Grounded | The Vestibular Podcast

Men’s health in the vestibular space? Yes, we’re finally talking about it!

I get so many questions about this especially from men with vestibular migraine, Ménière’s disease, and other vestibular disorders who feel like all the health content out there is geared toward women. So I brought in Dr. Mark Heisig, naturopathic physician and creator of the Healthy on Purpose framework, to help us navigate the topic of men’s health.

In this episode, we’re covering how men age hormonally, what’s behind the global decline in testosterone, the labs you should be requesting, and why mindset is such a foundational principle of health.

Whether you’re a man with a vestibular disorder, or you just love one—this one’s for you.

In this episode, we’ll dig into:

What is driving the global drop in testosterone in men under 40

How to determine what is “normal” aging and what may require medical evaluation

How testosterone impacts the vestibular system

Why men should reconsider holding off on going to the doctor

Healthy living basics refresher

Labwork Dr. Mark recommends for all men and options for where to get yours done

What the “dad belly” is a warning sign of

The insurance vs. cash-pay reality

Nutritional deficits Dr. Mark sees most often in men

How mindset contributes to our overall health

The BAMs (Bare Ass Minimums) framework

The importance of physical and emotional health for men

Whether you’re healthy on purpose or unhealthy by accident, the good news is that the levers to pull are the same ones we talk about every week on the podcast and in group. The better news? It’s never too late to start making changes.

Related Episodes:

#153 Hormones, Histamine, and Your Vestibular Disorder w/ Dr. Saru Bala: https://thevertigodoctor.com/podcast/153-hormones-histamine-and-your-vestibular-disorder/

Meet: Dr. Mark Heisig

Dr. Mark Heisig, ND is a naturopathic doctor licensed in Arizona and Washington, with 8 years in personal training, nutrition coaching, and exercise physiology before that. Through his practice, Healthy on Purpose, he helps men and women in their 30s and 40s who are doing “everything right” but still hitting a wall. He’s also a husband, dad, and still lacing up for BJJ and hockey.

Connect w/ Dr. Mark Heisig

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmarkonpurpose/ 

Substack: https://drmarkheisig.substack.com/p/welcome-to-healthy-on-purpose 

Website: https://www.drmarkonpurpose.com/ 

Links Mentioned:

Vestibular Group Fit (code GROUNDED at checkout for 15% off!): https://thevertigodoctor.com/vestibular-group-fit

Membership is 30% off from September 4th-8th!

Included in your membership is a Full Script link (VGFit members only). Good for 30% off all supplements (for US customers) and 10% off (for Canadian customers).

Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers by Robert Sapolsky: https://amzn.to/45YuFoQ

Rupa Health: https://www.rupahealth.com/

Free Resources:

⁠The 4 Steps to Managing Vestibular Migraine: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/cb5js0y78n

⁠The PPPD Management Masterclass⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/new-pppd

⁠What your Partner Should Know About Living with Dizziness⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/partnership

⁠The FREE Mini VGFit Workout⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/minifit

⁠The FREE POTS – safe Workouts⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/pots

Connect with Dr. Madison (@TheVertigoDoctor): https://instagram.com/thevertigodoctor

Work with Dr. Madison:

For 1:1 Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy, email madison@thevertigodoctor.com

Otherwise, I’ll see ya in Vestibular Group Fit!

Connect with Dr. Jenna (@dizzy.rehab.therapist): https://www.instagram.com/dizzy.rehab.therapist/

Learn about the Oak Method: http://thevertigodoctor.com/why-vestibular-group-fit

Love what you heard?
Consider leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform to help us reach more vestibular warriors like you!

This podcast is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.

naturopathic doctor, vestibular migraine, chronic dizziness, men’s health, nervous system regulation, PPPD, living with vestibular migraine, vestibular disorders, optimal lab values, hormone health, gut issues, lifestyle changes, mindset and chronic illness, holistic approach

If you’ve been to a million and one doctors and still don’t have a clear diagnosis—you are not alone, and you are not crazy. 

Dizziness is notoriously undertreated, and a lot of providers just don’t like dealing with it. 

