Ask Lively

Painful sex is far more common than most women realize, yet it’s still something many suffer through in silence. Whether it shows up during certain phases of your cycle, after childbirth, or during perimenopause and menopause, pain is never something you should simply accept as part of being a woman.In this episode of Ask Lively, Nathalia sits down with Dr. Sara Reardon, board certified pelvic floor physical therapist, author, and founder of The V-Hive, to explore one of the most misunderstood topics in women’s health. Together, they unpack the real reasons sex can become painful, how hormones and pelvic floor health are connected, and why so many women struggle to find answers.You’ll learn how to recognize the signs of pelvic floor dysfunction, what pelvic floor therapy actually involves, and the practical steps you can take to support your body, improve intimacy, and feel more comfortable in your own skin.In this episode, we cover:• The most common causes of painful sex• How pelvic floor dysfunction can impact intimacy and everyday life• The role hormones play throughout your cycle, postpartum, perimenopause, and menopause• What to expect from pelvic floor physical therapy• Simple ways to support pelvic floor health at homeIf you've ever wondered whether painful sex is normal, this conversation is for you. Because while pain may be common, it should never be ignored, and there are solutions that can help.Resources & Links• Try the Lively App for free:https://apps.apple.com/us/app/lively-period-tracker-cycle/id6447674634• Follow Lively on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/livelycycle• Learn more about Lively:https://livelycycle.com/• Connect with Dr. Sara Reardon (@the.vagina.whisperer): Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.vagina.whispererTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thevagwhisperer• Explore The V-Hive:https://thevhive.com• Dr. Sara Reardon's book: FLOORED: A Woman's Guide to Pelvic Floor Health at Every Age and StageEnjoyed this episode? Follow Ask Lively, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this conversation. Every woman deserves access to honest, evidence based conversations about her body and health.

What if the key to better hormone health has less to do with your hormones and more to do with your liver?When we think about PMS, painful periods, acne, bloating, or breast tenderness, most of us immediately focus on hormones. But according to Dr. Tabitha Lowry, one of the most important pieces of the puzzle is often overlooked. Your liver plays a critical role in how hormones are processed and cleared from the body, and when that process isn't working optimally, it can affect far more than you might think.In this episode of Ask Lively, Nathalia sits down with licensed Naturopathic Doctor and women's hormone health expert Dr. Tabitha Lowry to explore the surprising connection between liver health and hormone balance. Together, they break down why estrogen metabolism matters, how modern lifestyles can put extra pressure on the liver, and what simple changes can help support both your hormones and overall wellbeing.In this episode, you'll discover:- Why the liver is one of the most important organs for hormone balance- The connection between estrogen metabolism, PMS, acne, heavy periods, and breast tenderness- Everyday habits that may be putting extra stress on your liver- Practical ways to support your body's natural detoxification processes- Simple lifestyle changes that can make a difference throughout your cycleThis conversation sheds light on a part of hormone health that rarely gets the attention it deserves and offers practical insights you can start applying right away.Resources & LinksTry the Lively App for Free:https://apps.apple.com/us/app/lively-period-tracker-cycle/id6447674634Lively Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/livelycycleLearn more about Lively:https://livelycycle.com/Connect with Dr. Tabitha Lowry:Instagram: @drtabithalowryEnjoyed the episode? Follow Ask Lively, subscribe, and leave a review to help us continue bringing you expert conversations on women's health, hormones, and healing.

What if the real reason behind your hormonal struggles isn’t your hormones at all, but your blood sugar?From irregular cycles and PMS to low energy and fertility challenges, unstable glucose levels can quietly throw your body off balance. And the surprising part is that most women were never taught to look at blood sugar as a key piece of the puzzle.So what can you actually do about it in real life?In this episode, Nathalia sits down with Dr. Nirali Jain, board-certified OB/GYN and reproductive endocrinologist, to unpack how blood sugar influences your cycle, hormones, and fertility. Together, they break it down into clear, practical steps you can start applying right away.In this episode, you’ll learn:how insulin functions as a powerful reproductive hormone and affects ovulationwhy blood sugar spikes matter even if you don’t have PCOS or diabeteswhat role glucose plays in egg quality, implantation, and fertilitysimple, realistic ways to stabilize your blood sugar and support your cycleYour body isn’t working against you. It’s responding to what you give it every day. And when you start supporting your blood sugar, everything else can begin to fall into place.Resources & LinksTry the Lively App for free:https://apps.apple.com/us/app/lively-period-tracker-cycle/id6447674634Follow Lively on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/livelycycleLearn more about Lively:https://livelycycle.com/Connect with Dr. Nirali Jain on Instagram:@eggspert_mdStay connected with Ask Lively. Follow the podcast, subscribe, and leave a review to help us keep bringing you clear, honest conversations about your body and your health.

