Ep #199: Gut Health, Insulin & Hormones with Dr. Cassie Smith, MD

If you're doing everything "right" and your body still feels like it's falling apart in perimenopause, this one is for you.Andrea sits down with Dr. Cassie Smith, a dual-board-certified endocrinologist who grew tired of watching women get normal lab results and zero answers. She wrote the book "Fix Your Gut, Fix Your Hormones" because she was one of those women, too. This conversation goes deep into why your gut is running the show behind your hormones and what you can actually do about it.We get into the stuff nobody explained to you: why your "UTI" might not be a UTI, why insulin is the domino that knocks over your estrogen, your progesterone, your thyroid, and your sleep, and what microdosing a GLP-1 really means (with real numbers, not hype).What you'll learn:Why perimenopause belly fat and stubborn weight gain often start in your gut, not your willpowerWhat "microdosing GLP-1s" actually means, the real dose ranges, and who it may helpWhy recurring "UTIs" in perimenopause are sometimes due to estrogen deficiency, not infectionHow your gut bacteria change the way your body metabolizes estrogen and thyroid hormoneThe fasting insulin test most doctors skip, and exactly what to ask for at your next appointmentListen to this next:Ep #195: GLP-1 and Muscle Loss in Perimenopause: What to Eat to Protect It with Natalie Bean: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/ep-195-glp-1-and-muscle-loss-in-perimenopause-what-toChapters: 0:00 Why your gut controls your hormones in perimenopause3:31 What damaged your gut before perimenopause: birth, antibiotics, everyday meds9:37 The "UTI" that isn't: estrogen deficiency vs infection13:20 Good vs bad bacteria: inflammation, thyroid, and estrogen19:14 Insulin, cortisol, and the "metabolic dumpster fire"28:14 How to lower insulin without "eat less, move more"35:33 Microdosing GLP-1s for PMOS: the actual doses42:06 PMOS, medical gaslighting, and the 103 symptoms doctors miss46:51 How Dr. Cassie works with patients + where to find herLearn more about Dr. Cassie Smith here: https://www.modern-endocrine.com/Dr. Cassie Smith's Book: Fix Your Gut, Fix Your Hormones: The Critical Connection Your Doctor Is Missing… And Why You Still Feel Terrible Despite “Normal” Labs https://amzn.to/44GLALREducational only, not medical advice. Dr. Smith's GLP-1 dosing reflects her clinical practice and is individualized for each patient. Talk to your own provider before changing anything. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.Send us Fan Mail ======Morphus: Menopause Reimagined💊 Shop Morphus Supplements: https://wearemorphus.com/collections/all📖 Order "Nourishing Menopause: Powerful Nutrition & Lifestyle Strategies to Feel Your Best." (Simon & Schuster, May 5, 2026)Amazon Canada: https://amzn.to/4xaREJK Amazon US: https://amzn.to/4rFj7jk 📰 As seen in USA Today: https://bit.ly/43nrMwO  ✅ Fill out our surveys: https://bit.ly/4jcVuLh🦋 SUBSCRIBE to our list: https://bit.ly/3VdDA0VFOLLOW US: TikTok @andreadonsky & @wearemorphusInstagram: @wearemorphus | @andreadonskyFacebook: /wearemorphusDISCLAIMER: This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider. This podcast contains affiliate links; Morphus may earn a commission. Thank you for your support.