What if the pain, heavy bleeding, and chaos you've accepted as "normal" isn't normal at all?

Naturopath and author Lara Briden reveals why your menstrual cycle is the most underrated health report card you'll ever get—and what it's actually telling you about insulin resistance, inflammation, and metabolic health. We explore why hormonal birth control isn't regulating your period (it's suppressing it), how dairy might be the key to lighter, pain-free cycles, and why perimenopause doesn't have to be the health crisis it's become.

Lara walks us through the hidden metabolic consequences of decades on the pill, the real drivers behind PCOS and endometriosis, and practical strategies that actually work—from antihistamines to magnesium to simply quitting alcohol during perimenopause. 

If you've been told your symptoms are "just hormones" or that you need to live with the pain, this conversation offers a different path forward.

 

Lara Briden's Books
Period Repair Manual: Natural Treatment for Better Hormones and Better Periods
Hormone Repair Manual: Every Woman's Guide to Healthy Hormones After 40
The Metabolism Reset
VIDEO: The Hidden Story of Endometriosis: Pain, Lesions, and the Microbiome

Episode Highlights:
Why pill bleeds aren't real periods—and what that means for long-term health
How to tell if you're actually ovulating and why it matters beyond fertility
The link between dairy, histamine, and heavy, painful periods
What normal menstrual flow actually looks like—and when to seek help
Why hormonal birth control may be undermining metabolic health
Practical strategies for navigating perimenopause without losing your mind

About Our Guest:

Lara Briden is a naturopathic doctor and the bestselling author of Period Repair Manual, Hormone Repair Manual, and The Metabolism Reset. She has consulting rooms in Christchurch, New Zealand, where she treats women with PCOS, PMS, endometriosis, perimenopause, and many other hormone- and period-related health problems. 

 

Connect with Lara Briden
Website | www.larabriden.com
Facebook | www.facebook.com/LaraBriden
X | @LaraBriden
Instagram | @larabriden
YouTube | www.youtube.com/larabriden
TikTok | @larabriden

What if the pain, heavy bleeding, and chaos you've accepted as "normal" isn't normal at all?
Naturopath and author Lara Briden reveals why your menstrual cycle is the most underrated health report card you'll ever get&mdash;and what it's actually telling you about insulin resistance, inflammation, and metabolic health. We explore why hormonal birth control isn't regulating your period (it's suppressing it), how dairy might be the key to lighter, pain-free cycles, and why perimenopause doesn't have to be the health crisis it's become.
Lara walks us through the hidden metabolic consequences of decades on the pill, the real drivers behind PCOS and endometriosis, and practical strategies that actually work&mdash;from antihistamines to magnesium to simply quitting alcohol during perimenopause.&nbsp;
If you've been told your symptoms are "just hormones" or that you need to live with the pain, this conversation offers a different path forward.
&nbsp;
Lara Briden's Books
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Period-Repair-Manual-Treatment-Hormones/dp/1975926773">Period Repair Manual: Natural Treatment for Better Hormones and Better Periods</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hormone-Repair-Manual-Healthy-Hormones/dp/0648352447">Hormone Repair Manual: Every Woman's Guide to Healthy Hormones After 40</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Metabolism-Reset-Lara-Briden-ebook/dp/B0CW1LJWFX">The Metabolism Reset</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">VIDEO:<a href="https://www.larabriden.com/the-hidden-story-of-endometriosis-pain-lesions-and-the-microbiome/"> The Hidden Story of Endometriosis: Pain, Lesions, and the Microbiome</a></li>
</ul>
Episode Highlights:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Why pill bleeds aren't real periods&mdash;and what that means for long-term health</li>
<li aria-level="1">How to tell if you're actually ovulating and why it matters beyond fertility</li>
<li aria-level="1">The link between dairy, histamine, and heavy, painful periods</li>
<li aria-level="1">What normal menstrual flow actually looks like&mdash;and when to seek help</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why hormonal birth control may be undermining metabolic health</li>
<li aria-level="1">Practical strategies for navigating perimenopause without losing your mind</li>
</ul>
About Our Guest:
Lara Briden is a naturopathic doctor and the bestselling author of Period Repair Manual, Hormone Repair Manual, and The Metabolism Reset. She has consulting rooms in Christchurch, New Zealand, where she treats women with PCOS, PMS, endometriosis, perimenopause, and many other hormone- and period-related health problems.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Connect with Lara Briden
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Website | <a href="https://www.larabriden.com/">www.larabriden.com</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Facebook | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LaraBriden/">www.facebook.com/LaraBriden</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">X | <a href="https://twitter.com/LaraBriden">@LaraBriden</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Instagram | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/larabriden/">@larabriden</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">YouTube | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/larabriden">www.youtube.com/larabriden</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">TikTok |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/larabriden">@larabriden</a></li>
</ul>

On the Australian Weight Loss Surgery Podcast, we share tips, insights and recommendations from leading Bariatric specialists to help you achieve and maintain your weight loss goals and live a life of health and vitality.


