Itchy and Bitchy

Karen shares a deeply personal episode on the human-animal bond after the loss of her family’s lovebird, Saki, exploring why pet grief can feel so profound and practical ways to heal. She offers suggestions, from letting yourself feel what you feel to creating memorial rituals, revisiting joyful memories, and caring for your body while you mourn, plus when to seek professional support.

Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topics we have covered on the show.

Karen Nickell revisits menopausal mammal, this time with brand new context: new research from Uganda’s Ngogo chimpanzees shows some chimps experience menopause too. She explains what makes humans evolutionary outliers, unpacks the grandmother hypothesis, and explores why certain toothed whales (like orcas) stop reproducing yet continue to live for decades.

Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topics we have covered on the show.

Karen takes a look at GLP-1 receptor agonists, best known for weight loss and diabetes. She explores the rapidly expanding list of conditions these medications may help treat. From emerging and sometimes conflicting research on Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease to FDA-approved benefits for cardiovascular health, kidney disease, and fatty liver disease, Karen breaks down what the science currently shows and where caution is still needed.

Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topics we have covered on the show.

Karen counts down her top 10 Itchy & Bitchy moments of 2025, from smarter New Year’s resolutions and promising UTI vaccines on the horizon to updated insights on HRT.

Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topics we have covered on the show.

Karen shares her personal journey with osteoporosis. What distinguishes it from osteopenia? How are DEXA T-scores interpreted? Why does early screening matter? She covers lifestyle and nutrition, hormone considerations, and medication options.

Visit our website itchyandbitchy.com to read blog posts on the many topics we have covered on the show.