One of the biggest mistakes women make in perimenopause is assuming that everything we’re experiencing is “normal.”

But just because these symptoms are common doesn’t mean they’re something you have to live with.

Today, we’re continuing my new series, The Perimenopause Reset,” where we cut through all the misinformation and cookie-cutter advice and focus on what actually works in perimenopause.

In this episode, I’m peeling back the curtain on what’s normal in perimenopause…and what’s not…and six signs that your shifting hormones may actually be a hormone imbalance.

I’ll also address some of your most commonly Googled questions, including:

✅ How do I know if I’m in perimenopause or if something is wrong with my hormones?

✅ What symptoms are normal in perimenopause—and what’s not?

✅ How do I know if my symptoms are stress or hormones?

✅ What does a hormone imbalance feel like in midlife women?

✅ Why do my labs look normal but I still feel awful?

✅ Why can’t I sleep through the night anymore after 40?

✅ Is it normal to feel exhausted all the time in perimenopause?

✅ Why am I gaining weight in my 40s even though I haven’t changed how I eat?

✅ How can I tell which hormone is causing my symptoms?

If you woke up recently feeling like you’re living in someone else’s body, this episode is for you.

—

NEXT STEPS:

Do You Have A Hormone Imbalance? Take my FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

Become a Podcast Insider + Subscribe to The Hot Flash–Hormone hacks, recipes, and lifestyle tips I don’t share anywhere else!: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Tired of Tossing and Turning? Grab my FREE “Better Sleep After 40” Supplement Cheat Sheet: https://monicalanetopete.kit.com/sleepbetter

—

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me, and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

Studies show women spend an average of six years shrugging off perimenopause symptoms before realizing what’s actually going on.

Six. Years.

Now, I’m no mathlete, but that’s six years of wasted time, money, and energy spent second-guessing our bodies… for relief that feels temporary at best.

Today, we’re kicking off my new series, The Perimenopause Reset”— where we cut through the noise and focus on what actually works in perimenopause.

In this episode, I’m peeling back the curtain on the habits, beliefs, and outdated strategies I want every woman in perimenopause to leave behind in 2025 and address your most commonly Googled questions, including:

✅ Why am I gaining weight in perimenopause even though I’m eating less?

✅ Can you have a hormone imbalance even if your blood work is normal?

✅ Why do I have so many symptoms at the same time?

✅ Is too much cardio bad for hormones in perimenopause?

✅ How does caffeine impact your hormones?

✅ Should I be counting macros after 40?

✅ Why can’t I sleep through the night in perimenopause?

If you’re starting the new year more exhausted than motivated, this episode is for you.

— NEXT STEPS:

Do You Have A Hormone Imbalance? Take my FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

Become a Podcast Insider + Subscribe to The Hot Flash–Hormone hacks, recipes, and lifestyle tips I don’t share anywhere else!: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Tired of Tossing and Turning? Grab my FREE “Better Sleep After 40” Supplement Cheat Sheet: https://monicalanetopete.kit.com/sleepbetter

—

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me, and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

Lately, have you noticed your patience disappearing faster than a plate of holiday cookies?

According to The North American Menopause Society, mood swings and emotional volatility are among the top reported symptoms during perimenopause—right behind poor sleep and stubborn weight gain.

Today, we’re continuing my Countdown to the New Year series with a replay of one of the most popular episodes of the year:

“Is Your Anxiety, Overwhelm, or Depression a Hormone Imbalance in Disguise?”

In this episode, I’m peeling back the curtain on three hormone imbalances that commonly masquerade as a mental health issue—and what to ask your doctor before blindly taking an SSRI.

In this episode, we‘ll address your most commonly asked questions, including

✅ Why do I feel anxious for no reason in my 40s?

✅ Can a hormone imbalance cause depression?

✅ Is anxiety in perimenopause normal?

✅ Why do antidepressants stop working in midlife?

✅ What hormones cause mood swings in perimenopause?

✅ What’s the difference between hormonal anxiety and real anxiety?

✅ Why does my doctor say my labs are normal when I feel awful?

If you’ve ever thought, “Maybe it’s not me…maybe it’s my hormones,” this episode is for you.

— NEXT STEPS:

Do You Have A Hormone Imbalance? Take my FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

Become a Podcast Insider + Subscribe to The Hot Flash–Hormone hacks, recipes, and lifestyle tips I don’t share anywhere else!: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Tired of Tossing and Turning? Grab my FREE “Better Sleep After 40” Supplement Cheat Sheet: https://monicalanetopete.kit.com/sleepbetter

—

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me, and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

If you’ve been popping Advil lately like it's M&M’s just to get through the day, you are not alone! 

According to the latest research, nearly 100 million Americans between the ages of 20 and 64 suffer from chronic pain. And, up to 70% of all chronic pain sufferers are women (no surprise there!)

In today’s episode, I’m peeling back the curtain on how perimenopause and menopause can accelerate inflammation in our bodies–plus, the exact 3-step protocol I take my clients through to nourish, detoxify, and optimize their hormones and ease pain naturally.

In this episode, I‘ll address your most commonly Googled questions, including:

✅ Why do my joints hurt more in perimenopause or menopause?

✅ Can a hormone imbalance cause joint pain and body aches?

✅ Why am I suddenly stiff and sore even when I haven’t worked out?

✅ Why does my body hurt even though my labs are “normal”?

✅ What’s the connection between cortisol, inflammation, and chronic pain?

✅ Can low estrogen cause joint pain or arthritis symptoms?

✅ Why does pain flare when I’m stressed, tired, or not sleeping well?

If you’re 1 in 5 of all women suffering from chronic pain, this episode is for you!

—

EPISODES MENTIONED: EP 8 | Do Hormone Balancing Supplements Work?: https://pod.fo/e/233fc7

EP 14 | Is Estrogen Dominance Causing Your Hormonal Weight Gain? 3 Quick Tips To Move The Scale: https://pod.fo/e/23e32f

EP 15 | Hypothyroidism And Weight Gain: 3 Healthy Hacks To Help Shed Those Extra Pounds: https://pod.fo/e/240c5f

EP 17 | The Hidden Cause of Hormonal Weight Gain in Women Over 40: Adrenal Fatigue: https://pod.fo/e/24389

EP 20 | Menopause, Sleeping Problems, and Post Menopausal Weight Gain: Is Low Estrogen to Blame?: https://pod.fo/e/248b3b

EP 36 | Hormone Hot Topics: Got Menopause? Take A Cold Plunge!; The 30-Minute-A-Day Habit That Can Increase Your Life Expectancy; PLUS Actress Jenny Garth Blames Her Arthritis on Perimenopause: https://pod.fo/e/2656cd

—

FREE RESOURCES:

Do You Have A Hormone Imbalance? Take my FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

Become a Podcast Insider + Subscribe to The Hot Flash–Hormone hacks, recipes, and lifestyle tips I don’t share anywhere else!: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Tired of Tossing and Turning? Grab my FREE “Better Sleep After 40” Supplement Cheat Sheet: https://monicalanetopete.kit.com/sleepbetter

—

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me, and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

What if sugar cravings in perimenopause aren’t about sugar at all?

What if they’re our body’s way of asking for something else—and we’ve just been answering the wrong question?

In today’s episode, I’m peeling back the curtain on what sugar cravings really mean in perimenopause—and how to calm them without cutting carbs.

In this episode, I‘ll address your most commonly Googled questions, including:

✅ Why am I craving sugar so much in perimenopause?

✅ Why do sugar cravings get worse in midlife?

✅ Why do I crave sugar even when I’m not hungry?

✅ How does hormone imbalance contribute to sugar cravings?

✅ Do carbs cause sugar cravings?

✅ Why do cravings get worse when I cut carbs?

✅ How does blood sugar affect sugar cravings?

✅ Can stress cause sugar cravings?

✅ How do I stop sugar cravings without cutting carbs?

If you’re craving sugar even when you’re not hungry (or you’re cutting carbs but still dealing with intense cravings), this episode’s for you.

—

EPISODES MENTIONED: 104 | Are Carbs Killing Your Metabolism? The 3 Protein Rules That Fuel Fat Loss in Perimenopause: https://pod.fo/e/35ea0c

105 | The 4 Biggest Metabolism Mistakes You’re Probably Making in Perimenopause (And How to Fix Them):https://pod.fo/e/362da4

— FREE RESOURCES:

Do You Have A Hormone Imbalance? Take my FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

Become a Podcast Insider + Subscribe to The Hot Flash–Hormone hacks, recipes, and lifestyle tips I don’t share anywhere else!: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Tired of Tossing and Turning? Grab my FREE “Better Sleep After 40” Supplement Cheat Sheet: https://monicalanetopete.kit.com/sleepbetter

—

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me, and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

When did weight loss become a full-time job?!!!

Here’s what no one ever bothered to tell you about weight loss and perimenopause:

Gaining weight in midlife isn’t just about calories. It’s driven by multiple hormonal and biological shifts that change how our bodies store fat, use fuel, and slow down our metabolism.

In today’s episode, I’m breaking down the four biggest metabolism mistakes you’re probably making in perimenopause—and how to start to fix them.

In this episode, I‘ll address your most commonly Googled questions, including:

✅ Why am I gaining weight even though I haven’t changed anything?

✅ Is weight gain during perimenopause hormonal?

✅ Why is it harder to lose weight after 40?

✅ I’m eating less—so why am I still gaining weight?

✅ Why am I not losing weight with intermittent fasting?

✅ How does muscle loss affect metabolism in women?

✅ How often should women over 40 eat to lose weight?

✅ What’s the best exercise for weight loss after 40?

✅ I’m eating more protein—so why is my metabolism still slow?

If your metabolism feels slower than your family volunteering to clean the dishes after Christmas dinner, this episode’s for you.

—

FREE RESOURCES:

Do You Have A Hormone Imbalance? Take my FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

Become a Podcast Insider + Subscribe to The Hot Flash–Hormone hacks, recipes, and lifestyle tips I don’t share anywhere else!: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Tired of Tossing and Turning? Grab my FREE “Better Sleep After 40” Supplement Cheat Sheet: https://monicalanetopete.kit.com/sleepbetter

—

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me, and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

Most midlife women think carbs are the enemy… but the real problem isn’t the carbs—it’s protein (or a lack of it.)

Because once we hit our 40s, those same bagels and banana bread we inhaled in our 20s suddenly hit our metabolism a lot harder once our hormones start to shift.

In today’s episode, I’m breaking down the three simple protein-timing rules that stabilize blood sugar, support your hormones, and get your metabolism working for you again—even in a carb-heavy season.

In this episode, I‘ll address your most commonly Googled questions, including:

✅ Why does my metabolism seem slower in my 40s?

✅ Do carbs slow metabolism?

✅ Why does the scale jump whenever I eat carbs?

✅ Why do I crave carbs so much in perimenopause?

✅ How do I stabilize my blood sugar in perimenopause without giving up carbs?

✅ Why do I crash every afternoon in perimenopause — even when I eat breakfast?

✅ How much protein do midlife women actually need to lose weight?

If every holiday carb you consume seems to go straight to your stomach, this episode’s for you.

— FREE RESOURCES:

Do You Have A Hormone Imbalance? Take my FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

Become a Podcast Insider + Subscribe to The Hot Flash–Hormone hacks, recipes, and lifestyle tips I don’t share anywhere else!: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Tired of Tossing and Turning? Grab my FREE “Better Sleep After 40” Supplement Cheat Sheet: https://monicalanetopete.kit.com/sleepbetter

—

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me, and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

Most midlife women think they’re “managing” their stress… but that’s only because we’ve gotten used to feeling overwhelmed.

The reality?

We’re running on cortisol autopilot—multitasking, under-sleeping, and juggling 47 tabs in our brain—while our hormones are quietly freaking out in the background.

According to the American Psychological Association, more than half of us ages 35 to 55 report chronic stress symptoms like trouble sleeping, unexplained fatigue, brain fog, digestive issues, and yes, even weight gain—even though we don’t feel stressed day to day.

And chronically elevated cortisol has been directly linked to increased abdominal fat, blood sugar swings, and weight that refuses to budge in perimenopause.

In today’s episode, I’m sharing how everyday stress can silently stall weight loss in perimenopause—plus my 10-minute morning reset to calm your cortisol and get the scale moving again.

In this episode, I‘ll address your most commonly asked questions, including:

✅ Why can’t I lose weight in perimenopause even when I’m eating healthy?

✅ How does stress cause weight gain during perimenopause?

✅ Why am I gaining weight even though I don’t feel stressed?

✅ What are signs my cortisol is too high in perimenopause?

✅ What morning habits help reduce cortisol?

✅ How do I know if cortisol is stalling my weight loss?

If you’ve ever wondered why the scale won’t budge—and why nothing you’re doing seems to work—this episode finally connects the dots between stress, cortisol, and stubborn fat.

—

“WHAT I WISH I KNEW AT 40” SERIES

101 | The Clean-Eating Trap: 5 Surprising Foods That Can Wreck Your Metabolism in Perimenopause [What I Wish I Knew Series]: https://pod.fo/e/350c50

100 | Perimenopause Weight Gain? The #1 Hormone Imbalance That Makes Losing Weight Feel Impossible [What I Wish I Knew Series]: https://pod.fo/e/34aa7c

99 | What Your Perimenopause Blood Tests Mean—& How to Actually Interpret Them [What I Wish I Knew Series]: https://pod.fo/e/345ce3

98 | When “Normal” Labs Lie: What Doctors Miss About Hormones in Perimenopause & Menopause [What I Wish I Knew Series]: https://pod.fo/e/3419f8

97 | When Anxiety, Anger, or Depression Is a Hormone Imbalance in Disguise [What I Wish I Knew Series]: https://pod.fo/e/33d3f1

96 | 5 Perimenopause Symptoms I Ignored at 40…And Why You Shouldn’t [What I Wish I Knew Series]: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

FREE RESOURCES:

Do You Have A Hormone Imbalance? Take my FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

Become a Podcast Insider + Subscribe to The Hot Flash–Hormone hacks, recipes, and lifestyle tips I don’t share anywhere else!: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Tired of Tossing and Turning? Grab my FREE “Better Sleep After 40” Supplement Cheat Sheet: https://monicalanetopete.kit.com/sleepbetter

—

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me, and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

Ever wondered if what you’re feeling isn’t “normal”… it’s hormonal?

According to emerging midlife health research, hormone shifts in our late 30s and 40s can start years before full-blown perimenopause—affecting everything from our sleep and mood to body odor, belly fat, and energy. 

Yet most women never get a real explanation for what’s happening in our bodies…until we’re already in the thick of it.

In today’s episode, I’m sharing a really candid conversation I had recently with one of my podcast besties, Joy Johnson of The Journey To Becoming Podcast—where we get into all the crazy midlife symptoms no one prepares us for (and what’s actually driving them beneath the surface.)

In this episode, we discuss your most commonly asked questions, including:

✅ What can women do in their 30s and early 40s to set their hormones up for success before perimenopause hits?

✅ What are the worst foods for hormone imbalance (and why do they hit harder in midlife)?

✅ How does hormonal birth control impact our natural hormonal production?

✅ What is the best exercise for weight loss and hormone balance in perimenopause?

✅ What sugars have the least effect on blood sugar and metabolism?

✅ How important is protein and how much should I be eating?

✅ Is weight gain and fat gain inevitable in perimenopause?

If you’ve ever wondered what you can do now to make perimenopause easier later, this conversation gives you the clarity you’ve been craving—plus practical, science-backed tips to start implementing today!

—

FREE RESOURCES:

Do You Have A Hormone Imbalance? Take my FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

Become a Podcast Insider + Subscribe to The Hot Flash–Weekly hormone hacks, recipes, and lifestyle tips I don’t share anywhere else!: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Tired of Tossing and Turning? Grab my FREE “Better Sleep After 40” Supplement Cheat Sheet: https://monicalanetopete.kit.com/sleepbetter

The Journey To Becoming Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-journey-to-becoming-christian-living-personal/id1732582914

Eighty to ninety percent of the women I talk to tell me they’re “eating clean.”

The problem? 

They’re following the same “healthy” diet that worked for their 30-year-old metabolism…and hormones.

According to a 2022 study in the Journal of Midlife Health, nearly seven in ten women in perimenopause who report “eating clean” still show elevated inflammation markers—one of the biggest drivers of sluggish metabolism and stubborn weight gain.

In today’s episode, I’m peeling back the curtain on five so-called “healthy” foods that might be secretly slowing down your metabolism…and why the very foods you thought were helping you lose weight might actually be keeping the scale stuck.

In this episode, I‘ll address your most commonly asked questions, including

✅ What foods slow down metabolism in perimenopause?

✅ Is soy good for your hormones in midlife?

✅ Which is better for your blood sugar: pure cane sugar or agave?

✅ How does inflammation contribute to weight gain in perimenopause?

✅ Can eating more whole grains help me lose weight after 40?

✅ What are some sneaky sources of sugar hiding in a “clean” diet?

✅ Why can’t I lose weight even though I’m eating healthy?

If you’ve ever wondered why your “healthy” diet seems to be working against you, this episode will show you what’s really keeping your metabolism stuck.

—

“WHAT I WISH I KNEW AT 40” SERIES

100 | Perimenopause Weight Gain? The #1 Hormone Imbalance That Makes Losing Weight Feel Impossible [What I Wish I Knew Series]: https://pod.fo/e/34aa7c

99 | What Your Perimenopause Blood Tests Mean—& How to Actually Interpret Them [What I Wish I Knew Series]: https://pod.fo/e/345ce3

98 | When “Normal” Labs Lie: What Doctors Miss About Hormones in Perimenopause & Menopause [What I Wish I Knew Series]: https://pod.fo/e/3419f8

97 | When Anxiety, Anger, or Depression Is a Hormone Imbalance in Disguise [What I Wish I Knew Series]: https://pod.fo/e/33d3f1

96 | 5 Perimenopause Symptoms I Ignored at 40…And Why You Shouldn’t [What I Wish I Knew Series]: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

---

FREE RESOURCES:

Do You Have A Hormone Imbalance? Take my Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

Become a Podcast Insider + Subscribe to The Hot Flash–Hormone hacks, recipes, and lifestyle tips I don’t share anywhere else!: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Tired of Tossing and Turning? Grab my FREE “Better Sleep After 40” Supplement Cheat Sheet: https://monicalanetopete.kit.com/sleepbetter

—

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me, and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

Are you eating WAY less and working out WAY more…but the scale just kept going up..and up…and up? 😨

Welcome to midlife!:<

According to the North American Menopause Society, nearly 90% of us experience unwanted weight gain during perimenopause—even when our diet and exercise routine have NOT changed!

