Tara sits down with one of her mentors, Dr. Daved Rosensweet, to have an important conversation about hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and why so many women are left in the dark when it comes to their options. Dr. Rosensweet has been at the forefront of bioidentical hormone therapy for years, and in this episode, he shares his deep expertise on how to approach HRT safely and effectively.

They break down the fears and misconceptions that have prevented countless women from getting the support they need and discuss why personalized hormone therapy should be the standard—not the exception. Whether you're currently using HRT, considering it, or just want a better understanding of your options, this episode is a must-listen.

 

Key Talking Points

• Why hormones matter—they’re not just about reproductive health, but essential for brain function, bone strength, and overall vitality.
• The shocking truth about declining hormone levels—they start dropping in your 20s and never stop.
• How misinformation about hormone therapy has kept women suffering needlessly.
• The Women’s Health Initiative study—how it wrongly created fear around hormones and what the real science says.
• Bioidentical vs. synthetic hormones—why the form of hormones you use makes a massive difference.
• When to start hormone therapy—(hint: the earlier, the better).
• The importance of individualized dosing—why one-size-fits-all approaches don’t work.
• How to find a knowledgeable provider who truly understands hormone therapy.

 

Dr. Rosensweet: 

Daved Rosensweet, MD is the Founder of The Institute of BioIdentical Medicine and The Menopause Method, as well as the author of three books on the subject including his latest "Happy Healthy Hormones". 

Early in his career, Dr. Rosensweet trained the first nurse practitioners in the United States and was in charge of health promotion for the State of New Mexico.

With over 30 years of experience specializing in Andropause and Menopause treatment, he is a nationally known lecturer and presenter at The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M), The American College for Advancement in Medicine (ACAM), The Age Management Medicine Group (AMMG), and more. In 2019, he was called to Washington to speak in front of The National Academies of Science Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) on "The Safety and Efficacy of Bioidentical Hormones."

Through The Menopause Method and The Institute of BioIdentical Medicine, Dr. Rosensweet is training medical professionals to master cBHRT using the most advanced and modern tools. His protocol has been used to treat more than 12,000 women.

CUSTOMIZE TREATMENT PROGRAMS: The Menopause Method

DOWNLOAD DR ROSENSWEET'S BOOK FOR FREE:  Happy Healthy Hormones

 

 

Mentioned in this episode:

HRT Made Simple™ - Learn how to confidently speak to your doctor about the benefits of hormone replacement therapy so you can set yourself up for symptom-free, unmedicated years to come without feeling confused, dismissed, or leaving the medical office minus your HRT script.

Hair Loss Solutions Made Simple™ – This course will teach you the best natural, highly effective, and safe solutions for your hair loss so you can stop it, reverse it, and regrow healthy hair without turning to medications.

The Hormone Balance Solution™ – My signature 6-month comprehensive hormonal health program for women in midlife who want to get solid answers to their hormonal health issues once and for all so they can kick the weight gain, moodiness, gut problems, skin issues, period problems, fatigue, overwhelm, insomnia, hair/eyebrow loss, and other symptoms in order to get back to the woman they once were.

[FREE] The Ultimate Midlife Perimenopause Handbook - Grab my free guide and RECLAIM your confidence, your mood, your waistline and energy without turning to medications or restrictive diets (or spending a fortune on testing you don’t need!).

BOOK A 30-MINUTE SESSION WITH TARA HERE

 

You might also like these episodes:

 

EPISODE 55: All about HRT including rhythmic dosing, Estradiol vs. Bi-Est & more with Dr. Felice Gersh PART 1

EPISODE 79: Do you need HRT if you don't have symptoms? What if you don't have hot flashes & you're still cycling regularly?

 

One of the most valuable tests she recommends is Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA), which provides a long-term look at nutrient levels, mineral imbalances, and heavy metal exposure. Since minerals are the foundation of optimal hormone function, ensuring they are in balance is key to feeling your best. Tara also highlights the importance of stool testing for gut health and explains why she considers blood work essential for tracking long-term trends in metabolic and hormonal health.

On the flip side, she advises against spending money on hormone testing (like the DUTCH test) in perimenopause, as hormone levels fluctuate too much to provide reliable data. She also discusses why organic acids tests and food sensitivity panels often lead to unnecessary treatments instead of addressing root causes. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by lab testing options, this episode will give you clarity on where to focus your efforts—and your budget.

