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Hopeful Hints

Hopeful Hints
Author: Tara Brandner
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Walking through women's health concerns and infertility often leaves us feeling lonely, confused, and overwhelmed. Join doctorate nurse practitioner and infertility warrior Dr. Tara Harding weekly as she provides short hopeful hits on all things women's health and infertility with the occasional special guest. Each episode contains empowering information to help you better navigate your healthcare, take back control, and move forward with hope.
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Have you ever been told your labs look “normal,” yet you’re still exhausted, dizzy, freezing, or even losing hair? In this episode of Hopeful Hints, Dr. Tara Harding uncovers why iron deficiency is one of the most overlooked health concerns for women and why it goes far beyond just checking hemoglobin.
In this episode, you will learn:
Why standard lab work often misses iron deficiency
The role of ferritin and why it matters more
Common symptoms that are too often dismissed
How gut health and absorption impact your iron levels
Practical tips and testing you can request to finally get answers
If you’ve been dismissed but know something’s not right, this episode will help you advocate for the testing and care you truly deserve.
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Disclaimer: Dr. Tara Harding is a Doctor of Nursing Practice and licensed Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C). This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your own healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment tailored to your individual needs.
Are your symptoms being brushed off as “normal”? In this episode of Hopeful Hints, Dr. Tara breaks down the common symptoms of PCOS, endometriosis, and hormone imbalance so you can finally get clarity on what your body is telling you.
What you’ll learn:
The most common (and overlooked) symptoms of PCOS & Endometriosis
Why so many women go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed
Which tests and next steps can help uncover the real issue
Your symptoms aren’t “just in your head.” They’re real, and you deserve answers.
Let Dr. Tara help you!
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Disclaimer: Dr. Tara Harding is a Doctor of Nursing Practice and licensed Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C). This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your own healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment tailored to your individual needs.
Perimenopause can feel confusing and overwhelming, but understanding what’s happening inside your body can make all the difference. In this episode, Dr. Tara shares the most important things every woman should know about Perimenopause and how to take back control of your health. You’ll learn:
How a gradual drop in progesterone sparks common symptoms
Ways to naturally support your progesterone
The role of blood sugar, cortisol, and protein in hormone balance
Why you should consider bioidentical hormones with a knowledgeable provider
How at-home progesterone testing can give you clearer answers
Your symptoms are not “all in your head.” With the right knowledge, you can navigate this transition with confidence and hope.
Let Dr. Tara help you!
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Disclaimer: Dr. Tara Harding is a Doctor of Nursing Practice and licensed Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C). This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your own healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment tailored to your individual needs.
You’re eating clean, working out, and doing “all the right things” yet you still feel exhausted, anxious, moody, bloated, or stuck at the same weight. Sound familiar?
In this episode of Hopeful Hints, Dr. Tara breaks down the sneaky signs of hormone imbalance that are often dismissed, why they happen, and practical steps you can take to start feeling like you again.
From progesterone and estrogen shifts to thyroid, cortisol, and insulin resistance, Dr. Tara helps you decode your body’s red flags so you can finally get the answers and support you deserve.
💡 Your symptoms are not “just in your head”, they’re your body’s way of asking for help.
Let Dr. Tara help you!
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Disclaimer: Dr. Tara Harding is a Doctor of Nursing Practice and licensed Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C). This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your own healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment tailored to your individual needs.
Tired of being told “everything is normal” when deep down, something feels off? In this week’s episode of Hopeful Hints, Dr. Tara talks about the Top 5 lab tests every woman should advocate for, even when doctors say you’re fine. These tests go beyond the basics and dig into the most overlooked pieces of your health puzzle:
Thyroid panel – not just TSH, but Free T3, Free T4, and antibodies.
Sex hormone testing – including estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.
Blood sugar & insulin markers – like fasting insulin and A1C, crucial for energy and weight balance.
Ferritin & full iron panel – because low iron isn’t always anemia, but it is always exhausting.
Vitamin D & B levels – essential nutrients that impact mood, immunity, and more.
If you’ve ever felt dismissed or unheard, this episode is your reminder: you’re not imagining it and there are answers.
Let Dr. Tara help you!
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Disclaimer: Dr. Tara Harding is a Doctor of Nursing Practice and licensed Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C). This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your own healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment tailored to your individual needs.
In this episode, Dr. Tara Harding sits down with Dr. Liz Jones to talk about a rarely discussed part of men’s health — The Pelvic Floor. They break down how it impacts strength, sexual function, and everyday comfort.
They also touch on how pelvic tightness or nerve issues can lead to pain or sexual dysfunction and why mental health matters just as much.
It’s a real, honest conversation encouraging men to speak up and take charge of their health.
Let Dr. Tara help you!
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Disclaimer: Dr. Tara Harding is a Doctor of Nursing Practice and licensed Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C). This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your own healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment tailored to your individual needs.
