You know that feeling when your body's tired but your heart's carrying the real weight? Yeah… that's not just stress. It's your body holding onto stories it never got to finish, the unprocessed stuff we call trauma. In this powerful and personal conversation, Dr. Shiroko Sokitch and I get into how emotional wounds can quietly shape your physical health, and how real healing starts when you finally listen to what your body's been trying to say.

Dr. Shiroko spent years in emergency medicine before following her intuition into acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, blending Western science with deep emotional and spiritual healing. She shares incredible stories of patients who've transformed their lives by healing the emotions behind their symptoms. You'll learn how simple practices like visualization, acupuncture, and genuine self-compassion can help you reconnect with your body in ways that feel surprisingly doable.

If you've ever wondered why your shoulders ache when life feels heavy, or why your energy crashes after emotional stress, this episode is going to hit home. It's full of heart, hope, and hands-on healing wisdom you can actually use — no fluff, just real talk about what it means to feel whole again.

P.S. Before you dive into holiday chaos, a quick love note from me: don't forget to take care of you. My Black Friday + Cyber Monday deals are live soon, and it's the best time to stock up on my favorites like Mighty Maca and Keto-Green essentials that keep your body steady (even when life isn't). Pop over to dranna.com/deals to get early VIP access, because you deserve to feel amazing through all the merry madness.

Key Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Introduction.

[00:02:22] Body holds on to trauma.

[00:03:14] Incorporation of Eastern medicine with Western medicine.

[00:06:13] The science behind acupuncture.

[00:10:12] Healing emotional & spiritual trauma through acupuncture.

[00:16:08] Surgery preparation and success.

[00:20:15] Love as a healing force.

[00:23:32] Body love and healing journey.

[00:29:22] The body as a teacher.

[00:31:34] Healing without prejudice.

Memorable Quotes:

"I always talk about love as the most powerful healing force." [00:20:17] – Dr. Shiroko Sokitch

"If you are willing to love and recognize your body as your friend, then you can start to learn what you need to learn from these experiences." [00:29:39] – Dr. Shiroko Sokitch

Links Mentioned:

Holiday Deals: http://dranna.com/deals

Healing When It Seems Impossible by Dr. Shiroko Sokitch: https://www.amazon.com/Healing-When-Seems-Impossible-Keys/dp/0692188274

Connect with Dr. Shiroko Sokitch:

Website: https://hearttoheartmedicalcenter.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drshiroko/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HearttoHeartMedicalCenter/

Connect with Dr. Anna Cabeca:

Website: https://drannacabeca.com/pages/show

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegirlfrienddoctor/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegirlfrienddoctor

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drannacabeca

Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com

Strong bones do more than prevent fractures; they help you stay active, confident, and energized no matter your age. I caught up with Kevin Ellis, aka the Bone Coach, a Forbes-featured integrative health coach who's helped thousands of people worldwide improve their bone health through his Stronger Bones Solution. We talk about what your bone density scores really mean, the difference between bone quality and bone density, and practical steps you can take today to strengthen your bones. Kevin also shares simple nutrition tips, supplements like vitamin D3, K2, and collagen, plus safe exercises that fit your lifestyle.

If you've ever worried about osteopenia or osteoporosis, Kevin's personal story and guidance make it feel manageable and even empowering. From resistance training to balance exercises, he explains small, actionable ways to protect your bones while setting up a healthy foundation for future generations.

And while you're taking care of your bones, don't forget your daily boost with Mighty Maca Plus, packed with 30+ superfoods that even my three-year-old loves. For women wanting to feel vibrant and confident, Julva cream is a gentle, natural way to support intimate wellness. Visit dranna.com to try them today.

Key Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Introduction.

[00:01:01] Bone health and osteoporosis.

[00:06:32] Osteopenia: precursor to osteoporosis.

[00:08:49] Bone density and quality assessment.

[00:11:12] Advice for osteopenia and osteoporosis.

[00:16:15] Nutrients for bone health.

[00:18:26] Bisphosphonates and bone health.

[00:23:09] Bone turnover markers importance and testing.

[00:34:34] High bone turnover osteoporosis.

[00:35:58] Hormones and bone health markers.

[00:40:01] Importance of resistance training.

[00:44:38] Young male osteoporosis experience.

[00:46:04] Osteoporosis and bone health solutions.

[00:49:17] Health advocacy and personal growth.

