Episode 120

Published September 2, 2025

In this conversation, Dr. Lara Briden and Dr. Jaclyn Smeaton explore the intersection of naturopathic medicine and women's health, emphasizing the importance of hormone literacy. Lara also shares her background as an evolutionary biologist and how it informs her understanding of female physiology.

This episode also highlights:

• The importance of ovulation in hormone production
• The long-term effects of hormonal birth control
• An evolutionary perspective on menopause
• How hormones like estradiol and progesterone are essential for maintaining bone density and overall metabolic health
• The critical role hormones play in women's health, particularly focusing on bone health and the implications of insulin resistance

Key Moments

00:00 Introduction to Hormones and Women's Health

02:20 Dr. Lara Briden's Journey to Women's Health

07:09 Understanding Hormone Literacy

13:57 The Impact of Contraceptives on Women's Health

19:59 The Role of Hormones in Bone Health

40:08 Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Health

01:01:40 The Importance of Testing Hormonal Health

About our speakers

Dr. Lara Briden is a naturopathic doctor and former evolutionary biology researcher who earned her BSc in Biology from the University of Calgary and an ND from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. She brings nearly three decades of clinical experience focused on women’s health and helping patients manage their menstrual, hormonal, and metabolic issues through an integrative approach. She is the author of three best-selling books, Period Repair Manual, Hormone Repair Manual, and Metabolism Repair for Women, which offer practical, evidence-based strategies for hormonal balance. She currently consults in Christchurch, New Zealand, and serves on several advisory and editorial boards advancing women’s health research and education. 

Show Notes

Learn more about Dr. Lara Briden and read her blog post on estrogen. Follow her on Instagram @larabriden!

Check out Bitch: On the Female of the Species and Dr. Lara Briden’s books, Period Repair Manual, Hormone Repair Manual, and Metabolism Repair for Women.

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