Itchy and Bitchy
Episodes
Estrogen Has Been Let Out of Jail!
02 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Karen is joined by future Itchy and Bitchy hosts Stephen Miller, an acute care nurse practitioner specializing in cardiovascular disease, and Dr. Keit...
Dining with Your Dog: No Kibble Needed
18 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Family nurse practitioner Karen Nickell introduces future Itchy and Bitchy host Dr. Keith Hnilica, a veterinary dermatologist, for a lively conversati...
Can Heartbreak Physically Break Your Heart?
04 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Karen kicks off a new chapter for Itchy and Bitchy by introducing future host Stephen Miller, a cardiology nurse practitioner, for a conversation on T...
Vaginal Biofilm: Stranger Than Fiction!
21 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Karen answers a listener's question about vaginal biofilms. What are they and why do they make recurrent BV and yeast infections so hard to treat? She...
How to Reset Distress to Peace and Joy (RERUN)
14 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Karen shares a collection of grounding techniques to help listeners manage stress, anxiety, and negative emotions. From holding ice, savoring food, an...
AI in Medicine: Friend or Foe?
28 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Karen explains how AI is already being used in healthcare, from helping find polyps during colonoscopies to speeding documentation. She also covers th...
Digital Health: The New Wild, Wild West
14 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Karen unpacks the fast-growing world of digital health, from Apple Watch and smartphone apps to telehealth and new hospital tech that can improve care...
Healing After Pet Loss: A Personal Tale
31 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Karen shares a deeply personal episode on the human-animal bond after the loss of her family’s lovebird, Saki, exploring why pet grief can feel so p...
Grandmothers Rule: Menopausal Mammals Revisited
17 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Karen Nickell revisits menopausal mammal, this time with brand new context: new research from Uganda’s Ngogo chimpanzees shows some chimps experienc...
GLP-1: Not Just a Weight Loss Med
03 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Karen takes a look at GLP-1 receptor agonists, best known for weight loss and diabetes. She explores the rapidly expanding list of conditions these me...
Countdown of Karen's Top Ten Episodes of 2025
20 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Karen counts down her top 10 Itchy & Bitchy moments of 2025, from smarter New Year’s resolutions and promising UTI vaccines on the horizon to up...
Oh, Snap! Osteoporosis!
06 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Karen shares her personal journey with osteoporosis. What distinguishes it from osteopenia? How are DEXA T-scores interpreted? Why does early screenin...
Red Light Under My Christmas Tree?
22 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Karen breaks down red light therapy (photobiomodulation) and where it actually helps: smoothing signs of aging, supporting hair regrowth, calming acne...
Holiday Heart Doesn't Mean a Happy Heart (RERUN)
08 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Family nurse practitioner Karen re-airs a timely episode on “holiday heart syndrome,” the spike in alcohol-triggered arrhythmias (often AFib) that...
Surprising Update on Healthcare Self Advocacy!
25 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After listening to an episode of Itchy and Bitchy, a woman pushed for further testing and caught grade 1A ovarian cancer early—requiring only surger...
Estradiol and Skin: The Perfect Match!
11 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Karen tackles a common menopause question: oral vs. topical estradiol. She explains first-pass metabolism and why transdermal options can lower clot, ...
Redefining Lithium with Low Dosing
27 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Karen tackles a listener question about low-dose lithium. She reviews micro- vs. low-dose ranges, discusses forms like lithium orotate/aspartate and t...
Blood Tests for Multiple Cancers + Whole Body Scan Info
13 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this update to the August 2024 episode, Karen explains the surge of direct-to-consumer “whole-body” MRI/CT screenings and how to decide with yo...
BPC-157: What Are You Really Buying?
30 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Karen takes a look at BPC-157, the buzzy peptide touted for faster healing and joint relief, explaining what animal studies actually show, the lack of...
Getting to the Point: Microneedling Reviewed
16 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Karen demystifies the popular skincare treatment known as microneedling. She explores how this minimally invasive procedure stimulates collagen and el...
Unpacking Your Eye Bags
02 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Karen tackles the puffy eye predicament that's turning well-rested people into walking advertisements for concealer. From the cruel reality of aging t...
GLP-1 Meds & Hair Loss: Skinny and Bald Not the Look You're Going For?
19 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Karen tackles the surprising link between GLP-1 medication (like Ozempic and Wegovy) and hair loss. As more people turn to these drugs for diabetes an...
