Menopause isn’t a diagnosis to endure; it’s a transition you can understand and navigate with confidence. We sit down with functional medicine nutritionist Erin Parekh to unpack the real biology behind hot flashes, weight changes, and brain fog—and why replacing guesswork with lab data is the fastest path to relief. From defining perimenopause to clarifying what “menopause is one day” actually means, we connect the measurable shifts in hormones to the lived experience women feel every day.

Erin shares a practical framework that starts with foundations: stabilize blood sugar, build and protect muscle, and support digestion so your body can clear hormones efficiently. We dig into the estrobolome and why constipation, low fiber, and narrow diets can recirculate estrogen and fuel symptoms. You’ll learn how to build plant diversity into your week, leverage fermented foods over one-size probiotic pills, and use component cooking to assemble nourishing meals in minutes. We also talk frankly about alcohol, sugar, and refined carbohydrates, including how a short stint with a continuous glucose monitor can uncover personal triggers that standard advice misses.

When it comes to interventions, we sort signal from noise. Thoughtful HRT—paired estrogen and progesterone, with conservative testosterone when appropriate—can protect bones and brain health when used alongside strong lifestyle habits. For those who prefer alternatives or need added support, we cover herbal options like black cohosh, vitex, and ashwagandha, and evidence-backed supplements such as vitamin D, fish oil, CoQ10, and creatine for muscle and cognition. The theme throughout is clarity: know your numbers, choose targeted tools, and give your body what it needs so midlife feels steadier, stronger, and more you.

If this conversation helped you feel more grounded, subscribe, share the episode with a friend who needs it, and leave a review so more women can find science-based support through menopause.

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