In this episode I share with you my  own personal health journey through the last 3 years. After experiencing what I call a thyroid storm that left me overweight, depressed, itchy and miserable I went on a hunt to figure out why my thyroid wasn't working right.  Finally, after 3 years of perseverance, self discovery and practicing a lot of patience I was finally able to figure out my weight loss code and get the needle moving in the right direction. Find out what was causing my weight loss resistance and what excuses were holding me back from working out. Plus, what you can do to get into shape if you have struggled with this in your past as well. Pam's YouTube Channel Kira Hall Personal Trainer IFBB WPD PRO Get the details and apply to be part of my 3 month Mastering Peri & Post Menopause coaching program.  Purchase your at home Hormone Test Kits here.  Start your membership to the OnTrack group coaching program to help you balance your hormones and lose weight.   Karen Martel, Certified Hormone Specialist & Transformational Nutrition Coach and weight loss expert.  Visit https://karenmartel.com/  Karen's Facebook

How I Finally Lost Weight and Got in Shape

Welcome to The Hormone Solution Podcast with Karen Martel – your personal invitation to a world of hormone health, sustainable weight loss, holistic well-being, and embracing life's stages with a big old dose of vitality and confidence. (Remember, we used to go by The Other Side of Weight Loss – just in case you're wondering!)

Meet Karen Martel, your go-to gal, a Certified Hormone Specialist and a total pro when it comes to women's hormones and busting through weight loss resistance. From dealing with all the craziness that comes with midlife to embracing the strength that comes with age, she's here to be your trusty sidekick through thick and thin.

Our mission? Well, it's pretty simple: we're here to dish out practical solutions to those hormone-related puzzles that can drive you crazy, especially when perimenopause and menopause roll around. Expect to hear advice you can actually put into action, insights from the pros, and conversations that might just blow your mind.

Step into episodes filled with enlightening conversations alongside experts, thought leaders, and fellow warriors united in their quest to optimize women's health.

Ready to explore the vast universe of hormones and how they impact every little corner of your life? Yep, that's what we're all about. We're not afraid to shake things up, arm you with real tactics, and empower you with the knowledge to own your health journey.

So, don't be a stranger! Tune in, hit that subscribe button, and let's dive headfirst into this thrilling adventure of transformation and empowerment. Get set to uncover the roadmap to becoming the best version of yourself – from the inside out.

New episodes are released every Saturday!

Take the free hormone quiz over at https://karenmartel.com

Nutrition

Health & Fitness

 Christopher Shade, PhD, founder and CEO of Quicksilver Scientific, continues to be the driving force of development and innovation. Dr. Shade’s vast depth and breadth of knowledge, passion for healing, and intuitive understanding of chemistry and biology are reflected in Quicksilver Scientific’s well-designed detoxification protocols, unique supplement delivery systems, and patented mercury speciation test.    Dr. Shade is a recognized expert on mercury and liposomal delivery systems. He has lectured and trained doctors in the U.S. and internationally on the subject of mercury, heavy metals, and the human detoxification system. Dr. Shade's current focus is on the development of cutting-edge, lipid-based delivery systems for nutraceuticals, such as liposomes and micro-emulsion systems, to address the growing need of high quality, affordable detoxification solutions.     We’ll talk with Dr. Shade in this episode about his revolutionary work with nanoparticle-based hormone formulations and how they've transformed the landscape of hormonal health. Dr. Shade also explains the delicate relationship between hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, and the body's detox pathways. We hear about the dangers of heavy metals such as mercury and cadmium on health, critiquing traditional heavy metal chelation methods and exploring more effective modern protocols.    In this episode:  How Dr. Chris Shade's personal experience of seeing women with perimenopause influenced his focus on hormone therapy. Why nanoparticle-based hormone formulations revolutionize hormonal health and detoxification. Why nanoparticle delivery systems offer smoother detoxification and fewer side effects. How progesterone's effects on GABA receptors can promote calmness and relaxation. Why heavy metals like mercury, cadmium, and arsenic impact anxiety, fatigue, and thyroid function. How traditional chelation methods compare to modern protocols like EDTA and glutathione. Why ongoing detox efforts are crucial, especially for conditions like Lyme disease and insulin resistance. How high doses of lipoic acid can disrupt metal balance and glutathione levels. Why Dr. Shade dislikes Andy Cutler's chelation protocol and its impact on patients. How substances like cilantro and chlorella vary in effectiveness for natural chelation. What role heavy metals in vaccines may play in the development of autism. Why administering vaccines individually and during good health is important. Why hormone optimization is vital before starting detox treatments. How heavy metals like lead and cadmium can contribute to insulin resistance and hormone dysfunction. How environmental toxins and xenoestrogens may be linked to the rise of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).    Sponsors Visit www.quicksilverscientific.com/karen and use code KAREN15 for 15% off your first purchase of PushCatch® Liver Detox. Join me in experiencing the refreshing taste and benefits of LMNT – it’s the perfect way to fuel your body and support your active lifestyle. Get your free 8 pack sample of LMNT here: https://DrinkLMNT.com/KarenMartel Apollo Neuro https://apolloneuro.com/karen you can get 15% off your apollo wearable. Interested in joining our NEW Peptide Weight Loss Program? Join today and get the details here. Join our Women's Group Coaching Program OnTrack TODAY! Karen Martel, Certified Hormone Specialist & Transformational Nutrition Coach and weight loss expert. Visit https://karenmartel.com/ Karen's Facebook Karen's Instagram