How to Keep Your Cool as the World Heats Up (RERUN)
05 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Karen shares potentially life-saving advice for staying safe in extreme heat as record-breaking temperatures sweep across the country. She explains ho...
Methylene Blue: What Is It Really?
21 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Karen unpacks the hype surrounding methylene blue, a vivid cobalt dye that's gained popularity as a trendy wellness supplement. From its historical us...
Face Taping: Karen's Mom is Loving This!
07 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Karen breaks down the growing trend of face taping as a non-invasive approach to reducing wrinkles and lifting sagging skin. She explains the differen...
Presto Chango: Hormone Precursors
24 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Karen breaks down the benefits of precursor hormones—specifically pregnenolone and DHEA—for those who struggle with traditional hormone replacemen...
Cancer in Young Adults: What in the World is Happening?
10 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Karen addresses the troubling rise in early-onset cancers among adults under 50, particularly women. Drawing on the latest research, she discusses con...
The Hormone Makeover with Donna White
26 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Karen welcomes Donna White, a leading expert in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) with over 30 years of experience. They discuss the myt...
Hormones and High Notes
12 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Karen unpacks the surprising connection between hormones and the human voice—especially for singers. Drawing from her dual background in opera and m...
Scalp Cooling to Spare Your Hair During Chemotherapy
30 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Karen shares how a friend's breast cancer diagnosis became a powerful example of self-advocacy in action. From discovering she didn’t need chemother...
The Best Health Advocate is YOU!
15 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Karen shares a powerful listener story about self-advocacy in healthcare and how trusting your instincts can be lifesaving. After experiencing persist...
Menopause and HPV (Part 2 of 2)
01 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Karen continues her discussion on HPV, focusing on the types of cancers it can cause and the best prevention methods. She breaks down the staggering s...
Menopause and HPV (Part 1 of 2)
22 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Karen unpacks the risks of HPV for women in their perimenopausal and menopausal years. She explains how the virus spreads, why it can re-emerge decade...
Iodine: This Element is Elemental!
15 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Karen explores the importance of iodine and how its deficiency can impact overall health. She discusses the essential role iodine plays in thyroid fun...
Not Another UTI! Help on the Horizon
02 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Karen explores the potential of UTI vaccines as an alternative to antibiotics for treating recurrent urinary tract infections. She explains how UTIs d...
Love Your Liver? Think Twice Before Starting Kava for Anxiety
18 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Karen examines the use of kava supplements, exploring their potential benefits for anxiety and their serious risks, including liver toxicity. She high...
2025 Resolutions: Karen Has One, Do You?
04 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Karen kicks off 2025 by examining the science behind New Year's resolutions. She explores why we make them, who is most likely to set goals for the ne...
The Great Undies Debate
21 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Karen settles the great debate: should you sleep with or without underwear? She explores the health benefits and potential drawbacks of both choices. ...
Baby, It's Cold Outside: What to Know About Cold Related Illness
07 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Karen discusses the dangers of cold-related illnesses and how to stay safe during the winter months. She explains the causes, symptoms, and prevention...
A Vagina Day! Beating Bacterial Vaginosis
23 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Karen addresses bacterial vaginosis (BV), a common vaginal infection that affects many women. She explains its symptoms, causes, and risk factors, whi...
How to Reset Distress to Peace and Joy
09 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Karen shares a collection of grounding techniques to help listeners manage stress, anxiety, and negative emotions.Visit our website itchyandbitchy.co...
Sore Tongue or Cracked Lips? Might Be Iron Deficiency Anemia
26 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Karen sheds light on iron deficiency anemia, covering its causes, symptoms, and treatment options. She explains the stages of anemia development, comm...
HRT Pellets: A Pain in the Butt or a Perfect Fit?
12 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Karen discusses hormone pellet therapy, one form of bioidentical hormone replacement that is designed to produce consistent, long-term hormone levels....
Inositol – It Helps Mood & Metabolic Problems
28 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Karen takes on the topic of inositol supplements, particularly their benefits for managing metabolic and mood disorders. She explores the science behi...
Magnesium Mix-up: So Many Choices! (RERUN)
21 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Karen answers the question: "What type of magnesium should I take if I decide to take a supplement?" She explains magnesium's essential role in health...
Karen Tells All About How to Improve That Saggy, Wrinkled Face
14 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Karen covers the topic of estrogen loss during perimenopause and its effects on skin health, particularly facial skin. She explores how declining estr...
Blood Test for Multiple Cancers: Yup, It Exists!
24 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Karen explores the Galleri test, a multi-cancer early detection (MCED) blood test that can identify over 50 types of cancer. She explains how the test...
