In this episode of Made for Health, Dr. Aaron Hartman is joined by Dr. Pamela W. Smith, a trailblazer in functional medicine and hormone health, for a deeply insightful conversation on the foundational role hormones play in overall well-being.

Dr. Smith unpacks the hormonal hierarchy—why addressing adrenal, thyroid, and sex hormones in the right order matters—and how chronic stress, unresolved trauma, and environmental toxins disrupt this delicate balance. She highlights the gut microbiome’s surprising role in hormone regulation, the necessity of personalized testing, and why detoxification is often a missing piece in healing protocols.

Together, they explore how functional hormone therapy, strategic weight management, and even rediscovering personal purpose can help patients reclaim vibrant health from the inside out.

• The hormonal hierarchy: adrenal, thyroid, and sex hormones explained
• How gut health impacts hormone balance—and vice versa
• The overlooked role of trauma and stress in hormone dysfunction
• Why personalized lab testing is essential for accurate diagnosis
• Detox strategies for hormone-disrupting toxins
• Insights into bioidentical hormone therapy and weight regulation
• The connection between purpose, mindset, and long-term healing

• Dr. Pamela W. Smith – Official Website: https://www.centerforselfhealingarts.com
• Books by Dr. Pamela W. Smith: Available on Amazon
• Dr. Aaron Hartman – Richmond Functional Medicine: richmondfunctionalmedicine.com
• YouTube – Richmond Functional Medicine: Watch Here
• LinkedIn – Dr. Aaron Hartman: Connect Here

👉 If you’re navigating hormone-related issues, gut imbalances, or just feel like something’s off—this episode is a must-listen. Subscribe to Made for Health, share this episode with someone who needs hope and clarity, and explore Dr. Smith’s books for deeper support on your healing journey.

In this episode of Made for Health, host Dr. Aaron Hartman answers a listener’s question by exploring how nutrition plays a critical role in our daily energy levels, cognitive clarity, and long-term health. Drawing from his clinical expertise, Dr. Hartman breaks down three of the biggest—but often overlooked—diet-related causes of fatigue: harmful fats, excess sugar and carbs, and chronic dehydration with low electrolytes.

He offers practical guidance on how to make smarter food choices, boost hydration, and improve your body’s ability to generate energy—without relying on caffeine or quick fixes. If you’ve ever hit an afternoon energy slump or struggled with brain fog, this bite-sized episode is full of simple shifts that can make a real difference.

• The top 3 nutrition-based causes of energy crashes
• How seed oils and bad fats disrupt your metabolism
• The sugar-insulin rollercoaster and its effect on brain function
• Why electrolytes are just as important as water
• Easy fixes for boosting hydration, focus, and stamina
• How to use food to fuel—not drain—your day

• What types of fats are harming your mitochondria and slowing you down?
• How does blood sugar instability affect mental clarity and energy?
• Are you drinking enough water—but still feeling tired?
• How can you improve energy without reaching for caffeine?

• How your diet may be silently sabotaging your energy
• The connection between hydration, sodium, and mental performance
• What Dr. Hartman recommends for sustainable focus and stamina
• Functional strategies to nourish your brain and body every day
• Why nutritional balance is key to long-term vitality

• Dr. Aaron Hartman – Richmond Functional Medicine: richmondfunctionalmedicine.com
• YouTube – Richmond Functional Medicine: Watch Here
• LinkedIn – Dr. Aaron Hartman: Connect Here

👉 If you’re ready to stop feeling drained and start fueling your day with intention, subscribe to Made for Health. Share this episode with a friend who needs an energy reset—and submit your own health questions for future episodes!

In this episode of Made for Health, host Erin is joined by Dr. Amie Hornaman, also known as The Thyroid Fixer, for a candid and empowering conversation about thyroid health, hormone balance, and personalized healing.

Dr. Hornaman shares her powerful personal story of being a high-performing athlete whose life was derailed by a misdiagnosed thyroid condition—an experience that ultimately inspired her to become one of today’s leading voices in thyroid education. Together, she and Erin explore the real challenges of diagnosing and treating thyroid dysfunction, the crucial role of nutrition (especially protein), and why muscle maintenance matters deeply for women’s hormone health.

They also dive into emerging therapies, why standard lab ranges aren’t always enough, and how to find practitioners who will listen, test thoroughly, and treat root causes—not just symptoms.

Show Highlights:

✅ Dr. Hornaman’s journey from frustrated patient to expert practitioner

✅ Why so many thyroid conditions go undiagnosed or undertreated

✅ The role of nutrition, especially protein, in thyroid and hormone balance

✅ How muscle mass impacts metabolism, energy, and hormone function

✅ Why one-size-fits-all treatments don’t work for thyroid health

✅ The promise of new therapies and testing approaches

✅ How to find and work with providers who truly understand thyroid dysfunction

Some Questions We Explore:

✅ Why is hypothyroidism often missed in women—even with lab testing?

✅ What’s the connection between protein, muscle, and thyroid function?

✅ How can you advocate for yourself if your labs say “normal” but you feel awful?

✅ What new tools and treatments are available today?

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

✅ How to recognize and address the hidden signs of thyroid dysfunction

✅ What a personalized approach to thyroid and hormone health really looks like

✅ How to use nutrition, strength, and mindset to reclaim your energy

✅ Where to go for trusted resources and support

Resources & Links:

🌐 Dr. Amie Hornaman – The Thyroid Fixer: dramiehornaman.com

🎙️ The Thyroid Fixer Podcast: Listen Here

📘 Free Thyroid Fixer Guide: Download Here

🌐 Dr. Aaron Hartman – Richmond Functional Medicine: richmondfunctionalmedicine.com

📺 YouTube – Richmond Functional Medicine: Watch Here

🎧 Closing Call to Action:

👉 If you’ve ever been told your labs are “normal” but you don’t feel normal, this episode is for you. Subscribe to Made for Health, share with someone struggling with hormone issues, and check out Dr. Amie’s free resources to get started on your thyroid healing journey.