Are You There, Midlife? It’s Me, Monica. | Balance Hormones Naturally in Perimenopause, Menopause for Women Over 40

11 | The 3 Biggest Mistakes I Made to Balance Hormones and Lose Weight

Hey friend,

Summer’s just 6 weeks away! So, in anticipation of sundresses and sleeveless shirt weather, I’m pulling back the curtain on the three biggest mistakes I made trying to balance my hormones and lose hormonal weight. 

From lab results to symptom management to calorie restricting and over-exercising, I’m stirring the tea on what NOT to do–along with 3 very important lessons I learned–on the road to reclaiming my health.

In today’s episode, you’ll learn:   

- Why a blood test for hormones may be less accurate than you think

- Can hormonal imbalance cause weight gain? (And how)

- Five “don’ts” when it comes to hormone balance and weight loss including:

• Fat burning pills for women
• Low calorie diets
• Endurance cardio
• Incorporating healthy grain foods
• Focusing on hormone imbalance symptoms, aka “symptom management”

Plus, I’ll share with you a free diagnostic tool you can use to take back control of your body and finally find out what’s going on with your hormones today!

Carpe hormones!

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Next Steps:

EP 2 | Why Does My Blood Test For Hormones Keep Coming Back “Normal”?
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/are-you-there-midlife-its-me-monica-balance-hormones/id1736009810?i=1000649528656

EP 6 | What Foods Cause Hormonal Imbalance Symptoms?: 10 "Healthy" Foods To Avoid
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/are-you-there-midlife-its-me-monica-balance-hormones/id1736009810?i=1000649528656

Take my FREE Hormone Quiz: https://bit.ly/HormoneSelfAssessment

Book a FREE Hormone Clarity Call: https://bit.ly/HCprecall

Become an AYTML Podcast Insider: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

B

Record a Question to be Answered on the Podcast: https://www.speakpipe.com/AreYouThereMidlife

Shop my Favorite Hormone Balancing Supplements and Save 5% or More on Every Order (Enter promo code EUQ1741):
https://www.iherb.com/me/HormoneBalance

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.

 

 

10 | "Why Do I Hate My Husband?"--Relationship Advice for Couples Navigating Hormonal Imbalance

Hey friend,

On today’s episode, I’m joined once again by my husband of 26 years, Rick, as we continue our special “Love & Hormones” His-and-Her’s Day Spring Series (every other Thursday throughout the month of May.)

Ladies, do you ever have days when you’re angry and irritated for no reason? …

Guys, do you ever have days when you ask yourself, “Why does my wife hate me so much?”

Perimenopause and menopause can be hard on relationships. Even good relationships. Even battle-tested relationships.

According to a recent survey of 1,000 women by The Family Law Menopause Project, 7 out of 10 women who reported experiencing hormonal symptoms blamed menopause for the breakdown of their marriage!!!

But a complete marital apocalypse is NOT inevitable. And one of the best ways to ensure your relationship goes the distance is to understand what your partner is going through. (Cuz’ believe it or not, we ladies need our man’s love and support more now than ever!)

Join Rick and me as we take a deep dive into the emotional side of perimenopause and menopause.

In this episode, you will learn:

• The science behind fluctuating hormones, including, “Can hormonal imbalance cause anxiety?” 

• The prevalence of mood-related disorders in perimenopause and menopause and how hormonal depression may be showing up in your marriage

• The cause-and-effect relationship between menopause and anger towards husbands 

• Why hormonal imbalance can trigger conditions like OCD 

• Plus, 6 tips to support your wife emotionally through perimenopause and beyond

Tip: Ladies, listen to this episode all the way through. Then grab your man and listen to it a second time, together. 

If you’ve been dealing with the hormotional rollercoaster of perimenopause or menopause in your relationship, you won’t want to miss this episode!

