Wellness Wednesday with 3W

Bloating, fatigue, irritability, brain fog, anxiety—what if some of it traces back to your gut?

In this episode of Wellness Wednesday, Helen sits down with 3W Medical Director, Jen Miller, to unpack the growing conversation around gut health and why it matters more than most people realize.

Jen shares the personal story that first sparked her interest in gut health after seeing dramatic changes in her toddler’s behavior and mood through dietary changes. From there, the conversation dives into the science behind the microbiome, inflammation, food sensitivities, antibiotics, mental health, and the connection between the gut and the brain.

They discuss:

• how gut health impacts mood, anxiety, and serotonin
• why the gut is closely connected to mental health
• common inflammatory foods like gluten and sugar
• the role of antibiotics in disrupting the microbiome
• how food diaries and elimination diets can help identify issues
• the difference between prebiotics and probiotics
• why many people feel dismissed when searching for root-cause answers

This episode is a practical, approachable introduction to understanding how nutrition and lifestyle choices may be affecting both your physical and mental health more than you think.

If you’re struggling with symptoms that feel unresolved or want support taking a more root-cause approach to your health, you can book an appointment with Jen and the 3W team at:

www.3wmedical.org

 

Disclaimer: 3W Medical for Women is a program of Women's Accessible Medical Services, PS (WAMS). The information shared in this podcast is the opinion of the speaker, or speakers. Medical information is not intended as individual medical consultation, but for general education only. Always consult your own health professional for personalized advice regarding medical decisions. 

 

 

For years, 3W’s FEMM program has focused on helping women understand and chart their cycles. But what happens when charting reveals that something is actually wrong?

In this episode of Wellness Wednesday, Helen sits down with Dr. Adeola Mead and Shannon Leach to introduce the next phase of FEMM at 3W: FEMM Medical Management.

They discuss how cycle abnormalities like painful periods, missing periods, irregular ovulation, infertility, PCOS, thyroid dysfunction, and endometriosis are often dismissed or normalized in women’s healthcare—and why that needs to change.

This conversation dives into:

• why ovulation is considered a vital sign
• the difference between symptom management and root-cause medicine
• how FEMM helps identify underlying hormonal and metabolic issues
• why birth control is often used as a Band-Aid solution
• the importance of teaching girls and women true body literacy
• how FEMM supports women in every stage of life—not just fertility

Dr. Mead and Shannon also share personal stories about infertility, misdiagnosis, and the frustration so many women face when they feel ignored by the healthcare system.

Whether you’re trying to understand your cycle, struggling with symptoms that have been brushed aside, or simply want to feel more informed about your body, this episode is an introduction to a more comprehensive approach to women’s healthcare.

If you’re in the Seattle area, 3W offers FEMM consultations, classes, and now expanded medical management services through trained clinicians who want to help women find real answers—not just temporary fixes.

Book an appointment today at: www.3wmedical.org 

 

Disclaimer: 3W Medical for Women is a program of Women's Accessible Medical Services, PS (WAMS). The information shared in this podcast is the opinion of the speaker, or speakers. Medical information is not intended as individual medical consultation, but for general education only. Always consult your own health professional for personalized advice regarding medical decisions. 

In this episode of Wellness Wednesday, Helen sits down with Dr. Theresa Santos to talk about her journey through medical school, motherhood, and becoming a board-certified family medicine physician.

This episode also introduces Dr. Santos as one of the newest providers at 3W Medical.

Together, they discuss the current state of primary care, why so many patients feel rushed or unseen in today’s healthcare system, and what it looks like to practice medicine in a more collaborative, patient-centered way. Dr. Santos also shares why she chose family medicine, the importance of finding a provider you truly connect with, and how longer appointments can completely change the patient experience.

The conversation also touches on:

• balancing medicine, marriage, and motherhood
• the shortage and burnout facing primary care today
• why patients should feel empowered to “shop around” for the right provider
• how shared decision-making builds better healthcare outcomes

If you’ve been searching for a provider who will actually take time to listen and partner with you in your healthcare, this episode offers a glimpse into the kind of care Dr. Santos hopes to provide at 3W.

Disclaimer: 3W Medical for Women is a program of Women's Accessible Medical Services, PS (WAMS). The information shared in this podcast is the opinion of the speaker, or speakers. Medical information is not intended as individual medical consultation, but for general education only. Always consult your own health professional for personalized advice regarding medical decisions. 

