Women's Health Expert, Author, Speaker, Doctor of…
One of the biggest myths about stopping birth control is that everything will just snap back to normal in a couple of weeks. But the truth? That’s not always the case. Your body has been coasting along with external hormones, and now it’s trying to remember how to do its thing solo. It’s like waking up from a long nap—you might feel groggy before you feel refreshed.
How Long Does It Take to Adjust?There’s no one-size-fits-all answer because:
✔️ The type of birth control you were on matters (pill, IUD, implant—oh my!) ✔️ How long you’ve been on it plays a role ✔️ Your genetics, detox pathways, and gut health all factor in ✔️ Your body’s natural ability to regulate hormones varies
Some women get their cycles back right away, while others wait months. Frustrating? Yes. But understanding your body’s unique rhythm is key.
Supporting Your Body Through the TransitionIf you want to set yourself up for success, here are a few ways to give your body the love it needs:
🔹 Protein, Protein, Protein – Your body needs amino acids to make hormones. Focus on high-quality sources like grass-fed meats, eggs, and legumes.
🔹 Gut Health is Queen – Since your liver and gut help process hormones, keeping them happy is a must. Probiotics, fiber-rich foods, and proper hydration go a long way.
🔹 Seed Cycling – A simple but powerful way to support hormone balance. Try:
Days 1-14: 1 tbsp each of flax and pumpkin seeds
Days 15-28: 1 tbsp each of sesame and sunflower seeds
🔹 Liver Support – Your liver is working overtime to process hormones. Milk thistle, dandelion root tea, and even a daily sauna session can help detoxify.
🔹 Tinctures & Supplements – Certain herbal blends can support your hormones as they wake up from their birth control slumber. If you’re unsure where to start, working with a practitioner to personalize your approach can be a game changer.
🔹 Test, Don’t Guess – A DUTCH hormone test can help pinpoint exactly where your hormones are at and what they need to get back into balance.
Join the 12 Week Female Hormone Solution:
Regular: https://drbethwestie.com/12-week-female-hormone-solution/
Menopause: https://drbethwestie.com/12-week-menopause-solution/
Unsure? Link for a free call: https://calendly.com/dr-beth-westie/program-discovery-call
Why do periods sometimes feel like someone is stabbing you with a hot poker? (Not dramatic at all, right?) You’re doubled over, your lower back is in knots, you feel nauseous, you’ve got a headache brewing—it’s like your body throws a full-on tantrum once a month.
So, why is this happening? And more importantly, how do we make it stop?
First, know this: pain = inflammation. When your period starts, your hormone levels drop suddenly. This is supposed to happen, but if your body isn’t flushing out excess estrogen properly (ahem, hello estrogen dominance), it can cause major inflammation. And guess what? Your period is also a detox process. So if your liver and gut (the MVPs of detoxing) aren’t working efficiently, your system gets backed up—kind of like a clogged drain. And what happens when a drain gets clogged? Everything overflows and makes a mess. That’s your period pain.
Oh, and here’s a fun fact: Your uterus doubles in size before your period. Yep, you read that right. It’s pushing up against your bladder, intestines, and all that soft tissue. If there’s any scar tissue or fibroids in the mix, that pressure gets even worse. No wonder it feels like your whole lower half is waging war against you!
So, what can you do?
You don’t have to suffer through this every month! Here’s where we start:
✨ Reduce inflammation every day – This isn’t just a period-week problem. Cutting back on alcohol, processed foods, and endocrine disruptors (aka hormone messers) helps lower inflammation all month long.
🔥 Support your detox pathways – Your liver and gut need some love. Start with nutrient-dense foods, hydration, and a DUTCH hormone test to see exactly where you need support.
💡 Use targeted relief tools – Heating pads, red light therapy, dry brushing, and lymphatic drainage are game-changers for pain relief and inflammation control.
🌿 Cycle support – Seed cycling, hormone-balancing tinctures, and proper mineral intake can make a HUGE difference in regulating your hormones naturally.
And listen, I know this can feel overwhelming. Like, where do you even start?! That’s exactly why I created my 12 Week Hormone Solution program—to guide you through these changes step by step so you’re not stuck Googling “how to survive my period” every month.
If your periods are getting worse, now is the time to take action. Registration is open for a limited time and I won't be offering this again until October.
Click here to join us:
Regular: https://drbethwestie.com/12-week-female-hormone-solution/
Menopause: https://drbethwestie.com/12-week-menopause-solution/
Unsure? Link for a free call: https://calendly.com/dr-beth-westie/program-discovery-call
Have you ever woken up feeling puffy, achy, or just off—like your body is holding onto something it shouldn’t? Maybe your rings feel tight, your belly balloons after lunch, or your brain feels foggy no matter how much coffee you drink? (Been there, done that, got the headache.)