So in this episode, I’m giving you a comprehensive resource guide: which providers to see, what to ask when you call, and what tests are available so you’re better prepared for what you’re walking into.

This is the episode I wish existed when people first started experiencing dizziness. Share it and save it so you can refer back to it. 

And remember, finding the right provider can make all the difference! A willing-to-learn provider beats a dismissive expert every single time.

In this episode, we’ll dig into:

Why dizziness is so often undertreated

The difference between an ENT, neurotologist, and otologist

Medical providers you may want to reach out to for support

Why you’ll want to make sure to call the office first

What a board-certified headache specialist is

Questions to ask any provider before booking

A full overview of vestibular testing

What to expect after most tests are run

The Bárány Society as a resource

Additional resources available inside Vestibular Group Fit

Getting the right diagnosis starts with knowing who to see, what to ask, and what to expect. And now, you have a roadmap to help you get started.

Links Mentioned:

Vestibular Group Fit (code GROUNDED at checkout for 15% off!): https://thevertigodoctor.com/vestibular-group-fit

Trusted Providers Worksheet (available inside Vestibular Group Fit under the community tab)

The Bárány Society: https://www.thebaranysociety.org/

How to find a provider

Searching local health systems for types of providers/departments based on the area you’re looking to schedule

American Neurotology Society (ENT with special focus on neurological disorders of inner ear and other related structures)

American Migraine Foundation Find a Doctor

National Headache Foundation Find a Provider

UK National Migraine Centre

Migraine Canada Find a Headache Specialist

Neurahealth national headache medicine clinic

Binocular vision dysfunction provider directory

Free Resources:

⁠The 4 Steps to Managing Vestibular Migraine: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/cb5js0y78n

⁠The PPPD Management Masterclass⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/new-pppd

⁠What your Partner Should Know About Living with Dizziness⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/partnership

⁠The FREE Mini VGFit Workout⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/minifit

⁠The FREE POTS – safe Workouts⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/pots

Connect with Dr. Madison (@TheVertigoDoctor): https://instagram.com/thevertigodoctor

Work with Dr. Madison:

For 1:1 Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy, email madison@thevertigodoctor.com

Otherwise, I’ll see ya in Vestibular Group Fit!

Connect with Dr. Jenna (@dizzy.rehab.therapist): https://www.instagram.com/dizzy.rehab.therapist/

Learn about the Oak Method: http://thevertigodoctor.com/why-vestibular-group-fit

Love what you heard?
Consider leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform to help us reach more vestibular warriors like you!

This podcast is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.

dizziness diagnosis, vestibular migraine, living with vestibular disorder, ENT, neurotologist, otologist, chronic dizziness, medical provider, vestibular disorder diagnosis, vestibular disorder treatment, vestibular rehabilitation therapy, vestibular group fit, occupational therapist, neuro-optometrist, vertigo

“Progesterone will hold up the mirror for you and show you about your habits. Estrogen is forgiving—progesterone is not.”

For so many women with vestibular disorders, symptoms get dramatically worse right before their period or around ovulation, and the answer they’re usually given is “take birth control” or “drink more water.” 

That, of course, is not enough. I brought in Dr. Saru Bala, Naturopathic Doctor and Women’s Hormonal Health Specialist, to break it all down. Get ready to nerd out on all things hormones!

In this episode, we’re talking about what hormones actually are, how your cycle phases impact your vestibular symptom, why your liver is way more important than you think, the estrogen-histamine-MCAS loop, and what bloodwork you should be asking for.

In this episode, we’ll dig into:

What are hormones

What to pay attention to with women’s hormones

The phases of your cycle

What progesterone is reflecting back about your habits 

The basics that impact your hormones the most

Bloodwork Dr. Saru recommends for her clients

Why you want to get a full thyroid panel

The liver’s role in hormone metabolism

How to support your liver

The estrogen-histamine loop

How MCAS plays a role here

Why gut & liver support are essential for histamine, MCAS, and hormone issues

Why women are taking much longer to feel better than even 5 years ago

If you take nothing else away from this, remember your hormones, liver, gut, and nervous system are all talking to each other. When you start supporting them, things are able to start changing.

