What if your fatigue, mood swings, or stubborn belly fat aren’t “just hormones,” but signs your metabolism needs extra love?

In this episode of Hello Hormones, I sit down with my brilliant friend Dr. Mariza to talk about what she calls Perimenopause in the Wild, the real, unfiltered midlife transition every woman deserves to understand. We break down how estrogen loss impacts muscle, metabolism, and mood, why two days of lifting + daily movement make all the difference, and how stress, doom-scrolling, and skipped sleep routines quietly sabotage your energy and hormones.

We also dig into her favorite lab clues, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and the triglyceride-to-HDL ratio, and why community and connection matter just as much as supplements or workouts.

Dr. Mariza Snyder is a women’s health educator, podcast host of Energize with Dr. Mariza, and author of The Perimenopause Revolution, where she lays out research-backed, doable frameworks for midlife metabolism, stress resilience, and joyful living.

What's Discussed:

(00:00) Perimenopause in the Wild: why this transition feels different, and what no one told us (12:58) Muscle = Metabolism: how losing strength changes everything (and how to get it back) (26:08) Exercise Snacks: the 3-minute metabolism booster you’ll actually want to do\ (29:00) Walk It Off, Literally: how post-meal movement keeps blood sugar and stress in check (34:51) Tired but Wired: how stress hijacks your hormones (and what to do about it) (47:56) The Loneliness Factor: why midlife can feel isolating and how to rebuild real connection (52:41) Reclaiming Your Power: the perimenopause revolution starts with you

Thank You To Our Sponsor:

Timeline Nutrition: If you’re feeling tired, foggy, or drained during perimenopause, Timeline’s Mitopure Gummies support your energy from the inside out. Powered by clinically proven Urolithin A, they help your cells clean out damaged mitochondria and build new, stronger ones. If you’d like to give it a try, visit timeline.com/drcarrie and get 20% off.

✍️ FREE GUIDES:

• Hormones 101 Cheat Sheet:  https://drcarriejones.kit.com/hormones101 

• The Perimenopause & Menopause Labs Test Checklist: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/labtestchecklist

• The Symptoms of The Perimenopausal Transition (WTF…) Ebook: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/perimenopausesymptom 

• Which Stage of Perimenopause Am I In? Ebook: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/stagesofperimenopause 

LETS CONNECT: 

Dr. Carrie Jones: Website: www.drcarriejones.com

Newsletter:https://drcarriejones.kit.com/newsletter IG: dr.carriejones  

TikTok: @drcarriejones Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@drcarriejones 

Dr. Mariza Snyder:

Website: https://drmariza.com/ 

Instagram: @drmariza 

Book : The Perimenopausal Revolution

==========

Disclaimer: Information provided on this channel is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product. Do not use the information provided on this channel for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or other supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. Information provided on this channel and the use of any products or services related to this podcast by you does not create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Dr. Carrie Jones. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease.

Progesterone gets a lot of hype as the “calming, soothing” hormone, but what if you’re the woman who feels awful on it? Bloating, acne, breast tenderness, headaches, even heartburn or digestive drama can make progesterone feel like the opposite of magical.

In this episode of Hello Hormones, I’m unpacking the side of progesterone nobody talks about: the women who hate it. I explain why these side effects happen and how long they might last. Most importantly, I walk you through 10 practical options to discuss with your practitioner, from adjusting your dose or delivery method, to compounding, to alternatives like IUDs or topical approaches.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Do I just have to put up with this?” The answer is no. You do have options, and this episode gives you the clarity to explore them with confidence.

What's Discussed:

(00:00) Hate your progesterone? Why it’s not just you

(06:37) The first questions to ask before you give up

(08:04) Pills, vaginal, IUDs… which route makes the difference?

(16:26) Beyond Prometrium: unexpected alternatives women actually love

(26:06) The liver connection + what to check if nothing is working

Thank You To Our Sponsor:

Lab Test Checklist: If you’re in perimenopause or menopause and sick of hearing “your labs look normal” when you know you don’t feel normal, I made this for you. My free Lab Test Checklist walks you through the exact tests that actually matter for your hormones, metabolism, and overall health. Grab it now at drcarriejones.com/learn.