In today’s episode, I’m peeling back the curtain on why “eat less, move more” no longer moves the needle in perimenopause—and what’s really happening behind the scenes when your weight won’t budge.

In this episode, I‘ll address your most commonly asked questions, including

✅ Why can’t I lose weight after 40?

✅ How does perimenopause affect weight loss?

✅ Could hormones be the reason my weight won’t budge?

✅ What is estrogen dominance — and can I have it even if my estrogen is low?

✅ What hormones affect metabolism in perimenopause?

✅ Why am I suddenly gaining fat in new places?

✅ How does inflammation contribute to weight gain in perimenopause?

✅ What is insulin resistance — and what causes it in midlife?

If you’ve ever asked, “Why am I gaining weight when my diet and exercise haven’t changed?”—this episode finally explains what’s hijacking your metabolism—and the hormones behind the hold-up.

—

NEXT STEPS:

Get your energy back, balance your mood, and move the scale on stubborn weight gain! Apply for my Master Your Midlife Hormones program: bit.ly/fixmyhormonesnow

—

“WHAT I WISH I KNEW AT 40” SERIES

99 | What Your Perimenopause Blood Tests Mean—& How to Actually Interpret Them [What I Wish I Knew Series]: https://pod.fo/e/345ce3

98 | When “Normal” Labs Lie: What Doctors Miss About Hormones in Perimenopause & Menopause [What I Wish I Knew Series]: https://pod.fo/e/3419f8

97 | When Anxiety, Anger, or Depression Is a Hormone Imbalance in Disguise [What I Wish I Knew Series]: https://pod.fo/e/33d3f1

96 | 5 Perimenopause Symptoms I Ignored at 40…And Why You Shouldn’t [What I Wish I Knew Series]: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

RESOURCES:

Do You Have A Hormone Imbalance? Take my FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

Become a Podcast Insider + Subscribe to The Hot Flash–Weekly hormone hacks, recipes, and lifestyle tips I don’t share anywhere else!: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Tired of Tossing and Turning? Grab my FREE “Better Sleep After 40” Supplement Cheat Sheet: https://monicalanetopete.kit.com/sleepbetter

Record a Question to Be Answered on the Pod: https://www.speakpipe.com/AreYouThereMidlife

—

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me, and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

If you’ve ever logged into your patient portal, opened up your lab results, and thought, “Great… but what am I even looking at?”—you’re not alone.

According to a Gennev survey, two-thirds of midlife women say their doctors never explain what their hormone numbers actually mean.

In today’s episode, I’m peeling back the curtain on how to interpret your perimenopause blood tests, including which hormones to test, and how the timing, type of test, and phase of your cycle can completely impact the results.

In this episode, I‘ll address your most commonly asked questions, including:

✅ What hormones should women check during perimenopause?

✅ Is there a best time or day to get hormones tested?

✅ What’s the best way to test hormones — blood, saliva, or urine?

✅ What’s the difference between “normal” vs “optimal hormone levels”?

✅ What do my hormone test results mean?

✅ What should I do if my doctor won’t order hormone tests?

If you’ve ever asked, “Why is my hormone bloodwork 'normal' when I feel terrible?”—this episode connects the dots between your symptoms and your lab results.

—

NEXT STEPS:

Reboot your energy, balance your mood, and move the scale on stubborn weight gain! Apply for my Master Your Midlife Hormones program: bit.ly/fixmyhormonesnow

—

“WHAT I WISH I KNEW AT 40” SERIES

98 | When “Normal” Labs Lie: What Doctors Miss About Hormones in Perimenopause & Menopause [What I Wish I Knew Series]: https://pod.fo/e/3419f8

97 | When Anxiety, Anger, or Depression Is a Hormone Imbalance in Disguise [What I Wish I Knew Series]: https://pod.fo/e/33d3f1

96 | 5 Perimenopause Symptoms I Ignored at 40…And Why You Shouldn’t [What I Wish I Knew Series: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

RESOURCES:

Do You Have A Hormone Imbalance? Take my FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

Become a Podcast Insider + Subscribe to The Hot Flash–Weekly hormone hacks, recipes, and lifestyle tips I don’t share anywhere else!: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Tired of Tossing and Turning? Grab my FREE “Better Sleep After 40” Supplement Cheat Sheet: https://monicalanetopete.kit.com/sleepbetter

Record a Question to Be Answered on the Pod: https://www.speakpipe.com/AreYouThereMidlife

—

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me, and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

Ever been told, “Your labs are normal,” but you just know something isn’t right? 

🙋🏼‍♀️Yeah, same.:<

Turns out 80% of midlife women experience symptoms like fatigue, hot flashes, and weight gain, yet only 25% of us are ever diagnosed with a hormonal imbalance!

In today’s episode, I’m peeling back the curtain on why your bloodwork may not be telling you the whole story… and the sneaky role inflammation plays in hormone balance.

In this episode, I‘ll address your most commonly asked questions, including:

✅ What happens to my hormones during perimenopause?

✅ How do I know if my hormones are out of balance?

✅ Why do doctors say my labs are normal when I feel awful?

✅ How does inflammation mess with my hormones?

✅ Why am I so tired all the time if my bloodwork is normal?

✅ Why do my symptoms change week to week during perimenopause?

✅ How can I tell if it’s my hormones or something else causing symptoms?

If you’re tired of being dismissed by doctors or struggling with unexplained symptoms, this episode is for you!

—

NEXT STEPS:

Reboot your energy, balance your mood, and move the scale on stubborn weight gain! Apply for my Master Your Midlife Hormones program: bit.ly/fixmyhormonesnow

—

[“WHAT I WISH I KNEW AT 40”]

97 | When Anxiety, Anger, or Depression Is a Hormone Imbalance in Disguise: https://pod.fo/e/33d3f1

96 | 5 Perimenopause Symptoms I Ignored at 40…And Why You Shouldn’t: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

—

RESOURCES:

Do You Have A Hormone Imbalance? Take my FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

Become a Podcast Insider + Subscribe to The Hot Flash–Weekly hormone hacks, recipes, and lifestyle tips I don’t share anywhere else!: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Tired of Tossing and Turning? Grab my FREE “Better Sleep After 40” Supplement Cheat Sheet: https://monicalanetopete.kit.com/sleepbetter

Record a Question to Be Answered on the Pod: https://www.speakpipe.com/AreYouThereMidlife

—

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me, and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

Ever wonder why everyone you know seems to be on an antidepressant?

According to the North American Menopause Society, nearly 60 percent of women going through perimenopause experience anxiety or depression—and yet, most of us are never told it could be a symptom of a hormonal imbalance.

In today’s episode, I’m peeling back the curtain on the three hormone imbalances most often mistaken for mood disorders—and what to ask your doctor before saying yes to medication that only masks the real issue.

In this episode, we‘ll address your most commonly asked questions, including:

✅ Why do I feel anxious for no reason in my 40s?

✅ Can a hormone imbalance cause depression?

✅ Is anxiety in perimenopause normal?

✅ Why do antidepressants stop working in midlife?

✅ What hormones cause mood swings in perimenopause?

✅ What’s the difference between hormonal anxiety and real anxiety?

✅ Why does my doctor say my labs are normal when I feel awful?

If you’ve ever thought, “Maybe it’s not me—it’s my hormones,” this episode is for you.

—

NEXT STEPS:

Reboot your energy, balance your mood, and move the scale on stubborn weight gain! Apply for my Master Your Midlife Hormones program: bit.ly/fixmyhormonesnow

—

EPISODES MENTIONED:

96 | 5 Perimenopause Symptoms I Ignored at 40…And Why You Shouldn’t [What I Wish I Knew Series: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

--

RESOURCES:

Do You Have A Hormone Imbalance? Take my FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

Become a Podcast Insider + Subscribe to The Hot Flash–Weekly hormone hacks, recipes, and lifestyle tips I don’t share anywhere else!: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Tired of Tossing and Turning? Grab my FREE “Better Sleep After 40” Supplement Cheat Sheet: https://monicalanetopete.kit.com/sleepbetter

Record a Question to Be Answered on the Pod: https://www.speakpipe.com/AreYouThereMidlife

—

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me, and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

Studies show women spend an average of four years dismissing perimenopause symptoms before realizing what’s actually going on. 

Four years!!!

That’s 1,460 days of sleepless nights, sweating through your pajamas, and snapping at your partner, your kids, even the dog—because you don’t know what you don’t know, and no one (especially your doctor) is talking about “hormones.”

In today’s episode, I’m peeling back the curtain on the 5 symptoms I ignored at age 40 that came back to bite me in perimenopause—and why you can’t afford to.

In this episode, we‘ll address your most commonly asked questions, including

✅ What are the first signs that perimenopause has started?

✅ What happens to your hormones during perimenopause?

✅ Why am I getting acne in my 40s?

✅ Why has my period suddenly become heavier or more irregular?

✅ Can the birth control pill help my perimenopause symptoms?

✅ Why is my PMS getting worse?

✅ Why do I wake up sweating at 2 a.m.?

✅ Why can’t I remember simple words anymore?

If you’ve been feeling like a stranger in your own body lately, this episode is for you.

—

NEXT STEPS:

Master Your Midlife Hormones In Less Than 90 Days. Apply To Work With Me: bit.ly/fixmyhormonesnow

—

RESOURCES:

Do You Have A Hormone Imbalance? Take my FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

Become a Podcast Insider + Subscribe to The Hot Flash–Weekly hormone hacks, recipes, and lifestyle tips I don’t share anywhere else!: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Tired of Tossing and Turning? Grab my FREE “Better Sleep After 40” Supplement Cheat Sheet: https://monicalanetopete.kit.com/sleepbetter

Record a Question to Be Answered on the Pod: https://www.speakpipe.com/AreYouThereMidlife

—

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me, and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

Whole grains, hummus, and meatless burgers…what if your go-to “healthy” foods are actually keeping your hormonal symptoms stuck on repeat?

It’s more common than you think–thanks to hormone shifts in midlife that can change how our bodies process certain proteins, sugars, and plants—turning our go-to favorites into hormone disruptors.

Today, we’re pulling back the curtain on the diet-hormone connection in perimenopause—and why even “healthy” foods can backfire when your hormones are out of balance.

In this episode, we‘ll address your most commonly asked questions, including:

✅ Can “healthy” foods cause hormone imbalance in perimenopause?

✅ Why do foods I used to eat just fine now bloat me?

✅ What’s the connection between food sensitivities and thyroid symptoms like fatigue and weight gain?

✅ How do I know if diet is the root cause of my midlife symptoms, like fatigue or weight gain?

✅ How do hormone changes like estrogen decline make me more sensitive to foods?

✅ How does eating plant-based foods backfire for hormone health?

✅ What practical steps can I take to uncover which foods are making my symptoms worse?

If bloating, brain fog, or stubborn weight gain won’t budge despite ‘clean eating,” this episode’s for you.

—

Next Steps:

Do You Have A Hormone Imbalance? Take my FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

—

Other FREE Resources:

Become a Podcast Insider + Subscribe to The Hot Flash–Weekly hormone hacks, recipes, and lifestyle tips I don’t share anywhere else!: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Tired of Tossing and Turning? Grab my FREE “Better Sleep After 40” Supplement Cheat Sheet: https://monicalanetopete.kit.com/sleepbetter

Record a Question to Be Answered on the Pod: https://www.speakpipe.com/AreYouThereMidlife

—

Back-2-Hormone Basics Episodes:

EP 94 | Quick Tip Bonus Episode: Joint Pain or Leg Cramps at Night? Fast Fixes for Sleep Issues in Perimenopause: https://pod.fo/e/3301bd

EP 93 | Hormones Waking You Up at Night? Fast Fixes for Insomnia, Hot Flashes, Anxiety & More in Perimenopause: https://pod.fo/e/32beb6

EP 92 | Sitting All Day? 5 Tips to Boost Metabolism, Lose Weight + Get Your Energy Back in Perimenopause: https://pod.fo/e/32773c

EP 91 | Quick Tip Bonus Episode: The Hidden Hormone Disruptor in Your Go-To Hair Styling Product: https://pod.fo/e/324c79

EP 90 | Is Your Shampoo Making You Fat? 5 Hidden Hormone Disruptors Driving Weight Gain in Perimenopause: https://pod.fo/e/3236f3

EP 89 | Quick Tip Bonus Episode: 3 Better-Than-Coffee Energy Boosters In Perimenopause: https://pod.fo/e/31fcc6

EP 88 | Surviving on Caffeine? 5 Hacks To Boost Energy, Balance Hormones in Perimenopause Without Giving Up Coffee: https://pod.fo/e/31de27

EP 87 | “Why Am I So Tired, Foggy, and Moody?” 5 Signs Your Body Is Fighting Inflammation & Needs a Detox to Balance Hormones: https://pod.fo/e/317515

EP 86 | You'll Never Fix Your Perimenopause Symptoms Until You Address This... [AYTM Flashback]: https://pod.fo/e/3113b1

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me, and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

Ever feel like your body is staging a protest while you’re trying to sleep?

In this week’s bonus tip episode, I share 2 quick fixes to help women in perimenopause soothe leg cramps and joint pain, and finally sleep through the night.

If middle-of-the-night pain is jolting you awake, hit play now.

—

Next Steps:

EP 93 | Hormones Waking You Up at Night? Fast Fixes for Insomnia, Hot Flashes, Anxiety & More in Perimenopause: https://pod.fo/e/32beb6

No More Guessing. No More Overwhelm. Just Your Own 30-Day Hormone Game Plan, Customized To You. Book your Hormone Balance Breakthru Call: https://bit.ly/hormonebreakthru

—

Resources

Do You Have A Hormone Imbalance? Take my FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

Get weekly hormone hacks, recipes, and lifestyle tips I don't share anywhere else when you subscribe to The Hot Flash: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Tired of Tossing and Turning? Grab my FREE “Better Sleep After 40” Supplement Cheat Sheet: https://monicalanetopete.kit.com/sleepbetter

Connect on Social: @monicalanetopete

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

Sleeping used to be effortless—but then, perimenopause hit. Now, one hot flash or a couple of middle-of-the-night bathroom trips is all it takes to hijack your sleep completely.

It’s not just you. Studies show that up to 80% of women experience sleep issues during menopause. The result? Days that feel foggy, frazzled, and powered by carbs you don’t remember eating.

Today, we’re pulling back the curtain on the 4 biggest sleep dilemmas in perimenopause and menopause—and how to finally take your sleep (and your hormones) back without a prescription.

In this episode, we‘ll address your most commonly asked questions, including

✅ Why do I fall asleep fine but wake up at 2 am every night?

✅ Why do I wake up drenched in sweat at night during menopause?

✅ Why am I waking up multiple times a night to pee in midlife?

✅ Why do I wake up with racing thoughts or anxiety at night?

✅ What foods or drinks trigger night sweats and hot flashes?

✅ What’s the best bedroom temperature for better sleep in menopause?

✅ Can working out too late keep me from sleeping through the nigh

✅ Does alcohol make sleep worse during perimenopause?

✅ Which hormone imbalances cause insomnia in midlife women?

If sleep has become a nightly battle, this episode’s for you.

—

Next Steps:

Do You Have A Hormone Imbalance? Take my FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

No More Guessing. No More Overwhelm. Just Your Own 30-Day Hormone Game Plan, Customized To You. Book your Hormone Balance Breakthru Call (limited spots available): https://bit.ly/hormonebreakthru

—

Back-2-Hormone Basics Episodes:

EP 92 | Sitting All Day? 5 Tips to Boost Metabolism, Lose Weight + Get Your Energy Back in Perimenopause: https://pod.fo/e/32773c

EP 91 | Quick Tip Bonus Episode: The Hidden Hormone Disruptor in Your Go-To Hair Styling Product: https://pod.fo/e/324c79

EP 90 | Is Your Shampoo Making You Fat? 5 Hidden Hormone Disruptors Driving Weight Gain in Perimenopause: https://pod.fo/e/3236f3

EP 89 | Quick Tip Bonus Episode: 3 Better-Than-Coffee Energy Boosters In Perimenopause: https://pod.fo/e/31fcc6

EP 88 | Surviving on Caffeine? 5 Hacks To Boost Energy, Balance Hormones in Perimenopause Without Giving Up Coffee: https://pod.fo/e/31de27

EP 87 | “Why Am I So Tired, Foggy, and Moody?” 5 Signs Your Body Is Fighting Inflammation & Needs a Detox to Balance Hormones: https://pod.fo/e/317515

EP 86 | You'll Never Fix Your Perimenopause Symptoms Until You Address This... [AYTM Flashback]: https://pod.fo/e/3113b1 Other Episodes Mentioned:

82 | Are You Eating the Right Macros for Perimenopause Weight Loss?: https://pod.fo/e/2fc784

29 | 8 Signs Alcohol Is Impacting Your Perimenopause or Menopause Symptoms: https://pod.fo/e/2570e5

23 | Help! I'm Melting!: Six Tips to Cool Hot Flashes in Perimenopause & Menopause: https://pod.fo/e/24e160

—

Resources

Become a Podcast Insider + Subscribe to The Hot Flash–Weekly hormone hacks, recipes, and lifestyle tips I don’t share anywhere else!: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Tired of Tossing and Turning? Grab my FREE “Better Sleep After 40” Supplement Cheat Sheet: https://monicalanetopete.kit.com/sleepbetter

Record a Question to Be Answered on the Pod: https://www.speakpipe.com/AreYouThereMidlife

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me, and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

What if I told you the biggest threat to your midlife metabolism isn’t your age or your diet—it’s your office chair?

It’s true. Sitting for hours can double your risk for hormone-related metabolic issues in midlife like insulin resistance, fatigue, and stubborn weight gain. Plus, the more you sit, the less motivated you feel to move, leaving you in a cycle of exhaustion and frustration.

In this week’s episode, I’m peeling back the curtain on the hidden hormone damage caused by a sedentary lifestyle and sharing 5 quick tips to get your body--and your metabolism--moving again.

Tune in to learn the answers to some of your most commonly asked questions, including:

✅ How does sitting too much affect hormones?

✅ Is sitting really as bad as smoking?

✅ Can short workouts boost my metabolism in perimenopause?

✅ Is walking enough to lose weight after 40?

✅ What type of exercise is best for hormone balance?

✅ Does strength training help lower cortisol?

✅ Should I exercise every day?

If the only time you got up from your chair today was to reheat your lunch, this episode’s for you.