There's No Hocus-Pocus to Get Focus
10 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You have a limited offer you can use now, that gets you up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one time purchases with code ITCHY20 at check...
Debunking TikTok Trends: Garlic Cloves Up the Nose?
27 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Karen addresses the rise of medical misinformation on TikTok. She highlights the dangers of following non-factual advice from non-medical influencers,...
How to Keep Your Cool as the World Heats Up (RERUN)
13 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Karen revisits the critical topic of heat exhaustion and heat stroke in light of record-breaking temperatures across the United States. She...
The Bite IS Worse Than the Buzz: Mosquito Borne Diseases (Part 2)
29 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In part two of our series on those pesky mosquitos, Karen dives into practical measures to prevent mosquito bites and protect against mosquito-borne d...
The Bite IS Worse Than the Buzz: Mosquito Borne Diseases
15 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As we head into summer, Karen buzzes into the world of mosquitoes and the serious health threats they pose. After explaining her own personal vendetta...
Grounding: Not Because You're in Trouble
01 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Karen explores the concept of grounding, also known as earthing, and its potential health benefits. She explains how grounding connects the body to th...
Have Depression, Anxiety, Fibromyalgia? MTHFR May Play a Role!
18 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Karen delves into the often-overlooked MTHFR genetic variant and its significant impact on health. She explains the crucial differences between folate...
At-Home Hormone Testing and Karen Goes on a Rant
04 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Karen discusses the importance of at-home testing and goes on a rant about providers who dismiss them (and their patients) out-of-hand.Visit our websi...
Just a Spoonful of Sugar Helps the Belly Fat Go Down
13 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Karen discusses recent research on the benefits of apple cider vinegar for weight loss. The study found that consuming up to one tablespoon of apple c...
Why Can't I Lose Weight: Stubborn Weight Loss Options
30 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Karen discusses practical strategies for overcoming stubborn weight loss challenges, particularly during perimenopause. She delves into the nuances of...
Magnesium Mix-up: So Many Choices!
16 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Karen answers the question: "What type of magnesium should I take if I decide to take a supplement?" She explains magnesium's essential role in health...
Muscle Is a Must
03 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Karen discusses sacropenia (loss of muscle and strength) and ways to combat it.Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many top...
Mercury and Menopause
17 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Karen discusses heavy metal exposure and its link to earlier menopause in middle-aged women.Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on...
What Do You Mean My Thyroid Is Normal?
04 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Karen shares some tips for keeping your thyroid healthy. Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topics we have covered on...
Naval Oiling: Yeah, It's a Thing!
21 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Karen takes on another TikTok trend. Does naval oiling help with anyting besides giving you a soft belly button?Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com t...
Rice Bran vs Rice Water = Karen vs TikTok
06 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Karen takes on the TikTok trend of using rice water to promote hair growth and provides a suggestion for a more effective alternative: rice bran oil. ...
How to Love Your Esophagus
23 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Karen discusses the misery of reflux and PPI treatment alternatives.Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topics we have...
Holiday Heart Doesn't Mean a Happy Heart
10 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As we enter the holiday season, Karen discusses a condition that can be more likely to occur this time of year: holiday heart syndrome.Visit our websi...
A Spotted Face May Not Be the Look You're Going For
18 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Karen discusses how to prevent and treat dark facial spots called Melasma. Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topics ...
Journey Back in Time for Our Fifth Anniversary
04 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Can you believe it's been five years? Karen takes us through two of our first episodes, back when we were Sweaty and Pissed with Leanne Morgan.Visit o...
Tackling Anxiety With an Oyster
21 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Feeling like your stomach is tied in knots? Karen discusses the foods, supplements, and activities that can help to reduce anxiety.Visit our website i...
Grandmothers Rule: Menopausal Mammals
07 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wondered which other animals experience menopause? Karen discusses scientific findings about the five other species of mammal we have observed en...
What Do Traffic Stops and Retinal Migraines Have in Common? Flashing Lights!
24 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Karen discusses retinal migraines, an eye condition that can cause momentary blindness or visual problems like flashing lights.Visit our website itchy...
Allergy and GI Symptoms All in One Package: Histamine Intolerance
09 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Karen discusses histamine intolerance: yet another reason not to eat spoiled food!Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many ...
How to Keep Your Cool as the World Heats Up
19 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Learn how to recognize and how to avoid heat exhaustion or heat stroke.Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topics we h...
