15. Hormones control it all…from pregnancy to

perimenopause, with Teneika Gravely - Part 1

Listen to Hormones control it all…from pregnancy to perimenopause,
with Teneika Gravely - Part 1 wherever you get your podcasts

If you’ve ever felt like your hormones are running the show, you’re not alone!

In this episode I sit down with Teneika Gravely, Nurse Practitioner and hormone health expert, for a deep dive into how our hormones influence everything—from energy levels to mental health. 

We had so much to unpack that I split the conversation into two parts. In Part 1, we explore how hormones fluctuate through different life stages, and the surprising ways they impact pregnancy, birth, and postpartum recovery. We also get into the science behind mommy brain (yes it’s real!) and the relationship between hormones and postpartum depression/anxiety. 

I open up about my own experience with postpartum depression—something I didn’t even realize I was going through until years later when I reread my journals. Since symptoms can vary so much from person to person, it’s so important to know what to look for and how partners can help when something feels off. 

Make sure to tune in to Part 2 of Hormones control it all…from pregnancy to perimenopause where we dive into hormones and metabolism, perimenopause, and why achieving balance from the inside out is the holy grail for women’s health.

Teneika A. Gravely MSN, FNP-BC is a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) specialist, and the founder of TAG Family NP. Her personal journey with weight loss, BHRT, anti-aging, and functional medicine fuels her mission to create a supportive space for those struggling with hormonal imbalances, cognitive issues, and weight challenges. 

After discovering the life-changing power of functional and anti-aging medicine, she became passionate about sharing that knowledge and helping others find real answers. At TAG Family NP, Teneika combines functional and personalized medicine to ensure each individual gets the highest level of care tailored to their unique needs.

In this episode, we cover:

  • Navigating the hormonal rollercoaster of pregnancy and childbirth. 

  • Mommy brain: Myth or fact? What really happens to our brains when we’re pregnant? 

  • Postpartum depression and anxiety: Recognizing the signs, even when they’re not obvious.

  • Matrescence and puberty are more alike than you think. Exploring hormonal and identity shifts of becoming a mom. 

  • Why diet and exercise aren’t always enough. Hormone imbalance could be preventing you from losing weight. 

  • Should perimenopause be on your radar? (Spoiler: Yes!)

Resources & Links:

  • Here’s The Guardian article I mentioned that goes into detail about the study that shows how the brain reorganizes during pregnancy.

  • What in the world is matrescence? Here’s 5 things you need to know. 

Connect with Teneika:

Connect with Christine:

Related Episode:

More about Momming as a Millennial podcast: 

Welcome to Momming as a Millennial, the podcast where we dive into the challenges and triumphs of being a millennial mom in today’s dynamic world. Join your host, Christine Giarrizzo, on this candid journey as we navigate the complexities of motherhood, from tackling outdated stereotypes, to embracing our individual parenting styles.

In each episode, we explore the intersection of tradition and modern parenting. We’ll look at unsolicited advice and internet noise, as well as gender roles and expectations handed down by our parents and grandparents, in order to find what resonates with our true, authentic selves.

Tune in for honest conversations, genuine stories, expert insights, and a supportive community that understands the unique circumstance of navigating parenthood as a millennial. Together we’ll rewrite the narrative, challenge societal norms, and celebrate the diverse voices that make up our generation.

Let’s redefine what it means to be a mama in the millennial era.

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