—

Next Steps:

Do You Have A Hormone Imbalance? Take my FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

Done With Trying to DIY Your Hormones? Get Your 30-Day Hormone Game Plan, Customized To You, When You Book A Hormone Balance Breakthru Call (limited spots available): https://bit.ly/hormonebreakthru

—

Back-2-Hormone Basics Episodes:

EP 91 | Quick Tip Bonus Episode: The Hidden Hormone Disruptor in Your Go-To Hair Styling Product: https://pod.fo/e/324c79

EP 90 | Is Your Shampoo Making You Fat? 5 Hidden Hormone Disruptors Driving Weight Gain in Perimenopause: https://pod.fo/e/3236f3

EP 89 | Quick Tip Bonus Episode: 3 Better-Than-Coffee Energy Boosters In Perimenopause: https://pod.fo/e/31fcc6

EP 88 | Surviving on Caffeine? 5 Hacks To Boost Energy, Balance Hormones in Perimenopause Without Giving Up Coffee: https://pod.fo/e/31de27

EP 87 | “Why Am I So Tired, Foggy, and Moody?” 5 Signs Your Body Is Fighting Inflammation & Needs a Detox to Balance Hormones: https://pod.fo/e/317515

EP 86 | You'll Never Fix Your Perimenopause Symptoms Until You Address This... [AYTM Flashback]: https://pod.fo/e/3113b1

—

Resources

Become a Podcast Insider + Subscribe to The Hot Flash–Weekly hormone hacks, recipes, and lifestyle tips I don’t share anywhere else!: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Tired of Tossing and Turning? Grab my FREE “Better Sleep After 40” Supplement Cheat Sheet: https://monicalanetopete.kit.com/sleepbetter

Record a Question on SpeakPipe to Be Answered on the Pod: https://www.speakpipe.com/AreYouThereMidlife

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

Hair on point—but your hormones are all over the place?

In this week’s bonus tip episode, I share a hidden hormone disruptor—common in many hairstyling products—that could be quietly wreaking havoc on your energy, mood, and weight.

👉If you can’t live without your dry shampoo, hit play now.

And don’t forget to check out this week’s full-length episode:

🎧 "Is Your Shampoo Making You Fat? 5 Hidden Hormone Disruptors Driving Weight Gain in Perimenopause” — linked in today’s show notes.

—

Next Steps:

EP 90 | Is Your Shampoo Making You Fat? 5 Hidden Hormone Disruptors Driving Weight Gain in Perimenopause: https://pod.fo/e/3236f3

No More Guessing. No More Overwhelm. Just Your Own 30-Day Hormone Game Plan, Customized To You. Book your Hormone Balance Breakthru Call (limited spots available): https://bit.ly/getyourhormonebreakthru

—

Resources

Do You Have A Hormone Imbalance? Take my FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

Become a Podcast Insider + Subscribe to The Hot Flash–Weekly hormone hacks, recipes, and lifestyle tips that I don't share ANYWHERE else! https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Tired of Tossing and Turning? Grab my FREE “Better Sleep After 40” Supplement Cheat Sheet: https://monicalanetopete.kit.com/sleepbetter

Email Me: monica@monicalanetopete.com

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

Still trusting “clean beauty” labels? That might be your first mistake.

From "fragrance" loopholes to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, your skincare, shampoo, deodorant, and toothpaste could be quietly hijacking your hormones.

Today, we’re pulling back the curtain on what ingredients to avoid, how to decode your personal care labels, and the 5 hormone disruptors you need to stop using now to beat brain fog, boost your energy, and finally get the scale moving again.

In this episode, we‘ll address your most commonly asked questions, including:

✅ What are endocrine disruptors and why are they bad?

✅ Which chemicals mimic estrogen in the body?

✅ Can shampoo or conditioner affect my hormones?

✅ Are parabens dangerous for women over 40?

✅ Can aluminum in deodorant affect my thyroid?

✅ How do fragrances in beauty products mess with hormones?

✅ What personal care chemicals impact perimenopause symptoms like brain fog or fatigue?

If your lotion smells like cupcakes but your hormones are a dumpster fire—this episode’s for you!

—

Next Step:

No More Guessing. No More Overwhelm. Just Your Own 30-Day Hormone Game Plan, Customized To You. Book your Hormone Balance Breakthru Call (limited spots available): https://bit.ly/hormonebreakthru

— Back-2-Hormone Basics Episodes:

EP 89 | Quick Tip Bonus Episode: 3 Better-Than-Coffee Energy Boosters In Perimenopause: https://pod.fo/e/31fcc6

EP 88 | Surviving on Caffeine? 5 Hacks To Boost Energy, Balance Hormones in Perimenopause Without Giving Up Coffee: https://pod.fo/e/31de27

EP 87 | “Why Am I So Tired, Foggy, and Moody?” 5 Signs Your Body Is Fighting Inflammation & Needs a Detox to Balance Hormones: https://pod.fo/e/317515

EP 86 | You'll Never Fix Your Perimenopause Symptoms Until You Address This... [AYTM Flashback]: https://pod.fo/e/3113b1

—

Resources

Do You Have A Hormone Imbalance? Take my FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

Become a Podcast Insider + Subscribe to The Hot Flash–Weekly hormone hacks, recipes, and all my best stuff I don't share ANYWHERE else: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Tired of Tossing and Turning? Grab my FREE “Better Sleep After 40” Supplement Cheat Sheet: https://monicalanetopete.kit.com/sleepbetter

Email Me: monica@monicalanetopete.com

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

Tired by 2pm—even after coffee? You’re not alone. 

In this week’s NEW bonus tip episode, I’m sharing 3 better-than-coffee energy boosters to help you stay focused and balanced—without the caffeine crash.

🎧 And don’t forget to check out this week's full-length episode: “Surviving on Caffeine? 5 Hacks to Boost Energy, Balance Hormones in Perimenopause Without Giving Up Coffee”  (linked in today’s Show Notes.)

If you’re in perimenopause and your afternoon pick-me-up isn’t working like it used to, hit play now!

—

Next Steps

EP 88 | Surviving on Caffeine? 5 Hacks to Boost Energy, Balance Hormones in Perimenopause Without Giving Up Coffee: https://pod.fo/e/31de27

No More Guessing. No More Overwhelm. Just Your Own 30-Day Hormone Game Plan, Customized To You. Book your Hormone Balance Breakthru Call (limited spots available): https://bit.ly/getyourhormonebreakthru

—

Resources

Do You Have A Hormone Imbalance? Take my FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

Become a Podcast Insider + Subscribe to The Hot Flash–Weekly hormone hacks, recipes, and lifestyle tips I don't share anywhere else!: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Tired of Tossing and Turning? Grab my FREE “Better Sleep After 40” Supplement Cheat Sheet: https://monicalanetopete.kit.com/sleepbetter

Email Me: monica@monicalanetopete.com

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

What if the reason you're really exhausted, restless, or lying awake at 2am… is your morning coffee?

Sounds crazy, right?...but multiple studies show that women metabolize caffeine up to 40% SLOWER in perimenopause.

Today, we’re pulling back the curtain on why caffeine hits harder in midlife and 5 simple hacks to make your daily cup a little more hormone-friendly—without giving it up completely.

In this episode, we‘ll address your most commonly asked questions, including:

✅ Why does coffee make me feel more anxious in my 40s? 

✅ Is it bad to drink coffee on an empty stomach? 

✅ How long does caffeine stay in your system in perimenopause? 

✅ Does declining estrogen impact how I process caffeine? 

✅ What’s the best time to stop drinking coffee for better sleep after 40?

✅ Why am I still tired after drinking coffee? 

✅ What are some signs my coffee habit is stressing out my hormones?

✅ Is Coffee Mate bad for my hormones? 

✅ What can I put in my coffee to avoid spiking my blood sugar?

If your morning coffee gives you more anxiety than energy—this episode’s for you!

—

Next Step:

No More Guesswork. No More Labwork. Just your own personal hormone game plan, customized to you. Book your Hormone Balance Breakthru Call (limited spots available): https://bit.ly/getyourhormonebreakthru

—

Back-2-Hormone Basics Episodes:

EP 87 | “Why Am I So Tired, Foggy, and Moody?” 5 Signs Your Body Is Fighting Inflammation & Needs a Detox to Balance Hormones: https://pod.fo/e/317515

EP 86 | You'll Never Fix Your Perimenopause Symptoms Until You Address This... [AYTM Flashback]: https://pod.fo/e/3113b1

—

Resources:

Do You Have A Hormone Imablance? Take my FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

Become a Podcast Insider + Subscribe to The Hot Flash–Weekly hormone hacks, recipes, and lifestyle tips—no spam, no fluff, just science (with snacks:.): https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Tired of Tossing and Turning? Grab my FREE “Better Sleep After 40” Supplement Cheat Sheet: https://monicalanetopete.kit.com/sleepbetter

Email Me: monica@monicalanetopete.com

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

Ready To Stop The Guesswork, Fix Your Hormones, And Feel Like “You” Again? Book A FREE Master Your Midlife Hormones Discovery Call: bit.ly/fixmyhormonesfast

Truth: Half of us in perimenopause never even mention our hormonal symptoms to our doctor!

...Maybe it’s because we’ve been told it’s just "part of getting older."

...Or maybe our labs came back “normal,” so we’re beginning to think it’s all in our head.

...Or maybe we’re just tired of being handed another prescription instead of an explanation.

Here’s the thing: Hormone imbalance doesn’t just happen overnight--even if it feels like it.

And symptoms like brain fog, stubborn weight, and restless sleep aren’t random. In fact, oftentimes, they’re red flags pointing to a deeper hormonal issue that has been building for years.

Today, we’re pulling back the curtain on the six most common root causes of hormone imbalance.

In this episode, we‘ll address your most commonly-asked questions, including

✅ Are hormone imbalances inevitable in midlife?

✅ What are “hidden” or less obvious signs of hormone imbalance?

✅ Which lifestyle habits make hormonal symptoms worse in midlife?

✅ How can stress impact hormone balance during perimenopause?

✅ How does sleep quality affect my hormones?

✅ How do diet and nutrition influence hormone health in midlife?

✅ Can lifestyle changes really make a difference in hormone health?

✅ How can I take control of my hormone health without medication?

If you’re done playing whack-a-mole with your symptoms and want to understand what’s really driving them, this episode is for you.

—

Next Steps:

Take the First Step to Balance Your Hormones Naturally With My FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment!: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

Ready To Stop The Guesswork, Fix Your Hormones, And Feel Like “You” Again? Book A FREE Master Your Midlife Hormones Discovery Call: bit.ly/fixmyhormonesfast

— Episodes Mentioned:

EP 6 | What Foods Cause Hormonal Imbalance Symptoms?: 10 "Healthy" Foods To Avoid: https://pod.fo/e/231a75

EP 14 | Is Estrogen Dominance Causing Your Hormonal Weight Gain? 3 Quick Tips To Move The Scale: https://pod.fo/e/23e32f

EP 17 | The Hidden Cause of Hormonal Weight Gain in Women Over 40: Adrenal Fatigue https://pod.fo/e/243891

EP 26 | Sleepless in Menopause: Why You Can't Sleep & 4 Natural Sleep Aids for Better ZZZ’s [SUMMER SERIES] https://pod.fo/e/2530cf

EP 39 | Irritable? Having Trouble Sleeping? Dealing With Chronic Low Energy Or Fatigue?...Why It Might Be Time for A Liver Detox: https://pod.fo/e/26cb77

EP 57 | How Can I Have a Hormone Imbalance If My Blood Work Is Normal?: https://pod.fo/e/2a1b75

—

Resources

Become a Podcast Insider + Subscribe to The Hot Flash–Weekly hormone hacks, recipes, and lifestyle tips—no spam, no fluff, just science (with snacks:.): https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Tired of Tossing and Turning? Grab my FREE “Better Sleep After 40” Supplement Cheat Sheet—with specific dosages, timing & picks by hormone imbalance: https://monicalanetopete.kit.com/sleepbetter

Email Me: monica@monicalanetopete.com

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

What do you do when the doctor says your labs are “fine”… but you still have no energy, constant brain fog, and weight that just keeps climbing?

That’s exactly where Natalie found herself—tired all the time, battling joint pain, and watching the scale jump 30 pounds in a single year. She followed doctor’s orders, went on HRT (reluctantly), and still ended up with prediabetes, high cholesterol, and medication for high blood pressure.

If you feel like you’re being offered more prescriptions these days than explanations, then today’s power-packed LIVE Coaching Session is for you. In this real-time Hormone Balance Breakthru Call, you’ll meet Natalie, a podcast listener who's at the end of her rope. She’s seen numerous doctors, has been diagnosed with multiple hormone imbalances, and is desperate for someone to explain what’s going on in her body.

Listen in as we connect the dots between her symptoms and her hormones, uncover the underlying root causes sabotaging her metabolism, energy, and weight, and map out the exact hormone-balancing steps she should focus on first.

In this episode, we’ll address your most-Googled questions including:

✅ How does chronic inflammation worsen hormone imbalance in women over 40?

✅ What is insulin resistance and how did I get it?

✅ How does insulin resistance affect weight loss after 40?

✅ Why don’t I feel any better on hormone replacement therapy?

✅ Why can’t I lose weight on HRT?

✅ Can I still have PCOS after menopause?

✅ What are the subtle signs of prediabetes in women over 45?

✅ Can a hormone imbalance cause joint pain in menopause?

If you’ve been told your labs are fine, but you’re racking up symptoms faster than Sephora points, this episode is for you. 🎧

—

NEXT STEPS:

Take the First Step to Balance Your Hormones Naturally With My FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment!: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

Get To The Root Of Your Hormone Symptoms And Finally Feel Like You Again!—Book A Private Hormone Balance Breakthru Call For Just $67: https://bit.ly/bookabreakthroughcall (Use code AYTM—offer expires in 24 hours.)

RESOURCES:

Become a Podcast Insider + Subscribe to The Hot Flash–Weekly hormone hacks, recipes, what's in my pantry, and lifestyle tips—I don't share ANYWHERE else!: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Tired of Tossing and Turning? Grab my FREE “Better Sleep After 40” Supplement Cheat Sheet—with specific dosages, timing & picks by hormone imbalance: https://monicalanetopete.kit.com/sleepbetter

CONNECT:

Email Me: monica@monicalanetopete.com

—

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me, and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

Get my “Better Sleep Over 40” Supplement Cheat Sheet for FREE when you subscribe to my weekly newsletter, The Hot Flash: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Taking your sleep supplement right before bed might actually be the problem.

Wait—what?

If you’ve ever popped magnesium at 9pm, only to find yourself wide awake, replaying an awkward conversation you had in 2004—there’s a reason for that.

Sleep supplements aren’t one-size-fits-all. They need to work with your hormones.

In this week's episode, I’m peeling back the curtain on my go-to supplements for better sleep in midlife—so you can finally get the rest your body needs and kick hormonal weight gain to the curb.

In this episode, I’ll answer your most-asked questions, including:

✅ How do hormone imbalances affect sleep?

✅ What supplements actually work for sleep during perimenopause or menopause?

✅ Why does one sleep supplement knock out my friend but does nothing for me?

✅ Could my sleep issues be tied to blood sugar?

✅ What type of magnesium is best for sleep?

✅ What’s the best supplement for 3am wakeups?

✅ When’s the best time to take sleep supplements—before bed or earlier in the evening?

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at the ceiling, wondering why those melatonin gummies that knock out your bestie hit YOU like a tranquilizer dart—this episode’s for you. 🎧

—

Episodes Mentioned:

EP 83 | Is Poor Sleep Making You Gain Weight in Perimenopause? (Part 1) https://pod.fo/e/3003d1

Next Steps:

Take the First Step to Balance Your Hormones Naturally With My FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment!: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

It’s Possible to Feel Like ‘You’ Again! Book a Quick Fit Clarity Call to find out how my Master Your Midlife Hormones program can help you balance your hormones and move the dial on midlife weight gain: https://bit.ly/quickfitcall

Get my “Better Sleep Over 40” Supplement Cheat Sheet for FREE when you subscribe to The Hot Flash—my weekly newsletter packed with hormone hacks and wellness tips I don’t share anywhere else.: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Email Me: monica@monicalanetopete.com —

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me, and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

You used to be able to fall asleep before your head hit the pillow.

Now? You’re wide awake at 2 am, drenched in sweat, and wondering why your jeans are  getting tighter by the week.

Poor sleep in midlife isn’t just annoying.

It’s hormonal. And it could be the reason your body’s hanging onto fat.

In this week’s episode, I’m walking you through how sleep affects metabolism after 40, what your hormones are (supposed to be) doing while you sleep, and why fixing your sleep is often the first step to fat loss in perimenopause.

In this episode, I’ll answer your most-asked questions, including:

✅ Can poor sleep cause weight gain in midlife?

✅ What hormones are released while I sleep?

✅ How does sleep affect metabolism in midlife?

✅ Why do I wake up craving carbs after a bad night’s sleep?

✅ Does sleep really burn fat—or is that a myth?

✅ How does sleep affect blood sugar and insulin resistance?

✅ Can a hormone imbalance cause insomnia or leg cramps?

✅ How does improving sleep help with weight loss?

If you’ve been blaming your metabolism for weight gain while ignoring your sleep—this episode is for you. 🎧

—

Episodes Mentioned:

EP 82 | Are You Eating the Right Macros for Perimenopause Weight Loss? https://pod.fo/e/2fc784

EP 81 | Don’t Stop Lifting! 5 Tips to Reverse Strength Training Weight Gain in Perimenopause (Part 2) 

https://pod.fo/e/2f79a5

EP 80 | Is Strength Training Making You Gain Weight in Perimenopause? (Part 1) https://pod.fo/e/2f34c1

EP 77 | The BEST Diet To Burn Fat + Balance Hormones in Perimenopause: https://pod.fo/e/2e2e6b

EP 76 | 6 Tools Under $100 for Hormone Balance + Perimenopause Weight Loss: https://pod.fo/e/2dee57

EP 75 | Trying to Lose Weight in Perimenopause? What to Know Before Intermittent Fasting: https://pod.fo/e/2db0fe

—

Next Steps:

Take the First Step to Balance Your Hormones Naturally With My FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment!: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

It’s Possible to Feel Like ‘You’ Again! Book a FREE Quick Fit Clarity Call to find out how my Master Your Midlife Hormones program can help you balance your hormones and move the dial on midlife weight gain: https://bit.ly/quickfitcall

Become a Podcast Insider + Subscribe to The Hot Flash–Weekly hormone hacks, recipes, and lifestyle tips—no spam, no fluff, just science (with snacks:.): https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Email Me: monica@monicalanetopete.com —

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me, and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

First, it was low-fat.

Then it was no carbs.

Then more protein… 

And finally, “just eat intuitively.”

No wonder more than half of us in perimenopause feel totally confused about what to eat—especially when our hormones, metabolism, and energy are changing by the week.

In this week’s episode, I’m walking you through how macro tracking works in midlife, why your macronutrient needs shift with menopause and hormone imbalance, and how to finally stop fearing food—and start using it to fuel your results.