In this episode: 

1. The problem with unnecessary lab testing – Many women waste money on tests that don’t provide useful insights.
2. HTMA (Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis) – A must-have test that offers a deep look at mineral levels, nutrient imbalances, and heavy metals affecting hormone health.
3. Stool testing – Essential for gut health, which impacts everything from digestion to hormone metabolism.
4. Blood work – Important for tracking metabolic trends, inflammation markers, and overall health over time.
5. Why hormone testing isn’t helpful in perimenopause – Hormone levels fluctuate daily, making tests like DUTCH unreliable for assessing estrogen and progesterone levels.
6. Why organic acids and food sensitivity tests aren’t necessary – These tests often lead to additional unnecessary testing instead of targeting true root causes.
7. How to make informed choices – Focus on testing that provides actionable data and long-term health benefits.

 

BOOK A 30-MINUTE SESSION WITH TARA HERE

 

Mentioned in this episode:

BON CHARGE - Save 15% when you use Tara's code: THORNE15

HRT Made Simple™ - Learn how to confidently speak to your doctor about the benefits of hormone replacement therapy so you can set yourself up for symptom-free, unmedicated years to come without feeling confused, dismissed, or leaving the medical office minus your HRT script.

Hair Loss Solutions Made Simple™ – This course will teach you the best natural, highly effective, and safe solutions for your hair loss so you can stop it, reverse it, and regrow healthy hair without turning to medications.

The Hormone Balance Solution™ – My signature 6-month comprehensive hormonal health program for women in midlife who want to get solid answers to their hormonal health issues once and for all so they can kick the weight gain, moodiness, gut problems, skin issues, period problems, fatigue, overwhelm, insomnia, hair/eyebrow loss, and other symptoms in order to get back to the woman they once were.

[FREE] The Ultimate Midlife Perimenopause Handbook - Grab my free guide and RECLAIM your confidence, your mood, your waistline and energy without turning to medications or restrictive diets (or spending a fortune on testing you don’t need!).

 

You might also like these episodes:

EPISODE 45: My thoughts on the DUTCH test

EPISODE 91: Debunking common arguments for needing to run the DUTCH test

EPISODE 70: All about minerals & the HTMA test with Lisa-Pitel-Killah

EPISODE 74: Why I don't recommend or use food sensitivity testing

 

In this episode, Tara discusses the vital importance of paying attention to thyroid health and its significant role in overall wellness. She shares a cautionary tale of a long-time friend who was unknowingly battling severe hypothyroidism, highlighting the common misconception that thyroid issues are only linked to weight problems when, in fact, they can affect various bodily functions and overall health.

Tara emphasizes the importance of recognizing common thyroid symptoms, like fatigue, brain fog, and constipation, that are often overlooked or dismissed, especially by women in midlife who are typically more vulnerable to thyroid issues due to declining hormone levels and increased stress. She urges listeners to act preventively rather than reactively, underscoring that timely intervention could prevent severe health consequences.

 

In this episode Tara shares: 

1. Thyroid Haven - Discover why your thyroid health isn't just about weight—it's a master regulator of your entire body, from brain to bones.
2. Spot the Signs - Learn the classic symptoms of thyroid issues like fatigue, brain fog, and even low libido.
3. Temperature Tale - Why tracking your morning temperature might be the key to uncovering thyroid struggles.
4. Prioritize Prevention - Uncover why putting your health first isn’t selfish—it's the smartest thing you can do for your loved ones.
5. Master of Testing - The importance of getting the right thyroid panels and understanding functional optimal ranges.

 

BOOK A 30-MINUTE SESSION WITH TARA HERE 

 

Mentioned in this episode:

BON CHARGE - Save 15% when you use Tara's code: THORNE15

   

HRT Made Simple™ - Learn how to confidently speak to your doctor about the benefits of hormone replacement therapy so you can set yourself up for symptom-free, unmedicated years to come without feeling confused, dismissed, or leaving the medical office minus your HRT script.

   

Hair Loss Solutions Made Simple™ – This course will teach you the best natural, highly effective, and safe solutions for your hair loss so you can stop it, reverse it, and regrow healthy hair without turning to medications.

   

The Hormone Balance Solution™ – My signature 6-month comprehensive hormonal health program for women in midlife who want to get solid answers to their hormonal health issues once and for all so they can kick the weight gain, moodiness, gut problems, skin issues, period problems, fatigue, overwhelm, insomnia, hair/eyebrow loss, and other symptoms in order to get back to the woman they once were.

