I'm Hormonal | PCOS, periods, gut + hormone health insights

Send us a textWe dive deep into how workplace factors might be worsening your PMS symptoms and offer practical solutions for busy professionals to reclaim their full month and eliminate that "caution tape" week.• PMS symptoms like bloating, anxiety, headaches, and mood swings typically occur the week before your period and should alleviate shortly after it begins• Work-related stress (both mental and physical) can significantly exacerbate PMS symptoms through hormonal disruption• Daily bowel movements are critical for eliminating estrogen metabolites - when traveling, prioritize hydration and fiber intake• Planning meals ahead when traveling for work is essential - avoid relying on processed foods and continental breakfasts• Adaptogens like reishi, ashwagandha and rhodiola can help support your body's stress response, especially during work travel• Creating a specific action plan and following it consistently is key - give changes at least three months to show resultsCymbiotika adaptogen supplement: Golden Mind packetsCONNECT WITH BRIDGET LinkedIn | Instagram | Website Book your free strategy call here | Sign up for weekly tips via email

Send us a textPMS is not an inevitable part of womanhood but rather a signal that your hormone balance is off. Understanding the relationship between estrogen dominance and progesterone insufficiency gives us the power to address these symptoms and support our bodies for smoother menstrual cycles.• PMS specifically refers to symptoms occurring 7-10 days before your period starts, not during your period• The root cause is typically an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone in the second half of your cycle• Ovulation quality directly impacts progesterone production - if you're not ovulating, you won't produce adequate progesterone• Liver health significantly affects estrogen processing and elimination• Alcohol and caffeine consumption can burden the liver and worsen PMS symptoms• Constipation can cause estrogen to be reabsorbed rather than eliminated• Stress, histamine responses, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals in everyday products can disrupt hormone balance• Regular sauna sessions help eliminate estrogen through sweat• Cruciferous vegetables support liver detoxification pathways• Try avoiding alcohol and reducing caffeine in the second half of your cycle• Consider using apps like Yuka or ThinkDirty to identify hormone-disrupting chemicals in your productsCONNECT WITH BRIDGET LinkedIn | Instagram | Website Book your free strategy call here | Sign up for weekly tips via email

Send us a textGet the resource that accompanies this episode! Click here to download.We tackle the frustrating issue of persistent bloating with five practical strategies you can implement immediately, while emphasizing the importance of addressing root causes for lasting relief.• Digestive enzymes as a helpful supplement, especially when traveling or eating foods outside your normal diet• Apple cider vinegar before meals to boost stomach acid and improve digestion• The critical importance of thoroughly chewing your food to support digestive processes• Choosing lower-sugar options to reduce inflammation and avoid feeding harmful gut bacteria• Creating dedicated, distraction-free time for eating rather than multitasking through meals• Using a future-self mindset when making health decisions that affect bloatingCONNECT WITH BRIDGET LinkedIn | Instagram | Website Book your free strategy call here | Sign up for weekly tips via email

Send us a textGet the resource that accompanies this episode! Click here to download.Bloating isn't a necessary evil that women must endure due to stress, busyness, or menstruation. We break down the real causes and practical solutions so you can finally address this uncomfortable issue and move on with your life.• Bloating stems from swallowed air, gas in your digestive tract, or fluid retention• Hormonal fluctuations before your period naturally cause mild bloating, but excessive bloating may indicate imbalance• Chronic stress impairs digestive function by reducing necessary stomach acid and enzymes• Common food triggers include gluten, dairy, raw vegetables, sugar, alcohol, and lectin-containing foods• Tracking your symptoms is essential for identifying your unique bloating triggers• Sit down and eat slowly to support proper digestion and adequate stomach acid production• Try incorporating apple cider vinegar before meals to support digestion• Digestive enzymes can provide relief while you work on addressing root causes• Reducing processed foods, alcohol and sugar decreases inflammation that contributes to bloatingAdaptogen option for supporting your body through stress: Cymbiotika's Golden EyeDigestive enzyme option: Pure EncapsulationsGuide to getting to the root cause of your bloating (free resource): Access the guide hereCONNECT WITH BRIDGET LinkedIn | Instagram | Website Book your free strategy call here | Sign up for weekly tips via email

Send us a textToday we debunk five common hormone myths to help you understand what's truly normal for your menstrual cycles and what symptoms might indicate hormonal imbalances.• Your cycle doesn't have to be exactly 28 days—anything from 21-35 days is considered normal• Not everyone ovulates on day 14—ovulation timing varies widely among individuals• Signs of approaching ovulation include increased, stretchier cervical fluid and a temperature rise after ovulation• Pregnancy can only occur during your fertile window (5-6 days before ovulation), not anytime in your cycle• Severe period pain that disrupts daily activities isn't normal and warrants investigation• Extreme mood swings that impact relationships or productivity may indicate hormonal imbalances• Understanding your unique cycle patterns gives you more control over your hormonal healthCONNECT WITH BRIDGET LinkedIn | Instagram | Website Book your free strategy call here | Sign up for weekly tips via email