What if I told you that inflammation might be behind it all—and that it could be messing with your hormones in ways you never even realized?
Here’s how it works: When your body is inflamed, it sets off an alarm system. Cortisol, your stress hormone, jumps in to help—but if it stays elevated too long, it can throw off estrogen, progesterone, and even your ability to ovulate consistently. Inflammation can also slow down how your body processes hormones, leading to excess estrogen (hello, bloating and mood swings!) and making it harder for you to clear out toxins. It’s a vicious cycle, and trust me, you are not imagining it.
But here’s the good news: You don’t have to stay stuck in the inflammation-hormone rollercoaster. Here’s where to start:
1️⃣ Check in with your body. Do you feel inflamed? Are you noticing swelling, sluggishness, headaches, or bloating? Your body is talking to you. Listen. 2️⃣ Look at your stress. Inflammation and stress are BFFs (the toxic kind). Identify what’s weighing you down—physical, emotional, or even environmental stress (yep, those perfume-heavy office spaces count!). 3️⃣ Nourish, don’t inflame. Swap out processed, inflammatory foods for whole, anti-inflammatory goodness—think turmeric, leafy greens, wild-caught fish, and lots of water. 4️⃣ Move in a way that heals, not harms. If you’re over-exercising and not recovering well, you could be adding fuel to the inflammation fire. Balance is key! 5️⃣ Test, don’t guess. Want to get to the root cause? Tests like the DUTCH hormone panel and GI mapping can help you pinpoint exactly what’s going on inside.
You don’t have to do this alone. If you’re nodding along and thinking, this is me, then it’s time to take action. Let’s create a plan that works for your body. Click here to get on the waitlist (registration is open but ONLY to the waitlist!!) for my hormone solution program where we’ll tackle inflammation, balance your hormones, and get you feeling like yourself again. Because you deserve to feel amazing.
Learn more: https://drbethwestie.com/waitlist/
Let’s talk about something that actually matters for your health: muscle. Not just looking "toned" (because, let's be honest, that word is overused and under-explained), but truly building lean muscle—the kind that makes you feel strong, energized, and unstoppable.
If you take one thing away from this, let it be this: protein is non-negotiable. I don’t care how much you’re lifting—if you’re not getting enough protein, your body can’t build muscle. Period.
Most women think they’re eating enough protein, but in reality? They’re getting half of what they need. Imagine thinking you're filling up your gas tank, but you're actually running on fumes. That’s what happens when you skimp on protein.
Here’s what to do:
Aim for at least 120-140g of protein daily (more if you’re in menopause!).
Space it out throughout the day—think protein pacing, not just one big shake at the end of the night.
Lean into easy sources: eggs, chicken, fish, Greek yogurt, protein shakes, and bars.
Muscle doesn’t magically appear from cardio or tiny pink dumbbells. You need resistance training—something that challenges your muscles so they can rebuild stronger.
If you’re new to lifting, start small:
Push-ups on the kitchen counter → then on your knees → then full push-ups.
Bodyweight squats → then add weights → then increase reps.
Dumbbell work—presses, rows, lunges—all amazing for muscle growth.
Women can gain about 0.5 to 1 pound of muscle per month with consistency. It takes time, but it’s 100% worth it.
Hormones play a huge role in muscle growth, and your cycle impacts when you build muscle best.
Follicular phase (post-period to ovulation): Your body is primed for building muscle. Push harder, lift heavier, challenge yourself.
Luteal phase (post-ovulation to period): Recovery takes longer. Focus on maintaining muscle and prioritizing rest.
Menopause? Your body needs more protein and heavier weights to achieve the same muscle growth as before.
If you’re doing everything “right” but still struggling to build muscle, check these culprits:
Not eating enough → Muscle growth needs fuel, not restriction.
Chronic stress → High cortisol can literally break down your muscle.
Poor sleep → Recovery happens when you rest, not when you push harder.
No more second-guessing. No more wasting time on workouts that don’t work for you. You have the shortcut—protein, strength training, and syncing with your body.
Want a step-by-step blueprint customized for you? I’ve got you covered. Click here to get on the waitlist for my next program where we take all of this and make it work for you: https://drbethwestie.com/waitlist/
Because strong is the new strong—and you, my friend, are just getting started. 💪
Raise your hand if you hit snooze three times this morning.
Yep, I see you. If rolling out of bed feels like dragging a boulder uphill and you don’t feel human until that first sip of coffee, you’re not alone. Trust me, I hear this all the time from women just like you—smart, driven, and doing all the right things, yet still waking up exhausted. So what gives?
