Send us Fan Mail

Episode description

In Part 2, Yulia Mintchin gets practical — covering what women should actually do at every stage, the FemGene patient journey, her own health transformation on HRT at 31, and a surprising conversation about art, creativity and feminine power as the next frontier in women’s health

Key topics discussed

• Top three interventions for women aged 30–45
• When to start genetic testing, with Yulia’s view being post-puberty
• Cyclical nutrition: why carbs in the luteal phase support progesterone
• Why cryotherapy and cold exposure can backfire depending on genetic stress response
• Medical curriculum gaps: why perimenopause does not belong in sick care
• The gold standard perimenopause visit in 2030
• Will Be’s pharmacogenomic platform vision
• Insurance models and the economics of preventative medicine
• FemGene patient journey: telemedicine, test kits, Dr Vanessa consultation
• Can oestrogen receptors reactivate post-menopause? Emerging research
• Optimal hormones as a foundational baseline, not a longevity bonus
• Peptides: only stack after hormonal foundations are in place
• Yulia’s personal story: health crisis at 31, HRT and the endometriosis link
• Keto, sourdough and changing her mind on carbs
• The digital twin: which data streams matter and which are just noise
• Curveball: the billboard question — rewriting behaviour patterns through art
• Remember Who You Are — Yulia’s musical
• Joseph Campbell, the hero’s journey and stories as healing
• Spiral dynamics and collective consciousness
• A Russian utopian book by a female author written during the USSR period
• Peptides for mitochondria as a sub-$1,000 purchase recommendation
• Piano as an introvert’s creative practice
• Biohacking Eve episode on EMS (Episode 3)

Timestamps

00:00 Why Part 2 is the action plan
01:00 Top interventions before HRT
02:20 Keto, carbs and cyclical eating
07:00 What a gold standard perimenopause visit should look like
09:30 Insurance, self-pay and democratising access
13:20 The research questions FemGene wants to answer
18:10 Why Yulia started HRT at 31
23:10 “It’s not too early” for hormone optimisation
25:00 Female digital twins and meaningful data
27:10 Why optimal hormones are a baseline, not a luxury
30:40 Why fasting and cryo are not for everyone
33:35 One change healthcare professionals can make now
35:50 Art, feminine energy and women’s health
44:30 The spiritual experiences behind Yulia’s mission
49:45 Peptides, piano and personal rituals
53:40 What comes next for Will Be and FemGene

References and resources mentioned

• FemGene hormone genomic test — via Will Be: https://www.mywillbe.co.uk/
• Joseph Campbell — The Hero with a Thousand Faces
• Spiral dynamics — developmental model of collective consciousness
• Biohacking Eve episode on EMS / strength training, referenced as approximately Episode 3
• A Russian utopian book by a female author, written during the USSR period
• Remember Who You Are — musical by Yulia Mintchin
• Health Optimisation Summit, London
• Dr Vanessa — chief scientist at Will Be

Guest social links

• &n

Insta/TikTok: @BiohackingEve
Website: www.BiohackingEve.com

Send us Fan Mail

Episode description

Yulia Mintchin, Forbes 30 Under 30 entrepreneur and creator of FemGene, reveals why perimenopause is an epigenetic reprogramming event — not just a hormone dip — and how genetic testing can predict your symptoms and HRT response before a single prescription is written

Key topics discussed

• Perimenopause as a communication breakdown between genes and hormones
• Why women were excluded from medical research and what that means today
• Hormone genomics and hormone genetics — a new medical category
• The three hormonal archetypes: Sensitive, Silent and Resilient
• The COMT gene variant and oestrogen clearance, affecting around 20% of the population
• Why HRT fails for 40% of women — and how FemGene aims to fix that
• Hormone metabolites vs hormone levels: the missing safety step
• Bioidentical vs synthetic oestrogen — the cherry Haribo analogy
• Endometriosis case study: progesterone and halted progression
• Oncology’s shifting stance on HRT and oestrogen during cancer treatment
• The WHI study and tamoxifen: historical context