   

[FREE] The Ultimate Midlife Perimenopause Handbook - Grab my free guide and RECLAIM your confidence, your mood, your waistline and energy without turning to medications or restrictive diets (or spending a fortune on testing you don’t need!).     

You might also like these episodes:

EPISODE 103: Do you have SIBO? Everything you need to know about this upsetting GI condition (& how to test CORRECTLY for it)

EPISODE 114: Thyroid health in midlife: post-illness autoimmunity/hypothyroidism, why TSH will rise with iodine & this is OK, progesterone & thyroid health & more!

In this episode, Tara Thorne addresses the various health trends and myths that prevail in the wellness industry, focusing on why they're not the quick fixes they're often marketed to be. She criticizes popular ideas like parasite cleanses, colonics, keto diets, and supplements touted as magic solutions, stressing the importance of foundational health practices over such fads.

With examples and client anecdotes, Tara highlights the pitfalls of chasing after these trends without establishing strong daily wellness habits. She suggests that the key to improving health symptoms lies in consistent lifestyle practices, such as maintaining a diverse diet rich in fruits and vegetables, good sleep, and exercise habits, rather than one-size-fits-all solutions promoted on social media.

 

In this episode we discuss: 

1. Debunking Health Myths: Discover why there's no silver bullet for your health symptoms and the pitfalls of seeking magic solutions.
2. Gut Health Under the Microscope: Understand why fads like the keto and carnivore diets might be harming rather than helping your gut health.
3. The Real Deal on Biohacking: Are cold plunges and coffee enemas all they're cracked up to be? Find out what the research says.
4. Prioritizing Daily Habits: Learn practical daily habits that won't just make a difference, they'll transform your health.
5. What Really Works in 2025: From protein and produce to walking and weights—get the lowdown on lifestyle strategies that stand the test of time.

  Mentioned in this episode:

EQUIP PRIME PROTEIN – Click HERE to grab yours and use my code: TARA20 to get 20% off

   

HRT Made Simple™ - Learn how to confidently speak to your doctor about the benefits of hormone replacement therapy so you can set yourself up for symptom-free, unmedicated years to come without feeling confused, dismissed, or leaving the medical office minus your HRT script.

   

Hair Loss Solutions Made Simple™ – This course will teach you the best natural, highly effective, and safe solutions for your hair loss so you can stop it, reverse it, and regrow healthy hair without turning to medications.

   

The Hormone Balance Solution™ – My signature 6-month comprehensive hormonal health program for women in midlife who want to get solid answers to their hormonal health issues once and for all so they can kick the weight gain, moodiness, gut problems, skin issues, period problems, fatigue, overwhelm, insomnia, hair/eyebrow loss, and other symptoms in order to get back to the woman they once were.

   

[FREE] The Ultimate Midlife Perimenopause Handbook - Grab my free guide and RECLAIM your confidence, your mood, your waistline and energy without turning to medications or restrictive diets (or spending a fortune on testing you don’t need!).

 

You might also like these episodes:

EPISODE 66: Is Cold Water Therapy All It's Cracked Up To Be? PART 1

EPISODE 67: Is Cold Water Therapy All It's Cracked Up To Be? PART 2

 

Joined by Dr. Sarah, who shares her expertise and personal journey, this episode unpacks the myths and misconceptions surrounding hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for younger women and emphasizes the often-overlooked importance of hormone optimization beyond menopause.

Dr. Sarah advocates for a personalized approach to hormone care, championing the use of bioidentical hormones and challenging outdated views tied to traditional lab reference ranges. She explains the delicate interplay between estrogen and progesterone, highlighting their critical roles in supporting vitality and preventing disease, while addressing the persistent fears around estrogen that stem from flawed past studies.

This episode offers a refreshing, symptom-focused approach to hormone health, encouraging women to prioritize how they feel over strictly adhering to lab numbers. Dr. Sarah also shares practical insights on innovative hormone delivery methods and her groundbreaking work at Inner Balance. With a focus on empowering women, this conversation inspires listeners to take charge of their hormonal well-being with confidence and clarity.

We discussed: 

1. Young and Hormone-Healthy: Discover why hormone health isn’t just for those in menopause and how younger women can benefit from optimized hormone levels.
2. The Truth About Testing: We break down why symptom relief should lead the way in HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy), rather than strict lab values that might not tell the whole story.
3. Environmental Influence: Learn how environmental factors and lifestyle shifts could be impacting your hormone levels, regardless of your age.
4. Progesterone Potential: Uncover the critical role progesterone plays in thyroid health and its surprising impact on autoimmune disorders.
5. Tackling Misconceptions: We chat about the myths surrounding estrogen dominance and why both estrogen and progesterone are essential for your well-being.