Let’s get one thing straight: it’s not just about getting more sleep. If it were that easy, you wouldn’t be reading this. The reality? There’s a whole cocktail of reasons why you might be waking up feeling like you got run over by a truck, and we’re about to dig into them.
The biggest culprit? Low cortisol. Think of cortisol as your body’s natural morning alarm clock—it’s supposed to rise and give you that let’s-go-conquer-the-day energy. But if your levels are in the basement, you’re starting the day on an empty tank, and no amount of caffeine can fully fix that.
I worked with a woman recently who had been battling morning fatigue for years. She swore she was doing everything right—going to bed early, eating well, exercising—but when we ran a DUTCH test, her pre-cortisol levels were basically nonexistent. No wonder she felt like a zombie!
But low cortisol is just one piece of the puzzle. Here are a few other sneaky culprits:
Crummy sleep quality – Are you actually getting deep, restorative sleep or just logging hours in bed?
Melatonin misfires – If your melatonin is off, your body’s sleep-wake cycle might be too.
Nutrient gaps – Your body does a ton of repair work overnight, and it needs the right fuel to do it.
Circadian rhythm chaos – Stress, travel, late-night scrolling (we’ve all been there)—all of this messes with your body’s natural rhythms.
First things first: You’re not lazy. You don’t need more willpower. You need to give your body what it actually needs to function. Here’s how to start:
Test, don’t guess – A DUTCH test will give you real insight into what’s happening with your hormones.
Prioritize deep sleep – Set up a bedtime routine, cut back on blue light at night, and consider magnesium or melatonin support.
Fuel your body right – Protein, healthy fats, and key nutrients are essential for overnight recovery.
Stay the course – If your system is running on empty, fixing it isn’t an overnight job. Give it time, and don’t quit too soon.
I know how frustrating it is to feel like your body isn’t cooperating. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to live like this. If you’re ready to stop waking up exhausted and actually feel energized, let’s get to the root cause.
Click the link to learn more about the Female Hormone Solution Program—I’m here to help you take back your mornings and feel like you again: https://drbethwestie.com/waitlist/
You know that mid-afternoon slump, the one where you’re staring at your to-do list, wondering if a nap is a socially acceptable option? Or that feeling when your energy crashes before your workout even starts? Yeah, I’ve been there too.
But here’s the thing: it’s not just about getting enough protein—it’s how you eat it that makes the magic happen. Enter: protein pacing.
What is it? Think of it like giving your body consistent doses of protein throughout the day instead of one giant meal at dinner. Science (and my own experience) says this can:
✅ Keep your metabolism revved up 🔥 ✅ Balance blood sugar (bye, mood swings) ✅ Support lean muscle (hello, strength and confidence)
And the best part? It’s not about adding more food—it’s about spreading it out smarter. Here’s what that looks like:
☀️ Breakfast: Scrambled eggs + avocado toast (or a smoothie packed with protein) 🍴 Snack: Greek yogurt + berries + a sprinkle of chia seeds 🥗 Lunch: Chicken, quinoa, and greens drizzled with a yummy dressing 🥜 Afternoon snack: protein shake or greek yog (yes, please) 🍽 Dinner: Salmon, roasted veggies, and sweet potatoes
Simple, right? And trust me, when you start fueling your body this way, you feel the difference. More energy, fewer cravings, and that steady, strong kind of confidence that makes you want to tackle your day (and maybe even that workout you were dreading).
Want 12 weeks of protein pacing meal guides, hormone testing and supplements for YOUR unique hormone challenges? I’ve opened the waitlist for my next 12 week hormone solution and you are invited (special discounts await!): https://drbethwestie.com/waitlist/
Have you been told to ditch carbs? In the world of keto and low-carb trends, let me tell you: Carbs are not the enemy. In fact, they’re essential, especially for women’s hormone health.
Carbs aren’t just about energy—they’re also about balance.
Brain Food: Your brain thrives on glucose (a form of sugar that comes from carbs). When you’re under stress or tired, your brain craves carbs because that’s what it needs to function optimally. Restricting carbs? You might feel foggy, irritable, and more stressed.
Hormone Health:
Cortisol: If you’re low on carbs, your stress hormone (cortisol) stays elevated, making it harder to recover from stress and even disrupting your sleep.
Thyroid: Your thyroid, the gland responsible for your metabolism, relies on carbs to produce hormones effectively. Low-carb diets can slow your metabolism.
Insulin: Skipping carbs can lead to insulin resistance over time, which impacts your energy, weight, and even fertility.
