Show notes
Have you ever been told your labs are “normal” even though you’re struggling with fatigue, brain fog, bloating, hormonal weight gain, thyroid symptoms, anxiety, constipation, poor digestion, or weight loss resistance?
In this episode of the Body Freedom Podcast, Michele Scarlet sits down with Dr. Stephanie Dunlop, board-certified emergency medicine physician and founder of RootRx, to explore why so many women are dismissed by conventional medicine despite experiencing very real symptoms.
After gaining over 30 pounds in just a few months postpartum, Dr. Dunlop was repeatedly told everything was normal. That experience led her into the world of functional medicine, where advanced testing uncovered deeper issues involving gut health, cortisol dysfunction, thyroid conversion problems, nervous system dysregulation, inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction.
Together, Michele and Dr. Dunlop discuss why perimenopause symptoms often reveal underlying dysfunction that has been developing for years, why the hormone imbalance women experience is rarely just about estrogen alone, and how thyroid issues women face are frequently missed when only TSH is tested.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Why normal lab results do not always mean optimal health
The connection between cortisol, adrenal dysfunction, thyroid health, and hormone balance
How gut health women often overlook can directly impact hormones and metabolism
Why T4 to T3 thyroid conversion matters more than many women realize
The role of inflammation, digestion, and detoxification pathways in women’s health
Why weight loss after 40 women struggle with is often a metabolic issue, not a willpower issue
How nervous system regulation influences hormone health, recovery, and long-term wellness
Why eating less and exercising more can sometimes make symptoms worse
If you've been wondering why you can't lose weight after 40, why you're gaining weight with no reason, or why your symptoms keep getting dismissed despite “normal” labs, this conversation offers a powerful root-cause perspective.
Because true healing starts when we stop guessing and start understanding what the body is trying to tell us.
🔥 TAKE THE METABOLISM QUIZ
Want to know exactly what’s driving your weight gain and symptoms? 👉 https://michelescarlethealth.com/metabolism-qz
📲Connect with Dr Stephanie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/docstephaniemd/
⚠️ DISCLAIMER This content is for education only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes.
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