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About the Episode

Reduce period pain and reverse symptoms of hormone imbalance.

Join triple-board-certified physician, Dr. Tabatha Barber, as she discusses symptoms of hormone imbalance as messages from the body that you should be listening to. Treating symptoms requires more than supplementation.

Learn why imbalances occur and how to ease period pain and PMS by listening to this episode!

What We Discuss

“Hormone imbalance” is more than just Estrogen. When our hormones are imbalanced, it’s usually the result of something. Anything from the gut, toxic burden, your adrenal glands, and thyroid can all cause dysfunction and hormone imbalance.

And, of course, stress and lifestyle play a significant role in hormone imbalance. Just because you might be handling something mentally does not mean your body is handling it physically. If you’re constantly producing cortisol and adrenaline to take care of business, it will take a toll on your body and lead to further imbalances.

What is “Normal”

It’s assumed that if we all experience something, it makes it normal. But it’s not normal to have heavy or painful periods that make you unable to function properly in daily life. If your period causes severe disruption to your life, it’s a sign of hormone imbalance.

But if you don’t treat the cause of the sex hormone imbalance, taking a supplement to “fix the number” won’t fix the problem. Many women show worse PMS, heavy periods, breast tenderness, and increased irritability as their bodies become more and more out of balance. The problem is modern medicine doesn’t teach patients to treat symptoms as warning signs from their bodies.

Doctors didn’t see so many hormone imbalances 50-100 years ago because we didn’t have the same amount of endocrine disruptors and environmental changes as we do today. The plastics, chemicals, and toxins burden us in a way we don’t realize how badly we’re functioning until we start showing severe symptoms.

Estrogen Dominance

The liver can’t appropriately metabolize Estrogen in its active form. So we have three different kinds of Estrogen that circle throughout our bodies, which get broken down by the liver to be excreted from the body. If our livers are preoccupied with breaking down other things, such as alcohol, medications, and plastics, it forces Estrogen down other pathways that stay in the body instead of being released.

Medical intervention isn’t always the answer. Treatment often means learning about the endocrine system and how everything is connected.

Treat symptoms as messages from your body and start reversing hormone imbalance today!

Guest Bio

Dr. Tabatha Barber has devoted her life to giving women a voice and a choice when it comes to their health and well-being. As a young girl, she struggled with self-esteem and identity issues, dealt with peer-pressure, and survived the ridicule and stigma of becoming a teenage mother. As she shared in her first published book titled, From White Trash to White Coat: The Birth of Catherine’s Purpose, those events led Tabatha to finding her purpose in life. With perseverance and grace, she was able to redirect her path in life and become a successful physician.

Dr. Tabatha Barber is triple board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology, menopause, and functional medicine. She has the unique situation of being licensed to practice medicine in over half the country, so you now have the ability to work with a functional physician virtually. She is the host of The Gutsy Gynecologist Show, where she shares her wisdom and knowledge with women everywhere to reclaim their health. She is also a keynote speaker, mentor, wife, mom, and grandma! By incorporating functional medicine into her women’s health practice, she is able to provide women with the tools they need to optimize their health and happiness, which, in turn, allows those women to pursue their purpose in life.

Links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegutsygynecologist/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrTabatha
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheGutsyGynecologist
Website: https://www.drtabatha.com/
Podcast: https://thegutsygynecologistshow.buzzsprout.com/
eBook: The Gutsy Gynecologist’s Guide to Balancing Your Hormones

Ditch PMS

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is comprehensive testing for Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, helping clinicians accurately diagnose and treat these complex infections. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood, Urine, or Ticks

COST

may have a $200 copay

INSURANCE

Covered by most insurance.

