In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Tracy McCarthy, a brilliant functional medicine physician and psychiatrist, to talk about what it really takes to heal—especially in midlife. We explored how functional medicine goes beyond symptom management and instead focuses on the root causes of chronic conditions like anxiety, fatigue, brain fog, and digestive issues. Tracy's perspective on how nutrition, inflammation, gut health, and lifestyle play into our mental and physical well-being is deeply empowering.

As someone who works with women navigating health and identity shifts in midlife, I found this conversation to be a powerful reminder that healing is possible—and it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Dr. McCarthy shares how small, consistent changes can lead to massive improvements and how partnering with your body (not fighting it) is the key to long-term health. If you're curious about functional medicine, overwhelmed by your symptoms, or simply want to feel better in your body—this episode is for you.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] - Kicking off with Dr. Tracy McCarthy and the power of functional medicine.
[1:25] - Tracy shares her journey from psychiatry to root-cause healing.
[6:13] - The common symptoms Tracy sees in midlife women.
[8:04] - What the functional medicine intake and testing process looks like.
[12:06] - The importance of patient participation in healing.
[13:20] - Understanding the role of inflammation in chronic illness.
[16:56] - A powerful case study that brought it all together.
[21:27] - Gut health: the surprising link to mood and brain function.
[25:12] - The mystery behind why autoimmune issues hit women harder.
[34:14] - Prevention and aging: how much power we do have.
[38:22] - What’s really driving the health crisis in America.
[41:30] - Supplements that midlife women should consider adding.
[47:03] - Dr. McCarthy’s course and how to start your own healing journey.
[48:06] - My personal takeaway: healing starts with the first step.

Resources:

• Dr. Tracy McCarthy’s Website: www.drtracymccarthy.com
• Free Guide: Top 10 Overlooked Causes of Brain Fog, Depression & Anxiety – https://www.drtracymccarthy.com/top10
• Dr. McCarthy on Instagram: @drtracymccarthy
• Functional Medicine Resources: Institute for Functional Medicine
• Dr. McCarthy’s Online Program: The Natural Mood Sol

Pre-order The Cost of Quiet now! Colette’s new book, The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations that Create Secure, Lasting Love, launches February 3rd. Secure your copy today and get VIP bonuses available only before launch day. https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

🎙️ Love the podcast? Come talk about episodes with us inside The Midlife Chat. It’s a free, private community just for women at midlife who want to keep these conversations going. We’ve created this space for real talk, fresh resources, and honest connection—where you can share ideas and resources, ask questions, and get support from women navigating the same season. Come join us—we’d love to have you!

👉 Join The Midlife Chat here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/795863256460970/

Pre-order The Cost of Quiet now! Colette’s new book, The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations that Create Secure, Lasting Love, launches February 3rd. Secure your copy today and get VIP bonuses available only before launch day.