More Than a Blue Mood: Postpartum Depression
12 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Karen reviews the newly FDA-approved med specifically for treating Postpartum Depression (PPD).Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts...
Can Human Organs Turn to Stone?
22 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Karen and David will reveal the answer to this unusual question. Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topics we have co...
Is Berberine the Super Supplement? Karen Tells All
15 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Could it be possible that there is a single supplement that can help battle high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar, diabetes, PCOS, i...
A Different Kind of Tired: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
08 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ever feel like no matter how much you sleep, you’re still tired? For people with a certain disorder, that fatigue can last for months at a time. Kar...
Hard As Nails: Don't You Wish Yours Were?
24 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Do you struggle to keep your nails from chipping and tearing? Karen discusses several methods for helping to keep your nails hard and healthy.Visit ou...
The Hair Necessities: Loss Prevention Strategies
10 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Karen discusses hair loss: it's many potential causes, strategies for preventing it, and ways to start promoting more growth.Visit our website itchyan...
Hot Off the Press: New Rx Option for Hot Flashes!
21 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Karen discusses a new option for treating hot flashes in people for whom HRT is not an option – Veozah.Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read ...
Ureaplasma: Small Bacteria, Big Problems!
06 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Karen discusses the tiniest cellural organism known to humans – a type of bacteria called Ureaplasma that can cause bacterial vaginosis (BV).Visit o...
How to Protect Your Brain from Alzheimer's
22 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Karen and David discuss the best ways to protect your brain from Alzheimer's.Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topic...
Has Your Va-jay-jay Dried Up?
08 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fear not! Karen shares the many options to address vaginal dryness.Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topics we have ...
Dang... I Have to Wait How Long?
25 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Journalist David Alan joins Karen in a discussion to determine why the wait times for medical specialist appointments are increasing.Visit our website...
Food Poisoning is Horrible, but Who Doesn't Love an Otter? (RERUN)
11 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This is a rerun of an episode of Sweaty and Pissed that originally aired December 14, 2019.Karen and Forrest got food poisoning but they also got to s...
But I LOVE My Gas Stove!
25 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Karen discusses the dangers of gas cooking and how to mitigate the risk.Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topics we ...
Perimenopause Chat with Dr. Angela DeRosa
11 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Karen talks with Dr. Angela DeRosa (drhotflash.com) about her experience treating perimenopausal women. Topics discussed include kisspeptin, the benef...
When Knocking Your Noggin is an Emergency
21 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Karen clarifies when a head injury calls for an ER visit.
How Your Frappuccino Affects Your Wrinkles (It Ain't Good!)
07 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Karen discusses some of the main lifestyle choices that can accelerate skin aging and how you can help prevent it.
Love Your Fingertips? Here's How to Keep Them!
17 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Karen dives into the ins and outs of Raynaud's Syndrome.
Spotting: It’s Annoying But Is It Dangerous?
03 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Karen reviews all the reasons for breakthrough vaginal bleeding.
Prediabetes: Do I Have It and What the Heck is It?
13 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How do you end up with a prediabetes diagnosis and what do you do to make sure it doesn't become diabetes?
Trust Your Gut: No, I Mean Trust Your Literal Gut
05 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Karen discusses the importance of gut health and the many ways to make sure you're supporting it.To schedule an appointment to chat with Karen about y...
Help! I've Fallen and I Can't Get Up!
29 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Karen discusses ways in which women can prevent falls and orthopedic injuries after age 40.To schedule an appointment to chat with Karen about your ex...
Is That Med Trash or Treasure?
15 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
If you have ever wondered if you should keep your expired meds, Karen will help with that!To schedule an appointment to chat with Karen about your exp...
If You Snooze, Do You Lose?
01 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Karen reviews the benefits of napping and discusses who shouldn't be napping!
Plug Into AMPS: It's Not What You Think It Is!
17 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Karen shares important information on a childhood pain syndrome and how to treat it.
No Nipple Involved: A Review of Plant-Based Milk Options
03 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Karen reviews the benefits of switching to plant-based milk and the differences between the various options.
Recurrent Bacterial Vaginosis: Is There an End in Sight?
20 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Karen talks about bacterial vaginosis (BV), a condition which most often occurs in those who douche, don't use condoms while having sex, or have new o...
Should We Make Sure We're Eating Resistant Starch?
06 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Karen discusses a new study on the benefits of eating resistant starch and gives examples of some foods that are high in resistant starch.
Karen’s Top Lab Picks to Assess Your Health (RERUN)
16 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This episode includes a list of all the tests Leanne has had and ignored.