I sat down with Sara Barthel, Functional Medicine Nutritionist and founder of Christ-centered, lab-driven care for women in perimenopause, for a powerful conversation about finally taking control of our health. For years, I just moved through life, tolerating symptoms like debilitating migraines, but when I hit a wall with weight gain, I knew I needed Sara’s unique expertise. Sara opens up about her own decade-long struggle to find answers, which fuels her mission to help women who are doing all the "right things" but are still feeling exhausted, bloated, and unlike themselves. We dive into why so many of us feel unheard by conventional medicine—often just being offered a prescription or a laxative—when there is always a root cause. Sara explains the importance of her faith-integrated practice and why she believes we can’t separate the mind, body, and spirit in the healing process. We also discuss how incorporating more storytelling has made her a more confident and effective speaker, allowing her to attract her ideal client by leaning into her unique identity as someone who understands "biochemistry and Jesus."   In this episode, you will learn: What that "first domino" symptom is in your 30s that signals your hormones are starting to shift—and why it’s not what you think. The common, yet completely overlooked, reason why you might be tolerating major health issues like chronic fatigue and anxiety but only seek help when you experience sudden weight gain. The "Triad Hormones" framework Sara uses to guarantee lasting, sustainable health, and why fixing just one hormone will never be the magic bullet. The #1 thing you need to do when you suspect something is off with your body, even if your doctor tells you everything is "normal."   Apply for fireBRAND 2026 Here: https://melissaleahughes.com/firebrandacademy Grab the free social media content system here: https://melissaleahughes.com/free-guides Have your content done for you at Rise Social Media Agency: https://melissaleahughes.com/rise   Website: www.melissaleahughes.com   Social Channels: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissaleahughes Melissa's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissaleahughes/ Rise Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/risesocialmediaagency/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissa.harrington.758 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melissaleahughes   Sara's Links: Website: https://www.vibrantvia.com/ Complementary 30 minute Root Cause Breakthrough Session: www.chatwithsara.com 30 Day Hormone Reset Guide: https://www.vibrantvia.com/hormonereset Book a Free Call: https://sara-barthel.mykajabi.com/book-free-call Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarabethbarthel/?hl=en