Digestive Health: Your gut actually produces enzymes to break down carbs. Stop eating them, and your gut stops making those enzymes. When you reintroduce carbs, your digestion may struggle, leading to discomfort.
Growth & Repair: Growth hormone, which helps your body repair itself and maintain healthy tissues, is most active at night. But if your blood sugar isn’t stable during the day, this process can be disrupted, leaving you feeling less rejuvenated.
“Don’t carbs cause weight gain?” Not when you eat them in balance. Excessive carbs without enough protein or fats can contribute to weight gain, but eliminating them altogether can wreak havoc on your metabolism.
“Isn’t sugar bad for hormones?” It’s about quality, not elimination. Focus on whole, nutrient-dense carbs like fruits, veggies, and whole grains instead of processed sugars.
Think of your body like a house. If the foundation is crooked, everything else is off—no matter how much you try to “fix” the details. Nutrition is that foundation. When your carbs, protein, and fat are balanced, your body can self-regulate more effectively, improving hormone health, stress levels, and even sleep.
I’m hosting a FREE 5-Day Hormone Balance & Metabolism Jumpstart where we’ll dive deeper into this and more: https://dr-beth-westie.mykajabi.com/free-5-day-metabolism-boost-hormone-balance-reset
Did you know that years of dieting could be sabotaging your metabolism? Let’s unpack why this happens and, more importantly, how you can rebuild your metabolism for better energy and better health!
The Diet TrapFor decades, diet culture has pressured women to pursue unrealistic body standards. From cabbage soup diets to extreme calorie restriction, the message has been clear: smaller is better. But here’s the thing—this is not true, and it’s certainly not good for your metabolism.
When you restrict calories or cut out entire food groups, your metabolism adapts. It slows down to conserve energy because your body perceives these restrictions as a stressor. Over time, this makes it harder to lose weight, creates hormonal imbalances, and depletes your energy stores.
Why the Female Body is DifferentHere’s something diet culture ignores: the female body is designed to store fat as a survival mechanism. Fat is essential for hormone regulation, fertility, and overall health. When you drastically cut calories or follow extreme diets, your body clings to fat reserves even harder. It’s not you—it’s biology.
On top of that, factors like stress, lack of sleep, medications, and birth control can further impact your metabolism. Add in chronic dieting, and the result is often a sluggish metabolic rate, nutrient deficiencies, and burnout.
The Metabolism You WantThe good news? You don’t have to stay stuck in this cycle. The key to a healthy metabolism is fueling your body—not depriving it. It’s about giving your body the nutrients, rest, and movement it needs to function optimally.
Protein is Your Friend: Start your day with a protein-rich breakfast to support muscle repair and metabolism.
Prioritize Sleep: Growth hormone, essential for metabolic function, is released during deep sleep.
Manage Stress: High cortisol levels can wreak havoc on your metabolism. Build stress-reducing habits into your day.
Fuel Strategically: Eating enough calories and the right balance of nutrients keeps your metabolic “fire” burning.
If you’re ready to break free from the dieting hamster wheel and build a metabolism that works for you, I’m inviting you to join my FREE 5-Day Metabolism Reset Challenge.
In just five days, you’ll learn how to:
Fuel your body for better energy.
Improve your digestion.
Build habits for long-term metabolic health.
Plus, we’ll be giving away prizes like DUTCH hormone tests, metabolism-supporting tinctures, and dry brushes to kickstart your journey.
This is a no-pressure, supportive challenge designed to help you feel better, fast. Whether you’re looking for a reset or just some practical tips, this challenge is the perfect place to start.
Details at a Glance:📅 When: February 3rd - February 7th 🎁 Prizes: Dutch hormone tests, metabolism tinctures, and more! 📍 Where: Online 💰 Cost: FREE
👉 Join the Challenge Here: https://dr-beth-westie.mykajabi.com/free-5-day-metabolism-boost-hormone-balance-reset
I know how exhausting it can feel to try diet after diet and end up disappointed. Let’s shift the focus to fueling your body, improving your health, and building a metabolism that works for you—not against you.
I can’t wait to see you there!
Do you ever feel like you’re trapped in a body that’s having wild emotional responses for no reason? Like one moment you’re calm, and the next, you’re completely overwhelmed? You’re not alone.
Mood swings can feel like a rollercoaster—sudden anger, tears, or irritability that seem to come out of nowhere. But here’s the thing: it’s not “all in your head,” and you’re not overreacting. Your body may be signaling deeper imbalances.
Mood swings aren’t just a simple A + B = C equation. Women’s physiology is incredibly complex, and factors like hormone imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, and stress play a major role. Here are some common culprits:
Severe mood swings don’t just affect you—they can ripple through your relationships, work, and overall well-being. One client described feeling like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, losing patience with her kids and spouse, and even jeopardizing lifelong friendships.