Qualified Nutritionist Jacqui Lewis and her guests dive into aspects of diet, fitness, wellbeing, mindset and lifestyle that come together to achieve great results on your Weight Loss Surgery journey.

On the Australian Weight Loss Surgery Podcast, we share tips, insights and recommendations from leading Bariatric specialists to help you achieve and maintain your weight loss goals and live a life of health and vitality.
 Qualified Nutritionist Jacqui Lewis and her guests dive into aspects of diet, fitness, wellbeing, mindset and lifestyle that come together to achieve great results on your Weight Loss Surgery journey.

Australian Weight Loss Surgery Podcast

On the Australian Weight Loss Surgery Podcast we share tips, insights and recommendations from leading bariatric specialists, to help you achieve and maintain your weight loss goals and live a life of health and vitality.


Nutritionist Jacqui Lewis and her guests dive into aspects of diet, fitness, wellbeing, mindset and lifestyle that come together to achieve great results on your weight loss surgery journey.

On the Australian Weight Loss Surgery Podcast we share tips, insights and recommendations from leading bariatric specialists, to help you achieve and maintain your weight loss goals and live a life of health and vitality.
 Nutritionist Jacqui Lewis and her guests dive into aspects of diet, fitness, wellbeing, mindset and lifestyle that come together to achieve great results on your weight loss surgery journey.

Your Period Is Trying to Tell You Something with Lara Briden

What if the biggest obstacle after weight loss surgery isn't the stalls, the food aversions, or even the physical recovery—but the voice in your head?

Alex Lauren takes us five months into her bariatric journey, beyond the highlight reel most people share online. She unpacks the hypercritical inner dialogue that emerged during her first stall, the unexpected ways her autoimmune condition shaped her approach to food and movement, and why preparation for surgery started eight months before she ever stepped into the operating room.

This isn't another "I lost X kilos" story. Alex reveals how she used GLP-1 medication strategically before surgery, rebuilt her relationship with food through therapy and journaling, and learned to decenter weight loss when chronic pain demanded it. We explore the comparison trap that dominates bariatric communities, why vulnerability became her most powerful tool, and how showing up authentically online created connections she never knew she needed.

If you've ever wondered what really happens when the scales don't move as expected, or how to navigate bariatric life when your body has its own rules, this conversation matters.

Episode Highlights:
Why the first weight loss stall hits harder psychologically than physically
How intentional pre-surgery preparation shaped seamless post-op life
Using bariatric surgery as a reset to identify autoimmune food triggers
The hidden cost of comparison in Facebook groups and online communities
Why expressing emotions replaced emotional eating
Balancing chronic pain management with weight loss goals

About Our Guest:

Alexandra has just hit five months post-op following weight-loss surgery and shares her journey online with a strong focus on honesty, sustainability, and mindset. She lives with ankylosing spondylitis, an autoimmune condition, so her experience includes navigating surgery alongside chronic pain, inflammation, and medication, something that’s shaped her approach to both food and movement. Online, she creates engaging, no-shame content that focuses on building a healthy relationship with food, dismantling diet culture, and showing what real life after surgery actually looks like, not just the highlights.  