 

 

Mentioned in this episode:

HERBATONIN - use Tara's discount code for 15% off, which is Tara15

 

HRT Made Simple™ - Learn how to confidently speak to your doctor about the benefits of hormone replacement therapy so you can set yourself up for symptom-free, unmedicated years to come without feeling confused, dismissed, or leaving the medical office minus your HRT script.

Hair Loss Solutions Made Simple™ – This course will teach you the best natural, highly effective, and safe solutions for your hair loss so you can stop it, reverse it, and regrow healthy hair without turning to medications.

The Hormone Balance Solution™ – My signature 6-month comprehensive hormonal health program for women in midlife who want to get solid answers to their hormonal health issues once and for all so they can kick the weight gain, moodiness, gut problems, skin issues, period problems, fatigue, overwhelm, insomnia, hair/eyebrow loss, and other symptoms in order to get back to the woman they once were.

[FREE] The Ultimate Midlife Perimenopause Handbook - Grab my free guide and RECLAIM your confidence, your mood, your waistline and energy without turning to medications or restrictive diets (or spending a fortune on testing you don’t need!).

 

 

You might also enjoy these episodes:

EPISODE 88: Largest study on HRT (10M women!). What were the findings?

EPISODE 96: What is "estrogen kickback" when you start on progesterone HRT? 

 

 

Hi, I'm Tara Thorne, FDN-P, RHN, FNC, CMRCP. Basically? I’m a women's health and hormone expert. After serving thousands of women in my 10+ years of clinical experience, I bring you The Hormone Balance Solution podcast - a podcast aimed to educate and empower midlife women.

Midlife can be a confronting time but it doesn’t have to be a bumpy ride. No matter where you’re at, or where you’ve come from we can get you feeling better in midlife than you have in years - plus set yourself up for healthier decades to come.

I’ll be bringing you weekly doses of inspiration, education and conversations with amazing people to give you real, actionable strategies for supporting your health now and in the future.

So tune in, make sure you’re subscribed, leave a review, and get ready to learn important health information that isn’t readily available …. everything you need to know and nothing you don't.

 

Many women experience a lack of hunger in the morning, but Tara explains why this could be a sign of deeper health concerns.

In this episode, Tara highlights how a healthy morning appetite is a key indicator of metabolic health. She explains how skipping breakfast or feeling uninterested in food early in the day could point to hormonal imbalances, such as cortisol dysregulation or thyroid issues. And as always, she makes it clear, the critical role of a protein-rich breakfast in preventing muscle loss and supporting overall health, especially as we age.

Tara shares practical strategies to help improve morning appetite, such as managing stress and incorporating more protein and produce into your diet. She also challenges common approaches like fasting, encouraging women to prioritize consistent eating habits—particularly during midlife, when hormonal shifts can add extra strain on the body. Tune in for actionable advice to help you support your metabolism, hormones, and overall well-being.

In this episode we cover: 

• Hunger and Health Signals: An absence of morning hunger might indicate hormonal imbalances or potential thyroid issues. It's vital to listen to your body's signals and understand what they might be indicating about your health.
• Importance of Protein: Eating at least 35 grams of protein at breakfast is crucial. This fuels muscle growth, combats anabolic resistance, and lowers the risk of chronic diseases such as osteoporosis and type 2 diabetes.
• Stress Management: Tara emphasizes the importance of managing stress through proactive measures like meditation and slowing down, rather than relying on physical activities as stress busters.
• Reconsider Fasting: Especially in midlife, fasting might not be the best strategy as it can affect your hormone balance and stress resilience.
• Monitor Your Metabolic Health: Regular testing for markers like fasting insulin is recommended to maintain and improve metabolic health.

 

 

Mentioned in this episode:

EQUIP PRIME PROTEIN – Click HERE to grab yours and use my code: TARA20 to get 20% off

 

HRT Made Simple™ - Learn how to confidently speak to your doctor about the benefits of hormone replacement therapy so you can set yourself up for symptom-free, unmedicated years to come without feeling confused, dismissed, or leaving the medical office minus your HRT script.

Hair Loss Solutions Made Simple™ – This course will teach you the best natural, highly effective, and safe solutions for your hair loss so you can stop it, reverse it, and regrow healthy hair without turning to medications.