✍️ FREE GUIDES:

• Hormones 101 Cheat Sheet:  https://drcarriejones.kit.com/hormones101 

• The Perimenopause & Menopause Labs Test Checklist: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/labtestchecklist

• The Symptoms of The Perimenopausal Transition (WTF…) Ebook: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/perimenopausesymptom 

• Which Stage of Perimenopause Am I In? Ebook: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/stagesofperimenopause 

LETS CONNECT: 

Dr. Carrie Jones:

Website: www.drcarriejones.com 

Newsletter:https://drcarriejones.kit.com/newsletter IG: dr.carriejones 

TikTok: @drcarriejones Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@drcarriejones

==========

Disclaimer: Information provided on this channel is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product. Do not use the information provided on this channel for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or other supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. Information provided on this channel and the use of any products or services related to this podcast by you does not create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Dr. Carrie Jones. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease.

What if perimenopause isn’t the beginning of the end, but the beginning of you?

In this episode of Hello Hormones, I sit down with my friend Jenn Pike to talk about what this season of life can really look like, and it’s so much more than hot flashes and brain fog. Jenn brings over 30 years of experience helping women with fitness, nutrition, and hormones, and she’s here to remind us that perimenopause can also be a time of clarity, curiosity, and confidence.

We dig into why social media makes midlife feel scarier than it is, how perfectionism and people-pleasing get challenged when hormones start to shift, and why your 40s might actually be the most liberating decade of your life. Jenn also shares simple, practical ways to support your body and nervous system so you feel aligned.

Perimenopause isn’t just about symptoms. It’s about becoming. And this episode will leave you feeling a whole lot more hopeful about what’s ahead.

Jenn Pike is a functional nutritionist, women’s health and hormone expert, and founder of Synced and The Simplicity Sessions podcast. She empowers women with science-based, practical tools to feel strong and confident through every stage of life.

What's Discussed: 

(00:01) Jen Pike on Navigating Perimenopause Without Fear (07:22) Spotting the Signs: Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore (19:19) Breaking Free: Ditching Perfectionism and the “Shoulds” (28:59) Stronger With Age: Redefining Grace + Power in Midlife (33:17) Intensity vs. Ease: Finding Your Sweet Spot as You Age (43:28) Self-Care That Sticks: Mindfulness in Real Life (47:17) Beyond Wellness Trends: Building a Life That Feels Good

Thank You To Our Sponsor:

• NuEthix: You know I’m picky about supplements, right? NuEthix is one I actually use because the formulas are clean, tested, and they work. Everything’s vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO. Grab yours at NuEthix.com with code DRJONES for 10% off.

• Timeline Nutrition: If you’re feeling tired, foggy, or drained during perimenopause, Timeline’s Mitopure Gummies support your energy from the inside out. Powered by clinically proven Urolithin A, they help your cells clean out damaged mitochondria and build new, stronger ones. If you’d like to give it a try, visit timeline.com/drcarrie and get 20% off.

• Lab Test Checklist: If you’re in perimenopause or menopause and sick of hearing “your labs look normal” when you know you don’t feel normal, I made this for you. My free Lab Test Checklist walks you through the exact tests that actually matter for your hormones, metabolism, and overall health. Grab it now at drcarriejones.com/learn.

✍️ FREE GUIDES:

• Hormones 101 Cheat Sheet:  https://drcarriejones.kit.com/hormones101 

• The Perimenopause & Menopause Labs Test Checklist: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/labtestchecklist

• The Symptoms of The Perimenopausal Transition (WTF…) Ebook: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/perimenopausesymptom 

• Which Stage of Perimenopause Am I In? Ebook: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/stagesofperimenopause 

LETS CONNECT: 

Dr. Carrie Jones:

Website: www.drcarriejones.com 

Newsletter:https://drcarriejones.kit.com/newsletter IG: dr.carriejones  

TikTok: @drcarriejones Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@drcarriejones 

Jenn Pike: Website: https://jennpike.com/ 

Instagram: @jennpike

==========

Disclaimer: Information provided on this channel is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product. Do not use the information provided on this channel for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or other supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. Information provided on this channel and the use of any products or services related to this podcast by you does not create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Dr. Carrie Jones. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease.

Thinking about hormone therapy? Or maybe you’re already on it and feeling more confused than ever? You’re not alone. The amount of misinformation out there is wild, and these are 7 myths I’ve heard just this week from patients, DMs, and comments.