What if your hormones aren’t the root of the problem, but simply the signal?From bloating and acne to painful periods and irregular cycles, many of the symptoms we tend to blame on hormones actually begin much deeper, in the gut. When digestion isn’t working as it should, when inflammation builds up or the microbiome is out of balance, your hormones often respond accordingly.So where do you actually start if you want to support your cycle in a sustainable way?In this episode, Nathalia sits down with clinical nutritionist Savannah Regensburger to explore the connection between gut health and hormones in a way that feels clear, realistic, and applicable to everyday life. No extremes, no overwhelm, just practical insights you can actually use.In this episode, you’ll learn:how your gut and hormones communicate and why this connection affects everything from PMS to acnewhich common foods may be quietly contributing to inflammation and hormonal imbalancethe key nutrients and habits that support natural detox and hormone regulationsimple, realistic shifts in your diet and lifestyle that can make a real difference over timeYour body isn’t working against you. It’s constantly communicating. And when you start supporting your gut, you’re also supporting your hormones, your cycle, and your overall wellbeing in a way that lasts.Resources & LinksTry the Lively App for free:https://apps.apple.com/us/app/lively-period-tracker-cycle/id6447674634Follow Lively on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/livelycycleLearn more about Lively:https://livelycycle.com/Recommended by Savannah:“This Is Your Brain on Food”https://www.amazon.com/dp/0316536822“The Gut Immune Connection”https://www.amazon.com/dp/0063014785 ---

What if the way you prepare before pregnancy could shape your entire birth experience?Most women are taught to focus on getting pregnant, but very little attention is given to what comes after. How you support your body, your pelvic floor, your habits and your mindset can have a huge impact on how you experience pregnancy, birth and recovery.In this episode of the Ask Lively Podcast, Nathalia sits down with Dr. Betsey Caldwell, Doctor of Physical Therapy, childbirth educator and postpartum recovery coach, to talk about what real preparation actually looks like. Together, they break down the essentials of pelvic health, everyday habits that make a difference, and how to approach this phase with more confidence and less fear.In this episode, you’ll learn:What’s really happening in your body in early pregnancy and how to support it from the very beginningCommon myths around pelvic floor health and what actually mattersSimple, evidence-based habits that can lead to a smoother labor and easier recoveryHow to shift your mindset from “getting pregnant” to truly preparing for motherhoodPractical ways to feel more confident and informed in your first trimesterYour body is capable of incredible things. But how you prepare can shape the entire experience. With the right knowledge and support, pregnancy and birth can feel less overwhelming and much more empowering.Resources & LinksTry the Lively app for free:https://apps.apple.com/us/app/lively-period-tracker-cycle/id6447674634Follow Lively on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/livelycycleLearn more about Lively:https://livelycycle.com/Explore Dr. Betsey’s programs (use code LIVELY for 25% off):The Push Labhttps://www.drbetseypt.com/thepushlabFloor & Core Labhttps://drbetseypt.com/floorcorelabFree guide: How to prepare “down there” for childbirthhttps://drbetseypt.com/howtopreparedownthere-pageStay connected with Ask Lively. Subscribe, follow and leave a review to support the podcast and help us keep bringing you conversations that matter. 💛

