The Perimenopause Solution Podcast

• 140: Jill Chmielewski RN, BSN & Tara talk critical metabolic & biological shifts in perimenopause, when to start hormones & more.

  Perimenopause brings a lot of changes but there is good news! You see, when you understand what’s actually happening in your body, you can take back control.   In this week’s episode of The Perimenopause Solution, I sit down with Jill Chmielewski, RN, BSN to unpack the critical metabolic and biological shifts that happen during perimenopause, and what you can do right now to support your body, energy, and long-term health.   In the episode, we cover: The surprising connection between your hormones, muscle, and metabolism How to spot the early signs of imbalance before they spiral out of control  When HRT makes sense vs. when it might not What you can start doing today to support your energy, mood, and longevity   Midlife isn’t a downhill slide but an invitation to approach your health in a whole new way. You have options, and this episode will help you understand them.   Jill Chmielewski, RN, BSN Jill Chmielewski, RN, BSN, is a Registered Nurse, Health Coach, Menopause Educator, and Women’s Health Advocate with over 30 years of experience in healthcare. She is a bold voice in the midlife health movement, calling out the outdated belief that it’s all downhill after 40—and replacing it with something far more powerful: the truth that a woman’s next chapter can be her strongest, healthiest, and most vibrant yet. Jill holds a Master of Jurisprudence in Health Law and is a certified health coach from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN). She has completed advanced training through the School of Applied Functional Medicine and the Institute of Bioidentical Medicine, with deep expertise in menopause, hormones, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). As Education Lead at Respin Health, founded by Halle Berry, Jill combines science-based education with deep compassion and clinical insight, helping women understand their bodies, advocate for their health, and make informed, confident decisions. Her work is rooted in the belief that decline is not inevitable—it’s simply what happens when we fail to adapt to our bodies' needs in midlife and as we age. Jill is the co-creator of two personalized Menopause Health & Hormone Optimization programs, the creator of The Beginner’s Guide to Hormone Replacement Therapy, and a trusted clinician known for making complex topics clear, approachable, and actionable. Most recently, Jill was featured in the groundbreaking menopause docuseries "Four Days," created by filmmaker Charles Mattocks and a passionate team of experts and women willing to share their stories. The series was born from a quiet question: What if we finally changed the conversation, and turned into a movement? Because the silence around menopause has gone on too long. And because women deserve to be seen, heard, and supported in this next chapter of life. The docuseries is expected to air in late fall 2025.  Jill's Links:  Website Instagram Respin Health HRT Telehealth Programs for women in the following states: California, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Arizona, Illinois, and Ohio   Watch on Youtube HERE.   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 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!).   [BOOK A 30-MINUTE SESSION WITH TARA HERE]  

  --------  

  56:20

  --------

  56:20
• 139: Not "everything" is solved with HRT. It's not a magic bullet.

  We live in a world where convenience rules and quick fixes are everywhere-whether it’s for pain, sleep, or anxiety. But when it comes to HRT, I urge you to slow down. The truth? Many women expect instant results from HRT, but that’s rarely the case. The dosage might need tweaking.Your body might react unpredictably at first. And sometimes, what looks like a hormone issue is rooted elsewhere entirely. In this episode:  Why HRT Isn’t a Magic Bullet: Get the lowdown on why leaning solely on HRT for symptoms like fatigue, sleep problems, or mood swings often leads to disappointment—and even more questions! The Power of Foundations: Discover the critical role that sleep, movement, diet, and stress management play—before, during, and after starting HRT. Trial and Error with HRT: Hear real talk about how finding the right hormone dose is a process, and why side effects are common if foundational health isn’t sorted out. Don’t Get Trapped by “Single Solution” Thinking: Learn the pitfalls of following experts who only talk about one thing (whether that’s HRT, gut health, or protein). Diversity in your approach is key! Gut Health’s Surprising Role: Uncover stories showing how gut health—not always hormones—is sometimes the secret culprit behind night-time bathroom trips, brain fog, and even fatigue.   Mentioned in this episode: Purchase Herbatonin here - Save 10% when you use Tara's code: Tara10 MegaSporeBiotic – Click HERE to grab this probiotic and use my practitioner code, which also gets you 10% off: TaraMegaSpore Paleovalley – Grab your goodies as mentioned in this episode, HERE Blue Light Blocking Glasses Recommendations: Baxter Blue (Australian site) Save 15% when you use Tara's code: Tara15 Bon Charge Save 15% 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 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!).   [BOOK A 30-MINUTE SESSION WITH TARA HERE]

  --------  

  20:33

  --------

  20:33
• 138: Quick case study: you don't have to have gut symptoms to have gut issues driving your symptoms

  Many people assume that gut problems always show up as bloating, pain, or digestive distress — but that’s far from the truth. In this episode, Tara explains why everyone who cares about their long-term health and longevity should be paying attention to their gut… even if they think their digestion is just fine. From fatigue and brain fog to anxiety, weight gain, autoimmune issues, and even fertility challenges — the gut often plays a bigger role than you might realize. Tara shares a real-life client case: a woman with zero gut symptoms whose stool test revealed significant bacterial imbalances that were quietly driving inflammation and impacting her health. You’ll learn why markers like LPS (lipopolysaccharides) and butyrate are so important, how they connect to inflammation throughout the body, and why a truly comprehensive stool test is non-negotiable if you want real answers. Tara also explains why not all tests — and not all practitioners — are created equal, and how to ensure you’re working with someone who understands the full complexity of the microbiome. Whether you’re chasing down stubborn symptoms or simply want to stay vibrant and healthy for years to come, this episode will inspire you to make your gut a top priority. Tara explains that: Comprehensive stool testing is essential for everyone, not just those with digestive symptoms. This helps identify issues that may be quietly driving systemic inflammation. Markers like LPS (lipopolysaccharides) and butyrate on stool tests provide vital insights into the inflammatory state of your gut—and, by extension, your whole body. If your test doesn’t measure these, you’re missing valuable information. Imbalances (dysbiosis) can exist without gut symptoms and still drive conditions like fatigue, autoimmunity, and infertility. Understanding your unique microbiome can be truly game-changing for your health path. Watch on Youtube.    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 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!).   [BOOK A 30-MINUTE SESSION WITH TARA HERE]

  --------  

  12:28

  --------

  12:28
• 137: A candid chat with Esther Blum about perimenopause, insomnia, changes after pregnancy, HRT & so much more.

