to save time, it’s much better to dilute the vitamins appropriately and give them time to be administered. The amount of times per month you’ll need an infusion depends on your individual needs and goals. Vitamin...2025-05-1828 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.088 - Revitalize Your Body: The Power of IV Vitamin TherapyAlthough IV vitamin therapy is far from mainstream, it’s a great alternative therapy for many reasons. There are many hours that doctors and healthcare professionals have to put into self-education about IV vitamin therapy before they can be comfortable offering it. As a restorative anti-aging practitioner, I believe in allowing the body to heal by providing it the nutrients it needs. IV vitamin therapy allows for the administration of vitamins and minerals directly into the bloodstream. This method of delivery allows for immediate 100% availability to your cells. This is especially help...2025-05-1025 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.087 - NAD: The Secret Miracle Molecule Behind Health and VitalityIn this episode we’re discussing how the body works and why nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, or NAD, might be a miracle molecule. You may have heard of NAD before and be aware that it has benefits, but feel unclear about what those actually are. By the end of this episode, you’ll feel confident in discussing this topic. The human body is very complex—we have about 78 organs that keep us alive. The brain has 86 billion nerve cells, and then our bodies produce 50 hormones and thousands of enzymes crucial for various processes. But what would it look like t...2025-05-0337 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.086 - WarmSculpting Tech to Shape Your Body for Ageless Beauty and ConfidenceToday we’re talking about WarmScuplting platforms as a non-invasive option for reducing fat cells. Using it in my practice, we use laser-generated heat that destroys fat cells in 25-minute treatment sessions. It is also highly customizable, and the treatment is designed to keep your skin cool. There is another type of treatment that uses radiofrequency (RF), and this is also non-invasive. One specific option, called TempSure, uses an applicator to apply RF deep into the skin. However, it doesn’t destroy fat cells. Rather, its primary use is reducing the appearance of cellulite and tightening the skin...2025-04-2528 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.085 - Body Sculpting Truths Unveiled: Comparing WarmSculpting and CoolSculptingToday we’re diving into more specific surgery-free options for achieving fat removal results: WarmSculpting (also known as SculpSure) and CoolSculpting. Both of these target pockets of fat using extreme temperatures to get rid of them permanently. The first time I tried CoolSculpting, I wasn’t sold on it, so I had decided not to bring it into my practice. But later, when the MonaLisa Touch came out, I had a completely different experience. I had no discomfort, no lumps, and 2-3 weeks later I noticed the fat on my belly shrinking. Convinced of the effectiveness and ease...2025-04-1823 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.084 - Modern Technology vs Liposuction: Unveiling the Future of Body ShapingToday we’re exploring body contouring, including what exactly it is, the pros and cons, and the various ways you can achieve it. The first thing you need to know is that body contouring is not at all similar to weight loss. The goal, more specifically, is to change the shape of your body, not necessarily the number on the scale. The best candidates for this type of treatment are those dealing with stubborn pockets of fat that seem to be resistant to weight loss. These areas are usually around the stomach, hips, and upper arms, and it...2025-04-1126 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.083 - Mastering Aesthetic Transformations: Fillers, Trends, and Your Beauty Plan with Meghan MorrissetteIn today’s episode we’re welcoming Meghan Morrissette as a guest. Meghan is a dedicated aesthetics nurse of 15 years, and she’s here to share her knowledge on filler injections and more. She specializes in facial balancing and contouring with injectables. It takes a lot of skill, experience, exposure, and an artistic eye to master the craft of injecting filler. You always want to focus on enhancing someone’s natural features in a way that’s subtle and undetectable. Many women begin losing the youthful volume in their face in their mid-thirties. If you don’t reco...2025-04-0442 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.082 - No More Secrets! Everything You Should Know About VAGINAL REJUVENATION LASERSToday we’re discussing vaginal laser technology in detail and which options should be considered for best results. The MonaLisa Touch was the first vaginal laser technology introduced in the US—but previously, the same technology has been used for fine lines and wrinkles. The purchase of any laser for a woman’s intimate wellness isn’t a decision to be taken lightly. Your medical professional should always refer to what the research and studies have said, not what the sales rep is telling them. Still, investing in new technologies for vaginal wellness was a no-brainer for me as a...2025-03-2838 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.081 - The Future of Optimizing Intimacy for Women: Laser Technology Can Be a Safe and Effective Solution!The most recent breakthrough launched in the last decade for vaginal health improvement has been laser technology. This new approach comes from an emphasis on looking for ways to promote health and healing (as opposed to destroying disease). There is a demand for safe treatment for serious medical conditions that cause vaginal discomfort and pain. Generally, our medical system has fallen short of meeting women’s sexual health and wellbeing needs. The friction that occurs during intercourse can be intolerable and downright painful if a woman is struggling with sensitive tissues and decreased lubrication. Women ex...2025-03-2126 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.080 - What Your Doctor Won’t Tell You: Treating Painful Sex Caused by Endometriosis With TestosteroneEndometriosis can make intimacy difficult for women to enjoy—and that’s not just for young women, but women of all ages. Endometriosis is when the uterine lining (the endometrium) grows outside the uterus. The cause of this is unknown, however it causes inflammation, scarring, and pain. Research regarding treatment is severely lacking when it comes to this condition, in part because it is not considered a life-threatening illness. Another reason is that the potential for money-making is limited. That said, it does highly impact a woman’s quality of life and her experiences, and therefore deserves more a...2025-03-1428 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.079 - Overcoming Painful Sex and Modern, Safe, Effective Solutions Your OB/GYN Will Not Tell You AboutThere are two conditions that can impact a woman’s sexual wellness regardless of their age: vulvodynia and vaginismus. These conditions can be painful and limit a woman’s desire for intimacy—all while they suffer in silence. This is why it’s so important to open up a conversation about these conditions and the options available for treatment. Vulvodynia is a disturbance at the nerve endings of a woman’s delicate tissues. It can feel sensitive even