Podcast
The Real Heal - Intimate Conversations with Holistic Health Experts
Hosted by Dr. Renee Wellenstein · EN
The Real Heal is a show where Dr. Renee Wellenstein (a double board-certified doc, entrepreneur, and healthcare disruptor) hosts real, raw, and authentic conversations with experts in the holistic health space. This is your opportunity to be a fly on the wall while Dr. Renee has 100% organic, unscripted chats on topics in the holistic health world that most aren't even addressing!
For any podcast or affiliate inquiries, please contact me at assistant@drreneewellenstein.com
34episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Belly Fat After 40: What Actually Works for Perimenopause & Menopause (2026 Science-Backed Guide)
Apr 900:10:47Tap to summarizeIf you're over 40 and you've been checking all the boxes—eating clean, hitting your workouts, maybe even skipping meals like you used to—but that stubborn belly fat won't budge, trust me, you're not alone. I've wrestled with it myself. In this episode, I'm digging into why the old weight-loss tricks just stop working during perimenopause and menopause—and what actually moves the needle instead (and no, you don't need to torture yourself with extreme diets or endless cardio). Let's get real about what's happening inside your body: estrogen swings, insulin resistance, higher cortisol, sleep interruptions, inflammation, gut changes, even shifts in your thyroid. All of that messes with how and where your body stores fat—especially around your middle. This isn't about willpower. It's biology. And here's the good part—you can work with it instead of fighting against it. 🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ITLQo4CPRt4 Here's what I'm covering in this episode: The biggest myths about midlife weight (yeah, "eat less, move more" is at the top) The nutrition plan I actually recommend for midlife belly fat (think protein, fiber, healthy fats) Why strength training and daily movement protect your muscle and fire up your metabolism How stress and cortisol play a bigger role than most people realize Sleep and circadian rhythm tweaks that can literally shrink your waistline The supplements that support your foundation (but don't replace it) The exact labs you should ask for if you're really stuck (fasting insulin/HOMA-IR, lipids, hs-CRP, a full thyroid panel, sex hormones) How to shift from white-knuckle willpower to real grit, so you actually stick with it for the long haul If you want a simple, step-by-step plan, grab my free 2026 Belly Fat Action Plan. It's got protein targets, a three-day strength training template, a circadian reset, and a checklist for those key labs. Belly Fat Guide: https://drreneewellenstein.thrivecart.com/belly-fat-action-plan-guide/ Book a Strategy Call: https://www.drreneewellenstein.com/work-with-me Shop My Favorites * Shop My Page: https://shopmy.us/drrenee/shelves * Amazon Favorites: https://www.amazon.com/shop/drreneewellenstein?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_2Q5HD01R6BW42HK05MSB * Supplement Dispensary: https://www.designsforhealth.com/u/drreneewellenstein *I do make a small commission from sales of the above products. 🔗 Connect with me on social media @DrReneeWellenstein for daily tips, updates, and more! 📌 Helpful Links & Resource 💡 Work with me: https://www.drreneewellenstein.com/work-with-me ★ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drreneewellenstein/ ★ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLibidoologist ★ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drreneewellenstein?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc ★ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drreneewellenstein/
Transcribe →The Menopause Brain Crisis No Doctor Warns You About