In this episode, I’ll answer your most-asked questions, including:

✅ “What is a macro and why do I need to track it?”

✅ “How do macros change after 40?”

✅ “How much protein should I eat to lose weight?”

✅ “What is the best macro ratio for belly fat after menopause?”

✅ Can eating too much healthy fat cause weight gain in perimenopause?

✅ “What are the best macros for building muscle after 40?”

✅ “Is low carb bad for hormone balance?”

If you break out into a cold sweat every time you try to do macro math in your head—this episode is for you. 🎧

—

Episodes Mentioned:

EP 81 | Don’t Stop Lifting! 5 Tips to Reverse Strength Training Weight Gain in Perimenopause (Part 2): https://pod.fo/e/2f79a5

EP 80 | Is Strength Training Making You Gain Weight in Perimenopause? (Part 1): https://pod.fo/e/2f34c1

EP 79 | Perimenopause Fatigue + Weight Gain?: LIVE Coaching Call: https://pod.fo/e/2ee220

EP 77 | The BEST Diet To Burn Fat + Balance Hormones in Perimenopause: https://pod.fo/e/2e2e6b

EP 76 | 6 Tools Under $100 for Hormone Balance + Perimenopause Weight Loss: https://pod.fo/e/2dee57

EP 75 | Trying to Lose Weight in Perimenopause? What to Know Before Intermittent Fasting: https://pod.fo/e/2db0fe

—

Next Steps:

Take the First Step to Balance Your Hormones Naturally With My FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment!: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

It’s Possible to Feel Like ‘You’ Again! Book a FREE Quick Fit Clarity Call to find out how my Master Your Midlife Hormones program can help you balance your hormones and move the dial on midlife weight gain: https://bit.ly/quickfitcall

Become a Podcast Insider + Subscribe to The Hot Flash–Weekly hormone hacks, recipes, and lifestyle tips—no spam, no fluff, just science (with snacks:.): https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Email Me: monica@monicalanetopete.com —

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me, and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

You’re not imagining it—strength training can make the scale go up before it goes down.

In fact, 40% of midlife women say they’ve quit a workout routine because they didn’t see results fast enough.

But what if the weight gain isn’t failure… it’s feedback?

In this week's episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on 5 science-backed strategies to reverse scale creep from strength training—and turn all your efforts in the gym into visible results.

In this episode, I’ll answer your most-asked questions including:

✅ “Why am I gaining weight from lifting weights in perimenopause?”

✅ “Scale jumps from workouts: water retention or fat?”

✅ “Does chronic inflammation stall fat loss even with lifting?”

✅ “Can overtraining keep cortisol high and block fat loss?”

✅ “How do I reset my cortisol curve after strength workouts?”

✅ “Best post-lift routines to reduce bloating and scale spikes?”

✅ “How long until I see muscle gains instead of weight gain on the scale?”

If you’ve been lifting weights—but you’re starting to wonder if lifting is actually making things worse🤦🏼‍♀️—this episode is for you. 🎧

—

Episodes Mentioned: EP 80 | Is Strength Training Making You Gain Weight in Perimenopause? (Part 1) https://pod.fo/e/2f34c1

EP 79 | Perimenopause Fatigue + Weight Gain?: LIVE Coaching Call: https://pod.fo/e/2ee220

—

Next Steps:

Take the First Step to Balance Your Hormones Naturally With My FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment!: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

It’s Possible to Feel Like ‘You’ Again! Book a FREE Quick Fit Clarity Call to find out how my Master Your Midlife Hormones program can help you balance your hormones and move the dial on midlife weight gain: https://bit.ly/quickfitcall

Become a Podcast Insider + Subscribe to The Hot Flash–Weekly hormone hacks, recipes, and lifestyle tips—no spam, no fluff, just science (with snacks:.): https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Connect With Me: monica@monicalanetopete.com —

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me, and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

You’re lifting weights. Eating more protein. Tracking your steps.

So why does your body feel like it didn’t get the memo?🙃📝

If every workout lately leaves you more bloated, puffy, or confused by the scale, you're not alone.

In this week's episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what’s really behind post-workout weight gain in midlife—and the 3 biggest mistakes women make when the number on the scale goes up.

In this episode, I’ll answer your most-asked questions including:

✅ Why do I gain weight when I start strength training? 

✅ Can stress from workouts raise cortisol and stall fat loss? 

✅ How can I tell if weight gain is muscle or inflammation? 

✅ Why am I not losing belly fat after lifting weights?

✅ How does strength training affect hormones during perimenopause? 

✅ Why does lifting weights make me feel more bloated?

✅ How does low estrogen impact muscle building during menopause? 

If you’ve been lifting weights—but the scale’s climbing faster than the price of gas on 4th of July weekend—this episode is for you. 🎧

—

Episodes Mentioned: EP 78 | Eating More Protein But Still Not Losing Weight in Perimenopause?: https://pod.fo/e/2e7319

EP 77 | The BEST Diet To Burn Fat + Balance Hormones in Perimenopause: https://pod.fo/e/2e2e6b

EP 76 | 6 Tools Under $100 for Hormone Balance + Perimenopause Weight Loss: https://pod.fo/e/2dee57

EP 75 | Trying to Lose Weight in Perimenopause? What to Know Before Intermittent Fasting: https://pod.fo/e/2db0fe

—

Next Steps:

Take the First Step to Balance Your Hormones Naturally With My FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment!: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

It’s Possible to Feel Like ‘You’ Again! Book a FREE Quick Fit Clarity Call to find out how my Master Your Midlife Hormones program can help you balance your hormones and move the dial on midlife weight gain: https://bit.ly/quickfitcall

Become a Podcast Insider + Subscribe to The Hot Flash–Weekly hormone hacks, recipes, and lifestyle tips—no spam, no fluff, just science (with snacks:.): https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Connect With Me: monica@monicalanetopete.com

Website: monica@monicalanetopete.com

—

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me, and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

Do you wake up with energy, but hit a wall halfway through the day?

Is brain fog making it hard to focus—or even finish a complete sentence?

Are you still trying to lose the same 10, 20, 30 pounds or more you put on after baby number two…but the only thing you’re losing these days is your patience?

If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed with information, or don't know where to start, then today’s power-packed LIVE Coaching Session is for you.

In today’s episode, you’ll listen in on a real-time Hormone Balance Breakthru Call with a podcast listener navigating mood swings, brain fog, fatigue, and weight that won’t budge—despite doing “everything right.”

You’ll hear how we connect her symptoms to her specific hormone imbalances, uncover what’s actually keeping her stuck, and identify what she should focus on first—and how you can apply the same hormone-balancing hacks to your own symptoms and weight gain.

In this episode, we’ll address questions including:

✅ Is it normal for PMS to get worse in perimenopause?

✅ What’s causing my midday energy crash every day?

✅ Can hormone imbalance cause brain fog and forgetfulness?

✅ Why do I feel like an emotional wreck before my period now?

✅ Is joint pain common in perimenopause—or is this something else?

✅ Are my workouts making my hormones worse?

✅ Is cortisol the reason I have stubborn fat around my middle?

✅ Why can’t I lose weight no matter what I eat or how much I exercise?

If you’ve ever felt like your body’s working against you, no matter what you try—this episode is for you. 🎧

—

Next Steps:

Take the First Step to Balance Your Hormones Naturally With My FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment!: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

Get to the Root of Your Hormone Symptoms and Finally Feel Like You Again—Book a Private Hormone Balance Breakthru Call for just $67: https://bit.ly/bookabreakthroughcall (Use code AYTM—offer expires in 24 hours.)

Become a Podcast Insider + Subscribe to The Hot Flash–Weekly hormone hacks, recipes, and lifestyle tips—no spam, no fluff, just science (with snacks:.): https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Email Me: monica@monicalanetopete.com —

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me, and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

You’ve swapped cereal for eggs, added collagen to your coffee, maybe even splurged on the “cleanest” plant-based protein tub you could find at Costco… and still, your skinny jeans won’t button without a prayer and some deep squats.

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

In midlife, most women are eating far less protein than their bodies actually need. And thanks to a little-known phenomenon called the protein leverage effect, that gap can lead to blood sugar spikes, cravings, and overeating… even when you’re trying to eat clean.

In today’s episode, I’m peeling back the curtain on the three biggest protein mistakes women make in midlife—and how to fix them to support hormone balance, stabilize metabolism, and finally move the needle on weight loss.

In this episode, we’ll unpack:

✅ Why is protein so important for hormone balance in midlife?

✅ How do hormones affect protein requirements in perimenopause? 

✅ Can eating more protein prevent weight gain during perimenopause? 

✅ Can high protein intake help stabilize blood sugar in perimenopause?

✅ How much protein do women over 40 actually need per day? 

✅ What are complete vs incomplete proteins, and why does it matter? 

✅ Does plant protein work as well as animal protein for perimenopausal women? 

✅ Can protein help reduce cravings in midlife? 

✅ Does eating more protein boost metabolism after 50?

✅ What’s the best protein powder for women over 40?

✅ What is the best time to eat protein for hormone health in midlife?

If you’ve been loading up on protein, but the scale still isn’t budging—this episode is for you. 🎧

—

Episodes Mentioned: EP 77 | The BEST Diet To Burn Fat + Balance Hormones in Perimenopause: https://pod.fo/e/2e2e6b

EP 76 | 6 Tools Under $100 for Hormone Balance + Perimenopause Weight Loss: https://pod.fo/e/2dee57

EP 75 | Trying to Lose Weight in Perimenopause? What to Know Before Intermittent Fasting: https://pod.fo/e/2db0fe

—

Next Steps:

Take the First Step to Balance Your Hormones Naturally With My FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment!: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

It’s Possible to Feel Like ‘You’ Again! Book a FREE Quick Fit Clarity Call to find out how my Master Your Midlife Hormones program can help you balance your hormones and move the dial on midlife weight gain: https://bit.ly/quickfitcall

Become a Podcast Insider + Subscribe to The Hot Flash–Weekly hormone hacks, recipes, and lifestyle tips—no spam, no fluff, just science (with snacks:.): https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Email Me: monica@monicalanetopete.com —

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me, and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

Which is better for midlife weight loss: Keto? Carnivore? Optavia?

It’s a question I get asked all the time—especially in the summer, when the pool invites start rolling in… and you’d rather melt in leggings than show up in a swimsuit.

The truth is: If your hormones are out of whack, none of those diets are going to get you very far.

Because losing weight in midlife isn’t just about cutting calories—it’s about calming cortisol, balancing insulin, and avoiding the foods that are secretly stalling your fat loss.

In today’s episode, I’m peeling back the curtain on the exact elimination diet I use with my clients to identify food triggers, calm inflammation, and finally make weight loss feel doable again

In this episode, we’ll unpack:

✅ What’s the connection between food and hormone imbalance over 40?

✅ How do I know which foods are triggering my hormone imbalance?

✅ What are the signs a food is disrupting my hormones?

✅ Can food sensitivities cause weight gain in midlife?

✅ Why does my weight fluctuate so much after eating certain foods?

✅ Can elimination diets help balance hormones naturally—without medication?

✅ Can an elimination diet fix my slow metabolism in midlife?

✅ What is the best elimination diet for perimenopause?

If you’ve ever tried quitting carbs and sugar only to still feel bloated, inflamed, and stuck at your same weight—this episode is for you. 🎧

—

Episodes Mentioned: EP 76 | 6 Tools Under $100 for Hormone Balance + Perimenopause Weight Loss: https://pod.fo/e/2dee57

EP 75 | Trying to Lose Weight in Perimenopause? What to Know Before Intermittent Fasting: https://pod.fo/e/2db0fe

EP 74 | Are You Eating Enough? 3 Ways Eating Less Backfires in Perimenopause: https://pod.fo/e/2d7f66

EP 61 | How Did I Get HERE? 6 Root Causes of Hormone Imbalance in Perimenopause & Menopause: https://pod.fo/e/2ae786

EP 57 | How Can I Have a Hormone Imbalance If My Blood Work Is Normal?: https://pod.fo/e/2a1b75

—

Next Steps:

Take the First Step to Balance Your Hormones Naturally With My FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment!: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

Want to see if FEAST can help balance your hormones and move the dial on midlife weight gain? Book a FREE Quick Fit Clarity Call to find out how my Master Your Midlife Hormones program can help you stop spinning your wheels and feel like “you” again.: https://bit.ly/quickfitcall

Become a Podcast Insider + Subscribe to The Hot Flash–Weekly hormone hacks, recipes, and lifestyle tips—no spam, no fluff, just science (with snacks:.): https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Email Me: monica@monicalanetopete.com —

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me, and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

Have you ever bought the same supplement twice because you forgot you already tried it? 👀

🙋🏼‍♀️Yeah, been there, got the T-shirt… AND the magnesium spray… AND the melatonin gummies that tasted like stale fruit snacks.

According to a 2025 OnePoll survey, women in perimenopause and menopause spend nearly $500 a year on supplements, apps, and other health products to balance their hormones.

And yet… 76 percent of us say our symptoms haven’t changed—and neither has the number on the scale.

In today’s episode, I’m spilling the tea on 6 Tools Under $100 that actually support hormone balance and can help you move the dial on midlife weight loss.

In this episode, we’ll unpack:

✅ What are the best supplements for balancing hormones during perimenopause?

✅ Can a quiz accurately diagnose hormone imbalances?

✅ How does using a digital food scale aid in weight management?

✅ Is macro tracking more effective than calorie counting for fat loss?

✅ Which apps are best for tracking macronutrients?

✅ How does blood sugar imbalance contribute to weight gain in perimenopause?

✅ Can regular exercise improve blood sugar control and aid in weight loss?

If you’ve ever bought a pricey smart scale (but couldn’t figure out how to sync it to your phone without calling in the Geek Squad)—this episode is for you. 🎧 —

Episodes Mentioned: EP 75 | Trying to Lose Weight in Perimenopause? What to Know Before Intermittent Fasting: https://pod.fo/e/2db0fe

EP 74 | Are You Eating Enough? 3 Ways Eating Less Backfires in Perimenopause: https://pod.fo/e/2d7f66

EP 57 | How Can I Have a Hormone Imbalance If My Blood Work Is Normal?: https://pod.fo/e/2a1b75

—

Next Steps:

Take the First Step to Balance Your Hormones Naturally With My FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

Tired all the time? Can’t lose weight? Fine one minute…losing it the next? Book a FREE Quick Fit Clarity Call to find out if my Master Your Midlife Hormones program can help you stop the guesswork and feel like “you” again.: https://bit.ly/quickfitcall

Become a Podcast Insider + Subscribe to The Hot Flash–Weekly hormone hacks, recipes, and lifestyle tips—no spam, no fluff, just science (with snacks:.): https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Email Me: monica@monicalanetopete.com —

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me, and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

Skipping breakfast? Swigging coffee ‘til noon and calling it “intermittent fasting”?

You’re not alone….But that strategy? It might be backfiring.

In fact, if you’re a woman in perimenopause trying to lose weight, your “fast” might actually be spiking your cortisol, crashing your blood sugar, and slowing your metabolism—meanwhile your jeans just keep getting tighter.:<

Here’s the thing: intermittent fasting can be a game-changer for midlife weight loss, insulin resistance, and even hormone balance...but only if your hormones are on board.

Because what helped your bestie drop 15 pounds might be the exact thing causing your sleep issues, sugar cravings, and hormonal weight gain.

In today’s episode, Trying to Lose Weight in Perimenopause? What to Know Before Intermittent Fasting, I’m spilling the tea on intermittent fasting—what it is, what it’s not, and how it can impact your hormones–AND weight loss–after 40.

In this episode, we’ll unpack:

✅ Does intermittent fasting work for women in perimenopause?

✅ What if I’m not hungry in the morning—is that intermittent fasting?

✅ Is skipping breakfast really that bad for hormones?

✅ Does fasting affect my thyroid?

✅ How does fasting impact cortisol and stress levels?

✅ Can intermittent fasting affect sleep?

✅ Why am I gaining weight while intermittent fasting?

If you’ve ever fasted all morning and ended up hangry by 3pm in a pile of shredded cheese—this episode is for you. 🎧 —

Episodes Mentioned: EP 74 | Are You Eating Enough? 3 Ways Eating Less Backfires in Perimenopause: https://pod.fo/e/2d7f66

—

Next Steps:

Take the First Step to Balance Your Hormones Naturally With My FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment!: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

Tired all the time? Can’t lose weight? Fine one minute…losing it the next? Book a FREE Quick Fit Clarity Call to find out if my Master Your Midlife Hormones program can help you stop the guesswork and feel like “you” again.: https://bit.ly/quickfitcall

Become a Podcast Insider + Subscribe to The Hot Flash–Weekly hormone hacks, recipes, and lifestyle tips—no spam, no fluff, just science (with snacks:.): https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Email Me: monica@monicalanetopete.com —

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me, and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

You’re eating like a bird, but still can’t button your jeans.:<

If skipping snacks, counting macros, or cutting carbs is supposed to help us lose weight…why does it feel like nothing is changing, even when you do?

Here’s the truth: so many of us in midlife are undereating, overstressed, and totally confused why we’re gaining weight on fewer calories than a toddler snack pack.

But weight gain in perimenopause isn’t about willpower—it’s about hormones.

Because once estrogen starts to drop, perimenopause metabolism changes too—and the weight loss playbook that worked in our 20s and 30s no longer does.

In today’s episode, Are You Eating Enough? 3 Ways Eating Less Backfires in Perimenopause, I’m breaking down the connection between hormonal weight gain, blood sugar spikes, and why traditional diet rules are failing women over 40.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ How does blood sugar affect weight gain in perimenopause?

✅ Can under-eating lead to weight gain in midlife?

✅ How many calories should a woman over 40 eat to lose weight?

✅ Does eating too little cause weight gain in perimenopause?

✅ What is the connection between insulin resistance and menopause?

✅ Does cortisol contribute to belly fat in midlife women?

✅ How do stress and cortisol levels impact weight gain during menopause?

✅ Do hormonal changes affect appetite after 40?

