Lara Briden's Podcast Fri, 27 Mar 2026 20:52:26 -0400 https://www.larabriden.com en-us © 2026 Lara Briden's Podcast yes 5de2f810-a615-5300-aa14-b9fd3caa7255 Lara Briden episodic false Everything women’s health in under 15 minutes by an experienced naturopathic doctor and bestselling author of the books Period Repair Manual, Hormone Repair Manual, and Metabolism Repair for Women. Simple explanations for topics such as PCOS, endometriosis, hormonal birth control, and more. For more, visit LaraBriden.com

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) women's health,women,health,hormones,periods,menopause,perimenopause,PCOS,endometriosis,birth control,nutrition Lara Briden https://storage.buzzsprout.com/4cva9aqtigqvp9fgnsnos8i0lbo3?.jpg Lara Briden's Podcast https://www.larabriden.com Irregular periods: Is it PCOS, hypothalamic suppression, or something else? Irregular periods: Is it PCOS, hypothalamic suppression, or something else? If you’ve struggled with irregular periods, you might have noticed it can be a little tricky to figure out exactly what’s going on—and, therefore, exactly what you need to do to get your period back. 

In this episode, Lara discusses:

  • the two most common explanations for irregular periods,
  • how to tell them apart, and
  • how hypothalamic amenorrhea is frequently misdiagnosed as PCOS. 

Links:

]]> If you’ve struggled with irregular periods, you might have noticed it can be a little tricky to figure out exactly what’s going on—and, therefore, exactly what you need to do to get your period back. 

In this episode, Lara discusses:

  • the two most common explanations for irregular periods,
  • how to tell them apart, and
  • how hypothalamic amenorrhea is frequently misdiagnosed as PCOS. 

Links:

]]> Lara Briden Buzzsprout-18377755 Fri, 19 Dec 2025 07:00:00 +1300 922 women's health, PCOS, irregular periods, 4 18 full false The hidden story of endometriosis: Pain, lesions, and the microbiome The hidden story of endometriosis: Pain, lesions, and the microbiome If you’ve been diagnosed with endometriosis, the big question is: What type of lesions?

In this episode, Lara challenges long-held assumptions to explore:

  • the three types of endometriosis lesions, 
  • emerging evidence that superficial lesions may not explain pain or other symptoms, 
  • alternative explanations for pelvic pain and infertility, including pelvic congestion, immune dysfunction, and gut microbiome imbalance, and 
  • an update on the bacterial contamination hypothesis.

Links:

]]> If you’ve been diagnosed with endometriosis, the big question is: What type of lesions?

In this episode, Lara challenges long-held assumptions to explore:

  • the three types of endometriosis lesions, 
  • emerging evidence that superficial lesions may not explain pain or other symptoms, 
  • alternative explanations for pelvic pain and infertility, including pelvic congestion, immune dysfunction, and gut microbiome imbalance, and 
  • an update on the bacterial contamination hypothesis.

Links:

]]> https://www.larabriden.com/the-hidden-story-of-endometriosis-pain-lesions-and-the-microbiome/ Lara Briden Buzzsprout-17224136 Tue, 27 May 2025 12:00:00 +1200 937 endometriosis, women's health 4 17 full false Decoding hypoglycemia: Is it insulin resistance or dysautonomia? Decoding hypoglycemia: Is it insulin resistance or dysautonomia? Is your low blood sugar a symptom of insulin resistance or mild dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system?

In this episode, Lara returns to the topic of hypoglycemia to discuss:

  • the difference between insulin resistance and dysautonomia,
  • why unstable blood sugar does not automatically mean insulin resistance, and 
  • her concerns about continuous glucose monitoring. 

Links:

]]> Is your low blood sugar a symptom of insulin resistance or mild dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system?

In this episode, Lara returns to the topic of hypoglycemia to discuss:

  • the difference between insulin resistance and dysautonomia,
  • why unstable blood sugar does not automatically mean insulin resistance, and 
  • her concerns about continuous glucose monitoring. 