If you need something shorter:  Alexandra is five months post-op and shares her weight-loss surgery journey online with an honest, no-shame approach. Living with ankylosing spondylitis, she speaks to the realities of balancing surgery, chronic illness, and mindset, while showing what real life after surgery looks like beyond the highlights

 

Connect with Alex
Instagram: @keepingupwithalexlauren
TikTok: @keepingupwithalexlauren

What if the biggest obstacle after weight loss surgery isn't the stalls, the food aversions, or even the physical recovery&mdash;but the voice in your head?
Alex Lauren takes us five months into her bariatric journey, beyond the highlight reel most people share online. She unpacks the hypercritical inner dialogue that emerged during her first stall, the unexpected ways her autoimmune condition shaped her approach to food and movement, and why preparation for surgery started eight months before she ever stepped into the operating room.
This isn't another "I lost X kilos" story. Alex reveals how she used GLP-1 medication strategically before surgery, rebuilt her relationship with food through therapy and journaling, and learned to decenter weight loss when chronic pain demanded it. We explore the comparison trap that dominates bariatric communities, why vulnerability became her most powerful tool, and how showing up authentically online created connections she never knew she needed.
If you've ever wondered what really happens when the scales don't move as expected, or how to navigate bariatric life when your body has its own rules, this conversation matters.
Episode Highlights:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Why the first weight loss stall hits harder psychologically than physically</li>
<li aria-level="1">How intentional pre-surgery preparation shaped seamless post-op life</li>
<li aria-level="1">Using bariatric surgery as a reset to identify autoimmune food triggers</li>
<li aria-level="1">The hidden cost of comparison in Facebook groups and online communities</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why expressing emotions replaced emotional eating</li>
<li aria-level="1">Balancing chronic pain management with weight loss goals</li>
</ul>
About Our Guest:
Alexandra has just hit five months post-op following weight-loss surgery and shares her journey online with a strong focus on honesty, sustainability, and mindset. She lives with ankylosing spondylitis, an autoimmune condition, so her experience includes navigating surgery alongside chronic pain, inflammation, and medication, something that&rsquo;s shaped her approach to both food and movement. Online, she creates engaging, no-shame content that focuses on building a healthy relationship with food, dismantling diet culture, and showing what real life after surgery actually looks like, not just the highlights.&nbsp;&nbsp;
If you need something shorter:&nbsp; Alexandra is five months post-op and shares her weight-loss surgery journey online with an honest, no-shame approach. Living with ankylosing spondylitis, she speaks to the realities of balancing surgery, chronic illness, and mindset, while showing what real life after surgery looks like beyond the highlights
&nbsp;
Connect with Alex
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/keepingupwithalexlauren">@keepingupwithalexlauren</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@keepingupwithalexlauren">@keepingupwithalexlauren</a></li>
</ul>

When Surgery Isn't Enough: Navigating Weight Loss with Chronic Illness with Alex Lauren

What if the simple act of stepping on the scales is doing more harm than good?

Dr. Cal Paterson challenges something we've all accepted as routine: weighing patients. We explore why weight and obesity aren't the same thing, how the scales have become a measure of worth rather than health, and why this seemingly innocent medical procedure deserves far more thought than it gets.

Cal walks us through the changing landscape of obesity medicine, where patients with lived experience now sit on panels alongside doctors, and where the conversation is shifting from "what do you weigh?" to "how are you living?" We discuss the collision of the eating disorder and obesity worlds, the problems with BMI as our go-to measure, and why grip strength might tell us more about health than a number on the scales ever could.

If you've ever felt that tightness in your chest before a weigh-in, or watched a patient's face fall when they see the number, this conversation matters.

Dr Cal Paterson has shared some additional materials:
Cal will be hosting a webinar for IFSO later this month on the role of psychology in obesity surgery across the Asia-Pacific region. Details: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/4_1X1jtQTO6fug9OjMVRPA#/registration
Cal’s paper will be published in the Journal of Public Health Ethics in the new year. Journal link: https://academic.oup.com/phe

 

Episode Highlights:
Why weight and obesity are two completely different things
How weighing functions as a medical procedure that requires consent and care
The role shame and stigma play in perpetuating poor health outcomes
Why doctors rarely define success by weight, yet it dominates consultations
Alternative ways to measure health and progress
What patients can actually control versus what they're blamed for

About Our Guest:

Dr Cal Paterson is a clinical psychologist working in Sydney. He has practiced as a clinician, teacher, and consultant in mental and chronic health since 1997. Cal has presented papers and workshops on obesity care, eating disorders, and behaviour change in Australia and internationally. Cal completed a Clinical Psychology Doctorate in 2007 with the acceptance of his thesis titled “Great Expectations; Applying common factors theory to practice in treatment for Anxiety and Depression." He is a founding member of the Australian Clinical Psychology Association, and Vice-chair of the Integrated Health committee of the International Federation of Surgery and other Therapies for Obesity Asia-Pacific chapter. Cal is the author of papers and book chapters on topics ranging from child development, to CBT, to the role of placebo in psychology treatment. He most recently had a discussion paper accepted for publication by the Journal of Public Health Ethics, titled: “Should Weight be Given Less Weight in Obesity?”

