What if your midlife wasn’t a breakdown, but a biochemical initiation? Today on Treated, Dr. Sara dives into the truth about perimenopause by dispelling the myths, breaking down the science, and reframing this transition as a powerful initiation rather than a decline. She explains what’s really happening with your hormones and how to navigate symptoms like mood swings, insomnia, and heavy cycles with compassion and strategy. From practical tools like cycle tracking, nutrients, botanicals, and bioidentical hormones to her “soft landing plan” for midlife, Dr. Sara offers both medical expertise and soulful perspective. This is an invitation to see perimenopause not as the beginning of the end, but as the beginning of a deeper, wiser chapter. // REFERENCES // Dr. Sara's Perimenopause Survival Guide  // KEEP IN TOUCH WITH DR. SARA // If you have a question, leave a voicemail at speakpipe.com/treated  Follow on IG: @saragottfriedmd @treatedwithdrsara Watch Treated on YouTube Produced by Dear Media. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if your symptoms like fatigue and burnout aren’t just about stress or overwork, but your hormones waving a white flag? In this episode of Treated, Dr. Sara sits down with nurse practitioner and nutritionist expert Cynthia Thurlow to unpack the hidden drivers of midlife burnout, fatigue, and brain fog. Cynthia shares her own journey from practicing traditional cardiology medicine to navigating a full burnout in her early 40s – a turning point that reshaped not only her personal health but also her entire career. Together, they explore why so many women feel dismissed by conventional lab work, the role of hormones like progesterone and cortisol, and why biomarkers such as fasting insulin, HRV, and thyroid function can reveal what’s really going on beneath the surface. Cynthia and Dr. Sara highlight the science of metabolic flexibility, cardiovascular risk markers like lipoprotein(a), and the connection between stress, trauma, and hormones. They also touch on the importance of alignment, meaning, and boundaries in preventing burnout – reminding us that midlife can be a time of initiation and transformation rather than decline. If you’ve ever wondered whether your fatigue is “just stress” or something deeper, this episode offers the tools and insights to measure what truly matters. // REFERENCES //  Dr. Sara’s Lab References Ranges in Healthy Adults Cynthia Thurlow's TEDx Talk: On intermittent fasting. Christina Maslach Burnout Inventory: Mentioned as a tool for assessing burnout. World Health Organization (WHO): Mentioned for their classification of burnout in ICD-11. The Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study: A 2002 study that led a generation of women to be taken off their hormone replacement therapy. – Rossouw, Jacques E.,et al. “Risks and Benefits of Estrogen Plus Progestin in Healthy Postmenopausal Women: Principal Results from the Women’s Health Initiative Randomized Controlled Trial.” JAMA 288, no. 3 (July 17, 2002): 321–33. doi:10.1001/jama.288.3.321.  Oral vs. Transdermal Estradiol Study: A paper suggesting that oral estradiol is superior to transdermal estradiol for lowering Lp(a) levels.--- Hemelaar, Marjolein, et al. “Oral, More than Transdermal, Estrogen Therapy Improves Lipids and Lipoprotein(a) in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study.” Menopause 10, no. 6 (November-December 2003): 550–58. doi:10.1097/01.GME.0000064866.58809.E5. // LEARN MORE FROM CYNTHIA THURLOW //  Visit Cynthia Thurlow’s website, cynthiathurlow.com  Follow her on Instagram, @cynthia_thurlow_ Listen to her podcast, Everyday Medicine.    // KEEP IN TOUCH WITH DR. SARA // If you have a question, leave a voicemail at speakpipe.com/treated  Follow on IG: @saragottfriedmd @treatedwithdrsara Watch Treated on YouTube Produced by Dear Media. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Most people assume “normal” lab results mean they’re in the clear but normal isn’t always optimal. In this episode, Dr. Sara breaks down why standard blood work often misses early warning signs of disease and what that means for your long-term health. She shares the story of a patient whose labs came back “fine” but were already showing signs of pre-diabetes, and explains how the difference between surviving and thriving often lies in catching subtle markers before they become a diagnosis. Dr. Sara walks through nine essential tests that go beyond the basics, from vitamin D and ferritin to thyroid, sex hormones, inflammatory markers, and genetic risks like lipoprotein (a). These underused but powerful tools reveal whether your fatigue, brain fog, or mood issues are rooted in overlooked deficiencies or brewing imbalances. With decades of experience in longevity medicine, Dr. Sara shows how the right labs can transform your understanding of health and help you take action now because prevention is power. // RESOURCES //  Dr. Sara’s Lab Reference Ranges Dr. Sara’s Book: The Hormone Reset Diet  // KEEP IN TOUCH WITH DR. SARA // If you have a question, leave a voicemail at speakpipe.com/treated  Follow on IG: @saragottfriedmd @treatedwithdrsara Watch Treated on YouTube  Produced by Dear Media.