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Next Steps:

EP 7 | What Husbands Should Know About Perimenopause (And Menopause) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/7-what-husbands-should-know-about-perimenopause-and/id1736009810?i=1000652856627

Take my FREE Hormone Quiz: https://bit.ly/HormoneSelfAssessment

Book a FREE Hormone Clarity Call: https://bit.ly/HCprecall

Become an AYTML Podcast Insider: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Record a Question to be Answered on the Podcast: https://www.speakpipe.com/AreYouThereMidlife

Shop my Favorite Hormone Balancing Supplements and Save 5% or More on Every Order (Enter promo code EUQ1741):

https://www.iherb.com/me/HormoneBalance

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.

9 | Six Warning Signs Your Supplements for Menopause and Perimenopause Might Be a Scam (Part 2)

Hey friend,

In today’s episode, we’re continuing a vital conversation about the efficacy and safety of supplements.

Supplements can be a real game-changer when it comes to our hormonal health, especially for those of us who want to balance our hormones without HRT or hormonal birth control....Or who don’t want to take prescription medication like sleeping pills, SSRIs, or anti-depressants to help ease certain perimenopause and menopause symptoms.

But there’s a dark side to supplements because they can be dangerous–fatal even.

Of the estimated 4,000 supplement manufacturers worldwide, the vast majority test for zero contaminants such as mercury, heavy metals, mold, bacteria, steroids, and even prescription drugs! And a recent Harvard study published in the Journal of American Medical Association found that two-thirds of all FDA-recalled dietary supplements analyzed still contained banned substances at least 6 months after being recalled!!

So how do you really know what's in your supplements and vitamins?

In today’s episode, I’m sharing 6 warning signs your supplement may be a scam, including:

-  The hidden dangers of proprietary blend supplements

-  Quality control issues with gummies vitamins

-  Checks and balances of 3rd party testing

-  Social proof or scam?: Positive supplement reviews

-  "Pretty" toxins in vitamins

-  And supplement purity standards

Plus, you'll learn three things to look for to ensure you are taking quality supplements and what you need to know about 3rd party testing of supplement brands by the USP United States Pharmacopeia, NSF National Sanitation Foundation, and Consumer Labs Reviews.

If you or anyone in your family take vitamins, probiotics, or herbal supplements (that includes gummies, too), don’t miss this episode!

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Next Steps:

Take my FREE Hormone Quiz: https://bit.ly/HormoneSelfAssessment

EP 8 | Do Hormone Balancing Supplements Work? (Part 1) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/are-you-there-midlife-its-me-monica-balance-hor mones/id1736009810

 

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

Third-Party Supplement Testing Resources:

United States Pharmacopeia (USP)

https://www.quality-supplements.org/usp_verified_products

National Sanitation Foundation (NSF)

https://info.nsf.org/Certified/dietary/

Consumer Lab

https://www.consumerlab.com/join/?cltrkid=HomepageHero

Record a Question to be Answered on the Podcast:

https://www.speakpipe.com/AreYouThereMidlife Email Me: monica@monicalanetopete.com

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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.

8 | Do Hormone Balancing Supplements Work? (Part 1)

Hey friend,

Do you take supplements? If so, do you know what’s in your supplements? And how do you know if your supplements are actually helping rather than hurting your health?

In today’s episode, I pull back the curtain on the 37-billion supplement industry and share the good, the bad and the dangerous side of diet supplementation.

In this episode you will learn:

• Do we really need supplements to balance our hormones and maintain proper nutrition?
• Are supplements regulated by the FDA and does that matter?
• Why aren’t all vitamins tested and what happens with a supplement recall?
• Why are women in midlife BIG money (and huge targets) for supplement manufacturers?
• Three factors to consider when shopping for supplements

If you're questioning whether supplements are a waste of money or whether your supplements may even worsening your existing hormone imbalance symptoms, you won’t want to miss this episode.