when a woman sits down, rides a bike, or engages in other activities. It’s easy to diagnose, and there are va...2025-03-0721 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.078 - The Hidden Truths of Perimenopausal Sexuality - Part 2In this episode, we’re continuing our discussion about sexual wellness during perimenopause. This stage of life can be extremely difficult for women who are sensitive to changes in mood. They may look to outside sources to alleviate this stress. For example: sweet and salty foods or alcohol. This stress, and the weight gain that comes with it, makes a woman feel anything but sexual. Stress is the enemy of intimacy and fertility, which can be disruptive to women who desire a healthy sexual relationship with their partner and those who want to have kids later in li...2025-02-2827 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.077 - The Hidden Truths of Perimenopausal Sexuality - Part 1How can women find optimal intimacy in all stages of life, including during perimenopause? Most women experience perimenopause around their early forties, and a woman’s body goes through a lot of changes at this time, some of which greatly impact their desire to be intimate with their partners. Taking steps early on is a woman’s best tool for navigating these changes. However, it’s important to note that the solutions for a woman in menopause are not the same as those experiencing perimenopause. While there is a decline in estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone, there is not a...2025-02-2124 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.076 - Sexual Wellness and The Key to Revitalizing Intimacy for Women After MenopauseIf you’re a woman who struggles with pain and discomfort during intimacy, you’re not alone. There are a multitude of conditions that limit women in terms of intimacy, and they suffer in silence. In this episode, we’re diving into this topic and sharing possible solutions. As women age and go through menopause, they experience significant shifts in their hormones. These shifts, such as the loss of estrogen, can lead to vaginal dryness and other issues of sexual dysfunction. The good news is that estrogen deficiency is easily addressed through a cream or vaginal insert. ...2025-02-1431 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.075 - Doctors vs. Corporations The Fight to Redefine Patient Care Part 2We’re continuing our conversation about concierge medical practices this week. There were a few reasons I decided to go with a membership practice; the first one being financial survival. Our healthcare system has been compromised, and something has to change. Doctors have almost no choice but to go cash and stop accepting insurance or go concierge to survive. The membership fee isn’t put in place for profit, it’s there for necessity. In an insurance-driven healthcare market, medical providers are penalized if they decide to spend a longer amount of time with patients. Provid...2025-02-0727 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.074 - Doctors vs. Corporations: The Fight to Redefine Patient Care Part 1Do you know what the benefits of a concierge medical practice are? There are a few to cover for both doctors and patients. In today's economy, our purchasing power has been reduced. So, everyone wants to know: is a medical practice membership really worth it? The simple answer is that if you can get the same services—quantity and quality—from someone else who does not require a membership, it’s not a good deal. But all medical practices are unique and will provide their own specific services. It really depends on the quality of service and the ty...2025-01-3121 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.10 Essential Anti-Aging Markers Your Annual Wellness Check Should Include - Part 2Let’s get back into part two of our discussion about valuable markers to look for when it comes to anti-aging. In the first episode, we covered markers such as a cardiovascular assessment, body composition, and cancer screenings. Both men and women should be undergoing regular colonoscopies to screen for cancer. If possible, opt for a whole-body MRI to screen for various cancers—many can be caught before they become symptomatic. There are also blood tests that can help test for cancers in the very early stages. A bone density evaluation is also important when it c...2025-01-2423 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.10 Essential Anti-Aging Markers Your Annual Wellness Check Should Include - Part 1What are the most valuable things to focus on when making an anti-aging plan with your doctor? In this episode we’re discussing just that. Everyone’s body changes over time, but you can make aging easier if you get support sooner rather than later. Over time, you may start to notice your energy levels decline—and perhaps you are softer in areas than you were before. Weight loss or even maintaining your weight becomes more difficult as we age, and your mood may also change too. Some of these changes are subtle, but they are bound to hap...2025-01-1716 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.The Invisible Chains: 10 Ways Stress Silently Destroys Your HealthChronic stress is recognized as a major stress of disability and mortality worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, stress is a state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation. Stress is a natural response, and it prompts us to take action under certain circumstances. However, when stress becomes chronic, it can be very damaging to our health. Chronic stress is associated with many different health consequences. What you do, what you think, and how you feel when you’re stressed matters—and it greatly impacts your body. If you want to live a long...2025-01-1022 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.How to Prepare for Menopause: Strategies and Survival Tips Your Doctor Won’t Tell You - Part 2Let’s continue our deep discussion on preparing for menopause. In part one, we talked about the changes you can expect in perimenopause and menopause, and explored the importance of awareness around this hormonal shift. In this episode, we’re exploring specific ways you can support this transition. If you want to improve your experience going through perimenopause and menopause, you should first consider how you feel about hormones. If you think you’d like to explore hormone replacement therapy, you’ll want to align yourself with a doctor who has expertise in that area. It’s imp...2024-12-2732 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.How to Prepare for Menopause: Strategies and Survival Tips Your Doctor Won’t Tell You - Part 1Is there such a thing as preparing for menopause? This is a topic not many people are discussing, but they should be. Menopause impacts women, but that impact will also have an effect on the other people in their lives, like their partner and children. Many women struggle with procrastination when it comes to prioritizing themselves. However, the best thing we can do for ourselves is prepare for menopause early on so we can have the tools to make this transition easier. The first thing you need to prepare for menopause adequately is awareness. Ignoring it won’t...2024-12-2032 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.Wellness Exam, Heart Health and Key Longevity Predictors in Your 40s - Part 2In this episode, we’re continuing our