Links:

]]> https://www.larabriden.com/decoding-hypoglycemia-is-it-insulin-resistance-or-dysautonomia/ Buzzsprout-16124868 Wed, 20 Nov 2024 08:00:00 +1300 806 women's health, nutrition 3 16 full false Hypoglycemia in young women: The science behind "hangry" Hypoglycemia in young women: The science behind "hangry" Symptoms of hypoglycemia or low blood sugar include light-headedness, headaches, and anxiety. Hypoglycemia can even feel like panic attacks. 

In this episode, Lara discusses:

  • why young women are more prone to hypoglycemia,
  • the importance of the autonomic nervous system and a "blunted glucagon response," and 
  • what you can do to feel better. 

Links:


]]> Symptoms of hypoglycemia or low blood sugar include light-headedness, headaches, and anxiety. Hypoglycemia can even feel like panic attacks. 

In this episode, Lara discusses:

  • why young women are more prone to hypoglycemia,
  • the importance of the autonomic nervous system and a "blunted glucagon response," and 
  • what you can do to feel better. 

Links:


]]> https://www.larabriden.com/hypoglycemia-in-young-women-the-science-behind-hangry/ Buzzsprout-15379962 Wed, 10 Jul 2024 01:00:00 +1200 987 women's health, nutrition 3 15 full false Food addiction and other causes of abnormally high hunger Food addiction and other causes of abnormally high hunger Do you feel hungry all the time? Abnormally hungry? If so, it’s worth trying to figure out why. Potential drivers of abnormally high hunger include insulin resistance, gut and microbiome issues, low blood sugar, and food addiction—just to name a few.

In this episode, Lara explores food addiction and some of the controversy around the term. She also discusses the next best steps on the road to recovery. 

Links: 

]]> Do you feel hungry all the time? Abnormally hungry? If so, it’s worth trying to figure out why. Potential drivers of abnormally high hunger include insulin resistance, gut and microbiome issues, low blood sugar, and food addiction—just to name a few.

In this episode, Lara explores food addiction and some of the controversy around the term. She also discusses the next best steps on the road to recovery. 

Links: 

]]> https://www.larabriden.com/food-addiction-and-other-causes-of-abnormally-high-hunger/ Buzzsprout-14903847 Fri, 19 Apr 2024 06:00:00 +1200 953 food addiction, weight loss 3 14 full false What's the story with dairy and periods problems? What's the story with dairy and periods problems? For some women, stopping normal dairy products can relieve period symptoms. But why?

In this episode, Lara discusses:

  • the inflammatory effects of A1 casein  
  • how a mast cell histamine response can drive period problems such as premenstrual mood symptoms, heavy bleeding, and pain.

Links:

]]> For some women, stopping normal dairy products can relieve period symptoms. But why?

In this episode, Lara discusses:

  • the inflammatory effects of A1 casein  
  • how a mast cell histamine response can drive period problems such as premenstrual mood symptoms, heavy bleeding, and pain.

Links:

]]> https://www.larabriden.com/whats-the-story-with-dairy-and-period-problems/ Lara Briden Buzzsprout-14351800 Tue, 23 Jan 2024 07:00:00 +1300 977 women's health, nutrition 3 13 full false How IBS and SIBO can affect periods and hormones How IBS and SIBO can affect periods and hormones Did you know that what’s happening in your gut can affect your periods and hormones? 

In this episode, Lara discusses:

  • small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and its role in IBS,
  • how SIBO can drive or worsen endometriosis, insulin resistance, premenstrual mood symptoms, and the fibromyalgia of perimenopause, plus
  • how to treat SIBO. 

Links:

]]> Did you know that what’s happening in your gut can affect your periods and hormones? 

In this episode, Lara discusses:

  • small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and its role in IBS,
  • how SIBO can drive or worsen endometriosis, insulin resistance, premenstrual mood symptoms, and the fibromyalgia of perimenopause, plus
  • how to treat SIBO. 

Links:

]]> https://www.larabriden.com/how-ibs-and-sibo-can-affect-periods-and-hormones/ Buzzsprout-12672121 Tue, 18 Apr 2023 16:00:00 +1200 735 2 12 full false Medications that cause weight gain Medications that cause weight gain Why do antihistamines cause weight gain? And how does hormonal birth control affect metabolism?

