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

44 | Brain Zaps, Body Odor, & Itchy Skin: The Crazy Menopause Symptoms No One Talks About! (Part 2)

Hey friend,

 

…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.

43 | Tinnitus, Frozen Shoulder & Burning Mouth Syndrome: The Crazy Menopause Symptoms No One Talks About! (Part 1)

Hey friend,

 

…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.

 

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]

Hey friend,

 

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.

41 | Estrogen Cream for Fine Lines?; Menopause Clinics & HRT Overdosing; What is Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy?; The Best-Kept Secret For Managing Perimenopausal Fatigue & Mood Swings

Hey friend!

 

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.

 

40 | Feeling Anxious? 5 Tips to Reduce Panic Attacks & Anxiety, Naturally [Perimenopause: From A-Z]

Hey friend! 

 

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.

 

39 | Irritable? Having Trouble Sleeping? Dealing With Chronic Low Energy Or Fatigue?...Why It Might Be Time for A Liver Detox

Hey friend! 

 

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.

38 | 8 Menopause Myths Debunked! What Your Mom, Bestie, (And Maybe Even Your Doctor) Haven’t Shared With You

Hey friend! 

 

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.

37 | Is It Perimenopause…Or Something Else? 3 Tell-tale Perimenopausal Symptoms [AYTM Flashback]

Hey friend,

 

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.