conversation about wellness checks in your 40s. Last time we discussed weight, height, body mass composition, and cardiovascular health. Blood pressure, specifically hypertension, is a silent killer and is another very important aspect of your health that you should know about. Most doctor’s visits are brief. They spend about 15 minutes with you, and they may order some simple blood tests—but they don’t often invest in your longer health journey. Comprehensive wellness checks should include an in-depth analysis of all the important markers. Keep this in mind if you’re c...2024-12-1324 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.Wellness Exam, Heart Health and Key Longevity Predictors in Your 40s - Part 1What is important when it comes to your health in your 40s? The 40s is an important decade of life because it’s one of subtle decline; the beginning of widespread changes to come. While you might feel like you’re in good health, there are still some key things to pay attention to. The sooner you make these things a priority, the better. In your 40s, look for a doctor that has the energy, time, and dedication to create an aging plan with you. It might cost you to find a physician that can work with you...2024-12-0632 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.Wellness Pearls for Men and Women in Their 30s - Part 2In this episode we’re continuing our discussion of wellness pearls for men and women in their 30s. At this age, you should have no urinary trouble. If you use the bathroom multiple times each night, or you’re dealing with feelings of urgency, you should bring this up to your doctor. This could potentially be a urinary tract infection, which women are more likely to experience overall. Most physicians that complete a wellness exam don’t ask about sexual health—but they should. As your doctor, they should be prepared to not only hear about any problem...2024-11-2234 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.The Value of an In-Depth Wellness Assessment in Your 30s: Setting the Foundation for Your Future Health Part 1 What should a physician focus on when their patient is a man or a woman in their 30s? For women, their 30s set the tone for a smooth and easy—or potentially difficult—perimenopause stage. For both men and women, the 30’s should represent a peak in health. Women who are 35 years old and above who are planning on having children should discuss this with their doctor, and the sooner the better. After this point, a woman’s eggs may be of less quality than they once were, and thus conception may be a more difficult process. A...2024-11-1530 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.Making the Most of Your Annual Exam - Vital Health Checks Every Young Woman in Her 20s NeedsMany doctors and health providers of young women are overburdened and overworked. This can cause them to skim over critical aspects for their patients, so it helps to know what to ask for when a wellness check is being done. The more informed you can be as a patient, the more likely you are to receive a better experience. Height, weight, temperature, heart rate, and last menstrual period are crucial starting points of a wellness exam. Though some of these checks, like weight, can make young women feel uncomfortable, it is imperative that they are done. 2024-10-2526 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.How to Take Charge of Your Own Health: Top Wellness Markers for Young Men That Any Doctor Should CheckIn this episode we’re addressing health in young boys and young men, including what to watch for as far as health checks. The number-one marker for wellness (in both young men and young women) is body composition. This is important to know, as more than 1 in 5 young people struggle with obesity which is associated with serious health issues. 20% of teenagers experience mental health problems in any given year. These problems are often established by age 14. It’s important to check in on the mental health of young people and intervene as early as possible. A check of t...2024-10-1832 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.Comprehensive Wellness Exam for a Teenager - Beyond Basic TestingWhat are the signs of health in a young woman? Each doctor may have a different approach to their wellness exams. Knowing the details of what your health provider offers can help you decide if choosing them is the right option for you. This is especially important for women, whose health needs are highly underserved. Women are usually recommended three specific exams: breast exams, a Papanicolaou (Pap) test, and a general physical. From ages 11-16, it’s important to consider the shift in hormones happening primarily in the ovaries. The importance of endocrine disruptors from their diet and...2024-10-1134 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.Medication or Prevention - The Choice That Could Change Your Health and Your LifeIf you want to avoid spending money on costly surgeries, procedures, medications, and illnesses, choose a doctor to partner with to better your health. Be sure to pick a physician who will work with you towards your wellness goals. While it will cost money to do this, you can consider it an investment in your health. The tests and labs your insurance usually covers are not always enough to tell your provider if there is a serious medical problem. You can have normal panels in your annual exam and still have underlying health issues. Getting a checkup 1...2024-10-0428 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.Food as Medicine: Transform Your Health and Ditch Medications With Holistic WisdomHow can you stay healthy in a seemingly uncaring healthcare system? While not every professional in the health space is corrupt or unwilling to help (in fact many are passionate about helping and serving others), the system at large is not designed to allow access to the best possible care. On top of this, many of us are eating food that is overprocessed and lacking in nutrients, which contributes to a host of health-related issues including obesity, arthritis, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. But just as food can harm you, it can also heal you. By eating healthy...2024-09-2728 min
The Crackin' Backs PodcastMen and their hormones - Strategies to get their Youth back- Dr. Mirela Cernaianu (Gynecologist)In this episode of the Crackin' Backs Podcast, we welcomed back the esteemed Dr. Mirela Cernaianu, a board-certified physician with over three decades of experience in obstetrics, gynecology, anti-aging, and holistic medicine. Dr. Cernaianu, known as "Dr. C" by her patients, has dedicated her career to providing comprehensive, personalized care that focuses on the unique needs of each individual.In this episode, we’ll explore how aging affects men's hormone levels, particularly testosterone, and the impact this has on energy, mood, and libido. Dr. C will share her insights on the signs to watch for as testosterone le...2024-09-161h 01