Apr 200:07:50Tap to summarizeMenopause isn't just hot flashes — for a lot of women, it hits your brain first. If you're in your 40s or 50s and you're dealing with brain fog, word-finding issues, memory glitches, anxiety, low motivation, or sleep that suddenly falls apart, this video will help you understand what's really going on (and what you can do next). I'm Dr. Renee Wellenstein — double board-certified OB/GYN + Functional Medicine physician — and I help women 40+ get real answers about hormones, metabolism, gut health, and midlife symptoms that are too often dismissed as "normal." In this episode, I break down: Why menopause is a brain event How estrogen supports brain energy, memory, and inflammation control Why brain fog during perimenopause can be real AND reversible What the research suggests about estrogen loss, the timing hypothesis ("critical window"), and long-term brain health The practical foundations that protect your brain: sleep, metabolic health, stress regulation, and gut health 🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UuBVYX4pGVo DISCLAIMER: Keep in mind, I am not your doctor. I put this video out for educational and informational purposes only. It is not to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have a specific medical concern, please consult your own personal doctor or healthcare professional. Work with me (Medical + Coaching) * New York residents: I'm a New York-licensed physician, so I can evaluate and treat eligible patients in NY via telemedicine (including prescribing when appropriate). * Outside New York: You can still work with me through functional medicine coaching — we address the same root-cause foundations (hormones, metabolism, gut health, labs, lifestyle), but without prescribing medications. Book a Call Book your call here: https://reneewellenstein.typeform.com/to/qFyuRF?typeform-source=www.drreneewellenstein.com Shop My Favorites * Shop My Page: https://shopmy.us/drrenee/shelves * Amazon Favorites: https://www.amazon.com/shop/drreneewellenstein?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_2Q5HD01R6BW42HK05MSB * Supplement Dispensary: https://www.designsforhealth.com/u/drreneewellenstein I do make a small commission from sales of the above products. 📌 Connect with Me for More Hormone & Health Tips! Follow me on all platforms → @drreneewellenstein IG | FB | TikTok | Pinterest
Transcribe →The FDA's Dangerous HRT Mistake Finally Exposed
Mar 2600:09:18Tap to summarizeIn October 2025, the FDA and federal health leaders quietly updated menopause hormone therapy labeling—removing the black box warning that scared millions of women (and their doctors) away from estrogen for more than 20 years. In this episode, I break down what actually happened, why the 2002 Women's Health Initiative (WHI) headlines were misunderstood, and what the evidence says today about HRT/menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) when it's started at the right time, in the right woman, using the right type and dose. If you're 40–60 and you've been told "Absolutely no hormones," this is the update you deserve. 🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube: Work with me (Telemedicine in New York + Functional Medicine Coaching in all states ): BOOK A CALL HERE – https://reneewellenstein.typeform.com/to/qFyuRF?typeform-source=www.drreneewellenstein.com News clip courtesy of NewsNation: 'Hormone therapy black box warning was "greatest screwup" – interview with FDA Commissioner Marty Makary (aired 2025). Original segment available at: https://youtu.be/Zn-_kvroOfU?si=RzqRGBaRIvMw0qv1 Links + Resources My Amazon storefront (products I personally use + recommend): https://www.amazon.com/shop/drreneewellenstein?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_2Q5HD01R6BW42HK05MSB (I do make a small commission from sales using my link) My favorite supplement brand: https://www.designsforhealth.com/u/drreneewellenstein (I do make a small commission from sales using my online dispensary) 📌 Connect with Me for More Hormone & Health Tips! Follow me on all platforms → @drreneewellenstein IG | FB | TikTok | Pinterest
Transcribe →Is Perimenopause Quietly Stealing Your Hair?
