127: How Women Actually Heal: Nervous System, Vitality, Hormones & Pleasure with Dr. Sara Gottfried Szal

What does it really mean to heal as women—in our bodies, minds, and spirits?For too long, women have been told to push through exhaustion, overfunction at every turn, and manage "all the things" while our own vitality suffers. But what if true healing isn't about doing more? What if it's about reclaiming nervous system regulation, honoring our hormonal rhythms, embracing pleasure as medicine, and living from authentic wholeness?In this transformative episode of Plenty, I spent an entire day in deep conversation with Dr. Sara Gottfried, a pioneering women's health physician, hormone expert, and bestselling author. Together, we explored the complex realities of women's health today—from navigating a medical system that often dismisses women's experiences to supporting ourselves through major transitions like perimenopause and menopause.This conversation touches the core of everything we explore in this community: how nervous system balance, embodied pleasure, and true vitality become the foundation for not just surviving, but thriving as women.What You'll Discover in This EpisodeWomen's Health & Medical Advocacy:Why women's health faces unique challenges in traditional medicineHow to reclaim agency over your healing journeyStrategies for advocating for yourself in medical settingsHormones, Fertility & Life Transitions:Essential preparation during reproductive years for a vibrant menopauseWhat every woman should know about hormones and vitalitySupporting your body through perimenopause and beyondNervous System & Embodied Living:The crucial role of nervous system regulation in women's healthHow boundaries and pleasure practices support healingWhy your "whole body yes" is your greatest navigation toolMoney, Safety & Women's Bodies:The profound connection between financial security and physical healthHow our relationship with money impacts our sense of safetyBuilding true abundance from an embodied placeDr. Sara's wisdom, combined with her generous spirit and clinical expertise, creates a conversation that feels both deeply personal and universally relevant. Whether you're in your twenties planning ahead, navigating perimenopause, or supporting other women in your life, this episode offers practical insights grounded in both science and intuitive wisdom.This conversation left me feeling inspired, more grounded in my body, and even more committed to supporting women in living fully resourced, embodied, and abundant lives.Ready to transform how you think about women's health and healing? Listen now. “If I’m being dismissed, if I’m being gaslit, and I’m a physician, then there are millions of women that are still being dismissed and gaslit.” –Dr. Sara Gottfried Szal🎤 Let’s Dive into the Good Stuff on Plenty 🎤00:30 Dr. Sarah Gottfried's Background and Insights01:10 Discussion on Hormones and Women's Vitality03:40 Challenges Faced by Women in Healthcare06:40 Research Gaps in Women's Health08:15 Navigating Perimenopause and Menopause09:42 Heart Rate Variability and Stress Management12:19 Alcohol's Effects on Health16:48 The Role of Relationships in Health22:43 Tracking Hormones and Health28:38 Supporting Egg Quality and Fertility31:28 Reframing Symptoms as Initiations49:20 The Relationship Between Money and Women's HealthLinks and Resources:The Autoimmune Cure, Women, Food, and HormonesTreated with Dr. Sara Stan Tatkin“Age and Happiness: The U-Bend”, from the EconomistDiana ChapmanConnect with Dr. Sara Gottfried Szal:WebsiteInstagramTreated with Dr. Sara✨ Effortless Skincare That Actually Works ✨I have something to share that's been truly transformative in my daily routine. You know I'm always looking for ways to boost productivity while nurturing my well-being—and Gloci has delivered on both fronts.Gloci is an incredible drinkable skincare line that makes caring for your skin effortless and impactful. It's like having a skincare specialist that fits right in your pocket. I love how easily it integrates into my schedule while giving my skin a healthy glow—all with so much less hassle.If you're ready to bring more ease into your skincare routine, I highly recommend checking out Gloci. It's been such a positive addition to my life, and I know you'll love it too. Just head over to katenorthrup.com/gloci and see for yourself.