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.Why Exercise is Vital in Staying HealthyMany people do not truly understand the value of their health until it’s gone. You may even be ignoring the signals your body is giving you, even though the signs may have been present for some time. Yet, when you lose your ability to function optimally, you finally have to confront the reality of your health situation. The truth is you should value your health above almost everything in life—including your work, career, finances, and your to-do list. All the possessions you have lose their importance without your health. A healthy body is important for the...2024-09-1625 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.How to Stay Healthy in a Corrupt and Uncaring Health SystemWhy are Americans dealing with so many health issues, including chronic conditions and mental health issues? The first question we need to answer is this: what does it really mean to be healthy? According to the World Health organization, health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social wellbeing—not just the absence of disease. Only 12% of adults in the US are metabolically healthy, and as a society we are getting sicker and heavier. It’s important for people to work to be at peace in their lives and within themselves. Developing healthy habits is so impo...2024-09-0638 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.The Deductible Dilemma: What You Need to Know About Your Healthcare PlanThis podcast episode marks the one-year anniversary of launching this podcast. Today we’re going off-script and talking about what our healthcare landscape looks like today. Our medical system today is quite changed from what it once was—especially since the Affordable Care Act was enacted. Most people pay the equivalent of a monthly mortgage for an insurance plan, and unfortunately, this plan doesn’t provide the same amount of coverage as it once did. If you do have insurance, you will definitely need to know your deductible. This is the most important and relevant number to know f...2024-09-0132 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.Fertility Restorative Therapies and What They CostFor couples looking to conceive, it may be helpful to know the various ways they can maximize their fertility—especially if these couples have already been trying to get pregnant for some time. In this episode, we’re discussing how women specifically can support their fertility, including using restorative therapies. Modern medicine doesn’t always account for the body’s natural healing process. Your body can, on its own, resume normal function. There are also procedures that can reverse things that inhibit pregnancy. For example, tubal ligation. However, it’s important to note that reversing tubal ligation does come...2024-08-2333 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.The Best Vitamins for FertilityIn today’s episode we’re talking about the factors you can control to improve your ability to conceive. The best first step in your fertility journey is a consultation with a doctor or fertility specialist. Seek help if within six months of regular periods you have been unable to get pregnant. If you’re trying to successfully conceive, having regular periods is a good sign. It should also last between 3 and 7 days. If you’re suffering from severe pain during your periods, you’ll want to get this checked out—you could have endometriosis. which affects almost half...2024-08-1730 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.Decoding the Modern Fertility EpidemicThe fertility process is so extraordinarily unique and so important. Yet many young men and women are unaware that we are also currently experiencing a fertility epidemic. When you’re ready to have a kid, it’s becoming less easy to conceive, and many people only realize they have a problem by the time it takes a lot of money and effort to fix. If you plan on having children, don’t be afraid to discuss this with your doctor—even if you’re currently unattached. A simple test, like a blood test or an ultrasound, can uncover po...2024-08-0920 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.What You Need to Know about Endometriosis and InfertilityEndometriosis is a condition that is underdiagnosed by many physicians, and it’s also underappreciated by many patients. Endometriosis exists in approximately 50% of women who struggle with infertility. This condition can result in adhesions, scarring, and inflammation—all things that greatly impact the function of your fertility. This condition happens when the endometrial cells (the cells that line the uterus) spread outside of the uterus and develop endometrial lesions across all pelvic organs. It typically affects the ovaries most significantly, as well as the uterosacral ligaments. Once a woman develops endometriotic lesions, the inflammatory process that occurs ofte...2024-08-0228 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.The Role of the Cervical and Vaginal Factor in FertilityIf you’re experiencing fertility challenges, you should be aware of the different factors that have a significant influence on your fertility health. In this episode we’re covering two of those factors: the cervical factor and the vaginal factor. There are various health aspects to consider for each factor, and this information is valuable to all women. The cervix is a structure that guards the uterus. The size, shape, and appearance of the cervix differs greatly depending on a woman’s age, medical background, and whether or not she’s had children in the past. The interact...2024-07-2624 minThe Crackin' Backs PodcastAging Gracefully: Sexual Health, Wellness, and Longevity Tips for Women with Dr. Mirela CernaianuGet ready to transform your understanding of women's health in this groundbreaking episode of the Crackin Backs Podcast featuring Dr. Mirela Cernaianu, a leading Ob/GYN expert. Dr. Cernaianu delves deep into the transition from traditional disease prevention to a modern wellness-focused approach, highlighting the profound impacts this shift has on women's healthcare and the challenges it presents.Join us as we unpack the complexities of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Dr. Cernaianu provides a balanced view of the benefits and risks, guiding women on when to consider hormone testing and intervention. For those hesitant about HRT, discover...2024-07-221h 05
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.The Top Fertility Factors a Couple Should Consider - Part 2Our human reproductive system is delicate, so if you’re planning to have a baby, you’ll want to know the things to look out for to give yourself the best chance of a successful pregnancy. In this episode, we’ll be discussing the various tubal factors and uterine factors that could impact your pregnancy and lead to loss. Poor egg quality is a crucial factor too, as is sperm quality. These can lead to embryos with genetic problems, and therefore a non-viable pregnancy. Healthy sperm should be able to travel into the fallopian tube to meet the eg...2024-07-1933 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.The Top Fertility Factors a Couple Should Consider - Part 1If you’re a couple looking to start or grow your family, this episode will have lots of valuable information for you: we’re discussing fertility factors you should consider when planning for a child. If you’ve been trying for six months or longer and you and your partner are over 30 years old, don’t wait to seek support sooner rather than later. The biggest thing you should consider as a couple trying to conceive is the male factor, and doing a sperm analysis is simple. Your medical professionals will look for motility, morphology, and sperm count. T...2024-07-1332 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.The Truth About Egg Quality and FertilityMany