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Next Steps:

Take my FREE Hormone Quiz: https://bit.ly/HormoneSelfAssessment 

Shop my Favorite Hormone Balancing Supplements & Save 5% or More on Every Order (Enter promo code EUQ1741): https://www.iherb.com/me/HormoneBalance

Book a FREE Hormone Clarity Call: https://bit.ly/HCprecall

Record a Question to be Answered on the Podcast: https://www.speakpipe.com/AreYouThereMidlife

Become an AYTML Podcast Insider: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

BEmail 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.

7 | What Husbands Should Know About Perimenopause (And Menopause)

Hey friend,

Today’s episode kicks off a special “Love & Hormones” His-and-Her’s Day Spring Series, with new episodes every other Thursday throughout April, May and June.

Join me and my partner of 26 years, Rick, as we spill the tea on how perimenopause and menopause have affected our marriage, including my personal story of hormonal imbalance, the challenges I faced, and the toll it took on our relationship. From miscommunication to emotional turbulence, we tackle it ALL!

In this episode you will learn:

• The divorce rate among couples over 55 and its connection to hormonal changes

• My journey through perimenopause and how it affected my relationship and our social life

• The importance of effective communication and understanding between partners during hormonal shifts

• Practical tips for couples to navigate difficult conversations and support each other emotionally

• Insights from Rick on how husbands can empathize and connect with their partners during perimenopause

Tip: Ladies, listen to this episode all the way through. Then grab YOUR man--and your favorite beverage--and listen to it a second time, together. 

If you're navigating perimenopause or menopause and it's impacting your marriage, this series is a must-listen! 

—

Next Steps:

Record a Question to be Answered on the Podcast: https://www.speakpipe.com/AreYouThereMidlife

Take my FREE Hormone Quiz: https://bit.ly/HormoneSelfAssessment

Book a FREE Hormone Clarity Call: https://bit.ly/HCprecall

Become an AYTML Podcast Insider: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

B

Shop my Favorite Hormone Balancing Supplements & Save 5% or More on Every Order (Enter promo code EUQ1741): https://www.iherb.com/me/HormoneBalance

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.

6 | What Foods Cause Hormonal Imbalance Symptoms?: 10 "Healthy" Foods To Avoid

Hey friend,

In today’s episode, I’m going to unpack one of the most misunderstood byproducts of hormone imbalance in perimenopause and menopause: food sensitivities.

Understanding what foods may be exacerbating an underlying hormonal imbalance and causing issues like stomach pain, eczema, constipation, headaches, inflammation in your joints, brain fog or even unwanted weight gain can be life-changing!

In today’s episode, I’ll begin to unravel the mysteries of food and its effect on our hormones by sharing:

    - What is the root cause of food sensitivity?

     - 3 signs of food sensitivity

     - Can hormone imbalance cause food sensitivities?

     - What foods affect hormones the most

     - What foods flare up thyroid?

     - What foods are hard on adrenal glands?

     - Which foods increase estrogen levels?

     - Plus, 10 foods to avoid that cause hormonal chaos

Also in this episode, I share a special announcement about a new series I’m launching this week that you’re not going to want to miss!

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This episode’s “Thump on the Head”:

“Food is information, telling your body what to do. Every bite you eat affects your hormones, brain chemistry, and metabolism.”

–Functional medicine doctor and 15x New York Best-selling author, Dr. Mark Hyman

Are you listening to your body, ladies? It’s time to get back on speaking terms.:>

—

Next Steps:

Take my FREE Hormone Quiz: https://bit.ly/HormoneSelfAssessment

Book a FREE Hormone Clarity Call: https://bit.ly/HCprecall

Become an AYTML Podcast Insider:https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Record a Question to be Answered on the Podcast: https://www.speakpipe.com/AreYouThereMidlife

Shop my Favorite Hormone Balancing Supplements & Save 5% or More on Every Order (Enter promo code EUQ1741):
https://www.iherb.com/me/HormoneBalance

 

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.

5 | How Can I Check My Hormone Levels Myself in Perimenopause or Menopause?