Metals & Menopause: The Impact of Heavy Metals on Your Sex Hormones, Thyroid, and Energy, and How to Properly Detox Them with Dr. Chris Shade

Welcome to Quick Hits: Blasts from The Past where Karen dives into the treasure trove of her podcast archives to bring you bite-sized gems from some of her best episodes. In just 15 minutes, she'll whisk you away on a nostalgic journey through the highlights of her past conversations, giving you a taste of the wisdom, insights, and laughs shared by our incredible guests. Don't worry if you find yourself craving more; we've got you covered with a link to the full episode below in our show notes.  Learn about the different hormone imbalances that could be driving your sugar addiction. How to identify and test for them. How each of these hormones can interact with each other. Plus my favorite tips and tricks on how to balance these pesky hormones and drive down sugar cravings. Listen to the full episode here: https://karenmartel.com/sugarhormones/   Sponsors Visit www.quicksilverscientific.com/karen and use code KAREN15 for 15% off your first purchase of PushCatch® Liver Detox. Interested in joining our NEW Peptide Weight Loss Program? Join today and get the details here. Join our Women's Group Coaching Program OnTrack TODAY! Karen Martel, Certified Hormone Specialist & Transformational Nutrition Coach and weight loss expert. Visit https://karenmartel.com/ Karen's Facebook Karen's Instagram

Quick Hits: Hormone Imbalances That Can Cause Sugar Addiction

 Today, let’s talk about the correlation between hormone replacement therapy and weight gain, partially inspired by my own unexpected weight gain after starting testosterone therapy. We’ll examine the roles of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, examining how they can lead to both weight loss and gain, influenced by genetics and metabolism. While referencing clinical experience and research, we also discuss personalized HRT, the importance of liver health, and the impact of diet and xenoestrogens. In this episode:  How hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can lead to unexpected weight gain, despite its weight loss associations. Why progesterone's impact on thyroid function and metabolism can lead to weight changes during HRT. How testosterone replacement in women may cause weight gain due to genetic predispositions. Why estrogen replacement therapy sometimes results in initial weight gain in postmenopausal women. How liver health and metabolism optimization can mitigate weight gain during HRT. The influence of diet, alcohol consumption, and xenoestrogens on hormone balance. How estrogen affects body composition through receptor sensitivity. Why understanding the signs of hormone-related weight gain can aid in identifying hormonal imbalances. How excessive progesterone can lead to weight gain, water retention, and mood changes. Why testosterone therapy research is limited for women, but suggests it can aid in muscle maintenance. How estrogen alone may improve lipid profiles and reduce centralized body fat in postmenopausal women. Why adding testosterone to estrogen therapy can shift body composition toward increased lean mass. How estradiol prevents visceral fat storage and impacts hunger regulation and insulin sensitivity.    Todays show is sponsored by: Eight Sleep Go to www.eightsleep.com/hormone and get $200 off plus free shipping on the Pod Cover by Eight Sleep. Use coupon code HORMONE. Bioptimizers Sleep Breakthrough https://bioptimizers.com/hormone  Get 10% of your purchase with coupon code HORMONE. Visit www.quicksilverscientific.com/karen and use code KAREN15 for 10% off your first purchase of PushCatch® Liver Detox. Interested in joining our NEW Peptide Weight Loss Program? Join today and get the details here. Join our Women's Group Coaching Program OnTrack TODAY! Karen Martel, Certified Hormone Specialist & Transformational Nutrition Coach and weight loss expert. Visit https://karenmartel.com/ Karen's Facebook Karen's Instagram

Can Hormone Replacement Therapy Make You Gain Weight?

