The Arc Woman Podcast

🎗️ In this episode lets examine the rising incidence of breast cancer in women under 40, a topic that resonates personally due to my family history, including my mother’s diagnosis and multiple relatives affected.📊 We cover incidence and mortality trends, then systematically unpack core risk factors including genetics (BRCA1/BRCA2 and other high penetrance genes), family history, reproductive and hormonal influences, oral contraceptive use, and established lifestyle contributors.🧬 We discuss the benefits, limitations, and considerations of screening modalities, including mammography, ultrasound, and MRI in younger populations, weighing radiation exposure against sensitivity. I also outline recommendations for genetic risk assessment and testing pathways with region-specific resources:Australia: Breast and Ovarian Cancer Risk Management Initiative (BOCRMI) and clinical genetics through state-based services.New Zealand: Referrals via Te Whatu Ora clinical genetics services for BRCA testing pathways.UK/Europe: NHS Genetics Services (UK) and European Reference Networks for hereditary cancer syndromes.Canada: Genetics/Genomics Ontario or provincial cancer genetics programs.USA: National Society of Genetic Counselors and clinical testing through accredited labs (e.g., Myriad, Invitae) with referral from genetics professionals.🌿 The episode outlines modifiable risk reduction strategies backed by the literature, including structured physical activity, reducing alcohol intake, enhancing metabolic and insulin sensitivity, optimising sleep quality, and dietary patterns associated with lower breast cancer risk such as Mediterranean-style diets, high fibre intake, omega-3 fatty acids, phytoestrogens (e.g., soy), and adequate vitamin D status.SourcesAustralian Bureau of Statistics. (2023, December 15). National health survey: First results, 2022. https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/health-conditions-and-risks/national-health-survey/latest-releaseAustralian Bureau of Statistics. (n.d.). Waist circumference and BMI: 2022. Retrieved February 10, 2026, from https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/health-conditions-and-risks/waist-circumference-and-bmi/latest-releaseAustralian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2024, June 17). Overweight and obesity: Summary. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/overweight-obesity/overweight-and-obesity/contents/summaryBreast Cancer Network Australia. (n.d.). Breast cancer risk in families. Retrieved February 10, 2026, from https://www.bcna.org.au/resources/screening-and-diagnosis/family-history-and-genetics/breast-cancer-risk-in-families/Breast Cancer Network Australia. (n.d.). Genetic mutations that increase breast cancer risk. Retrieved February 10, 2026, from https://www.bcna.org.au/resources/screening-and-diagnosis/family-history-and-genetics/genetic-mutations-that-increase-risk/Breast Cancer Trials. (n.d.). Q&A: Are more young women being diagnosed with breast cancer? Retrieved February 10, 2026, from https://www.breastcancertrials.org.au/qa-events/qa-are-more-young-women-being-diagnosed-with-breast-cancer/Cancer Australia. (2024, October 3). Reproductive factors. https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/breast-cancer-risk-factors/risk-factors/reproductive-factorsCancer Australia. (2024, October 22). Medical history and medications. https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/breast-cancer-risk-factors/modifiable-factors/medical-history-and-medicationsCancer Australia. (2025, November 3). Breast cancer in young women. https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/cancer-types/breast-cancer-young-womenCancer Australia. (2025, December 18). Breast cancer in young women statistics. https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/cancer-types/breast-cancer-young-women/breast-cancer-young-women-statisticsCenters for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics. (2024, September 24). Obesity and severe obesity prevalence in adults (Data Brief No. 508). https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db508.htmCenters for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025, August 15). Breast cancer among women younger than 45. https://www.cdc.gov/united-states-cancer-statistics/publications/breast-cancer-among-young-women.htmlCollaborative Group on Hormonal Factors in Breast Cancer. (2012). Menarche, menopause, and breast cancer risk: Individual participant meta-analysis, including 118,964 women with breast cancer from 117 epidemiological studies. The Lancet Oncology, 13(11), 1141–1151. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1470-2045(12)70425-4Erren, T. C., Morfeld, P., & Foster, R. G. (2019). IARC 2019: “Night shift work” is probably carcinogenic to humans. Chronobiology International, 36(10), 1448–1450. https://doi.org/10.1080/07420528.2019.1657155International Agency for Research on Cancer. (2020, June 2). IARC monographs volume 124: Night shift work. https://www.iarc.who.int/news-events/iarc-monographs-volume-124-night-shift-work/Kuchenbaecker, K. B., Hopper, J. L., Barnes, D. R., Phillips, K.-A., Mooij, T. M., Roos-Blom, M.-J., Jervis, S., van Leeuwen, F. E., Milne, R. L., Andrieu, N., Goldgar, D. E., Terry, M. B., Rookus, M. A., Easton, D. F., Antoniou, A. C., & BRCA1 and BRCA2 Cohort Consortium. (2017). Risks of breast, ovarian, and contralateral breast cancer for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers. JAMA, 317(23), 2402–2416. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2017.7112Mørch, L. S., Skovlund, C. W., Hannaford, P. C., Iversen, L., Fielding, S., & Lidegaard, Ø. (2017). Contemporary hormonal contraception and the risk of breast cancer. New England Journal of Medicine, 377(23), 2228–2239. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa1700732National Breast Cancer Foundation. (n.d.). Breast cancer statistics in Australia. Retrieved February 10, 2026, from https://nbcf.org.au/about-breast-cancer/breast-cancer-stats/National Cancer Institute. (2020, February 10). Physical activity and cancer fact sheet. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/obesity/physical-activity-fact-sheetNational Cancer Institute. (2024, July 19). BRCA gene changes: Cancer risk and genetic testing. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/genetics/brca-fact-sheetPijpe, A., Andrieu, N., Easton, D. F., Kesminiene, A., Cardis, E., Noguès, C., Gauthier-Villars, M., Lasset, C., Fricker, J.-P., Peock, S., Frost, D., Evans, D. G., Eeles, R. A., Paterson, J., Manders, P., van Asperen, C. J., Ausems, M. G. E. M., Meijers-Heijboer, H. E. J., Thierry-Chef, I., … van Leeuwen, F. E. (2012). Exposure to diagnostic radiation and risk of breast cancer among carriers of BRCA1/2 mutations: Retrospective cohort study (GENE-RADRISK). BMJ, 345, e5660. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.e5660Susan G. Komen. (n.d.). Breast cancer risk factors: Age. Retrieved February 10, 2026, from https://www.komen.org/breast-cancer/risk-factor/age/World Cancer Research Fund. (n.d.). Alcoholic drinks and the risk of cancer. Retrieved February 10, 2026, from https://www.wcrf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Alcoholic-Drinks.pdfWorld Health Organization Regional Office for Europe. (2023, January 4). No level of alcohol consumption is safe for our health. https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/04-01-2023-no-level-of-alcohol-consumption-is-safe-for-our-healthWorld Health Organization Regional Office for Europe. (2025, November 26). Alcohol and cancer (Fact sheet). https://www.who.int/europe/news-room/fact-sheets/item/alcohol-and-cancerAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

