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

86 | You'll Never Fix Your Perimenopause Symptoms Until You Address This... [AYTM Flashback] (Back-2-Hormone Basics)

Do You Know What’s Driving Your Hormone Symptoms? Take the first step to balance your hormones naturally with my FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment: 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

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

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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.

85 | Can’t Lose Weight On HRT? How To Reboot Your Metabolism in Menopause: LIVE Coaching Call

Do You Know What’s Driving Your Hormone Symptoms? Take the first step to balance your hormones naturally with my FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

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.

 

84 | Sleep Your Way to Weight Loss in Perimenopause: My Go-To Supplements (Part 2)

Do You Know What’s Driving Your Hormone Symptoms? Take the first step to balance your hormones naturally with my FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

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. 🎧

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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.

83 | Is Poor Sleep Making You Gain Weight in Perimenopause? (Part 1)

Do You Know What’s Driving Your Hormone Symptoms? Take the first step to balance your hormones naturally with my FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

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.

82 | Are You Eating the Right Macros for Perimenopause Weight Loss?

Do You Know What’s Driving Your Hormone Symptoms? Take the first step to balance your hormones naturally with my FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

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.

81 | Don’t Stop Lifting! 5 Tips to Reverse Strength Training Weight Gain in Perimenopause

Do You Know What’s Driving Your Hormone Symptoms? Take the first step to balance your hormones naturally with my FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

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.

 

80 | Is Strength Training Making You Gain Weight in Perimenopause?

Do You Know What’s Driving Your Hormone Symptoms? Take the first step to balance your hormones naturally with my FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

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.

 

79 | Perimenopause Fatigue + Weight Gain?: LIVE Coaching Call

Do You Know What’s Driving Your Hormone Symptoms? Take the first step to balance your hormones naturally with my FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

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.