In this episode, Lara looks at:

  • how common medications affect metabolism
  • why birth control that is *androgenic* is more likely to cause weight gain, and
  • whether natural progesterone is more likely to cause weight gain or weight loss.

Links:

]]> Why do antihistamines cause weight gain? And how does hormonal birth control affect metabolism?

In this episode, Lara looks at:

  • how common medications affect metabolism
  • why birth control that is *androgenic* is more likely to cause weight gain, and
  • whether natural progesterone is more likely to cause weight gain or weight loss.

Links:

]]> https://www.larabriden.com/medications-that-cause-weight-gain/ Lara Briden Buzzsprout-12034377 Tue, 17 Jan 2023 08:00:00 +1300 715 women's health, weight loss, fitness 2 11 full false Does your chronotype affect your ability to lose weight? Does your chronotype affect your ability to lose weight? Are you a morning person or an evening person? And could that affect your ability to lose weight?

In this episode, Lara looks at chronotype, which is your individual disposition to be awake or asleep at certain times. And how that might affect your overall health and metabolism.


]]> Are you a morning person or an evening person? And could that affect your ability to lose weight?

In this episode, Lara looks at chronotype, which is your individual disposition to be awake or asleep at certain times. And how that might affect your overall health and metabolism.


]]> https://www.larabriden.com/does-your-chronotype-affect-your-ability-to-lose-weight/ Buzzsprout-11729153 Wed, 23 Nov 2022 10:00:00 +1300 760 women's health, nutrition, weight loss 1 10 full false Inositol for mood, sleep, and PCOS Inositol for mood, sleep, and PCOS The supplement inositol is a superstar for treating polycystic ovary syndrome. It’s also been clinically trialled for weight loss, thyroid disease, anxiety, insomnia, and premenstrual mood symptoms. 

In this episode, Lara looks at:

  • "what is inositol?" and how to get it from diet
  • myo-inositol versus D-chiro-inositol, and 
  • why it's all a little confusing.

One thing Lara forgot to mention is that to get results with inositol, you need to commit to it for at least three months. And if it works, you’ll probably want to stay on it for years. Luckily, inositol can be quite inexpensive, especially if you choose straight myo-inositol powder.

Links:

]]> The supplement inositol is a superstar for treating polycystic ovary syndrome. It’s also been clinically trialled for weight loss, thyroid disease, anxiety, insomnia, and premenstrual mood symptoms. 

In this episode, Lara looks at:

  • "what is inositol?" and how to get it from diet
  • myo-inositol versus D-chiro-inositol, and 
  • why it's all a little confusing.

One thing Lara forgot to mention is that to get results with inositol, you need to commit to it for at least three months. And if it works, you’ll probably want to stay on it for years. Luckily, inositol can be quite inexpensive, especially if you choose straight myo-inositol powder.

Links:

]]> https://www.larabriden.com/inositol-for-mood-sleep-and-pcos-polycystic-ovary-syndrome/ Buzzsprout-11384462 Fri, 30 Sep 2022 15:00:00 +1300 615 women's health, PCOS, supplements 1 9 full false Help for post-pill acne, hair loss, and weight gain Help for post-pill acne, hair loss, and weight gain What do post-pill acne, hair loss, and weight gain all have in common? They can all be the result of a temporary surge in androgens when trying to come off certain types of hormonal birth control.

In this episode, Lara discusses post-pill androgen symptoms including:

  • why pills like Yasmin are the hardest to come off
  • how androgens can cause weight gain, and
  • natural treatments such as zinc, berberine, and cyclic progesterone therapy.

Links:

]]> What do post-pill acne, hair loss, and weight gain all have in common? They can all be the result of a temporary surge in androgens when trying to come off certain types of hormonal birth control.

In this episode, Lara discusses post-pill androgen symptoms including:

  • why pills like Yasmin are the hardest to come off
  • how androgens can cause weight gain, and
  • natural treatments such as zinc, berberine, and cyclic progesterone therapy.