What if understanding your body was just… normal?

In this episode of Wellness Wednesday, Helen sits down with Laurisa, founder of Girls Who Know, and Amy, one of their educators, to talk about how they’re creating a new narrative for girls’ health.

Instead of waiting until problems show up, Girls Who Know is equipping young girls early with clear, age-appropriate education about their cycles, hormones, and overall health. The goal isn’t just information, but culture change. A generation of girls who grow up understanding their bodies, speaking about them confidently, and seeing body literacy as the standard.

Laurisa and Amy share why so many women feel disconnected from their bodies later in life and how early, honest education can change that trajectory entirely.

If you’ve ever thought, “Why didn’t I learn this sooner?” this episode shows what it looks like to make sure the next generation does.

Learn more about Girls Who Know at: https://www.girlswhoknow.com

 

Disclaimer: 3W Medical for Women is a program of Women's Accessible Medical Services, PS (WAMS). The information shared in this podcast is the opinion of the speaker, or speakers. Medical information is not intended as individual medical consultation, but for general education only. Always consult your own health professional for personalized advice regarding medical decisions. 

Many women grow up learning very little about how their bodies actually work. When cycle issues arise, the default solution is often medication or hormonal birth control—without much explanation of what’s happening beneath the surface.

In this episode of Wellness Wednesday, Helen is joined by FEMM instructors Aleksandra and Andie for a conversation about why women’s health education matters now more than ever.

They talk about the gaps in today’s healthcare system, why so many women feel dismissed when they bring up cycle concerns, and how fertility awareness education can give women a clearer picture of what’s happening in their bodies. Aleksandra and Andie also share how FEMM helps women learn to read the biological signs of their cycle and understand what those signs may be saying about overall health.

This episode is especially for women who feel like they were never really taught how their cycles work—and want a more informed, proactive approach to their health.

If you’re interested in learning more, 3W offers FEMM consultations and classes where trained instructors help women understand and chart their cycles in a supportive, educational setting.

Book a consultation/class today:

www.3wmedical.org

206-588-0311

 

Disclaimer: 3W Medical for Women is a program of Women's Accessible Medical Services, PS (WAMS). The information shared in this podcast is the opinion of the speaker, or speakers. Medical information is not intended as individual medical consultation, but for general education only. Always consult your own health professional for personalized advice regarding medical decisions. 

Walk into any supplement aisle and it’s overwhelming.

Magnesium for sleep. Vitamin D for immunity. B12 for energy. Fish oil for inflammation. But what do you actually need? And what’s worth your money?

In this episode, our nurse practitioner Shannon Leach, ARNP, MSN breaks down the core vitamins she consistently recommends to women — especially those navigating hormone health, fatigue, stress, and long-term prevention.

She shares:

• Why Vitamin D3 is foundational for immune health, mood, and hormone balance

• The importance of Magnesium (and which form she prefers)

• When to consider Omega-3s (fish oil)

• Why B vitamins, especially B12, matter for energy and nervous system support

• Supplements to be taking in the perimenopause stage

Shannon also names specific brands she trusts for quality and purity, including:

• Thorne – https://www.thorne.com

• Pure Encapsulations – https://www.pureencapsulations.com

• Nordic Naturals (for fish oil) – https://www.nordicnaturals.com

• Seeking Health – https://www.seekinghealth.com

If you’ve been piecing together your supplement routine based on social media trends, this episode will help you simplify and get intentional.

And if you want personalized guidance, you can schedule an appointment with Shannon at 3W to build a plan tailored to your labs, symptoms, and goals.

Book an appointment with Shannon today at: 

www.3wmedical.org

206-588-0311

 

Disclaimer: 3W Medical for Women is a program of Women's Accessible Medical Services, PS (WAMS). The information shared in this podcast is the opinion of the speaker, or speakers. Medical information is not intended as individual medical consultation, but for general education only. Always consult your own health professional for personalized advice regarding medical decisions. 

What if your cycle isn’t something to suppress—but something to listen to?

In this episode, Helen sits down with Lauren, certified FEMM teacher and long-time member of the 3W team, to break down what FEMM (Fertility Education & Medical Management) really is—and why cycle health is a critical indicator of overall health.

They talk about:

• Why painful, irregular, or heavy periods are not normal

• How hormonal birth control acts as a band-aid instead of addressing root causes

• What ovulation has to do with bone health, hormones, and long-term wellness

• How FEMM empowers women to understand their bodies and advocate for better care

This conversation goes beyond fertility. It’s about proactive, whole-person healthcare—and giving women the tools and language to understand what their bodies are communicating.