In this episode of Hello Hormones, I unpack the most common hormone therapy myths that leave women second-guessing themselves. From whether you have to wait 12 months without a period, to whether herbs like black cohosh are “the same thing” as estrogen, I set the record straight. I also dig into the myths around age (too young, too old), vaginal versus systemic estrogen, and why your dose doesn’t always stay the same.

Whether you’re in perimenopause or postmenopause, these myth-busting insights keep you informed, confident, and ready to have a real conversation with your practitioner.

What's Discussed:

00:02 – Why the 12-month waiting rule isn’t always true

04:11 – Pregnancy in perimenopause and birth control realities

05:49 – Herbs versus hormones, what they can and can’t do

08:22 – The truth about dosing, adjustments, and delivery methods

10:47 – Why vaginal estrogen is different from systemic estrogen

12:51 – How perimenopause can start before 50

16:22 – Why starting HRT at 62 isn’t “too late”

Thank You To Our Sponsor:

1. Timeline Nutrition: If you’re feeling tired, foggy, or drained during perimenopause, Timeline’s Mitopure Gummies support your energy from the inside out. Powered by clinically proven Urolithin A, they help your cells clean out damaged mitochondria and build new, stronger ones. If you’d like to give it a try, visit timeline.com/drcarrie and get 20% off.

2. NuEthix: You know I’m picky about supplements, right? NuEthix is one I actually use because the formulas are clean, tested, and they work. Everything’s vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO. Grab yours at NuEthix.com with code DRJONES for 10% off.

✍️ FREE GUIDES:

• Hormones 101 Cheat Sheet:  https://drcarriejones.kit.com/hormones101 

• The Perimenopause & Menopause Labs Test Checklist: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/labtestchecklist

• The Symptoms of The Perimenopausal Transition (WTF…) Ebook: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/perimenopausesymptom 

• Which Stage of Perimenopause Am I In? Ebook: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/stagesofperimenopause 

LETS CONNECT: 

Dr. Carrie Jones:

Website: www.drcarriejones.com 

Newsletter:https://drcarriejones.kit.com/newsletter IG: dr.carriejones  

TikTok: @drcarriejones Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@drcarriejones

==========

Disclaimer: Information provided on this channel is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product. Do not use the information provided on this channel for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or other supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. Information provided on this channel and the use of any products or services related to this podcast by you does not create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Dr. Carrie Jones. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease.

What if your gut health holds the key to unlocking better hormone balance and overcoming menopause symptoms?

In this episode, I’m joined by Cynthia Thurlow, a nurse practitioner and expert in functional medicine, as we dive deep into the powerful connection between gut health and hormonal balance, especially during perimenopause and menopause.

We explore how common gut issues like bloating, weight loss resistance, and digestive discomfort could actually be signs of hormonal imbalance, a connection that is often overlooked by doctors. We also break down how hormonal changes impact digestion and why optimizing gut health could be the key to feeling better during this transformative life stage.

Throughout this episode, we share practical tips and science-backed insights on how to manage stress, improve your diet, and prioritize gut health to support hormonal balance and boost your overall well-being.

If you’re ready to discover how gut health plays a crucial role in your hormonal journey, this episode is for you. Let’s get started!

Cynthia Thurlow is a nurse practitioner, functional medicine expert, and founder of Everyday Wellness Podcast. She helps women optimize health through hormone balance, gut health, and nutrition. Cynthia is also the author of Intermittent Fasting Transformation and a sought-after speaker.

What's Discussed:

02:00 - How Hormonal Changes Impact Digestion During Perimenopause

04:30 - Common Gut Issues: Bloating, Weight Loss Resistance, and More

08:00 - Why Doctors Often Overlook the Gut-Hormone Connection

12:00 - The Role of Estrogen and Gut Health in Menopause Symptoms

15:30 - Practical Tips for Improving Gut Health During Menopause

18:00 - Stress Management and Diet for Gut Health Optimization

21:00 - Why Prioritizing Gut Health is Key to Overall Well-Being

Thank You To Our Sponsor:

Timeline Nutrition: If you’re feeling tired, foggy, or drained during perimenopause, Timeline’s Mitopure Gummies support your energy from the inside out. Powered by clinically proven Urolithin A, they help your cells clean out damaged mitochondria and build new, stronger ones. If you’d like to give it a try, visit timeline.com/drcarrie and get 20% off.