Timestamps

00:00 Why perimenopause may be about genetic response, not just hormone decline
01:00 Meet Yulia Mintchin and the FemGene thesis
03:10 Why perimenopause is medicine’s biggest blind spot
05:05 Hormone genomics and hormone genetics explained
14:15 The three hormonal archetypes: Sensitive, Silent and Resilient
23:05 Why doubling HRT doses can backfire
24:10 COMT, oestrogen clearance and personalisation
31:40 When women should start testing
33:20 Endometriosis case study: progesterone and progression
37:20 How archetypes change HRT decisions
41:05 What the FemGene process looks like
45:00 Bioidentical vs synthetic oestrogen
51:20 Red flags that HRT is being managed poorly
56:05 Oncology, HRT and shifting views on oestrogen
58:10 Outro and disclaimer

References and resources mentioned

• FemGene hormone genomic test — via Will Be: https://www.mywillbe.co.uk/
  
  
• The WHI (Women’s Health Initiative) study — landmark trial that shaped HRT policy
• Biohacking Eve episode with Jennifer Garrison, referenced as approximately Episode 1, on hormonal changes affecting 80% of body systems
• COMT gene and oestrogen metabolism — widely studied SNP; Yulia references the slow COMT variant
• Tamoxifen and breast cancer treatment — historical context discussed

Guest social links

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yulia.mintchin/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuliamintchin/
• Will Be website: https://www.mywillbe.co.uk/

Insta/TikTok: @BiohackingEve
Website: www.BiohackingEve.com

Send a text

A Neuroscientific Approach to Menstrual Wellness with Dr Emile Radyte: Exploring Brain-Based Pain and Mood Therapies

In this episode, we welcome Dr Emile Radyte, a Harvard and Oxford-trained neuroscientist specialising in how the brain influences menstrual mood and pain

Dr Radyte discusses her extensive background, including her leadership at Harvard’s emergency medical service and the founding of Lithuania’s largest neuroscience NGO. She is the co-founder of a neuroscience company focused on a brain-first approach to menstrual wellness. The conversation dives deep into the neuroscience behind menstrual pain and mood, explaining how brain circuits, rather than just hormones, regulate these experiences

Dr Radyte elaborates on the innovative non-invasive brain stimulation techniques her team is developing to provide pain relief and mood stabilisation for women with conditions such as PMS, PMDD and endometriosis. She also shares insights on the interplay between hormones, neuroplasticity and brain circuits, as well as ongoing clinical trials and the personalisation of therapeutic protocols for different conditions

Throughout the episode, she highlights the crucial role of self-tracking and personal responsibility in women’s health optimisation

Timestamp

00:00 Introduction and guest welcome
01:05 Understanding the brain-first approach to menstrual health
02:57 Brain circuits and emotional regulation
06:54 Pain perception and sensitivity
09:19 PMS vs PMDD: clinical definitions and differences
12:54 Brain stimulation: a new approach to menstrual health
29:14 Devices and technology for menstrual wellness
35:50 Understanding women’s symptoms and tracking
37:32 Common user mistakes and how to avoid them
41:06 Clinical trials and research initiatives
50:33 User experience with the devices
01:00:43 Curveball questions and personal insights

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

1. Samphire Neurotechnology

• Samphire is a neurotechnology company focused on women’s brain health, particularly hormonal-cycle related symptoms such as:
  • PMS
  • PMDD
  • Menstrual migraines
  • Brain fog
  • Mood and cognitive disruption linked to hormonal changes
• The technology discussed is non-invasive neuromodulation, designed as a drug-free alternative for managing symptoms.

2. Neuroscience & Hormonal Health

• Discussion around how hormonal fluctuations impact the brain, not just reproductive organs.
• Emphasis on the lack of research funding and innovation in women’s neurological health.
• The gap between male-centric medical research models and women’s lived neurological experiences.
  
  

3. Clinical & Regulatory Context

• Samphire’s work within regulated medical frameworks.
• Importance of clinical validation, safety, and evidence-based design for women’s health technology.
• Barriers women face accessing care for cycle-linked neurological symptoms.

4. Lived Experience & Advocacy

• Emile shares the personal motivation behind building Samphire.
• Reframing “normal” suffering around periods and hormones.
• Advocating for women to expect better solutions, not just coping strategies.
  