The Hormone Balance Solution™ – My signature 6-month comprehensive hormonal health program for women in midlife who want to get solid answers to their hormonal health issues once and for all so they can kick the weight gain, moodiness, gut problems, skin issues, period problems, fatigue, overwhelm, insomnia, hair/eyebrow loss, and other symptoms in order to get back to the woman they once were.

[FREE] The Ultimate Midlife Perimenopause Handbook - Grab my free guide and RECLAIM your confidence, your mood, your waistline and energy without turning to medications or restrictive diets (or spending a fortune on testing you don’t need!).

 

 

You might also enjoy these episodes:

EPISODE 38: Blood sugar balance is foundational to you feeling better in your 40's, (& yours is probably imbalanced)

EPISODE 54: Exercise, weight loss & fasting for the mid-life woman with Chris DeHollander

 

 

Hi, I'm Tara Thorne, FDN-P, RHN, FNC, CMRCP. Basically? I’m a women's health and hormone expert. After serving thousands of women in my 10+ years of clinical experience, I bring you The Hormone Balance Solution podcast - a podcast aimed to educate and empower midlife women.

Midlife can be a confronting time but it doesn’t have to be a bumpy ride. No matter where you’re at, or where you’ve come from we can get you feeling better in midlife than you have in years - plus set yourself up for healthier decades to come.

I’ll be bringing you weekly doses of inspiration, education and conversations with amazing people to give you real, actionable strategies for supporting your health now and in the future.

So tune in, make sure you’re subscribed, leave a review, and get ready to learn important health information that isn’t readily available …. everything you need to know and nothing you don't.

Understanding thyroid health becomes increasingly vital as many may encounter issues like hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's during midlife. What's less known is the role hormones, particularly progesterone, play in supporting thyroid function.

In this episode, Tara delves into how declining progesterone levels during perimenopause contribute to sluggish thyroid activity. She explains the crucial interconnection between progesterone and thyroid health, alongside the impact of aging, inflammation, and stress on the thyroid as we age.

Tara highlights the significance of being proactive about thyroid health by advocating for comprehensive thyroid testing. She offers insights into how lifestyle changes, along with hormone and thyroid hormone replacement therapies, can be utilized as remedies to support thyroid and overall health during midlife.

 

In this episode we cover:

1. The concept of "thyropause" and its significance as we age.
2. Why progesterone is a crucial ally for your thyroid, especially in midlife.
3. Common symptoms of a sluggish thyroid and how they might be misdiagnosed.
4. The importance of comprehensive thyroid blood tests and why T3 is a game-changer.
5. The role of illnesses like COVID in triggering thyroid complications.

 

VIEW MY BLACK FRIDAY TESTING PACKAGES HERE     Mentioned in this episode:

HERBATONIN - Save 15% HERE when you use Tara's code: Tara15 

 

HRT Made Simple™ - Learn how to confidently speak to your doctor about the benefits of hormone replacement therapy so you can set yourself up for symptom-free, unmedicated years to come without feeling confused, dismissed, or leaving the medical office minus your HRT script.  

Hair Loss Solutions Made Simple™ – This course will teach you the best natural, highly effective, and safe solutions for your hair loss so you can stop it, reverse it, and regrow healthy hair without turning to medications.  

The Hormone Balance Solution™ – My signature 6-month comprehensive hormonal health program for women in midlife who want to get solid answers to their hormonal health issues once and for all so they can kick the weight gain, moodiness, gut problems, skin issues, period problems, fatigue, overwhelm, insomnia, hair/eyebrow loss, and other symptoms in order to get back to the woman they once were.  

[FREE] The Ultimate Midlife Perimenopause Handbook - Grab my free guide and RECLAIM your confidence, your mood, your waistline and energy without turning to medications or restrictive diets (or spending a fortune on testing you don’t need!).

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi, I'm Tara Thorne, FDN-P, RHN, FNC, CMRCP. Basically? I’m a women's health and hormone expert. After serving thousands of women in my 10+ years of clinical experience, I bring you The Hormone Balance Solution podcast - a podcast aimed to educate and empower midlife women.

Midlife can be a confronting time but it doesn’t have to be a bumpy ride. No matter where you’re at, or where you’ve come from we can get you feeling better in midlife than you have in years - plus set yourself up for healthier decades to come.

I’ll be bringing you weekly doses of inspiration, education and conversations with amazing people to give you real, actionable strategies for supporting your health now and in the future.

So tune in, make sure you’re subscribed, leave a review, and get ready to learn important health information that isn’t readily available …. everything you need to know and nothing you don't.