✍️ FREE GUIDES:

• Hormones 101 Cheat Sheet:  https://drcarriejones.kit.com/hormones101 

• The Perimenopause & Menopause Labs Test Checklist: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/labtestchecklist

• The Symptoms of The Perimenopausal Transition (WTF…) Ebook: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/perimenopausesymptom 

• Which Stage of Perimenopause Am I In? Ebook: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/stagesofperimenopause 

LETS CONNECT: 

Dr. Carrie Jones:

Website: www.drcarriejones.com 

Newsletter:https://drcarriejones.kit.com/newsletter IG: dr.carriejones  

TikTok: @drcarriejones Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@drcarriejones 

Cynthia Thurlow: Website: https://www.cynthiathurlow.com/ Book: Intermittent Fasting Transformation 

Instagram: @cynthia_thurlow_ Podcast: Everyday Wellness 

Disclaimer: Information provided on this channel is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product. Do not use the information provided on this channel for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or other supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. Information provided on this channel and the use of any products or services related to this podcast by you does not create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Dr. Carrie Jones. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease.

Hormone therapy not working for you? You’re not alone. If you’re on HRT and struggling with side effects, wondering why your bestie feels amazing while you don’t, let’s break it down. 

In this episode of Hello Hormones, I’m unpacking 5 strategies to finally help you love your hormone therapy, including what to do if progesterone, estradiol, testosterone, or even DHEA just aren’t working for you. We’ll also get real about the differences between bioidentical vs synthetic hormones and why that matters.

Whether you’re in the wild rollercoaster of perimenopause or the depleted calm of postmenopause, dialing in HRT isn’t always straightforward. But the good news? You have options: dose, route, compounded hormones, and more. These clinical pearls will help you ask the right questions so you can feel like yourself again.

What's Discussed:

• Why the starting hormone matters more than you think (progesterone first? testosterone first? estradiol only?)

• Low vs. high hormone dose, and what sensitive dosing looks like if you react easily to meds or supplements

• Best hormone therapy routes: capsule, patch, gel, cream, vaginal, injection (plus why compounding pharmacies can save the day)

• Location, location, location: where to apply estrogen cream (yes, absorption depends on it!)

• Bioidentical vs synthetic hormones: who thrives on which, and how to figure it out with your prescribing practitioner

Thank You To Our Sponsor:

Timeline Nutrition: If you’re feeling tired, foggy, or drained during perimenopause, Timeline’s Mitopure Gummies support your energy from the inside out. Powered by clinically proven Urolithin A, they help your cells clean out damaged mitochondria and build new, stronger ones. If you’d like to give it a try, visit timeline.com/drcarrie and get 20% off.

✍️ FREE GUIDES:

• Hormones 101 Cheat Sheet:  https://drcarriejones.kit.com/hormones101 

• The Perimenopause & Menopause Labs Test Checklist: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/labtestchecklist

• The Symptoms of The Perimenopausal Transition (WTF…) Ebook: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/perimenopausesymptom 

• Which Stage of Perimenopause Am I In? Ebook: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/stagesofperimenopause 

LETS CONNECT: 

Dr. Carrie Jones:

Website: www.drcarriejones.com 

Newsletter:https://drcarriejones.kit.com/newsletter IG: dr.carriejones  

TikTok: @drcarriejones Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@drcarriejones

==========

Disclaimer: Information provided on this channel is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product. Do not use the information provided on this channel for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or other supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. Information provided on this channel and the use of any products or services related to this podcast by you does not create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Dr. Carrie Jones. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease.

What happens when a hormone expert faces a diagnosis she never expected? In this powerful episode, I sit down with Dr. Amie Hornaman, The Thyroid Fixer, to unpack her recent journey with uterine cancer and the lessons every woman needs to hear.

We discuss the three lab tests every woman in her 40s should get, why sleep is the ultimate foundation of health, and the red flags too many women brush off as “just aging.” Dr Amie also shares her experience with hormone therapy, estrogen detox, genetics, and environmental exposures, offering raw honesty about what she’d do differently and how she moves forward now.

This episode is about more than cancer; it’s about taking ownership of your health, asking better questions, and making empowered choices in midlife and beyond.