 

Connect with Dr. Cal Paterson
LinkedIn | https://au.linkedin.com/in/cal-paterson-19891b26
X (Twitter) @obesitypsych

What if the simple act of stepping on the scales is doing more harm than good?
Dr. Cal Paterson challenges something we've all accepted as routine: weighing patients. We explore why weight and obesity aren't the same thing, how the scales have become a measure of worth rather than health, and why this seemingly innocent medical procedure deserves far more thought than it gets.
Cal walks us through the changing landscape of obesity medicine, where patients with lived experience now sit on panels alongside doctors, and where the conversation is shifting from "what do you weigh?" to "how are you living?" We discuss the collision of the eating disorder and obesity worlds, the problems with BMI as our go-to measure, and why grip strength might tell us more about health than a number on the scales ever could.
If you've ever felt that tightness in your chest before a weigh-in, or watched a patient's face fall when they see the number, this conversation matters.
Dr Cal Paterson has shared some additional materials:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Cal will be hosting a webinar for IFSO later this month on the role of psychology in obesity surgery across the Asia-Pacific region. Details: <a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/4_1X1jtQTO6fug9OjMVRPA#/registration">https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/4_1X1jtQTO6fug9OjMVRPA#/registration</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Cal&rsquo;s paper will be published in the Journal of Public Health Ethics in the new year. Journal link: <a href="https://academic.oup.com/phe">https://academic.oup.com/phe</a></li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Episode Highlights:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Why weight and obesity are two completely different things</li>
<li aria-level="1">How weighing functions as a medical procedure that requires consent and care</li>
<li aria-level="1">The role shame and stigma play in perpetuating poor health outcomes</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why doctors rarely define success by weight, yet it dominates consultations</li>
<li aria-level="1">Alternative ways to measure health and progress</li>
<li aria-level="1">What patients can actually control versus what they're blamed for</li>
</ul>
About Our Guest:
Dr Cal Paterson is a clinical psychologist working in Sydney. He has practiced as a clinician, teacher, and consultant in mental and chronic health since 1997. Cal has presented papers and workshops on obesity care, eating disorders, and behaviour change in Australia and internationally. Cal completed a Clinical Psychology Doctorate in 2007 with the acceptance of his thesis titled &ldquo;Great Expectations; Applying common factors theory to practice in treatment for Anxiety and Depression." He is a founding member of the Australian Clinical Psychology Association, and Vice-chair of the Integrated Health committee of the International Federation of Surgery and other Therapies for Obesity Asia-Pacific chapter. Cal is the author of papers and book chapters on topics ranging from child development, to CBT, to the role of placebo in psychology treatment. He most recently had a discussion paper accepted for publication by the Journal of Public Health Ethics, titled: &ldquo;Should Weight be Given Less Weight in Obesity?&rdquo;
&nbsp;
Connect with Dr. Cal Paterson
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">LinkedIn | <a href="https://au.linkedin.com/in/cal-paterson-19891b26">https://au.linkedin.com/in/cal-paterson-19891b26</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">X (Twitter) <a href="https://twitter.com/obesitypsych">@obesitypsych</a></li>
</ul>

Why Weighing Patients Isn't as Simple as We Think with Dr. Cal Paterson

What if you could stop guessing what works for your body and actually see what's happening inside?

John Wright from Metabolic Health Solutions joins me to talk about something we don't discuss enough: metabolism and how it actually works. We dig into why the number on the scale doesn't tell us much about our health, and how testing your metabolism gives you real information you can use. John explains what his ECAL technology measures, how it works, and why knowing how your body uses oxygen and produces carbon dioxide matters more than you might think. We talk about muscle mass, why protein matters, the role of alcohol in weight management, and how personalized data can help you make better choices instead of trying every diet that worked for someone else.

If you're tired of stabbing around in the dark with your weight loss efforts, this episode offers a different way forward. 

