The Women’s Hormone Health Certification Program contains 12 modules released monthly. Each module contains 3-6 video lectures (each 15-30 minutes long), handouts, protocols and additional resources, which all include evidence-based content with links to all research studies and references cited (there are 100’s of studies that have been referenced).
There is extensive information on the menstrual cycle, ovulation, the hormone fluctuations that drive each phase of the cycle, as well as the different hormones and how they impact each area of health and overall wellbeing.
Additionally, there are protocols for the foundational aspects of health like the gut and liver detoxification, and there are protocols for specific conditions like PCOS and endometriosis. Finally, there are guest expert lecturers who deliver research-backed presentations on a variety of relevant topics.
These modules provide the content and information you need to come prepared for discussion and Q&A in our group sessions.
SEMESTER 1
MODULE 1
Introduction to the Menstrual Cycle
- Understand basic role and functions of the menstrual cycle & why ovulation is so important
- Understand what the menstrual cycle can tell us about overall health
- Understand and identify the hormonal fluctuations that occur during each cycle
- Understand the “conversation” that occurs between the brain and the ovaries, and how to apply this to helping female clients balance their hormones
- Get to know what is normal and what is not with the menstrual cycle
- Learn the basics of cycle tracking using cervical fluid, basal temperature and cervical position
Lecture 1: Introduction to the Menstrual Cycle – Basic Role and Function
Lecture 2: The Four Phases of the Menstrual Cycle and the Hormonal Fluctuations that Drive the Phases
Lecture 3: What is a Normal Menstrual Cycle?
Lecture 4: Cycle Tracking 101
MODULE 2
Menstruation Through The Life Cycle
- Introduction to what happens hormonally from puberty through perimenopause
- Overview of puberty and teenage periods – what’s normal, what’s not
- Overview of cycles from the 20’s into the late 30’s and early 40’s
- Discussion on the effect of pregnancy on hormones and cycles
- Overview of the changes that happen in the late 40’s (final stage before menopause).
- Learn why continuous hormonal birth control is not the solution for period problems at any stage in the menstrual life cycle
Lecture 1: Puberty Through the 30s
Lecture 2: Perimenopause & Menopause
MODULE 3
The Endocrine System & Hormones 101
- Learn the basic role and functions of the endocrine system
- Understand the function of other main organs and their connection to hormone function
- Get to know the main hormones covered in this program
- Identify the 8 most common hormone imbalances affecting women today
- Recognize the signs, symptoms and conditions related to each of the main hormonal imbalances
Lecture 1: The Endocrine System
Lecture 2: The Main Hormones & Their Roles in the Body
Lecture 3: The Most Common Hormone Imbalances in Women & How to Identify Them
Download our The Axes of the Endocrine System and Their Feedback Loops Handout here to see an example of the handouts you’ll receive in the program.
MODULE 4
Female Anatomy & Ovarian Function
- Identify the basic parts of the external and internal female anatomy
- Understand the function of the external and internal female organs
- Understand the different axes in the body and get a clear picture of the interconnectedness of the endocrine system
- Learn about ovarian mitochondria and the role mitochondria play in ovarian function
- Learn the connection between mitochondria and the development of common conditions including endometriosis, PCOS and primary ovarian insufficiency
Lecture 1: Female Anatomy: External Organs
Lecture 2: Female Anatomy: Internal Organs
Lecture 3: Ovarian Dysfunction & Abnormal Menstrual Cycle
SEMESTER 2
MODULE 5
The Most Common Conditions Associated with Hormone Imbalance
- Identify and describe the most common conditions associated with hormonal imbalances – including endometriosis, PCOS, adenomyosis, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, PMS, PMDD and uterine fibroids
- Explain the underlying causes of these conditions
- Recognize the symptoms of these common condition
Lecture 1: The Most Common Conditions Associated with Hormone Imbalance Part 1
Lecture 2: The Most Common Conditions Associated with Hormone Imbalance Part 2
Lecture 3: The Most Common Conditions Associated with Hormone Imbalance Part 3
MODULE 6
How Food affects Hormones & How to Eat for Optimal Hormone Health
- Understand the importance of individualized nutrition to support proper endocrine system function
- Explain why eating organic and farm-raised food is better for overall health
- Learn how the three macronutrients (fat, protein and carbohydrates) play an important role in hormone balance
- Roles that fat, protein, and carbohydrates play in hormone function
- Different macronutrient ratios that can help with hormone balance
- Benefits and pitfalls of plant-based proteins
- How to combine the macronutrients for optimal hormonal health
Learn how the micronutrients (vitamins, minerals and trace elements) impact health
Lecture 1: The Impact of Fat on Hormones and Overall Health
Lecture 2: The Impact of Carbohydrates on Hormones and Overall Health
Lecture 3: The Impact of Protein on Hormones and Overall Health
Lecture 4: How to Combine Protein, Fat and Carbohydrates
Lecture 5: The Micronutrients Part 1 – Vitamins
Lecture 6: The Micronutrients Part 2 – Minerals & Trace Elements
MODULE 7
Blood Sugar, Insulin and Your hormones
- Learn and understand the role of glucose and insulin in the body
- Describe the contributors to blood sugar dysregulation and insulin resistance
- Describe the connection between insulin and the key sex hormones
- Understand the connection between food and blood sugar regulation
Lecture 1: Blood Sugar & Insulin 101
Lecture 2: Causes of Blood Sugar Dysregulation & Insulin Resistance
Lecture 3: Blood Sugar, Insulin and Hormonal Health & The Menstrual Cycle
Lecture 4: Blood Sugar Testing Protocol & Blood Sugar Balancing Solutions
MODULE 8
Gut Health & It's Effect on Hormone Health
- Identify the major organs in the gastrointestinal tract and explain the role each one plays in digestion and nutrient absorption
- The most common gut-related conditions that impact hormone health
- How gut health is related to hormone production and utilization in the body
- The menstrual cycle’s connection to gut health
- How gut health is connected to the brain and nervous system
Lecture 1: Introduction to the Gut’s Anatomy and Physiology
Lecture 2: Most Common Gut Conditions Part 1
Lecture 3: Most Common Gut Conditions Part 2
Lecture 4: The Gut’s Connection to the Neuroendocrine System and Hormones
SEMESTER 3
MODULE 9
Detoxification - Liver & Gallbladder Function
- The role of the liver and gallbladder in detoxification and healthy hormone function
- A breakdown of phases, 1, 2 and 3 of liver detoxification
- Signs and symptoms of liver and gallbladder dysfunction
- Causes of liver and gallbladder dysfunction and how they impact each phase of detoxification
- How estrogen is broken down in each phase of liver detoxification
- How to support healthy detoxification of the liver through diet, lifestyle, environment, supplements, and herbs
- The impact of environmental toxins and estrogens (xenoestrogens) on the endocrine system, the menstrual cycle & fertility
- Genetic SNPs that can impact the liver’s ability to do its job effectively
Lecture 1: The Body’s Detoxification System
Lecture 2: Problems with the Body’s Detoxification System
Lecture 3: Environmental Toxins and Endocrine Disruptors
MODULE 10
HPA Axis & Adrenals - The Connection to Overall Health & Menstrual Cycles
- The anatomy and physiology of the body’s stress response system
- The hormones/chemicals produced by the different parts of the adrenal glands
- Role of the adrenal glands in maintaining a healthy menstrual cycle and optimal fertility
- The impact of HPA-axis dysfunction on the brain and nervous system
- Top lifestyle hacks/practices to manage stress that your clients can implement into their routine
- Top diet, supplement, herbal recommendations for HPA axis regulation and healing
Lecture 1: Anatomy and Physiology of the Adrenal System
Lecture 2: The Body’s Stress Response & HPA Axis Abnormalities
Lecture 3: The Effect of HPA Abnormalities on the Menstrual Cycle
MODULE 11
The Thyroid's Connection to the Menstrual Cycle & Fertility
- The anatomy and physiology of the thyroid gland
- The Hypothalamic Pituitary Thyroid Axis (HPT Axis) and its interaction with the other axes
- Hypothyroidism & Hyperthyroidism
- Different thyroid patterns that don’t show up on standard lab tests
- Role of the thyroid in maintaining a healthy menstrual cycle and optimal fertility
- The impact of thyroid dysfunction on the brain and nervous system
- Top solutions to improve thyroid function, and help clients implement them into their routine
Lecture 1: Introduction to the Thyroid Gland
Lecture 2: Effects of Thyroid Disease on Menstruation and Reproduction
Lecture 3: Testing and Diagnosis of Thyroid Disease
MODULE 12
Lab Testing & Supplements Overview
- Understand normal ranges of lab results vs optimal ranges of lab results.
- The most common types of lab tests and what they are recommended for
- Basic labs clients should get so they can see what’s happening with their cycle
- Four different formats of lab tests and the benefits and limitations of each kind
- Learn the different types of testing options available online
- How to identify quality supplements and herbs
- The best supplement and herbal choices for specific conditions
Lecture 1: Lab Testing Part 1: Introduction to Basic Lab Testing
Lecture 2: Lab Testing Part 2: Advanced Lab Testing
Lecture 3: Choosing Quality Supplements
What alumni are saying about the program
Meet Nicole
NICOLE JARDIM
Nicole Jardim is a Certified Women’s Health Coach, writer, speaker, mentor and author of Fix Your Period: 6 Weeks to Banish Bloating, Conquer Cramps, Manage Moodiness, and Ignite Lasting Hormone Balance a life-changing step-by-step natural protocol to ignite lasting hormone balance and improve everything from PMS, period pain, and heavy periods to irregular and missing periods. She has developed education and offerings that empower women and people who menstruate to reclaim their hormone health using a method that combines evidence-based information with simplicity and sass.
Her work has impacted the lives of tens of thousands of people around the world by addressing the root cause of what’s really going on in their bodies and minds rather than treating just their symptoms. She passionately believes that the fundamentals to healing any hormone imbalance lie in an approach that addresses the unique physiology of every woman. This is essential to reclaiming and maintaining optimal health and vitality at any age.
Nicole is the founder of the Institute for Menstrual Health, and through its signature program the Women’s Hormone Health Certification, she teaches other health practitioners and coaches the fundamentals of hormones, menstrual cycles and fertility.
Finally, Nicole is the host of The Period Party, a top-rated podcast on Apple Podcasts, the co-author of The Happy Balance, a recipe book filled with over 80 hormone balancing recipes, and has been called on as a women’s health expert for sites such as The Guardian, Well+Good, mindbodygreen and Healthline.