women have a unique story regarding their experiences and choices with their fertility. For those women looking to preserve their fertility for the right time, this episode is for you. First, peak fertility for a woman is in her early-to-mid 20s. All women are born with the number of eggs they will have for their life. The number of eggs you have is far less important than the quality of eggs you have. When you are young, you are likely to be more resilient. This leads to better egg quality, but it also provides you with t...2024-07-0533 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.Could Your Fallopian Tubes Be Blocking Your Fertility Dreams?The fallopian tubes are an essential part of the female reproductive system. They are soft tubes that play a crucial role in the process of transferring eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. These tubes also provide a nourishing environment for the egg while it travels on this important journey. The fallopian tubes are also where the egg could potentially be fertilized by sperm, becoming an embryo. For this reason, and many others, it’s important to be aware of possible issues with the fallopian tubes. This includes inflammation, tubal obstruction, ectopic pregnancy, tubal adhesions, and endometriosis—just...2024-06-2837 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.Pros and Cons of Removing Your Uterus - Hysterectomy: To Do or Not to Do Part 2Hysterectomies are one of the commonly performed surgeries in the United States, with half a million being performed every year. More than 40% of women will end up having a hysterectomy in their lifetime. Having this procedure may mean the end of carrying a child, however if you still have your ovaries, you may be able to have biological children via a surrogate. Your period is a sign of how your hormones are working. Being without a uterus may make it more difficult to uncover any possible problems. For some women, their uterus is associated with their womanly s...2024-06-2143 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.Pros and Cons of Removing Your Uterus - Hysterectomy: To Do or Not to Do Part 1Hysterectomies are one of the commonly performed surgeries in the United States, with half a million being performed every year. More than 40% of women will end up having a hysterectomy in their lifetime. Having this procedure may mean the end of carrying a child, however if you still have your ovaries, you may be able to have biological children via a surrogate. Your period is a sign of how your hormones are working. Being without a uterus may make it more difficult to uncover any possible problems. For some women, their uterus is associated with their womanly s...2024-06-1424 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.Is There Such a Thing as “The Perfect Diet”?Does a perfect diet exist? Some of the most popular diets to follow today include paleo, keto, and carnivore. While any one of these diets might make you feel good for a few weeks or months, variety is the key to eating in a way that fully supports a well-functioning body. Being on any specific diet for a long time has the potential to help you lose weight. Many lead to a natural reduction in calories by emphasizing whole foods. Stable and improved blood sugar levels are also a common outcome from reducing processed carbs. Reduced inflammation...2024-06-0742 minWellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.Does It Matter What and When We Eat? Intermittent Fasting and Our HormonesFood is medicine, and what you eat has a significant impact on your health. While it’s good to be conscious and intentional with what you eat, an intense focus on your diet can easily turn into an obsession. This is in part due to the fact that awareness around how what we eat affects our bodies has increased recently. Different types of diets and eating styles have also been popularized online. Dietary advice is just about everywhere you look, pressuring you to eat a specific way to lose weight. Some of the most well-known diets include Me...2024-05-3132 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.Food Addiction: Myth or Reality? Strategies for Breaking the Cycle of Poor Food ChoicesLet’s talk about the reality of food addiction. Whether you realize it or not, many of us are addicted to the foods we eat, at least to some degree. Our addiction to food affects us every day. What we eat plays a significant role in allowing our bodies to maintain homeostasis and can either help us reduce our toxic burden or increase it. Once we can no longer manage our toxic burden, we become symptomatic. These symptoms can vary widely from person to person, making it difficult to identify detoxification as a possible issue. If you’re e...2024-05-2437 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.Are We Eating a Dirty Diet? Is Our Food and Way of Life Making Us Sick?We are exposed to a lot of unhealthy chemicals through our lifestyle and diet. In fact, ingestion is one of the main ways we are exposed to toxic compounds. In this sense, a clean diet isn’t just one that’s healthy or home cooked—it’s also one that limits exposure to these chemicals. One of the main issues most people run into is being too busy or overwhelmed to prioritize our diet and looking to foods of convenience. In our haste to be efficient and satisfy our taste buds, we develop habits that work temporarily but might...2024-05-1835 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.How Do We Eliminate Toxins Naturally? What Is a Medical Grade Detox?When it comes to women’s health, many are concerned about how hormones might put them at a higher risk for cancer. At the same time, so few women are not as concerned with the toxins they come into contact with every day, which definitely do put them at a higher risk for cancer. Thousands of chemicals have been introduced into our daily modern lives: walking barefoot on your carpet, breathing in car exhaust, and washing your clothes with detergent to name a few. Even the skincare you use exposes you to toxins. This increases the toxic bu...2024-05-1038 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.Top 10 Signs You Have Been Exposed to Estrogen Receptor Disruptors and Strategies for DetoxificationHave you been exposed to estrogen receptor disruptors like phthalates, BPA, pesticides, and other chemicals? These substances can mimic, block, or alter the effects of estrogen on our cells, leading to significant potential health risks. These disruptors interfere with your hormones, but there are strategies you can use to detoxify from them and reduce your risk of related issues. Endocrine disruptors were defined as exogenous compounds that interfere with pathways of endogenous hormones at the level of synthesis, storage, metabolism, elimination, and binding. Exposure is associated with hormone-related cancers like uterine cancer, breast cancer, and ovarian cancers.2024-05-0328 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.Could Estrogen Receptors Be the Key to Many of Our Female Problems, Including Cancer?Our estrogen receptors play a significant role in our health as women. Knowing what they are, what they do, and how they work really matters, especially if you want to feel informed and empowered about your health. While estrogen is not the enemy, estrogen receptors play a role in all female cancers, including uterine cancer, and many other health related