Ditch PMS

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Galleri® is a multi-cancer early detection test, a blood test that screens for many of the deadliest cancers before they become symptomatic,1,2,3 including those with no recommended screening tests today. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home or in lab.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

$999

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

Ditch PMS
Ditch PMS

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This DNA test analyzes a person’s genetic markers to provide insights into their health and wellness price. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Swab

COST

$299

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

Ditch PMS

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is a key tool for assessing the impact of long-term exposure to environmental chemicals. By quantitatively measuring 14 select metabolites, this test helps determine an individual’s toxic burden, offering essential data to guide targeted nutritional and detoxification interventions for improved health outcomes. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$129

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

Ditch PMS

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

The Hormone and Urinary Metabolites Assessment Profile (HuMapTM) provides a comprehensive overview of steroid hormones, their metabolites, and the efficiency of the enzymes that metabolize these hormones. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$199

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

INSTRUCTIONS

Ditch PMS

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This is a dried urine test for comprehensive hormones to help providers solve complex patient cases. DUTCH is a group of validated tests that provide a complete evaluation of sex and adrenal hormones, including metabolites. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$300

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

INSTRUCTIONS

Ditch PMS

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This is a comprehensive stool test that relies on quantitative polymerase chain
reaction (qPCR) technology to detect parasites, bacteria, H. pylori, fungi, and more by targeting the specific DNA of the organisms tested. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Stool

COST

$399

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

INSTRUCTIONS

Ditch PMS
Ditch PMS

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This is a comprehensive test that uses blood and urine to evaluate over 125 biomarkers. It provides recommendations for vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, and digestive support. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood and Urine

COST

$179 – $439

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

INSTRUCTIONS

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Ditch PMS
Ditch PMS

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Genova’s SIBO Profiles are non-invasive breath tests which capture exhaled hydrogen (H2) and methane (CH4) gases following patient ingestion of a lactulose solution to evaluate bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Breath

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

COST

$85-$225 depending on insurance coverage. 

Ditch PMS
Ditch PMS

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of harmful mycotoxins (toxins produced by molds).

LOCATION PERFORMED

At Home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$699

INSURANCE

Fully covered by Medicare. Repeat test prices $249

Ditch PMS
Ditch PMS

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the genetic profile for multiple health indicators. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood Spot

COST

$319

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

Ditch PMS
Ditch PMS

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This company can test for lyme, babesia, bartonella and additional tick-borne illnesses. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

around $1600 (depends on panel selected)

INSURANCE

Fully covered by Medicare. May be reimbursed with PPO plans.
Ditch PMS
Ditch PMS

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of harmful mycotoxins (toxins produced by molds).

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$310

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted
Ditch PMS
Ditch PMS

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates a wide range of environmental toxins that may be leading to harmful health effects.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$199

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted $30 discount given if done with mycotoxins.
Ditch PMS
Ditch PMS

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Blood work for blood count, urinalysis and vitamin levels.

LOCATION PERFORMED

BLOOD FLUID

Blood

NOTES

You often have to fast for these tests-please check your providers notes.

COST

Depending on the test, deductible or copay may apply.

INSURANCE

Depends on insurance coverage, deductible or copay may apply.
Ditch PMS
Ditch PMS

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Glyphosate (“Round Up”) is a pesticide that is widely used and this test indicates the body’s levels.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$99 ($69 if performed with mycotoxins or environmental toxins).

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted $30 discount given if done with mycotoxins or GPL Tox.
Ditch PMS
Ditch PMS

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates many measures including micronutrients, antioxidants, minerals, detox, overview of gut function, omegas and toxic exposure. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$150 – $329

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

INSTRUCTIONS

Ditch PMS
Ditch PMS

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the gut function and indicates microbiome balance, overgrowth, infection, inflammation, parasites and digestive efficacy. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Stool

COST

$179-$439 depending on insurance coverage.

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

No probiotics for one week.

VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS

Ditch PMS
Ditch PMS

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the full menstrual cycle, female hormones, and adrenal profile.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

COST

$160-$329

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

NOTES

Must be off hormones in order to do the testing.
Ditch PMS
Ditch PMS

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is specifically for a tick-borne illness called “Bartonella”.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

BLOOD FLUID

Blood

COST

$260

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted
Ditch PMS
Ditch PMS

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of potentially harmful heavy metals stored in the body.  Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

Testing: $79 x2 paid to Doctor’s Data
DMSA: $38 paid to Johnson’s Compounding Pharmacy

INSURANCE

Not covered by Insurance
Ditch PMS
Ditch PMS

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test measures saliva cortisol testing throughout the course of one day and informs us where there might be an adrenal imbalance.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Saliva

COST

$80

INSURANCE

No insurance coverage

Ditch PMS
Ditch PMS

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is designed to look at food sensitivities (IgG immune responses). It is available in both a 99 or 184 panel. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

$129-238

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted