In this episode of the 1st Optimal Podcast, we sit down with Maddy Michielssen (@madsmichiefitness), a Functional Nutritionist (FNTP) and Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner (FDN), to reveal the truth about hormone health, weight loss, and how advanced testing can transform your well-being.
Maddy shares her journey from struggling with severe health challenges to helping clients restore energy, balance hormones, and achieve lasting results through a functional medicine lens.
We cover:
✅ Birth control myths & hormone health truth
✅ Dutch test, GI mapping & advanced labs
✅ Gut health’s link to weight & stubborn fat
✅ Why CICO isn’t the full metabolism story
✅ Costs vs. investments in real health
✅ Peptides for recovery, hair & inflammation
✅ Nervous system & movement strategies
✅ Mindset shifts for busy lives
📌 Connect with Maddy Michielssen:
Instagram: @madsmichiefitness
🎙 Subscribe to the 1st Optimal Podcast for more science-backed conversations on hormones, metabolism & optimization.
#HormoneHealth #BirthControlMyths #FunctionalMedicine #GutHealth #PeptideTherapy #1stOptimalPodcast

0:00 – From Medications to Functional Medicine
3:42 – Growing Up in Natural Medicine
7:18 – Bodybuilding & the “If It Fits Your Macros” Era
11:55 – Why Birth Control Doesn’t Fix Hormones
17:20 – Nutrient Depletion & Post-Pill Recovery
22:03 – Cost vs. Investment in Functional Testing
27:41 – Gut Health, Functional Labs & Medical Collaboration
33:15 – Why Weight Gain Isn’t Just Calories In vs. Out
39:47 – Reverse Dieting for Hormonal Balance
44:50 – Final Takeaways on Hormones, Gut Health & Optimization

Support the show

🧑‍⚕️ 1st Optimal helps women and men optimize their health through personalized treatment plans that integrate lifestyle, exercise, supplementation, nutrition, and medications. As a cutting-edge telehealth platform specializing in functional medicine, we offer tailored hormone therapy, precision weight management, and performance-driven care—all designed to help you thrive from home.
✅ Hormone Replacement Therapy
✅ Weight Loss & Recovery
✅ Performance Enhancement
✅ Lab Tests & Health Diagnostics
✅ Sexual Wellness & Supplements
➡️ Learn More & Get Started at https://1stoptimal.com
➡️ Diagnostic Testing & Supplementation at https://shop.1stoptimal.com

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