If you’ve ever said, “But I’m barely eating—why am I gaining weight?”or skipping meals to “save calories” (and ending up face-first in the pantry!)—this episode is for you. 🎧 —

Episodes Mentioned: EP 73 | Can’t Lose Weight? The Truth About GLP-1 for Weight Loss in Perimenopause & Beyond: https://pod.fo/e/2d4b1f

EP 72 | 10 Stupid Things Women Do To Mess Up Our Metabolism in Perimenopause and Menopause: https://pod.fo/e/2d16b2

—

Next Steps:

Take the First Step to Balance Your Hormones Naturally With My FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment!: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

Tired all the time? Not sleeping through the night? Weight won’t budge? Book a free Quick Fit Clarity Call to find out if my Master Your Midlife Hormones program can help you stop the spiral and feel like you again.: https://bit.ly/quickfitcall

Become a Podcast Insider + Subscribe to The Hot Flash–Weekly hormone hacks, recipes, and lifestyle tips—no spam, no fluff, just science (with snacks:.): https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Email Me: monica@monicalanetopete.com —

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me, and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

Weight won’t budge? Want to lose 10 (or 20) pounds before summer so you can feel good in your skin again—and without hiding under a caftan. 👀

Enter wonder drug GLP-1—which, according to industry research, is projected to surpass $100 billion by 2030. In fact, prescriptions for Ozempic, Wegovy, and other semaglutide-based meds have exploded in the past two years—and not just among your favorite Real Housewives.

But if you're in perimenopause or menopause and have been contemplating jumping on the injectables bandwagon, GLP-1s may actually do you more harm than good.

In today’s episode, "Can’t Lose Weight? The Truth About GLP-1 for Weight Loss in Perimenopause & Beyond," I’m peeling back the curtain on hormonal weight gain, GLP-1 meds, and what women in midlife need to know before going all in on this ‘miracle shot.’

In this episode, we'll discuss:

✅ Does GLP-1 work for hormonal weight gain—or is it just masking a deeper issue?

✅ The unexpected effects of GLP-1, including the risks no one talks about

✅ What really happens when you stop taking semaglutide for weight loss

✅ Why most women gain weight after stopping GLP-1

✅ How GLP-1 and hormones interact in midlife—and why the risks may hit harder in perimenopause and beyond

If you’ve ever considered trying Ozempic "just for a few months"—this episode is for you. 🎧

Episodes Mentioned: EP 72 | 10 Stupid Things Women Do To Mess Up Our Metabolism in Perimenopause and Menopause: https://pod.fo/e/2d16b2

EP 15 | Hypothyroidism And Weight Gain: 3 Healthy Hacks To Help Shed Those Extra Pounds: https://pod.fo/e/240c5f

EP 22 | Weight Gain, Belly Fat, and What To Expect In Menopause: https://pod.fo/e/24c740

—

Next Steps:

Take the First Step to Balance Your Hormones Naturally With My FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

Tired all the time? Not sleeping through the night? Weight won’t budge? Book a free Quick Fit Clarity Call to find out if my Master Your Midlife Hormones program can help you stop the spiral and feel like 'you' again.: https://bit.ly/quickfitcall

Become a Podcast Insider + Subscribe to The Hot Flash–Weekly hormone hacks, recipes, and lifestyle tips—no spam, no fluff, just science (with snacks:.): https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Email Me: monica@monicalanetopete.com —

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me, and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

The average woman starts dieting at age 17.

By the time we hit 45, we’ve dieted at least 61 times.

Sixty-one. Diets.

And yet somehow we’re still being told to just “eat less and move more” to lose weight (as if we haven’t been trying that since dial-up internet.) 😜😤

But midlife metabolism isn’t about willpower—it’s about biology.

And after years of dieting, stressing, skipping meals, and surviving on caffeine and car snacks, our bodies are waving the white flag.

In today’s episode, I’m breaking down “10 Stupid Things Women Do To Mess Up Our Metabolism in Perimenopause and Menopause” including the go-to habits we’ve always relied on—but that no longer work in midlife.

In this episode, you will learn:

✔ The connection between undereating and fat storage

✔ Why overdoing cardio can backfire on your hormones

✔ How protein, sleep, and stress impact our ability to burn fat

✔ Why “eating clean” can still mess with your metabolism if you're missing this key nutrient

✔ The #1 exercise mistake women over 40 make when trying to lose weight

If you’ve ever thought, “Wait…am I eating too little?”—this episode is for you. 🎧

---

Next Steps:

Take the First Step to Balance Your Hormones Naturally With My FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment!: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

Become a Podcast Insider + Subscribe to The Hot Flash–Weekly hormone hacks, recipes, and lifestyle tips—no spam, no fluff, just science (with snacks:.): https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Master Your Midlife Hormones In Less Than 90 Days. Apply To Work With Me: bit.ly/fixmyhormonesnow

Have a Question About Hormone Balance? Get It Answered On The Podcast: https://www.speakpipe.com/AreYouThereMidlife

Email Me: monica@monicalanetopete.com

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me, and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

The average woman spends six years searching for relief from hormone symptoms. 

AI can’t speed that up.

Sure, it can plan your vacation, rewrite your resume, and even suggest a pretty good taco recipe.:)

But when it comes to balancing your hormones? That’s way above its pay grade.

Because while ChatGPT can piece together generic hormone-balancing tips from online surveys, TikTok trends, blogs, and whatever else it can scrape from the internet and present as a “tailor-made” solution, it doesn’t understand your health history, your lifestyle, or the root cause of your symptoms.

(And that’s a pretty big problem when you're trying to navigate hormones that can shift daily!)

In today’s episode, I’m breaking down "5 Things ChatGPT Can’t Tell You About Balancing Hormones in Perimenopause and Menopause."

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✔ Why generic advice could be sabotaging your hormone healing

✔ Why your hormones need personalization, not algorithm-sourced solutions

✔ What AI completely misses when it comes to your stress levels and hormone health

✔ Why what worked last year (or even last week) may not be working now (and why that's normal!)

✔ What actually creates lasting hormone balance (hint: it's not a copy-paste wellness plan)

If you’re tired of getting health advice from a robot who has no clue what a hot flash actually feels like, this episode is for you. 🎧

Next Steps:

Take the First Step To Balance Your Hormones With My FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment!: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

Become a Podcast Insider + Subscribe to The Hot Flash–Get weekly hormone hacks, recipes, and lifestyle tips—no spam, no fluff, just science (with snacks:.): https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Master Your Midlife Hormones In Less Than 90 Days. Apply To Work With Me: bit.ly/fixmyhormonesnow

Have a Question About Hormone Balance? Get It Answered On The Podcast: https://www.speakpipe.com/AreYouThereMidlife

Email Me: monica@monicalanetopete.com

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

Become a Podcast Insider + Subscribe to The Hot Flash–Weekly hormone hacks, recipes, and lifestyle tips—no spam, no fluff, just science (with snacks:.): https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

We do it every 8 minutes. (And no, it’s not peeing, although that might also be true.:)

This week, we’re talking about something that might be secretly sabotaging your hormones every single day.

It’s not your diet. It’s not your wine. It’s not even your overflowing to-do list.

👉 It’s your screen. Or more specifically… the scroll.

Because while social media might seem harmless (or even helpful, depending on who you follow), it could be raising your cortisol, tanking your progesterone, and sending your sleep, mood, and metabolisminto a full-blown hormone spiral.

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on how your phone habits may be contributing to hormone imbalance in perimenopause and menopause—and what you can do to interrupt the scroll without hurling your iPhone into a lake.

If your idea of “unplugged” is charging your phone in another room, this episode is for you. 🎧

---

Next Steps:

Take the First Step To Balance Your Hormones With My FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment!: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

Become a Podcast Insider + Subscribe to The Hot Flash: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Master Your Midlife Hormones In Less Than 90 Days. Apply To Work With Me: bit.ly/fixmyhormonesnow

Get Your Question About Hormone Balance Answered On The Podcast: https://www.speakpipe.com/AreYouThereMidlife

Email Me: monica@monicalanetopete.com

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

You’re not crying in traffic because you’re crazy.

You’re not snapping at your family because you’re unstable.

You’re just living in a body that’s shifting—and no one explained what that would feel like.

Let’s be honest: Doctors are trained to treat clinical depression.

But most were never taught how perimenopause and menopause can impact our mood—or how symptoms of hormone imbalance like sadness, irritability, and emotional overwhelm can overlap with what looks like mental health issues.

Maybe you recently saw your GP, and she gave you a prescription for an SSRI without ever talking about your hormones.

Or maybe you’ve been taking an antidepressant for a while and are wondering if it’s actually helping.

If you’ve been medicating your mood but not seeing real healing, it’s time for a deeper look.

In this episode, you will learn:

✔How hormone changes in midlife can mimic depression (and why your doctor may miss it)

✔ What SSRIs are actually designed to treat—and what they’re not

✔ How symptoms like brain fog, exhaustion, and night sweats are related to emotional health

✔ What no one’s asking in your doctor’s office—but absolutely should

✔ The 3 red flags that your prescription might be masking a hormone imbalance

✔ Why your bloodwork might say “normal” even when everything feels off

✔ The sneaky difference between coping and healing (and how to tell which you’re doing)

✔ What to ask before refilling your SSRI (that your doctor may have missed the first time)

Plus, learn how Hormone Symptom Profiling can uncover the hormonal root cause of your emotional symptoms.

If you’ve ever said, “I just don’t feel like me anymore” or are wondering why you’re still struggling…even though you’re on an antidepressant…this episode is for you!

—

Next Steps:

Take the First Step To Balance Your Hormones With My FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment!: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

Master Your Midlife Hormones In Less Than 90 Days. Apply To Work With Me: bit.ly/fixmyhormonesnow Episodes Mentioned: EP 1 | How Do I Know If I'm In Perimenopause?: https://pod.fo/e/2297e9

EP 40 | Feeling Anxious? The REAL Reason Your SSRI Isn't Working, Plus 5 Tips to Reduce Anxiety Naturally [Perimenopausal Symptoms: From A-Z]: https://pod.fo/e/26f30e

Connect With Me:

Never Miss A Single Episode! Become An AYTM Podcast Insider: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Have a Question About Hormone Balance? Get It Answered On The Podcast: https://www.speakpipe.com/AreYouThereMidlife

Email Me: monica@monicalanetopete.com

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

Dragging by 3pm—even after a “clean” lunch and your second coffee?

It’s not your schedule.

Or your age.

Or even those 10 pounds that won’t budge.

It’s your hormones.

Even if your doctor says everything looks “normal,” that mid-day crash could be a hormone red flag—one even your labs might be missing.

In today's episode, I’m peeling back the curtain on what’s really going on with your energy in perimenopause and menopause—and what you can actually do to start getting your energy (and your afternoons) back.

In this episode you will learn:

✔ The real reason why you can power through your morning—but then crash like clockwork by afternoon

✔ Why the same snacks that used to give you a boost are now leaving you drained ✔ The hidden connection between midlife inflammation and can’t-keep-your-eyes-open fatigue

✔ Why your blood sugar behaves differently in midlife—and the impact on your energy, mood, and focus ✔ Why more rest isn’t a solution if your hormones are out of sync

If you have a drawer full of energy snacks and a Starbucks order every barista in a 10-mile radius knows by heart, this episode is for you. 🎧

—

Next Steps:

Take the First Step To Balance Your Hormones With My FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment!: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

Master Your Midlife Hormones In Less Than 90 Days. Apply To Work With Me: bit.ly/fixmyhormonesnow

Never Miss A Single Episode! Become An AYTM Podcast Insider: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Want to Connect? Email Me: monica@monicalanetopete.com

Have a Question About Hormone Balance? Get It Answered On The Podcast: https://www.speakpipe.com/AreYouThereMidlife

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

What if the reason you’re still struggling to balance your hormones has nothing to do with what you’re doing… and everything to do with what you’re thinking?

Here’s the thing: our brains are wired to keep us safe.

(You know—safe, as in stuck. In the same place. Snapping at our kids for breathing too loud.:<)

So even when our house is on hormonal fire, our thoughts can convince us, “it’s not that bad”—or change is "just too risky."

But that kind of thinking could be the very reason WHY you’re still struggling.

In today's episode, I’m peeling back the curtain on the top 4 limiting beliefs that might be holding you back from balancing your hormones naturally.

In this episode you will learn:

✔ Why mindset—not just meal plans—might be the key to healing your hormones

✔ How our nervous system is actually wired to keep us safe (and stuck!)

✔ The biggest frustration among women in perimenopause and menopause when it comes to managing their symptoms

✔ Why “being too busy” might be code for something deeper 

✔ The real reason you keep putting off taking that next step (and how to finally take it)

If you've ever said, "I should be able to figure this out on my own" or 'I'm too busy to deal with this right now", this episode is for you. 🎧

—

Next Steps:

Take the First Step To Balance Your Hormones With My FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

Master Your Midlife Hormones In Less Than 90 Days. Apply To Work With Me: bit.ly/fixmyhormonesnow

Never Miss A Single Episode! Become An AYTM Podcast Insider: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Want to Connect? Email Me: monica@monicalanetopete.com

Have a Question About Hormone Balance? Get It Answered On The Podcast: https://www.speakpipe.com/AreYouThereMidlife

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

You’ve done everything right…scheduled a visit with your doctor, got some lab work done, maybe even filled a prescription (or two.)...

So why do you feel like you're slowly dying inside while pretending everything’s fine?

If you’ve ever felt dismissed, misdiagnosed, or flat-out invisible in your doctor’s office—you are not alone. And you are definitely not crazy. 🙃

The truth is, traditional healthcare doesn’t always connect the dots when it comes to hormone imbalance in perimenopause and untreated menopause symptoms.

Symptoms are often managed or “medicated away” with insurance-approved quick fixes—but the real cost of perimenopause and menopause goes way beyond hot flashes and skipped periods.

In today's episode, I’m peeling back the curtain on what insurance covers, what it doesn’t, and why what you’re paying might be just managing symptoms… without really solving the problem.

In this episode you will learn:

✔ The emotional, physical, and financial toll of untreated menopause symptoms—and how they impact your daily life

✔ How much hormone imbalance really costs—and why relying on insurance is keeping women stuck

✔ What no one tells you about missed work days, strained relationships, and midlife burnout (until it’s too late)

✔ How traditional healthcare fails women in midlife—and why natural hormone support isn’t covered (but should be)

✔ The long-term risks of untreated hormone imbalance—and how to protect your mental and physical health

If you’ve ever said, ‘I’d get help if my insurance covered it…’ or ‘I can’t afford to spend any more money on this'…this episode is for you! 🎧

Next Steps:

Take the First Step To Balance Your Hormones With My FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment!: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

Master Your Midlife Hormones In Less Than 90 Days. Apply To Work With Me: bit.ly/fixmyhormonesnow

Never Miss A Single Episode! Become An AYTM Podcast Insider: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Want to Connect? Email Me: monica@monicalanetopete.com

Have a Question About Hormone Balance? Get It Answered On The Podcast: https://www.speakpipe.com/AreYouThereMidlife

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

Master Your Midlife Hormones In 90 Days. Apply To Work With Me: bit.ly/fixmyhormonesnow 

Does it ever feel like you’re the only one still struggling to figure out your hormones?

Trust me—you’re not alone.

Up to 85% of women over 40 experience hormone-related symptoms like chronic fatigue, weight gain, mood swings, and brain fog. And yet, we still feel like we’re on our own when it comes to finding a solution that actually works.

I talk to women every day who feel like “it’s all their fault.” Maybe they didn’t stick with a program long enough or they didn’t follow it perfectly. So they try another diet, another supplement, another program… only to end up right back at square one. Truth? No amount of effort can make the WRONG approach work. YOU haven’t failed. Because, more often than not, it was the program, the protocol, or the so-called magical fix that actually failed YOU!

In today's episode, I’m spilling 6 surprising reasons why hormone-balancing solutions fail—and what to do instead.

Join me as I unpack:

✔ The "hidden" issue with most "natural hormone balance" programs--plus, how to spot the red flags before wasting time & money ✔ The science behind what makes hormonal weight loss harder in midlife—even when you're "doing everything right" ✔ How chronic stress and lifestyle habits secretly mess with your hormones, metabolism, and energy ✔ The sneaky ways our body changes after 40—and why your old diet-and-exercise tricks don’t work anymore ✔ And, how popular hormone-balancing quick fixes may actually be working against your body instead of with it

If you’ve been following all the “rules," but still feel exhausted, unmotivated, and snapping at your houseplants, then this episode is for you! 🎧

—

Next Steps:

Do You Have A Hormonal Imbalance? Take My FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment and Find Out!: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz Ready To Stop The Guesswork, Balance Your Hormones, And Feel Like “You” Again? Apply to “Master Your Midlife Hormones”: bit.ly/fixmyhormonesnow

— Episodes mentioned on the podcast:

EP 6 | What Foods Cause Hormonal Imbalance Symptoms?: 10 "Healthy" Foods To Avoid: https://pod.fo/e/231a75

EP 57 | How Can I Have a Hormone Imbalance If My Blood Work Is Normal? https://pod.fo/e/2a1b75

EP 58 | Quick Hormone Fixes: Which Ones Work for Balancing Hormones... And Which Ones Miss the Mark?:  https://pod.fo/e/2a5265

EP 61 | How Did I Get HERE? 6 Root Causes of Hormone Imbalance in Perimenopause & Menopause: https://pod.fo/e/2ae786

—

Have a Question About Hormone Balance? Get It Answered On The Podcast: https://www.speakpipe.com/AreYouThereMidlife

Never Miss A Single Episode! Become An AYTM Podcast Insider: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Want to Connect? Email Me: monica@monicalanetopete.com

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

Balance Your Hormones Naturally In Less Than 90 Days. Apply To Work With Me: bit.ly/fixmyhormonesnowbit.ly/fixmyhormonesnow

Hey friend,

Are you waking up exhausted, no matter how much sleep you get? Are you drooling on your keyboard by 3 PM, wondering if napping under your desk is less fireable than falling asleep during a Zoom? Or maybe you want to change your habits, but every attempt feels like a nonstarter.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Studies show that 85% of women in midlife experience chronic fatigue, brain fog, and lack of motivation—leaving many of us to wonder: 

Is it just “aging”, or is something actually wrong?

The problem isn’t your willpower, your workouts, or even what time you go to bed—it’s your hormones.

That’s because in midlife, hormone shifts can send our brain into energy-conservation mode, draining motivation and making even simple lifestyle changes feel impossible. But here’s the good news: Once you understand what’s happening biologically, you can stop blaming yourself and start working withyour body to reclaim your energy.

In this episode, you will learn:

✔ Why your lack of energy isn’t just a phase—and how midlife hormones actually work together to hijack your brain 

✔ The impact of adrenal fatigue, insulin resistance, and thyroid function on our energy, mood, and mental drive 

✔ Why willpower alone isn’t enough—and what your brain actually needs to get you moving 

✔ How perimenopause and menopause trick your body into slowing down (and how to override the shutdown)

If you find yourself asking:

❓ Why am I so exhausted even after a full night of sleep?

❓ Why do I feel completely unmotivated, even though I want to change?

❓ Is this just part of getting older, or is something actually wrong?