Meet: Dr. Saru Bala

Dr. Saru Bala is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor with a degree from Bastyr University in Seattle, WA. Prior to attending medical school, she graduated from University of Texas at Austin where she received her bachelor’s degree in Neurobiology. She’s done extra training in women’s health and naturopathic endocrinology and wants to talk to you about all things women’s health.

Connect w/ Dr Saru Bala

Website: https://www.drsarubala.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsarubala

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/periodpractice

Period Solutions Academy: https://www.drsarubala.com/periodsolutionsacademy

Links Mentioned:

Vestibular Group Fit (code GROUNDED at checkout for 15% off!): https://thevertigodoctor.com/vestibular-group-fit

Rise Centered Alarm Clock: https://risecentered.com?sca_ref=7113075.4mnDvPsCZ8H

Free Resources:

⁠The 4 Steps to Managing Vestibular Migraine: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/cb5js0y78n

⁠The PPPD Management Masterclass⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/new-pppd

⁠What your Partner Should Know About Living with Dizziness⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/partnership

⁠The FREE Mini VGFit Workout⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/minifit

⁠The FREE POTS – safe Workouts⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/pots

Connect with Dr. Madison (@TheVertigoDoctor): https://instagram.com/thevertigodoctor

Work with Dr. Madison:

For 1:1 Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy, email madison@thevertigodoctor.com

Otherwise, I’ll see ya in Vestibular Group Fit!

Connect with Dr. Jenna (@dizzy.rehab.therapist): https://www.instagram.com/dizzy.rehab.therapist/

Learn about the Oak Method: http://thevertigodoctor.com/why-vestibular-group-fit

Love what you heard?
Consider leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform to help us reach more vestibular warriors like you!

This podcast is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.

hormonal health, women’s health, naturopathic doctor, vestibular migraine, chronic dizziness, birth control, vestibular disorders, PMDD, what is optimal bloodwork, optimal lab values, thyroid panel, lifestyle changes, period problems, understand your period, gut liver and hormone connection

Having a list or “menu” of ideas for what to do on those higher symptom days can be helpful to have before you actually need it.

This could be a time when you’re riding out an attack and looking for things to do that are gentle but stimulating to help pass the time. 

Of course, what will be the best fit will depend on the person and the symptoms on a given day.

Save this episode to come back to because I’m walking through a whole list of low-demand activities that can be enjoyable on higher symptom days.

In this episode, we’ll dig into:

Why you need a go-to activity list before a high symptom day hits

A reminder to always reach for your toolkit first on harder days

A variety of gentle indoor and outdoor activities to note

An upcoming MCAS webinar you won’t want to miss

Having a list of things your brain already trusts on a hard day isn’t just self care, it’s part of your toolkit.

Links Mentioned:

Vestibular Group Fit (code GROUNDED at checkout for 15% off!): https://thevertigodoctor.com/vestibular-group-fit

MCAS Webinar (August 14, 2026): https://resolvinghistamine.heysummit.com/

Seek App: https://www.inaturalist.org/pages/seek_app

Petals and Profanity coloring book: https://amzn.to/49VMBTC

The 15 Puzzle (slider game): https://amzn.to/4vjoZ40

Sagrada board game: https://amzn.to/4fMGN2l

Carcassonne board game: https://amzn.to/4ejqbgk

Flip 7 card game: https://amzn.to/4vHK5su

Five Crowns card game: https://amzn.to/44bNuUw

Free Resources:

⁠The 4 Steps to Managing Vestibular Migraine: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/cb5js0y78n

⁠The PPPD Management Masterclass⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/new-pppd

⁠What your Partner Should Know About Living with Dizziness⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/partnership

⁠The FREE Mini VGFit Workout⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/minifit

⁠The FREE POTS – safe Workouts⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/pots

Connect with Dr. Madison (@TheVertigoDoctor): https://instagram.com/thevertigodoctor

Work with Dr. Madison:

For 1:1 Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy, email madison@thevertigodoctor.com

Otherwise, I’ll see ya in Vestibular Group Fit!

