The Hormone Solution with Karen Martel

I'm wrapping up the year by answering your questions in this first of a two-part Q&A, and we cover a lot of ground. From confusing lab results to hormone dosing debates, I dig into the questions so many of you are quietly wondering about. What does high ferritin really mean? Is it iron—or something else entirely? We'll also take a look at hormone replacement frustrations. Why do some people still bleed months into HRT? Are injections better than patches or creams? And how do you know if your body is actually absorbing what you're taking? I share real-world context, common patterns I see, and why one-size-fits-all advice can be misleading. This episode also touches on bigger, more nuanced questions. How do genetics like BRCA status factor into hormone decisions? Can stress, immune health, or histamine issues change how hormones affect you? And in perimenopause, is balance even realistic, or are we chasing the wrong goal? In this episode, we uncover: How to interpret high ferritin levels and what they may signal beyond iron. Why hormone absorption issues can cause unexpected symptoms like bleeding. What typical testosterone and estrogen injection doses actually look like. How stress, inflammation, and immunity intersect with hormone health. What to consider when navigating HRT during perimenopause versus menopause. Tune in now if you've ever felt confused, frustrated, or overwhelmed by hormone advice. Get clarity before we continue the conversation in part two!     Sponsors Timeline is offering 20% off your first order of Mitopure. Go to timeline.com/HORMONE20 use coupon HORMONE20 and get 20% off your order. Order your LMNT electrolytes today and get a FREE 8 pack of samples! Plus try it risk free, they have a no-questions-asked refund policy – you don't even have to send it back! Head to https://www.getkion.com/hormone and use my link for 20% off your order.     Are you in peri or post menopause and looking to optimize your hormones and health? At Hormone Solutions, we offer telemedicine services and can prescribe in every U.S. state, as well as in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario in Canada.   Visit karenmartel.com to explore our comprehensive programs: Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Individualized Weight Loss Programs  Peptide Therapy for weight loss    Interested in our NEW Peptide Weight Loss Program? Join today and get all the details here.   Join our Women's Peri and Post Menopause Group Coaching Program, OnTrack, TODAY!   To our nursing audience members, our podcasts qualify for nursing CE @ RNegade.pro. Provide # CEP17654.   Your host: Karen Martel Certified Hormone Specialist, Transformational Nutrition Coach, & Weight Loss Expert   Karen's Facebook Karen's Instagram

What's really driving the sudden belly fat, brain fog, and sleep chaos so many women hit in midlife? And why do the usual "eat less, move more" solutions stop working overnight? In this episode featuring Dr. Aleksandra Gajer, we dig into the hormones and peptides that may finally explain why your body feels like it's changing without your permission. Together, we unpack what's happening beneath the surface (insulin resistance, inflammation, mitochondrial slowdown, hormonal roller coasters), and ask the questions women are never told to ask. What if your symptoms aren't a lack of willpower but a lack of biochemical support? And what if the tools to help you already exist? Which peptides actually matter for women in perimenopause and menopause? Which ones help with sleep, energy, weight, stress resilience, or recovery? And how do you know when it's time to consider hormone therapy or advanced diagnostics? Get all the answers in this episode! In this episode, we uncover: How shifting hormones trigger metabolic chaos long before menopause officially begins. Why peptides like BPC-157 and MOTS-C may support healing, energy, and resilience. How inflammation, gut health, and chemical exposures silently shape weight and symptoms. Why GLP-1 medications aren't shortcuts, plus who actually benefits from them. How personalized labs and targeted therapies can prevent years of unnecessary suffering. If you're ready to understand your midlife body in a way no one has ever explained before, this episode is for you. Listen now to start feeling informed and empowered!     Sponsors Get 20% off your Cozy Earth Bed Sheet with coupon code HORMONES. Timeline is offering 20% off your first order of Mitopure. Go to timeline.com/HORMONE20 use coupon HORMONE20 and get 20% off your order. Get 15% off Massyzmes by Bioptimzers at bioptimizers.com/hormone      Are you in peri or post menopause and looking to optimize your hormones and health? At Hormone Solutions, we offer telemedicine services and can prescribe in every U.S. state, as well as in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario in Canada.   Visit karenmartel.com to explore our comprehensive programs: Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Individualized Weight Loss Programs  Peptide Therapy for weight loss    Interested in our NEW Peptide Weight Loss Program? Join today and get all the details here.   Join our Women's Peri and Post Menopause Group Coaching Program, OnTrack, TODAY!   To our nursing audience members, our podcasts qualify for nursing CE @ RNegade.pro. Provide # CEP17654.   Your host: Karen Martel Certified Hormone Specialist, Transformational Nutrition Coach, & Weight Loss Expert   Karen's Facebook Karen's Instagram

