Itchy and Bitchy

Feb 01 2025 182 ep. 24 mins 125
Itchy and Bitchy Podcast artwork

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.

  Health & Fitness
RSS feed Share
Copy RSS


Subscribe on Podcast Addict


Not Another UTI! Help on the Horizon

Feb 01 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.

Love Your Liver? Think Twice Before Starting Kava for Anxiety

Jan 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 witho

2025 Resolutions: Karen Has One, Do You?

Jan 04 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

The Great Undies Debate

Dec 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 hav

Baby, It's Cold Outside: What to Know About Cold Related Illness

Dec 07 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

A Vagina Day! Beating Bacterial Vaginosis

Nov 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 itchyandbitc

How to Reset Distress to Peace and Joy

Nov 09 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.

Sore Tongue or Cracked Lips? Might Be Iron Deficiency Anemia

Oct 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.

HRT Pellets: A Pain in the Butt or a Perfect Fit?

Oct 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 giv

Inositol – It Helps Mood & Metabolic Problems

Sep 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.