If you're frustrated by weight gain, depleted energy, or feel like your metabolism suddenly hit a wall, you're not alone—especially if you're navigating the hormonal rollercoaster of perimenopause or menopause.

In this empowering episode, health journalist Natalie Tysdal is joined by Stephanie Crassweller, international speaker, master's-level nutrition coach, and host of the Metabolism and Menopause Podcast. Together, they dive into the not-so-obvious drivers behind women's metabolism in midlife—and what you can actually do about them.

Expect practical strategies, compassionate insight, and the truth about why "eat less, move more" simply isn't the answer for women in this season of life. Learn how to work with your shifting hormones and stress response—not against them—to support sustainable energy, metabolism, and well-being.

3 Key Takeaways from This Episode

Stress is the Unsung Metabolism Saboteur Chronic stress and elevated cortisol disrupt everything from sleep and gut health to thyroid function, making it harder to burn fat and easier to gain weight. Recognizing and managing stress is essential to healing your metabolism.

Eating Less Isn't Always Better Undereating and inconsistent fueling push your body into fight-or-flight mode, increasing inflammation and triggering metabolic slowdown. For many women, doing less with more intention works better than pushing harder.

Hormones Change the Metabolic Game As estrogen and progesterone decline, the body loses its built-in stress protection, exposing hidden issues with blood sugar, thyroid, and inflammation. Understanding your hormonal landscape helps you make changes that work for your unique body.

In This Conversation, We Cover

• Why traditional weight loss approaches often backfire after age 35
• The hidden impact of under-eating and why breakfast matters
• Simple first steps for women overwhelmed by nutrition "rules"
• The difference between male and female metabolism
• How routines, meal prep, and smart shortcuts support success
• What Dutch testing is and when to consider hormone labs
• Why sustainable food swaps and real-life habits matter more than perfection

More About This Episode

Stephanie Crassweller brings decades of experience in women's health, holding a master's degree and certifications in nutrition coaching, functional health, personal training, and exercise therapy. In this episode, she explains how stress, sleep, under-fueling, and hormone shifts affect metabolism, especially in perimenopause and menopause.

She and Natalie discuss how even "healthy" processed foods and common dieting advice can work against women's health goals. Instead, they share how to simplify nutrition, embrace whole foods, support hormone balance, and develop easy habits that reduce stress and increase energy.

This is a must-listen if you've ever wondered why your body feels different as you age—or if you've felt frustrated watching men lose weight faster with less effort. You'll walk away with real-world strategies to help your body work for you, not against you.

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Disclaimer

Natalie Tysdal is a health journalist, not a licensed medical professional. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.