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What if the reason you feel tired all the time, struggle with weight changes, or feel disconnected from your libido or energy isn’t “just getting older”? What if the real issue is that your body’s been whispering to you for years… and no one’s been listening?
My guest today, Katy Whalen, is flipping the script on women’s health. She’s the founder and CEO of Joi+Blokes, a telehealth brand helping people take control of their hormones, longevity, and overall wellness.
If you’ve ever wondered what’s really going on with your energy, your mood, or your metabolism… or if you’ve been told to “just deal with it,” this episode is your permission slip to expect more from your wellness journey.
We’re breaking down the myths around hormone health, talk about the three markers every woman should know by heart, and explore what it really means to take a proactive, not reactive, approach to your health.
And hey, if you want to get your own lab work done – which you’ll want to after tuning in, click here and use the code GOALDIGGER to get 50% off lab testing or 15% a therapy of your choice.
Your journey to feeling like yourself again starts here with code GOALDIGGER!
Why “Normal” Bloodwork Might Be Missing the Point
I can’t tell you how many conversations I’ve had with friends where the same story comes up: they feel exhausted, off, and not quite themselves. They go to the doctor, get their bloodwork done, and hear those frustrating words, “everything looks normal.”
But deep down, they know something isn’t right.
Katy explained one of the biggest issues in traditional medicine: the difference between “normal” and “optimal.” When doctors say your labs are “normal,” they’re often referring to averages from a population that isn’t necessarily well.
That range might not mean much if you’re still feeling tired, moody, or just off. Katy and her team focus on optimal levels: what it takes to actually feel good, not just fall within a generic range.
She also called out how often women are dismissed when they bring up health concerns, chalked up to aging or being dramatic. It’s not just medical, it’s cultural. Joi+Blokes is about listening, validating, and creating personalized plans based on labs and how you’re actually feeling.
Two Red Flags to Watch in Your Labs
If you’re only getting TSH checked for your thyroid, that’s not enough. Katy says you need a full thyroid panel to get the real picture, including T3, T4, and antibodies. Thyroid issues can fly under the radar and leave women struggling for years without answers.
And then there’s testosterone. It’s not just for men or just about libido. Low testosterone can cause brain fog, fatigue, inflammation, and a general sense of feeling “off.” Katy said getting hers optimized was like turning the lights back on.
What Every Woman Needs to Know About Perimenopause
Perimenopause isn’t talked about nearly enough, but it’s a season most women go through starting in their late 30s or 40s.
Katy explained it as the phase where progesterone starts to drop and estrogen becomes more erratic, leading to everything from sleep problems and anxiety to mood swings and fatigue.
What struck me most was Katy’s reminder that this isn’t about fixing something broken, it’s about responding to change. It’s a wake-up call to care for yourself differently, and it’s never too early to start tuning into your body.
What a Proactive Wellness Plan Actually Looks Like
If you’ve ever done labs and walked away with no clear plan, you’re not alone. Katy broke down what their process looks like at Joi: get a deep dive on your labs, connect with a clinician to review them alongside your symptoms, and build a customized plan.
That plan might include therapies, supplements, or lifestyle tweaks, but it always centers you and your goals. And it doesn’t stop after one test!
Your body changes, so the plan evolves too. Katy shared how even now, she still checks in on her labs and adjusts based on what her body needs.
If You’re on a Budget, Start Here
Not everyone has thousands to spend on their health, and Katy gets that. She recommends their affordable hormone panel as a starting point. For under $150, you can get 56 biomarkers tested and a 30-minute consult.
She also shared her go-to lifestyle hack: get outside in the morning for 10 minutes of sunlight and eat protein with breakfast.
And if there’s one supplement she swears by, it’s magnesium glycinate at night: it helps with sleep, anxiety, and overall calm.
The Hormonal Pressure Cooker of Midlife, Motherhood, and Mission
I loved this part of our conversation because we got real about the stress of being a woman in this season of life. Entrepreneurship, parenting, aging… It’s a lot.
Katy shared how she’s had to shift her perspective, realizing she can’t run on caffeine and willpower anymore.
Now she treats her health as the foundation, not an afterthought. From strength training to peptides and real food, Katy is learning to support her body so she can keep showing up.
I reminded her—and all of us—that making space for things like gardening, baking, or just being offline isn’t indulgent. It’s essential!
You Are Worth Feeling Good
Katy ended our conversation with the reminder we all need: You are worth it. You deserve to feel good. You don’t have to settle for being “fine” when your body is clearly asking for support.
The earlier you start listening and acting on those signals, the better the second half of your life can feel!
So, friend, let this episode be your permission slip: your health matters. And if you’ve been waiting for a sign to start paying attention to your body in a deeper way, this is it.
Click here to get 50% off lab testing or 15% a therapy of your choice with code GOALDIGGER!
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