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if the real medicine isn’t about conquering death, but about learning how to live fully in its presence? In this conversation, Dr. Sara sits down with two close friends and colleagues, Dr. Kara Fitzgerald, a trailblazer in epigenetics and author of Younger You, and Dr. Patrick Hanaway, a physician and wisdom teacher whose own journey with cancer reshaped his perspective on life. Together, they challenge the cultural obsession with “not dying” and the reductionist biohacking narrative, offering instead a counter-narrative: don’t miss it. They explore the fears we carry about aging and how embracing impermanence can actually deepen our vitality. With stories of their families, patients, and personal journeys, this is a heartfelt, thought-provoking dialogue that challenges the more common “don’t die” narrative in longevity.  This is only part of their conversation. Listen to the full conversation for free by attending the virtual “Functional Medicine is Longevity Medicine: A Masterclass for Clinicians” September 17-19, 2025.  Reserve your spot today by heading to this link.  // LEARN MORE FROM DR. KARA FITZGERRALD AND DR. PATRICK HANAWAY //  Visit Dr. Kara Fitzgerald’s website, drkarafitzgerald.com  Follow her on Instagram, drkarafitzgerald.   Listen to her podcast, FX Medicine.  Visit Dr. Patrick Hanway’s website here.   // KEEP IN TOUCH WITH DR. SARA // If you have a question, leave a voicemail at speakpipe.com/treated  Follow on IG: @saragottfriedmd @treatedwithdrsara Watch Treated on YouTube  Produced by Dear Media.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Even though we all operate under the same medical system in The United States, not all of us receive the same quality of care. Why do racial and economic disparities still dictate who gets access to life-saving medications? Dr. Utibe Essien joins Treated to explore what true equity in medicine looks like and how we can build a system where everyone has the chance to thrive.  Dr. Essien is a board-certified internal medicine physician, Assistant Professor of Medicine at UCLA, and a nationally recognized health disparities researcher. He coined the term pharmaco-equity–the principle that every patient, regardless of race, income, or background, deserves equal access to effective medications. In this conversation, he shares his story of being born into health disparities, what inspired him to become a physician, and his groundbreaking research on racial inequities in prescribing practices. Dr. Sara and Dr. Essien unpack the roots of health inequity, the ripple effects of systemic racism in medicine, and how landmark moments like the murder of George Floyd reshaped the medical community’s response to equity. To conclude, they discuss the power of mentorship, the future of precision equity, and how research can move beyond data to real interventions that save lives.  // RESOURCES //  ACE Quiz The landmark 2021 article on pharmacoequity in the Journal of the American Medical Association. : Essien, Utibe R., Stacie B. Dusetzina, and Walid F. Gellad. "A Policy Prescription for Reducing Health Disparities—Achieving Pharmacoequity." JAMA 326, no. 18 (2021): 1793–1794. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.17764. Pharmacoequity Article: https://www.statnews.com/2021/07/28/pharmacoequity-new-goal-ending-disparities-us-health-care/ The Sum of Us by Heather McGee // LEARN MORE FROM DR. UTIBE ESSIEN //  Visit his website uessien.com.  Follow him on Instagram, @uressienmd.  // KEEP IN TOUCH WITH DR. SARA // If you have a question, leave a voicemail at speakpipe.com/treated  Follow on IG: @saragottfriedmd @treatedwithdrsara Watch Treated on YouTube  Produced by Dear Media.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Perimenopause and menopause can feel like a hormonal rollercoaster without a roadmap. In this episode of Treated, Dr. Sara unpacks what’s really happening behind the hot flashes, mood swings, brain fog, and more than 100 other symptoms women may face during this transition. With insights from cutting-edge research by Dr. Lisa Mosconi, she explains how shifting estrogen, cortisol, and FSH levels affect not just your body– but also your brain, memory, and long-term health. From practical lifestyle interventions like resistance training and nutrition strategies, to nuanced conversations about bioidentical hormones, Dr. Sara offers a new user manual for navigating this stage of life.  // REFERENCES //  Dr. Sara’s Optimal Lab References.  The Hormone Reset Diet: Dr. Sara Szal's book.  // KEEP IN TOUCH WITH DR. SARA // If you have a question, leave a voicemail at speakpipe.com/treated  Visit her website saraszalmd.com. Follow on IG: @saragottfriedmd @treatedwithdrsara Watch Treated on YouTube  Produced by Dear Media.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on Treated, we’re diving headfirst into the dating pool with Sabrina Zohar– a relationship coach and host of The Sabrina Zohar Show– to explore the intersections of love and biology. Known for her direct, no-fluff advice and grounded wisdom, Sabrina blends neuroscience with dating insight to help people heal from their past, regulate their nervous system, and create clarity while they search for their person.  In this episode, Sabrina joins Dr. Sara to talk about what it actually means to be emotionally available, how trauma shows up in dating, and why so many of us feel most attracted to people who aren’t good for us. Sabrina opens up about her past marriage and the work it took to heal her anxious attachment– which led to her finding her now husband. They break down the difference between anxiety and intuition, how to use your body as a tool for discernment, and why regulating your nervous system is the key to building a real connection. Whether you’re in a single or relationship– this episode is filled with insights about modern dating and how to strengthen connections in your life.  // LEARN MORE FROM SABRINA ZOHAR //  Visit her website sabrinazohar.com  Follow her on Instagram @sabrinazohar and @thesabrinazoharshow. Check out her podcast, The Sabrina Zohar Show, on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.   // KEEP IN TOUCH WITH DR. SARA // If you have a question, leave a voicemail at speakpipe.com/treated  Follow on IG: @saragottfriedmd @treatedwithdrsara Watch Treated on YouTube  Produced by Dear Media.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This is the third episode in Treated’s ongoing hormone series, and it’s a must-listen if you’ve ever been told “you’re fine” when you know something’s off. Dr. Sara uncovers the four most commonly misdiagnosed hormone conditions in women—PCOS, endometriosis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and perimenopause—and breaks down why symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, irregular periods, and weight changes are so often dismissed as stress. She explains how traditional lab panels often miss early signs, how to track patterns your doctor might overlook,  and how to advocate for the right diagnostic tests and care. At the end, Dr. Sara answers a listener voicemail from a woman recovering from a hysterectomy and offers guidance for navigating surgical perimenopause. If you've ever felt misdiagnosed, dismissed, or gaslit—this episode is your permission slip to dig deeper and take back control of your hormonal health. // REFERENCES //  Listen to the first episode in Treated’s Hormone Series, Hormones 101, and the second episode with Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi, which explores endometriosis, PCOS, and breast cancer.  Read, The Hormone Cure, by Dr. Sara.  Check out Dr. Sara’s website, How to Track Your Blood Sugar and Lab Reference Ranges for Healthy Adults. Period Tracking Apps: Flo or Clue  Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM): Now available over-the-counter.Abbott—Libre Rio and Lingo are both over the counter, no prescription needed. https://www.hellolingo.com/. Libre Rio is designed for people ages 18 years and older with prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes who do not use insulin. Lingo is designed for healthy people who want to improve glucose control and energy.Dexcom—you can now purchase Stelo over-the-counter https://www.stelo.com/ Zondervan, K. T., C. M. Becker, and S. A. Missmer. "Endometriosis." New England Journal of Medicine 382, no. 13 (2020): 1244–1256. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMra1810764.  // KEEP IN TOUCH WITH DR. SARA // If you have a question, leave a voicemail at speakpipe.com/treated  Follow on IG: @saragottfriedmd @treatedwithdrsara Watch Treated on YouTube  Produced by Dear Media.