Then this episode is for you! 🎧

—

Next Steps:

Do You Have A Hormonal Imbalance? Take My FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment and Find Out!: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz Ready To Stop The Guesswork, Balance Your Hormones, And Feel Like “You” Again? Apply to “Master Your Midlife Hormones”: bit.ly/fixmyhormonesnow

— Episodes mentioned on the podcast:

EP 14 | Is Estrogen Dominance Causing Your Hormonal Weight Gain? 3 Quick Tips To Move The Scale: https://pod.fo/e/23e32f

EP 15 | Hypothyroidism And Weight Gain: 3 Healthy Hacks To Help Shed Those Extra Pounds: https://pod.fo/e/240c5f

EP 17 | The Hidden Cause of Hormonal Weight Gain in Women Over 40: Adrenal Fatigue: https://pod.fo/e/243891

EP 20 | Menopause, Sleeping Problems, and Post Menopausal Weight Gain: Is Low Estrogen to Blame?:https://pod.fo/e/248b3b

EP 21 | Age-Related Insulin Resistance: The Sneaky Saboteur of Weight Loss After 40: https://pod.fo/e/24b833

—

Have a Question About Hormone Balance? Get It Answered On The Podcast: https://www.speakpipe.com/AreYouThereMidlife

Never Miss A Single Episode! Become An AYTM Podcast Insider: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Want to Connect? Email Me: monica@monicalanetopete.com

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

Stop The Guesswork, Balance Your Hormones, And Feel Like “You” Again! Apply for My Program, “Master Your Midlife Hormones”: bit.ly/fixmyhormonesnow

Hey friend,

😵‍💫 Are you waking up exhausted, no matter how much you sleep? Clothes suddenly feeling tighter, …even though you’re eating the same and working out? Snapping at your partner lately for breathing too loud? 🙃 If perimenopause or menopause has you feeling like a moody, tired, sleep-deprived “blob” you’re not alone.

Nearly 85% of women in midlife experience hormone-related symptoms, but the majority of us report feeling unsupported and unsure of where to turn for real solutions. 

The problem isn’t your willpower, your workouts, or even your age. The problem is that most of us are searching for hormone balance “solutions” when what we actually need is a SYSTEM.

🚨 In this episode, I’m breaking down my EXACT 3-step method to balance hormones naturally—so you can stop chasing symptoms and finally start feeling like yourself again.

In this episode, you will learn:

✔️ Why most diets, supplements, and hormone “hacks” fail—and what your body actually needs to get real results

✔️ The truth about detoxing—and why your liver, gut, and lymphatic system hold the key to hormone health

✔️ Why eating “healthy” isn’t enough—and how your diet could be blocking hormone production 

✔️ The missing nutrients that are essential for hormone production, but most women don’t get enough of

✔️ Why your hormones keep yo-yoing—and the one thing that’s keeping you stuck in the same cycle.

✔️ The daily habit that matters just as much as your diet when it comes to hormone balance

If you feel like your body is working against you, no matter how hard you try, this episode is for you.

—

Next Steps:

Do You Have A Hormonal Imbalance? Take My FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment and Find Out!: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

Stop The Guesswork, Balance Your Hormones, And Feel Like “You” Again! Apply for My Program, “Master Your Midlife Hormones”: bit.ly/fixmyhormonesnow

— Episodes mentioned on the podcast:

EP 56 | The 3 Biggest Lies About Hormone Imbalance In Perimenopause & Menopause: https://pod.fo/e/29dcf2

EP 57 | How Can I Have a Hormone Imbalance If My Blood Work Is Normal?: https://pod.fo/e/2a1b75

EP 59 | 5 Things You Need To Know When Googling Solutions for Your Perimenopause or Menopause Symptoms: https://pod.fo/e/2a876e

EP 61  | How Did I Get HERE? 6 Root Causes of Hormone Imbalance in Perimenopause & Menopause: https://pod.fo/e/2ae786

EP 62  | What Are You Missing? 4 Reasons Why What You’re Doing Isn’t Working to Balance Your Hormones in Perimenopause & Menopause: https://pod.fo/e/2b1bd8

—

Have a Question About Hormone Balance? Get It Answered On The Podcast: https://www.speakpipe.com/AreYouThereMidlife

Never Miss A Single Episode! Become An AYTM Podcast Insider: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Want to Connect? Email Me: monica@monicalanetopete.com

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

Stop The Guesswork, Fix Your Hormones, And Feel Like “You” Again! Apply to Work With Me: bit.ly/fixmyhormonesnow

Hey friend,

So you’ve read all the books. Listened to all the podcasts. Cut out dairy, sugar, caffeine, gluten—basically all joy.

But here you are… still exhausted, still bloated, still waking up at 3 a.m. drenched in sweat, wondering why your hormones are glitching like a bad iOS update.

If you’re starting to think that balancing hormones naturally is a myth, you're not alone.

Because, according to a recent survey, 62% of all women in perimenopause admitted still feeling stuck with nagging symptoms despite having tried MULTIPLE treatments!!!

There’s a reason why so many of us hop from one hormone solution to the next, only to still feel like we’re trapped in a body that’s working against us.

And in today’s episode, I’m breaking down 4 reasons why what you’re doing isn’t working—and the one shift you need to make to balance your hormones and get your energy and body back.

In this episode, you will learn:

✔️ Why treating symptoms instead of root causes is keeping you stuck—and how to finally address what’s really driving your hormone imbalance.

✔️ The impact of our stress and gut health on balancing hormones—and why ignoring these two key hormone disruptors could be making your symptoms worse.

✔️ Why balancing hormones isn’t about “fixing” one thing—it’s about addressing the deeper chain reactions happening inside your body.

✔️ The #1 mistake women make when trying to balance their hormones naturally—and why it could be keeping you stuck in a cycle of symptoms.

✔️ Why hormone balance isn’t a “do everything at once” approach—and why focusing on the right thing first is the key to lasting relief.

If you’ve been doing everything “right” but still feel like nothing is changing, this episode is for you.

—

Next Steps:

Think You Might Have A Hormone Imbalance? Take My FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

Stop The Guesswork, Fix Your Hormones, And Feel Like “You” Again! Apply to Work With Me: bit.ly/fixmyhormonesnow

— Episodes mentioned on the podcast:

EP 1 | How Do I Know If I'm In Perimenopause?: https://pod.fo/e/2297e9

EP 59 | 5 Things You Need To Know When Googling Solutions for Your Perimenopause or Menopause Symptoms: https://pod.fo/e/2a876e

EP 61  | How Did I Get HERE? 6 Root Causes of Hormone Imbalance in Perimenopause & Menopause: https://pod.fo/e/2ae786

—

Have a Question About Hormone Balance? Get It Answered On The Podcast: https://www.speakpipe.com/AreYouThereMidlife

Never Miss A Single Episode! Become An AYTM Podcast Insider: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Want to Connect? Email Me: monica@monicalanetopete.com

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

Ready To Stop The Guesswork, Fix Your Hormones, And Feel Like “You” Again? Apply to work with me: bit.ly/fixmyhormonesnow

Hey friend,

Ever stopped to ask yourself… "Why are my hormones suddenly so out of control?"

Like, why could you eat whatever you wanted in your 20s or 30s, but now, just looking at a plate of pasta feels like an automatic five-pound weight gain?

Or why has sleep become so elusive you’d have better luck finding a lost AirPod in your couch cushions?

The truth is: hormone imbalance doesn’t just happen overnight (even if it feels like it.)

Aging and shifting hormones play a big role, but there are deeper, underlying factors that help to tip the scales.

Today, I’m diving into the six root causes of hormone imbalance in midlife. 

In this episode, you will learn:

✔ Why your hormones don’t just flip a switch overnight (and what part lifestyle plays in triggering hormone imbalance)

✔ How even one bad night of sleep can negatively impact your metabolism, blood sugar, and hormones

✔ Which sneaky ingredient in your personal care products mimics estrogen and can disrupt your entire endocrine system 

✔ Why your go-to workout could be secretly spiking your cortisol, making hormone imbalances worse

✔ The connection between what you eat and how hormones function (Hint: it’s so much more than just eliminating sugar or gluten)

✔ How your gut’s “recycling” system might be putting excess  hormones back into circulation in your body

If you’re done playing whack-a-mole with your symptoms and want to understand the real root causes of hormone imbalance, this episode is for you.

—

Next Steps:

Think You Might Have A Hormone Imbalance? Take My FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

Ready To Stop The Guesswork, Fix Your Hormones, And Feel Like “You” Again? Apply to work with me: bit.ly/fixmyhormonesnow

— Episodes mentioned on the podcast:

EP 6 | What Foods Cause Hormonal Imbalance Symptoms?: 10 "Healthy" Foods To Avoid: https://pod.fo/e/231a75

EP 14 | Is Estrogen Dominance Causing Your Hormonal Weight Gain? 3 Quick Tips To Move The Scale: https://pod.fo/e/23e32f

EP 17 | The Hidden Cause of Hormonal Weight Gain in Women Over 40: Adrenal Fatigue https://pod.fo/e/243891

EP 26 | Sleepless in Menopause: Why You Can't Sleep & 4 Natural Sleep Aids for Better ZZZ’s: https://pod.fo/e/2530cf

EP 39 | Irritable? Having Trouble Sleeping? Dealing With Chronic Low Energy Or Fatigue?...Why It Might Be Time for A Liver Detox: https://pod.fo/e/26cb77

EP 57 | How Can I Have a Hormone Imbalance If My Blood Work Is Normal?: https://pod.fo/e/2a1b75

—

Have a Question About Hormone Balance? Get It Answered On The Podcast: https://www.speakpipe.com/AreYouThereMidlife

Never Miss A Single Episode! Become An AYTM Podcast Insider: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Want to Connect? Email Me monica@monicalanetopete.com

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

Ready To Stop The Guesswork, Fix Your Hormones, And Feel Like “You” Again? Apply to work with me: bit.ly/fixmyhormonesnow

Hey friend,

Are you overwhelmed when it comes to researching your perimenopause and menopause symptoms online? 

According to a study by 2024 study by Bonafide, 69% of women say everything they know about menopause they learned from first-hand research (which they resorted to after repeatedly getting dismissed by their doctor.)

While the internet is full of valuable information, it’s also packed with misinformation, one-size-fits-all solutions, and advice that may not actually work for your unique hormone needs.

So, in today’s episode, I’m breaking down the five things you need to know when researching your perimenopause and menopause symptoms.

In this episode, you will learn:

• Why two women with the same symptoms may need completely different treatments.

• How some popular menopause supplements could be making your symptoms worse.

• Why trusting symptoms alone to diagnose a hormone imbalance can lead to the wrong solutions.

• How bio-individuality affects hormone balance solutions and why not all remedies work for all women.

• The major difference between traditional medicine vs. a holistic approach when it comes to balancing your hormones

If you’re tired of DIY-ing your way through your hormone puzzle, piecing together random advice and not getting results, this episode is for you.

—

Next Steps:

Think You Might Have A Hormone Imbalance? Take My FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment:https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

Ready To Stop The Guesswork, Fix Your Hormones, And Feel Like “You” Again? Apply to work with me: bit.ly/fixmyhormonesnow

— Episodes mentioned on the podcast:

EP 4 | Why Is My Doctor Dismissing My Perimenopause Symptoms?: https://pod.fo/e/22ce7f

EP 8 | Do Hormone Balancing Supplements Work? (Part 1): https://pod.fo/e/233fc7

EP 9 | Six Warning Signs Your Supplements for Menopause and Perimenopause Might Be a Scam (Part 2): https://pod.fo/e/237907

EP 58 | Quick Hormone Fixes: Which Ones Work for Balancing Hormones... And Which Ones Miss the Mark?: https://pod.fo/e/2a5265

—

Have a Question About Hormone Balance? Get It Answered On The Podcast: https://www.speakpipe.com/AreYouThereMidlife

Never Miss A Single Episode! Become An AYTM Podcast Insider: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Want to Connect? Email Me monica@monicalanetopete.com

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

Ready to Stop The Guesswork & Feel Like “You” Again? Apply to work with me: bit.ly/fixmyhormonesnow

Hey friend,

When your hormones are out of control, are you willing to try almost anything that promises some relief? You’re not alone. According to a 2023 survey by the Global Wellness Institute, more than 70% of women have spent money on a trending hormone solution that didn’t work.

In today’s episode, I’m diving into the TikTok trends and hormone quick fixes that miss the mark, plus proven tips that address the root causes of imbalances including estrogen dominance, elevated cortisol, PCOS, and hypothyroidism.

In this episode, you will learn:

• How gut and liver health, your microbiome, and inflammation influence hormone receptor sensitivity

• Why most women are unknowingly missing a key nutrient that boosts energy and reduces inflammation—and how to fix it.

• The secret to eating bread and pasta without spiking your blood sugar

• How to get glowing skin and a balanced microbiome with a single daily habit

• Which hormone-balancing vitamin 75% of women over age 50 are deficient in

If you’re tired of wasting time and money on solutions that don’t work, this episode is for you.

—

Next Steps:

Think You Might Have A Hormone Imbalance? Take My FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

Ready to Stop The Guesswork & Feel Like “You” Again? Apply to work with me: bit.ly/fixmyhormonesnow

— EP 21 | Age-Related Insulin Resistance: The Sneaky Saboteur of Weight Loss After 40: https://pod.fo/e/24b833

EP 34 | Hormone Hot Topics: Ricezempic-Tiktok’s Ozempic Dupe; Perimenopause & ADHD Symptoms; The Best Exercise for Insomnia; How Many Docs Does It Take to Diagnose Menopause?: https://pod.fo/e/260e67

EP 57 | How Can I Have a Hormone Imbalance If My Blood Work Is Normal?: https://pod.fo/e/2a1b75

—

Have a Question About Hormone Balance? Get It Answered On The Podcast: https://www.speakpipe.com/AreYouThereMidlife

Never Miss A Single Episode! Become An AYTM Podcast Insider: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Want to Connect? Email Me monica@monicalanetopete.com

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

Hey friend,

Have you ever been told, “Your labs are normal,” but you just know something isn’t right? 

You’re not alone. 

Up to 80% of midlife women experience symptoms like fatigue, hot flashes, and weight gain, yet only 25% are ever diagnosed with a hormonal imbalance.

In today’s episode, we’re unpacking one of the biggest frustrations women face when it comes to our health: why we feel completely out of balance when our blood work says our hormone levels are fine.

In this episode, you will learn:

• Why excess or deficient hormone levels may not be the cause of symptoms like hot flashes, brain fog, and mood swings 

• The role of hormone receptors in regulating hormones during menopause

• The five biggest drivers of hormone receptor dysfunction and how they contribute to hormonal imbalances

• The biggest contributing factor to weight gain in post-menopausal women 

If you’re tired of being dismissed by doctors or struggling with unexplained symptoms, this episode is for you.

It’s time to stop the guesswork and start feeling better in 2025—beginning today!

—

Next Steps:

Think You Might Have A Hormone Imbalance? Take My FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment:https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

Ready to Stop The Guesswork & Feel Like “You” Again? Sign up for a Hormone Balance Breakthrough Session: https://bit.ly/areyoutheremidlife

—-

Other Podcast Episodes Referenced: EP 2 | Why Does My Blood Test For Hormones Keep Coming Back "Normal?": https://pod.fo/e/2297e8

EP 56 | The 3 Biggest Lies About Hormone Imbalance In Perimenopause & Menopause: https://pod.fo/e/29dcf2

—-

Never Miss A Single Episode! Become An AYTM Podcast Insider: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Have a Question or Testimonial? Leave Me A Message: https://www.speakpipe.com/AreYouThereMidlife

Interested in Guesting on the Podcast? Email Me: monica@monicalanetopete.com

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

Hey friend,

Have you ever felt like you’re invisible when it comes to your health?..

According to a 2020 survey by AARP, 45% of women aged 45 to 60 reported not being taken seriously by their primary care doctor when discussing their perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms. That’s almost half of us! 

In today’s episode, I’m going to break down the three biggest lies about hormone imbalance during perimenopause and menopause.

In this episode you will learn:

• Why symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings don't just “go away” on their own.

• The go-to birth control method that can mask symptoms without fixing the root cause of hormonal imbalance.

• Why HRT may not be the magic bullet it’s often made out to be, and what alternatives can be just as effective?

If you're tired of being blown off by doctors or fed one-size-fits-all medical solutions, this episode is for you.

It’s time to get out of the hormonal waiting room and uncover the truth about what’s really going on with your hormones and how you can begin to feel better in 2025—starting today.

Next Steps:

Think You Might Have A Hormone Imbalance? Take My FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

Ready to Stop The Guesswork & Identify The Root Causes of Your Hormonal Symptoms? Book a FREE Hormone Profile Results Call: https://tidycal.com/mtopete/freehcc

EP 3 | What Are The Pros & Cons of Hormone Pellets: https://pod.fo/e/22ae30

EP 4 | Why Is My Doctor Dismissing My Perimenopause Symptoms?: https://pod.fo/e/22ce7f

EP 14 | Is Estrogen Dominance Causing Your Hormonal Weight Gain? 3 Quick Tips To Move The Scale: https://pod.fo/e/23e32f

Have a Question About Hormone Balance? Get It Answered On The Podcast: https://www.speakpipe.com/AreYouThereMidlife

Never Miss A Single Episode! Become An AYTM Podcast Insider: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Want to Connect? Email Me: monica@monicalanetopete.com

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

Hey friend,

Have you ever wished you could peek into a crystal ball and predict your future?

While the rest of the world is Googling “What will 2025 bring?” (a query with over 1 million searches!!!!), the real predictor of your future health isn’t online or in the stars—it’s in the habits you’re living right now.

In this episode, we’re connecting your perimenopause and menopause symptoms with the habits, behaviors, and lifestyle choices that are proven to shape your year ahead.

In this episode, we’ll discuss:

• Why ordering Soy Lattes from Starbucks might be contributing to estrogen overload

• How a low-calorie or restricted diet can lead to a lack of essential nutrients that are crucial for balancing cortisol

• The one exercise you may be avoiding that actually helps maintain healthy estrogen levels.

• Which macronutrient can trigger the overproduction of androgens that cause PCOS

• The amount of sleep you really need to optimize thyroid function

• And much, much more!

If you've been struggling with your mood, energy, or mindset, you don’t have to be at the mercy of your hormones!!! Because when you understand how your habits affect your hormones, you can change your health and how you show up in 2025.