  
  

Social Media Links

Samphire Website: https://url-shortener.me/4QQW
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/eradyte/

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/radytee/?hl=

Insta/TikTok: @BiohackingEve
Website: www.BiohackingEve.com

Send a text

Navigating the world of assisted reproduction with Mary Fusillo

In this episode, we speak with Mary Fusillo, a practitioner in assisted reproduction for over 25 years. Mary shares insights on her company, Family Solutions International, which provides egg donation, surrogacy, and fertility consulting. She contrasts US and European practice, particularly around donor compensation, and details the screening and selection of egg donors. We examine financial, logistical, and emotional aspects of egg donation and surrogacy, including cost breakdowns, roles and expectations for surrogates and intended parents, and ethical questions around donor anonymity. Mary also highlights psychological impacts and common challenges for all involved. This episode gives a comprehensive look at the complexities, joys, and ethical considerations of assisted reproduction

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and guest introduction
00:08 Mary’s background and career in assisted reproduction
00:52 Focus on egg donors and surrogacy
01:17 The egg donor process in the US
01:38 Compensation and selection of egg donors
03:41 Fresh vs frozen eggs
04:59 Costs and European perspective
06:11 Ethics and anonymity in egg donation
08:54 Logistics and travel for egg donation
16:03 Progesterone support in early pregnancy
21:03 Donor-egg cycle timeline
22:44 Age and ethics in donor-egg usage
25:46 Reasons for choosing donor eggs
28:09 Attachment to DNA and family
30:23 Introduction to surrogacy
33:11 Cost of donor-egg surrogacy
34:26 Typical surrogate profile
36:05 Surrogate relationships and dynamics
43:00 Cross-border surrogacy trends
47:49 Single men and surrogacy
50:23 Genetic testing and embryo screening
53:39 Ethics of telling children about their origins
56:33 Regrets and relief in egg donation and surrogacy
01:00:04 Final thoughts on third-party parenting

Social Media Links

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/familysolutionsinternational/

https://www.facebook.com/DonorSolutionDotCom/

Instagram:

@the_eggsplanation_pod

@familysolutionsinternational

@donorsolution

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

1. Egg Donation & Surrogacy Pathways

• Egg Donation – Discussed as a family-building option for individuals and couples facing infertility, genetic conditions, or age-related fertility decline.
• Gestational Surrogacy – Explained as a process where the surrogate carries a pregnancy but has no genetic link to the baby.
• Key Distinction Covered:
  • Traditional vs gestational surrogacy
  • Donor eggs vs intended mother’s eggs
    
    

2. Legal & Ethical Considerations

• Importance of legal contracts for:
  • Egg donors
  • Surrogates
  • Intended parents
• Discussion of cross-border surrogacy risks
• Emphasis on using licensed agencies and fertility clinics
• Consent, autonomy, and long-term wellbeing of all parties involved

3. Medical & Screening Processes

• Psychological screening for donors and surrogates
• Medical testing and fertility screening
• Hormonal stimulation and egg retrieval (egg donation)
• IVF processes involved in surrogacy journeys

4. Emotional & Human Aspects

• Emotional readiness of intended parents
• The lived experience of donors and surrogates
• Importance of counselling and emotional support throughout the journey
• Reframing stigma around non-traditional family building

Insta/TikTok: @BiohackingEve
Website: www.BiohackingEve.com

Send a text

Harnessing the Power of Cycle-Syncing for Female Productivity with Maggie McDaris