We welcome back Carol Petersen, for an informative Q&A style discussion. She helps us unearth the intricate relationship between progesterone and various aspects of women's health. From its influence on the GABA receptor, affecting both mood and hormonal balance, to its potential benefits during breastfeeding and in managing postpartum depression, this episode digs into progesterone's multifaceted role.

We also tackle crucial health concerns, such as its implications in endometrial cancer treatment and the myths around its cancer risks. Carol shares her expertise on utilizing progesterone for PMS, migraines, and sleep issues, emphasizing a tailored approach influenced by symptoms rather than standard hormone tests.

Join us for an enlightening conversation that promises to shed light on achieving hormonal harmony in various stages of life.

In this episode: 

1. Progesterone's Dual Role: Did you know that progesterone shares a receptor action with benzodiazepines? Discover how this impacts your GABA receptors and overall well-being.
2. Breastfeeding and Balance: Learn whether it's safe to take progesterone while nursing and how it can support moms dealing with postpartum blues.
3. Spot on Spotting: Is mid-cycle spotting driving you nuts? We delve into what those frustrating spots might be telling you about your estrogen and progesterone levels.
4. Hormones and Heartbeats: Ever felt your heart skipping a beat? Uncover the link between hormone levels, adrenaline spikes, and those pesky palpitations.
5. Endometriosis Insights: We're diving deep into the role of hormonal treatment in managing endometriosis, shedding light on vitamin D and candida connections.

 

About Carol Petersen, RPh, CNP: Carol Petersen is an accomplished compounding pharmacist with decades of experience helping patients improve their quality of life through bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin School of Pharmacy and is a Certified Nutritional Practitioner. Her passion to optimize health and commitment to compounding is evident in her involvement with organizations including the International College of Integrated Medicine and the American College of Apothecaries, the Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M), American Pharmacists Association and the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding.

She was also the founder and first chair for the Compounding Special Interest Group with the American Pharmacists Association. She chairs the Integrated Medicine Consortium, an umbrella group for complementary medicine organizations.

She cohosts a radio program “Take Charge of your Health” in the greater New York area. She is on the Medical Advisory Boards for the Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research (CeMCOR.ca) and the Institute for Bioidentical Medicine (IOBIM.org). She also writes and edits for A4M’s website www.worldhealth.net and is a coproducer of “Immortality Now” podcasts. She offers personal consultations at www.thewellnessbydesignproject.com.

For those seeking personalized guidance, Carol and the Wellness By Design Project offer free 15-minute consults, 1-hour consultations, and 3-month coaching packages HERE. You can also find Carol on Youtube HERE. 

Mentioned in this episode: PALEOVALLEY – Grab your nutrient-dense, whole food goodies as mentioned in this episode, HERE

Hair Loss Solutions Made Simple™ - This course will teach you the best natural, highly effective, and safe solutions for your hair loss so you can stop it, reverse it, and regrow healthy hair without turning to medications. 

The Hormone Balance Solution™ – My signature 6-month comprehensive hormonal health program for women in midlife who want to get solid answers to their hormonal health issues once and for all so they can kick the weight gain, moodiness, gut problems, skin issues, period problems, fatigue, overwhelm, insomnia, hair/eyebrow loss, and other symptoms in order to get back to the woman they once were.

HRT Made Simple™ - Learn how to confidently speak to your doctor about the benefits of hormone replacement therapy so you can set yourself up for symptom-free, unmedicated years to come without feeling confused, dismissed, or leaving the medical office minus your HRT script.

[FREE] The Ultimate Midlife Perimenopause Handbook - Grab my free guide and RECLAIM your confidence, your mood, your waistline and energy without turning to medications or restrictive diets (or spending a fortune on testing you don’t need!).

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi, I'm Tara Thorne, FDN-P, RHN, FNC, CMRCP. Basically? I’m a women's health and hormone expert. After serving thousands of women in my 10+ years of clinical experience, I bring you The Hormone Balance Solution podcast - a podcast aimed to educate and empower midlife women.

Midlife can be a confronting time but it doesn’t have to be a bumpy ride. No matter where you’re at, or where you’ve come from we can get you feeling better in midlife than you have in years - plus set yourself up for healthier decades to come.

I’ll be bringing you weekly doses of inspiration, education and conversations with amazing people to give you real, actionable strategies for supporting your health now and in the future.

So tune in, make sure you’re subscribed, leave a review, and get ready to learn important health information that isn’t readily available …. everything you need to know and nothing you don't.