issues. Estrogen has hundreds of functions in the female body. There are actually different types of estrogens our body can make: Estradiol (made by the ovaries), estriol (made in pregnancy), and estrone (produced during menopause). These estrogens...2024-04-2626 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.What Are the Risk Factors for Uterine Cancer and How Can We Eliminate or Neutralize Them?By understanding the risk factors, you can reduce the risk factors not only for uterine cancer, but for all cancers. As women, there are steps we can take early on to avoid having uterine cancer later in life. The American Cancer Society estimates that 1 in 37 women will develop uterine cancer in their lifetime. Uterine cancer is more common in women who are postmenopausal or over the age of 50. After 50, women have little or no estrogen. Hormonal imbalances like estrogen dominance can also increase the risk of uterine cancer. Other conditions, like PCOS, are also correlated with higher...2024-04-1931 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.10 Symptoms That Might Warn You That You Have Uterine CancerEven though uterine cancer isn’t common, it’s crucial to diagnose and treat it as soon as possible. Because this type of cancer presents with very clear signs and symptoms, it’s possible to detect it early, and early detection supports more positive treatment outcomes. Abnormal vaginal bleeding is an early sign of uterine cancer. This includes prolonged or heavy periods, bleeding after menopause, or bleeding in between your periods. If your period is heavy month after month or if you’re bleeding twelve months after you’ve finished the time in your life where you’ve menstruate...2024-04-1429 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.Uterine Polyps Are Very Common, Should You Worry About Them?Many women who develop uterine polyps have no idea they have this condition, yet these abnormal growths are very common. They develop on the endometrium and can be the size of a sesame seed—or they can develop to be the size of a golf ball. While this condition is often asymptomatic, you could also experience heavy bleeding, bleeding between periods, and infertility. So, what’s the difference between fibroids and uterine polyps? Fibroids grow from fibromuscular tissue, whereas polyps grow inside the uterine cavity from the endometrium. Fibroids are hard, whereas polyps are soft. Polyps are ofte...2024-04-0536 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.How Do You Know if You Have Fibroids? What Are the Most Modern Treatment Options Available for Fibroids?Uterine fibroids are benign tumors, and they are a very common uterine disease. Fibroids may also be called nodules or cysts, and may vary in size and appearance. However, they are always solid because they are made of fibromuscular tissue, and they can cause a host of symptoms. Fibroids can develop inside the uterus or even outside the uterus into the abdomen. So what makes fibroids develop in the first place? While there is no decisive answer, there are specific factors that contribute to the formation of fibroids including: race, obesity, and estrogen levels. Women with a h...2024-03-2933 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.Painful Heavy Periods? Let’s Talk Uterine Disease Adenomyosis and Possible TreatmentsDo you have painful, heavy periods? Adenomyosis and uterine fibroids are common uterine conditions, yet so many women go through their reproductive years not knowing that they have such a condition. Listen to this episode to learn the signs and symptoms to look out for, as well as the solutions that are available. Many women will write off occasional uterine pain as a weird cycle, however this can delay diagnosis and treatment of a possibly serious medical condition. The female reproductive system is intricately designed, and the uterus plays a significant role. The uterus is a muscular...2024-03-2229 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.Pros and Cons of Bleeding After Menopause When Using HRTHormone replacement therapy can promote vaginal bleeding after menopause. So, is progesterone necessary as a part of HRT? It is essential to take progesterone to balance levels of estrogen, much like the way our bodies naturally would. So how often and how long is progesterone required? For some patients, they will need to take it every day—especially those with a medical reason to avoid getting their period. Studies have shown that it is safe to use daily. But in all other cases, it’s best to mimic the way nature intended it, taking progesterone 12-14 days a mo...2024-03-1535 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.Concerns Around Vaginal Bleeding After Menopause While on HRTAs you approach menopause, you may be considering hormone replacement therapy. Knowing what to expect can help you make the most informed decision possible. For example, if you are on HRT and are taking progesterone, you may experience vaginal bleeding. Generally, there is a lack of options for exactly how you can take progesterone as a patient. If you go to a Naturopathic doctor, they may only give you the option to take progesterone therapy daily. However, you should be given the option to cycle your progesterone replacement to mimic how it would fluctuate during your cycle. ...2024-03-0824 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.Why Do Women Bleed Monthly? And Why Is Your Doctor Using a Birth Control Pill as Treatment?Why do doctors recommend birth control pills for hormonal imbalance in women? This is one of the many questions I hear from my female patients over and over again. To answer this question, it helps to understand why women bleed monthly. The answer comes down to estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen promotes growth of the uterine lining. Then, around day 14, you ovulate, and progesterone fortifies this lining. Without estrogen, your period would be light. With a little bit of estrogen, you may have light but more frequent cycles. If you have erratic periods, it’s a sign your ho...2024-03-0137 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.The Truth Behind Why Your Doctor Is Going ConciergeOur current healthcare system in America is leading to serious burnout among physicians. Why? Because demand is high and the pay is very little. Respect and satisfaction among doctors is low—even for those who perform crucial surgeries. As a patient, you will pay more to replace your car transmission than what your doctor gets paid for a bypass surgery. This is an indicator of where the values in our society lie. Doctors spend years on their education and work grueling hours, racking up debt, but they are no longer compensated accordingly. Considering the sacrifice they have go...2024-02-2341 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.What is Wrong With Our Healthcare System?We’re continuing our conversation about the American healthcare system in this week’s episode. It’s important to recognize that the Affordable Healthcare Act advertised simplicity in our system, but in reality, the changes made fueled a huge rise in premium costs. This act was intended to lower the number of uninsured Americans. Yet 10 years later, affordability has tanked for most people. So, what is the answer, and how do we address this? We have to trim the fat: Get rid of the bureaucracy that doesn’t enhance the system in any way, shape, or