In this episode of The Hormone Café, Dr. Sarah Pederson, holistic OB-GYN and founder of Vera Health and Fertility in Westminster, Colorado, explains the ovulation process, how to know if you are ovulating, types of ovulation dysfunction, and strategies to treat ovulatory issues.
Ovulation is a cornerstone of reproductive health and fertility. It’s the process where a dominant follicle releases an egg, usually about 14 days before your next period. But ovulation isn’t just a single event—it starts months earlier as follicles are recruited and prepared for a healthy cycle. Understanding how ovulation works and spotting potential dysfunction is key for anyone trying to conceive or maintain hormonal balance.
Irregular periods are common—but they’re not something to ignore. While cycles naturally vary slightly, frequent, unpredictable, or abnormal bleeding can signal underlying issues. Proper evaluation and targeted treatment can help restore balance and protect reproductive health.
In this episode of The Hormone Café, Dr. Sarah Pederson, holistic OB-GYN and founder of Vera Health and Fertility in Westminster, Colorado, discusses irregular bleeding. She explains what counts as an irregular period, the possible causes—from hormonal imbalances to structural issues—and how to properly evaluate and treat irregular cycles.
In this episode of The Hormone Café, Dr. Sarah Pederson, holistic OB-GYN and founder of Vera Health and Fertility in Westminster, Colorado, dives into the topic of painful cycles. She breaks down what a normal period looks like versus a painful cycle, explores the different causes, how to properly evaluate your pain, and shares treatment strategies to help reduce discomfort.
Painful periods are common—but that doesn’t mean they’re normal. While mild cramping can be expected, severe cycle pain that disrupts daily life often signals an underlying issue. Understanding the causes and getting a thorough evaluation can help reduce discomfort and protect your reproductive health.
In this episode of The Hormone Café, Dr. Sarah Pederson, holistic OB-GYN and founder of Vera Health and Fertility in Westminster, Colorado, sits down with Nurse Practitioner Emily, a women’s health specialist who recently experienced postpartum herself. They discuss key strategies for postpartum self-care, covering sleep, partner support, vaginal and perineal health, breast care, nutrition, exercise, sex, and returning periods. They share practical tips to help new moms recover, manage expectations, and maintain wellness for themselves and their families.
The postpartum period is a time of immense physical and emotional adjustment. Recovery doesn’t just happen automatically—it requires intentional care for your body, mind, and overall well-being. Focusing on sleep, nutrition, vaginal and breast health, exercise, and emotional support can help new parents recover safely and feel their best.
The postpartum period is often filled with joy, but it can also bring unexpected emotional challenges. While “baby blues” are common, affecting up to 80% of new mothers, postpartum anxiety and depression (PPAD) are more intense, persistent, and can impact daily functioning. Recognizing the difference, knowing prevention strategies, and understanding treatment options are key to supporting both recovery and long-term well-being.
In this episode of The Hormone Café, Dr. Sarah Pederson, holistic OB-GYN and founder of Vera Health and Fertility in Westminster, Colorado, sits down with Nurse Practitioner Emily, a women’s health specialist who recently experienced postpartum herself. They discuss one of the most important and often underdiscussed aspects of postpartum care: postpartum anxiety and depression (PPAD). They cover how to recognize the difference between typical “baby blues” and more serious mental health concerns, strategies for prevention, treatment options (both holistic and medical), and how friends and family can provide support.
