Itchy and Bitchy

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

Redefining Lithium with Low Dosing

September 27, 2025 • 16 mins
Karen tackles a listener question about low-dose lithium. She reviews micro- vs. low-dose ranges, discusses forms like lithium orotate/aspartate and third-party-tested supplement options, and flags safety essentials such as toxicity symptoms, thyroid/kidney considerations, and when to loop in your clinician.

Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topics we have covered on the show.
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Blood Tests for Multiple Cancers + Whole Body Scan Info

September 13, 2025 • 26 mins
In this update to the August 2024 episode, Karen explains the surge of direct-to-consumer “whole-body” MRI/CT screenings and how to decide with your provider whether they’re a good fit. In the re-aired episode, 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...
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BPC-157: What Are You Really Buying?

August 30, 2025 • 16 mins
Karen takes a look at BPC-157, the buzzy peptide touted for faster healing and joint relief, explaining what animal studies actually show, the lack of human clinical trials, and its regulatory reality.

Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topics we have covered on the show.
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Getting to the Point: Microneedling Reviewed

August 16, 2025 • 21 mins
Karen demystifies the popular skincare treatment known as microneedling. She explores how this minimally invasive procedure stimulates collagen and elastin production to improve skin texture, reduce wrinkles, and help with scars and stretch marks. She compares professional treatments with at-home devices, explains the pros and cons of each, and provides detailed guidance on safe at-home use.

Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to r...
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Unpacking Your Eye Bags

August 2, 2025 • 17 mins
Karen tackles the puffy eye predicament that's turning well-rested people into walking advertisements for concealer. From the cruel reality of aging to your body's dramatic reaction to that late-night pizza binge, Karen breaks down the reasons your under-eyes are staging their own little rebellion.

Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topics we have covered on the show.
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GLP-1 Meds & Hair Loss: Skinny and Bald Not the Look You're Going For?

July 19, 2025 • 18 mins
Karen tackles the surprising link between GLP-1 medication (like Ozempic and Wegovy) and hair loss. As more people turn to these drugs for diabetes and weight management, some are left wondering: is the price of shedding pounds also shedding your hair? Karen explores possible causes behind this side effect, including rapid weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, and hormonal changes, and shares science-backed strategies to help prev...
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How to Keep Your Cool as the World Heats Up (RERUN)

July 5, 2025 • 24 mins
Karen shares potentially life-saving advice for staying safe in extreme heat as record-breaking temperatures sweep across the country. She explains how heat exhaustion and heat stroke develop, how to recognize early warning signs, and what to do if you or someone else is affected.

Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topics we have covered on the show.
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Methylene Blue: What Is It Really?

June 21, 2025 • 20 mins
Karen unpacks the hype surrounding methylene blue, a vivid cobalt dye that's gained popularity as a trendy wellness supplement. From its historical use as a textile dye and medical treatment to modern claims about boosting brain power, energy, and longevity, Karen breaks down what the science actually says—and what it doesn’t. With potential risks ranging from drug interactions to serotonin toxicity, she urges listeners to think tw...
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Face Taping: Karen's Mom is Loving This!

June 7, 2025 • 15 mins
Karen breaks down the growing trend of face taping as a non-invasive approach to reducing wrinkles and lifting sagging skin. She explains the difference between aesthetic taping for red carpet-ready lift and overnight wrinkle patches like Frownies that aim to retrain facial muscles. Karen walks listeners through product options, techniques, and safety tips—while sharing her own experiences (and her mom’s timeless advice) about figh...
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Presto Chango: Hormone Precursors

May 24, 2025 • 18 mins
Karen breaks down the benefits of precursor hormones—specifically pregnenolone and DHEA—for those who struggle with traditional hormone replacement therapy. She explains how these naturally occurring compounds support the production of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, and how they may offer relief from symptoms like brain fog, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and low libido.

Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog pos...
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Cancer in Young Adults: What in the World is Happening?

May 10, 2025 • 20 mins
Karen addresses the troubling rise in early-onset cancers among adults under 50, particularly women. Drawing on the latest research, she discusses contributing factors—from delayed screenings and family history to gut health, environmental exposures, and systemic inflammation. Karen also highlights how current healthcare gaps, lifestyle factors, and even prenatal influences may be playing a role in this growing health crisis.

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The Hormone Makeover with Donna White

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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Hormones and High Notes

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.
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Scalp Cooling to Spare Your Hair During Chemotherapy

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 ...
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The Best Health Advocate is YOU!

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.
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Menopause and HPV (Part 2 of 2)

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.
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Menopause and HPV (Part 1 of 2)

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.
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Iodine: This Element is Elemental!

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...
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Not Another UTI! Help on the Horizon

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.
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Love Your Liver? Think Twice Before Starting Kava for Anxiety

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...
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