What if regulating your cycle isn’t about doing more, but about finally feeling safe in your own body?So many women find themselves stuck in a loop of pushing harder. More workouts, stricter routines, more effort. And yet instead of feeling better, they feel more disconnected, more exhausted, and further out of sync. What if the missing piece isn’t discipline, but understanding?In this episode of the Ask Lively Podcast, Nathalia sits down with Zsofia and Marta, founders of The Fertility Class™, to explore a different approach. One that starts with the nervous system.Together, they talk about how movement can become a form of medicine. Not another task on your to-do list, but a way to support your body, regulate your hormones, and reconnect with yourself in a deeper, more sustainable way.This conversation is especially for anyone who feels like they’ve tried everything and nothing has worked.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why the “push harder” approach to fitness can actually disrupt your cycleHow your nervous system impacts hormones, fertility, and overall balanceWhat fertility-focused movement really means and how it differs from typical workoutsWhy feeling safe in your body changes everythingSimple ways to use movement to feel more grounded, regulated, and in syncYour body isn’t broken. It’s responding.When you stop forcing and start supporting, things begin to shift. Movement stops being something you have to do and becomes something that brings you back to yourself.Resources & Links:Try the Lively App for free: ⁠https://apps.apple.com/us/app/lively-period-tracker-cycle/id6447674634⁠Lively Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livelycycleLearn more about Lively: https://livelycycle.com/Explore The Fertility Class™Website: https://thefertilityclass.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefertilityclass/Program Access: https://myclass.thefertilityclass.com/offers/52uFzu3e/checkoutStay connected with Ask Lively. Subscribe, follow, and leave a review so we can keep bringing you conversations that help you feel more in tune with your body. 💛

Let’s talk about poop.It might feel like an awkward topic, but your bowel movements are actually one of the most honest signals your body gives you about what’s happening inside. Your gut, hormones, and pelvic floor are deeply connected, and things like period poops, PMS bloating, or constipation can reveal a lot about your overall health.In this episode of the Ask Lively Podcast, host Nathalia sits down with Dr. Sara Reardon, a board certified pelvic floor physical therapist, founder of The V Hive, and widely known online as The Vagina Whisperer. Together they explore the powerful connection between gut health, hormones, and the pelvic floor. Dr. Reardon shares what your digestion can tell you about your menstrual cycle, why bathroom habits matter more than most people realize, and how small daily changes can support better gut, pelvic, and hormone health.If you have ever wondered whether your digestion is normal, why your body feels different around your period, or how your pelvic floor affects everything from bloating to constipation, this conversation will give you answers you probably never learned before.In this episode, you’ll learn:• Why bowel movements are often considered an important “vital sign” of overall health• What’s actually happening in your body during period poops and PMS related bloating• How pelvic floor dysfunction can influence digestion, constipation, and bathroom habits• Simple everyday habits that can support healthier digestion and pelvic floor function• When digestive changes are completely normal and when it might be time to talk to a healthcare providerYour body is constantly communicating with you. Even something as ordinary as digestion can offer powerful insight into your hormones, your cycle, and your long term health. The more you understand these signals, the more confident you can feel in your own body.Resources & LinksTry the Lively App for freehttps://apps.apple.com/us/app/lively-period-tracker-cycle/id6447674634Lively Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/livelycycleLearn more about Livelyhttps://livelycycle.com/Connect with Dr. Sara ReardonWebsitehttp://www.thevagwhisperer.com/Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/the.vagina.whisperer/TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@thevagwhispererStay connected with Ask LivelySubscribe, follow, and leave us a review so we can keep bringing you honest and empowering conversations about women’s health.

If your periods are changing, your moods feel unpredictable, and you’ve been told “your labs look normal,” you’re not imagining things. Perimenopause can feel like waking up in a body you don’t recognize, with brain fog, night sweats, anxiety, weight changes, and sleep that suddenly disappears. The good news? There is a biological explanation for what’s happening, and once you understand it, everything starts to make more sense.Join host Nathalia as she sits down with Dr. Aleksandra Gajer, a physician and founder of The Gajer Practice, to break down what’s really happening in your brain, hormones, and metabolism during your 30s and 40s. Together, they unpack the science of perimenopause in a way that feels clear, empowering, and actionable, so you can stop questioning yourself and start getting the support you deserve.In this episode, you will discover:- What’s happening with estrogen, progesterone, insulin, cortisol, thyroid hormones, and testosterone during perimenopause, and how they impact mood, weight, sleep, and energy- How to tell whether symptoms like anxiety, fatigue, and insomnia may be hormone-related- The role of metabolic health, inflammation, and mitochondrial function in this phase of life- What peptides are (in simple terms) and how they may support energy, recovery, and body composition when used appropriately- The foundational lifestyle shifts, nutrition, movement, stress management, and sleep, that must be in place for lasting hormonal balanceRemember: Perimenopause isn’t the beginning of the end, it’s the beginning of a new conversation with your body. When you understand what’s shifting and advocate for deeper care, you move from confusion to clarity, and from surviving to truly thriving.Resources & Links- Try the Lively App for Free:- Lively Instagram- Learn more about Lively: - Connect with Dr. Aleksandra Gajer: Website: https://thegajerpractice.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegajerpractice/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegajerpractice YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGajerPractice/videos Free Introductory Call: https://thegajerpractice.as.me/free-intro-call Stay connected with Ask Lively: Subscribe, follow, and leave us a review so we can keep bringing empowering, evidence-based conversations about women’s health your way!