🤍 In this episode we talk honestly about postpartum intimacy, what happens to your body, your hormones, and your libido after birth, and why so many women feel disconnected from sex but rarely hear that this is completely normal.🧠 I’m joined by Juliet Allen, a global leading sexologist who works with women and couples to rebuild trust, pleasure, and communication after major life transitions like pregnancy and motherhood.🌿 Together we explore the physical and emotional shifts that shape intimacy after birth, including healing timelines, body image, identity changes, relationship dynamics, and the nervous system’s role in desire.💬 You’ll learn how to reduce pressure, reconnect with your body gently, communicate your needs clearly, and approach sex from a place of safety and curiosity rather than expectation.✨ This conversation is compassionate, practical, and designed to help you feel less alone and more supported as you navigate this new chapter.juliet-allen.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this episode I share the real story of why I stopped being vegan after years of believing it was the healthiest and most ethical way to eat.I talk about what shifted when my health started to fall apart, including fatigue, brain fog, low B12, iron deficiency, and cycle changes, even though I was eating well and doing everything “right.” We unpack why some women struggle on long term vegan diets, the limits of supplementation, and why listening to your body sometimes means letting go of an identity.I also reflect on how working in agriculture and revisiting nutrition science changed my black and white thinking around food, ethics, and health. This isn’t an attack on veganism, just an honest conversation about bio individuality, nuance, and finding what actually works for your body.Connect with me on Instagram, Youtube and Tiktokarcwoman.com.au Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