Hey friend,

In today’s episode I’m going to answer a question I get asked all the time: Should you bother getting your hormone levels checked and is there a way to check your hormone levels yourself?

Understanding what’s going on with your hormones and what imbalance (or imbalances) you may have is the crucial first step in solving your hormonal puzzle and feeling like you again.

And it’s really a non-negotiable because if you don’t do anything about your hormone symptoms: 1.) They’re not going to go away by themselves, and 2.) They're not going to get any better. (In fact, not to be an alarmist or anything, but they’re probably going to get worse!)

In this episode you will learn:

    - The 4 types of hormone level tests 

     - The problem with hormone levels in blood tests

     - What’s a hormone saliva test and what hormones does it test?

     - The difference between a hormone urine test and a DUTCH test for hormones

     - Hormone Synptom Profiling and hormone fluctuations

     - What method I chose to identify my hormone imbalance symptoms and why

I hope this episode clears up a lot of confusion you may have about hormone testing and gives you back some of your power when it comes to your health and your body. 

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This episode’s “Thump on the Head”:

“We need to move from a disease-care model to a “health-based model”...[which involves] teaching patients how to be their own clinician.”

 

–Functional medicine doctor and renowned hormone expert, Dr. Sara Gottfried.

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Take my FREE Hormone Quiz: https://bit.ly/HormoneSelfAssessment

Book a FREE Hormone Clarity Call: https://bit.ly/HCprecall

EP 2 | Why Does My Blood Test For Hormones Keep Coming Back “Normal”?
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/are-you-there-midlife-its-me-monica-balance-hormones/id1736009810?i=1000649528656

Become an AYTML Podcast Insider: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Record a Question to be Answered on the Podcast: https://www.speakpipe.com/AreYouThereMidlife

Shop my Favorite Hormone Balancing Supplements & Save 5% or More on Every Order (Enter promo code EUQ1741):
https://www.iherb.com/me/HormoneBalance

 

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.

 

4 | Why Is My Doctor Dismissing My Perimenopause Symptoms?

Hey beautiful!

Today, I’m going to spill the tea on a taboo topic: How much do our doctors really know about perimenopause–and share 6 reasons why your doctor may be dismissing your symptoms.

This episode was inspired by Oscar-winning actress Halle Berry’s recent confession that her doctor mistook her vaginal dryness–a common symptom of perimenopause and menopause–as ‘the worst case of herpes he had ever seen.”

What the hell-o-menopause?!?

In this episode you will learn:   

- What should I do if my doctor doesn’t take my perimenopause symptoms seriously?

- Are there certain biases or misconceptions about perimenopause that could be         influencing my doctor’s dismissal of my symptoms?

- What role does gender bias play in the dismissal of perimenopause symptoms by doctors?

- Is it possible that my doctor is dismissing my perimenopause symptoms because they’re not familiar with the latest research or guidelines?

- Can hormone tests or other diagnostic tools help convince my doctor of the validity of my perimenopause symptoms?

I hope this episode informs you, inspires you, or makes you laugh a little (unless laughing makes you pee.:)

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This episode’s “Thump on the Head”:

I had decided I “was going to skip” perimenopause altogether. [I thought] “I’m in great shape. I’m healthy. I managed to get myself off of insulin and manage my diabetes since I was 20 years old. So that makes one think, ‘Oh, I can handle menopause. I’m going to skip that whole thing.’ I was so uneducated about it at that time.”

–Oscar-winning actress Halle Berry, Age 57

 

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Next steps:

Become an AYTML Podcast Insider: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Take my FREE Hormone Quiz: https://bit.ly/HormoneSelfAssessmentz

Book a FREE Hormone Clarity Call: https://bit.ly/HCprecall

Record a Question to be Answered on the Podcast: https://www.speakpipe.com/AreYouThereMidlife

Shop my Favorite Hormone Balancing Supplements & Save 5% or More on Every Order (Enter promo code EUQ1741):
https://www.iherb.com/me/HormoneBalance

 

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.