The Hormone Solution | Menopause, Perimenopause, & Women's Midlife Health

What happens when three menopause podcasters sit down together with zero intention of staying surface level? You get a smart, honest, hilarious, and deeply validating conversation about some of the biggest midlife topics women are trying to figure out right now. In this roundtable episode, we get into bone health, hormone testing, HRT mistakes, libido, trauma, desire, and the much bigger cultural story around what menopause is actually meant to be.

We talk openly about why so many midlife women feel disconnected from sex, why female arousal is so misunderstood, and how much emotional baggage, conditioning, and nervous system overload shape the whole experience. And finally, we end on a much bigger and more hopeful note: maybe menopause is not a decline at all. Maybe it is a threshold into wisdom, authority, healing, and a version of womanhood our culture has forgotten how to honor.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why more women in their 40s and 50s are discovering osteopenia and low bone density earlier than expected
• The difference between DEXA scans and REMS scans, and why bone quality matters, not just bone density
• Estradiol, bone protection, and why some women may need more than a tiny dose of HRT
• The debate around testing hormones in perimenopause and why symptoms alone do not always tell the full story
• Why thyroid, cortisol, DHEA, progesterone, and estrogen symptoms can overlap in confusing ways
• What can go wrong when women are given HRT without the right assessment or follow-up
• Why libido is far more complex than just low testosterone or low desire
• How guilt, fear, shame, trauma, and nervous system overload affect female arousal
• Why so many women feel "broken" around sex when they are actually having a very normal response
• The spiritual and cultural meaning of menopause as a transition into wisdom, power, and authority

Who this episode is for

This episode is for women in perimenopause and menopause who want a more honest conversation about what is really happening in midlife. It is especially for women who are worried about bone loss, confused about hormone testing, frustrated by bad HRT experiences, struggling with libido, or craving a more empowering way to think about menopause than the usual narrative of decline.

Sponsors

Try Momentum and get a free Welcome Kit and Travel Collection ($70 value) with your order

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Are you in perimenopause or postmenopause and struggling with symptoms—but not getting the support you deserve?

At Midlife Solutions, we specialize in hormone optimization for women in midlife. Our all-female clinical team offers telehealth care across all 50 U.S. states, with the ability to prescribe bioidentical estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid medication.

Book your FREE Hormone Discovery Call

Find out what's really driving your symptoms and what your next best steps are.

Visit the website: https://karenmartel.com

Shop the Midlife Solutions Store

Over-the-counter bioidentical hormone creams and oils — no prescription needed.

Including:

• Progesterone

• Estrogen Face Cream

• Vaginal Moisturizer

and more!

Take the Hormone Quiz

Discover hidden hormone imbalances that could be driving your symptoms.

Get personalized results (and yes, they may surprise you).

Women's Peptide Weight Loss Program

Clinically guided, hormone-aware weight loss for midlife women.

Midlife RESET HRT Program

A complete, supportive approach to hormone replacement therapy in midlife.

Your host:

Karen Martel

Certified Hormone Specialist, Transformational Nutrition Coach, & Weight Loss Expert

Karen's Facebook

Karen's Instagram

Welcome to Quick Hits — where we bring you the most impactful moments from past episodes in under 15 minutes.

Today's clip comes from one of our most replayed conversations.

If you want the full episode, check the link in the description below.

Listen to the full episode: https://karenmartel.com/blogs/podcast/breaking-the-silence-andrea-donsky-on-103-menopause-symptoms-and-taking-control

Known as the "Menopause Educator and Researcher" to her 340,000+ TikTok followers, Andrea Donsky is a nutritionist on a mission to change the conversation around perimenopause and menopause. Her new book "Nourishing Menopause: Powerful Nutrition and Lifestyle Strategies to Feel Your Best" comes out May 5th!

Our conversation explores the role of nutrition, lifestyle changes, and supplements in managing symptoms, with a particular focus on personalized intermittent fasting. We also share strategies you can use for improving sleep quality and discuss self-advocacy in healthcare settings.

In this episode:

• How Andrea redefines menopause conversations through education and advocacy.
• Why menopause and perimenopause symptoms are often misunderstood by the medical community.
• Lesser-known menopause symptoms, including dizziness.
• Why education and openness are crucial for future generations in navigating menopause.
• How nutrition and lifestyle changes help manage menopause symptoms effectively.
• Why sleep is often overlooked but crucial in menopause care.
• How Andrea's upcoming research publication contributes to menopause education.
• Why fatigue, brain fog, and sleep issues are top menopause symptoms.
• How Andrea's personal menopause journey influences her advocacy work.
• Why weight gain is a primary concern for many menopausal women.
• How personalized fasting methods can address individual menopause needs.
• Why maintaining a dark, cool room improves sleep quality during menopause.
• How specific supplements can enhance sleep quality for menopausal women.
• Why consistent sleep routines and avoiding blue light are beneficial.
• Why it's important to be prepared with symptoms and questions for medical appointments.

Andrea on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andreadonsky

Sponsors

Get 20% off your Cozy Earth Bed Sheet with coupon code HORMONES

Are you in perimenopause or postmenopause and struggling with symptoms—but not getting the support you deserve?

At Midlife Solutions, we specialize in hormone optimization for women in midlife. Our all-female clinical team offers telehealth care across all 50 U.S. states, with the ability to prescribe bioidentical estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid medication.

Book your FREE Hormone Discovery Call

Find out what's really driving your symptoms and what your next best steps are.

Visit the website: https://karenmartel.com

Shop the Midlife Solutions Store

Over-the-counter bioidentical hormone creams and oils — no prescription needed.

Including:

• Progesterone

• Estrogen Face Cream

• Vaginal Moisturizer

and more!

Take the Hormone Quiz

Discover hidden hormone imbalances that could be driving your symptoms.

Get personalized results (and yes, they may surprise you).

Women's Peptide Weight Loss Program

Clinically guided, hormone-aware weight loss for midlife women.

Midlife RESET HRT Program

A complete, supportive approach to hormone replacement therapy in midlife.

Your host:

Karen Martel

Certified Hormone Specialist, Transformational Nutrition Coach, & Weight Loss Expert

Karen's Facebook

Karen's Instagram

In this episode, I sit down with Cynthia Thurlow, nurse practitioner, TEDx speaker, and author of The Menopause Gut, to unpack what is really happening inside the body during this transition. We get into why so many women suddenly feel bloated, constipated, reactive to foods, inflamed, and resistant to weight loss, even when they are eating well and doing all the "right" things. Cynthia breaks down the gut-hormone connection in a way that is smart, practical, and incredibly eye-opening.

We also go deeper into leaky gut, digestive enzymes, bile, hydrochloric acid, short-chain fatty acids, fiber, stress, trauma, mitochondria, and why simply putting a woman on HRT is sometimes not enough. This is one of those conversations that makes you realize menopause is not just about your ovaries. It is a full-body shift, and the gut is right in the middle of it.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why the gut is one of the most overlooked systems affected by menopause
• How declining estrogen and progesterone impact digestion and motility
• Why women often experience more bloating, constipation, and food sensitivities in midlife
• The connection between gut health, inflammation, immune changes, and weight loss resistance
• Why digestive enzymes, stomach acid, and bile production can all become compromised
• What leaky gut is and why it may become more common during perimenopause and menopause
• How stress, trauma, and the nervous system can worsen gut and hormone symptoms
• Why fiber still matters, even if your gut is struggling
• The role of mitochondria, sleep, movement, and lifestyle foundations in gut recovery
• Why HRT can help, but often is not the whole story

Visit Cynthia's website here.

Sponsors

Try Mito Q Hormone and metabolic control mitoq.com/karenmartel Code: MARTEL10

Get 30% off BATCH Gummies. Go to hellobatch.com/HORMONE and use code HORMONE at checkout.

Book Your FREE discovery call and find out how we can help you.

Are you in perimenopause or postmenopause and struggling with symptoms—but not getting the support you deserve?

At Midlife Solutions, we specialize in hormone optimization for women in midlife. Our all-female clinical team offers telehealth care across all 50 U.S. states, with the ability to prescribe bioidentical estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid medication.

Book your FREE Hormone Discovery Call

Find out what's really driving your symptoms and what your next best steps are.

Visit the website: https://karenmartel.com

Shop the Midlife Solutions Store

Over-the-counter bioidentical hormone creams and oils — no prescription needed.