In this episode, Tara Thorne shares a major shift in her approach to gut health testing, explaining her decision to move away from the GI Map toward more advanced stool tests that offer deeper insights. After working with hundreds of GI Maps, Tara saw limitations in culture-based testing and now champions newer DNA-based technologies that reveal a fuller picture of gut health—essential for overall wellness.

Tara discusses the benefits of cutting-edge DNA testing, like shotgun metagenomic sequencing, which provides species and strain-level details, identifies key metabolites, and allows for a more accurate assessment of the gut microbiome. This in-depth data empowers practitioners to better support individuals dealing with gut-related issues that affect digestion, brain function, and more.

With these enhanced tools, Tara promotes a balanced approach to gut health, steering away from aggressive, pathogen-focused treatments. Instead, she emphasizes dietary adjustments and targeted probiotics to nurture the microbiome for both immediate and long-term benefits. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to optimize their gut health with a holistic, science-backed approach.

 

In this episode: 

⚡ The Big Switch-Up: Why we’ve moved away from the GI Map - Discover the reasons behind this pivotal change in my practice and what new options are offering us an edge.

🧬 Understanding Different DNA Testing Technologies: We’ll explore why one size does not fit all when it comes to stool tests and how various technologies can impact your results.

🔍 The Importance of Metabolites: Learn all about these crucial components of our gut health picture and why metabolites could explain many of your symptoms.

🌱 From Killing to Cultivating: Explore the gentler, more sustainable approach to balancing gut bacteria that moves away from harsh antimicrobials to nurturing the good guys.

🥑 Food as Your Gut's Best Friend: Get to know how simple dietary tweaks can immensely impact your gut ecosystem, without relinquishing all your favorites.

 

Mentioned in this episode:

EQUIP PRIME PROTEIN – Click HERE to grab yours and use my code: TARA20 to get 20% off

HRT Made Simple™ - Learn how to confidently speak to your doctor about the benefits of hormone replacement therapy so you can set yourself up for symptom-free, unmedicated years to come without feeling confused, dismissed, or leaving the medical office minus your HRT script.  

Hair Loss Solutions Made Simple™ – This course will teach you the best natural, highly effective, and safe solutions for your hair loss so you can stop it, reverse it, and regrow healthy hair without turning to medications.  

The Perimenopause Solution™ – My signature 6-month comprehensive hormonal health program for women in midlife who want to get solid answers to their hormonal health issues once and for all so they can kick the weight gain, moodiness, gut problems, skin issues, period problems, fatigue, overwhelm, insomnia, hair/eyebrow loss, and other symptoms in order to get back to the woman they once were.  

[FREE] The Ultimate Midlife Perimenopause Handbook - Grab my free guide and RECLAIM your confidence, your mood, your waistline and energy without turning to medications or restrictive diets (or spending a fortune on testing you don’t need!).

 

 

You might also enjoy these episodes:

EPISODE 104: How high fat (keto/carnivore) diets can destroy gut health & the new stool tests we are using

EPISODE 74: Why I don't recommend or use food sensitivity testing

EPISODE 111: Gut health IS health. How many approach gut health incorrectly & why the right testing matters with Dr. Jason Hawrelak.

 

Hi, I'm Tara Thorne, FDN-P, RHN, FNC, CMRCP. Basically? I’m a women's health and hormone expert. After serving thousands of women in my 10+ years of clinical experience, I bring you The Hormone Balance Solution podcast - a podcast aimed to educate and empower midlife women.

Midlife can be a confronting time but it doesn’t have to be a bumpy ride. No matter where you’re at, or where you’ve come from we can get you feeling better in midlife than you have in years - plus set yourself up for healthier decades to come.

I’ll be bringing you weekly doses of inspiration, education and conversations with amazing people to give you real, actionable strategies for supporting your health now and in the future.

So tune in, make sure you’re subscribed, leave a review, and get ready to learn important health information that isn’t readily available …. everything you need to know and nothing you don't.

In this episode of The Hormone Balance Solution, Tara Thorne sits down with Dr. Jason Hawrelak to discuss the critical role that gut health plays in overall wellness. Together, they explore how dietary choices—especially fiber and polyphenols—are essential for maintaining a balanced gut microbiome, and they highlight the risks of a low-fiber diet, including inflammation and microbial imbalances that can lead to long-term issues.