In this episode of Biohacking Eve, Judith speaks with Maggie McDaris, founder of Phase, about the untapped potential of aligning work with female biology. Contrary to popular belief, every phase of the menstrual cycle—menstrual, follicular, ovulatory, and luteal—comes with its own surprising cognitive superpowers. We explore how understanding and leveraging these shifts can help women optimise focus, creativity, communication, and decision-making at work, while reducing burnout. Maggie shares insights from neuroscience and endocrinology on why the traditional 9–5 model often clashes with women’s natural rhythms, and how cycle-synching can transform workplace productivity. This conversation is a practical roadmap for women—and the organisations that support them—to harness biology as a strategic advantage.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and guest introduction
00:59 The problem with traditional work schedules
02:21 Maggie’s personal burnout story
03:59 Introduction to cycle-synching
05:00 How Phase works
07:27 The four cycle phases and their superpowers
12:38 Phase integration in the workplace
22:19 User feedback and future plans
33:50 Embracing strengths during the luteal phase
35:03 Challenges in building Phase
35:56 Integration and user experience
39:08 Addressing irregular cycles and contraception
41:04 Future of hormone tracking and integration
48:10 Cycle-based vertical opportunities
01:02:33 Cultural and organisational challenges
01:12:30 Medium-budget wellness solutions
01:13:29 High-budget organisational wellness
01:15:59 Cultural shifts for wellness
01:18:24 Phase app: current features and plans
01:20:00 Personal insights and feedback mechanisms
01:23:15 Engaging with Phase: user participation
01:25:41 Lightning round: myths, metrics, and personal hacks
01:37:21 Investments in personal well-being
01:40:56 Future breakthroughs and sentimental reflections

Social Media Links

LinkedIn (Maggie McDaris): Maggie McDaris

Instagram: @maggiemcdaris

📚 Resources Mentioned in This Episode

1. Phase.io – Cycle-Aware Productivity App
   
   
   
   • A neuroscience- and endocrinology-informed app that helps women align work and wellbeing with their hormonal cycles.
     
     
     
   • Features: personalized daily insights, “cognitive radar,” workplace integrations (Google Workspace, Office 365), and mobile app.
     
     
     
   • 🌐 Website: Phase.io – Meet the team and learn more about the mission
     
     
     
2. Related Research & Concepts
   
   
   
   • Cycle Syncing – Adapting lifestyle, work, and wellbeing to the four phases of the menstrual cycle.
     
     
     
   • Feasibility Study (University of Greenwich) – Early research validating demand for cycle-aware productivity tools.
     
     
     
   • Cognitive Radar – Mapping six key strengths: energy, focus, motivation, creativity, communication, reflection.
     
     
     
   • Future Integrations – Google Calendar, Office 365, Slack, Asana, Todoist, Reclaim.ai.
     
     
     
3. Referenced Tools & Comparisons
   
   
   
   • Oura Ring – For sleep, stress, HRV, and cycle insights.
     
     
     
   • Headspace & Calm – Examples of integrated wellness resources.
     
     
     
   • Peloton & Zoey – Models for com

Insta/TikTok: @BiohackingEve
Website: www.BiohackingEve.com

Send a text

The Invisible Factors Impacting Women’s Health: A Deep Dive with Dr Fady Shmouni

In this episode, we sit down with Dr Fady Shmouni, a physician-scientist trained in endocrinology, internal medicine, and genetics, to explore the often-overlooked, invisible factors affecting women’s health at a cellular level.

Dr Shmouni introduces the concept of the exposome—the full range of environmental exposures that influence our biology—and how these shape women’s long-term wellbeing. We explore the surge in autoimmune conditions, the roles that digital twins and multi-omics may play in female longevity, and practical ways to mitigate everyday environmental toxins such as microplastics, endocrine disruptors, and light pollution.

He also shares insights into hormonal imbalances, the emerging world of peptides, and the potential of digital twin technology to redefine personalised medicine.

Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to Dr Fady Shmouni and Personalised Health
00:51 Understanding the Exposome
03:10 Impact of Food and Home Environment on Health
07:37 Lighting and Its Effects on Health
15:52 Measuring and Mitigating Exposome Risks
27:29 Makeup and Cosmetics: Hidden Health Risks
37:37 Autoimmune Disorders in Women
40:34 Epigenetics and Exposome Interaction
44:03 Understanding Exposomes and Genetic Susceptibility
46:04 Early Signs of Autoimmune Disorders in Women
48:09 Hormonal Influence on the Immune System
51:11 Exploring Peptides and Their Benefits
01:01:25 The Future of Medicine: Digital Twins and Multi-Omics
01:14:41 Practical Advice for Women’s Health and Longevity
01:18:02 Closing Thoughts and Curveball Questions

📚 Resources Mentioned in This Episode

1. 🌍 The Exposome & Environmental Health
   
   
   
   • Exposome Moonshot Initiative (Washington D.C.) – a global collaboration defining and researching environmental exposures and their impact on long-term health.
     
     
     
   • Government Environmental Databases – lists such as the US “Dirty Dozen” and Clean 15 foods for minimizing pesticide exposure.
     
     
     
   • Key Topics Covered: microplastics, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, circadian lighting, indoor air pollution, cosmetics toxicity, and heavy-metal exposure.
     
     
     
2. 🔬 Testing & Monitoring Tools
   
   
   
   • Ellie Health – Cortisol Test Strips
     Home saliva testing for cortisol and circadian rhythm health.
     (brand mentioned by Fady)
     
     
     
   • Environmental Toxin Tests
     
     
     
     • Heavy metal analysis (mercury, lead, cadmium).
       
       
       
     • Mycotoxin testing for fungal toxins.
       
       
       
     • Microplastic & PFAS testing (dry blood or urine samples).
       
       
       
   • Air Quality Tools
     
     
     
     • CO₂ Monitors and home air sensors (Fady recommends using affordable Amazon devices).
       
       
       
     • Dyson Air Purifier – combines purification and CO₂ tracking.
       
       
       
3. 💡 Wellness & Longevity Technologies
   
   
   
   • Digital Twin Medicine – personalized, data-driven replicas of a patient’s biology using multi-omics (genomics, epigenomics, microbiome, exposome, wearable data).
     
     
     
   • Wearables – Apple Health, smart mirrors, sleep sensors, and circadian lighting systems.
     
     
     
   • Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) – advanced clinical detoxification method discussed for toxin removal and biological-age reduction.
     
     
     
   • Peptide Therapies – including BPC-157, TB-500, copper peptides, and GLP-1 analogs for recovery, regeneration, and longevity.
     
     
     

Insta/TikTok: @BiohackingEve
Website: www.BiohackingEve.com

Send a text

Rethinking Breast Health: Thermography and Beyond with Emma Thornton

Judith welcomes Emma Thornton, a health entrepreneur and breast cancer survivor, to discuss breast cancer. Emma shares her stage 3 triple-negative diagnosis and why she explored thermography, a radiation-free imaging technique that can detect early signs of breast cancer years before lumps form. She explains limits of mammography, especially for dense breast tissue, and the benefits of thermography as a non-invasive, pain-free alternative. We also cover diet, lifestyle and environmental factors, and practical, actionable steps for earlier detection and prevention

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to Breast Cancer Awareness
00:58 Emma Thornton's Personal Journey
02:27 The Importance of Early Detection
05:47 Challenges with Current Screening Methods
07:55 Thermography: A New Hope
09:10 Thermography vs. Mammography
09:50 The Thermography Process
16:54 Proactive Breast Health Measures
20:47 The Role of Diet and Nutrition
23:19 Alternative Therapies and Personal Agency
30:42 Rising Breast Cancer Rates and Contributing Factors
32:19 The Impact of Lifestyle and Environmental Factors
33:34 The Role of Trauma and Emotional Health
34:37 Critical Stages in Life and Breast Cancer Risk
40:03 Gut Microbiome and Breast Cancer
42:27 Nutrient Depletion and Cancer
43:05 Mammograms and Cancer Risk
46:05 Alternatives to Mammograms
46:57 Personal Experiences with Breast Cancer
47:32 Proactive Breast Health Measures
48:55 Thermo Check and Early Detection
55:25 Hormone Therapy and Breast Cancer
58:04 Advocating for Better Breast Health
01:01:45 Making Preventative Care Accessible
01:04:53 Personal Reflections and Advice
01:06:46 Rapid-Fire Questions and Insights

Social Media Links
Website: https://www.livebrave.com/
LinkedIn:https://l1nk.dev/2ZCyr
Instagram:https://l1nk.dev/1GkQn

📚 Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Thermocheck & Thermography

ThermoCheck Breast Health Scan – A non-invasive, radiation-free, and pain-free alternative for early detection of breast cancer risk. Available at the Natural Doctor Clinic in London with Dr. Nyjon Eccles

Supplements & Supportive Therapies

Vitamin D – Key for gene expression and breast health
Iodine – For hormonal regulation and thyroid support
Medicinal Mushrooms (Turkey Tail, Cordyceps) – Used in cancer recovery protocols (with oncologist approval)
Melatonin (high dose for specific cancer types) – Discussed as supportive, but only under medical guidance
CBD & THC – Used during treatment for pain relief and chemo side-effect management (in legal regions)

Lifestyle & Integrative Approaches Mentioned

Acupuncture
Infrared sauna & red light therapy
Fasting / Keto-based nutrition
Coffee enemas (Gerson therapy)
Lymphatic drainage massage
Epsom salt baths
Vitamin IVs (tailored)

Books / Experts Referenced

Live Brave by Emma Thornton (her own book, mentioned at the end)
Dr. Naomi Potter & Davina McCall – Menopausing (discussed as breaking stigma in women’s health)
Other influential doctors in breast cancer and hormone care: Dr. Rina Men, Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz, Dr. Kelly Casper

Insta/TikTok: @BiohackingEve
Website: www.BiohackingEve.com

Send a text

Optimising Women's Health: Body Literacy, Cycle Awareness, and the Hermone App with Philippa Zorn

In this episode of Biohacking Eve, Judith Mueller delves into women's health optimisation with Philippa Zorn, co-founder of Hermone, a German femtech start-up. They discuss how hormonal contraceptives affect the body, including loss of libido and water retention. Philippa explains the importance of body literacy and cycle awareness to better manage and improve feminine health. The Hermone app is highlighted as a tool that provides comprehensive knowledge about the female hormone cycle and offers solutions to alleviate cycle-related symptoms. The episode also covers lifestyle factors such as sleep, stress management, nutrition, supplements, and exercise that can enhance overall wellbeing.
Tune in to learn how to harness your hormonal cycle for a healthier and more optimised life.

Timestamps
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:45 How Hormonal Contraceptives Work and Their Side Effects
03:28 Introduction to Hermone Femtech App
05:10 Definitions: Female, Women, and Menstruators
07:44 What Sets Hermone Apart from Other Period Trackers
11:13 Origin Story of Hermone
14:59 Common Knowledge Gaps About the Menstrual Cycle
18:48 Understanding Cycle Symptoms and Their Impacts
22:21 Importance of Body Literacy
27:34 Overview of the Four Phases of the Menstrual Cycle
34:55 Dealing with Symptoms and Hormonal Imbalances
37:22 Cycle Syncing and Its Benefits
41:17 Practical Tips for Optimising Health Throughout Your Cycle
45:36 Lifestyle Factors: Sleep, Stress, Nutrition, and Exercise
58:11 Building a Cycle-Friendly Work Environment
01:03:29 Q&A: Cycle Syncing and Common Misconceptions
01:09:18 Closing Remarks

Social Media Links
Hermone Website: https://hermone.health/
LinkedIn (Philippa Zorn): https://acesse.one/nX7k1
Instagram (Hermone): https://l1nk.dev/rV5Un

📚 Resources Mentioned in This Episode
Hermone Project

Hermone App – A digital platform designed to support women’s reproductive and hormonal health, tackling stigma and empowering women through community and science.

🌐 Website: https://hermone.health/

Referenced Products / Concepts

• Cycle Tracking & Hormonal Literacy – Encouraging women to better understand their cycles and hormonal shifts
  
  
  
• Holistic Health Approaches – Nutrition, lifestyle, and stress management discussed as part of the hormone-health toolkit
  
  
  
• Medical Support – Conversations around the gap between women’s lived experiences and mainstream medical recognition of hormonal issues (e.g. endometriosis, PCOS)
  
  
  

Themes & Topics in the Episode

• Breaking stigma around periods, hormones, and reproductive health
• Women’s stories and community as central to health empowerment
• The role of tech in making women’s health solutions accessible
• Feminine leadership in healthcare innovation
  
  

Insta/TikTok: @BiohackingEve
Website: www.BiohackingEve.com