Including:

• Progesterone

• Estrogen Face Cream

• Vaginal Moisturizer

and more!

Take the Hormone Quiz

Discover hidden hormone imbalances that could be driving your symptoms.

Get personalized results (and yes, they may surprise you).

Women's Peptide Weight Loss Program

Clinically guided, hormone-aware weight loss for midlife women.

Midlife RESET HRT Program

A complete, supportive approach to hormone replacement therapy in midlife.

Your host:

Karen Martel

Certified Hormone Specialist, Transformational Nutrition Coach, & Weight Loss Expert

Karen's Facebook

Karen's Instagram

Join our FREE upcoming masterclass: Why Midlife Weight Gain Won't Budge A smarter way to use GLP-1s in midlife without wrecking muscle or metabolism When: April 30th 11 am PST Register here: https://coaching.karenmartel.com/glp1-masterclass

Welcome to Quick Hits — where we bring you the most impactful moments from past episodes in under 15 minutes.

Today's clip comes from one of our most replayed conversations.

If you want the full episode, check the link in the description below.

Listen to the full episode here: https://karenmartel.com/blogs/podcast/metals-amp-menopause-the-impact-of-heavy-metals-on-your-sex-hormones-thyroid-and-energy-and-how-to-properly-detox-them-with-dr-chris-shade

Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/metals-menopause-the-impact-of-heavy-metals-on-your/id1438772276?i=1000657503673

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.

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 we discuss:

• 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).

Are you in perimenopause or postmenopause and struggling with symptoms—but not getting the support you deserve?

At Midlife Solutions, we specialize in hormone optimization for women in midlife. Our all-female clinical team offers telehealth care across all 50 U.S. states, with the ability to prescribe bioidentical estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid medication.

Book your FREE Hormone Discovery Call

Find out what's really driving your symptoms and what your next best steps are.

Visit the website: https://karenmartel.com

Shop the Midlife Solutions Store

Over-the-counter bioidentical hormone creams and oils — no prescription needed.

Including:

• Progesterone

• Estrogen Face Cream

• Vaginal Moisturizer

and more!

Take the Hormone Quiz

Discover hidden hormone imbalances that could be driving your symptoms.

Get personalized results (and yes, they may surprise you).

Women's Peptide Weight Loss Program

Clinically guided, hormone-aware weight loss for midlife women.

Midlife RESET HRT Program

A complete, supportive approach to hormone replacement therapy in midlife.

Your host:

Karen Martel

Certified Hormone Specialist, Transformational Nutrition Coach, & Weight Loss Expert

Karen's Facebook

Karen's Instagram

Three years ago, GLP-1 peptides were barely being talked about in the midlife women's health space. Since then, Jessica and I have personally used them, experimented with different approaches, and helped over a thousand women inside our peptide program navigate what works, what backfires, and what women in perimenopause and menopause need to know before jumping in.

In this episode, we're pulling back the curtain on our own GLP-1 journeys, including my rough start with Ozempic, why Tirzepatide worked better for me, Jessica's experience with Semaglutide and fatigue, and why Retatrutide is becoming one of the most talked-about peptides right now. We also get into one of the biggest myths floating around online: that GLP-1s automatically cause massive muscle loss. The truth is much more nuanced.

We talk about the biggest mistakes we see women making. How Glp1s can impact insulin sensitivity, inflammation, fat cell biology, blood sugar regulation, liver metabolism, and even brain reward pathways.

We also dive into some of the peptides we're loving right now beyond GLP-1s, including NAD, KPV, MOTS-c, and Tesamorelin, and why peptide therapy can be powerful when it's used intelligently, not recklessly. This is a real, honest conversation about how to use these tools in a way that supports long-term health, metabolism, muscle, and hormones, instead of chasing fast weight loss at any cost.

In this episode, we cover:

• Our personal three-year journey using GLP-1 peptides
• Why Ozempic, Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, and Retatrutide can feel very different
• The truth about GLP-1s and muscle loss
• Why appetite suppression is not the only sign a GLP-1 is working
• The biggest mistakes women make with dosing and titration
• Why protein, amino acids, digestion, and strength training matter so much
• How GLP-1s may support insulin sensitivity, inflammation, blood sugar, and metabolic health
• Why some women don't lose weight until thyroid, hormones, food sensitivities, or inflammation are addressed
• What we're seeing with Retatrutide and why it's getting so much attention
• Peptides beyond GLP-1s, including NAD, KPV, MOTS-c, and Tesamorelin

Who This Episode Is For

This episode is for women in perimenopause or menopause who are using GLP-1s, thinking about starting them, or wondering why they are not getting the results they expected.

