Are You There, Midlife? | Perimenopause, Weight Loss, Fatigue, Brain Fog, Hormone Imbalance, Balance Hormones Naturally
Monica Topete | Perimenopause + Menopause Health Coach for Midlife Women
87 episodes
6 days ago
The Go-to Podcast for Midlife Women Who Want To Balance Hormones Naturally
—
Ugh. I feel so bloated. I’m retaining more water than the Hoover Dam.
What? Not another pimple? It’s like puberty all over again!
Sleep? What’s that like? (I forget.:＜)
Umm, I just turned 40….. Aren’t I too young for this?!?
—
Hello Friend.
(Can I call you “friend”? ‘Cuz we’re already friends in my head:)
Welcome to Are You There, Midlife? It’s Me, Monica.
I’m Monica Topete, Certified Holistic Health Coach and Hormone Imbalance Survivor. And I’m on a mission to help women in midlife balance their hormones naturally without drugs, doctors (or divorce!)
It wasn’t too long ago when perimenopause came crashing through my door with a ton of luggage (‘cuz she was prepared to stay for A WHILE!)
I remember how overwhelmed, anxious, and pretty much clueless I was about what was happening to my body…and how desperate I was for a diagnosis!
But, after SEVERAL visits to my doctor who gave me a clean bill of health and lab results that came back “within normal range,” I finally decided to take my health into my own hands.
I spent OVER A YEAR combing through PubMed research studies, taking online courses in naturopathy and functional medicine, and becoming my own human guinea pig to crack the hormone code and create a research-based program that really worked to balance my hormones, put the kibosh on perimenopause symptoms, and lose stubborn weight–and keep it off–for more than 10 years!
And now, I want to share it with you.
Join me as I demystify the hormonal transition in midlife and spill the ”tea” on what to expect when you’re expecting perimenopause…and beyond.
From anxiety to insomnia, body fat to funky body odor (yeah, that’s a thing!), I’ll unpack all the ”weird stuff” going on inside our midlife bodies, plus give you the latest science and holistic solutions to balance it all.
Are you tired of dealing with heavy, painful periods that look like a crime scene?…
Or struggling with symptoms like chronic headaches, fatigue, or brain fog that….(Oops! What was I saying again?)...
Are you beyond frustrated doing “all the things” to lose weight—but are still packing on the pounds faster than a sumo wrestler in training?…
Then, you’re in the right place.:)
There is a way you can balance your hormones naturally that doesn’t involve band-aid solutions like antidepressants or birth control pills (which are a BIG mistake! HUGE!)...and that only provide temporary relief without fixing the root problem.
In this podcast, you’ll learn how to:
- End painful periods and PMS
- Improve your sleep and reduce hot flashes and night sweats
- Alleviate hormonal headaches, fatigue, joint pain, and gut issues
- Reduce mood swings and depression (without meds)
- Move the scale on stubborn weight and belly fat
- And talk to your partner about perimenopause (without sounding like you’re totally insane!)
- It’s time to take back control of your hormones and show ‘em who’s boss!
...Without ever stepping foot inside a doctor’s office or resorting to crazy hormone pellets.
No need to make an appointment or even change outta your PJs.
Just come as you are–wherever you are–and listen in as I discuss ALL things hormones and midlife–with a bit of saucy humor.
(‘Cuz laughing is better than crying, unless it makes you pee.:)
---
Next Steps:
- Become an AYTML Podcast Insider: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/
- Take my FREE Hormone Quiz: https://bit.ly/HormoneSelfAssessment
- Book a 15-minute Hormone Clarity Call: https://bit.ly/hormonecall
- Submit a Question to be Answered on the Pod: https://www.speakpipe.com/AreYouThereMidlife
- Email Me: monica@monicalanetopete.com
All content for Are You There, Midlife? | Perimenopause, Weight Loss, Fatigue, Brain Fog, Hormone Imbalance, Balance Hormones Naturally is the property of Monica Topete | Perimenopause + Menopause Health Coach for Midlife Women and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
The Go-to Podcast for Midlife Women Who Want To Balance Hormones Naturally
—
Ugh. I feel so bloated. I’m retaining more water than the Hoover Dam.