form. Pr...2024-02-1634 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.What You Need to Know About Your American Healthcare SystemHave you ever thought about how the healthcare system in the USA operates? The American healthcare system isn’t designed to cover you or support you. At the end of the day, these healthcare entities are a business, and therefore they exist to be profitable, not to put your best interests first. When you buy insurance, you’re signing a contract that will only cover certain aspects of your care. Insurance plans can vary greatly, so don’t be surprised when your doctors and other health professionals don’t know what your plan covers. Being savvy and in-the-k...2024-02-0937 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.The Value of a Highly Functioning and Caring Medical TeamHaving a great wellness provider matters, and that includes the medical team that works at the practice you choose. Recently on the podcast we’ve covered what to look for in a doctor, which includes a willingness to give you, the patient, a lot of time and patience while actively listening to your concerns. They should also have a great depth of knowledge that they also know how to apply. Your doctor and their medical team should never see you or treat you like just another number. Access to prompt, quality medical care is important for patients to...2024-02-0219 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.Do We Need Doctors Who Are Wellness Experts?How important is it to have wellness doctors, and what does that even really mean? One way to think of this is a doctor who focuses on being well as opposed to combating symptoms and illness. This is really the art of keeping someone healthy versus the art of fighting disease, which are actually quite distinct. A wealth of knowledge is required to help one maintain harmony in a patient's health. That’s why it would be difficult to be both a doctor who treats illnesses as well as an expert in wellness. There are also certain ch...2024-01-2635 minWellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.How to Choose the Best Wellness DoctorThe time your medical provider is willing to spend with you is one of the most valuable things to look for when searching for wellness support. It’s also important that your provider has a strong knowledge base and versatile treatment options. But what about when you have an issue you can’t identify the cause of? How can you choose the best wellness doctor for you? With various different types of providers to choose from, it’s not always clear where to start. That said, in many cases, investigating hormone imbalances as the underlying cause can be hel...2024-01-1938 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.How to Choose Your DoctorWhat’s the secret to choosing the right doctor or medical practice? If you’re not sure what to look for, you’re not alone. The answers can be nebulous, and it’s not always clear what’s valuable and what’s not when seeking the right fit. There is no shortage of options, but a great place to start is considering the reason you are looking for a health provider. Having a full understanding of your problem can enable you to align with the right person to help you find a solution. If you need support getting there...2024-01-1325 minWellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.The Best Thyroid Treatment Option for an Underactive Thyroid GlandLet’s talk about personalized thyroid dysfunction treatment. We're going to explore the various medication options available for those with hypothyroidism, and how customization of treatment can lead to significantly better health outcomes. Whether you have no functioning thyroid tissue or some residual function, we're here to discuss the importance of vigilant medication management tailored to your unique needs. The default treatment that doctors provide is T4-only therapy, but that might not be sufficient for everyone. Understanding the need for T3 inclusion in your treatment can be a game changer for many. It's essential to have op...2024-01-0526 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.Navigating Functional Testing for Thyroid - The Thyroid Tests That MatterThis week we’re diving deep into the intricacies of thyroid health. As we navigate the complexities of thyroid function, we’ll uncover the thyroid tests that actually matter and give you a clear picture of your thyroid health. Throughout our conversation today, you’ll see why testing both T3 and T4 hormones is necessary. Understanding the balance between bound and free thyroid hormones is key to decoding our body's hormonal harmony. It’s a common issue that patients will suffer symptoms due to low free hormone levels, despite normal bound hormone levels. This explains why you might fe...2023-12-2932 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.Navigating Thyroid Functional Testing: The Pitfalls of the Most Commonly Used Thyroid Test - TSHToday we’re addressing the complicated path of navigating functional testing for thyroid health. Specifically, we’ll be looking at why TSH, which is the most commonly used thyroid test, is not as accurate as you might think. Remember, there is a big difference between your thyroid just functioning, and functioning optimally. We delve into the intricate pathways of thyroid functions and hormone conversion, a topic that's closely linked to fertility and general well-being. A so-called 'normal' TSH level doesn't necessarily point to a well-functioning thyroid, but aiming for a TSH level between 0.5 and 2 can be beneficial for...2023-12-2233 minWellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.Thyroid 101 - Basics of Thyroid Function You Need to KnowThe thyroid's intricate role in maintaining our body's delicate balance often goes unnoticed. This small gland acts as a silent symphony conductor, an architect of growth and development, a metabolic mastermind, and a guardian of vital functions. Today we’ll discuss various thyroid disorders along with their symptoms and causes. There are various thyroid pathologies including autoimmune thyroiditis, goiter, nodules, thyroiditis, and even cancer. T4 and T3 hormones play a critical role in the thyroid because of the conversion process between them. I’ll highlight the need for optimal levels of iodine, iron, selenium, magnesium, and B vita...2023-12-1526 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.What You Should Know About Anti-aging - The When and the HowWith age comes wisdom, experience, and unfortunately, the inevitability of our bodies changing. The quest for maintaining vitality and health as we age has become a topic of paramount importance in the medical field. Today, we’re talking about the world of anti-aging, health preservation, and the pivotal role of hormone optimization. The brain, eyesight, musculoskeletal system, and heart and cardiovascular system are subject to the natural process of aging, so they need care and attention as we mature. The importance of our immune system cannot be overstated as it plays an integral role in our health, in...2023-12-0828 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.What Is Anti-aging and the 4 Key Body Systems We Need to Preserve to Age GracefullyAnti-aging has a few definitions, but what is it really? Anti-aging is actually about creating a lifestyle that revolves around maintaining functional capacity and making aging a more enjoyable process. It’s