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Healthful Roots

Author: Dr. Victoria Andarcia

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Join Dr. Victoria Andarcia, an expert in gut health and women's hormones, as she explores topics ranging from hormonal balance, fertility, and cycle regulation to perimenopause and menopause. Tune in for expert insights, practical tips, and inspiring stories that empower you to become your own healer and live your healthiest life.
42 Episodes
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In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Aryn Delaney, Doctor of Physical Therapy with advanced training in pelvic floor rehabilitation, to demystify pelvic floor therapy and why it’s such a missing piece in women’s health. We break down what the pelvic floor actually is, how it impacts bladder control, organ support, sexual function, and even core stability, and how stress and trauma can show up physically in these muscles. Most importantly, we address a common fear: pelvic floor therapy does not have to mean invasive internal work. This conversation is all about education, empowerment, and helping women understand that symptoms like leaking, pain, or pelvic pressure are common — but not normal. Find her on her website: https://www.warriorpelvicpt.com/about-us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/warrior_physical_therapy/  
In this episode, I sit down with my colleague Angela Jordan, who specializes in treating some of the most complex cases in medicine — including cancer, chronic disease, tickborne illness, and viral reactivation. This episode is especially helpful if you or someone you love is dealing with a diagnosis that feels overwhelming, confusing, or hasn’t responded to conventional care alone — or if you’re curious how functional and integrative medicine can support the body through serious and chronic conditions. Find her on Instagram @dr.angela.jordan.
In this episode, I’m joined by my friend and colleague Sandy Arthur, founder of Well Co. Chiropractic and Active Release. Sandy is a chiropractor who also practices acupuncture and Active Release Technique (ART), which gives her a truly whole-body approach to pain, tension, and movement. We talk about what integrative care really looks like, why focusing on just one area of the body often isn’t enough, and who benefits most from combining these modalities. If you’re dealing with chronic pain, tight muscles, stress, or just want to understand more holistic options for healing, this episode is for you. Website: https://www.wellcochiropractic.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellcochiro/
This week the mic gets turned on me — literally. My sister, Christa, joins the show and asks me the questions. From why I chose to go to medical school, to the moments that almost made me quit, to how my personal life shaped the way I practice today… nothing was off limits. If you’ve ever wondered who I am beyond the doctor titles and hormone protocols — this is the one to listen to.
In this solo episode, I talk through some of the most common misconceptions I continue to hear from women. This isn’t about pushing hormone therapy or dismissing concerns. It’s about helping you understand: Why hormones became such a charged topic in women’s health and how to approach hormone conversations with less fear and more clarity. If hormones feel overwhelming or confusing, this episode is meant to bring the conversation back to nuance, education, and empowerment.
This week’s episode is a heart-to-heart with two of my best friends—one pregnant with her first baby and the other already navigating life as a mom of two. We talk about what they expected versus what actually happened, the physical and emotional changes, identity shifts, asking for help, and how to stay connected to yourself through it all. It’s honest, funny at times, and incredibly real. Whether you're trying to conceive, pregnant, in postpartum, or reflecting on your journey into motherhood, this one will remind you that you're not alone. Full episode on Apple & Spotify.
If you missed my recent webinar, here’s your chance to catch the replay! In this episode, we dive into everything you need to know about navigating the transition through perimenopause and menopause — from understanding symptoms and hormone shifts to exploring treatment options and lifestyle strategies that actually make a difference. Whether you’re starting to notice changes or are already in the thick of it, this conversation will help you feel informed, empowered, and supported through every stage. Follow me on @drvictoriaandarcia on instagram for more information on women's health!
Sex & Bone Health