Your mood swing road map:
You don’t have to live at the mercy of your mood swings. With the right tools, you can regain control and feel like yourself again.
Join the next 12 week Hormone solution: https://drbethwestie.com/waitlist/
You're hot then you're cold… unlike the Katy Perry song, hot flashes are NOT fun.
And from an Eastern medicine perspective, they may also signify "stuck energy" or issues with stress response and detox pathways.
Major ugh.
But wait, you are not destined to be stuck in the night sweat - hot flash cycle forever!
Let’s unpack these sweaty episodes:
Common Triggers for Hot Flashes
Stress: Emotional, physical, and chemical stress can all contribute. Examples include:
High-intensity workouts followed by stressful to do list.
Emotional events like a job change, divorce, or death.
Chemical triggers such as caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and fermented foods.
Dietary Factors: Foods high in sugars, alcohol, and certain irritants (like nightshade vegetables) can exacerbate symptoms.
Liver and Gut Health: According to traditional Chinese medicine, nighttime hot flashes often occur during liver detoxification hours (1-3 AM). Issues like bloating, constipation, or diarrhea can signal gut-related concerns.
Start with Testing: A personalized approach begins with understanding your body's unique needs. Recommended tests include:
Dutch Test: A comprehensive hormone test to pinpoint imbalances.
GI Map: To assess gut health and ensure proper digestion.
Full Thyroid Panel: Since the thyroid regulates body temperature, a detailed evaluation of TSH, T3, T4, and antibodies is essential.
Manage Stress:
Incorporate meditation, mindfulness, or yoga and BOUNDARIES
Use adaptogens like ashwagandha or rhodiola to support cortisol regulation.
Support Detox Pathways:
Water-Soluble Pathway: Stay hydrated, add mineral-rich foods, and boost lymphatic flow through gentle exercise or dry brushing.
Fat-Soluble Pathway: Focus on liver and gut health by reducing alcohol and sugar, incorporating fiber, and addressing digestive concerns.
Adjust Your Diet:
Avoid or limit caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and fermented foods if they trigger symptoms.
Opt for anti-inflammatory and hormone-balancing foods like leafy greens, healthy fats, and lean proteins.
Consider Targeted Supplements:
Adaptogens for stress.
Liver-supportive nutrients like milk thistle and dandelion root.
Probiotics to enhance gut health.
Candace did it! She struggled with hot flashes for nearly two years despite trying medications, OBGYN recommendations, and advice from friends. After starting a customized protocol based on DUTCH test results, her symptoms initially worsened as her body released a backlog of hormones. Within weeks, the hot flashes significantly decreased and eventually disappeared. Today, she sleeps soundly and doesn’t wake up in a pool of sweat!
If you are ready to tackle the hot flashes FOR GOOD, I've got a 12 week hormone solution plan for you: https://drbethwestie.com/waitlist/
Most of what we’ve been told about boosting metabolism is incomplete—or just plain wrong. Cutting calories? Over-exercising? These approaches might work for a while, but they often backfire, especially for women as we age and our hormones shift.
Your metabolism is more than a calorie-burning machine; it’s the foundation of how your body creates energy, processes nutrients, and detoxifies naturally. Here are the top three ways to support your metabolism for lasting energy, health, and vibrancy:
1️⃣ Fuel Your Body Properly Stop starving yourself! Consistently eating too little slows your metabolism and deprives your body of essential nutrients. Instead, focus on nourishment. Prioritize whole, nutrient-dense foods and enjoy treats without guilt. When you fuel your body well, your metabolism can handle more—whether it’s cookies made with love or a holiday feast.
2️⃣ Build and Maintain Muscle Muscle is a metabolic powerhouse. The more lean muscle you have, the more energy your body burns—even at rest. Incorporate strength training into your routine and ensure you’re getting enough protein to repair and build muscle. Even adding just five pounds of lean muscle can significantly boost your basal metabolic rate.
3️⃣ Support Natural Detox Pathways Your body’s natural detox systems—like your liver, lymphatic system, and digestive tract—play a huge role in metabolism. If you experience bloating, sluggish digestion, or fatigue, these pathways may need support. Simple steps like dry brushing, sweating through exercise or sauna sessions, and staying hydrated can help your body flush out toxins and function optimally.
I’ve got an entire 12 week plan mapped out for you, complete with hormone testing, meal guides, training videos, live coaching sessions and supplements!
Click here if you’d like to join us for the next Hormone Solution: https://drbethwestie.com/waitlist/