🧠 In this episode of the Ackerman Podcast, host Sarah Honey speaks with clinical psychologist Stephanie Georgiou, who works with women navigating eating disorders and disordered eating patterns.📖 Stephanie shares her own nine year journey with an eating disorder and reflects on the social pressures, body ideals, and personal experiences that shaped her relationship with food and her body.⚖️ Together, they unpack the difference between disordered eating and clinical eating disorders, the psychological drivers behind binge eating, and why diet culture often intensifies harm, particularly at times like the New Year when body change is heavily promoted.💬 Stephanie explains how recovery begins by rebuilding trust with hunger and fullness cues, addressing emotional triggers, and receiving compassionate support rather than control or judgment.Stephanie and Her Work• Instagram: instagram.com/mindfoodsteph• TikTok: tiktok.com/@mindfoodsteph• Website: mindfoodsteph.com• Book a 1:1 session: stan.store/mindfoodsteph Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

🍷 In this episode we explore alcohol through a wide lens, from its deep roots in human history and culture to what it actually is biologically and how it interacts with the body.🧠 I break down how alcohol is absorbed and metabolised, why the liver treats it as a toxin, and how oxidative stress and inflammation underpin many of its short and long term health effects.🩸 We unpack alcohol’s impact on the brain, sleep, the heart, and cancer risk, including why alcohol is linked to dementia, atrial fibrillation, and breast cancer in women.⚖️ I also explain how alcohol interacts with women’s hormones, including suppression of the HPG axis, shifts in estrogen and progesterone, changes in SHBG, and why conditions like PCOS and endometriosis can be affected.🦠 We look at alcohol’s effects on the gut microbiome, cravings, and the stress system, and why “red wine is healthy” narratives miss the bigger physiological picture.🌿 Finally, I share what happens when you stop drinking and how to support recovery in a female body, with practical guidance for liver health, gut repair, hormone regulation, and long term resilience.🛒 For the affordable supplements I recommend in this episode, head over to my iHerb storefront, explore more resources on my website at arcwoman.com.au, or find me on Instagram and TikTok at @arc.woman. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

🍽️ In this episode we zoom out from food rules and look at the bigger picture of nourishment during the holidays, including connection, presence, nervous system safety, and why being fed goes far beyond what’s on your plate.🧠 I talk through why routine disruption is not a health crisis, why food has no moral value, and how the 80/20 reality supports long term wellbeing far better than control or compensation.⚖️ We unpack weight gain anxiety, the thermic effect of food, and why a few indulgent meals do not equal long term fat gain or metabolic damage.🌿 I explore the psychology of eating during stressful or triggering family environments, why regulation comes before nutrition, and how stress drives extremes around food rather than lack of willpower.🫁 You’ll learn simple five minute somatic tools to calm the nervous system, alongside gentle movement strategies that support digestion, blood sugar, and energy without needing a full routine. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

🧬 In this episode we explore histamine overload and mast cell activation syndrome, what histamine does in the body, and why symptoms can escalate across digestion, skin, mood, energy, and hormones.📖 I walk you through the symptomology and common comorbidities linked to histamine and MCAS, including gut dysfunction, nutrient depletion, autoimmune patterns, and estrogen driven sensitivity.⚖️ You’ll learn how each major hormone interacts with histamine, why perimenopause often worsens reactions, and how food, supplements, and daily inputs can either raise or lower total histamine load.🎧 This is a solo episode and you can access the full deep dive through my Patreon community at patreon.com/arcwoman.🥗 I also share practical guidance on foods to avoid, nutrients and supplements that support histamine clearance, and how to approach MCAS without triggering further restriction or fear. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

🌀 In this episode we explore Candida in a clear and grounded way, from what it actually is to how it lives inside the body, to why it becomes a problem only when the internal ecosystem slips out of balance.📖 I guide you through the real biology of Candida, including how it originates, how it shifts between different cell forms, and how it builds protective biofilms that allow overgrowth to persist even after treatment.🔥 You’ll learn the biggest drivers behind recurrent Candida, including low stomach acid, H pylori, antibiotic use, high blood sugar, insulin resistance, and weakened immune function, and you’ll understand why the root cause matters more than endless symptom chasing.📚 You can also dive deeper with my ebook ⁠Candida Clear,⁠ my comprehensive guide to sustainably dealing with Candida overgrowth. Use the discount code CANDIDA to download it. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