What's Discussed:

(00:00) The Truth About Menopausal Health

(05:12) Why Midlife Symptoms Aren’t “Just Aging”

(08:54) Making Tough Choices in Uterine Cancer Treatment

(14:22) The Red Flags Doctors Overlook

(19:14) Estrogen Detox & Hormone Therapy Explained

(26:47) When Hormones and Genetics Collide

(33:44) How to Navigate Cancer Treatment & Prevention

(42:52) Finding Your Power in Menopause

✍️ FREE GUIDES:

• Hormones 101 Cheat Sheet:  https://drcarriejones.kit.com/hormones101 

• The Perimenopause & Menopause Labs Test Checklist: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/labtestchecklist

• The Symptoms of The Perimenopausal Transition (WTF…) Ebook: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/perimenopausesymptom 

• Which Stage of Perimenopause Am I In? Ebook: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/stagesofperimenopause 

LETS CONNECT:

Dr. Carrie Jones:

Website: www.drcarriejones.com 

Newsletter:https://drcarriejones.kit.com/newsletter IG: dr.carriejones  

TikTok: @drcarriejones Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@drcarriejones 

Dr. Amie Hornaman: Website: https://dramie.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dramiehornaman/ 

==========

Disclaimer: Information provided on this channel is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product. Do not use the information provided on this channel for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or other supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. Information provided on this channel and the use of any products or services related to this podcast by you does not create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Dr. Carrie Jones. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease.

So, you’re staring at your supplement shelf — that little lineup of good intentions — thinking: “Is any of this even doing anything?”

You’ve got fish oil that smells a little... suspicious. A multivitamin that could double as a paperweight. Some magnesium that sends you running to the bathroom. And let’s not forget the $12 herbs you grabbed at checkout because an influencer said “they work.”

Sound familiar?

Today, I’m spilling the tea on 7 supplements I do not love, and why they might be doing way less for your hormones than you think.

I’m talking about fish oil that smells like a rotting dockside (yep, that’s rancidity), vitamin E with llamas on the label, which is your red flag it’s synthetic, high-dose biotin that quietly interferes with your lab results, and herbal formulas that are basically just dried leaves and a prayer. If you’re popping pills and hoping for the best, this episode is your crash course in what not to take. Let’s get into it 

Thank You To Our Sponsor:

✍️ FREE GUIDES:

• Hormones 101 Cheat Sheet:  https://drcarriejones.kit.com/hormones101 

• The Perimenopause & Menopause Labs Test Checklist: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/labtestchecklist

• The Symptoms of The Perimenopausal Transition (WTF…) Ebook: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/perimenopausesymptom 

• Which Stage of Perimenopause Am I In? Ebook: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/stagesofperimenopause 

LETS CONNECT: 

Dr. Carrie Jones:

Website: www.drcarriejones.com 

Newsletter:https://drcarriejones.kit.com/newsletter IG: dr.carriejones  

TikTok: @drcarriejones Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@drcarriejones

==========

Disclaimer: Information provided on this channel is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product. Do not use the information provided on this channel for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or other supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. Information provided on this channel and the use of any products or services related to this podcast by you does not create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Dr. Carrie Jones. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease.

What if the leaks, the pain, and the feeling that something just isn't right “down there” aren’t a normal part of life? In this vital episode, I'm joined by the incredible Dr. Sara Reardon, the Vagina Whisperer, to pull back the curtain on our pelvic health. 

We challenge the biggest myths, like the idea that Kegels are a cure-all, and get to the root of symptoms that so many women quietly endure. Dr. Sara reveals how perimenopause, scar tissue, and even a C-section can impact your pelvic floor, offering a roadmap for proactive care. 

We demystifies what a physical therapy session is actually like and shares simple, actionable tips that empower you to take back control of your body and find true, lasting relief.

Dr. Sara Reardon, also known as "the Vagina Whisperer," is a doctor of physical therapy with 18 years of experience as a board-certified pelvic floor physical therapist. She is also the author of "Floored: A Woman's Guide to Pelvic Floor Health at Every Age and Stage." 