If you’ve ever been told your symptoms are “just part of being a woman,” this episode is for you.

👉 Learn more and book a FEMM class with 3W to start understanding your cycle—and your health—at a deeper level.

www.3wmedical.org

Disclaimer: 3W Medical for Women is a program of Women's Accessible Medical Services, PS (WAMS). The information shared in this podcast is the opinion of the speaker, or speakers. Medical information is not intended as individual medical consultation, but for general education only. Always consult your own health professional for personalized advice regarding medical decisions. 

What actually happens behind the scenes at 3W?

In this special episode of Wellness Wednesday, Helen brings together team members from both the medical and advancement sides of 3W to look back on a year of growth, challenges, and patient impact. It’s a candid, warm conversation that shows the heart of the organization: how the staff thinks, what they care about, and the moments that reminded them why this work matters.

This episode offers a personal, human look at the people who keep 3W running. Whether you’re a long-time patient, a supporter, or someone just discovering 3W, we invite you to tune in and celebrate the year with us.

Disclaimer: 3W Medical for Women is a program of Women's Accessible Medical Services, PS (WAMS). The information shared in this podcast is the opinion of the speaker, or speakers. Medical information is not intended as individual medical consultation, but for general education only. Always consult your own health professional for personalized advice regarding medical decisions. 

You’ve heard of vampire facials—but what about healing your uterus with your own blood?

In this episode of Wellness Wednesday, Helen sits down with Dr. Sarah Pederson, OBGYN, MD. and founder of Vera Fertility, to unpack one of the most innovative tools in restorative reproductive medicine: the intrauterine PRP wash.

Dr. Pederson explains how this procedure—using a patient’s own platelet-rich plasma—can help rejuvenate the uterine lining, support implantation, and offer new hope for women facing recurrent miscarriage, thin lining, chronic endometritis, or unexplained infertility. She walks through what the procedure actually looks like, who makes a good candidate, and why so many patients who’ve hit a wall elsewhere are flying to Colorado just to get this done.

They also talk about:

• Why inflammation and allergies can quietly sabotage fertility

• How chronic infection in the uterus gets completely missed in mainstream care

• The difference between PRP wash and surgical ablation (and why they’re opposites)

• How PRP is also used in endometriosis surgery and to support egg quality

If you’ve ever wondered whether there are options beyond birth control, ablations, or IVF, this episode is for you. Dr. Pederson lays out a hopeful, holistic vision of women’s health—one where your symptoms matter, your uterus is understood, and healing is actually possible.

Learn more about Dr. Sarah Pederson and Vera Fertility here:
https://verafertility.com/our-team/dr-sarah-pederson/

 

Disclaimer: 3W Medical for Women is a program of Women's Accessible Medical Services, PS (WAMS). The information shared in this podcast is the opinion of the speaker, or speakers. Medical information is not intended as individual medical consultation, but for general education only. Always consult your own health professional for personalized advice regarding medical decisions. 

Why isn’t nutrition part of the fertility conversation?

In this episode of Wellness Wednesday, Helen talks with Ginny Noce, a registered nurse, certified fertility awareness instructor, and functional medicine nutritionist who’s changing how women understand their bodies. Ginny shares how a clinical rotation in women’s health led her to discover the FEMM method—and opened her eyes to the deep connection between hormones, nutrition, and fertility.

After being diagnosed with PCOS herself and finding little help beyond birth control, Ginny began digging into the research—learning how diet, gut health, and insulin resistance can directly affect ovulation, miscarriage risk, and overall hormone balance. Now, through her private practice, she helps women restore their health naturally using evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle strategies.

From practical guidance on what a hormone-healthy plate looks like, to the surprising link between gut infections and infertility, this conversation reveals what most doctors never mention—and how food can become one of the most powerful tools for fertility and long-term wellness.

Get connected with Ginny: 
https://thewomenshealthrn.com/ 

https://www.instagram.com/thewomenshealthrn/

 

Disclaimer: 3W Medical for Women is a program of Women's Accessible Medical Services, PS (WAMS). The information shared in this podcast is the opinion of the speaker, or speakers. Medical information is not intended as individual medical consultation, but for general education only. Always consult your own health professional for personalized advice regarding medical decisions.