You probably don’t think twice about your pelvic floor until it starts demanding your attention. Whether it’s a leak when you laugh, discomfort during sex, or a strange pressure you can’t quite explain, pelvic floor issues are incredibly common yet wildly misunderstood.The truth? This muscle group does so much more than we’re ever taught. Understanding it is the key to changing how you move, heal, and feel in your own skin.In this episode of the Ask Lively Podcast, our host Nathalia breaks down Pelvic Floor 101. We’re diving into what it actually is, how it functions, and why every woman needs to prioritize it at every stage of life. Whether you are navigating postpartum recovery, shifting through hormonal changes, or just want to feel more connected to your body, this conversation demystifies pelvic health with confidence and compassion.Inside the Episode, You’ll Discover:The Anatomy of Power: What the pelvic floor actually is and its essential role in core strength, bladder control, and sexual health.The Red Flags: Common signs your pelvic floor needs support and why we need to stop normalizing themThe Lifestyle Connection: How stress, hormones, workouts, and daily habits impact your functionThe Kegel Myth: Why squeezing isn't always the answer and when it can actually make things worse.Practical Tools: Simple ways to support your pelvic floor through breath, movement and body awareness.Remember: Pelvic health isn't niche, it's foundational. When you understand this part of your body, you gain agency and a deeper connection to yourself.This is the education every woman deserves, not just when something goes wrong, but as part of lifelong self-care.Resources & Links: Take Control of Your Cycle: Try the Lively App for Free: [Download on the App Store]Follow Lively on Instagram: @livelycycleExplore More: livelycycle.comWork with Dr. Sophia:Book Your Free Discovery Call: Schedule HereVisit the Website: empowerptpilates.comIf you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, follow, and leave us a review. Your support helps us continue empowering women with the health education we should’ve had all along.

Most of us have spent years brushing off period pain as just part of the deal. We double up on painkillers, cancel plans, and wait for it to pass, often wondering if this level of discomfort is actually normal. The truth is, while period pain is common, it’s usually your body’s way of sending a message that something deeper needs attention.Is it just inflammation? Is it my hormones? Or is there something like endometriosis or autoimmunity beneath the surface?In this episode of the Ask Lively Podcast, Nathalia sits down with clinical nutritionist Savannah Regensburger to cut through the confusion. Savannah has navigated her own journey with endometriosis and autoimmunity, and now she helps women decode their symptoms from the inside out. No more just pushing through. We are bringing you real insights into why your body is reacting this way.In this episode, we’re diving into:- The Normalization Trap: Why we’ve been taught to accept pain and how to recognize when it’s actually a sign of an imbalance.- The Root Causes: What your cramps might be revealing about your gut health, inflammation, and estrogen levels.- The Stress Connection: How your nervous system and lifestyle habits directly impact the intensity of your period.- Your Relief Plan: Practical nutrition and daily shifts that support a more comfortable and balanced cycle.- Self-Advocacy: How to use your own cycle data to get better answers and care from your healthcare providers.Remember: Your cycle is a vital sign, not an inconvenience. When you stop guessing and start listening to what your period is trying to tell you, you move from feeling frustrated to feeling empowered in your own skin.Resources and LinksTry the Lively App for Free: Download on the App StoreStay Connected:Lively Instagram: @livelycycleLearn more about Lively: http://livelycycle.comConnect with Savannah Regensburger:Instagram: @savannahregensburgerSav’s Substack: Subscribe here https://savannahregensburger.substack.com/?utm_source=hoobe&utm_medium=socialLove the show? Subscribe, follow, and leave us a review so we can keep bringing these honest conversations about women’s health your way!