Memorable Quotes:

"Bone density shows you the past. Bone turnover shows you the future." [00:23:48] – Kevin Ellis

"I feel like we're in a position where we can really move this space forward in a positive direction and help people be a little bit more predictive than reactive." [00:31:04] – Kevin Ellis

Links Mentioned:

Mighty Maca Plus: https://drannacabeca.com/products/mighty-maca

Julva Cream: http://dranna.com/summeroflove

Bone Coach (Use code DRANNA): https://bonecoach.com/

Healthy Bones Co. (Use code DRANNA): https://healthybonesco.com/

Osteo IQ (Use code DRANNA): https://osteoiq.com/

Connect with Kevin Ellis:

Website: https://bonecoach.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bonecoachkevin

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bonecoach

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonecoach

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bonecoach

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/bonecoach

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/bonecoach

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-bone-coach-osteoporosis-bone-health-podcast/id1483975147

Connect with Dr. Anna Cabeca:

Website: https://drannacabeca.com/pages/show

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegirlfrienddoctor/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegirlfrienddoctor

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drannacabeca

Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com

The transition through midlife can feel like stepping into unknown territory, your body changes, your moods shift, and suddenly what used to work no longer does. But what if understanding your hormones was the key to feeling like yourself again? In today's conversation, Dr. Cheryl Burdette, Director of Education at Progressive Medical Center and Co-Founder of Precision Point Diagnostics, breaks down what's really happening inside your body during this season of change. She shares how functional testing and targeted lifestyle shifts can restore energy, balance, and clarity at any age.

Dr. Cheryl's work spans everything from hormone testing to gut health and detoxification, and she has a way of making complicated topics feel doable. We talk about the truth behind those midlife changes no one really prepares us for, why they happen, what your labs might be telling you, and simple steps to start balancing your hormones naturally. It's the kind of honest, empowering conversation every woman deserves when navigating this season of life.

If you've been feeling "off" and can't quite put your finger on why, this episode is your invitation to pause, learn, and take your power back. You'll walk away with practical ways to support your hormones, boost your energy, and feel at home in your body again because midlife isn't the end of your vitality, it's the beginning of understanding it.

Key Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Welcome to The Girlfriend Doctor

[00:04:38] The lack of support and feeling lost during menopause.

[00:11:10] Exponential problem of hormonal problems for women today.

[00:14:17] Basic testing recommendations and challenges.

[00:19:44] Hormone detoxification pathways.

[00:27:58] Hormone transition and health.

[00:29:13] Stages of feminine transition.

[00:30:59] Hot flashes, endocrine disruptors, and inflammation.

[00:36:59] Hormone receptor site damage.

[00:41:04] High hormone levels and health concerns.

[00:44:08] Hormonal balance in women.

[00:46:32] Gut hormonal connection.

[00:49:33] Gut-based work as anti-inflammatory.

[00:50:45] Rapid fire questions for Dr. Cheryl Burdette.

[00:56:21] Omega-3 fatty acids and oxidative stress.

[01:00:07] Hormonal health insights.

Memorable Quotes:

"We have an ability to shift our genetics, to move them in a healthy direction, even if we were dealt a bit of an unfair hand." [00:23:05] – Dr. Cheryl Burdette

"If gut's going to govern whole person inflammation, then that's probably the thing that gives us the most information about the gut." [00:51:33] – Dr. Cheryl Burdette

Connect with Dr. Cheryl Burdette:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcherylburdette/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryl-burdette-137a50189/

Connect with Dr. Anna Cabeca:

Website: https://drannacabeca.com/pages/show

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegirlfrienddoctor/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegirlfrienddoctor

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drannacabeca

Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com

If you've ever wondered why your body suddenly feels like it's changing the rules, hot flashes, mood swings, brain fog, and all, this one's for you. Perimenopause can feel confusing and even a little isolating, but it doesn't have to be. In this episode, I'm sitting down with my dear friend and hormone expert Dr. Mariza Snyder, who's helping women everywhere see this season of life in a whole new light. She's breaking down what's actually happening in our bodies and how we can work with those changes instead of fighting against them.

Dr. Mariza has spent nearly two decades helping women understand their hormones, and she has such a beautiful way of making it all make sense. We talk through the stages of perimenopause, the shifts that happen along the way, and what your body's trying to tell you through all of it. She also shares her top go-to practices, simple, doable things that make a real difference when it comes to energy, mood, and metabolism.