Mar 1900:11:06Tap to summarizeMenoscalp—yep, it's a made-up word… but it describes a very real pattern: hair thinning, widening part, increased shedding, and scalp dryness/itching that often ramps up in perimenopause and menopause. If you're over 40 and your ponytail feels smaller (or your shower drain feels fuller), you're not imagining it. In this episode, Dr. Renee breaks down what's actually happening to your hair follicles during the menopause transition—estrogen/progesterone shifts, relative androgen dominance (DHT), thyroid and metabolic changes, nutrient deficiencies, inflammation, and stress/cortisol—plus what actually helps (layers, not magic bullets). If you want a follow-up video where I share the exact labs I run and the "optimal" ranges I look for in menopausal hair loss, drop a comment and subscribe so you don't miss it. 🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BLNkPeEsPjA What to Ask Your Doctor (or What I Check in Practice) Full thyroid panel (not just TSH) Iron + ferritin Vitamin D, B12, zinc (and sometimes copper) Fasting glucose, insulin, A1C Lipids + metabolic markers Sex hormones (when clinically relevant) Amazon Hair and Scalp Favorites (for peri-menopause): https://amzn.to/49DJ7W2 These are product types I commonly recommend for scalp support and minimizing breakage. Choose based on your personal health history and sensitivities. (I do earn a small commission from sales) Favorite Supplement Store Shop my trusted supplements here: https://www.designsforhealth.com/u/drreneewellenstein (I do earn a small commission from sales) Work With Me 1:1 Support Want help interpreting your labs and building a personalized plan for peri-menopause symptoms, hormones, metabolism, and longevity? Apply to work with me here → https://reneewellenstein.typeform.com/to/qFyuRF?typeform-source=www.drreneewellenstein.com DISCLAIMER: This video is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your health regimen. 📌 Connect with Me for More Hormone & Health Tips! Follow me on all platforms → @drreneewellenstein IG | FB | TikTok | Pinterest
Transcribe →8 Weird Perimenopause Symptoms No One Warned You About
Mar 1200:11:00Tap to summarizeEver wonder why your ears start itching out of nowhere? Or maybe you get random ringing, a weird burning feeling on your tongue, or even notice you don't smell quite like you usually do? If you're a woman over 40 and you've caught yourself thinking, "Wait, is this perimenopause or am I just falling apart?"—trust me, you're not the only one. In this episode, I'm walking you through eight of the weirdest (but totally real) perimenopause symptoms I see in my practice. I'll rank them by how often women bring them up, and I'll break down what's actually happening in your body. No scare tactics—just real, straightforward science. 🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/PU-U_N8_HYc DISCLAIMER: This video is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your health regimen. Work With Me 1:1 Support Want help interpreting your labs and building a personalized plan for peri-menopause symptoms, hormones, metabolism, and longevity? Apply to work with me here → https://reneewellenstein.typeform.com/to/qFyuRF?typeform-source=www.drreneewellenstein.com Links + Resources My Amazon storefront (products I personally use + recommend): https://www.amazon.com/shop/drreneewellensteinref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_2Q5HD01R6BW42HK05MSB (I do make a small commission from sales using my link) My favorite supplement brand: https://www.designsforhealth.com/u/drreneewellenstein (I do make a small commission from sales using my online dispensary) 📌 Connect with Me for More Hormone & Health Tips! Follow me on all platforms → @drreneewellenstein IG | FB | TikTok | Pinterest
Transcribe →2026 Weight Loss Trend Report for Women Over 40: What's Working, What's Not, and What's Next