Welcome to Quick Hits: Blasts from The Past where Karen dives into the treasure trove of her podcast archives to bring you bite-sized gems from some of her best episodes. In just 15 minutes, she'll whisk you away on a nostalgic journey through the highlights of her past conversations, giving you a taste of the wisdom, insights, and laughs shared by our incredible guests. Don't worry if you find yourself craving more; we've got you covered with a link to the full episode below in our show notes.  Are you using the birth control pill to stop heavy bleeding? Stop acne? Regulate your period? 50% of birth control contraception is prescribed now for ailments other than for preventing pregnancies. In this episode, I speak with a leading advocate for women’s health Dr. Jolene Brighton. Jolene shares with us what the detrimental side effects are for women taking the birth control pill. What the root causes and solutions can be for heavy bleeding and acne. Plus how to come off birth control safely and how to detox yourself from the harmful chemicals that are in birth control.  http://www.drbrighten.com/  Listen to the full episode here: https://karenmartel.com/beyond-the-pill-with-dr-jolene-brighten/   Try my new OTC Hormone Creams and get 10% off your order with coupon code "customer10" Interested in joining our NEW Peptide Weight Loss Program? Join today and get the details here. Join our Women's Group Coaching Program OnTrack TODAY! Karen Martel, Certified Hormone Specialist & Transformational Nutrition Coach and weight loss expert. Visit https://karenmartel.com/ Karen's Facebook Karen's Instagram

Quick Hits: Beyond The Pill with Dr. Jolene Brighten

 James O'Hara is a family nurse practitioner who utilizes a utilizes an integrative approach to health which combines lifestyle interventions, appropriate supplementation, and medications when indicated to empower patients to feel better and live longer, healthier lives.     Today we’re speaking with James about testosterone replacement for women plus the benefits and drawbacks that come along with it, particularly during the transformative stages of perimenopause and menopause. We’ll talk about how testosterone and other hormones play a role not just in sexual desire, but also mood, energy, and cognitive functions. From sleep patterns to genetic predispositions, we explore how to address different health concerns while also recognizing the importance of prescription medications and the power of lifestyle changes.    In this episode:  Why testosterone therapy can both boost libido and cause hair thinning in women. How hormonal balances involving testosterone, estradiol, dopamine, and progesterone impact sexual health. Why androgens like testosterone and DHT enhance libido through increased dopamine. How women's sensitivity to androgens influences their response to testosterone therapies. Why natural and pharmaceutical 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors manage DHT levels. How cardiovascular health and blood flow play crucial roles in sexual wellness for women. Why supplements like citrulline can improve sexual function. How peptides like PT-141 and Melanotan affect sex drive and overall health. Why the melanocortin receptors link sunlight exposure to sexual drive. How early-onset baldness in women can relate to genetics, stress, and hormonal changes. Why ferritin levels and thyroid function are vital for hair growth. How treatments like dutasteride and oral minoxidil offer solutions for hair loss. Why patience is essential when using medications for hair loss, and side effects to consider. How different treatments, like herbal DHT blockers and copper peptides, aid hair health. Why bridging functional and conventional medicine creates personalized health plans. How integrating lifestyle changes with prescription medications optimizes treatment approaches.    Work with James https://www.gilletthealth.com Sponsors Go to www.neurohacker.com/HORMONE to try Qualia Senolytic with a 100 day money back guarantee, and code HORMONE will get you 15% off your first order. Join me in experiencing the refreshing taste and benefits of LMNT – it’s the perfect way to fuel your body and support your active lifestyle. Get your free 8 pack sample of LMNT here: http://DrinkLMNT.com/KarenMartel Visit www.quicksilverscientific.com/karen and use code KAREN15 for 15% off your first purchase of PushCatch® Liver Detox. Interested in joining our NEW Peptide Weight Loss Program? Join today and get the details here. Join our Women's Group Coaching Program OnTrack TODAY! Karen Martel, Certified Hormone Specialist & Transformational Nutrition Coach and weight loss expert. Visit https://karenmartel.com/ Karen's Facebook Karen's Instagram

How I Finally Lost Weight and Got in Shape

Download our free app to listen on your phone