In this episode of the Optimal You Podcast, Pharmacist Steve Irsfeld sits down with Nurse Practitioner Bethany Mello of Advanced Specialty Care in Nampa, Idaho, to have an honest and informative conversation about hormone therapy, perimenopause, and menopause.
Many women are told their labs are “normal”, yet they don’t feel normal at all. Fatigue, poor sleep, anxiety, weight gain, mood changes, brain fog, and low libido are often dismissed as just part of aging. But are they?
Bethany shares her journey into functional medicine and explains how she evaluates hormones differently, focusing on optimal levels rather than just “within range” results. The conversation covers:
The early signs of perimenopause
Why progesterone often declines first
The role of cortisol and stress in sleep and energy
Differences between bioidentical hormones and synthetic options
A clearer look at the Women’s Health Initiative and how it changed hormone therapy conversations
Practical nutrition and supplement strategies that support hormone balance
This episode is designed to educate and empower, helping women understand that they are not “crazy,” and that feeling well is possible at every stage of life.
If you’ve been told everything is normal but you still don’t feel like yourself, this discussion offers clarity, context, and hope.
As always, this podcast provides general educational information and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. If you have questions about your own health, speak with your healthcare provider.
Special Offer: As a thank-you for listening, use code Podcast55 at checkout in our online store for 25% off one product of your choice (valid for 60 days after airing).
Be vigilant about your health and keep moving toward your Optimal You.

In this episode of the Irsfeld Pharmacy Optimal You Podcast, pharmacist Steve Irsfeld sits down with Dr. Scott Sherr, board-certified internal medicine physician, health optimization medicine expert, and COO of Transcriptions, for an in-depth conversation on methylene blue - a compound gaining attention for its powerful effects on cellular energy, brain function, and overall resilience.
Dr. Sherr shares his journey from conventional medicine to health optimization and explains how mitochondrial dysfunction plays a central role in fatigue, brain fog, inflammation, and chronic illness. Together, Steve and Dr. Sherr break down how methylene blue works at the cellular level, why low-dose precision matters, and how it can be used to support focus, endurance, cognition, and recovery - without overstimulation.
The discussion also covers:
How methylene blue supports mitochondrial efficiency
Proper dosing strategies and titration
Safety considerations and medication interactions
Cognitive health, aging, and metabolic stress
When to use methylene blue daily vs. as needed
Real-world patient experiences and practical guidance
Whether you’re dealing with low energy, brain fog, high stress, or simply looking to optimize your health, this episode provides clear, grounded insight to help you make informed decisions.
🎁 Special Listener Offer:Listen through the end of the episode to receive 25% off a product of your choice at feldpharmacy.com using code PODCAST54 (valid for 60 days).
As always, be vigilant about your health - and remember, your pharmacy team is here to help guide you every step of the way.
To learn more about Dr. Sherr:
Scott Sherr MD
Health Optimization Medicine (HOMe): :Co-founder HOMe-SF (my HOMe Clinic) VP of Education of HOMeHOPe Nonprofit: www.homehope.org 
HBOT: Worldwide HBOT consultation, advocacy, and education at IntegrativeHBOTMaking HBOT Faster, Safer, and Better at OneBase Health
Troscriptions:COO and Head of Education. Learn more here.
Instagram @drscottsherr
Cohost of the Smarter Not Harder Podcast. Listen to the latest episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

In this episode, Steve welcomes Dr. Forrest Lanchbury of Sedona Regenerative Medicine for a deep dive into functional and integrative approaches to cancer care. They discuss the growing interest in repurposed medications, the role of cancer stem cells, how diet and metabolic health influence treatment outcomes, and why mindset and lifestyle support matter. Dr. Lanchbury also shares real-world clinical insights, patient experiences, and guidance for those exploring complementary options alongside conventional care. A grounded, informative conversation for anyone seeking to better understand the evolving landscape of cancer treatment.
 
#CancerCare #RepurposedDrugs #FunctionalMedicine #IntegrativeOncology #MetabolicHealth #CancerStemCells #HolisticWellness #IvermectinDiscussion #AlternativeTherapies #DrForrestLanchbury #SedonaRegenerativeMedicine #OptimalYouPodcast #WellnessJourney #PatientSupport

In this wide-ranging and refreshingly practical conversation, Physician Assistant Patty Gilbert joins Steve to explore what it really takes to help patients feel and function at their best. Patty shares her journey from athletic training to rural healthcare, her 15+ years of treating allergies and asthma with immunotherapy, and why understanding the gut–skin–immune connection is essential for lasting relief. She also breaks down the often-misunderstood world of hormone replacement therapy—what’s safe, what’s effective, and why both women and men can benefit from human-identical hormone support as they age.
Along the way, Patty reflects on her years working with professional rodeo athletes, the realities of rural medicine, and the importance of ownership, hard work, and learning from life’s crossroads.
If you’re looking for a grounded, insightful take on allergies, hormones, and whole-body wellness, this episode delivers real-world wisdom with heart.

In this fascinating episode of The Optimal You Podcast, pharmacist Steve Irsfeld, RPh, sits down with Dr. Matt Pratt-Hyatt, Chief Science Officer at KBMO Diagnostics, to explore the groundbreaking Metabolic Insights Profile (MIP) test—a next-generation organic acids test that helps uncover what’s really happening inside your body.
Together, they discuss how the MIP test goes beyond traditional lab work to reveal hidden issues with gut health, detoxification, mitochondrial function, nutrient balance, and neurotransmitters. Dr. Pratt-Hyatt explains how this data-driven approach supports truly personalized care and why it’s transforming how practitioners detect and treat chronic health conditions.
If you’ve ever wondered how science can decode your body’s chemistry to optimize your health, this episode is a must-listen.
 
#TheOptimalYouPodcast #FunctionalMedicine #PersonalizedHealth #MIPTest #MetabolicInsights #GutHealth #DetoxSupport #MitochondrialHealth #KBMODiagnostics #WellnessJourney

In this episode, Steve Irsfeld, RPh, sits down with Dr. Sarah Zieldorf to discuss the complexities of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis—covering how to accurately diagnose, interpret lab results, and create effective management plans for long-term thyroid health. Gain a deeper understanding of autoimmune thyroid disorders and practical takeaways to support your patients’ wellness journey.To learn more about Dr. Sarah Zieldorf, visit her website here.
To learn more about our supplements or to book a consult, visit IrsfeldPharmacy.com.

In this special Q&A episode of The Optimal You Podcast, Steve Irsfeld, pharmacist and owner of Irsfeld Pharmacy, answers your most pressing health and wellness questions. From practical advice on supplements and medications to insights on lifestyle choices that support long-term well-being, Steve shares his expertise in an accessible, down-to-earth way.
Whether you’re curious about natural health solutions, want clarity on prescription use, or are simply looking for tips to optimize your everyday health, this episode brings valuable answers straight from a trusted source.
👉 For more resources and personalized guidance, visit irsfeldpharmacy.com.

In this episode of the Optimal You Podcast, pharmacist Steve Irsfeld sits down with his longtime friend, author Todd Lefor, to explore the fascinating intersections of technology, health care, and everyday life. Todd’s new book, I Wonder If Stella Thinks About Me—a Barnes & Noble bestseller in the computer book category—dives into AI, Teslas, and even minions, offering both insight and humor along the way. Together, Steve and Todd reflect on how AI is reshaping health care, share stories from their high school days, and bring plenty of wit to the conversation.