Ep. 64 End of the Year Round Table Part 2 Women’s Health Hormones and the Power of Reinvention
Mon Dec 29 2025
In Part 2 of our end of year round table, we sit down with Optimize U women’s health providers Laura Chastain, Amanda Shelton, and Ashley Johnson for a meaningful conversation on thyroid health, PCOS, perimenopause, menopause, and what it looks like to support women through every stage of hormonal change.
They share the personal experiences that shaped their careers, the mission behind their work, and their commitment to helping women understand their bodies, their symptoms, and their options. This episode highlights the importance of education, connection, and individualized care so women feel prepared, supported, and empowered.
What We Discuss
How Their Passion Began
• The moments that led each provider into women’s health
• How life experience influences the way they support and advocate for patients
• Why trust and communication are essential in women’s healthcare
PCOS GLP 1s and Root Cause Care
• How GLP 1 medications are helping PCOS patients beyond weight loss
• Why addressing metabolic and hormonal root issues changes long term outcomes
• The role of personalized treatment in restoring balance and confidence
Perimenopause Support
• Guiding women through the uncertain and overwhelming phases of perimenopause
• Helping patients understand what is ahead and how to navigate it
• Recommended books and resources for women entering this stage
Women’s Health in 2025
• The impact of the FDA removing the black box warning on hormone therapy
• How this shift opens the door for better brain, bone, and heart protection
• Why women today are becoming more informed, proactive, and engaged in their health
Looking Ahead to 2026
• The growing need for research on testosterone in women
• Understanding that women naturally produce more testosterone than estrogen
• Exploring the concept of mom brain and the potential connection to hormone decline
Key Takeaways
• Women benefit from care that recognizes their unique history and biology
• Education and preparation are key to navigating hormonal changes with confidence
• With the right support, women can move forward feeling stronger, clearer, and more empowered
More
In Part 2 of our end of year round table, we sit down with Optimize U women’s health providers Laura Chastain, Amanda Shelton, and Ashley Johnson for a meaningful conversation on thyroid health, PCOS, perimenopause, menopause, and what it looks like to support women through every stage of hormonal change. They share the personal experiences that shaped their careers, the mission behind their work, and their commitment to helping women understand their bodies, their symptoms, and their options. This episode highlights the importance of education, connection, and individualized care so women feel prepared, supported, and empowered. What We Discuss How Their Passion Began • The moments that led each provider into women’s health • How life experience influences the way they support and advocate for patients • Why trust and communication are essential in women’s healthcare PCOS GLP 1s and Root Cause Care • How GLP 1 medications are helping PCOS patients beyond weight loss • Why addressing metabolic and hormonal root issues changes long term outcomes • The role of personalized treatment in restoring balance and confidence Perimenopause Support • Guiding women through the uncertain and overwhelming phases of perimenopause • Helping patients understand what is ahead and how to navigate it • Recommended books and resources for women entering this stage Women’s Health in 2025 • The impact of the FDA removing the black box warning on hormone therapy • How this shift opens the door for better brain, bone, and heart protection • Why women today are becoming more informed, proactive, and engaged in their health Looking Ahead to 2026 • The growing need for research on testosterone in women • Understanding that women naturally produce more testosterone than estrogen • Exploring the concept of mom brain and the potential connection to hormone decline Key Takeaways • Women benefit from care that recognizes their unique history and biology • Education and preparation are key to navigating hormonal changes with confidence • With the right support, women can move forward feeling stronger, clearer, and more empowered