Links:

]]> https://www.larabriden.com/help-for-post-pill-acne-hair-loss-and-weight-gain/ Buzzsprout-10941271 Tue, 12 Jul 2022 08:00:00 +1200 717 women's health, birth control, post-pill 1 8 full false Top 6 natural treatments for premenstrual mood symptoms Top 6 natural treatments for premenstrual mood symptoms Are premenstrual mood symptoms caused by progesterone or helped by progesterone? And why do antihistamines give such relief?

In this episode, Lara discusses premenstrual mood symptoms including:

  • the role of histamine and mast cell activation
  • progesterone sensitivity, and
  • effective natural treatments such as magnesium, iodine, and body-identical progesterone.

Links:

]]> Are premenstrual mood symptoms caused by progesterone or helped by progesterone? And why do antihistamines give such relief?

In this episode, Lara discusses premenstrual mood symptoms including:

  • the role of histamine and mast cell activation
  • progesterone sensitivity, and
  • effective natural treatments such as magnesium, iodine, and body-identical progesterone.

Links:

]]> https://www.larabriden.com/top-6-natural-treatments-for-premenstrual-mood-symptoms/ Buzzsprout-10717160 Wed, 01 Jun 2022 18:00:00 +1200 794 womens' health, PMS, PMDD, premenstrual 1 7 full false The most common cause of weight gain The most common cause of weight gain There can be a strong hormonal component to abdominal weight gain. And in most people, that hormone is insulin. 

In this episode, Lara discusses insulin resistance including:

  • why you could have insulin resistance even if your blood sugar is normal
  • the role of mitochondria, and
  • all the ways to lower insulin and improve metabolism.

Links:

]]> There can be a strong hormonal component to abdominal weight gain. And in most people, that hormone is insulin. 

In this episode, Lara discusses insulin resistance including:

  • why you could have insulin resistance even if your blood sugar is normal
  • the role of mitochondria, and
  • all the ways to lower insulin and improve metabolism.

Links:

]]> https://www.larabriden.com/the-most-common-cause-of-weight-gain/ Lara Briden Buzzsprout-10581677 Wed, 11 May 2022 07:00:00 +1200 866 women's health, PCOS, perimenopause, insulin resistance, weight loss 1 6 full false A safer type of hormone therapy A safer type of hormone therapy If you're going to take hormone therapy, it's safer to take hormones that are identical to human hormones. In other words, hormones that are body-identical or bioidentical. The concept of bioidentical used to be controversial but is now conventional and mainstream.

In this episode, Lara discusses hormone therapy including:

  • why the concept of bioidentical was controversial when it didn't need to be
  • oral micronized progesterone for heavy periods, mood, sleep, and perimenopausal migraines, and
  • some facts about body-identical estrogen (four uncontroversial things and one controversial).

Links:

]]> If you're going to take hormone therapy, it's safer to take hormones that are identical to human hormones. In other words, hormones that are body-identical or bioidentical. The concept of bioidentical used to be controversial but is now conventional and mainstream.

In this episode, Lara discusses hormone therapy including:

  • why the concept of bioidentical was controversial when it didn't need to be
  • oral micronized progesterone for heavy periods, mood, sleep, and perimenopausal migraines, and
  • some facts about body-identical estrogen (four uncontroversial things and one controversial).

Links:

]]> https://www.larabriden.com/a-safer-type-of-hormone-therapy/ Buzzsprout-10380968 Wed, 06 Apr 2022 10:00:00 +1200 759 women's health, menopause, perimenopause, bioidentical, hormone therapy 1 5 full false Endometriosis is a disease of immune dysfunction Endometriosis is a disease of immune dysfunction Endometriosis is an inflammatory disease that’s affected by hormones but is not caused by hormones. Instead, endometriosis is, at least in part, a disease of immune dysfunction. 

In this episode, Lara discusses some of the new endometriosis research including:

  • the link with genes that increase the risk of autoimmune disease
  • the role of a bacterial toxin called lipopolysaccharide or LPS, and
  • new targets for natural immune-modulating treatment.

Links to:

]]> Endometriosis is an inflammatory disease that’s affected by hormones but is not caused by hormones. Instead, endometriosis is, at least in part, a disease of immune dysfunction. 

In this episode, Lara discusses some of the new endometriosis research including:

  • the link with genes that increase the risk of autoimmune disease
  • the role of a bacterial toxin called lipopolysaccharide or LPS, and
  • new targets for natural immune-modulating treatment.

Links to:

]]> https://www.larabriden.com/endometriosis-is-a-disease-of-immune-dysfunction/ Lara Briden Buzzsprout-10284828 Mon, 21 Mar 2022 12:00:00 +1300 723 women's health, endometriosis 1 4 full false Why PCOS cannot be diagnosed by ultrasound Why PCOS cannot be diagnosed by ultrasound Were you told you have polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS based on a pelvic ultrasound? That may or may not be an accurate diagnosis because PCOS cannot actually be diagnosed or ruled out with ultrasound.

In this episode, Lara discusses PCOS including:

  • why PCOS is an umbrella term
  • the difference between polycystic ovaries and ovarian cysts, and
  • why some women with undereating and endometriosis are being mistakenly told they have PCOS.

Links to:



]]> Were you told you have polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS based on a pelvic ultrasound? That may or may not be an accurate diagnosis because PCOS cannot actually be diagnosed or ruled out with ultrasound.

In this episode, Lara discusses PCOS including:

  • why PCOS is an umbrella term
  • the difference between polycystic ovaries and ovarian cysts, and
  • why some women with undereating and endometriosis are being mistakenly told they have PCOS.

Links to:



]]> https://www.larabriden.com/pcos-cannot-be-diagnosed-by-ultrasound/ Lara Briden Buzzsprout-10162787 Wed, 09 Mar 2022 12:00:00 +1300 729 women's health, PCOS, polycystic ovary syndrome 1 3 full false Natural treatment of heavy periods Natural treatment of heavy periods In a normal period, you should not lose more than about 80 mL of menstrual fluid over all the days of the bleed. That’s equivalent to about five tablespoons spread over all the days of the bleed. In this episode, Lara discusses heavy periods including:

  • the role of hormone imbalance, mast cell activation, and insulin resistance,
  • simple period-lightening strategies such as iron, zinc, and a dairy-free diet, and
  • using body-identical progesterone to lighten periods. 

Links to:

]]> In a normal period, you should not lose more than about 80 mL of menstrual fluid over all the days of the bleed. That’s equivalent to about five tablespoons spread over all the days of the bleed. In this episode, Lara discusses heavy periods including:

  • the role of hormone imbalance, mast cell activation, and insulin resistance,
  • simple period-lightening strategies such as iron, zinc, and a dairy-free diet, and
  • using body-identical progesterone to lighten periods. 

Links to:

]]> https://www.larabriden.com/natural-treatment-of-heavy-periods/ Lara Briden Buzzsprout-10097750 Fri, 18 Feb 2022 15:00:00 +1300 648 women's health, menstruation 1 2 full false Pill bleeds are not periods Pill bleeds are not periods The pill is commonly prescribed to "regulate periods," but it can't actually do that because withdrawal bleeds from contraceptive drugs are not real menstrual cycles. 

In episode one of The Lara Briden Podcast, Dr Lara covers:

  • what is a real menstrual cycle
  • why there's no medical reason to bleed monthly on the pill, and 
  • the difference between contraceptive drugs and real hormones. 

Links to:

]]> The pill is commonly prescribed to "regulate periods," but it can't actually do that because withdrawal bleeds from contraceptive drugs are not real menstrual cycles. 

In episode one of The Lara Briden Podcast, Dr Lara covers:

  • what is a real menstrual cycle
  • why there's no medical reason to bleed monthly on the pill, and 
  • the difference between contraceptive drugs and real hormones. 

Links to:

]]> https://www.larabriden.com/why-pill-bleeds-are-not-periods/ Lara Briden Buzzsprout-10002346 Thu, 03 Feb 2022 14:00:00 +1300 729 women's health, hormone health, nutrition, birth control, menstruation, periods, 1 1 full false