We’ve all felt the pressure of the "biological clock," but the truth is, fertility is so much more than just a countdown. For many of us, the real questions don’t start until we’re actually trying to conceive. If you’re navigating PCOS at the same time, it can feel like a total information overload.Why is my ovarian reserve changing? Does PCOS make it worse? Am I running out of time?In this episode of the Ask Lively Podcast, Nathalia sits down with Dr. Tabitha A. Lowry, a Naturopathic Doctor and professor of anatomy, to cut through the noise. We’re breaking down the complex science of PCOS and diminished ovarian reserve into clear and empowering steps you can take right now. No fear mongering, just real insights.In this episode, we’re diving into:The PCOS Connection: What "diminished ovarian reserve" actually means for you and how it overlaps with PCOS.The Truth About AMH: How PCOS impacts your egg quality and what your hormone markers are actually telling you.Aging and Fertility: Do women with PCOS experience changes differently as they get older?Your Action Plan: Simple lifestyle shifts and treatment strategies to support your reproductive health long term.The Good News: New research and hopeful advances for women navigating PCOS today.Remember: Fertility knowledge isn’t meant to scare you. It’s meant to empower you. When you understand your body, you can advocate for yourself and plan your future with confidence instead of panic.Resources and LinksTry the Lively App for Free: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/lively-period-tracker-cycle/id6447674634Lively Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livelycycleLearn more about Lively: https://livelycycle.com/Connect with Dr. Tabitha Lowry:Website: https://www.adornnaturopathic.com/Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/adornnaturopathic?igsh=MWMzMGtiMmVjZHZscw==Stay connected with Ask Lively: Subscribe, follow, and leave us a review so we can keep bringing empowering conversations about women’s health your way!

If your cycle feels heavier, your moods feel sharper, or your energy crashes harder than usual, it might not be “just hormones.” Stress and sleep are two of the most powerful, and often overlooked — factors shaping your hormonal health. When they’re out of balance, your cycle is usually the first to feel it.In this episode of the Ask Lively Podcast, host Nathalia sits down with Dr. Muskaan, a resident physician and women’s health advocate. Together, they unpack how chronic stress and poor sleep disrupt your hormones in real life. You’ll learn practical, realistic ways to restore balance without overhauling your entire routine.In this episode, you will discover:How chronic stress raises cortisol, and why that directly impacts your menstrual cycleThe role sleep plays in hormone regulation, recovery, and cycle stabilityWhy stress and sleep create a feedback loop that can worsen cramps, mood swings, and fatigueCommon signs your cycle is reacting to stress and sleep deprivationPractical, realistic ways to improve sleep and reduce stress to support hormonal healthWhy small lifestyle shifts can make a big difference in how your cycle feels month to monthRemember that your body isn’t failing you, it’s responding to the environment it’s in. When you start supporting your nervous system and prioritizing rest, your hormones often follow.You don’t need perfection. You need awareness, data, and gentler support.Resources & LinksTry the Lively App for FreeLively InstagramLearn more about LivelyConnect with Dr. Muskaan; InstagramStay connected with Ask Lively, subscribe, follow, and leave a review so we can keep bringing you honest, empowering conversations about hormones, health, and living in sync with your body.

Your cycle isn't unpredictable, it's your body’s brilliant, secret language! When you stop fighting your natural rhythm and start flowing with your body's four distinct phases, everything changes. You unlock new levels of energy, boost your mood, and maximize your workouts.But let's get practical: How do you actually live, eat, and move in true synchronization with your cycle? Join host Nathalia Levterova as she sits down with Dr. Sweta Shah, a board-certified family and functional medicine physician, to break down the ultimate, gentle guide to cycle syncing.In this episode, you will discover:What is happening hormonally in each of the four phases, and how to harness that unique energy.The best nutritional choices to fuel your body, whether you are ovulating or in the deep luteal phase.How to adjust your workouts to maximize energy and strength (and avoid burnout).Simple lifestyle shifts that make every phase feel easier, more intentional, and truly balanced.Remember: Your body is innately wise. Once you learn its rhythm, all the pieces start to click into place. Let's learn to listen together!Resources & LinksTry the Lively App for Free:https://apps.apple.com/us/app/lively-period-tracker-cycle/id6447674634Lively Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/livelycycleLearn more about Livelyhttps://livelycycle.com/Connect with Dr. Sweta Shah: Instagram: @thefunctionalchicStay connected with Ask Lively: Subscribe, follow, and leave us a review so we can keep bringing empowering episodes your way!

