Quick Summary:
Genetic testing isn’t only about finding scary disease genes. Board-certified genetic counselor Natalie Samson explains how today’s testing can help midlife women prevent problems, catch them early, personalize their nutrition and exercise, and find out which medications work best for their bodies. It’s never too late to use your DNA to take better care of yourself.
Intro:
Has a doctor ever suggested genetic testing and you felt a wave of dread? Me too. In this episode I talk with Natalie Samson, founder of Golden Genetics and a board-certified genetic counselor. She has a master’s degree in human genetics and genetic counseling and certifications in integrative healthcare, nutrigenomics and functional medicine. Natalie shows how genetic testing has changed. It isn’t a verdict anymore. It’s a tool you can use for everything from gut health to strength training to choosing the right medication.
What You’ll Learn:
✔ The four Ps of genetic testing: how preventative, proactive, personalized and precise care can lengthen your health span, not just your lifespan.
✔ Why trends don’t fit everyone: the probiotic story that shows how a “healthy” habit can backfire for your body.
✔ How to test wisely: what insurance may cover, the risks of direct-to-consumer tests, and how to find a qualified genetic counselor.
Links & Resources:
Golden Genetics, Natalie Samson’s practice: goldengeneticshealth.com (book a logistics call through the Contact Us page)
Free Self-Care Menu: cherylpfischer.com/selfcaremenu
Episode 101 with Laura Lambe, on menopause information overload
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is genetic testing only about finding diseases?
No. Natalie Samson explains that besides medical diagnostic testing (cancer, preconception, pediatric), there’s a whole area she calls functional genomics, which uses your DNA to optimize things like inflammation, detox, mood, bone health and exercise.
What are the four Ps of genetic testing?
According to Natalie, genetic testing helps you be preventative, proactive, personalized and precise. Together, these support a longer health span, meaning more years of good quality of life.
Can genetic testing help with gut problems or figuring out which supplements to take?
Natalie describes a client who took every popular probiotic and ate fermented foods, but her gut pain got worse. Testing showed she has trouble breaking down histamine. Once she cut those foods and supplements and went low-histamine, her symptoms improved within weeks.
What is pharmacogenomics?
Natalie explains that pharmacogenomics looks at how your DNA affects your response to medications, including dosing and which drugs might cause side effects. She says it’s especially helpful for psychiatric and pain medications, where people often go through trial and error.
Does insurance cover genetic testing?
Natalie says insurance often covers disease-risk panels when there’s a family history. Functional or optimization testing is usually paid out of pocket. Her team works with labs and billing to keep costs down.
How do I choose a reputable genetic test or counselor?
Natalie recommends a board-certified genetic counselor for disease-risk testing; these counselors are often available through larger medical systems if you ask. For any lab, she suggests checking for scientific or medical leadership, a clear privacy policy, and a good explanation of which genes they test and why.
Episode Chapters:
00:00:00 - Why Genetic Testing Sparks Fear
00:01:05 - Midlife Reset And Sponsor Message
00:01:49 - Science Changed Since We Were Kids
00:05:08 - Nature Nurture And Epigenetics
00:10:41 - The Four Ps Explained
00:12:12 - Preventative And Proactive Care
00:21:25 - Personalized Genes For Gut And Mood
00:26:30 - Precision Medicine For Better Meds
00:30:06 - Insurance Costs And Access
00:32:11 - Avoid Bad Tests And Bad Advice
00:35:32 - How To Choose The Right Expert
00:42:10 - Never Too Late Closing Takeaways
Music: Cartwheels by Good News Tunes, licensed by Premium Beats. YouTube ID: NOYTHM5TOK62B7JY
Why This Episode Matters:
Fear keeps many of us from using information that could help us. This conversation turns genetic testing from something to dread into a practical tool for advocating for your own health at any age.
Take a little bit better care of yourself in midlife.
This episode is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Talk with your healthcare provider about your own situation.