In this empowering episode, Dr. Tara Harding guides you through what to expect during menopause and how to thrive—not just survive—this transition. Menopause isn’t a decline, it’s a transition into wisdom, power, and clarity.
In this episode, we bust myths about menopause, explain what’s happening in your body, and explore treatment options from lifestyle changes to hormone therapy based on the latest research.
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Disclaimer: Dr. Tara Harding is a Doctor of Nursing Practice and licensed Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C). This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your own healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment tailored to your individual needs.
Keywords: menopause symptoms, HRT safety, perimenopause, bioidentical hormones, menopause support, women's health
Your body may be whispering long before it screams. In this episode, Dr. Tara walk through subtle signs of infertility that often get overlooked — like short luteal phases, fatigue, acne, painful sex, and more.
Learn what they could mean and what labs to ask for before it's too late.
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Disclaimer: Dr. Tara Harding is a Doctor of Nursing Practice and licensed Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C). This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your own healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment tailored to your individual needs.
PMDD is not just “bad PMS” — it’s a debilitating, hormone-triggered mood disorder that affects millions of women and is often misdiagnosed or dismissed.
In this episode, we break down what PMDD really is, how it shows up, how to track it, and treatment options that actually help.
Dr. Tara Harding shares what PMDD really is, how to track it, and the treatment options that can change lives.
Let Dr. Tara help you!
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JOIN Dr. Tara on TikTok
Come say hi over on Tara's Instagram
Disclaimer: Dr. Tara Harding is a Doctor of Nursing Practice and licensed Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C). This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your own healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment tailored to your individual needs.
Have you been told everything is "normal" but you're still not pregnant? You're not alone!
This episode breaks down why unexplained infertility is often a lazy diagnosis, and what underlying issues may actually be going undiagnosed, like endometriosis, thyroid dysfunction, or sperm quality.
In this episode, Dr. Tara Harding explains why “unexplained infertility” is often a missed diagnosis and what you should really be testing for.
Let Dr. Tara help you!
LEARN for FREE from Dr. Tara
JOIN Dr. Tara on TikTok
Come say hi over on Tara's Instagram
Disclaimer: Dr. Tara Harding is a Doctor of Nursing Practice and licensed Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C). This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your own healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment tailored to your individual needs.
Join fertility expert Dr. Tara Harding as she breaks down everything you need to know about the causes, testing, and treatment of male infertility.
Male infertility is on the rise — and yet, it's rarely talked about. In this episode, we explore the root causes of declining sperm health, from lifestyle and environmental toxins to medical conditions like varicocele and hormonal imbalances.
Learn how to get tested, what solutions exist, and why male fertility should be part of every fertility conversation.
Let Dr. Tara help you!
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JOIN Dr. Tara on TikTok
Come say hi over on Tara's Instagram
Disclaimer: Dr. Tara Harding is a Doctor of Nursing Practice and licensed Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C). This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your own healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment tailored to your individual needs.
Teenagers should not be missing school, sports, or social events because of period pain, but many do. Endometriosis often starts in the teenage years, yet most girls are told their pain is normal or just part of puberty. In this episode, we discuss:
The early warning signs of endometriosis in teens
Why doctors dismiss young girls and delay diagnosis
Why birth control alone is not a solution
How early diagnosis can improve long-term health outcomes
If you or someone you know is experiencing severe period pain, early diagnosis can make a difference. Message me for help finding an endometriosis specialist.
Think you might have endometriosis? Take the Endometriosis Quiz!
Let Dr. Tara help you!
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Disclaimer: Dr. Tara Harding is a Doctor of Nursing Practice and licensed Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C). This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your own healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment tailored to your individual needs.
Many women with endometriosis are diagnosed with IBS, food sensitivities, or SIBO, yet treatments for these conditions often do not work. The real issue may be endometriosis affecting the gut. In this episode, we cover:
The connection between endometriosis and digestive issues such as bloating, constipation, and diarrhea
Why do many endo patients also have SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) and what is SIBO?
The impact of pelvic adhesions and inflammation on digestion
What GI symptoms could be endometriosis
If you have digestive issues along with period pain, this episode is essential.
Message me to start your gut healing journey.
Think you might have endometriosis? Take the Endometriosis Quiz!
Let Dr. Tara help you!
LEARN for FREE from Dr. Tara
JOIN Dr. Tara on TikTok
Come say hi over on Tara's Instagram
Disclaimer: Dr. Tara Harding is a Doctor of Nursing Practice and licensed Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C). This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your own healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment tailored to your individual needs.
Endometriosis pain is not just bad cramps. It is a whole-body disease that affects the pelvis, bowels, bladder, nerves, and more. Yet, many women are dismissed, misdiagnosed, or told their pain is just part of being a woman. In this episode, we discuss:
The different types of endometriosis pain, including pelvic pain, nerve pain, painful intercourse, and bowel issues
Why pain medications often do not provide relief
The reality of medical gaslighting and delayed diagnosis
Effective treatment options when you have tried everything for your pain.