Mar 500:07:14Tap to summarizeFeeling swamped by all the weight loss advice, new meds, and never-ending menopause talk? If you're a woman over 40, trust me, you're not alone. In this episode, Dr. Renee Wellenstein—a double board-certified OB/GYN and functional medicine doc—gets real about what actually helps women lose weight, balance hormones, and keep their metabolism on track in 2026. She also calls out what's just noise. 🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/x7pTSgOuKs0 Here's what's inside: 0:00 – A look at what's new in 2026 1:52 – Mixing hormone therapy with GLP-1s 2:15 – How telehealth and virtual programs fit in 2:52 – Menopause and the real risk of obesity 3:08 – Why lifestyle programs are getting smarter 3:30 – The science-backed stuff that's working right now 5:00 – What's not cutting it 5:55 – Where things are headed next Want my free Hormone & Weight Loss Playbook? Grab it here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uRCoPQZV2MpdbHbgOA3IB6NOz4vKF9PN/view?usp=share_link Ready to make a real change? Let's talk. Apply for a free strategy call: https://reneewellenstein.typeform.com/to/qFyuRF?typeform-source=www.drreneewellenstein.com DISCLAIMER: This video is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your health regimen. MY FAVORITE PRODUCTS & SUPPLEMENTS: Designs for Health (the supplement brand I use with my clients for hormone balance, gut health, and metabolic support): https://www.designsforhealth.com/u/drreneewellenstein (I do make a small commission from sales of these products which help keep this channel going) My Amazon Favorites (tools, supplements, and wellness essentials I recommend): https://www.amazon.com/shop/drreneewellenstein?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_2Q5HD01R6BW42HK05MSB (I do make a small commission on sales that help to keep this channel going) Dr. Renee Wellenstein focuses on hormone health and metabolic wellness for women over 40. She's based in New York and runs a telemedicine practice, prescribing bio-identical hormones and peptides to women in NY. Across the country, she offers virtual health coaching too, sharing real, actionable advice for hormone balance and peptide therapy. Dr. Renee's approach is practical and grounded in science—her programs help you find more energy, boost your confidence, and feel healthier, no matter where you're starting from. 📌 Connect with Me for More Hormone & Health Tips! Follow me on all platforms → @drreneewellenstein IG | FB | TikTok | Pinterest
Transcribe →5 Signs You're Losing Your Edge (And How to Get It Back)
Feb 2600:10:11Tap to summarizeIf you're a high-achieving woman in your 40s and you used to crush it—but now you're just getting through the day—this video is for you. I'm Dr. Renee Wellenstein, double board-certified OB/GYN and Functional Medicine doctor, and I'm breaking down the 5 signs you're losing your edge and exactly how to get it back. In this video, you'll learn: Why your brain isn't as sharp as it used to be (and what's really causing the brain fog) The hidden reason you're exhausted even after a full night's sleep Why you've lost your competitive edge and how cortisol burnout is keeping you stuck What's really behind the weight gain around your midsection (hint: it's not just calories) How hormone decline is making you play small—and how to reclaim your confidence This isn't "normal aging." This is a hormone crisis—and it's fixable. I'll show you the exact testing you need (not just "normal" labs—OPTIMAL levels), the protocols that work (bioidentical hormones, peptides, adaptogens, and personalized supplements), and how to support your mitochondria so you can reclaim your energy, sharpness, and drive. 🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/A0oJa0fgMq4 DISCLAIMER: This video is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your health regimen. READY TO GET YOUR EDGE BACK? Book a FREE Strategy Call with me and let's design your personalized optimization plan: https://www.drreneewellenstein.com/work-with-me MY FAVORITE PRODUCTS & SUPPLEMENTS: Designs for Health (the supplement brand I use with my clients for hormone balance, gut health, and metabolic support): https://www.designsforhealth.com/u/drreneewellenstein My Amazon Favorites (tools, supplements, and wellness essentials I recommend): https://www.amazon.com/shop/drreneewellenstein?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_2Q5HD01R6BW42HK05MSB (I do make a small commission on sales that help to keep this channel going) 🔗 Connect with me on social media @DrReneeWellenstein for daily tips, updates, and more! 📌 Helpful Links & Resource 💡 Work with me: https://www.drreneewellenstein.com/work-with-me ★ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drreneewellenstein/ ★ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLibidoologist ★ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drreneewellenstein?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc ★ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drreneewellenstein/
Transcribe →The Weight Loss Gene: Could Your DNA Be Why You Can't Lose Weight?