John has shared some additional materials:
Check your metabolism with MHS for Patients:www.MHS.clinic
A White Paper on Indirect Calorimetry with GLP-1RA therapeutics
A summary paper on METS_iQ as a companion diagnostic for GLP-1 optimisation*

Episode Highlights:
What metabolism is and why it matters more than weight
How ECAL technology measures your body's fuel use
Where fat goes when you lose it
Why carbohydrate intake affects fat burning
The role of muscle mass in metabolic rate
Movement versus structured exercise
Why personalized data helps with adherence and outcomes

About Our Guest:

John Wright is a global healthcare business manager with considerable leadership, business development and strategic management experience in startups, SMEs, and multi-billion-dollar corporations. He has also led the development of clinical trial and regulatory teams in therapeutic areas including oncology, respiratory diseases, and metabolic disorders.

John built, grew, and exited a global clinical health data business to NYSE listed Rogers Corporation. During this time, he led the team to develop the first 3 physician real time training portals including programs for the European Society of Cardiology and the European Society for Medical Oncology.

John is the co-founder of Metabolic Health Solutions Pty Ltd, a device and digital health company focused on delivering evidence based clinical solutions for weight and associated metabolic health.

Connect with Metabolic Health Solutions:
Facebook: Metabolic Health Solutions
LinkedIn: Metabolic Health Solutions

Connect with John Wright
Facebook: John Wright
LinkedIn: John Wright

What if you could stop guessing what works for your body and actually see what's happening inside?
John Wright from Metabolic Health Solutions joins me to talk about something we don't discuss enough: metabolism and how it actually works. We dig into why the number on the scale doesn't tell us much about our health, and how testing your metabolism gives you real information you can use. John explains what his ECAL technology measures, how it works, and why knowing how your body uses oxygen and produces carbon dioxide matters more than you might think. We talk about muscle mass, why protein matters, the role of alcohol in weight management, and how personalized data can help you make better choices instead of trying every diet that worked for someone else.
If you're tired of stabbing around in the dark with your weight loss efforts, this episode offers a different way forward.&nbsp;
John has shared some additional materials:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Check your metabolism with MHS for Patients:<a href="http://www.mhs.clinic/"> </a><a href="http://www.mhs.clinic">www.MHS.clinic</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://t36823765.p.clickup-attachments.com/t36823765/b913e9d2-020b-4253-a4d2-6e13e6fe1840/GLP-1%20RA%20Metabolism%20Monitoring_WPFinal.pdf">A White Paper on Indirect Calorimetry with GLP-1RA therapeutics</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://t36823765.p.clickup-attachments.com/t36823765/b14ba2d7-04d3-4ef8-aa5f-90af72e6b2d6/METS_iQ%20as%20Companion%20Diagnostic%20.pdf">A summary paper on METS_iQ as a companion diagnostic for GLP-1 optimisation*</a></li>
</ul>
Episode Highlights:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">What metabolism is and why it matters more than weight</li>
<li aria-level="1">How ECAL technology measures your body's fuel use</li>
<li aria-level="1">Where fat goes when you lose it</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why carbohydrate intake affects fat burning</li>
<li aria-level="1">The role of muscle mass in metabolic rate</li>
<li aria-level="1">Movement versus structured exercise</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why personalized data helps with adherence and outcomes</li>
</ul>
About Our Guest:
John Wright is a global healthcare business manager with considerable leadership, business development and strategic management experience in startups, SMEs, and multi-billion-dollar corporations. He has also led the development of clinical trial and regulatory teams in therapeutic areas including oncology, respiratory diseases, and metabolic disorders.
John built, grew, and exited a global clinical health data business to NYSE listed Rogers Corporation. During this time, he led the team to develop the first 3 physician real time training portals including programs for the European Society of Cardiology and the European Society for Medical Oncology.
John is the co-founder of Metabolic Health Solutions Pty Ltd, a device and digital health company focused on delivering evidence based clinical solutions for weight and associated metabolic health.
Connect with Metabolic Health Solutions:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Facebook:<a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Metabolic-Health-Solutions-100063784823408/"> Metabolic Health Solutions</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">LinkedIn:<a href="https://au.linkedin.com/company/metabolic-health-solutions"> Metabolic Health Solutions</a></li>
</ul>
Connect with John Wright
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Facebook:<a href="https://www.facebook.com/john.wright.808052/"> John Wright</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">LinkedIn:<a href="https://au.linkedin.com/in/john-wright-mhs"> John Wright</a></li>
</ul>

Your Period Is Trying to Tell You Something with Lara Briden

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