Supporting Women's Hormones Naturally at Every Stage of Life with Dr. Sheena Jongeneel L.Ac.

Your body is always communicating with you. The real question is: are you listening? In this episode of The Vital Spirit Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Sheena Jongeneel, licensed acupuncturist, founder of Empress, and practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine, to explore women's hormones through a different lens—one rooted in patterns, vitality, and the body's innate wisdom. We talk about the connection between stress and hormone health, why so many women feel disconnected from their cycles, and how Eastern medicine approaches PMS, perimenopause, and menopause by supporting the whole person rather than simply managing symptoms. Dr. Sheena shares her own journey from Pilates instructor to acupuncturist, how her daughter's first period and her own perimenopausal symptoms inspired the creation of her wellness brand, and why she believes these midlife transitions can become some of the most empowering seasons of a woman's life. If you've ever wondered what your symptoms are trying to tell you—or if you're looking for natural ways to support your hormones—this conversation is for you. In this episode, we cover: ● 01:06 How Dr. Sheena found her path to Eastern medicine ● 02:48 Why Pilates led her to acupuncture and holistic healing ● 04:35 Burnout, meditation, and lessons from her training years ● 07:52 Understanding hormone patterns through Traditional Chinese Medicine ● 10:35 The personal story behind creating Empress ● 15:33 The connection between stress, qi, and the foods we eat ● 21:26 How herbal formulas support hormones at different life stages ● 26:16 Period packs, first periods, and removing shame around menstruation ● 29:15 Natural options for teens dealing with painful periods and acne ● 30:16 How herbs can help us understand deeper patterns in the body ● 31:20 The relationship between stress and hormone balance ● 33:55 Common signs your body may need extra support during perimenopause ● 37:12 Why your cycle is one of your most important vital signs ● 40:02 The mindset shift that can transform midlife ● 42:09 Mother-daughter hormone stories and cycle synchronicity ● 46:50 Where homeopathy and Traditional Chinese Medicine overlap ● 52:04 Why women deserve to know all of their natural options ● 56:11 Where to learn more about Dr. Sheena and Empress Links and resources: ● The Web That Has No Weaver by Ted J. Kaptchuk:   / 214967.the_web_that_has_no_weaver_   ● Empress: herempress.com ● Empress Instagram:   / empressofhealth   ● Empress TikTok:   / herempress   Connect with Dr. Kelly: Website: drkellylivingston.com Website Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.com Instagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/ Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicine YouTube:    / @drkellylivingston   Connect with Dr. Sheena Jongeneel: Instagram:   / sheenajongeneel_l.ac   Thank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential. Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together. If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect. Disclaimer: The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. #perimenopause #menopause #womenshormones