Millions of women feel blindsided when they stop hormonal birth control, dealing with everything from irregular cycles and breakouts to mood swings and fatigue. But what is truly happening inside your body during this transition? And how can you support your hormones as they find their natural rhythm again?Join host Nathalia Levterova as she sits down with Fertility Awareness Educator Michelle Agudelo to break down the post-pill experience. We cover how contraceptives impact your system, what you should expect, and the essential, practical tools like nutrition, detox support, stress management, and cycle tracking that restore your natural balance.Remember: You are not broken. Your body is just remembering how to work on its own again.Resources & Links: Try Lively App for free: https://livelycycle.onelink.me/6xCE/a...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livelycycleLearn more about Lively: https://livelycycle.com/Links to Learn More from Michelle Agudelo:- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hausofflow/- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelle.marie.a/- Website: https://www.haus-of-flow.com/Stay connected with Ask Lively: Subscribe, follow, and leave us a review so we can keep more episodes coming your way!

What Is PMS and How Can You Fix It?If you’ve ever felt like your mood, motivation, or energy completely changes before your period, you’re not imagining it. Nearly 90% of women experience PMS, yet most of us are told it’s just “part of being a woman.” The truth? PMS is not random, and it’s not in your head, it’s your hormones and your brain working together in ways we were never taught.In this episode, we’re unpacking what’s really going on in the luteal phase, why some of us experience intense symptoms while others don’t, and the science behind how your hormones impact your brain, emotions, and even your relationships.Guest Spotlight:Dr. Sarah E. Hill is an award-winning research psychologist with over 100 scientific publications and two books to her name, including her newest release, The Period Brain. Her groundbreaking research has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Scientific American, and The Economist, and she’s been a guest on Good Morning America, The Today Show, and Diary of a CEO.Dr. Hill is one of the leading voices in women’s hormone research, translating the science of our biology into practical tools for living, leading, and thriving. She currently runs her research lab in the Department of Psychology at TCU and serves on the scientific advisory boards for companies like 28 Wellness and Flo Health.Resources & Links:Try Lively App for free: https://livelycycle.onelink.me/6xCE/asklivelyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/livelycycleLearn more about Lively: https://livelycycle.com/Links to Get More from Dr. Sarah HillGo to her website to see her books and learn more about her research: https://www.sarahehill.com/books/your-brain-on-birth-control/Order her new book, The Period Brain: The New Science of Why We PMS and How to Fix It, by Sarah E. Hill Ph.D. from amazon or a bookstore near you.Follow her on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahehillphd/If this episode made you rethink what PMS really means, make sure to Follow Ask Lively on Spotify or Apple Podcasts — and leave us a quick review! It helps more women find the show and take back control of their cycle health.Because when you understand your hormones, you understand yourself. 💛

In this episode of the Ask Lively Podcast, we’re diving into one of the most misunderstood and underdiagnosed conditions in women’s health — endometriosis. It affects 1 in 10 women, yet most spend 7–10 years searching for answers. We talk about why that is, how to recognize the signs, and what real healing and advocacy can look like. Painful periods aren’t “just part of being a woman.” Sometimes, they’re your body’s way of telling you something deeper is going on.Guest Spotlight:Dr. Sara Reardon is a board-certified pelvic floor physical therapist with over 18 years of experience. She’s the founder of The V-Hive, an online pelvic floor workout app designed to support women through pregnancy, postpartum, menopause, painful sex, and pelvic floor strengthening. Known as The Vagina Whisperer on social media, she’s also the author of the national bestselling book FLOORED: A Woman’s Guide to Pelvic Floor Health at Every Age and Stage. In this episode she unpacks what endometriosis really is, why it’s so often dismissed, and how to support your body — physically, emotionally, and holistically — when you’re living with chronic pain.Read Her Book: FLOORED: A Woman’s Guide to Pelvic Floor Health at Every Age and Stage https://thevagwhisperer.com/floored/Online Workouts for your pelvic floor: 7 day free trial https://thevagwhisperer.com/membership/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.vagina.whisperer/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thevagwhispererYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@thevaginawhispererFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thevagwhisperer/Try the Lively App for free: https://livelycycle.onelink.me/6xCE/asklivelyFollow Lively on Instagram: @livelycycleLearn more about Lively: https://livelycycle.com/Stay connected with Ask Lively: Subscribe, follow, and leave us a review so we can keep more episodes coming your way!