Send us a textFoundational knowledge about your menstrual cycle is essential before you can effectively address hormone imbalances causing problematic symptoms. Understanding the key hormones at play during different phases helps you recognize patterns and identify potential imbalances affecting your health.• Five important hormones regulate your menstrual cycle: estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle stimulating hormone• Your "cycle" refers to the entire month from day one of your period to the day before your next period starts• The cycle divides into two halves with ovulation as the midpoint – estrogen dominates before ovulation, progesterone after• For more detail, think of four phases: menstrual, follicular, ovulatory, and luteal phases each with distinct hormone patterns• Cycles naturally change as you age, especially during your 40s when progesterone decreases and later when estrogen fluctuates• Red flags include periods shorter than 2 days or longer than 7 days, cycles under 21 or over 35 days, inconsistent cycle lengths• PMS and period pain are common but not normal – they indicate hormone imbalances worth investigatingReferenced episodes:Cycle Syncing Series, Ep 6: A phase by phase break down | Ep. 45Cycle Syncing Series, Ep 4: Workshop to get clear on your phases | Ep. 437. Estrogen & Why It's Critical for Your Cyclical HealthCONNECT WITH BRIDGET LinkedIn | Instagram | Website Book your free strategy call here | Sign up for weekly tips via email

Send us a textWe dive into five key signs of high testosterone in women, exploring how hormonal imbalances manifest in the body and what each symptom might reveal about your health. This mini-episode offers practical insights to help you decode your body's hormonal signals and understand when testosterone might be playing a role in your symptoms.• Facial hair growth, especially coarse chin hairs, often indicates elevated testosterone or androgen levels• Jawline and chin acne can be connected to hormones due to higher concentration of androgen receptors in these areas• Midsection weight retention may signal higher androgens, particularly during perimenopause or menopause• Irregular cycles or fertility challenges can result from testosterone's impact on follicle development and ovulation• PCOS typically requires two of three criteria: irregular cycles, high androgens, or ovarian cystsCONNECT WITH BRIDGET LinkedIn | Instagram | Website Book your free strategy call here | Sign up for weekly tips via email

Send us a textFacial hair growth in women isn't random but a sign of hormone imbalance that should be addressed at its root cause to prevent worsening over time. • Facial hair often indicates high androgens (testosterone, DHT) which can cause irregular periods, acne, and scalp hair thinning• Contributing factors include genetics, stress, diet, medications, PCOS, and insulin resistance • Androgens and insulin resistance create a problematic cycle that reinforces each other• Balanced meals, strength training, and reduced sugar intake can help break this cycle• Consider supplements including inositol, zinc, magnesium, and spearmint tea• Understanding your personal hormone picture is crucial before starting any supplement regimen• Exercise, stress reduction, and blood sugar regulation are universally beneficial approachesCONNECT WITH BRIDGET LinkedIn | Instagram | Website Book your free strategy call here | Sign up for weekly tips via email

Send us a textUnpredictable cycles can severely impact your schedule, quality of life, and family planning goals. Today we explore how proper nourishment during busy workdays can support hormonal balance and help regulate your cycle.• Recap of three common causes of irregular periods: stress, perimenopause, and PCOS• Additional factors include elevated prolactin levels and medication effects• Many women are unknowingly undernourished, creating hormonal stress• Chia pudding cups provide excellent protein, fiber, and versatility for meal prep• Protein-forward smoothies with minimal sugar help maintain stable blood sugar• Trail mix with nuts and seeds offers portable nutrition without sugar crashes• Quality protein/superfood bars provide sustained energy during busy days• Fat-forward options like guacamole offer satiating nutrition on-the-go• Creating habits around proper eating prevents the stress of day-long fasting• Regular nourishment helps prevent blood sugar spikes that impact mood and hormonesCONNECT WITH BRIDGET LinkedIn | Instagram | Website Book your free strategy call here | Sign up for weekly tips via email

Send us a textUnpredictable periods signal potential hormone imbalances that can impact everything from mood to fertility and energy levels. This comprehensive guide walks through the three most common causes of irregular cycles and helps you determine where to start addressing your specific situation.• Irregular periods defined as cycles varying by more than four days from one cycle to the next• Stress as a primary cause through elevated cortisol levels that disrupt hormone communication• Physical stressors like intense exercise, under-eating, or even morning caffeine can impact cycle regularity• Perimenopause typically begins in your 40s with lengthening cycles first, then more erratic patterns• PCOS affects 6-13% of reproductive-age women with up to 70% going undiagnosed• Insulin resistance, post-birth control adjustment, inflammation and adrenal issues can all drive PCOS• High prolactin levels and thyroid dysfunction can also cause cycle irregularities• Understanding your root cause is essential for effective treatmentOther episodes referenced in this episode that will give you a deeper dive:Stress's Impact on Your Period & Energy: Why You Should Take Stress Seriously | Ep. 88Perimenopause: what to know about midlife's hormonal shift | Ep. 27Ep. 18. What is PCOS?CONNECT WITH BRIDGET LinkedIn | Instagram | Website Book your free strategy call here | Sign up for weekly tips via email