Sex & Bone Health

2025-09-2217:16

Menopause brings big changes — and two of the most common (but least talked about) are bone health and pain with sex. In this episode, Dr. Victoria Andarcia breaks down why bone density matters, what’s happening with estrogen during this stage of life, and why vaginal dryness and discomfort are so common. Most importantly, you’ll learn practical, empowering ways to protect your bones, ease intimacy challenges, and feel more like yourself again.
In this episode, I sit down with Gail Gerbig from Seaside Mental Wellness to talk about mental health during perimenopause and menopause. We explore why these transitions can impact mood and anxiety, practical ways to support your mental well-being, and how to recognize when it’s time to seek professional help. Whether you’re navigating these changes yourself or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers insight and tools for feeling more grounded through midlife. Website: https://www.seasidementalwellness.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seasidementalwellness/
Death is the one appointment we all keep—and yet, it’s the one topic most of us avoid. In this episode, I sit down with Lara Acemyan, a death doula from @floridaangelcare to talk candidly about what it really means to hold space at the end of life. We explore the art of dying well, how a death doula supports individuals and families through one of life’s most vulnerable transitions, and why getting comfortable talking about death might be one of the most important things you ever do. We also dive into the emotional, spiritual, and practical aspects of preparing for death, and how embracing mortality can actually enrich the way we choose to live. If you’ve ever felt awkward talking about death—or curious, or even a little scared—this conversation is for you. Listen in and let’s get comfortable with the uncomfortable.
Hair thinning? Low energy? Weight gain that won’t budge—even with diet and exercise? These aren’t just signs of a busy life. They might point to an underactive thyroid—a condition that affects 1 in 8 women, yet often goes undiagnosed or undertreated. In this episode, I sit down with Jessica Simone, APRN from Harmony Med Spa, to talk all things thyroid health. We cover: The most overlooked symptoms of hypothyroidism Why many thyroid labs come back “normal” even when you feel awful How to properly test your thyroid (and what labs actually matter) Nutrition, lifestyle, and hormone strategies for real support How to advocate for yourself when you know something feels off Whether you’ve been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s or are just starting to explore your symptoms, this conversation is for you. 🎧 Hit play and learn how to take your thyroid (and energy!) into your own hands. Check out Harmony Med Spa's Website! https://www.harmonymedspafl.com
Have you ever gone through an entire day and realized you didn’t really feel anything? If you’ve been stuck in autopilot—constantly busy, always doing, but quietly disconnected—this episode is for you. In this deeply grounding conversation, I talk with Alissa from Root Collective, a yoga teacher and embodiment coach, about the emotional cost of our fast-paced lives. We explore how suppressing emotions can lead to burnout, illness, and a sense of numbness that so many of us carry. Alissa shares her journey from living in her head to coming home to her body—and how embodiment practices like yoga, breathwork, and stillness can reconnect us to our truth. We talk about: How nervous system dysregulation affects your hormones. How to get started into a practice. How yoga can be a healing modality.  How emotional suppression shows up in physical symptoms. This episode hit home for me in so many ways—and yes, I’ll be joining Alissa in her yoga classes. Maybe I’ll see you there. Find Alissa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootcollective.srq/ Website: https://www.joinrootcollective.com/
In this episode, I sit down with Nicole Lanni—a Nutritionist, Certified Health Coach, and Functional Blood Work Specialist—who’s on a mission to help people get to the root of their health struggles. Nicole shares her own healing journey, which began when conventional medicine fell short in addressing her symptoms. Now, she empowers others to take control of their health through personalized nutrition, cellular detox, functional bloodwork analysis, and insights from their nutritional DNA. We talk about: Why conventional labs might miss what functional labs reveal How to support healing at the cellular level Foundational tips everyone should know for better energy, digestion, and hormone balance The power of understanding your body's unique needs If you’ve ever felt like your labs were “normal” but you still didn’t feel right, this episode is for you. Find out more about her here! https://helpyougethealthy.com/about/
In this special anniversary episode, Dr. Victoria Andarcia is joined by clarity coach Keltie McGuire to explore one of the most personal and often overwhelming questions women face: Do I want to have children? Together we dive into the emotional layers, societal expectations, and partnership dynamics that shape this decision. Keltie walks us through the process she uses to help women gain clarity—without bias or pressure—and reminds us that hesitation doesn’t mean something is wrong with us. Whether you’re leaning toward kids, considering a childfree life, or sitting somewhere in between, this episode offers grounded support, thoughtful questions, and a judgment-free conversation on a topic we don’t talk about enough. Follow Keltie on Instragram: https://www.instagram.com/kidsorchildfree/
