The Perimenopause Solution Podcast

• 121: All-things-cortisol in perimenopause. Are levels usually high or low? Should we test cortisol? If so, how? Everything you need to know!

  Cortisol plays a critical role in how your body handles stress, energy, and metabolism—but in perimenopause, it can easily become imbalanced, leading to fatigue, weight gain, anxiety, and disrupted sleep. In this episode, Tara unpacks everything you need to know about cortisol, including why adrenal testing often isn’t necessary and what really works to regulate stress hormones. If you’ve ever been told your cortisol is “too high” or “too low” and left wondering what to do about it, this episode will bring clarity. Tara shares practical, effective strategies to support your adrenals and feel more balanced—without wasting money on unnecessary tests or expensive supplements.   In this episode:  What cortisol actually does in the body—why it’s not “bad” and is essential for survival How perimenopause makes you more stress-sensitive and why that leads to symptoms like fatigue, anxiety, and weight gain The truth about adrenal testing—why it often gives misleading results and doesn’t change the approach to healing The biggest contributors to cortisol dysregulation—including diet, lifestyle, and nervous system health Practical, effective ways to support your adrenals without relying on gimmicks or unnecessary supplements Why blood sugar balance is crucial for cortisol regulation and how to stabilize it throughout the day The role of minerals in adrenal function and how to replenish what stress depletes The connection between cortisol and sleep issues—how to improve rest without relying on melatonin or sleeping pills What women in perimenopause should prioritize first before considering any form of cortisol testing     MARCH 2025 LIVE TRAINING! THE PERIMENOPAUSE RESET: From rollercoaster hormones to feeling better in midlife than you did in your 20s. Your Proven 3-Step Roadmap to Thrive in Perimenopause — Naturally and Confidently. PLUS! The myths & lies that might be the reason you are feeling like a stranger in your own body.   [ CLICK HERE TO SAVE YOUR SPOT ]   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!).   BOOK A 30-MINUTE SESSION WITH TARA HERE

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• 120: An interview with a mentor of mine, Dr. Daved Rosensweet, cutting through myths about HRT.

  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?  

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• 119: The functional lab work to do & NOT to do to save you $$ + the winning combo for tackling your symptoms & optimising health, no matter WHAT you're struggling with.

  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:  The problem with unnecessary lab testing – Many women waste money on tests that don’t provide useful insights. 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. Stool testing – Essential for gut health, which impacts everything from digestion to hormone metabolism. Blood work – Important for tracking metabolic trends, inflammation markers, and overall health over time. Why hormone testing isn’t helpful in perimenopause – Hormone levels fluctuate daily, making tests like DUTCH unreliable for assessing estrogen and progesterone levels. Why organic acids and food sensitivity tests aren’t necessary – These tests often lead to additional unnecessary testing instead of targeting true root causes. 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  

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• 118: An important story about my friend who ignored her health for too long.

  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:  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. Spot the Signs - Learn the classic symptoms of thyroid issues like fatigue, brain fog, and even low libido. Temperature Tale - Why tracking your morning temperature might be the key to uncovering thyroid struggles. Prioritize Prevention - Uncover why putting your health first isn’t selfish—it's the smartest thing you can do for your loved ones. 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!

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• 117: Health trends, diets & biohacking tools to buck in 2025 & what to do instead

  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:  Debunking Health Myths: Discover why there's no silver bullet for your health symptoms and the pitfalls of seeking magic solutions. Gut Health Under the Microscope: Understand why fads like the keto and carnivore diets might be harming rather than helping your gut health. The Real Deal on Biohacking: Are cold plunges and coffee enemas all they're cracked up to be? Find out what the research says. Prioritizing Daily Habits: Learn practical daily habits that won't just make a difference, they'll transform your health. 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  

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