—

Next Steps:

Think You Might Have A Hormone Imbalance? Take My FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

Ready to Stop The Guesswork & Feel Like “You” Again? Apply to Work With Me: https://bit.ly/getstartedapp  — EP 14 | Is Estrogen Dominance Causing Your Hormonal Weight Gain? 3 Quick Tips To Move The Scale: https://pod.fo/e/23e32f

EP 15 | Hypothyroidism And Weight Gain: 3 Healthy Hacks To Help Shed Those Extra Pounds: https://pod.fo/e/240c5f

EP 17 | The Hidden Cause of Hormonal Weight Gain in Women Over 40: Adrenal Fatigue: https://pod.fo/e/243891

EP 18 | Belly Fat, Insulin Resistance, and Hormonal Weight Gain: Do You Have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?: https://pod.fo/e/246681

EP 20 | Menopause, Sleeping Problems, and Post Menopausal Weight Gain: Is Low Estrogen to Blame?: https://pod.fo/e/248b3b

EP 22 | Weight Gain, Belly Fat, and What To Expect In Menopause: BONUS EPISODE https://pod.fo/e/24c740

—

Have a Question About Hormone Balance? Get It Answered On The Podcast: https://www.speakpipe.com/AreYouThereMidlife

Never Miss A Single Episode! Become An AYTM Podcast Insider: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Want to Connect? Email Me: monica@monicalanetopete.com

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

Hey friend,

As we close out 2024 and look ahead to a fresh start in 2025, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the podcast episodes that resonated the most with you this year.

This special episode, “AYTM Unwrapped,” is like your Spotify Wrapped—except instead of breakup songs, we’re revisiting the podcast episodes that answered your most pressing hormone questions as well as tools to take action.

Whether you’re navigating perimenopause and menopause symptoms, tackling stubborn hormonal symptoms, or figuring out how to balance hormones naturally, these episodes are a must for your “Play Next” queue.

Episodes Featured in This Round-Up:

Episode 1: How Do I Know If I’m In Perimenopause? -- This episode takes a deep dive into the 34 symptoms of perimenopause and why so many doctors brush off our symptoms as just “part of aging.”

Episode 17: The Hidden Cause of Hormonal Weight Gain in Women Over 40 -- This episode unpacks the #1 hormonal imbalance in women 40+—adrenal fatigue—and how it impacts our energy, cravings, and weight. 

Episode 6: What Foods Are Triggering Your Hormonal Symptoms? -- This episode reveals 10 "healthy" foods that are common food sensitivities and connects the dots between food gut health, inflammation, and shifting hormones in perimenopause and beyond.

Episode 8: Do Hormone Balancing Supplements Work? (Part 1) -- This episode explores how the $37 billion supplement industry targets midlife women with promises of a quick fix. Learn how to identify red flags, avoid scams, and choose supplements that are worth your investment.

Ready to start 2025 strong? If you want to make THIS the year you take control of your health, this episode is for you!

—

Next Steps:

Think You Might Have A Hormone Imbalance? Take My FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

[TOP PODCAST EPISODES OF 2024]: 

EP 1 | How Do I Know If I'm In Perimenopause?: https://pod.fo/e/22ae30

EP 17 | The Hidden Cause of Hormonal Weight Gain in Women Over 40: Adrenal Fatigue: https://pod.fo/e/243891

EP 6 | What Foods Cause Hormonal Imbalance Symptoms?: 10 "Healthy" Foods To Avoid: https://pod.fo/e/231a75

EP 8 | Do Hormone Balancing Supplements Work? (Part 1): https://pod.fo/e/233fc7

—

Ready to Stop The Guesswork & Feel Like “You” Again? Apply to Work With Me: https://bit.ly/getstartedapp  

Have a Question About Hormone Balance? Get It Answered On The Podcast: https://www.speakpipe.com/AreYouThereMidlife

Never Miss A Single Episode! Become An AYTM Podcast Insider: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Want to Connect? Email Me: monica@monicalanetopete.com

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

Hey friend,

The holidays may be called “the most wonderful time of the year,” but between family drama, travel delays, and a to-do list longer than Santa’s naughty list, Christmas can also be a season of stress.

Studies show the average person spends a whopping 13 hours prepping for Christmas Day!

But after all that preparation, it takes less than just 13 seconds for stress to send our cortisol soaring.

And that’s bad news for our hormones.

In today’s episode, we’re wrapping up our “Holidays & Hormones” series and tackling 6 common holiday stressors, plus tools to help you stay calm, cool, and collected (without booking a solo trip to the Bahamas!)

In this episode, we’re diving into how to deal with:

• Not getting support for holiday prep

• Running out of time to get everything done before guests arrive

• Seeing a difficult relative you haven’t seen in a while 

• Burning the holiday meal 

• Giving a gift to a picky family member 

• Dealing with holiday traffic (or a delayed flight) 

If you’re one burnt pie or snarky comment away from having a complete hormonal meltdown, this episode is for you!

—

Next Steps:

Think You Might Have A Hormone Imbalance? Take My FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

—

EP 14 | Is Estrogen Dominance Causing Your Hormonal Weight Gain? 3 Quick Tips To Move The Scale: https://pod.fo/e/23e32f

EP 17 | The Hidden Cause of Hormonal Weight Gain in Women Over 40: Adrenal Fatigue: https://pod.fo/e/243891

—

[HOLIDAYS & HORMONES SERIES]: 

EP 52 | Eat This, Not That: How to EAT For Perimenopause While Enjoying the Holidays (Part 2): https://pod.fo/e/2934b2

EP 51 | Eat This, Not That: How to Cook For Perimenopause While Enjoying the Holidays (Part 1): https://pod.fo/e/28e97f

EP 50 | Anxious About Holiday Eating? 7 Tips to Navigate Holiday Parties With Ease During Perimenopause: https://pod.fo/e/28ac90

EP 49 | Put Down That Fork! 5 Nutrition Hacks to Control Cravings, Prevent Overeating in Perimenopause: https://pod.fo/e/287bfa

EP 48 | Crush Holiday Food FOMO! 3 Epic Mindset Shifts to Make Now If You Have A Hormone Imbalance: https://pod.fo/e/285300

—

Ready to Stop The Guesswork & Feel Like “You” Again? Apply to Work With Me: https://bit.ly/getstartedapp  

Have a Question About Hormone Balance? Get It Answered On The Podcast: https://www.speakpipe.com/AreYouThereMidlife

Never Miss A Single Episode! Become An AYTM Podcast Insider: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Want to Connect? Email Me: monica@monicalanetopete.com

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

Hey friend,

Do you dread spending another holiday party eating raw carrots and celery sticks and questioning your life choices…meanwhile, everyone else can eat whatever they want without falling apart?!?

You don’t have to deprive yourself during the holidays; you just need to learn to make food choices that work with your hormones, not against them.

In Part 2 of “Eat This, Not That” - The Holiday Edition, I’m getting super tactical and sharing how to safely navigate the holiday buffet table between now and New Year's. 

In this episode you will learn:

• My #1 strategy for keeping hormones balanced while feeling satisfied

• How meal sequencing can safeguard your blood sugar

• My 5 favorite holiday appetizers for hormone balance 

• Healthy swaps for  traditional holiday drinks

• PLUS holiday cocktails and mocktails that won't send your blood sugar soaring 

If you want to make the most of this holiday season while keeping your hormones “merry and bright,” this episode is for you!

—

Next Steps:

Think You Might Have A Hormone Imbalance? Take My FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

EP 51 | Eat This, Not That: How to Cook For Perimenopause While Enjoying the Holidays (Part 1) [Holidays & Hormones]: https://pod.fo/e/28e97f

EP 50 | Anxious About Holiday Eating? 7 Tips to Navigate Holiday Parties With Ease During Perimenopause  [Holidays & Hormones]: https://pod.fo/e/28ac90

EP 49 | Put Down That Fork! 5 Nutrition Hacks to Control Cravings, Prevent Overeating in Perimenopause [Holidays & Hormones]: https://pod.fo/e/287bfa

EP 48 | Crush Holiday Food FOMO! 3 Epic Mindset Shifts to Make Now If You Have A Hormone Imbalance! [Holidays & Hormones]: https://pod.fo/e/285300

Ready to Stop The Guesswork & Feel Like “You” Again? Apply to Work With Me: https://bit.ly/getstartedapp  

Have a Question About Hormone Balance? Get It Answered On The Podcast: https://www.speakpipe.com/AreYouThereMidlife

Never Miss A Single Episode! Become An AYTM Podcast Insider: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Want to Connect? Email Me: monica@monicalanetopete.com

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

Today, I’m continuing my 6-week series about how to enjoy the holidays…without sabotaging your hormones or gaining weight.

Do the holidays feel like a constant negotiation between enjoying the food you love while trying not to sabotage your hormones? 

One minute you’re stressing out over every bite. The next, you’re diving head-first into the stuffing…and waking up wishing you could un-eat all the things.

The holidays don’t have to be some kind of hormonal Hunger Games. You can eat, have a drink…or two, and still feel like a rockstar the next day. You just need a game plan. 

Join me for this episode as I share how to tweak some of your favorite holiday recipes so they work with your hormones instead of working against them.

From arrowroot powder to almond flour, cassava to cauliflower, I’ll share ten hormone-friendly ingredient swaps to help you navigate the holidays without sacrificing your health…or sanity. If you’re tired of feeling deprived and defeated and want to learn how to make smart choices that support your body (and hormones) so you can be fully present in the season, this episode is for you!

—

Next Steps:

Enjoy The Holidays Without Feeling Deprived! Download My FREE “12 Days of Healthy Hormones” Holiday Hacks Guide: https://bit.ly/12daysHH

Think You Might Have A Hormone Imbalance? Take My FREE Hormone Symptom Profiling Assessment: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

EP 50 | Anxious About Holiday Eating? 7 Tips to Navigate Holiday Parties With Ease During Perimenopause  [Holidays & Hormones]: https://pod.fo/e/28ac90

EP 49 | Put Down That Fork! 5 Nutrition Hacks to Control Cravings, Prevent Overeating in Perimenopause [Holidays & Hormones]: https://pod.fo/e/287bfa

EP 48 | Crush Holiday Food FOMO! 3 Epic Mindset Shifts to Make Now If You Have A Hormone Imbalance! [Holidays & Hormones]: https://pod.fo/e/285300

EP 17 | The Hidden Cause of Hormonal Weight Gain in Women Over 40: Adrenal Fatigue: https://pod.fo/e/24389

Ready to Stop The Guesswork & Feel Like “You” Again? Apply to Work With Me: https://bit.ly/getstartedapp  

Have a Question About Hormone Balance? Get It Answered On The Podcast: https://www.speakpipe.com/AreYouThereMidlife

Never Miss A Single Episode! Become An AYTM Podcast Insider: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

Hey friend,

Today, I’m continuing my 6-week series about how to enjoy the holidays…without sabotaging your hormones or gaining weight.

Do you struggle with food noise?

...That constant internal chatter that has you obsessing about food all the time?

If you find yourself:

• Fixated on calories and portion sizes

• Feeling guilty after eating something “unhealthy” 

• Or constantly thinking about what or how much to eat or comparing “good” versus “bad” foods 

This episode is for you!

Join me as I unpack:

• Why food noise is particularly difficult to deal with during the holidays

• The three factors driving unhealthy holiday eating behaviors

• Which hormone imbalance can make holiday food noise worse

Plus, I’ll share 7 tips to quiet your food noise during holiday gatherings, including one neuro-hack you’re not gonna believe! If you’ve ever been tempted to cancel your holiday plans (because who wants to go to a party where you can’t eat anything?), this episode is for you!

—

Next Steps:

Enjoy The Holidays Without Feeling Deprived! Download My FREE “12 Days of Healthy Hormones” Holiday Hacks Guide: https://bit.ly/12daysHH

EP 49 | Put Down That Fork! 5 Nutrition Hacks to Preceny Holiday Overeating & Control Cravings [Holidays & Hormones]: https://pod.fo/e/287bfa

EP 48 | Crush Holiday Food FOMO! 3 Epic Mindset Shifts to Start Making Now! [Holidays & Hormones]: https://pod.fo/e/285300

EP 17 | The Hidden Cause of Hormonal Weight Gain in Women Over 40: Adrenal Fatigue: https://pod.fo/e/24389

Think You Might Have A Hormone Imbalance? Take My FREE Hormone Symptom Profiling Assessment: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

Ready to Stop The Guesswork & Feel Like “You” Again? Apply to Work With Me: https://bit.ly/getstartedapp  

Got a Question About Hormone Balance? Get It Answered On The Podcast: https://www.speakpipe.com/AreYouThereMidlife

Never Miss A Single Episode! Become An AYTM Podcast Insider: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Want to Connect? Email Me: monica@monicalanetopete.com

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

Hey friend,

Today, I’m continuing my 6-week series about how to enjoy the holidays…without sabotaging your hormones or gaining weight.

Did you know the average person consumes a whopping 4,500 calories on Thanksgiving? 

That's the equivalent of 16 slices of pizza, 61 chicken wings, or 28 glazed donuts!!!

And all those extra calories aren’t even the worst of it! Because what we eat can have an even bigger impact on our hormones--and hormonal symptoms--than how much we eat. 

In today’s quick-tip episode, I’m sharing “5 Nutrition Hacks To Prevent Holiday Overeating & Control Cravings.”

Join me as I unpack:

• The four holiday ingredients that can negatively affect your hormones

• The best Thanksgiving dishes to curb cravings and suppress hunger

• Why skipping breakfast to save calories can backfire (and what to do instead)

• The one carb you want to make sure to include plenty of on your holiday plate

Plus, I’ll share my #1 secret for hacking your bio-chemistry when your body wants sugar

If your plan for eating healthy holiday eating is “willpower” (Spoiler alert: Willpower is not a plan!), this episode is for you.

—

Next Steps:

Enjoy The Holidays Without Feeling Deprived! Download My FREE “12 Days of Healthy Hormones” Holiday Guide https://bit.ly/12daysHH

Think You Might Have A Hormone Imbalance? Take My FREE Hormone Symptom Profiling Assessment https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

Ready to Stop The Guesswork & Feel Like “You” Again? Apply to Work With Me https://bit.ly/getstartedapp  

Got a Question About Hormone Balance? Get It Answered On The Podcast https://www.speakpipe.com/AreYouThereMidlife

Never Miss An Episode! Become An AYTM Podcast Insider https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Want to Connect? Email Me monica@monicalanetopete.com

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

Hey friend,

Today, I’m talking about FOMO, or more specifically food FOMO.

Because the holiday season is here and that means a lot of food temptations.

If you’re starting to spiral at the thought of holiday cookies and cakes and candy everywhere—at the office, at your hair salon, and even at your gym (the horror!)--and are contemplating either staying at home and boycotting the holidays, or risk blowing all the progress you’ve made this year, there is a third option.

And it begins with shifting your mindset.

This week’s podcast kicks off a 6-week series all about how to enjoy the holidays…without throwing your hormones into overdrive.

Join me as we unpack:

• The connection between food FOMO and a scarcity mindset

• How food FOMO can lead to anxiety around food and food-centered gatherings

• Why food FOMO and blood sugar imbalance go hand-in-hand during the holidays

Plus, I’ll share 3 mindset shifts to transform your mind-body connection and say goodbye to holiday food FOMO for good!

If you’ve ever said, “I already blew it at Thanksgiving so I might as well just wait til New Year's to get back on track,” this episode is for you!

—

Next Steps:

Do You Have A Hormone Imbalance? Take my Hormone Symptom Profiling Assessment https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

Free Call: Identify the Root Cause Of Your Hormonal Imbalance https://bit.ly/hormoneclaritycall  

Become An AYTM Podcast Insider https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Email Me monica@monicalanetopete.com

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

Today, I’m talking about the #1-holiday gut issue affecting women in perimenopause and menopause and how to curb or prevent a flare-up.

Yep, I’m talking about candida.

I can’t tell you how many women reach out to me every January regarding another yeast infection they’ve tried everything to get rid of…but, like an unwanted family member at Thanksgiving…just keeps coming back! 

(🙋🏼‍♀️Been there; got the t-shirt!) 

That’s because the holidays are one of the most sugar- and stress-filled times of the year–and a veritable breeding ground for yeast.

And although candida shows up most commonly in the form of a vaginal yeast infection, its “silent” symptoms can show up in our bodies in a lot of other ways including acid reflux, IBS, arthritis pain, sinus infections and allergies, anxiety, depression, uncontrollable cravings for sugar and refined carbohydrates–and, yes, even fatigue or rapid weight gain.

Join me in Part 2 of my discussion on candida where I’ll unpack:

• 3 reasons why the holidays can lead to a candida outbreak

• The difference between regular sugar cravings and candida-induced sugar cravings

• Why candida could be the hidden cause of your fatigue or sudden weight gain

Plus, I’ll share five candida diet tips for keeping yeast at bay this holiday season (including the biggest candida culprits in your kitchen!)

If you want to know which cocktails are safe to ring in the New Year or the two sweeteners that won’t feed your candida when you’re craving sugar, this episode is for you!

—

Next Steps:

Do You Have A Hormone Imbalance? Take my Hormone Symptom Profiling Assessment and find out>> https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

Free Call! Discover the root cause of your Perimenopause and Menopause symptoms>> https://bit.ly/hormoneclaritycall   

EP 46 | Too Embarrassed To Ask? The Truth About Candida, Yeast Infections, And Hormone Imbalance (Part 1) https://pod.fo/e/27eb3d

EP 17 | The Hidden Cause of Hormonal Weight Gain in Women Over 40–Adrenal Fatigue https://pod.fo/e/243891

Become An AYTM Podcast Insider https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Email Me monica@monicalanetopete.com

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

Are you dealing with sudden, out-of-control cravings for sugary, starchy, or carby foods? (like, more than normal?)

…What about bloating, a skin rash, or even sinus issues that won’t go away (even though you’re doing everything to eat right and live a healthy lifestyle?)

…Or maybe you’ve found yourself visiting the Monistat aisle at your favorite drugstore a bit more frequently lately, because, umm, something’s going on “down there” again?

If you’ve been experiencing any or all of these symptoms, something called “candida overgrowth” could be to blame. And while there’s nothing quite like ANOTHER yeast infection to rain on your holiday parade, candida can also be a sign of an underlying hormonal imbalance.

In this week’s episode, I’m going to share with you everything you wanted to know about candida (but maybe were afraid to ask), including why so many women experience candida more often in perimenopause and menopause.

Join me in this episode where I’ll unpack:

• 5 different ways candida shows up in our bodies

• The “silent” symptoms of candida overgrowth to watch out for

• 6 causes of candida infection, including the relationship between candida and diet 

• The connection between estrogen and candida

Plus, I’ll share the problem with conventional candida treatment and the first thing you need to do to stop a recurring yeast infection.

If you’re too embarrassed to go to your doctor (or worried he’ll just brush off your questions with another prescription), this episode is for you!