Your body isn't broken; it's evolving. Tune in for a heartfelt and empowering talk with Dr. Mariza, plus a peek into her upcoming book, The Perimenopause Revolution (coming October 2025). You'll walk away feeling seen, supported, and ready to take charge of your health with a little more grace and a lot more confidence.

Key Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Introduction.

[00:02:54] Perimenopause as a transition.

[00:04:31] Perimenopause as a window of opportunity.

[00:08:43] Late reproductive stage transitions.

[00:10:59] Hormonal changes in perimenopause.

[00:15:51] Adrenal fatigue and lifestyle changes.

[00:18:02] Metabolic health during perimenopause.

[00:21:28] Healing mindset and self-care.

[00:25:45] Vagal tone and parasympathetic regulation.

[00:28:30] Embracing perimenopause as opportunity.

[00:34:56] Wisdom for your journey.

Memorable Quotes:

"The more that we understand and we can connect the dots between our symptoms and this being a profound shift, we can enable ourselves to move through this without suffering, with feeling more empowered." [00:06:34] – Dr. Mariza Snyder

"Decide that you are worthy of healing. It is a mindset shift that you deserve it." [00:21:28] – Dr. Mariza Snyder

Links Mentioned:

The Perimenopause Revolution Book: https://drmariza.com/book

Book Bonus Page with a Perimenopause Toolkit ($500 value): https://peri-revolution.com

Thriving In Perimenopause Survival Guide: https://drmariza.com/perimenopausesurvival

Connect with Dr. Mariza Snyder:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/drmariza/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drmarizasnyder/

Twitter/X: https://x.com/drmariza

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/drmarizasnyder

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drmariza/

Connect with Dr. Anna Cabeca:

Website: https://drannacabeca.com/pages/show

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegirlfrienddoctor/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegirlfrienddoctor

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drannacabeca

Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com

You might not think much about your bones until something goes wrong, but they're living tissue that respond to how you move, eat, and even how you think. There's a powerful connection between movement, mindset, and bone health that we don't talk about enough. My guest today, Margie Bissinger, knows this better than anyone. She's a Bone Health Expert, Physical Therapist, and Happiness Coach who's helped thousands of women rebuild their strength and confidence from the inside out.

Margie and I get into what really works when it comes to keeping your bones strong without fear, confusion, or overwhelm. We talk about how to track your bone health between DEXA scans, what kinds of exercise truly make a difference, and how nutrition and hormones play a bigger role than most of us realize. She also shares her integrative approach to bone health that's helped so many women feel vibrant again, and we answer some of your real questions from the Girlfriend Doctor community.

If this conversation sparks something in you, I'd love for you to join me for my Mastering Your Hormones Masterclass. It's where I break down what's really behind those mood swings, brain fog, and energy dips, and show you how to get back in balance naturally. You can save your seat at dranna.com/hormones. And while you're there, check out Julva, my gentle, hormone-free cream that helps women feel comfortable and confident again. It's truly been life-changing for so many. And there's a new twist on my favorite superfood blend, Mighty Maca Mango! It's zesty, refreshing, and the perfect way to give your body some love. You can find it all at dranna.com.

Key Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Introduction.

[00:01:10] Bone health and happiness expert.

[00:05:21] Osteoporosis and integrative health.

[00:08:04] Bone turnover markers explained.

[00:11:18] Calcium supplementation and absorption.

[00:17:30] Bone density and strength training.

[00:20:39] Root causes of osteoporosis.

[00:22:51] Osteostrong and bone health risks.

[00:26:31] Osteoporosis exercise recommendations.

[00:30:12] Vibration plate benefits and concerns.

[00:34:36] Osteoboost's effectiveness questioned.

[00:38:56] Maintaining strong, healthy bones.

[00:42:52] Medications that build bone.

[00:48:26] Collagen supplementation benefits.

[00:52:01] Bone scan age recommendations.

[00:54:52] Osteoporosis and exercise safety.

[00:57:19] Osteoporosis awareness and prevention.