If you’ve ever beaten yourself up for feeling tired, emotional, or unmotivated before your period, it’s not in your head. It’s your hormones. In this episode, we break down what’s really happening in the luteal phase and how to work with your body’s natural rhythm instead of fighting it.Guest Spotlight: Michelle Agudelo is a certified Fertility Awareness Educator, Menstrual Cycle Practitioner, and founder of Haus of Flow. She helps women confidently come off hormonal birth control, address PMS and period pain at the root, and master natural birth control, all while creating cycles that feel calm, predictable, and pain-free. Through science-based education and holistic strategies, Michelle empowers women to work with their cycles, not against them.Website https://www.haus-of-flow.com/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/michelle.marie.a/https://www.linkedin.com/in/hausofflow/Resources & Links:Try Lively App for free: https://livelycycle.onelink.me/6xCE/asklivelyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/livelycycleLearn more about Lively: https://livelycycle.com/Stay connected with Ask Lively: Subscribe, follow, and leave us a review so we can keep more episodes coming your way!

Guest Spotlight:Dr. Tabitha A. Lowry https://www.instagram.com/adornnaturopathic/https://www.adornnaturopathic.com/Dr. Tabitha A. Lowry  is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor, professor of anatomy and physiology, and women’s health advocate. She specializes in hormonal health, fertility, and sustainable weight management, helping women better understand and work with their bodies through every stage of life. Through her practice, Adorn Naturopathic Medicine, Dr. Tabitha helps women struggling with conditions such as fibroids, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and endometriosis correct hormone imbalances so they can experience healthy periods, freedom from pain, avoid surgery, preserve fertility, and live radiantly. Her mission is simple: to help women feel aligned, confident, and consistent in caring for their health.Resources & LinksTry Lively App for free: https://livelycycle.onelink.me/6xCE/asklivelyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/livelycycleLearn more about Lively: https://livelycycle.com/Stay connected with Ask Lively: Subscribe, follow, and leave us a review so we can keep more episodes coming your way!

If you’ve been trying to start a family for months — or even years — you’ve likely heard the same generic advice over and over again. But what if there’s more to the story? In this episode, Ask Lively host Nathalia sits down with Dr. Nirali Jain (@eggspert_md) — board-certified OB/GYN and reproductive endocrinologist — to uncover the real science, the hidden factors, and the conversations no one is having about fertility.From understanding what a healthy ovulatory cycle actually looks like, to how stress, nutrition, and conditions like PCOS or endometriosis can impact conception, this conversation is all about clarity and empowerment. Whether you’re actively trying to conceive, planning for the future, or just want to better understand your body, this episode breaks down the truths every woman deserves to know.What you'll learn in this episodeWhy relying on period-tracking apps alone can cause women to miss their fertile window.The difference between traacking your period and tracking ovulationWhat "egg quality" really means and how it changes over time.Surprising lifestyle and health factors that may be preventing conception.What early signs, labs, and overlooked causes women (and men!) should be paying attention to.How to advocate for yourself in the fertility space when you feel dismissed.Practical next steps to feel more in control of your journeyGuest Spotlight: Dr. Nirali JainDr. Jain is a reproductive endocrinologist and OB/GYN based in NYC/NJ who’s passionate about bringing science-based fertility education to women everywhere. She combines her deep expertise with approachable, relatable teaching to help women understand their bodies — and take charge of their fertility with confidence.Follow Dr. Jain on Instagram: @eggspert_mdResources & LinksDownload the Lively App to start tracking your cycle and gain insights into how your body shifts through each phase. Lively gives you personalized tips on what to eat, move, and do — whether you’re cycle syncing, navigating pregnancy, or trying to conceive.Link to download App Store‎Lively ~ Period Tracker, Cycle​Stay connected with Ask Lively: Subscribe, follow, and leave us a review so we can keep more episodes coming your way!Join the conversation on Instagram: @livelycycleFinal TakeawayYour cycle is not just about your period — it’s your monthly report card. Understanding it can transform how you approach fertility, health, and life. Don’t settle for confusion or dismissal; you deserve answers and support. Tune in, track your cycle, and take the guesswork out of your health with Lively.✨ Don’t forget to hit Follow on Spotify or Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode. One tap helps us bring on more experts, grow the Lively community, and give you the tools you deserve to thrive.