It is especially helpful if you are worried about muscle loss, hair shedding, fatigue, dosing, long-term use, maintenance, or whether peptides are actually supporting your metabolism or just helping you eat less.

Sponsors

Join our FREE upcoming masterclass: Why Midlife Weight Gain Won't Budge

A smarter way to use GLP-1s in midlife without wrecking muscle or metabolism

When: April 30th 11 am PST

Register here: https://coaching.karenmartel.com/glp1-masterclass

Add MitoQ Hormonal Metabolic Support to your midlife support toolbox: www.mitoq.com/karenmartel get 10% off your order with code: MARTEL10

Are you in perimenopause or postmenopause and struggling with symptoms—but not getting the support you deserve?

At Midlife Solutions, we specialize in hormone optimization for women in midlife. Our all-female clinical team offers telehealth care across all 50 U.S. states, with the ability to prescribe bioidentical estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid medication.

Book your FREE Hormone Discovery Call

Find out what's really driving your symptoms and what your next best steps are.

Visit the website: https://karenmartel.com

Shop the Midlife Solutions Store

Over-the-counter bioidentical hormone creams and oils — no prescription needed.

Including:

• Progesterone

• Estrogen Face Cream

• Vaginal Moisturizer

and more!

Take the Hormone Quiz

Discover hidden hormone imbalances that could be driving your symptoms.

Get personalized results (and yes, they may surprise you).

Women's Peptide Weight Loss Program

Clinically guided, hormone-aware weight loss for midlife women.

Midlife RESET HRT Program

A complete, supportive approach to hormone replacement therapy in midlife.

Your host:

Karen Martel

Certified Hormone Specialist, Transformational Nutrition Coach, & Weight Loss Expert

Karen's Facebook

Karen's Instagram

Join our FREE upcoming masterclass: Why Midlife Weight Gain Won't Budge

A smarter way to use GLP-1s in midlife without wrecking muscle or metabolism

When: April 30th 11 am PST

Register here: https://coaching.karenmartel.com/glp1-masterclass

There comes a point for so many women in their late 30s and 40s when they look in the mirror, or down at their belly, and think, what is happening to my body? You're still eating well. You're still exercising. You're still trying to do all the "right" things. And yet your body suddenly feels like it is playing by a completely different set of rules.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Siobhan Mitchell, neuroscientist, nutritional scientist, and Chief Scientific Officer at MitoQ, to unpack what is really happening beneath the surface during perimenopause and menopause. We get into the fascinating science behind estrogen loss, shifting metabolism, belly fat, blood sugar changes, mitochondrial health, and why so many women feel like their bodies stop responding the way they used to.

We also talk about phytoestrogens, the gut microbiome, and a little-known molecule called S-equol that may play an important role in metabolic and hormonal health during midlife. This is a smart, eye-opening conversation for any woman who wants to better understand why midlife weight gain happens, why timing matters when it comes to intervention, and what supportive tools may actually help.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why midlife weight gain often shows up around the belly
• How estrogen affects metabolism, appetite, blood sugar, and fat storage
• Why women become more prone to insulin resistance in perimenopause and menopause
• The role of mitochondria in energy, aging, and ovarian health
• Why belly fat in menopause is about more than just calories
• How stress and cortisol can amplify fat gain during midlife
• The difference between estrogen alpha and beta receptors
• What phytoestrogens are and how they may support women in menopause
• What S-equol is and why it may matter for metabolic health
• Why early support in perimenopause may be one of the smartest moves for long-term health

Who this episode is for

This episode is for women in perimenopause or menopause who feel like their metabolism has changed overnight, their belly fat is increasing for no obvious reason, or their blood sugar and weight are becoming harder to manage despite doing all the right things. It is also for women who want a deeper understanding of estrogen, midlife metabolic changes, and supportive options beyond the usual tired advice to just eat less and move more.

