I am delighted to have Dr. Austin Lake with me for a two-part series. In Part 1 today, we dive into women’s health, exploring the importance of informed consent around birth control and of finding the root cause of why it was prescribed for you. How to avoid the methylation problems with long-term birth-control use: • Avoid folic acid, and take active folate to counter folate loss  • Maintain adequate B6 to prevent methylation from stalling • If you have MTHFR, take active folate instead of synthetic folic acid to support proper methylation Bio: Dr. Austin Lake Dr. Austin Lake is a functional medicine provider, health educator, and founder of Wholly Health, a transformative health program that helps individuals restore energy, balance hormones, and reclaim health using holistic, evidence-based strategies.  He holds a doctorate in physiotherapy, a bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology, and board certification in functional medicine.  He has guided thousands of clients through challenges like chronic fatigue, weight struggles, autoimmune disorders, thyroid imbalances, and metabolic dysfunction—addressing the true root causes rather than masking symptoms with pharmaceuticals or medical procedures.  His passion for holistic health was born out of personal experience: watching his brother battle leukemia, his father suffer multiple heart attacks, and his mother live with autoimmune disease. These trials forged a mission to uncover why people get sick—and how to truly heal.  Grounded in biblical principles, Dr. Lake’s approach integrates faith, science, and natural healing. He empowers individuals to break free from the cycle of prescription dependency and to steward their health with intention. With a following of about 1.5 million across social media platforms, his work reaches a global audience with practical insights, myth-busting education, and faith-driven encouragement.  When not working with clients or educating online, Dr. Lake enjoys time with his wife, Carlie, and their four children, where they live a simple, natural life centered around faith, family, and wellness. He is also a passionate advocate for homeschooling and equipping the next generation for healthy, purpose-filled lives. His mission is simple: to help people reclaim their health, their vitality, and their God-given potential—one life at a time. In this episode: Dr. Lake recounts his social media controversies How long-term birth control alters B6, folate, zinc, and copper levels, impairs methylation, and disrupts hormone balance How to support methylation Ways to address heavy cycles, acne, or hormonal imbalances without relying on birth control How good nutrition, hydration, and maintaining a healthy circadian rhythm can help you balance your hormones The value of reducing chronic stress to prevent cortisol-driven hormone shifts   The importance of avoiding xenoestrogens and supporting detox pathways Links and Resources: Get a 10% discount on Dr. Lake’s recommended best basic supplements Purchase Dr. Austin Lake’s ebook, Wholly Health Dr. Lake’s free health quiz Guest Social Media Links: Dr. Austin Lake on Instagram Dr. Austin Lake on Facebook Relative Links for This Show: ⁠⁠Your Longevity Blueprint: Methyl B Complex – 60 capsules⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Your Longevity Blueprint Omega 3s – 60 capsules Follow Your Longevity Blueprint On Instagram|Facebook|Twitter|YouTube |LinkedIn Get your copy of the Your Longevity Blueprint book and claim your bonuses here Find Dr. Stephanie Gray and Your Longevity Blueprint online Follow Dr. Stephanie Gray On Facebook|Instagram|Youtube |Twitter |LinkedIn Integrative Health and Hormone Clinic Podcast production by Team Podcast