If you have been struggling with pain and feel unheard, this episode will provide clarity and direction.
Message me for guidance on your next steps.
Think you might have endometriosis? Take the Endometriosis Quiz!
Let Dr. Tara help you!
LEARN for FREE from Dr. Tara
JOIN Dr. Tara on TikTok
Come say hi over on Tara's Instagram
Disclaimer: Dr. Tara Harding is a Doctor of Nursing Practice and licensed Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C). This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your own healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment tailored to your individual needs.
Are you curious about peptide therapy and how it can transform your health? In this episode, we break down what peptides are, how they work in the body, and why they’re revolutionizing regenerative medicine.
We’ll answer your most pressing questions, including:
What are peptides, and how do they work?
How do peptides enhance fertility, hormone balance, and egg/sperm quality?
What’s the difference between peptides and traditional prescription medications?
How can peptides help with many diseases including muscle injury, and inflammation?
Which peptides are best for you?
Join us as we explore the science behind peptide therapy, debunk common myths, and discuss how to choose a qualified peptide provider to ensure safe and effective treatment.
Let Dr. Tara help you!
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Disclaimer: Dr. Tara Harding is a Doctor of Nursing Practice and licensed Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C). This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your own healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment tailored to your individual needs.
Recovering from excision surgery can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. In this episode, I share my experience with post-op recovery, including managing pain, tracking healing progress, and addressing the emotional toll of recovery.
You’ll also hear tips for navigating challenges like limited mobility and adjusting expectations for the healing process. Plus, my husband provides insights for caretakers on supporting a loved one during this time. Whether you’re a patient or a supporter, this episode offers valuable advice to help you on the path to recovery.
Download my Ultimate Traveling for Surgery Packing List
Let Dr. Tara help you!
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Come say hi over on Tara's Instagram
Disclaimer: Dr. Tara Harding is a Doctor of Nursing Practice and licensed Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C). This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your own healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment tailored to your individual needs.
Do you have questions about endometriosis, surgery, or recovery? In this episode, I answer the most common and pressing questions from Instagram and my patients. We’ll dive into overlooked symptoms, challenges in getting diagnosed, and what excision surgery involves.
I also share insights from my own journey to help you feel informed and empowered. Whether you're just starting to explore endometriosis or preparing for surgery, this episode provides the answers and support you’ve been searching for.
Download my Ultimate Traveling for Surgery Packing List
Let Dr. Tara help you!
LEARN for FREE from Dr. Tara
JOIN Dr. Tara on TikTok
Come say hi over on Tara's Instagram
Disclaimer: Dr. Tara Harding is a Doctor of Nursing Practice and licensed Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C). This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your own healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment tailored to your individual needs.
Supporting a loved one through endometriosis excision surgery can feel overwhelming, but this episode is here to help. My husband and I will guide you through everything you need to know as a caregiver, from preparing before surgery to setting up your home for a smooth recovery.
Hear practical advice and personal insights from my husband on how partners and caregivers can provide emotional and physical support during this journey.
Download my Ultimate Traveling for Surgery Packing List
Let Dr. Tara help you!
LEARN for FREE from Dr. Tara
JOIN Dr. Tara on TikTok
Come say hi over on Tara's Instagram
Disclaimer: Dr. Tara Harding is a Doctor of Nursing Practice and licensed Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C). This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your own healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment tailored to your individual needs.
Are you struggling to find answers about endometriosis? In this episode, I take you through my personal journey, starting with the first symptoms, navigating years of medical gaslighting, infertility, and finally receiving a proper diagnosis.
I share the physical and emotional toll of living with this condition and why I ultimately chose excision surgery as my best option for relief and healing. If you're searching for hope, validation, or simply want to know you’re not alone, this episode is for you.
Download my Ultimate Traveling for Surgery Packing List
Let Dr. Tara help you!
LEARN for FREE from Dr. Tara
JOIN Dr. Tara on TikTok
Come say hi over on Tara's Instagram
Disclaimer: Dr. Tara Harding is a Doctor of Nursing Practice and licensed Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C). This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your own healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment tailored to your individual needs.
In this informative episode, Dr. Tara discusses the complex relationship between hormones and migraines. Understand how hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause can influence the frequency and severity of migraines.
Dr. Tara offers practical advice and strategies to help women manage their migraine symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Let Dr. Tara help you!
LEARN for FREE from Dr. Tara
JOIN Dr. Tara on TikTok
Come say hi over on Tara's Instagram
Disclaimer: Dr. Tara Harding is a Doctor of Nursing Practice and licensed Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C). This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your own healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment tailored to your individual needs.