What? Not another pimple? It’s like puberty all over again!
Sleep? What’s that like? (I forget.:＜)
Umm, I just turned 40….. Aren’t I too young for this?!?
—
Hello Friend.
(Can I call you “friend”? ‘Cuz we’re already friends in my head:)
Welcome to Are You There, Midlife? It’s Me, Monica.
I’m Monica Topete, Certified Holistic Health Coach and Hormone Imbalance Survivor. And I’m on a mission to help women in midlife balance their hormones naturally without drugs, doctors (or divorce!)
It wasn’t too long ago when perimenopause came crashing through my door with a ton of luggage (‘cuz she was prepared to stay for A WHILE!)
I remember how overwhelmed, anxious, and pretty much clueless I was about what was happening to my body…and how desperate I was for a diagnosis!
But, after SEVERAL visits to my doctor who gave me a clean bill of health and lab results that came back “within normal range,” I finally decided to take my health into my own hands.
I spent OVER A YEAR combing through PubMed research studies, taking online courses in naturopathy and functional medicine, and becoming my own human guinea pig to crack the hormone code and create a research-based program that really worked to balance my hormones, put the kibosh on perimenopause symptoms, and lose stubborn weight–and keep it off–for more than 10 years!
And now, I want to share it with you.
Join me as I demystify the hormonal transition in midlife and spill the ”tea” on what to expect when you’re expecting perimenopause…and beyond.
From anxiety to insomnia, body fat to funky body odor (yeah, that’s a thing!), I’ll unpack all the ”weird stuff” going on inside our midlife bodies, plus give you the latest science and holistic solutions to balance it all.
Are you tired of dealing with heavy, painful periods that look like a crime scene?…
Or struggling with symptoms like chronic headaches, fatigue, or brain fog that….(Oops! What was I saying again?)...
Are you beyond frustrated doing “all the things” to lose weight—but are still packing on the pounds faster than a sumo wrestler in training?…
Then, you’re in the right place.:)
There is a way you can balance your hormones naturally that doesn’t involve band-aid solutions like antidepressants or birth control pills (which are a BIG mistake! HUGE!)...and that only provide temporary relief without fixing the root problem.
In this podcast, you’ll learn how to:
- End painful periods and PMS
- Improve your sleep and reduce hot flashes and night sweats
- Alleviate hormonal headaches, fatigue, joint pain, and gut issues
- Reduce mood swings and depression (without meds)
- Move the scale on stubborn weight and belly fat
- And talk to your partner about perimenopause (without sounding like you’re totally insane!)
- It’s time to take back control of your hormones and show ‘em who’s boss!
...Without ever stepping foot inside a doctor’s office or resorting to crazy hormone pellets.
No need to make an appointment or even change outta your PJs.
Just come as you are–wherever you are–and listen in as I discuss ALL things hormones and midlife–with a bit of saucy humor.
(‘Cuz laughing is better than crying, unless it makes you pee.:)
---
Next Steps:
- Become an AYTML Podcast Insider: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/
- Take my FREE Hormone Quiz: https://bit.ly/HormoneSelfAssessment
- Book a 15-minute Hormone Clarity Call: https://bit.ly/hormonecall
- Submit a Question to be Answered on the Pod: https://www.speakpipe.com/AreYouThereMidlife
- Email Me: monica@monicalanetopete.com
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
—
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.
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.
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. 🎧
—
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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’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.
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
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.
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
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.
Still Not Sure What’s Behind Your Hormone Symptoms? Take the first step to balance your hormones naturally with my FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz
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.
Still Not Sure What’s Behind 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 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.
Still Not Sure What’s Behind Your Hormone Symptoms? Take the first step to balance your hormones naturally with my FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz
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.
Still Not Sure What’s Behind Your Hormone Symptoms? Take the first step to balance your hormones naturally with my FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz
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.
Still Not Sure What’s Behind Your Hormone Symptoms? Take the first step to balance your hormones naturally with my FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz
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.