Key Takeaways

• Estrogen is not just a reproductive hormone. It plays a major role in metabolism, fat distribution, blood sugar control, and muscle maintenance.
• Midlife belly fat is not just about overeating or aging. Hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause directly influence where fat is stored and how energy is used.
• Insulin resistance, rising cholesterol, and metabolic dysfunction can begin during perimenopause, even before obvious menopause symptoms show up.
• S-equol may be a promising tool for supporting estrogen-beta activity, metabolic health, and symptom relief in midlife women.
• The earlier women understand and support these shifts, the better their chances of protecting long-term metabolic, cardiovascular, and brain health.

http://www.mitoq.com/karenmartel

Coupon code: Martel10

Sponsors

Head to https://cozyearth.com and use my code HORMONESBOGO to get 2 sets of sheets for the price of one. Do not miss this sale.

Are you in perimenopause or postmenopause and struggling with symptoms—but not getting the support you deserve?

At Midlife Solutions, we specialize in hormone optimization for women in midlife. Our all-female clinical team offers telehealth care across all 50 U.S. states, with the ability to prescribe bioidentical estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid medication.

Book your FREE Hormone Discovery Call

Find out what's really driving your symptoms and what your next best steps are.

Visit the website: https://karenmartel.com

Shop the Midlife Solutions Store

Over-the-counter bioidentical hormone creams and oils — no prescription needed.

Including:

• Progesterone

• Estrogen Face Cream

• Vaginal Moisturizer

and more!

Take the Hormone Quiz

Discover hidden hormone imbalances that could be driving your symptoms.

Get personalized results (and yes, they may surprise you).

Women's Peptide Weight Loss Program

Clinically guided, hormone-aware weight loss for midlife women.

Midlife RESET HRT Program

A complete, supportive approach to hormone replacement therapy in midlife.

Your host:

Karen Martel

Certified Hormone Specialist, Transformational Nutrition Coach, & Weight Loss Expert

Karen's Facebook

Karen's Instagram

In this second of two parts, I sit down with Victoria Felkar again to unpack the complicated, often glamorized world of androgens, testosterone therapy, and anabolic steroids for women. Are these hormones empowering tools—or ticking time bombs? How do you know the difference? We dive into what's really happening beneath the surface when women start layering in testosterone or other androgens, especially without a solid hormonal foundation in place.

Have you ever wondered why some women feel amazing on testosterone, while others spiral into acne, hair loss, mood swings, or worse? What role do estradiol and progesterone really play? And why might "more" hormones actually push you further from health instead of closer to it? Victoria breaks down the science in a way that makes sense—and shares why context, dosing, and metabolic health matter more than most clinics admit.

We also talk about the cultural shift around hormone optimization, the risks of black-market sourcing, cycling versus long-term use, and why chasing side effects with more prescriptions can backfire. Is it possible to use these compounds responsibly? What should you monitor? And how do you protect your future fertility, heart, and brain while pursuing strength, libido, or physique goals?

In this episode, we uncover:

• How high androgens interact with insulin resistance and inflammation.
• Why estradiol and progesterone should be your hormonal foundation first.
• What happens to fertility and the HPO axis on steroids.
• How black market and compounded hormones increase hidden risks.
• Why hormone balance works like an ecosystem, not isolation.

Listen now to learn how to approach hormone optimization with clarity, caution, and confidence!

Join our FREE upcoming masterclass: Why Midlife Weight Gain Won't Budge

A smarter way to use GLP-1s in midlife without wrecking muscle or metabolism

When: April 30th 11 am PST

Register here: https://coaching.karenmartel.com/glp1-masterclass

Visit Victoria's website here.

Follow Victoria on Instagram.

Sponsors

Get 15% off Masszymes products at bioptimizers.com/hormone with coupon code HORMONE.

Timeline is offering up to 39% off your first order of Mitopure. Gummies. Go to timeline.com/HORMONE use coupon HORMONE

Are you in perimenopause or postmenopause and struggling with symptoms—but not getting the support you deserve?

At Midlife Solutions, we specialize in hormone optimization for women in midlife. Our all-female clinical team offers telehealth care across all 50 U.S. states, with the ability to prescribe bioidentical estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid medication.

Book your FREE Hormone Discovery Call

Find out what's really driving your symptoms and what your next best steps are.

Visit the website: https://karenmartel.com

Shop the Midlife Solutions Store

Over-the-counter bioidentical hormone creams and oils — no prescription needed.

Including:

• Progesterone

• Estrogen Face Cream

• Vaginal Moisturizer

and more!

Take the Hormone Quiz

Discover hidden hormone imbalances that could be driving your symptoms.

Get personalized results (and yes, they may surprise you).

Women's Peptide Weight Loss Program

Clinically guided, hormone-aware weight loss for midlife women.

Midlife RESET HRT Program

A complete, supportive approach to hormone replacement therapy in midlife.

Your host:

Karen Martel

Certified Hormone Specialist, Transformational Nutrition Coach, & Weight Loss Expert

Karen's Facebook

Karen's Instagram

Welcome to Quick Hits — where we bring you the most impactful moments from past episodes in under 15 minutes.

Today's clip comes from one of our most replayed conversations. If you want the full episode, check the link in the description below.

Listen to the full episode

iTunes

Have you ever wondered what your DNA says about your diet and hormones? Well in today's episode we are going to explore the connection between genetics and popular diets like keto, vegan, and low carb. Additionally, we'll explore how DNA reports can help us better understand our hormones and their impact on our health.

Kashif Khan the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of The DNA Company, where personalized medicine is being pioneered through unique insights into the human genome. Download in iTunes or on your favorite podcast platform.

In this episode:

• How your body's processes affect your ideal dosages and timings of supplements.
• The benefits of working directly with functional medicine practitioners.
• How Kashif's discovery about his own DNA led him to become more entrepreneurial.
• A situation that made Kashif realize how our bio-individuality is so important.
• Identifying which processes and jobs your body struggles with.
• How DNA records help you proactively support your health.
• Changes in estrogen during menopause and other related symptoms.
• Signs that we're not designed for living in today's world and why detox can help.
• Why the hormonal cascade is so sensitive.
• The difference between being estrogenic compared to androgenic dominant.
• Estrogen toxicity and the associated symptoms that often come along with it.
• Why your body could struggle with heavy metal detoxification.
• How your genes can inform your workout routines to achieve optimal results.
• The impact of diet, and finding out if you are more prone to weight gain than others.

Sponsors

Head to cozyearth.com and use my code HORMONESBOGO to get 2 sets of sheets for the price of one. Do not miss this sale.

Are you in perimenopause or postmenopause and struggling with symptoms—but not getting the support you deserve?

At Midlife Solutions, we specialize in hormone optimization for women in midlife. Our all-female clinical team offers telehealth care across all 50 U.S. states, with the ability to prescribe bioidentical estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid medication.

Book your FREE Hormone Discovery Call

Find out what's really driving your symptoms and what your next best steps are.

Visit the website: https://karenmartel.com

Shop the Midlife Solutions Store

Over-the-counter bioidentical hormone creams and oils — no prescription needed.

Including:

• Progesterone

• Estrogen Face Cream

• Vaginal Moisturizer

and more!

Take the Hormone Quiz

Discover hidden hormone imbalances that could be driving your symptoms.

Get personalized results (and yes, they may surprise you).

Women's Peptide Weight Loss Program

Clinically guided, hormone-aware weight loss for midlife women.

Midlife RESET HRT Program

A complete, supportive approach to hormone replacement therapy in midlife.

Your host:

Karen Martel

Certified Hormone Specialist, Transformational Nutrition Coach, & Weight Loss Expert

Karen's Facebook

Karen's Instagram

In this episode, I'm joined by the brilliant Victoria Felkar, and we go where most conversations in women's health simply don't: anabolic steroids. Why has this topic been so misunderstood—and even feared—by women, especially in midlife? Are we lumping very different hormones into one "scary" category without truly understanding them?

Victoria shares her own jaw-dropping health story—one that led to sky-high androgens, medical confusion, and even accusations of steroid use. How did a teenage experience with birth control, stress, and recovery from an eating disorder spiral into a complex endocrine storm? And what did it reveal about the massive gaps in women's hormonal research?

We also tackle the controversial rise of testosterone therapy and anabolic use in women. Do we really have more testosterone than estrogen? Are the benefits being overhyped? What does the research actually say about muscle, bone, migraines, and long-term risk? And how do we separate empowerment from misinformation in a world flooded with hormone trends?

