Itchy and Bitchy
Nurse practitioner Karen Nickell discusses the realities of menopause and the female midlife in a way that is both informative and fun. Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topics we have covered on the show.
Episodes
April 26, 2025 • 41 mins
Karen welcomes Donna White, a leading expert in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) with over 30 years of experience. They discuss the myths and truths about hormone therapy, the critical role of proper testing and individualized treatment plans, and how BHRT can drastically improve quality of life for women in menopause and beyond. Donna shares her personal journey with hormonal imbalance, her mission to train provider...
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April 12, 2025 • 31 mins
Karen unpacks the surprising connection between hormones and the human voice—especially for singers. Drawing from her dual background in opera and medicine, she explains how hormonal shifts throughout the menstrual cycle can impact vocal quality, flexibility, and range.
Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topics we have covered on the show.
Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topics we have covered on the show.
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March 29, 2025 • 18 mins
Karen shares how a friend's breast cancer diagnosis became a powerful example of self-advocacy in action. From discovering she didn’t need chemotherapy after requesting additional testing, to researching scalp cooling treatments and skin protection during radiation, this story highlights how knowledge and persistence can lead to better care.
Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topics we have covered ...
Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topics we have covered ...
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March 15, 2025 • 20 mins
Karen shares a powerful listener story about self-advocacy in healthcare and how trusting your instincts can be lifesaving. After experiencing persistent symptoms that were initially dismissed by a doctor, this listener took charge of her health, sought a second opinion, and ultimately discovered a serious diagnosis.
Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topics we have covered on the show.
Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topics we have covered on the show.
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March 1, 2025 • 15 mins
Karen continues her discussion on HPV, focusing on the types of cancers it can cause and the best prevention methods. She breaks down the staggering statistics on HPV-related cancers, explains why the virus can remain dormant for decades, and highlights the importance of screening and early detection.
Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topics we have covered on the show.
Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topics we have covered on the show.
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February 22, 2025 • 15 mins
Karen unpacks the risks of HPV for women in their perimenopausal and menopausal years. She explains how the virus spreads, why it can re-emerge decades after initial exposure, and how hormonal and immune system changes impact its persistence.
Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topics we have covered on the show.
Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topics we have covered on the show.
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February 15, 2025 • 18 mins
Karen explores the importance of iodine and how its deficiency can impact overall health. She discusses the essential role iodine plays in thyroid function, metabolism, and cognitive development, particularly in pregnant women. Karen explains why iodine deficiency is on the rise, how to test for it, and the best ways to ensure adequate intake through diet and supplements.
Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on th...
Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on th...
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February 1, 2025 • 12 mins
Karen explores the potential of UTI vaccines as an alternative to antibiotics for treating recurrent urinary tract infections. She explains how UTIs develop, why traditional antibiotic treatments often fail, and how vaccines work to boost the body's immune response.
Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topics we have covered on the show.
Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topics we have covered on the show.
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January 18, 2025 • 17 mins
Karen examines the use of kava supplements, exploring their potential benefits for anxiety and their serious risks, including liver toxicity. She highlights key studies on kava's effectiveness, explains its traditional use, and warns of its interactions with medications. She also shares a list of alternative supplements that have been shown to help with anxiety and depression without the significant risks associated with kava.
Visi...
Visi...
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January 4, 2025 • 13 mins
Karen kicks off 2025 by examining the science behind New Year's resolutions. She explores why we make them, who is most likely to set goals for the new year, and the reasons resolutions often fail. She also shares practical tips for improving success rates, such as setting small, meaningful goals, using habit trackers, and practicing self-compassion after setbacks.
Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many ...
Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many ...
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December 21, 2024 • 10 mins
Karen settles the great debate: should you sleep with or without underwear? She explores the health benefits and potential drawbacks of both choices. From reducing the risk of infections to promoting vaginal health, she provides research-backed insights to help you make the best decision for your body.
Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topics we have covered on the show.
Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topics we have covered on the show.
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December 7, 2024 • 26 mins
Karen discusses the dangers of cold-related illnesses and how to stay safe during the winter months. She explains the causes, symptoms, and prevention strategies for conditions such as hypothermia, frostbite, chillblains, and trench foot. Learn practical tips for dressing warmly, avoiding prolonged exposure to cold, and recognizing early warning signs of these conditions to prevent severe complications.
Visit our website itchyandbit...
Visit our website itchyandbit...
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November 23, 2024 • 19 mins
Karen addresses bacterial vaginosis (BV), a common vaginal infection that affects many women. She explains its symptoms, causes, and risk factors, while offering practical solutions for both treatment and prevention. From prescription antibiotics to boric acid suppositories and probiotics, Karen shares a comprehensive approach to managing recurrent BV.
Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topics we hav...
Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topics we hav...
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November 9, 2024 • 17 mins
Karen shares a collection of grounding techniques to help listeners manage stress, anxiety, and negative emotions.
Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topics we have covered on the show.
Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topics we have covered on the show.
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October 26, 2024 • 17 mins
Karen sheds light on iron deficiency anemia, covering its causes, symptoms, and treatment options. She explains the stages of anemia development, common risk factors, and how to recognize signs like fatigue, pale skin, and brittle nails.
Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topics we have covered on the show.
Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topics we have covered on the show.
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October 12, 2024 • 22 mins
Karen discusses hormone pellet therapy, one form of bioidentical hormone replacement that is designed to produce consistent, long-term hormone levels. She outlines how these tiny pellets are inserted under the skin and can be used to minimize the symptoms of menopause and hormone imbalance—exploring the benefits, possible side effects, and risks associated with them. She also gives tips on what to expect with the treatment and sugg...
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September 28, 2024 • 17 mins
Karen takes on the topic of inositol supplements, particularly their benefits for managing metabolic and mood disorders. She explores the science behind inositol, a substance naturally found in the body, and how it can support insulin regulation and neurotransmitter balance.
Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topics we have covered on the show.
Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topics we have covered on the show.
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September 21, 2024 • 20 mins
Karen answers the question: "What type of magnesium should I take if I decide to take a supplement?" She explains magnesium's essential role in health, touching on its benefits for brain, heart, and muscle function, and highlights the widespread issue of magnesium deficiency, often due to processed food diets.
Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topics we have covered on the show.
Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topics we have covered on the show.
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September 14, 2024 • 19 mins
Karen covers the topic of estrogen loss during perimenopause and its effects on skin health, particularly facial skin. She explores how declining estrogen levels lead to reduced skin elasticity, collagen loss, and increased dryness, and discusses the benefits of using topical estrogen creams to counteract these effects. She also reviews the history of estrogen in skincare, recent studies on its effectiveness, and shares her own exp...
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August 24, 2024 • 18 mins
Karen explores the Galleri test, a multi-cancer early detection (MCED) blood test that can identify over 50 types of cancer. She explains how the test works, its potential benefits, and the risks associated with its use. She also shares personal stories from individuals who benefited from the test, while discussing ongoing research to determine its effectiveness in improving cancer outcomes.
Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to r...
Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to r...
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