Memorable Quotes:

"Happier people have increased bone density." [00:20:33] – Margie Bissinger

"Take that fear and turn it into empowerment. Learn what you can do." [00:41:53] – Margie Bissinger

Links Mentioned:

MORE Natural Approaches to Osteoporosis & Bone Health Summit: https://www.happyboneshappylife.com/a/2148013152/zdrUyFt7

Mastering Your Hormones Masterclass: https://dranna.com/hormones

Julva Cream: http://dranna.com/summeroflove

Mighty Maca Mango: https://drannacabeca.com/products/mighty-maca

Connect with Margie Bissinger:

Website: https://margiebissinger.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/margiebissinger/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@margiebissinger6980

Connect with Dr. Anna Cabeca:

Website: https://drannacabeca.com/pages/show

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegirlfrienddoctor/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegirlfrienddoctor

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drannacabeca

Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com

Sometimes the most important decisions for our health are the ones we don't think about until it's almost too late. Breast cancer screening is one of those things; we'd all rather not face it, but the truth is, the earlier we pay attention, the more power we have. That's why I wanted to have this conversation with two incredible leaders in women's health who are changing the way we think about mammograms and breast cancer detection.

Dr. Chirag Parghi, a Breast-Specialized Radiologist and Chief Medical Officer at Washington Radiology, explains why starting mammograms at 40 can make all the difference, especially if you have dense breast tissue. He also shares how new imaging tools, combined with artificial intelligence, are helping women avoid unnecessary biopsies and get clearer answers. Dana Brown, CEO of iCAD, brings such an inspiring perspective on how AI is transforming cancer detection around the world and why this matters to every single one of us.

We also talked about the simple, everyday choices we can make that support breast health and why being proactive really is the best gift we can give ourselves. After you listen, if you're struggling with energy dips, mood swings, or hormone changes, I'd love for you to join me in my Mastering Your Hormones Masterclass at dranna.com/hormones. It's where we dig into what's really driving those symptoms and how to feel like yourself again. And because I'm always looking for ways to support you: my Julva cream has been life-changing for women dealing with dryness or discomfort, and I have to say, I am obsessed with the new Mighty Maca Mango flavor. It's so refreshing in sparkling water, and it gives me the energy boost I need to keep up with life.

Key Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Introduction.

[00:03:44] Importance of mammography.

[00:05:34] AI in mammography and its benefits.

[00:09:31] iCAD and AI in breast imaging.

[00:12:47] Breast density and calcifications.

[00:19:51] Comparison of mammography techniques.

[00:21:58] MRI and ultrasound in breast imaging.

[00:49:10] Guidelines for mammography screening.

Memorable Quotes:

"This is such an important topic. This saves lives. The more women you reach out to, if you can get 200 women to get their screening mammogram, you will save one life." [00:03:48] – Dr. Chirag Parghi

"The key takeaway is not all mammograms are created equal, and it's important to know what to ask for." [00:43:22] – Dana Brown

Links Mentioned:

Mastering Your Hormones Masterclass: https://dranna.com/hormones

Julva Cream: http://dranna.com/summeroflove

Mighty Maca Mango: https://drannacabeca.com/products/mighty-maca

Connect with Dr. Chirag Parghi:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chirag-parghi-279164b5/

Connect with Dana Brown:

Website: https://www.icadmed.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-brown-a391a813/

Connect with Dr. Anna Cabeca:

Website: https://drannacabeca.com/pages/show

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegirlfrienddoctor/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegirlfrienddoctor

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drannacabeca

Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com

Hormone health is rarely black and white, and that's exactly why this conversation is so powerful. I sat down with my dear friend Natalie Jill, a Midlife Expert and Bestselling Author, to talk about the gray zones of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). We got real about the myths that keep women confused or even afraid, and why a "one-size-fits-all" approach just doesn't work.

We get into the tough questions, like is HRT safe, when should you consider it, and what other natural support options are out there? We also talked about how detoxing plays such a big role in hormone health and how simple things (yes, even broccoli sprouts!) can make a difference. You'll hear why progesterone and testosterone matter so much more than most women realize, plus a few easy ways to support your hormones starting today.

If this resonates, I'd love for you to join me live for my Mastering Your Hormones Masterclass at dranna.com/hormones. And because I always get asked what I use myself, yes, Julva is one of my favorite daily essentials for intimate health, and I can't wait for you to try it at dranna.com/summeroflove. And if you need something refreshing and fun? My new Mighty Maca Mango makes the perfect summer mocktail, popsicle, or afternoon pick-me-up. Check it out at dranna.com.

Key Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Introduction.

[00:01:08] Hormone therapy: natural vs. HRT.

