Did you know that testosterone plays an important role in women's health, too? While testosterone is commonly associated with men, women naturally produce this hormone as well. So what happens when those levels decline, and when should women consider discussing hormone replacement therapy with their healthcare provider?

In Part 3 of our testosterone series, Dr. Michelle Plaster and Nurse Practitioner Amber Foster discuss the often-overlooked role of testosterone in women and how changing hormone levels may affect energy, mental clarity, muscle strength, libido, and overall well-being.

In this episode, we discuss:

- Why testosterone matters for women's health

- Common symptoms associated with declining testosterone levels

- How hormones change during perimenopause and menopause

- The relationship between birth control and testosterone availability

- Hormone replacement options, potential side effects, and the importance of monitoring treatment

- Why hormone health involves more than just estrogen and progesterone

Whether you're experiencing unexplained fatigue, brain fog, changes in libido, or simply want to better understand your hormones, this conversation will help you ask informed questions about your health.

Join us for the final installment of our three-part testosterone series as we explore an important conversation in women's health.

**Subscribe to Between Two White Coats** for more conversations designed to help you become the healthiest version of yourself!

#BetweenTwoWhiteCoats #TestosteroneInWomen #WomensHealth #HormoneReplacementTherapy #HormoneHealth #Menopause #LowTestosterone

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In Part 2 of our testosterone series, Dr. Michelle Plaster and Nurse Practitioner Amber Foster take a deeper look at testosterone replacement therapy for men—from understanding the underlying causes of low testosterone to exploring treatment options and the importance of proper medical monitoring.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Finding the cause: Why low testosterone requires more than a single lab test.
• Treatment options: Testosterone injections, topical gels and creams, pellets, and oral medications.
• Testosterone and fertility: How testosterone replacement can affect sperm production and plans for having children.
• Safety and monitoring: Why regular lab work, including blood counts and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing when appropriate, matters during treatment.
• Finding the right approach: How symptoms, lab results, individual needs, and follow-up care factor into treatment decisions.

Testosterone replacement therapy isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. If you're experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, it's important to work with a qualified medical provider who can investigate the cause, discuss your options, and help you determine the safest approach for your situation.

Don't miss Part 3, where we turn our attention to testosterone in women and discuss why this hormone matters for women's health, too!

🎙️ About Between Two White Coats

Dr. Michelle Plaster and Nurse Practitioner Amber Foster bring their combined medical experience to conversations about health and wellness, answering important questions and helping you make informed decisions about your health.

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#LowTestosterone #TestosteroneReplacementTherapy #MensHealth #HormoneHealth #BetweenTwoWhiteCoats

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Testosterone is about more than muscle mass and sex drive! In Part 1 of this three-part series, Dr. Michelle Plaster and Nurse Practitioner Amber Foster break down what testosterone does, why low levels are becoming a growing concern, and the symptoms you shouldn't overlook.

From persistent fatigue and mood changes to difficulty concentrating and reduced exercise tolerance, discover how low testosterone may affect daily life in both men and women. They also discuss factors that can influence hormone levels, the importance of proper lab testing, and why testosterone replacement therapy requires careful medical supervision.

In this episode:

• What testosterone does in the body
• Common signs and symptoms of low testosterone
• Lifestyle factors that may affect hormone levels
• Understanding total vs. free testosterone
• Why lab work and ongoing monitoring matter

Stay tuned as we dive deeper into testosterone replacement therapy in the next episode! Subscribe to Between Two White Coats for more conversations about health, wellness, and practical ways to live a healthier life.

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Fatty liver disease is becoming increasingly common—and many people don't even know they have it. In this episode of Between Two White Coats, Dr. Michelle Plaster and Nurse Practitioner Amber Foster discuss what causes fatty liver, how metabolic health, diabetes, obesity, and diet can affect your liver, and why this often-silent condition deserves more attention. They also explain FibroScan, a noninvasive technology that can measure both liver fat and fibrosis, helping providers identify liver disease earlier—when there may still be an opportunity to reverse the damage.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• What causes fatty liver disease

• Why you can have liver disease without obvious symptoms

• What abnormal liver enzymes may indicate

• How FibroScan works and what the results mean

• How fatty liver can progress to fibrosis and cirrhosis

• Lifestyle changes that can improve liver health

• How current treatments can work alongside lifestyle changes

The good news is that early detection can make a significant difference. If you have diabetes, struggle with your weight, have a family history of liver disease, or have elevated liver enzymes, this is an important conversation to have with your healthcare provider.

Respect your liver. Take care of your liver.

