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The Hormone Genius Podcast

The Hormone Genius Podcast

Written by: Teresa Kenney and Jamie Rathjen
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 Welcome to The Hormone Genius Podcast! Co-hosts Jamie Rathjen and Teresa Kenney desire to be a voice of hope for women across the world. Their mission is to inspire a new generation of women who are educated and informed about the gift and beauty of the feminine design. This is a generation of women who deserve a holistic approach to women's healthcare. Jamie and Teresa want to inspire, inform, and empower their listeners, and to make women the genius of their own hormones! Medical disclaimer: The information presented in The Hormone Genius Podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for actual medical or mental health advice from a doctor, psychologist, or any other medical or mental health professional.All rights reserved Hygiene & Healthy Living
Episodes
  • S6 Ep. 16: AMH, Fertility, and the Truth Women Need to Hear with OB/GYN Dr. Kristina Pakiz

    S6 Ep. 16: AMH, Fertility, and the Truth Women Need to Hear with OB/GYN Dr. Kristina Pakiz
    Dec 31 2025
    In this episode of The Hormone Genius, we are joined by expert OB/GYN Kristina Pakiz, founder of Vivify Women’s Health and Fertility, for an honest, evidence-based conversation about fertility testing, specifically AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone), and what it does and does not tell women about their ability to conceive naturally. Dr. Pakiz brings years of clinical experience caring for women across the reproductive lifespan, with a special focus on restorative, patient-centered fertility care. Her approach emphasizes education, individualized evaluation, and empowering women with accurate information rather than fear-based lab interpretations. What Is AMH? AMH is a hormone produced by the granulosa cells of small, developing follicles in the ovaries. Clinically, it is often described as a marker of ovarian reserve, meaning it gives an estimate of how many recruitable follicles remain—not how well those eggs function, and not whether a woman can conceive naturally. Because AMH levels tend to decline with age, they are frequently used in fertility clinics to help predict response to ovarian stimulation in assisted reproductive technologies like IVF. Why AMH Is Not a Good Marker of Natural Fertility One of the most important takeaways from this episode is that AMH is often misunderstood and over-applied, especially in younger women. Dr. Pakiz explains that: AMH does not predict whether a woman can get pregnant naturally Women with low AMH can and do conceive spontaneously Women with high AMH may still struggle with ovulation, cycle irregularity, or other fertility barriers AMH does not assess egg quality, ovulation timing, uterine health, cervical mucus, or hormonal balance In other words, AMH reflects quantity, not function, and fertility depends on far more than follicle count. The Harm of Over-Interpreting AMH Dr. Pakiz also addresses the emotional and clinical harm that can occur when AMH is presented as a “fertility score.” Many women are told they are “running out of time” or that pregnancy is unlikely based on AMH alone, messages that are often inaccurate and unnecessarily distressing. Dr. Pakiz describes the alternative of NaproTechnology/Restorative Reproductive Medicine. Exciting NEWS!!! The Fertile Hive is a Buzzing Community designed for women interested in boosting their natural fertility through restored health. The infertility journey requires a guide whose knowledge and expertise can cut through the noise and provide clarity. Dr. Kristina Pakiz and Naomi Davis, PA-C provide this guidance through education. Women are empowered to be "the Queen of their own fertility", and the community provides the support needed for members to confidently choose their path to healing. The Fertile Hive is the ONLY membership community of its kind- a truly safe space where women with infertility can thrive. We are launching this membership community with a contest! The top 20 contestants win a free membership for a year! Each submission includes a short video clip answering a few simple questions. Submit your entry by January 16, 2026 at thefertilehive.com and look for the Queen Bee. Second, our brand-new Perimenopause Course is officially live. For just $97, women can dive into a simple, science-backed approach to navigating hormonal shifts with clarity, confidence, and peace. A big thank-you to our episode sponsor, We Heart Nutrition, a company we love for clean, effective supplements that support whole-body hormone health. Visit www.weheartnutrition.com and use code GENIUS for 20% off your first order. The information presented in The Hormone Genius Podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for actual medical or mental health advice from a doctor, psychologist, or any other medical or mental health professional.
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    39 mins
  • S6 Ep. 15: 3 C Supplements; Creatine, Collagen Peptides & Colostrum: Are They Worth the $?

