If you're in your 40s and wondering why your go-to health strategies aren’t working anymore, this episode is your wake-up call. Up to 80% of women develop insulin resistance during perimenopause—and most don’t even know it. Weight gain, cravings, brain fog, poor sleep, and stubborn belly fat could all be signs your metabolism is being hijacked by hormonal shifts. But here’s the kicker: you don’t have to look overweight to be metabolically unhealthy. In this episode, Dr. Jolene Brighten breaks down the hormonal chaos of midlife, the labs your doctor probably isn’t running, and the nutrition and lifestyle upgrades that actually work—no fads required.

Download the free Perimenopause Weight Loss Action Plan at: https://drbrighten.com/plan

This Episode is Brought to You By:

Dr. Brighten Essentials: use code POD15 for 15% off – Supporting parents and families with tools that work. https://drbrightenessentials.com

Sunlighten Infrared Saunas: use the code drbrighten to save up to $1,400 on your sauna purchase. http://drbrighten.com/sunlighten

Want to reach an audience of health-literate, proactive women who care deeply about hormones and longevity? Email [email protected] to inquire about sponsorship opportunities.

Dr. Brighten Essentials Products:

- Women's Probiotic with Lactobacillus rhamnosus https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/womens-probiotic

- Thyroid Support Formula https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/thyroid-support

- Myo Inositol Plus with chromium, green tea, and 2,000 mcg of myo-inositol https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/myoinositol-plus

Podcast Episodes:

- Perimenopause 101 – What’s Happening to Your Hormones? https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/perimenopause-symptoms-solutions-explained/ 

- How to Lose Weight in Perimenopause Without Losing Your Mind https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/perimenopause-how-to-lose-weight/

- Is HRT The Answer? Top HRT Questions Answered https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/should-you-consider-hrt/ 

- Sleep in Perimenopause https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/struggling-with-sleep-amp-anxiety/ 

- The Vagus Nerve and Stress Regulation https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/why-you-need-to-stimulate-vagus-nerve/ 

- Carbs, Muscle, and Hormones with Dr. Stephanie Estima https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/fitness-for-menopause/ 

- Neurodivergent Women and Hormone Health https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/adhd-types-and-hormones/ 

- Dr. Staci Whitman: Oral Health https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/mouth-breathing-in-children/

Articles & Tools:

- Can You Get Pregnant in Perimenopause? https://drbrighten.com/can-i-get-pregnant-during-perimenopause/ 

- Why Can’t I Sleep in Perimenopause https://drbrighten.com/perimenopause-sleep-issues/ 

- How to Lose Weight in Menopause https://drbrighten.com/menopause-weight-loss/ 

- Visceral Fat in Women (aka Belly Fat) & How to Lose It https://drbrighten.com/menopause-belly-fat/

Study:

Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode- Study: Estrogen Therapy & Insulin Sensitivity https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25883987/

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