Tara and Dr. Hawrelak also address the impact of antibiotic overuse on gut health, emphasizing why it’s crucial to question whether antibiotics are truly necessary, particularly in cases of viral infections. Dr. Hawrelak dispels common myths around cooking with extra virgin olive oil, explaining why it’s actually a stable, healthy fat choice.

They wrap up the conversation by discussing gut integrity, transit time, and the value of personalized microbiome assessments in supporting health goals. This episode is filled with actionable insights and tips for enhancing digestive health and overall well-being. Don’t miss it!

 

🌿 Gut Microbiome Dynamics: Learn about the critical role of dietary choices in shaping your gut microbiome. Dr. Hawrelak sheds light on the negative feedback loop resulting from low-fiber diets, emphasizing the importance of fiber for a balanced gut ecosystem.

🔥 Cooking Oils Debate: Tara and Dr. Hawrelak passionately discuss the benefits of different fats. While Tara sticks with butter, Dr. Hawrelak makes a compelling case for extra virgin olive oil's stability in cooking—break through the myths with evidence-backed insights.

🔬 Microbiome Assessments: Discover why microbiome testing is transformative for understanding gut health. Dr. Hawrelak explains how these assessments can provide crucial insights, particularly for conditions like leaky gut.

🌱 Herbs and the Microbiome: Explore Dr. Hawrelak's eye-opening research on the effects of herbs like oregano and garlic on beneficial bacteria. He warns about the overreliance on certain herbs and offers better alternatives for supporting health without harming your microbiome.

🤔 Rethinking Antibiotics: Engage with the conversation about the cautious use of antibiotics, especially in cases where they may do more harm than good. Tara shares a personal anecdote exemplifying the dilemmas faced by many.

🧬 Cutting-edge Testing Techniques: The rise in advanced DNA-based testing is revolutionizing how we understand microbial diversity. Learn how these groundbreaking technologies can illuminate the path to a healthier gut.

 

Dr Jason Hawrelak:

Dr Jason Hawrelak is a researcher, educator, Western herbalist, and naturopathic physician with 25 years’ clinical experience. He did his PhD examining the capacity of probiotics, prebiotics and herbal medicines to modify the gastrointestinal tract microbiota and teaches worldwide on the topics of microbiota modification and gastrointestinal health. He has published extensively in these areas, including 20 textbook chapters. Dr Hawrelak is on the Medical Nutrition Council of the American Society for Nutrition and is a Fellow of both the American College of Nutrition and the Naturopaths and Herbalists Association of Australia. Dr Hawrelak maintains a busy online clinical practice in Hobart, Tasmania.

Dr Hawrelak has taught health professionals at both the undergraduate and postgraduate level for the past 20+ years. He is currently teaches natural approaches to Gastroenterology within the University of Western States Master of Science in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine program (Portland, Oregon). Additionally, Dr Hawrelak is Chief Research Officer at ProbioticAdvisor.com, which offers a searchable database that enables easy, evidence-based prescribing of probiotic products and is Lead Educator at the Microbiome Restoration Center, which offers online courses for clinicians to learn more about gastrointestinal health and the human microbiome and how they can positively influence these ecosystems to optimise health outcomes.

 

Mentioned in this episode:

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The Hormone Balance Solution™ – My signature 6-month comprehensive hormonal health program for women in midlife who want to get solid answers to their hormonal health issues once and for all so they can kick the weight gain, moodiness, gut problems, skin issues, period problems, fatigue, overwhelm, insomnia, hair/eyebrow loss, and other symptoms in order to get back to the woman they once were.  

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You might also enjoy these episodes:

EPISODE 104: How high fat (keto/carnivore) diets can destroy gut health & the new stool tests we are using

EPISODE 74: Why I don't recommend or use food sensitivity testing

EPISODE 112: Why we stopped using the GI MAP in my practice & how we are approaching gut testing these days 

 

Hi, I'm Tara Thorne, FDN-P, RHN, FNC, CMRCP. Basically? I’m a women's health and hormone expert. After serving thousands of women in my 10+ years of clinical experience, I bring you The Hormone Balance Solution podcast - a podcast aimed to educate and empower midlife women.

Midlife can be a confronting time but it doesn’t have to be a bumpy ride. No matter where you’re at, or where you’ve come from we can get you feeling better in midlife than you have in years - plus set yourself up for healthier decades to come.

I’ll be bringing you weekly doses of inspiration, education and conversations with amazing people to give you real, actionable strategies for supporting your health now and in the future.

So tune in, make sure you’re subscribed, leave a review, and get ready to learn important health information that isn’t readily available …. everything you need to know and nothing you don't.