Itchy and Bitchy
Health, Fitness & Longevity
About
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
- Life Transitions: Karen and Forrest's Exit
Karen marks a major transition for Itchy and Bitchy as future hosts Stephen Miller and Dr. Keith Hnilica turn the tables and interview her about major life changes. Together, they reflect on significant transitions in life—from parenthood…
- Estrogen Has Been Let Out of Jail!
Karen is joined by future Itchy and Bitchy hosts Stephen Miller, an acute care nurse practitioner specializing in cardiovascular disease, and Dr. Keith Hnilica, a veterinary dermatologist, for a wide-ranging conversation about estradiol an…
- Dining with Your Dog: No Kibble Needed
Family nurse practitioner Karen Nickell introduces future Itchy and Bitchy host Dr. Keith Hnilica, a veterinary dermatologist, for a lively conversation about pet food and what animals can teach us about wellness. They dig into GLP-1 drugs…
- Can Heartbreak Physically Break Your Heart?
Karen kicks off a new chapter for Itchy and Bitchy by introducing future host Stephen Miller, a cardiology nurse practitioner, for a conversation on Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, or “broken heart syndrome.” Together they explain what this stre…
- Vaginal Biofilm: Stranger Than Fiction!
Karen answers a listener's question about vaginal biofilms. What are they and why do they make recurrent BV and yeast infections so hard to treat? She explains how these bacterial or fungal communities form protective layers that resist st…
- How to Reset Distress to Peace and Joy (RERUN)
Karen shares a collection of grounding techniques to help listeners manage stress, anxiety, and negative emotions. From holding ice, savoring food, and taking mindful walks to laughter, music, anchoring exercises, the 5-4-3-2-1 method, and…
- AI in Medicine: Friend or Foe?
Karen explains how AI is already being used in healthcare, from helping find polyps during colonoscopies to speeding documentation. She also covers the biggest concerns, including the possibility of errors, bias, privacy risks, and over-re…
- Digital Health: The New Wild, Wild West
Karen unpacks the fast-growing world of digital health, from Apple Watch and smartphone apps to telehealth and new hospital tech that can improve care and streamline recovery at home. She also addresses the downsides, raising concerns arou…
- Healing After Pet Loss: A Personal Tale
Karen shares a deeply personal episode on the human-animal bond after the loss of her family’s lovebird, Saki, exploring why pet grief can feel so profound and practical ways to heal. She offers suggestions, from letting yourself feel what…
- Grandmothers Rule: Menopausal Mammals Revisited
Karen Nickell revisits menopausal mammal, this time with brand new context: new research from Uganda’s Ngogo chimpanzees shows some chimps experience menopause too. She explains what makes humans evolutionary outliers, unpacks the grandmot…
- GLP-1: Not Just a Weight Loss Med
Karen takes a look at GLP-1 receptor agonists, best known for weight loss and diabetes. She explores the rapidly expanding list of conditions these medications may help treat. From emerging and sometimes conflicting research on Parkinson’s…
- Countdown of Karen's Top Ten Episodes of 2025
Karen counts down her top 10 Itchy & Bitchy moments of 2025, from smarter New Year’s resolutions and promising UTI vaccines on the horizon to updated insights on HRT. Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topi…
- Oh, Snap! Osteoporosis!
Karen shares her personal journey with osteoporosis. What distinguishes it from osteopenia? How are DEXA T-scores interpreted? Why does early screening matter? She covers lifestyle and nutrition, hormone considerations, and medication opti…
- Red Light Under My Christmas Tree?
Karen breaks down red light therapy (photobiomodulation) and where it actually helps: smoothing signs of aging, supporting hair regrowth, calming acne (especially paired with blue light), easing chronic pain and inflammation, and even emer…
- Holiday Heart Doesn't Mean a Happy Heart (RERUN)
Family nurse practitioner Karen re-airs a timely episode on “holiday heart syndrome,” the spike in alcohol-triggered arrhythmias (often AFib) that can strike otherwise healthy people during festive gatherings. She explains what binge drink…
- Surprising Update on Healthcare Self Advocacy!
After listening to an episode of Itchy and Bitchy , a woman pushed for further testing and caught grade 1A ovarian cancer early—requiring only surgery. Karen revisits why self-advocacy saves lives, translating expert definitions into every…
- Estradiol and Skin: The Perfect Match!
Karen tackles a common menopause question: oral vs. topical estradiol. She explains first-pass metabolism and why transdermal options can lower clot, gallstone, and side-effect risks for many, then compares real-world choices. Visit our we…
- Redefining Lithium with Low Dosing
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 sympto…
- Blood Tests for Multiple Cancers + Whole Body Scan Info
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 t…
- BPC-157: What Are You Really Buying?
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…
- Getting to the Point: Microneedling Reviewed
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 stretc…
- Unpacking Your Eye Bags
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 rea…
- GLP-1 Meds & Hair Loss: Skinny and Bald Not the Look You're Going For?
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 sheddi…
- How to Keep Your Cool as the World Heats Up (RERUN)
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…
- Methylene Blue: What Is It Really?
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, ene…
- Face Taping: Karen's Mom is Loving This!
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…
- Presto Chango: Hormone Precursors
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 est…
- Cancer in Young Adults: What in the World is Happening?
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…
- The Hormone Makeover with Donna White
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 individualiz…
- Hormones and High Notes
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 q…
- Scalp Cooling to Spare Your Hair During Chemotherapy
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 p…
- The Best Health Advocate is YOU!
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…
- Menopause and HPV (Part 2 of 2)
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,…
- Menopause and HPV (Part 1 of 2)
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 persisten…
- Iodine: This Element is Elemental!
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 expla…
- Not Another UTI! Help on the Horizon
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…
- Love Your Liver? Think Twice Before Starting Kava for Anxiety
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 it…
- 2025 Resolutions: Karen Has One, Do You?
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 improv…
- The Great Undies Debate
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-b…
- Baby, It's Cold Outside: What to Know About Cold Related Illness
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.…
- A Vagina Day! Beating Bacterial Vaginosis
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 anti…
- How to Reset Distress to Peace and Joy
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
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. V…
- HRT Pellets: A Pain in the Butt or a Perfect Fit?
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 minim…
- Inositol – It Helps Mood & Metabolic Problems
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 regu…
- Magnesium Mix-up: So Many Choices! (RERUN)
Karen answers the question: "What type of magnesium should I take if I decide to take a supplement?" She explains magnesium's essential role in health, touching on its benefits for brain, heart, and muscle function, and highlights the wide…
- Karen Tells All About How to Improve That Saggy, Wrinkled Face
Karen covers the topic of estrogen loss during perimenopause and its effects on skin health, particularly facial skin. She explores how declining estrogen levels lead to reduced skin elasticity, collagen loss, and increased dryness, and di…
- Blood Test for Multiple Cancers: Yup, It Exists!
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 also shares pe…
- There's No Hocus-Pocus to Get Focus
You have a limited offer you can use now, that gets you up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one time purchases with code ITCHY20 at checkout. You can claim it at: https://magicmind.com/itchy Karen explores the topic of improvi…
- Debunking TikTok Trends: Garlic Cloves Up the Nose?
Karen addresses the rise of medical misinformation on TikTok. She highlights the dangers of following non-factual advice from non-medical influencers, explaining the importance of consulting reliable sources and medical professionals for h…