Subscribe to Between Two White Coats for more conversations about health and wellness from Our Family Health!

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In Part 3 of our Peptides Series, Dr. Michelle Plaster and Nurse Practitioner Amber Foster wrap up their conversation about some of the peptides and related therapies they’re most excited about.

From hair, skin and nails to cellular energy, mitochondrial function and immune support, this episode explores how different peptides work at the cellular level and where they may fit into a broader approach to health and wellness.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Glow Stack

• “Exercise in a bottle"

• Peptides that may be helpful for people dealing with fatigue and chronic health challenges

• How peptides may support the body's response to infection

• Why cycling peptides matters

• NAD, mitochondrial function and healthy aging

• How peptides and NAD may fit into a larger strategy for optimizing health

This is the final episode in our three-part Peptides Series, so if you haven't listened to Parts 1 and 2, we encourage you to go back and start there. We break down what peptides are, how they work, which ones we use, and why medical guidance is important when considering them.

Peptides are an exciting and developing area of medicine, but they aren't something to approach casually or simply source on your own. Our goal is to help you understand the science, ask better questions and make informed decisions alongside a qualified medical professional.

If you found this episode helpful, subscribe to the podcast, leave us a five-star review, and share it with someone who could benefit from the conversation.

*This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Talk with your healthcare provider before beginning any new medication, peptide, supplement, or treatment.*

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In Part 2 of our three-part series on peptides, Dr. Michelle Plaster and NP Amber Foster take a deeper dive into some of the specific peptides they commonly discuss and prescribe—and what makes each one different. From growth hormone-related peptides and body composition to muscle building, sleep, recovery, and tissue healing, we break down how different peptides may be used depending on your individual goals. We also talk about peptide combinations, why cycling and lab monitoring matter, and why peptides should be approached as part of a complete health and lifestyle plan, not as a quick fix. You'll also hear some personal experiences from Dr. Plaster and Amber as they discuss the peptides they've seen used in their own lives and with patients.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Growth hormone-related peptides and their role in body composition

• Why peptides may be combined or “stacked”

• Muscle building and maintaining muscle during weight loss

• Sleep, recovery, and overall wellness

• The “Wolverine” stack and how these peptides are used

• Why your specific health goals should determine the approach

And we're not done yet! In Part 3, we'll continue our conversation about peptides and take a closer look at inflammation, energy, longevity, and immunity.

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Peptides are everywhere right now—from social media and podcasts to conversations about weight loss, longevity, energy, and overall wellness. But what exactly are peptides, and how do they work in the body? In this episode of Between Two White Coats, Dr. Michelle Plaster and Nurse Practitioner Amber Foster kick off a three-part series on peptides by breaking down the basics. They explain what peptides are, how they interact with the body, and why they believe they can be a valuable tool in a more root-cause and personalized approach to health and wellness. They also discuss the importance of medical supervision, how to think about FDA approval, the role of reputable compounding pharmacies, why peptides may need to be cycled, and who should—and should not—consider peptide therapy.

If you've been hearing about peptides and wondering whether they're safe, effective, or right for you, this episode is a great place to start!

Listen in as we take a closer look at the science, safety, and potential of peptides—and why they're becoming such an exciting tool in modern health and wellness.

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Most people think physical therapy begins after an injury—but what if it could actually help prevent one?

In this episode of Between Two White Coats, Dr. Shelly Plaster and Nurse Practitioner Amber Foster are joined by Holly Atkinson, PT, the physical therapist at Our Family Health Wellness Center, to discuss a different approach to physical therapy: one focused on prevention, strength, longevity, and maintaining your independence for years to come.

Together, they explore how physical therapy can help identify muscle imbalances, improve balance, increase strength, boost endurance, and create realistic exercise plans that actually fit into your daily life. They also discuss why movement is one of the most powerful forms of medicine and why waiting until something hurts may be waiting too long.

In this episode you'll learn:

• Why physical therapy isn't just for injuries or surgery recovery
• How muscle loss affects your health as you age
• What the S4 (Strength, Stability, Stamina & Stretch) Assessment measures
• How body composition and strength testing can personalize your fitness plan
• Simple ways to improve balance and reduce your risk of falls
• Practical strategies for building exercise into even the busiest schedule

Whether you're a student athlete, a busy parent, or looking to stay active well into retirement, this conversation will help you understand why movement matters—and how investing in your mobility today can help protect your independence tomorrow.

👍 If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode of Between Two White Coats.

Have questions about physical therapy or movement? Leave them in the comments—we may answer them in a future episode!

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