🩵 In this episode we dive into why exercise sits at the centre of women’s long term health, from metabolic resilience to hormonal stability to the strength that carries you through every life stage.📖 I’m joined by Dr Alyssa Olenick, an exercise physiologist with a PhD in sports physiology whose research and teaching cut through the noise to give women clear and practical science they can actually use.🔥 You’ll learn why cycle syncing your workouts is unnecessary, why building muscle mass matters far more than losing weight, and how consistent training becomes one of the most powerful investments you can make in your future health.💡 You can find Alyssa and explore all of her incredible resources through her website: https://doclyssfitness.com/ Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

🦋 In this episode we dive into the thyroid what it is, the hormones it makes, and why it’s so central to your health, energy, cycles, and fertility. We cover hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, autoimmunity like Hashimoto’s and Graves’, and the role of stress, nutrients, and life stages in thyroid balance.📖 I’m joined by Tara Nelson, a naturopath and thyroid specialist with nearly 30 years of clinical experience. Her own journey with Hashimoto’s informs the way she now helps women worldwide to recover and thrive.🔥 You’ll learn how to recognise thyroid symptoms, the most significant drivers behind dysfunction, and where to start if you’re newly diagnosed or feeling dismissed.💡 You can book in with Tara through her website: taranelson.com.au💻 My Hormone Harmony will guide you through everything you need to know about healing after hormonal birth control, covering hormone screening, personalized lab recommendations, and tailored nourishment! To claim your $100 discount on the Hormone Harmony Course, use the code HARMONY at checkout. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

✨ In this podcast we dive into reproductive anatomy, physiology, hormones, and cycle syncing in a way that’s clear, practical, and empowering. You’ll learn how the HPO and HPA axes shape your health, why your cycle is your fifth vital sign, and how to live in sync with it all.📖 If you’re ready to go further, my Arc of Fertility course is your complete guide to fertility awareness. With 18 lessons, 12 hours of teaching, and downloadable charts, it covers everything you need to confidently use FAM for birth control or conception. Use code ARCFAM for $50 off.🔥 You can also step into the Red Tent Masterclass; a 2-hour immersion into anatomy, physiology, cycle syncing, pleasure, and more. It’s designed to deepen your knowledge and connect you with your body on every level. Use code MASTERCLASS for 10% off.arcwoman.com.au Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

🩸 In this episode of The Arc Woman Podcast, we dive deep into the anatomy of period pain—what causes it, how prostaglandins and estrogen dominance play a role, and why it’s not “just part of being a woman.”🧠 You’ll learn how menstrual cramps are linked to inflammation, stress, gut health, and hormonal imbalances. We break down the functional and naturopathic approach to understanding your pain rather than numbing it.🌿 From castor oil packs to magnesium and nervous system care, we share practical tools to soothe period pain—both before your bleed and while it's happening.🛒 Mentioned in this episode:💚 iHerb Storefront – I’ve curated my go-to products for hormone health, inflammation support, and nervous system regulation. From magnesium to omega-3s, these are the exact tools I use in my own cycle care. Use code LJQ1227 for 10% off your first order.🌡️ Temp Drop – The best tool for tracking your temps while you sleep. Perfect if your schedule is inconsistent, you have young kids, or you’re deep in hormone healing and need clarity on ovulation and cycle patterns. Use code AFARCWOMAN for 10% off and get insight without the stress.📚 Estrogen Ease Masterclass – If your cramps are intense, heavy, or clotty… estrogen is often part of the picture. This masterclass unpacks estrogen dominance and gives you a holistic roadmap to gently support detox pathways, soothe symptoms, and rebalance your cycle. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

🎙️ In this episode of The Arc Woman Podcast, we explore the stress cycle—what it is, how cortisol fuels it, and why so many women feel stuck in survival mode.🧠 We unpack how stress impacts your hormonal rhythm, digestion, thyroid, immune system, and menstrual cycle. You'll learn how your body was designed to respond to short bursts of stress—but not to stay there indefinitely.💥 Chronic cortisol elevation can wreak havoc, but the good news? You can complete the stress cycle and return to safety with intentional practices.🌿 We share nervous system tools, somatic techniques, and rituals that help signal to the body: “You’re safe now.” Think movement, breath, connection, and pleasure as medicine. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