In this episode, we uncover:

• How anabolic steroids differ from bioidentical hormones and TRT.
• Why the "women have more testosterone" claim is misleading.
• What research actually shows about androlone and bone density.
• How androgen activity goes far beyond simple blood levels.
• Why lifestyle foundations matter before hormone optimization.

If you've ever been curious—or confused—about testosterone, anabolic agents, or your own hormone story, this conversation is a must-listen!

Visit Victoria's website here.

Follow Victoria on Instagram.

Sponsors

Try the power of copper peptides and exosomes on your skin today and get 20% off your order with coupon code km20 here.

Get 10% off Sleep Breakthrough By BiOptimzers products at bioptimizers.com/hormone with coupon code HORMONE.

Are you in perimenopause or postmenopause and struggling with symptoms—but not getting the support you deserve?

At Midlife Solutions, we specialize in hormone optimization for women in midlife. Our all-female clinical team offers telehealth care across all 50 U.S. states, with the ability to prescribe bioidentical estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid medication.

Book your FREE Hormone Discovery Call

Find out what's really driving your symptoms and what your next best steps are.

Visit the website: https://karenmartel.com

Shop the Midlife Solutions Store

Over-the-counter bioidentical hormone creams and oils — no prescription needed.

Including:

• Progesterone

• Estrogen Face Cream

• Vaginal Moisturizer

and more!

Take the Hormone Quiz

Discover hidden hormone imbalances that could be driving your symptoms.

Get personalized results (and yes, they may surprise you).

Women's Peptide Weight Loss Program

Clinically guided, hormone-aware weight loss for midlife women.

Midlife RESET HRT Program

A complete, supportive approach to hormone replacement therapy in midlife.

Your host:

Karen Martel

Certified Hormone Specialist, Transformational Nutrition Coach, & Weight Loss Expert

Karen's Facebook

Karen's Instagram

Welcome to Quick Hits — where we bring you the most impactful moments from past episodes in under 15 minutes.

Today's clip comes from one of our most replayed conversations.

If you want the full episode, check the link in the description below.

Listen to the full peptide here: https://karenmartel.com/blogs/podcast/unraveling-the-science-of-low-dose-herbal-melatonin-with-deanna-minich

Dr. Deanna Minich, is a Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner, with a Masters of Science degree in Human Nutrition , and a Doctorate in Medical Sciences. She is an international lecturer, educator, and author, with over twenty years of experience in academia and in the food and dietary supplement industries, currently serving as Chief Science Officer at Symphony Natural Health. Through her talks, workshops, groups, and in-person retreats, she helps people to practically and artfully transform their lives through nutrition and lifestyle. Dr. Minich, brings us into the world of melatonin in today's episode, going beyond its well-known role in sleep regulation to explore its lesser-known functions. We discuss how melatonin impacts digestive health, its profound implications for women in menopause, and the influence of nutrients on circadian rhythms. We also examine the controversies surrounding melatonin supplementation, unraveling its powerful antioxidant properties and the importance of finding the right dosage for individual health needs.

Visit her at: www.deannaminich.com.

In this episode:

• Why understanding melatonin's roles is crucial for women, particularly during menopause.
• How melatonin production occurs in the pineal gland and the gut.
• Why nutrient intake affects circadian rhythms and overall health.
• How irregular schedules can disrupt natural body rhythms, plus solutions to mitigate this.
• Why it's important to take an individualized approach to nutrient supplementation.
• How high-dose melatonin may impact the body's systems and hormone balance.
• Why receptor saturation from high melatonin doses can decrease effectiveness.
• How melatonin serves as a powerful antioxidant with an appropriate dosage.
• Why moderation in antioxidant use, including melatonin, is necessary for health.
• How personalized healthcare helps in understanding supplement and medication interactions.
• Why melatonin's role extends to the health of bones, joints, the gut, hair, skin, and nails.
• How lifestyle choices and hormonal balance impact menstrual health.
• Why melatonin can help manage perimenopausal symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats.
• How the timing and dosage of melatonin supplementation can be optimized for individual needs.
• Why continuous adjustments in melatonin intake may be needed as one's health circumstances change.

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Your host:

Karen Martel

Certified Hormone Specialist, Transformational Nutrition Coach, & Weight Loss Expert

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