Connect with Dr. Jenna (@dizzy.rehab.therapist): https://www.instagram.com/dizzy.rehab.therapist/

Learn about the Oak Method: http://thevertigodoctor.com/why-vestibular-group-fit

Love what you heard?
Consider leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform to help us reach more vestibular warriors like you!

This podcast is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.

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Vestibular disorders (particularly vestibular migraine) and POTS are often talked about in our practice and in Vestibular Group Fit as they overlap quite a bit.

In this episode, I’m digging into one of the most common co-occurring conditions I see in my practice alongside vestibular migraine: POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome).

I’m also introducing something called the pentad super syndrome (almost every single person I see in my clinic has all five). You’ll learn what it is and what I believe is missing from the list.

Discover everything from how POTS is diagnosed, to helpful resources, and why your basics matter more than ever when you’re managing both POTS and vestibular disorders at the same time.

In this episode, we’ll dig into:

What POTS is

The diagnostic criteria for POTS

Why there is overlap between POTS and vestibular 

What the pentad super syndrome is

Why histamine and MCAS are a huge piece of the puzzle

The tilt table test vs. active stand test

What conditions can sometimes mimic POTS

What the CHOP POTS protocol is

Why heat is a major POTS and MCAS trigger

What tools to keep in your toolkit for heat

Lifestyle changes that are beneficial for POTS and vestibular conditions

How VGF members apply the threshold and bucket theory to manage both conditions

The good news is that the toolkit for your vestibular disorder and your POTS have a LOT of overlap, which means you’re already building the right foundation.

Related Episodes:

Build Your Migraine Threshold: https://thevertigodoctor.com/podcast/74-build-your-migraine-threshold-to-reduce-vestibular-migraine-attacks/

Links Mentioned:

Vestibular Group Fit (code GROUNDED at checkout for 15% off!): https://thevertigodoctor.com/vestibular-group-fit

Standing Up to POTS podcast: https://www.standinguptopots.org/podcast

dysautonomiaproject.org 

Santosha Spirit on YouTube (Rachel): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0ROkm_8Bjk0qOQ13XYOebg

Compression socks: https://sockwellusa.com/

NEWZILL Calf Compression Sleeve: https://www.amazon.com/NEWZILL-Calf-Compression-Sleeve-Footless/dp/B0DRYS7KBD/

Doc Miller Calf Compression Sleeves: https://www.amazon.com/Doc-Miller-Compression-20-30mmHg-Fashionable/dp/B012E1B5P6/

LMNT electrolytes: https://www.amazon.com/LMNT-Zero-Sugar-Electrolytes/dp/B084HQ4DYQ/

Free Resources:

⁠The 4 Steps to Managing Vestibular Migraine: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/cb5js0y78n

⁠The PPPD Management Masterclass⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/new-pppd

⁠What your Partner Should Know About Living with Dizziness⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/partnership

⁠The FREE Mini VGFit Workout⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/minifit

⁠The FREE POTS – safe Workouts⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/pots

Connect with Dr. Madison (@TheVertigoDoctor): https://instagram.com/thevertigodoctor

Work with Dr. Madison:

For 1:1 Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy, email madison@thevertigodoctor.com

Otherwise, I’ll see ya in Vestibular Group Fit!

Connect with Dr. Jenna (@dizzy.rehab.therapist): https://www.instagram.com/dizzy.rehab.therapist/

Learn about the Oak Method: http://thevertigodoctor.com/why-vestibular-group-fit

Love what you heard?
Consider leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform to help us reach more vestibular warriors like you!

This podcast is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.

Citations

“Research Summary: Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)….” American Headache Society, 2022, americanheadachesociety.org/research/library/research-summary-postural-orthostatic-tachycardia-syndrome-pots-and-migraine-a-narrative-review.

Cleveland Clinic. “Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS).” Cleveland Clinic, 9 Sept. 2022, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16560-postural-orthostatic-tachycardia-syndrome-pots.

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