Are You There, Midlife? | Perimenopause, Weight Loss, Fatigue, Brain Fog, Hormone Imbalance, Balance Hormones Naturally

107 | Are Your Body Aches, Joint Pain, or Arthritis Actually a Symptom of Hormone Imbalance in Perimenopause?

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

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!

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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

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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.

106 | How to Calm Sugar Cravings in Perimenopause (Without Cutting Carbs Or Spiking Your Blood Sugar)

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

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.

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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

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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.

105 | The 4 Biggest Metabolism Mistakes You’re Probably Making in Perimenopause (And How to Fix Them)

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

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.

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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.

104 | Are Carbs Killing Your Metabolism? The 3 Protein Rules That Fuel Fat Loss in Perimenopause

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

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.

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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.

103 | How Everyday Stress Stalls Weight Loss in Perimenopause (and What to Do About It) [What I Wish I Knew Series]

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

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.

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“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.

102 | No, You’re Not Crazy—It’s Your Hormones! (Your Top Perimenopause Questions Answered)

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

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!

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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

101 | The Clean-Eating Trap: 5 Surprising Foods That Can Wreck Your Metabolism in Perimenopause [What I Wish I Knew Series]

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

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.

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“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

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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.

100 | Perimenopause Weight Gain? The #1 Hormone Imbalance That Makes Losing Weight Feel Impossible

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

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.

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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

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“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

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*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.