Still Not Sure What’s Behind Your Hormone Symptoms? 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/
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.
✨ Take the First Step To Balance Your Hormones Naturally With My FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz
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/fixmyhormonesnowEpisodes 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.
✨ Take the First Step To Balance Your Hormones With My FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz
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.
✨ Take the First Step To Balance Your Hormones With My FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz
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. 🎧
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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.
Are You There, Midlife? | Perimenopause, Weight Loss, Fatigue, Brain Fog, Hormone Imbalance, Balance Hormones Naturally
The Go-to Podcast for Midlife Women Who Want To Balance Hormones Naturally
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Ugh. I feel so bloated. I’m retaining more water than the Hoover Dam.
What? Not another pimple? It’s like puberty all over again!
Sleep? What’s that like? (I forget.:＜)
Umm, I just turned 40….. Aren’t I too young for this?!?
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Hello Friend.
(Can I call you “friend”? ‘Cuz we’re already friends in my head:)
Welcome to Are You There, Midlife? It’s Me, Monica.
I’m Monica Topete, Certified Holistic Health Coach and Hormone Imbalance Survivor. And I’m on a mission to help women in midlife balance their hormones naturally without drugs, doctors (or divorce!)
It wasn’t too long ago when perimenopause came crashing through my door with a ton of luggage (‘cuz she was prepared to stay for A WHILE!)
I remember how overwhelmed, anxious, and pretty much clueless I was about what was happening to my body…and how desperate I was for a diagnosis!
But, after SEVERAL visits to my doctor who gave me a clean bill of health and lab results that came back “within normal range,” I finally decided to take my health into my own hands.
I spent OVER A YEAR combing through PubMed research studies, taking online courses in naturopathy and functional medicine, and becoming my own human guinea pig to crack the hormone code and create a research-based program that really worked to balance my hormones, put the kibosh on perimenopause symptoms, and lose stubborn weight–and keep it off–for more than 10 years!
And now, I want to share it with you.
Join me as I demystify the hormonal transition in midlife and spill the ”tea” on what to expect when you’re expecting perimenopause…and beyond.
From anxiety to insomnia, body fat to funky body odor (yeah, that’s a thing!), I’ll unpack all the ”weird stuff” going on inside our midlife bodies, plus give you the latest science and holistic solutions to balance it all.
Are you tired of dealing with heavy, painful periods that look like a crime scene?…
Or struggling with symptoms like chronic headaches, fatigue, or brain fog that….(Oops! What was I saying again?)...
Are you beyond frustrated doing “all the things” to lose weight—but are still packing on the pounds faster than a sumo wrestler in training?…
Then, you’re in the right place.:)
There is a way you can balance your hormones naturally that doesn’t involve band-aid solutions like antidepressants or birth control pills (which are a BIG mistake! HUGE!)...and that only provide temporary relief without fixing the root problem.
In this podcast, you’ll learn how to:
- End painful periods and PMS
- Improve your sleep and reduce hot flashes and night sweats
- Alleviate hormonal headaches, fatigue, joint pain, and gut issues
- Reduce mood swings and depression (without meds)
- Move the scale on stubborn weight and belly fat
- And talk to your partner about perimenopause (without sounding like you’re totally insane!)
- It’s time to take back control of your hormones and show ‘em who’s boss!
...Without ever stepping foot inside a doctor’s office or resorting to crazy hormone pellets.
No need to make an appointment or even change outta your PJs.
Just come as you are–wherever you are–and listen in as I discuss ALL things hormones and midlife–with a bit of saucy humor.
(‘Cuz laughing is better than crying, unless it makes you pee.:)
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Next Steps:
- Become an AYTML Podcast Insider: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/
- Take my FREE Hormone Quiz: https://bit.ly/HormoneSelfAssessment
- Book a 15-minute Hormone Clarity Call: https://bit.ly/hormonecall
- Submit a Question to be Answered on the Pod: https://www.speakpipe.com/AreYouThereMidlife
- Email Me: monica@monicalanetopete.com