  This week on the podcast, I’m joined by my friend and fellow practitioner Esther Blum;  integrative dietitian, best-selling author, and someone who knows what it actually takes to feel better in perimenopause.   We get real about all of it - from postpartum hormone shifts, to the mental weight of motherhood, navigating HRT, and why women are done with being dismissed.   Esther shares what helped her reclaim her energy and identity (hint: it wasn’t just supplements or sleep hygiene), and we talk through the deep nervous system shifts that so many women don’t even realize are affecting their hormones.   Here’s a peek at what we get into: How postpartum depletion can carry into your 40s The shame women feel around burnout and needing help How libido, confidence, and self-trust are all connected The difference between “doing all the right things” vs. actually feeling better Why midlife women need to be informed about perimenopause and HRT   Esther Blum: Esther Blum is a Menopause Dietitian and Keynote Speaker. In the past 27+ years she has helped thousands of women master menopause through nutrition, hormones and self-advocacy. Esther is the bestselling author of See ya later, Ovulator, Cavewomen Don't Get Fat, Eat, Drink and Be Gorgeous, Secrets of Gorgeous, and The Eat, Drink, and Be Gorgeous Project. Known as Gwyneth Paltrow's menopause mentor, Esther has appeared on the Today Show, ABC-TV, and Good Day NY and is frequently quoted in Forbes, goop, Well + Good, Ben Greenfield Life, Time Magazine, and The New York Post. Esther received a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Nutrition from Simmons College in Boston and is a graduate of New York University, where she received her Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition. Esther is credentialed as a registered dietitian, a certified dietitian-nutritionist and a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS), the certification from the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists (BCNS). Esther lives in CT with her family where she can be seen fixing a mocktail, taking long walks, and singing karaoke by the fire pit. Instagram: @gorgeousesther Website: https://estherblum.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/estherblum The Midlife Realignment™ Podcast: https://estherblum.com/podcast/ Make Menopause Your Bitch: https://makemenopauseyourbitch.com/ Macro Reset: https://makemenopauseyourbitch.com/join Watch on Youtube here: https://youtu.be/C4bXjGzux9U Mentioned in this episode: EQUIP PRIME PROTEIN – Click HERE to grab yours and use my code: TARA to get 15% off. When you sign up for a subscription via my link, you’ll save 30% on the first month & 15% on any subsequent months! HERBATONIN - Click HERE to visit the shop. Save 10% when you use Tara's code: Tara10 PIQUE TEA – These are some of Tara’s favourite teas! They’re crystal form, which makes them super unique and easy to transport in your purse, (they come in single use satchels!) and higher in polyphenols. They’re made from high quality ingredients with triple toxin screening, (super important when it comes to your tea). Click HERE to visit the shop. 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!).   [BOOK A 30-MINUTE SESSION WITH TARA HERE]

  --------  

  49:26

  --------

  49:26
• 136: The wonderous health benefits of soy & flax & why all women should consider consuming these foods.

  Despite common myths, soy and flax can be powerful allies for women’s health - especially during perimenopause and menopause. In this episode, Tara sets the record straight on the hotly debated topics of soy and flax. If you’ve been hearing mixed messages online - especially about these foods being “estrogenic” or dangerous -it’s time to clear the air with research-backed facts!   In this episode you'll learn: 🔹 Soy is linked to multiple health benefits: Regular soy intake is shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer, improve cognitive function, and support heart and bone health - especially for peri- and postmenopausal women. The quality of your gut bacteria plays a key role in how well you benefit from soy. 🔹 Flax is a natural estrogen modulator: Far from being “dangerous,” flax helps balance estrogen by modulating it, not just increasing or decreasing levels - plus it supports cancer prevention, reduces inflammation, and even helps the body process estrogen down healthier pathways. 🔹 Food > Fear: If anyone tells you to avoid soy or flax without sound evidence, take pause. These are nutrient-dense, research-supported foods, not dangerous “no-nos.” Tara recommends 2 tbsp of ground flax daily, and incorporating soy foods like miso, natto, tempeh, or edamame 2–3 times a week. Watch the podcast on Youtube    Mentioned in this episode: EQUIP PRIME PROTEIN – Click HERE to grab yours and use my code: TARA to get 15% off. When you sign up for a subscription via my link, you’ll save 30% on the first month & 15% on any subsequent months! HERBATONIN - Click HERE to visit the shop. Save 10% when you use Tara's code: Tara10 PIQUE TEA – These are some of Tara’s favourite teas! They’re crystal form, which makes them super unique and easy to transport in your purse, (they come in single use satchels!) and higher in polyphenols. They’re made from high quality ingredients with triple toxin screening, (super important when it comes to your tea). Click HERE to visit the shop. 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!).   [BOOK A 30-MINUTE SESSION WITH TARA HERE]

  --------  

  34:37

  --------

  34:37

More Health & Wellness podcasts

Trending Health & Wellness podcasts

About The Perimenopause Solution Podcast

The Perimenopause Solution Podcast: Podcasts in Family