I’m joined by Caren Carnegie, an Intuitive Momentum Coach who began her journey through movement and strength training, and discovered a deeper spiritual path through the connection to her body. Together, we explore how true healing happens when we learn to pause, feel, and reconnect with ourselves. Caren on IG: https://www.instagram.com/carencarnegiefitness/ Website: https://transformfitnesscoaching.com
"I felt like I was losing myself every month—until I took my healing into my own hands." In this episode, I sit down with Ashley Rocha, a trained herbalist who spent years struggling with PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder)—a condition that turned half of every month into a battle with debilitating mood swings, fatigue, and hormonal chaos. Despite seeking help from Western medicine, she was met with misdiagnoses, ineffective treatments, and no long-term solutions. Frustrated with the lack of options, Ashley turned to her roots in herbalism and holistic healing, working with her community to craft powerful, natural remedies to balance her hormones and reclaim her health. This ultimately led to the creation of Ladywell Supplements, a brand that has thoughtfully created supplements to help support female hormones. Listeners get 20% OFF of the supplements with CODE: VICTORIA20 https://getladywell.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/getladywell/  
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Isabelle Amigues, a rheumatologist whose world was turned upside down after being diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer. Instead of just fighting the illness, she asked herself a profound question: “What is this here to teach me?” Dr. Amigues shares how her experience transformed the way she views illness—not only for herself but for her patients. We discuss the mind-body connection in chronic disease, the emotional and psychological aspects of healing, and how she now approaches autoimmune and rheumatologic conditions with a whole-body perspective. This episode is for anyone navigating chronic illness, autoimmune conditions, or simply looking for inspiration and hope in their health journey. Dr. Amigues TedX Talk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfbMljfqdlo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unabridgedmd/ Website: https://www.unabridgedmd.com
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Maria Dona, MD, a leading perinatal psychiatrist, to discuss the mental health challenges of the perinatal period (before, during and postpartum). Dr. Dona shares her expert insights on postpartum depression, anxiety, and the impact of stress and sleep on mental health. We also explore when to seek help, how therapy and medications can support parents, and actionable strategies for managing stress during this transformative time. Whether you're navigating parenthood or supporting someone who is, this episode offers compassionate advice and practical tools for prioritizing mental health for both parent and baby.   Check her website out: https://www.donawellnessclinic.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donawellnessclinic/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DonaWellnessClinic  
In this episode of Healthy Roots, I sit down with Dr. Marie Dona, a board-certified psychiatrist, to explore the often-overlooked mental health challenges that come with pregnancy, postpartum, and motherhood. We dive into postpartum depression, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and the hormonal shifts that impact mental well-being during this transformative period. Dr. Dona shares her expertise on recognizing early warning signs, when to seek support, and the importance of a holistic approach to perinatal mental health—including therapy, lifestyle modifications, and, when needed, medication. We also discuss the societal pressures on mothers, the role of partners in supporting maternal mental health, and how women can advocate for their emotional well-being. If you or someone you love is navigating the mental health ups and downs of motherhood, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to gain insightful, compassionate advice on prioritizing mental wellness in the perinatal period. To connect with Dr. Dona check out her instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donawellnessclinic/   🎧 Listen now on [Spotify/Apple Podcasts/Youtube]
Breast cancer rates are rising, and while some risk factors are beyond our control, there’s a lot we can do to be proactive. In this episode, breast surgeon Dr. Lauren Ramsey joins me to break down the importance of early detection, how to do a proper self-breast exam, and common misconceptions about breast cancer. We also discuss lifestyle factors—like hormone-disrupting toxins, diet, and stress—that may play a role in breast cancer risk. 💡 If you’ve been putting off your screenings, let this be your reminder to book your mammogram, pap smear, or colonoscopy today.
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