QC: The Silent Cost of Delaying Hormone Replacement: With Dr. Christine Vaccaro
Send us a text with a question or thought on this episodeSurgical removal of reproductive organs creates an abrupt hormonal shift that requires thoughtful planning and preventive care. Dr. Christine Vaccaro discusses the importance of pre-surgical hormone replacement therapy planning and the significant risks of delaying treatment after ovary removal.• Prevention is key—proactive planning can help avoid the "six weeks of awful" many women experience after surgery• Transdermal estrogen products do not cause blood clots, contrary to some medical misconceptions• Bone health suffers dramatically with hormonal depletion—even perimenopause can cause 10% bone density loss• Sleep disruption without hormones can lead to cascading health problems including depression and chronic illness• Starting hormone therapy immediately after surgery prevents suffering and protects long-term health• Some patients with already low testosterone may benefit from starting replacement before surgery• Withholding hormone replacement makes as little sense as withholding insulin from a diabeticGot a question? Send it in using the link in the description, email [email protected], or visit the endobattery.com contact page.Website endobattery.com
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7:17
QC: SIBO or Just Need to Poop? Is The Low FODMAP Diet Beneficial?
Send us a text with a question or thought on this episodeDr. Zachary Spiritos demystifies SIBO treatment for patients with complex conditions like endometriosis and mast cell activation syndrome. He cuts through the noise with a straightforward approach to this commonly misunderstood digestive condition, explaining why it's often simpler to treat than many functional medicine practitioners suggest.• SIBO treatment basics: antibiotics like rifaximin that shift your microbiome rather than traditional systemic antibiotics• Preventing recurrence by identifying root causes: antibiotic use, PPI use, chronic narcotic use, or other factors slowing bowel motility• Pro-motility agents can help the small intestine function properly to prevent bacteria from accumulating where they don't belong• Low FODMAP diets may help but are used sparingly due to their restrictive nature• Elemental diets are a last resort for persistent cases• SIBO is often overdiagnosed when the real issue is constipation or pelvic floor dysfunction• Virtually all endometriosis patients have some degree of pelvic floor dysfunction• Pelvic floor dysfunction prevents proper evacuation of both stool and gas, causing significant bloatingHave questions? Send them in using the link in the description, email [email protected], or visit the endobattery.com contact page.Website endobattery.com
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6:16
Not on the Table: The Science Behind Period Cramps and What’s Still Missing
Send us a text with a question or thought on this episodeKate Downey shares her 22-year journey through debilitating period pain and her quest for answers that ultimately led to creating her podcast "Cramped." Through extensive research and interviews with experts, Kate uncovers why period pain remains so misunderstood despite affecting hundreds of millions of people worldwide.• 30% of menstruating people (approximately 522 million worldwide) experience debilitating period pain• The widely accepted explanation for period cramps is being questioned by researchers at the GYRL lab• Female bodies are systematically excluded from medical research, leading to gaps in treatment effectiveness• Even medications like antidepressants work differently depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle• The stigma around periods keeps us isolated in our pain, which neurologically can make the pain worse• Women's health research is making progress, but requires more advocacy and awareness• Creating community through "women's circles" or "clam bakes" helps share crucial information about treatments• Resources like cureperiodpain.org offer opportunities to participate in studies that advance menstrual researchYou can find Kate Helen Downey's podcast "Cramped" wherever you listen to podcasts, and follow her on Instagram @KateHelenDowney or TikTok @KateIsCramped.Website endobattery.com
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44:45
QC: Navigating Diet Conflicts: Endometriosis Meets PCOS Meets Intermittent Fasting With Sarah Rae
Send us a text with a question or thought on this episodeRegistered dietitian Sarah Rae shares evidence-based nutrition strategies for those managing both endometriosis and PCOS simultaneously. She explains why balanced blood sugar is crucial for both conditions and how protein intake, fiber, and healthy fats support hormone regulation.• Similar nutrition approaches work for both endometriosis and PCOS despite perceived conflicts• Focus on balancing blood sugars which impacts sleep, hormones, and hunger levels• Aim for 20-30 grams of protein at each meal with fiber and healthy fats• Those with PCOS and insulin resistance may need slightly more careful carbohydrate management• Intermittent fasting generally not recommended as it can lead to disordered eating patterns• Regular breakfast helps prevent binge eating, control sugar cravings, and manage bloating• Anti-inflammatory food choices benefit both conditionsHave more questions? Send them to [email protected] or visit endobattery.com/contact to get expert answers on future episodes.Website endobattery.com
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5:18
QC: Communicating Intimacy Challenges Without Losing Connection With Mallory Oxendine
Send us a text with a question or thought on this episodeCertified sex therapist Mallory Oxendine provides practical strategies for communicating with partners about pain during intimacy while maintaining connection and avoiding shame. She addresses the fear of rejection that often prevents these crucial conversations and introduces a framework that transforms vague concerns into specific requests partners can fulfill.• Fear of rejection often prevents difficult conversations about sexual pain and limitations• Avoidance of these discussions only deepens disconnection and misunderstanding• John Townsend's "People Fuel" framework offers language for requesting specific relational nutrients• Being clear about needing acceptance, comfort, or encouragement helps partners know how to respond• Most partners want to be supportive but need guidance on what response would be most helpful• Clear communication preserves emotional intimacy even when physical intimacy needs adaptationCheck out episodes 120 and 121 with Mallory for more insights on intimacy, endometriosis, and chronic illness.Website endobattery.com
Welcome to Endo Battery, the podcast that's here to journey with you through Endometriosis and Adenomyosis. In a world where silence often shrouds these challenging conditions, Endo Battery stands as a beacon of hope and a source of strength. We believe in the power of knowledge, personal stories, and expert insights to illuminate the path forward. Our mission? To walk with you, hand in hand, through the often daunting landscape of Endometriosis and Adenomyosis.This podcast is like a warm hug for your ears, offering you a cozy space to connect, learn, and heal. Whether you're newly diagnosed, a seasoned warrior, or a curious supporter, Endo Battery is a resource for you. Here, you'll find a community that understands your struggles and a team dedicated to delivering good, accurate information you can trust.What to expect from Endo Battery:Personal Stories: We're all about real-life experiences – your stories, our stories – because we know that sometimes, the most profound insights come from personal journeys. Leading Experts: Our podcast features interviews with top experts in the field. These are the individuals who light up the path with their knowledge, sharing their wisdom and expertise to empower you.Comfort and Solace: We understand that Endometriosis can be draining – physically, emotionally, and mentally. Endo Battery is your safe space, offering comfort and solace to help you recharge and regain your strength. Life-Charging Insights: When Endometriosis tries to drain your life, Endo Battery is here to help you recharge. We're the energy boost you've been looking for, delivering insights and strategies to help you live your best life despite the challenges.Join us on this journey, and together, we'll light up the darkness that often surrounds Endometriosis and Adenomyosis. Your story, your strength, and your resilience are at the heart of Endo Battery. Tune in, listen, share, and lets charge forward together.