[00:03:47] Customizing hormone treatment plans.

[00:09:18] Hormone detox pathways importance.

[00:11:46] Hormones and breast cancer risk.

[00:15:24] Hormone replacement therapy risks.

[00:19:17] Hormone testing methods explained.

[00:22:07] Benefits of estriol in therapy.

[00:27:14] Testosterone aromatizing to estrogen.

[00:30:15] Testosterone and estrogen balance.

[00:32:10] Testosterone injection vs. pellets.

[00:36:35] Testosterone cream for hair growth.

[00:39:45] Benefits of progesterone for health.

[00:43:42] Detoxing estrogen with broccoli sprouts.

[00:47:09] Estrogen dominance and hormone balance.

[00:49:07] Nervous system regulation and hormones.

[00:54:06] Mental health and hormone balance.

Memorable Quotes:

"I always want to enhance the body's natural processes versus suppress them." [00:17:30] – Dr. Anna Cabeca

"It's really how do we empower our body so that we are living our best life? And so what do we need to do to really fix our hormones? " [00:54:18] – Dr. Anna Cabeca

Links Mentioned:

Mastering Your Hormones Masterclass: https://dranna.com/hormones

Julva Cream: http://dranna.com/summeroflove

Mighty Maca Mango: https://drannacabeca.com/products/mighty-maca

Free Class: https://drannacabeca.com/joinmagic

Connect with Natalie Jill:

Website: https://www.nataliejillfitness.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliejillfit

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nataliejillfit/

Connect with Dr. Anna Cabeca:

Website: https://drannacabeca.com/pages/show

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegirlfrienddoctor/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegirlfrienddoctor

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drannacabeca

Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com

Taking care of ourselves doesn't always mean overhauling everything; it can start with one small choice to finally put our health first. That's exactly what Tracy Slavik did after years of struggling with PCOS, weight, and hormonal ups and downs. She opened up about how she lost 100 pounds, regained her energy, and started trusting her body again with my Keto Green 16 program. Her story is such a reminder that real change is possible, even when it feels out of reach.

You'll also hear from Angela Crump, who shares how she found her way back to joy after heartbreaking losses. Grief shook her world, but choosing self-care became her way of healing. She talks honestly about what it looked like to put her health back on the list and how those choices gave her life a new kind of vibrancy.

Both Tracy and Angela show us that when we take care of ourselves, everything else in life begins to shift too. This episode is full of real-life lessons, little mindset shifts, and encouragement that will meet you right where you are. And if you're craving more support, I'd love for you to join me for my Mastering Your Hormones Masterclass at dranna.com/hormones. Plus, if you're ready to feel more confident in your body, check out my Julva cream at dranna.com/summeroflove, or brighten up your day with the new Mighty Maca Mango at dranna.com.

Key Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Introduction.

[00:02:46] Self-care and personal transformation.

[00:05:56] Weight loss journey and challenges.

[00:12:43] Hormonal health and lifestyle changes.

[00:17:23] Carnivore diet weight gain experience.

[00:20:55] Weight gain struggles and solutions.

[00:24:22] Managing cortisol and stress.

[00:31:10] Joy and fun without guilt.

[00:35:05] The impact of grief on life.

[00:40:01] Transformation through health products.

[00:42:57] Unresolved grief blocks joy.

[00:46:34] Grief and life changes.

[00:50:31] Self-worth and internal validation.

[00:52:15] Healing and self-worth journey.

[01:00:40] Reducing medication through lifestyle changes.

[01:04:51] Healing through self-advocacy.

Memorable Quotes:

"My health became my priority. And I think at that point, too, I was just tired of being overweight. And once I started losing the weight, and not only were other people noticing, but I was just noticing how much better I felt." [00:09:07] – Tracy Slavik

"And so, for me, your program has been an absolute answer to prayer. And I would say that after a good two years of investing in myself, and starting with your Keto Green 16, listening to your podcast." [00:37:18] – Angela Crump

Links Mentioned:

Mastering Your Hormones Masterclass: https://dranna.com/hormones

Julva Cream: http://dranna.com/summeroflove

Mighty Maca Mango: https://drannacabeca.com/products/mighty-maca

Connect with Dr. Anna Cabeca:

Website: https://drannacabeca.com/pages/show

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegirlfrienddoctor/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegirlfrienddoctor

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drannacabeca

Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com