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When you’re struggling with your health in the traditional medical system, it can feel like there’s no real solution. Pill after pill masks the symptoms but never seems to solve the problem. Dr. Darshan Shah is health and wellness specialist, board-certified surgeon, and the founder of Next Health, the world’s first and largest longevity clinic. Today at the age of 52, his biological age is 29. But Dr. Shah’s health wasn’t always like this. At 42, he was suffering from diabetes, auto-immune disease, and hypertension. When his son was born, he realized that with all these conditions, he might not live long enough to see him graduate from college or get married. That’s when he decided to turn his health around. It took some research, but within eight months, he completely transformed his health. In this conversation, Dr. Shah and Dr. Sara discuss the importance of healthspan over lifespan and care that prioritizes root-cause healing and prevention. They discuss practical tools like wearables, mobility tests you can do at home, fasting, and stress reduction. Then Dr. Shah explains his four-part model for optimal health: lifestyle, functional, preventative, and longevity medicine. Together, they offer a new blueprint for taking control of your health—and creating a future where feeling your best is the new normal. // LEARN MORE FROM DR. DARSHAN SHAH //  Check out, Next Health, his health optimization and longevity center.   Download his free Biomarkers guides here (mentioned in the episode).  Visit his website drshah.com  Listen to his podcast, EXTEND.  Follow him on Instagram, darshanshahmd.  // REFERENCES //  Dr. Sara mentioned Dr. Kara Fitzgerald’s research on biological age reversal through nutrition:   Fitzgerald, K. N., T. Campbell, S. Makarem, and R. Hodges. "Potential Reversal of Biological Age in Women Following an 8-Week Methylation-Supportive Diet and Lifestyle Program: A Case Series." Aging (Albany NY) 15, no. 6 (March 22, 2023): 1833–1839. doi:10.18632/aging.204602.  // KEEP IN TOUCH WITH DR. SARA // If you have a question, leave a voicemail at speakpipe.com/treated  Follow on IG: @saragottfriedmd @treatedwithdrsara Watch Treated on YouTube  Produced by Dear Media.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Microplastics are everywhere– but what are they doing to our bodies and what can we do about it? Microplastics are small pieces of plastic less than 5 millimeters long. Recently, they have moved from being an environmental concern to a potential human health crisis. Dr. Sara has been tracking them for over 20 years and today, she breaks down what they are, how you're exposed, and who’s most at risk. Right now, we don’t have large-scale human studies to fully understand the clinical implications. While we wait for the science to catch-up, Dr. Sara shares the signs and symptoms of microplastic buildup and actions you can take today to limit your exposure.  Microplastics are small but their impact is big and growing. To learn more about them, check out the resources below and make sure to read Dr. Sara’s articles on them (Part One and Part Two).  // RESOURCES //  Dr. Sara’s Articles on Microplastics: Part One and Part Two.  News Reports:  Barron’s – More Microplastics In Glass Bottles Than Plastic: Study CNN – ​​Microplastics shed by food packaging are contaminating our food and drink, study finds Other Articles:  French Study: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0889157525005344 Chaïb, Iseline, et al. “Microplastic Contaminations in a Set of Beverages Sold in France.” Journal of Food Composition and Analysis 144 (August 2025): 107719. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfca.2024.107719. Bocker, R., and E. K. Silva. “Microplastics in Our Diet: A Growing Concern for Human Health.” Science of the Total Environment 968 (2025): 178882. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.178882.  Li, Y., et al. “Microplastics in the Human Body: A Comprehensive Review of Exposure, Distribution, Migration Mechanisms, and Toxicity.” Science of the Total Environment 946 (2024): 174215. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174215.  Luo, Q., et al. “Microplastics as an Emerging Threat to Human Health: An Overview of Potential Health Impacts.” Journal of Environmental Management 387 (2025): 125915. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.125915.  // KEEP IN TOUCH WITH DR. SARA // If you have a question, leave a voicemail at speakpipe.com/treated  Follow on IG: @saragottfriedmd @treatedwithdrsara Watch Treated on YouTube  Produced by Dear Media.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If your cycle is unpredictable, you’re growing hairs where you shouldn't, and your period is acting like a rebellious teenager: this episode is for you. Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi (Dr. A) is an OB/GYN and leading expert in endometriosis and PCOS, who has dedicated her life to raising awareness and advancing women's health. You may have heard of her through her popular podcast, SHEMD, and she’s the gynecologist to celebrities like The Kardashians.  This is the second episode in our Hormone series; if you missed Dr. Sara’s first hormone episode a few weeks ago, go back and listen because it lays the foundation for this conversation. Today, Dr. Sara and Dr. A explore everything you need to know about endometriosis and PCOS. From what they are, to how she diagnoses them, and why they’re so underdiagnosed. Dr. A discusses the epidemic of medical gaslighting among women, how big pharma creates a vicious cycle with pain medication, and why 75% of PCOS patients have eating disorders. She also shares her passion for spreading awareness about breast cancer. Dr. A wants every woman to understand her lifetime risk, which can be calculated using a specific tool (linked here and in the resources below). While 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, 85% of those cases occur in women with no family history. To finish, Dr. A shares her own experience with breast cancer, including how she faced medical gaslighting and advocated for herself to undergo a double mastectomy. You don’t want to miss this one—it’s informative, energizing, and moving. // RESOURCES //  Click here to get SaraSzalMD Lab reference range MyRisk by Myriad: A genetic test for cancer-causing genes and breast cancer risk calculation. Breast Cancer Lifetime Risk Calculator: Dr. A has a questionnaire on to calculate this risk The Surrender Experiment: The book that Dr. A found helpful during her breast cancer journey // LEARN MORE FROM DR. THAÏS ALIABADI //  Listen to her podcast, SHEMD. Visit her website draliabadi.com.  Follow her on Instagram, @drthaisaliabadi  // KEEP IN TOUCH WITH DR. SARA // If you have a question, leave a voicemail at speakpipe.com/treated  Follow on IG: @saragottfriedmd @treatedwithdrsara Watch Treated on YouTube  Produced by Dear Media.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today, Dr. Sara and longevity expert Kayla Barnes-Lentz dive deep into the emerging science of microplastics, detox pathways, and personalized medicine. Drawing from Kayla’s recent lab work—which included elevated BPA (bisphenol A) levels and genetic vulnerabilities—they explore how chronic exposure to environmental toxins affects hormones, inflammation, and long-term health. Together, they discuss how to interpret genomics like the 3x4 panel, why methylation and inflammation matter for women’s health, and what proactive steps can be taken to reduce toxic load—from cod liver oil and cruciferous vegetables to advanced biomarker testing. This conversation is the first of many focused on data-driven protocols for female optimization—rooted in science and grounded in lived experience. Get Dr. Sara’s Lab References Ranges Guide in Healthy Adults Here.  // LEARN MORE FROM KAYLA BARNES-LENTZ //  Listen to her podcast, Longevity Optimization with Kayla Barnes-Lentz. Visit her website kaylabarnes.com.  Watch her routine for longevity.  Follow her on Instagram @kaylabarnes.    // KEEP IN TOUCH WITH DR. SARA // If you have a question, leave a voicemail at speakpipe.com/treated  Follow on IG: @saragottfriedmd @treatedwithdrsara Watch Treated on YouTube  Produced by Dear Media.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome to Hormones 101—the first episode in Dr. Sara’s deep-dive hormone series. In this foundational solo, Dr. Sara breaks down what hormones are, why they matter, and how imbalances can impact everything from mood and metabolism to sleep, libido, and energy. She introduces the “Big Five” hormones—cortisol, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid—explaining their distinct roles, how they interact, and why cortisol calls the shots. Dr. Sara also unpacks underdiagnosed conditions like endometriosis and PCOS, and reveals how modern life, chronic stress, environmental toxins, and medical gaslighting contribute to widespread hormonal dysfunction. You’ll walk away with practical steps for testing and balancing your hormones through lifestyle changes. This episode is all about understanding your biochemistry and learning how to advocate for better care. // REFERENCES //  Get Dr. Sara’s Lab Reference Ranges Guide in Healthy Adults Here.  Listen to her episode with Andrew Huberman.  Read her book, The Hormone Cure.  JAMA study from 2023 (regarding subclinical hypothyroidism and cognitive decline): Papaleontiou, M., and J. P. Brito. "Disentangling the Association Between Excess Thyroid Hormone and Cognition in Older Adults." JAMA Internal Medicine 183, no. 12 (2023): 1332–1333. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2023.5618. Fertility in Sterility in 2023 review (regarding luteal phase progesterone deficiency and infertility): Raperport, C., E. Chronopoulou, R. Homburg, et al. "Endogenous Progesterone in Unexplained Infertility: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis." Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics 40 (2023): 509–524. 2024 study (regarding men with low progesterone, estradiol/testosterone ratios, and visceral adiposity): Mauvais-Jarvis, F., and S. H. Lindsey. "Metabolic Benefits Afforded by Estradiol and Testosterone in Both Sexes: Clinical Considerations." Journal of Clinical Investigation 134, no. 17 (September 3, 2024): e180073. doi:10.1172/JCI180073. 2023 meta-analysis published in JAMA Psychiatry (regarding mindfulness and salivary cortisol) Vargas-Uricoechea, H., A. Castellanos-Pinedo, K. Urrego-Noguera, H. D. Vargas-Sierra, M. V. Pinzón-Fernández, E. Barceló-Martínez, and A. F. Ramírez-Giraldo. "Mindfulness-Based Interventions and the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis: A Systematic Review." Neurology International 16, no. 6 (November 20, 2024): 1552–1584. doi:10.3390/neurolint16060115. Sanada, K., J. Montero-Marin, M. Alda Díez, M. Salas-Valero, M. C. Pérez-Yus, H. Morillo, M. M. Demarzo, M. García-Toro, and J. García-Campayo. "Effects of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Salivary Cortisol in Healthy Adults: A Meta-Analytical Review." Frontiers in Physiology 7 (October 19, 2016): 471. doi:10.3389/fphys.2016.00471.  // KEEP IN TOUCH WITH DR. SARA // If you have a question, leave a voicemail at speakpipe.com/treated  Follow on IG: @saragottfriedmd @treatedwithdrsara Watch Treated on YouTube  Produced by Dear Media.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Do you always feel a sense of urgency—like you’re on edge, reactive to everything around you? Or, on the other hand, shut down and withdrawn? Then you may be experiencing dysregulation. Dysregulation occurs when the body and mind fall out of balance and struggle to return to a neutral state. Today, clinical psychologist Dr. Nicole LePera (@theholisticpsychologist) joins Treated to explore how and why so many of us live in a constant state of dysregulation.  Dr. Sara and Dr. Nicole discuss how our early environments shape the way we respond to stress as adults, what a healthy stress response looks like versus a chronically dysregulated one, and why women are more susceptible to dysregulation. Then they dive into the importance of taking a “bottom-up” approach to healing and explore the role cortisol plays in keeping us stuck in survival mode.Throughout the episode, Dr. Nicole shares personal stories from her own healing journey—from the impact of her mother’s emotional withdrawal during childhood, to using substances to self-regulate in high school, and even how her mother’s stress during pregnancy contributed to her chronic anxiety. To close, Dr. Sara and Dr. Nicole offer practical tools for regulating the nervous system– from setting boundaries to improving sleep. // LEARN MORE FROM DR. NICOLE LEPERA //  Visit his website theholisticpsychologist.com Follow her on Instagram @theholisticpsychologist.  Purchase all of her books through her website, How To Be The Love You Seek, How To Meet Yourself, How To Do The Work.    // KEEP IN TOUCH WITH DR. SARA // If you have a question, leave a voicemail at speakpipe.com/treated  Follow on IG: @saragottfriedmd @treatedwithdrsara Watch Treated on YouTube  Produced by Dear Media.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The common prescription to heal our psyche today is to take an SSRI and go to talk therapy. But as we’ve learned through the past few episodes, this only works for 30% of people. That means we need to explore other ways to heal our consciousness. Today on Treated, Dr. Sara sits down with Dr. Brad Jacobs to learn about the alternative ways he has healed his consciousness. From taking MDMA for the first time in college, to surfing and skiing, doing Ayahuasca in ceremony, and both experiencing and prescribing Ketamine therapy—Dr. Brad Jacobs walks us through how to use the present moment as a tool for mental healing. // LEARN MORE FROM DR. BRAD JACOBS //  Visit his website drbradjacobs.com  Follow him on Instagram @bradjacobsmd.   Listen to our first conversation here and second one here.   // KEEP IN TOUCH WITH DR. SARA // If you have a question, leave a voicemail at speakpipe.com/treated  Follow on IG: @saragottfriedmd @treatedwithdrsara Watch Treated on YouTube  Produced by Dear Media.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Join Dr. Sara and her sister, Anna Reed, for an honest, funny, and sincere conversation around navigating the healthcare system in the United States as a woman and learning how to regulate your nervous system with age. Anna is a fourth grade teacher and was diagnosed with endometriosis earlier on in life–-a condition that runs in their family. Today, she’s had three surgeries to remove it and underwent a hysterectomy last year. Anna shares the advice she got from Dr. Sara while going through that period and the health protocols she now follows. Then, Anna opens up about the joys and struggles of being a teacher, the importance of cultivating female friendships, and how she found herself after divorce. They close with practical tips to optimize your health for any stage of life.   // KEEP IN TOUCH WITH DR. SARA // If you have a question, leave a voicemail at speakpipe.com/treated  Follow on IG: @saragottfriedmd @treatedwithdrsara Watch Treated on YouTube  Produced by Dear Media.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rob Fisher is a marriage and family therapist (MFT), Hakomi trainer, professor, and author. After working in the entertainment industry, he began studying for his master’s degree in psychology. About a decade later, he discovered Hakomi—a body- and mindfulness-centered approach to psychotherapy that emphasizes experiential healing and the importance of the therapeutic relationship. Today, Rob has taught many therapists this practice and is developing “The Compassion Companion,” an AI tool powered by ChatGPT, for patients to use. Rob joins Dr. Sara on Treated to discuss what led him to switch careers, how he found Hakomi, why it’s such an important form of therapy, and what he’s learned about human nature through it. They also explore the power of writing and what inspired him to write both nonfiction and fiction books. Later, Rob shares his hopes and fears about AI and what the impact will be on human connection and in-person therapy. Dr. Sara tests out “The Compassion Companion,” Rob’s AI therapy tool, and they engage in a real-time Hakomi experience. To close, he shares a memory of one of his favorite clients and reflects on how he hopes to be remembered. // LEARN MORE FROM ROB FISHER //  Visit his website robfishermft.com  Check out the Compassion Companion and use it here.  Purchase his book, The Weeping Buddha and Experiential Psychotherapy With Couples, A Guide for the Creative Pragmatist.  // OTHER REFERENCES //  Research studies on AI and psychotherapy: Kuhail, Mohammad Amin, Mohamed Bahja, Ons Al-shamaileh, Justin Thomas, Amina Alkazemi, and Joao Negreiros. "Assessing the Impact of Chatbot-Human Personality Congruence on User Behavior: A Chatbot-Based Advising System Case." IEEE Access PP (2024): 1-1. doi:10.1109/ACCESS.2024.3402977.  // KEEP IN TOUCH WITH DR. SARA // If you have a question, leave a voicemail at speakpipe.com/treated  Follow on IG: @saragottfriedmd @treatedwithdrsara Watch Treated on YouTube  Produced by Dear Media.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if the key to financial success and a fulfilling life is slowing down and feeling safe? Kate Northrup is an author, podcaster, and coach who helps people regulate their nervous systems to attract abundance. After the traumatic birth of her daughter in 2016, Kate was left with anxiety and hypervigilance. It was then that she realized she had been using stress and pressure as fuel—and began to strategically relax. When she did, abundance started to flow into her life. In this episode, Kate guides us on how to move more slowly, engage our senses, and strengthen our intuition. Tune in to learn the simple, tangible advice that can lead to a life filled with more joy, peace, and abundance.  // LEARN MORE FROM KATE NORTHRUP //  Visit his website katenorthrup.com.  Follow her on Instagram @katenorthrup.   Listen to her podcast, Plenty, wherever you podcast.  Purchase her books, Do Less and Money: A Love Story.   // KEEP IN TOUCH WITH DR. SARA // If you have a question, leave a voicemail at speakpipe.com/treated  Follow on IG: @saragottfriedmd @treatedwithdrsara Watch Treated on YouTube  Produced by Dear Media.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Did you know that some people take a small dose of LSD in the morning instead of an SSRI to treat depression? Microdosing psychedelics has become more mainstream, and today, Dr. Sara explores the growing body of research on microdosing to improve overall health. Although limited, studies have shown that microdosing LSD and psilocybin can improve blood pressure, sleep, mood, social cognition, and—anecdotally—creativity, with no reported adverse side effects. Dr. Sara examines the intricacies of these studies and highlights some of their limitations—particularly the lack of research on microdosing in women, and why this needs to change as the field continues to grow. To finish, Dr. Sara shares her personal experience with microdosing and what she hopes to see in the future. // BOOKS AND ARTICLES ON MICRODOSING //  ‘Microdosing: The people taking LSD with their breakfast’ ‘Silicon Valley Is Micro-Dosing ‘Magic Mushrooms’ To Boost Their Careers’ ‘Mommies Who Mushroom’ ‘Microdosing Psilocybin Mushrooms Improves Mood And Mental Health After One Month, New Study Finds’ Ayelet Waldman — A Really Good Day: How Microdosing Made a Mega Difference in My Mood, My Marriage, and My Life James Fadiman — Microdosing for Health, Healing, and Enhanced Performance James Fadiman — The Psychedelic Explorer's Guide: Safe, Therapeutic, and Sacred Journeys // RESOURCES ON MICRODOSING LSD //  Study published in 2024 (examining doses of 5 to 20 micrograms of LSD): Murphy, Robin J., Suresh Muthukumaraswamy, and Harriet de Wit. 2024. "Microdosing Psychedelics: Current Evidence From Controlled Studies." Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging 9 (5): 500-511. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpsc.2024.01.002.   Study published in 2024 by Allen et al. (examining 10 micrograms of LSD in men):  Allen, Nathan, Aron Jeremiah, Robin Murphy, Rachael Sumner, Anna Forsyth, Nicholas Hoeh, David Menkes, William Evans, Suresh Muthukumaraswamy, Frederick Sundram, and Partha Roop. 2024. "LSD Increases Sleep Duration the Night After Microdosing." Translational Psychiatry 14. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-024-02900-4. Study of eight men given LSD for creativity:  Murphy, R.J., R.L. Sumner, K. Godfrey, et al. 2025. "Multimodal Creativity Assessments Following Acute and Sustained Microdosing of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide." Psychopharmacology 242: 337–351. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-024-06680-z. Study in men on LSD and sleep (80 subjects):  Allen, Nathan, Aron Jeremiah, Robin Murphy, Rachael Sumner, Anna Forsyth, Nicholas Hoeh, David B. Menkes, William Evans, Suresh Muthukumaraswamy, Frederick Sundram, and Partha Roop. 1 2024. "LSD Increases Sleep Duration the Night After Microdosing." Translational Psychiatry 14 (1): 191.  // RESOURCES ON MICRODOSING MUSHROOMS //  Study of 34 people given 0.5 grams of dried mushroom: Cavanna, Federico, Stephanie Muller, Laura Alethia de la Fuente, Federico Zamberlan, Matías Palmucci, Lucie Janeckova, Martin Kuchar, Carla Pallavicini, and Enzo Tagliazucchi. 2021. "Microevidence for Microdosing with Psilocybin Mushrooms: A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study of Subjective Effects, Behavior, Creativity, Perception, Cognition, and Brain Activity." bioRxiv 2021.11.30.470657. https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.11.30.470657. // RESOURCES ON MICRODOSING LSD AND MUSHROOMS //  Polito, Vince, and Priyanka Liknaitzky. 2022. "The Emerging Science of Microdosing: A Systematic Review of Research on Low Dose Psychedelics (1955-2021) and Recommendations for the Field." Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews 139 (August): 104706. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104706.   Polito V, Liknaitzky P. Is microdosing a placebo? A rapid review of low-dose LSD and psilocybin research. J Psychopharmacol. 2024 Aug;38(8):701-711. doi: 10.1177/02698811241254831. Epub 2024 Jun 14. PMID: 38877715; PMCID: PMC11311906.   // KEEP IN TOUCH WITH DR. SARA // If you have a question, leave a voicemail at speakpipe.com/treated  Follow on IG: @saragottfriedmd @treatedwithdrsara Watch Treated on YouTube Produced by Dear Media.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How do we balance our polarities—our feminine and masculine, our lightness and darkness? In this episode, Dr. Brad Jacobs and Dr. Sara discuss how to balance our lives to optimize our healthspan by focusing on what is common sense but not common practice. Dr. Brad Jacobs delves into the top health issues he sees in his patients: loneliness, sleep disturbances, and a complete denial of their health. He then explores the complexities of modern masculinity and the pitfalls of traditional masculine models. To conclude, Dr. Brad Jacobs provides practical strategies for men to achieve balance, improve their well-being, and foster healthier relationships. // LEARN MORE FROM DR. BRAD JACOBS //  Visit his website drbradjacobs.com  Follow him on Instagram @bradjacobsmd.   Follow on  // KEEP IN TOUCH WITH DR. SARA // If you have a question, leave a voicemail at speakpipe.com/treated  Follow on IG: @saragottfriedmd @treatedwithdrsara Watch Treated on YouTube  Produced by Dear Media.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.