about preserving key parts of our body, especially the ones that play a crucial role in supporting a high quality of life for as long as possible. The first important thing we need to preserve for effective anti-aging is our brain. It doesn’t matter how pretty we age on the outside if we lose who we are or our sense of mental clarity. Without a he...2023-12-0123 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.Autoimmunity Part 2 - How Can We Address Autoimmunity HolisticallyLast time, we talked about autoimmunity, specifically focusing on the role stress plays in immune dysfunction. We also discussed leaky gut and how this condition can impact your immunity. In this second part, we’re going to continue the conversation and explore conventional methods for autoimmunity and why you may want to consider addressing it more holistically. An immune response can be a cellular response; a reaction initiated by foreign antigens. This kind of immune response is non-specific, which means we can’t necessarily narrow down where the issue is coming from. Testing your blood and/or meas...2023-11-2434 minWellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.Magic Solution for PeriMenopause and BeyondThis week we’re talking about a magic solution you may not have heard of for turning the shifts of perimenopause in your favor. This solution can effectively help you navigate the ups and downs (fatigue, anxiety, weight gain, etc) of the hormonal storm for many years. Fatigue is a major complaint among perimenopausal women, and it shouldn’t be ignored. You may also notice mood changes at this time—feeling a general lack of motivation and increased anxiety. Your appetite may change, and weight loss can become increasingly difficult if not seemingly impossible. Lastly, it’s common f...2023-11-0321 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.Revitalizing the body with pellet hormone therapy - FACT or FICTION?In this episode, we’re picking back up where we left off last, exploring the different options for hormone replacement therapy. One method not covered yet is injectable therapies, which really do not exist for estrogen. However, injectable testosterone is available for women. But remember: Testosterone given via injection is not bioidentical, and there is no established approved dose for women. Injectable testosterone has high bioavailability, but it’s only in your system for a few days. Furthermore, typically with this type of administration you’re hit with a “hormone bomb”—a dose that floods your system with a high...2023-10-2720 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.Safe and Effective Solutions for MENOPAUSEWhat are the safest and most effective solutions for menopause? That’s exactly what we’re covering in this episode of Wellness Optimizing Warrior MD. When it comes to exploring your options for hormone replacement therapy, transdermal options tend to be the most bioavailable and safe to detoxify, which means you can avoid secondary risks. One therapy to consider is the estradiol patch, which delivers estrogen. It’s an acrylic adhesive that’s applied directly to the skin, and you change it weekly or bi-weekly. You receive a gradual release, and it’s much more bioavailable than oral alter...2023-10-2034 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.Oral Estrogen EXPOSED - the lurking dangersLet’s talk about oral estrogen, which is a form of hormone replacement therapy many doctors still recommend—even though sometimes perhaps they shouldn’t. In addition to that, many women use synthetic oral estrogens, like birth control pills, for decades. The more information you have regarding your choices for estrogen replacement, the better decision you can make for yourself. Whatever form you choose, it should be able to enter your body, circulate, reach the proper receptors, and be eliminated effectively. Essentially, it needs to be bioavailable and activate receptors on the target cells to achieve desired result...2023-10-1336 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.Into the Hormone Maze - Discover the best method for hormone replacementAre you interested in hormone replacement therapy? We’re shedding light on hormone replacement in this episode, and exploring how you should go about it. Here’s the thing: There is no general “best” way to approach hormone replacement therapy—only the way that works best for you. So where should you start? Begin by connecting with a doctor who is well-versed in all the methods of hormone replacement therapy. They should be able to explain the pros, cons, and differences between them to guide you as you choose the most ideal method for you. It’s even better...2023-10-0635 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.The Female Power Hormone: Unlocking Your VitalityTestosterone has different functions in male and female bodies. In this episode, we’re focusing on the role testosterone plays for women specifically and why this hormone is so important. Estrogen and testosterone are usually seen as opposites, but the truth is they actually work together to maintain an equilibrium in the woman’s body. Though present in much lower quantities in women than in men, it contributes to a woman’s bone strength, mood, mental clarity, and ambition. Testosterone influences physical features and aspects of personality like muscle mass, motivation, and the desire to succeed. In women...2023-09-2939 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.Behind our weight: The Hidden TruthAre you having trouble losing weight? This is one of the most bothersome and common health issues patients have. During this episode, we explore various possible reasons why this could be happening to you. The valuable insights shared here will, at the very least, help point you in the right direction. First and foremost, there is no such thing as a “perfect” diet. That said, people tend to eat the same foods with consistency—something that can actually contribute to food sensitivities. If you’re stuck and you can’t lose weight, you might consider changing your diet and e...2023-09-2248 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.Our Body Needs Progesterone NOT ProgestynIn this episode, we’re moving into part two in a series all about progesterone. This episode will cover the role progesterone plays in menstruation, when to test for sex hormones like progesterone, and what happens to a woman’s cycle as we age. You’ll also discover the difference between progesterone and progestyn, along with why it matters. Imagine the uterine lining as a brick wall. In this example, estrogen would be the bricks or building blocks of the wall. Progesterone’s role would be the mortar—fortifying the brick wall. If you don’t have enough proge...2023-09-1540 min
Wellness Optimizing Warrior M.D.Progesterone Part 1Did you know progesterone is the second most important sex hormone if you’re a woman? That's just one reason it’s so important to acknowledge and understand progesterone for women’s health. In this episode, we’re diving into part one of all things progesterone including how it’s produced and what happens when it’s out of balance with other hormones. Women’s bodies create progesterone alongside estrogen, and it’s truly the balance between these two major hormones that promotes healthy balance. During a regular menstrual cycle, after ovulation, progesterone is generated at higher levels in the bo...2023-09-0835 min