    S6 Ep. 15: 3 C Supplements; Creatine, Collagen Peptides & Colostrum: Are They Worth the $?
    Dec 17 2025
    Creatine, collagen, colostrum; are these supplements game-changers or just wellness buzzwords? In this episode, we break down what the research actually says, who benefits most, and how to use them strategically, starting with the most studied supplement of all. In this episode of The Hormone Genius Podcast, Jamie and Teresa take a clear, evidence-based look at three of today’s most talked-about supplements, creatine, collagen peptides, and colostrum, ranking them by scientific support rather than marketing hype. If you’ve ever wondered which supplements are truly worth your time, money, and trust, this conversation is for you. The episode begins with creatine, the most extensively researched supplement discussed. Often mislabeled as “just for athletes,” creatine plays a critical role in cellular energy production and has compelling evidence supporting benefits for muscle strength, metabolic health, cognitive function, and healthy aging, including important implications for women and midlife hormone transitions. Jamie and Teresa then break down collagen peptides, a staple in many wellness routines but one that’s frequently misunderstood. They discuss how collagen supports joints, connective tissue, skin integrity, and gut health, why it is not a complete protein, and how to use it strategically alongside other nutrients for meaningful results. Finally, the conversation turns to colostrum, an emerging supplement gaining attention for its potential role in gut barrier function, immune resilience, and inflammation modulation. While the research base is newer compared to creatine and collagen, Jamie and Teresa review what the science currently supports, who may benefit most, and important considerations when choosing a high-quality product. This episode empowers listeners with practical, science-backed insights, helping you move beyond supplement trends and toward choices that truly support hormone balance, longevity, and whole-body health. Second, our brand-new Perimenopause Course is officially live. For just $97, women can dive into a simple, science-backed approach to navigating hormonal shifts with clarity, confidence, and peace. A big thank-you to our episode sponsor, We Heart Nutrition, a company we love for clean, effective supplements that support whole-body hormone health. Visit www.weheartnutrition.com and use code GENIUS for 20% off your first order. Disclaimer: The views expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Hormone Genius Podcast. This content is for information is not intended to be a substitute for actual medical or mental health advice from a doctor, psychologist, or any other medical or mental health professional.
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    41 mins
  • S6 Ep. 14: A Mothers Guide: Raising Daughters with Confidence Through Puberty and First Periods

    S6 Ep. 14: A Mothers Guide: Raising Daughters with Confidence Through Puberty and First Periods
    Dec 10 2025
    In this episode of The Hormone Genius Podcast, Teresa & Jamie break down everything moms need to know about guiding their daughters through puberty, hormone changes, and the first menstrual period. With clarity, compassion, and decades of clinical experience, Teresa and Jamie explain what’s normal, what to expect, and how to support tween girls in a world where confusing (and sometimes unhealthy) messages about womanhood are everywhere. ✨ Preparing Your Daughter for Her First Period One of the most meaningful parts of understanding our own cycles is being able to pass that wisdom on to the next generation. Jamie shares that if she could go back, she would have given her younger self reassurance—not embarrassment. For moms, this is an opportunity to set the tone differently. Teaching your daughter about her period before it happens helps her feel confident rather than caught off-guard. Start by normalizing conversations about the female body, using correct terms, and explaining that cervical mucus, mood changes, and breast tenderness can be early signals that her first period is coming. Consider putting together a small “first period kit” with pads, wipes, a change of underwear, and an encouraging note she can keep in her backpack. Most importantly, lead with positivity: remind her that her period is not something to hide, it’s a sign of health, maturity, and the amazing way her body works. This episode empowers moms to: Understand the biological process of puberty Recognize the early signs that a first period is coming Support healthy physical, emotional, and hormone development Offer better language, resources, and confidence-building tools Create an open, connected relationship around reproductive health General Cycle Education & First-Period Prep Guiding Star Project – Cycle Show https://guidingstarproject.com/cycle-show/ Natural Womanhood – Period Genius https://naturalwomanhood.org/period-genius/ (Course access: https://naturalwomanhood.courses) Pearl & Thistle – Cycle Prep https://pearlandthistle.com/cycle-prep/ MyCatholicDoctor – Sex & Cycle Education Resources https://mycatholicdoctor.com/our-services/catholic-sex-education-resources/ “Know Your Body” presentation is described as being “brought to an age-appropriate level for adolescents” and is intended for teenage girls to watch (preferably with a parent or guardian). FACTS About Fertility — https://factsaboutfertility.org ALERT, our brand-new Perimenopause Course is officially live. F or just $97, women can dive into a simple, science-backed approach to navigating hormonal shifts with clarity, confidence, and peace. Go to www.hormonegenius.com! We’re proud to partner with We Heart Nutrition, a supplement company dedicated to clean, transparent, research-backed formulas that support women’s hormone health, energy, gut function, and overall well-being. Whether you’re navigating PMS, perimenopause, low energy, or simply want to nourish your body more intentionally, their products are crafted with high-quality ingredients you can trust. Podcast listeners get an exclusive 20% off their first order at weheartnutrition.com with the code GENIUS at checkout. Disclaimer: The views expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Hormone Genius Podcast. This content is for information is not intended to be a substitute for actual medical or mental health advice from a doctor, psychologist, or any other medical or mental health professional.
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    47 mins
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