What's Discussed:

(00:00) Why We Need to Talk About Vaginal Health: Introducing Dr. Sara Reardon, The Vagina Whisperer

(01:29) Busting Vaginal Myths: Why Kegels Aren’t Always the Answer and How Pelvic Needs Shift Through Life

(03:08) Is Your Pelvic Floor Healthy? Signs, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help

(12:53) Pelvic Floor Health Through Perimenopause and Menopause: Hormones, Estrogen, and Proactive Care

(21:01) Bladder Habits and Urge Myths: What’s Normal, What’s Not, and How to Retrain Your Body

(25:53) Inside a Pelvic Floor PT Session: What Actually Happens and Why Trauma-Informed Care Matters

(36:39) How Your Pelvic Floor Connects to Everything: Back Pain, Hip Tightness, Breathing, and Scars

(42:34) Rebuilding Strength and Confidence After 40: Prolapse, Exercise, and Real-Life Stories

(50:30) Where to Start: Dr. Sara’s Programs, Her Book Floored, and How to Begin Your Healing Journey

Thank You To Our Sponsor:

Timeline Nutrition: If you’re feeling tired, foggy, or drained during perimenopause, Timeline’s Mitopure Gummies support your energy from the inside out. Powered by clinically proven Urolithin A, they help your cells clean out damaged mitochondria and build new, stronger ones. If you’d like to give it a try, visit timeline.com/drcarrie  and get 20% off.

✍️ FREE GUIDES:

• Hormones 101 Cheat Sheet:  https://drcarriejones.kit.com/hormones101 

• The Perimenopause & Menopause Labs Test Checklist: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/labtestchecklist

• The Symptoms of The Perimenopausal Transition (WTF…) Ebook: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/perimenopausesymptom 

• Which Stage of Perimenopause Am I In? Ebook: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/stagesofperimenopause 

LETS CONNECT: 

Dr. Carrie Jones:

Website: www.drcarriejones.com 

Newsletter:https://drcarriejones.kit.com/newsletter IG: dr.carriejones  

TikTok: @drcarriejones Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@drcarriejones 

Dr. Sara Reardon (The Vagina Whisperer):

Instagram: @the.vagina.whisperer

TikTok: @thevagwhisperer

Website: thevaginawhisperer.com

==========

Disclaimer: Information provided on this channel is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product. Do not use the information provided on this channel for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or other supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. Information provided on this channel and the use of any products or services related to this podcast by you does not create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Dr. Carrie Jones. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease.

You’ve been told it’s just perimenopause. That fatigue, brain fog, weight gain, and hair loss are normal once you hit 40. But what if it’s not “just your age”? What if there’s something else going on, and no one’s bothered to test for it?

In this episode, I’m walking you through the five lab tests every woman over 40 should ask for, especially if you’re feeling off but keep getting brushed off. Because perimenopause might not be the whole story.

We’re talking thyroid panels (not just TSH), hidden iron issues, sneaky B12 deficiencies, low vitamin D, and why blood sugar and insulin testing matters more than ever after 40. If your doctor’s only testing the basics, this episode is your script for what to ask for next.

Because guess what? There are answers, and there’s help. Let’s find what your body’s been trying to tell you!

What's Discussed:

(00:00) Essential Health Labs Over 40

(01:03) Thyroid Testing: Why TSH Isn’t Enough

(04:39) The Hair Loss + Fatigue Link

(07:12) B12 Deficiency and Autoimmune Absorption Issues

(09:38) Low Vitamin D: The Silent Energy Drain (10:38) The Real Reason You’re Tired, Moody, and Gaining Belly Fat (14:26) Optimal Lab Markers for Health (Not Just “Normal”)

Thank You To Our Sponsor:

Timeline Nutrition: If you’re feeling tired, foggy, or drained during perimenopause, Timeline’s Mitopure Gummies support your energy from the inside out. Powered by clinically proven Urolithin A, they help your cells clean out damaged mitochondria and build new, stronger ones. If you’d like to give it a try, visit timeline.com/drcarrie and get 20% off.

✍️ FREE GUIDES:

• Hormones 101 Cheat Sheet:  https://drcarriejones.kit.com/hormones101 

• The Perimenopause & Menopause Labs Test Checklist: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/labtestchecklist

• The Symptoms of The Perimenopausal Transition (WTF…) Ebook: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/perimenopausesymptom 

• Which Stage of Perimenopause Am I In? Ebook: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/stagesofperimenopause 

LETS CONNECT: 

Dr. Carrie Jones:

Website: www.drcarriejones.com 

Newsletter:https://drcarriejones.kit.com/newsletter IG: dr.carriejones  

TikTok: @drcarriejones Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@drcarriejones

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Disclaimer: Information provided on this channel is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product. Do not use the information provided on this channel for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or other supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. Information provided on this channel and the use of any products or services related to this podcast by you does not create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Dr. Carrie Jones. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease.