Podcast Summary: Glad We Had This Chat with Caroline Hirons

Episode: Season 2, Episode 18: Davinia Taylor and Caroline Hirons Answer Your Questions
Release Date: January 8, 2025
Host: Caroline Hirons
Guest: Davinia Taylor
Produced by: Wall to Wall Media

Overview

In Season 2, Episode 18 of Glad We Had This Chat, Caroline Hirons teams up with Davinia Taylor to tackle a range of listener-submitted questions. The dynamic duo delves into personal health struggles, skincare dilemmas, parenting philosophies, and lifestyle choices, offering candid advice with their signature humor and honesty. This episode is especially valuable for listeners seeking grounded insights into managing hormonal changes, skincare challenges, and effective parenting in today’s world.

Key Discussions and Insights

1. Navigating Perimenopause Naturally

Question:
A 41-year-old woman experiencing exhaustion and low moods during perimenopause seeks natural remedies over antidepressants. (04:02)

Discussion:
Davinia Taylor suggests exploring thyroid issues as a potential underlying cause, emphasizing that hormonal imbalances can significantly impact mood and energy levels. She recommends:

• Thyroid Support: Considering supplements like the thyroid support product she sells, which can work alongside medications like levothyroxine. "They can help with the boost you need," 04:24.

• Ketones as Brain Fuel: Introducing exogenous ketones or MCT oil to enhance brain function and energy. "Ketones really help me," 05:35.

• Nootropics and Lifestyle Adjustments: Incorporating nootropics such as L-Theanine to reduce anxiety and improve focus. “L Theanine... really calms you down,” 07:00.

Caroline adds her perspective on maintaining a consistent skincare routine during hormonal fluctuations to avoid exacerbating skin issues due to stress.

2. Managing Hormonal Acne

Question:
A woman in her late 20s struggling with hormonal acne seeks advice on skincare and lifestyle improvements, along with coping mechanisms for emotional distress. (05:35)

Discussion:
Davinia speculates possible underlying conditions like PCOS and recommends:

• Supplements: Introducing DIM and calcium D-glucarate to aid hormone detoxification. "A cheat way to do it... a teaspoon of MCT oil," 06:04.

• Professional Guidance: Consulting a functional doctor to address root causes rather than just treating symptoms.

Caroline emphasizes not overhauling skincare routines during acne flare-ups. "Don't change everything drastically... keep it basic," 07:12, and suggests using vitamin A products or prescription treatments like Dermatica or Skin and Me.

3. Choosing Contraception for a Young Adult

Question:
A mother seeks advice on selecting the best contraceptive method for her daughter entering university, expressing concerns about side effects and health risks. (07:56)

Discussion:
Davinia leans towards recommending the coil (IUD) due to its local hormone delivery and minimal systemic side effects. She cautions about potential side effects of the pill, such as thyroid issues and weight gain. "It's a gamble... you've got to do what's right for you," 08:28.

Caroline humorously suggests starting with condoms to avoid hormonal complications altogether: “Back up, back up, back up, babe... buy some condoms,” 09:02.

4. Parenting Styles: Tough Love vs. Empathy

Question:
A grandparent is concerned that her grandchildren, raised with gentle parenting, may lack boundaries and discipline. She wonders whether a tougher approach is more beneficial. (09:17)

Discussion:
Davinia advocates for a balanced approach, blending empathy with necessary boundaries. She shares her own method of disciplining with explanations, such as safety concerns: “I just thought you were gonna get crushed by an absolute a boss,” 10:23. She emphasizes the importance of routines and being present.

Caroline echoes this sentiment, highlighting the effectiveness of polite yet firm communication: “I don't make a big deal of it. I'm just like, please. Thank you,” [11:42](#11:42].

5. Supporting a Child with ADHD

Question:
A parent seeks strategies to help her 10-year-old manage ADHD symptoms both at home and school. (12:51)

Discussion:
Davinia recommends:

• Professional Support: Engaging with organizations like Sunshine Support to navigate school systems and advocate for appropriate accommodations. “They are amazing... showing me how really bad the system is,” 13:09.

• Dietary Adjustments: Incorporating a ketogenic diet or high-protein foods to support brain function, although acknowledging school constraints. “[...] giving him as much protein as I can,” 14:06.

• Encouraging Passions: Allowing children to pursue subjects they are passionate about to boost engagement and self-esteem. “Let the kid chase their passion,” 14:30.

Caroline adds the importance of reminding schools of the legitimacy of ADHD and supporting the child’s unique needs.

6. Managing HRT Side Effects

Question:
A 52-year-old woman recently started Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and is experiencing anxiety and headaches. She is unsure whether to continue. (16:03)

Discussion:
Davinia explores the possibility of progesterone intolerance and recommends:

• Advocacy: Maintaining open communication with healthcare providers to find the right medication balance. “Be your own advocate,” 17:37.

• Alternative Testing: Considering DUTCH tests (dry urine hormone testing) to better understand hormone metabolism. “Dutch hormone testing... better than a blood test,” 18:23.

• Lifestyle Enhancements: Incorporating physical activities and supplements to mitigate side effects. “Just get off your ass and do something,” 19:25.

Caroline shares her personal experience of adjusting HRT regimens privately to achieve better results, emphasizing the importance of personalized treatment plans.

7. Lifestyle Choices and Habits

Throughout the episode, Caroline and Davinia engage in a light-hearted "This or That" segment, covering preferences such as:

• Lipstick vs. Lip Gloss: Davinia prefers long-lasting lipsticks over lip glosses. “Lipstick or lip gloss? Lipstick,” 22:32.

• Morning vs. PM Routines: Davinia is active in the mornings with running, while Caroline humorously laments her forgetfulness regarding morning tasks. “AM Routine or PM Routine? AM,” 23:04.

• City vs. Country Escapes: Davinia favors city breaks, enjoying the hustle and bustle over countryside retreats. “City break or country escape? City,” 23:52.

• Shopping Preferences: They discuss the pros and cons of online versus in-store shopping, highlighting frustrations with in-store processes. “Shopping online or shopping in store? A bit of both,” 24:00.

These segments provide a glimpse into the hosts' personal lives, adding warmth and relatability to the conversation.

Notable Quotes

• Davinia Taylor on Perimenopause Alternatives:
  “Ketones really help me,” 05:35.

• Caroline on Skincare During Stress:
  “Don't change everything drastically... keep it basic,” 07:12.

• Davinia on Balanced Parenting:
  “I just thought you were gonna get crushed by an absolute a boss,” 10:23.

• Caroline on HRT Advocacy:
  “Be your own advocate,” 17:37.

• Davinia on Supporting Children with ADHD:
  “Let the kid chase their passion,” 14:30.

Conclusions and Takeaways

• Holistic Health Approaches: Both Caroline and Davinia emphasize the importance of addressing health issues like perimenopause and ADHD through a combination of professional guidance, lifestyle adjustments, and natural supplements.

• Balanced Parenting: Effective parenting blends empathy with clear boundaries, ensuring children feel supported while understanding the importance of rules and routines.

• Personal Advocacy in Healthcare: Navigating treatments like HRT requires proactive communication with healthcare providers to tailor therapies to individual needs.

• Consistency in Skincare: Maintaining a stable skincare routine, especially during hormonal changes, can prevent worsening of skin conditions and support overall skin health.

• Engagement and Empathy: Listening to and addressing individual concerns with empathy and practical advice fosters a supportive community for listeners facing similar challenges.

Final Thoughts

This episode of Glad We Had This Chat offers a treasure trove of advice and personal anecdotes, making complex topics like hormonal health and parenting accessible and relatable. Caroline Hirons and Davinia Taylor's engaging dialogue not only provides actionable tips but also fosters a sense of camaraderie among listeners navigating similar life stages and challenges.

For those interested in deepening their understanding of skincare, hormonal health, and effective parenting, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to future episodes every Monday and Wednesday for more insightful conversations with industry experts and A-list guests.

Follow Caroline Hirons:

• Instagram: @carolinehirons
• Website: carolinehirons.com
• Skin Rocks: skinrocks.com
• YouTube: CarolineHirons01
• TikTok: @carolinehirons

This summary excludes the repeated advertisement segments at the beginning and end of the transcript to focus on the substantive content of the episode.