—

Next Steps:

Do You Have A Hormone Imbalance? Take the quiz. https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

Free Call! Discover the Root Cause Of Your Hormone Imbalance. https://bit.ly/hormoneclaritycall   

EP 14 | Is Estrogen Dominance Causing Your Hormonal Weight Gain? 3 Quick Tips To Move The Scale  https://pod.fo/e/23e32f

EP 17 | The Hidden Cause of Hormonal Weight Gain in Women Over 40–Adrenal Fatigue https://pod.fo/e/243891

EP 20 | Menopause, Sleeping Problems, and Post Menopausal Weight Gain: Is Low Estrogen to Blame? https://pod.fo/e/248b3b

Become An AYTM Podcast Insider https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Email Me: monica@monicalanetopete.com

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

It’s National Breast Cancer Month and in today’s episode, we’re talking about breast cancer prevention.

When it comes to breast cancer occurrence, here’s what we know:

• ONE in EIGHT women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her LIFETIME. 

• In North America, a woman dies of breast cancer every 12 minutes.

It’s shocking. 

For all of the research and walks and advances in pharmaceuticals, we still don’t have a cure for breast cancer. (Yet.) 🙏

But here’s the good news: We can reduce our personal lifetime risk of breast cancer through changes to our diet and lifestyle by AS MUCH AS 70%!

Join me for today’s episode as we unpack:

• How hormones and breast cancer are unequivocally linked

• What type of breast cancer is on the rise in women under 49

• The connection between alcohol, estrogen, and breast cancer

• The best type of exercise for breast cancer prevention

• Which is a greater risk: excess weight or excess body fat? 

• The best vegetables for preventing estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer

Plus, I’ll share how managing hormonal imbalances like estrogen dominance and elevated cortisol can reduce your breast cancer risk as well as two free resources to help balance your hormones naturally.

Whether you have a family history of breast cancer, are a breast cancer survivor in remission, or just want to know how you can be proactive to prevent breast cancer, this episode is for you!

—

Next Steps:

Take my FREE Hormone Quiz: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

Book a FREE Hormone Clarity Call: https://bit.ly/hormoneclaritycall

EP 22 | Weight Gain, Belly Fat, and What To Expect In Menopause: https://pod.fo/e/24c740

EP 30 | 8 Healthy Drinking Hacks To Reduce The Effects of Alcohol On Your Perimenopause or Menopause Symptoms: https://pod.fo/e/25b045

Become A Podcast Insider: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Email Me: monica@monicalanetopete.com

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

…Ever feel like you just stuck your finger in a light socket… even though you’ve been nowhere near an electrical outlet? 👀

…Or gotten a “whiff” of something funky and wondered, “What is that smell?”... only to realize it’s YOU?!

…Or have you ever gone to scratch or brush away a creepy, crawly bug making its way down your leg…only to realize there's nothing there? 

If you’re sitting there nodding, then you may be a card-carrying member of the Crazy Hormones Club. 🤪

In Part 2 of our episode on weird and wacky menopause symptoms, we’re diving into 3 more symptoms no one (except me) is talking about–brain zaps, body odor, and itchy, crawly skin. 

Join me for today’s episode as we unpack:

• The science behind “brain zaps”—why our nervous system goes a little haywire during perimenopause and how fluctuating hormone levels impact our hypothalamus 

• Body odor changes—the link between hormones, sweat, and bacteria, and the real reason you may be smelling less like a rose these days (that has nothing to do with hygiene)

• Itchy, crawly skin—the medical condition commonly diagnosed as hives, eczema, or a rash that often accompanies hot flashes

Plus, I’ll also share my go-to natural remedies for reducing or even eliminating these crazy hormone symptoms including phytoestrogen-rich foods, B12 vitamins, and hormone-friendly skincare.

If you’ve been brushed off by your doctor or have been suffering in silence, secretly searching “weird menopause symptoms” on TikTok,  this episode is for you!

—

Next Steps:

Take my FREE Hormone Quiz: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

Book a FREE Hormone Clarity Call: https://bit.ly/hormoneclaritycall

EP 43 | Tinnitus, Frozen Shoulder, and Burning Mouth Syndrome: The Crazy Menopause Symptoms No One Is Talking About! (Part 1): https://pod.fo/e/274feb

EP 40 | Feeling Anxious? The REAL Reason Your SSRI Isn't Working, Plus 5 Tips to Reduce Anxiety Naturally [Perimenopause: From A-Z]: https://pod.fo/e/26f30e

EP 17 | The Hidden Cause of Hormonal Weight Gain in Women Over 40–Adrenal Fatigue: https://pod.fo/e/243891

EP 6 | What Foods Cause Hormonal Imbalance Symptoms–10 "Healthy" Foods To Avoid: https://pod.fo/e/231a75

Become A Podcast Insider: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Email Me: monica@monicalanetopete.com

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

…Have you ever heard a ringing in your ears and blamed it on attending too many Madonna concerts in the 90’s? 

…Have you ever felt like someone snuck a piece of Chinese Red Pepper or Carolina Reaper onto your dinner plate when you weren’t looking?

…Have you ever tried to reach for a box of Tide on a grocery store shelf… but could only raise your shoulder as high as the less expensive, store-brand detergent?

Then you may be suffering from tinnitus, frozen shoulder, or burning mouth syndrome–three crazy (but surprisingly common) menopausal symptoms that no one is talking about!

In this two-part episode, I’m spilling the tea on six mysterious ailments, along with the one contributing cause common to them all! (Spoiler alert: It has to do with our hormones.) 🤦🏼‍♀️

Join me for today’s episode as we unpack:

• The single contributing hormonal cause of tinnitus, frozen shoulder, and burning mouth disease in menopause

• How the endocrine system significantly affects nearly every aspect of our body's function

• Conventional medicine’s approach vs a holistic approach to treating and reducing menopausal symptoms

Plus, I’ll share some helpful tips to balance your hormones naturally while speeding up the healing process.

If you’ve been suffering in silence or throwing spaghetti at the wall while frantically Googling: “Is this menopause…or am I going crazy?!” this episode is for you!

—

Next Steps:

Take my FREE Hormone Quiz: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

Book a FREE Hormone Clarity Call: https://bit.ly/hormoneclaritycall

EP 15 | Hypothyroidism And Weight Gain: 3 Healthy Hacks To Help Shed Those Extra Pounds: https://pod.fo/e/240c5f

EP 42 | Are Your Body Aches, Joint Pain, or Arthritis a Sign of Hormone Imbalance? 4 Causes That Have Nothing To Do With Aging [Perimenopause: From A-Z]: https://pod.fo/e/2722f3

Become A Podcast Insider: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Email Me: monica@monicalanetopete.com

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

Are you dealing with body aches and joint pain that don’t go away, no matter what you do?

Has your chronic pain and inflammation started to impact your mood, your relationships, or even your everyday activities? (Meanwhile, your doctor insists your symptoms are just “part of the aging process"?)

If you’ve been popping Advil lately like their M&M’s just to get through the day, you are not alone! 

According to the latest research, nearly 100 million Americans between the ages of 20 and 64 suffer from chronic pain. And, up to 70% of all chronic pain sufferers are women. (🙋🏼‍♀️No surprise there!)

The problem is that while the majority of people dealing with chronic pain are women, eighty percent of all pain studies are conducted on male mice or humans–which means underlying root causes, like female hormones, are rarely considered when identifying effective solutions.

Join me for today’s episode as we unpack:

• The four contributing hormonal causes of joint pain, body aches, and inflammation

• How perimenopause and menopause can accelerate inflammation in a woman’s body

• Traditional medicine’s approach vs functional nutrition’s approach to reducing and even eliminating inflammation and related symptoms

Plus, I’ll share the exact 3-step protocol I take my clients through to nourish, detoxify, and optimize their gut and hormones and ease pain naturally.

If you’re 1 in 5 of all women suffering from chronic pain, this episode is for you!

—

Next Steps:

Take my FREE Hormone Quiz: https://bit.ly/HormoneSelfAssessment

Book a FREE Hormone Clarity Call: https://bit.ly/HCprecall

EP 8 | Do Hormone Balancing Supplements Work?: https://pod.fo/e/233fc7

EP 14 | Is Estrogen Dominance Causing Your Hormonal Weight Gain? 3 Quick Tips To Move The Scale: https://pod.fo/e/23e32f

EP 15 | Hypothyroidism And Weight Gain: 3 Healthy Hacks To Help Shed Those Extra Pounds: https://pod.fo/e/240c5f

EP 17 | The Hidden Cause of Hormonal Weight Gain in Women Over 40: Adrenal Fatigue: https://pod.fo/e/24389

EP 20 | Menopause, Sleeping Problems, and Post Menopausal Weight Gain: Is Low Estrogen to Blame?: https://pod.fo/e/248b3b

EP 36 | Hormone Hot Topics: Got Menopause? Take A Cold Plunge!; The 30-Minute-A-Day Habit That Can Increase Your Life Expectancy; PLUS Actress Jenny Garth Blames Her Arthritis on Perimenopause: https://pod.fo/e/2656cd

Become A Podcast Insider: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Email Me: monica@monicalanetopete.com

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

Welcome to “Are You There, Midlife? It’s Me, Monica.” This week, I’m sharing another juicy episode of my Hormone Hot Topics series where I discuss all the perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause stories making the news!

I can’t wait to get into all the hot goss on today’s episode, including the following headlines:

• Estrogen cream for fine lines & wrinkles: It’s a key ingredient in several new topical, over-the-counter facial products, but can it really help rejuvenate aging skin?

• A new warning about HRT clinics after a popular menopause chain is investigated following complaints about high doses of hormone replacement therapy

• Dealing with hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, or fatigue? The surprising way to reduce hormonal symptoms that may just make you blush

• Plus: Are phytoestrogens as effective as HRT in managing perimenopausal symptoms? The surprising superfood you can add to smoothies and baked goods to balance hormones

So grab a spoon as we stir the tea on these Hot Hormone Topics and more!

—

Next Steps:

EP 3 | What Are The Pros & Cons of Hormone Pellets?: https://pod.fo/e/22ae30

Book a FREE Hormone Clarity Call: https://bit.ly/HCprecall

Take My FREE Hormone Quiz: https://bit.ly/HormoneSelfAssessment

Give Me Your Hot Take On Today’s Episode: https://www.speakpipe.com/AreYouThereMidlife

Become A Podcast Insider: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Email Me: monica@monicalanetopete.com

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

Quick mental health check: Have you felt more anxious, tense, or “on edge” lately? If you’re nodding your head or counting on both hands the number of times you snapped at a loved one this week, you’re not alone!

According to a recent study of 40,000 perimenopausal and menopausal women, nearly 60% reported severe anxiety or depression!!!

Another study reports that one in three of all women going to their doctor for mood swings or other mood-related symptoms of perimenopause and menopause are offered anxiety medication as the sole solution.

The problem is: If you’re in your mid-30s to mid-50s, the irritability, anxiety, or anger you’re feeling is likely not just “in your head”; it’s in your hormones.

And while SSRIs may sometimes help, they can often just be a bandaid for other hormonal symptoms that will only continue to worsen over time.

So what can you do to ease your anxiety without drugs, doctors (or divorce?)

Join me for today’s episode as we unpack:

• The root cause of perimenopausal and menopausal anxiety

• Why your anxiety medication isn’t working…or is no longer working

• Whether oral contraceptives can help balance hormone-related mood swings

• Plus, 5 tips to reduce your anxiety, naturally

If you’re 1 in 4 women in perimenopause through post-menopause dealing with anxiety, intense mood swings, or personality changes, this episode is for you!

—

Next Steps:

Take my FREE Hormone Quiz: https://bit.ly/HormoneSelfAssessment

Book a FREE Hormone Clarity Call: https://bit.ly/HCprecall

Shop my Favorite Hormone Balancing Supplements And Save 5% or More on Every Order (Enter promo code EUQ1741): https://www.iherb.com/me/HormoneBalance

EP 8 | Do Hormone Balancing Supplements Work?: https://pod.fo/e/233fc7

EP 9 | Six Warning Signs Your Supplements for Menopause and Perimenopause Might Be a Scam: https://pod.fo/e/237907

EP 14 | Is Estrogen Dominance Causing Your Hormonal Weight Gain? 3 Quick Tips To Move The Scale: https://pod.fo/e/23e32f

EP 15 | Hypothyroidism And Weight Gain: 3 Healthy Hacks To Help Shed Those Extra Pounds: https://pod.fo/e/240c5f

EP 17 | The Hidden Cause of Hormonal Weight Gain in Women Over 40: Adrenal Fatigue: https://pod.fo/e/24389

EP 20 | Menopause, Sleeping Problems, and Post Menopausal Weight Gain: Is Low Estrogen to Blame?: https://pod.fo/e/248b3b

Become A Podcast Insider: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Email Me: monica@monicalanetopete.com

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

Today’s show is all about the liver and how to help your body cleanse and detoxify itself naturally. 

I just recently returned from a 2-week Mediterranean cruise where I drank coffee and cocktails all day, stayed up to into the wee hours of the night, and ate “all of the things” in every port we stopped. And, now…my body is on strike! If you’ve recently enjoyed a vacation–or maybe even an entire summer–where you deviated from your regular routine, it can be common to feel out of sorts. That’s because unhealthier diet or lifestyle habits–repeated over time–can put a lot of strain on our liver–the organ responsible for eliminating hormone-disrupting toxins in the body.

In this episode you will learn:

• How our liver becomes overburdened and the everyday chemicals that are most harmful to our hormones 

• How a “sluggish liver” can contribute to hormonal imbalances like estrogen dominance

• The absolute worst (i.e. unhealthy and potentially harmful) products to use for a liver cleanse

• Plus, the exact 3-step detox method I use to improve liver function and get rid of toxins and excess hormones...naturally!

When done right, a cleanse can kickstart healthy eating habits, reset your hormones, and even help you lose weight. So, if you’ve been dealing with fatigue, irritability, low energy, or problems sleeping and suspect an overburdened liver might be to blame, this episode is for you!

#FallIntoHealth #SeptemberDetox #BackToBetterHabits

—

Next Steps:

Take my FREE Hormone Quiz: https://bit.ly/HormoneSelfAssessment

Book a FREE Hormone Clarity Call: https://bit.ly/HCprecall

Shop my Favorite Hormone Balancing Supplements And Save 5% or More on Every Order (Enter promo code EUQ1741): https://www.iherb.com/me/HormoneBalance

Become An AYTML Podcast Insider: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Email Me: monica@monicalanetopete.com

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

Today’s episode is all about menopause. It was inspired by a very revealing conversation I had on my recent vacation that reminded me how much of a mystery menopause STILL is to so many women. 

In the United States, roughly 1.3 million women experience menopause every year. Globally, that number soars to 25 million! HALF of the world's population will go through menopause in their lifetime, yet there are STILL so many myths floating around this very natural midlife transition that make it misunderstood…and often misidentified.

That’s why I’m shining a light on 8 menopausal myths that your mom, bestie, (and maybe even your doctor) haven’t shared with you. 

Join me as I discuss the top questions--and misconceptions--surrounding menopause, including:

• Menopause: When does it start (and aren’t I too young for this?)

• How can I be menopausal if I don’t have hot flashes?

• Can I just take a blood test to tell whether I’m in menopause? 

• My mother didn’t have any menopausal symptoms so why do I?

• How long does menopause last and can I still get pregnant if I’m not getting a regular period?

• Why doesn’t my doctor bring up menopause (or why is she dismissing my symptoms when I do)?

• Is HRT the only solution to balance my hormones in menopause?

If you’re between the ages of 40 and 55 and wondering if you may be in menopause, too…this episode is for you. I guarantee by the end of this episode you’re going have a lot more clarity on exactly where YOU  are in the menopause transition–and feel a whole lot more hopeful about your options.:)

—

Next Steps:

Take my FREE Hormone Quiz: https://bit.ly/HormoneSelfAssessment

Book a FREE Hormone Clarity Call: https://bit.ly/HCprecall EP 20 | Menopause, Sleeping Problems, and Post Menopausal Weight Gain: Is Low Estrogen to Blame?: https://pod.fo/e/248b3b

Shop my Favorite Hormone Balancing Supplements And Save 5% or More on Every Order (Enter promo code EUQ1741): https://www.iherb.com/me/HormoneBalance

Become A Podcast Insider: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Email Me: monica@monicalanetopete.com

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

Today, we are taking a trip back in time.. going deep inside the podcast vault to revisit my very first episode of the pod: Ep. #1: “How Do I Know If I’m in Perimenopause?”

If you already listened to this episode in March, I’m resharing this episode for TWO VERY IMPORTANT REASONS:

1.) First, I’m launching a brand new series of the podcast this month where I’ll be taking a deep dive into more than 26 perimenopause and menopause symptoms–from Anxiety to Zits…and all the letters of the alphabet in between. And in order to get the MOST out of this series, I want to make sure you have a basic understanding of perimenopause, how it relates to its older sister, menopause, and how you can be sure if YOU’RE really going through it.

2.) Second, perimenopause can be difficult to diagnose. If you’ve ever had a visit with your doctor and brought up the “possibility” of perimenopause…and he looked back at you like that time your husband forgot your birthday…ya know what I’m talking about.:)

Not only are most doctors ill-equipped to treat patients in perimenopause, but there are a lot of other health issues that start to emerge right around the same age. And since there’s no ONE test to diagnose perimenopause, doctors can’t be sure whether your symptoms are due to a shift in your hormones…or something else entirely.

This episode is so important, it's worth repeating!

So, in today’s flashback episode, I’m getting SUPER vulnerable and sharing with you my personal hormone story, as well as walking you through three tell-tale signs that you’re in perimenopause.

In this episode you will learn:

• What age does perimenopause start?

• How long does perimenopause typically last?

• Perimenopausal spotting and perimenopausal periods: What to expect

• Perimenopause and birth control: How synthetic hormones affect your body’s natural transition

• Plus: What are the most common perimenopausal symptoms?

Whether you just back home from a vacation where you completely fell off the healthy eating wagon, OR you’re feeling the effects of a little “too much” summer fun…and you’re not quite done yet...this episode is for you!

If you’ve got a laundry list of hormonal symptoms…and a copy of your latest lab results that says, “Everything is normal,” grab a notepad and just push play. —

Next Steps:

Take my FREE Hormone Quiz: https://bit.ly/HormoneSelfAssessment

Book a FREE Hormone Clarity Call: https://bit.ly/HCprecall

Shop my Favorite Hormone Balancing Supplements And Save 5% or More on Every Order (Enter promo code EUQ1741): https://www.iherb.com/me/HormoneBalance

Become A Podcast Insider: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Email Me: monica@monicalanetopete.com

*Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.