Feb 1900:14:28Tap to summarizeCould your DNA be the reason you can't lose weight—no matter how hard you try?In 2014, I did a $99 23andMe test (before functional medicine was even trendy!) and discovered I carry the FTO gene—a genetic variant that makes weight loss significantly harder. My report said I was "predisposed to weight above average." But here's the empowering truth: your genes are NOT your destiny. They're your instruction manual.In this video, I'm sharing the exact genes I found in my own DNA test results—including FTO, APOA2, TCF7L2, and COMT—and how they affect weight loss, metabolism, hormone balance, and food sensitivity. I'll show you what DNA testing CAN and CANNOT do, and how I use this data to create personalized protocols for my clients.If you've ever felt like your body fights you when you try to lose weight, this video will help you understand WHY—and what to do about it. 🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CqqpPBkaMs8 READY TO GET PERSONALIZED ANSWERS? I have a limited number of new client spots available for 2026. If you're ready to understand what's really going on in YOUR body and create a plan that works with your biology (not against it), apply for a discovery call: https://reneewellenstein.typeform.com/to/qFyuRF Get the test that I did here: https://refer.23andme.com/s/o4ing DISCLAIMER: This video is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements, or health protocols. DNA testing does not diagnose disease and should be used as part of a comprehensive health assessment. 🔗 Connect with me on social media @DrReneeWellenstein for daily tips, updates, and more! 📌 Helpful Links & Resource 💡 Work with me: https://www.drreneewellenstein.com/work-with-me ★ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drreneewellenstein/ ★ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLibidoologist ★ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drreneewellenstein?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc ★ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drreneewellenstein/
Transcribe →3 Stress Mistakes Making You Gain Weight After 40 (That No One Talks About)
Feb 1200:07:32Tap to summarizeIf you're over 40, stressed, and gaining weight no matter what you do, these 3 stress mistakes might be the real reason. In this video, I'm breaking down how stress after 40 can quietly sabotage your metabolism, hormones, and weight loss efforts—and what to start doing differently. 🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/OWMu8-s3LRw You'll learn: Why "just try harder" and more willpower don't work after 40 How old diet and workout strategies backfire on a 40+ body The hidden stressors that keep your body stuck in fat‑storage mode Ready to go deeper and finally connect this to your labs? Join my Masterclass, "Stressed, Stuck, and Gaining Weight After 40: How to Read Your Labs and Finally Connect the Dots." Join the Masterclass: Stressed, Stuck, and Gaining Weight After 40: How to Read Your Labs and Finally Connect the Dots: https://drreneewellenstein.thrivecart.com/stressed-stuck-gaining-weight-after-40/ Work with me 1:1: Apply to work with me privately: https://www.drreneewellenstein.com/work-with-me My Amazon Storefront (holistic health favorites): Supplements, tools, and wellness essentials I love: https://www.amazon.com/shop/drreneewellenstein?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_2Q5HD01R6BW42HK05MSB Supplement Dispensary (10% off): Create your account and get 10% off professional‑grade supplements: https://www.designsforhealth.com/u/drreneewellenstein (I do make a small commission on sales but that helps keep this channel alive) 🔗 Connect with me on social media @DrReneeWellenstein for daily tips, updates, and more! 📌 Helpful Links & Resource 💡 Work with me: https://www.drreneewellenstein.com/work-with-me ★ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drreneewellenstein/ ★ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLibidoologist ★ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drreneewellenstein?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc ★ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drreneewellenstein/
Transcribe →8 Lab Tests Every Woman Over 40 Needs (That Your Doctor Won't Order)
Feb 500:13:13Tap to summarizeAre you a woman over 40 tired of being told your labs are "normal" while you still struggle with fatigue, brain fog, stubborn weight, or mood swings? In this episode, Dr. Renee Wellenstein—a double board-certified OB/GYN and Functional Medicine doctor—reveals the 8 essential lab tests your doctor probably isn't ordering (but should be). These tests go beyond routine check-ups to uncover the root causes of your symptoms, so you can finally feel your best. You'll learn: Why "normal" lab results often aren't optimal for women over 40 The hidden reasons so many women are misdiagnosed or dismissed The difference between conventional and functional medicine testing What optimal health really looks like in midlife and beyond Ready to take control of your health? Download my free Lab Guide for the full list of 15 must-have tests and my optimal ranges. 🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pBFDozwjJQU Shop my favorite high-quality supplements here (& get 10% off): https://www.designsforhealth.com/u/drreneewellenstein (I do make a small commission from supplement sales. If you purchase, thank you! It keeps this channel going.) Shop my Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/drreneewellenstein?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_2Q5HD01R6BW42HK05MSB (I do make a small commission on Amazon sales so thank you if you purchase! It helps to keep this channel going!) Get your FREE Lab Guide: https://wellenstein.activehosted.com/f/139 🔗 Connect with me on social media @DrReneeWellenstein for daily tips, updates, and more! 📌 Helpful Links & Resource 💡 Work with me: https://www.drreneewellenstein.com/work-with-me ★ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drreneewellenstein/ ★ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLibidoologist ★ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drreneewellenstein?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc ★ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drreneewellenstein/
Transcribe →