🎙️ In this episode of The Arc Woman Podcast, we speak with Georgia—a somatic practitioner whose journey through breast implant illness and breast cancer transformed her connection to her body.💔 She reflects on getting implants at 21, years of unexplained symptoms like seizures and vision loss, and the moment she finally discovered breast implant illness. We dive into the emotional, physical, and financial toll of explant surgery—and the energetic shift that followed.🐾 Years later, her dog alerted her to a lump on scar tissue. She caught the tumor just in time and chose surgery and radiation—despite being offered implants again.🌹 Georgia shares raw insights on body image, the male gaze, and the emotional landscape of the breasts—from the mother wound to deep reclamation.✨ Find Georgia’s work at danusoma.com, on Instagram @danu.soma.studio, or follow her writings at georgialeemellor.substack.com.🧪 Order labs through i-screen.com — use code ARCWOMAN for a discount. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

🎙️ In this episode, we dive into Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)—a severe form of PMS that can cause debilitating symptoms, including extreme mood swings, anxiety, fatigue, and physical discomfort. PMDD often begins up to two weeks before menstruation, severely impacting daily life, work, relationships, and mental health. 🧠 We break down the hormonal shifts, neurotransmitter imbalances, and genetic factors at play in PMDD. Plus, discover how holistic approaches like gut health support, blood sugar balance, and stress management can significantly aid in managing the condition. 🔬 Check your labs with ⁠iScreen⁠. Use code 'arcwoman' at checkout for a discount! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

🎙️ Welcome to a special episode of The Arc Woman Podcast, where we explore Estrogen Dominance—what it is, how it manifests, and how you can reclaim balance. From mood swings to weight gain, we’ll break down the root causes and offer holistic approaches to heal your hormones naturally.🌿 Discover practical tips to restore harmony with lifestyle changes, nutrition, and self-care rituals.💪 Let’s talk all things estrogen and how to empower your body to thrive again!In the Estrogen Ease Masterclass, we guide you through understanding and healing estrogen dominance. Dive into the science of estrogen imbalance and its effects on your body systems, from the liver to your gut microbiome. Learn holistic strategies to support hormonal health through food, herbs, and supplements, and discover how to manage symptoms like anxiety, headaches, and fatigue naturally. Get insights on optimal lab markers to assess hormonal balance for personalized healing.✨ Watch it at arcwoman.com.au/estrogen-ease-lecture and use code ESTROGEN for 10% off! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

🎙️ In this episode of The Arc Woman Podcast, we dive deep into everything iron—covering both iron overload and deficiency. We explore how pathogens feed on iron, how to support absorption, and the vital role iron plays in women's health.🌿 Learn the signs of iron imbalance, how to prevent and address issues, and gain insight into lab testing for a clearer picture of your health.🔗 Tune in now to optimize your iron levels and take control of your health! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

🎙️ In this episode, we explore the heartbreaking reality of miscarriage, with 1 in 4 women experiencing pregnancy loss before 20 weeks, and the risk doubling for women over 40. We discuss the 10 types of miscarriage, hormonal shifts, progesterone, thyroid health, and tracking BBT shifts.💡 Learn why checking your labs is essential for understanding your body. Get your health analyzed with i-screen’s pathology services—use code ARCWOMAN10 for 10% off at checkout.. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

🎙️ In this episode of The Arc Woman Podcast, I sit down with Jaclyn Potts from Bloom Psychology to explore how ADHD uniquely affects women. We uncover the fascinating link between estrogen and dopamine throughout the hormonal cycle and how these fluctuations impact ADHD symptoms. ✨ Tune in for practical tips on managing ADHD naturally, including key supplements and nutritional strategies that can support your journey.🔗 Learn more about Jaclyn’s work at Bloom Psychology: bloom-psychology.com.au Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

🎙️ In this episode of The Arc Woman Podcast, we’re diving deep into the hidden impacts of hormonal birth control (HBC) on women’s health. With 851 million women worldwide using HBC—60% for non-contraceptive reasons like managing endometriosis or PCOS—it’s time to unveil the truth.🌿 We explore the pill’s dark history, how it functions in the body, and the different types of HBC. Learn about Post-Birth Control Syndrome (PBCS): what it is, common symptoms, and how to alleviate them quickly.🩺 Discover the detrimental effects HBC has on your liver, adrenals, gut, thyroid, skin, metabolism, cardiovascular system, vaginal microbiome, and fertility.💫 Ready to heal? My Hormone Harmony Course guides you on what to test, eat, supplement, and how to move for post-HBC recovery. Use code HARMONY for $100 off any plan at ArcWoman.com.au!🔗 Tune in now to reclaim your hormonal health and thrive beyond HBC! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands