5 Pillars of Functional OBGYN Care: Dr. Christy Evans on Redefining Women’s Vitality

In this episode, Dr. Kate Kresge welcomes Dr. Christy Evans, an OB/GYN with a passion for functional women’s health. They discuss how pregnancy transforms every body system, the importance of a comprehensive lifespan approach to women's health, and the innovative methods Dr. Christy uses at Almond OB/GYN. She shares her journey from accountant to physician, the significance of addressing root causes behind common symptoms, and how holistic care can optimize vitality and long-term health. Plus, insights into postpartum recovery, PCOS, and practical strategies to support women at every stage of life. You'll hear them discuss: The systemic changes during pregnancy and postpartum Dr. Christy's journey from accountant to women’s health specialist The Four Outputs and Five Pillars approach for vitality assessment Deep dive into vaginal microbiome testing and support The importance of lifespan care and preconception health optimization Addressing common issues like PCOS with a root cause approach The need for healthcare reform that truly centers women’s unique physiology Practical lifestyle tips for hormonal and metabolic health How community and social connection impact women’s well-being Guest Introduction: Dr. Christy Evans is an OB/GYN specializing in functional women’s health at Almond OB/GYN. She combines conventional OB/GYN care with a root cause, systems-based approach to promote vitality across a woman’s lifespan. Her background includes work in Nairobi, Kenya, where she learned firsthand about the impact of healthcare access on women’s lives, fueling her mission to make holistic women’s health care more accessible. She also co-founded New Dawn Africa, supporting maternal health initiatives in Nairobi. Labs Mentioned: A1C Fasting insulin Fasting glucose Lipoprotein(a) Comprehensive thyroid panel Iron panel (ferritin, iron) Vitamin D Micronutrient testing Supplements Mentioned: Vaginal probiotics (specific strains like Lactobacillus crispatus) Guest and Sponsor Details: Website: almondobgyn.com Instagram: @almondobgyn Foundation website for Kenya support: newdawnafrica.org Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction and podcast overview [01:00] Dr. Christy's journey from accounting to medicine [03:00] Why women’s health is foundational to communities [05:00] The Almond OB GYN approach: integrating functional medicine [07:00] The four outputs of vitality assessment [08:30] Deep dive into vaginal microbiome testing and support strategies [12:00] Recognizing symptoms related to vaginal dysbiosis [15:00] The connection between gut health and women's health [18:00] Looking at metabolic health indicators and testing [24:00] Making functional medicine accessible through insurance-based care [27:00] Postpartum care: what women truly need [30:00] The physiological changes in postpartum body and recovery timeline [35:00] Understanding PCOS beyond symptom management [39:00] The role of social connection in women’s health [42:00] How to access Almond’s nationwide services and clinic in LA [45:00] Personal health practices of Dr. Christy [50:00] Advocating for women-centered healthcare reform [53:00] Final thoughts and resources