Are you curious about the buzz surrounding testosterone therapy for women, but wondering about the side effects? In this episode, we dive deep into the world of testosterone replacement therapy's unwanted side effects, and more importantly, how to fix them. What happens when testosterone levels spike too high? Could the very treatment meant to enhance your energy and libido lead to unwanted changes in your body? Join us as we discuss real stories from women navigating their hormone journeys and uncover the truth behind the glamorous narratives often shared on social media. Are you ready to learn how to optimize your testosterone therapy while minimizing side effects? What if you could avoid the pitfalls that many women face? Discover practical tips and insights that could change your experience with hormone therapy for the better! In this episode, we uncover: How you can avoid common side effects of testosterone therapy. Why dosing and delivery method are crucial for effective treatment. The role DHT plays in unwanted hair growth and mood changes. How you can identify if your testosterone levels are too high. Why it's important to start low and go slow with hormone therapy. Don't miss this eye-opening episode that could transform your understanding of testosterone therapy and let you take control of your hormone health!     Sponsors Get 20% off your Cozy Earth Bed Sheet with coupon code HORMONES. Coupon KM20 to get 20% off your order of Vitali Skin Care! Order your LMNT electrolytes today and get a FREE 8 pack of samples! Plus try it risk free, they have a no-questions-asked refund policy – you don't even have to send it back!     Are you in peri or post menopause and looking to optimize your hormones and health? At Hormone Solutions, we offer telemedicine services and can prescribe in every U.S. state, as well as in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario in Canada.   Visit karenmartel.com to explore our comprehensive programs: Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Individualized Weight Loss Programs  Peptide Therapy for weight loss    Interested in our NEW Peptide Weight Loss Program? Join today and get all the details here.   Join our Women's Peri and Post Menopause Group Coaching Program, OnTrack, TODAY!   To our nursing audience members, our podcasts qualify for nursing CE @ RNegade.pro. Provide # CEP17654.   Your host: Karen Martel Certified Hormone Specialist, Transformational Nutrition Coach, & Weight Loss Expert   Karen's Facebook Karen's Instagram

Are you one of those people who wakes up at 3 A.M. and can't fall back asleep? Have you ever wondered if there's a deeper reason behind those late-night wake-ups? In this episode, we explore the shocking link between blood sugar fluctuations and nighttime awakenings. Blood sugar expert Dani Hamilton joins us to shed light on the root cause of these sleep disruptions. Have you ever thought about how your dietary habits could be impacting your sleep? Or how embracing fats might be the key to stable energy levels? We challenge the misconceptions around dietary fat and reveal the essential role it plays in your health. Are you ready to rethink your relationship with food and sleep? What if cold exposure and seasonal nutrition hold the key to your energy balance? Discover how simple lifestyle changes can transform your well-being. From brown adipose tissue to hormonal harmony, this episode is packed with insights to help you thrive! In this episode, we uncover: How blood sugar drops might be the hidden cause of your 3 A.M. wake-ups. Why women in midlife need to look beyond hormones for better sleep solutions. How embracing dietary fats can stabilize your insulin levels and energy. Why seasonal nutrition changes can prevent sleep and metabolic disruptions. How cold exposure can boost thyroid health and energy regulation. Uncover the secrets to better sleep and energy balance. You won't want to miss these expert insights and practical solutions!     Previous episode with Dani Hamilton The Hidden Influence of Sunlight and Circadian Rhythm on Blood Sugar & Metabolism with Danielle Hamilton     Sponsors Head to cozyearth.com and use my code HORMONES for 20% off sitewide! Try Bioptimzers Masszymes and get 15% off with coupon code HORMONE at http://bioptimizers.com/hormoneIf  If you're trying to lose fat without losing muscle, or you just want to feel stronger and recover faster, try KION! Head to getkion.com/hormone and use my link for 20% off your order.     Are you in peri or post menopause and looking to optimize your hormones and health? At Hormone Solutions, we offer telemedicine services and can prescribe in every U.S. state, as well as in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario in Canada.   Visit karenmartel.com to explore our comprehensive programs: Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Individualized Weight Loss Programs  Peptide Therapy for weight loss    Interested in our NEW Peptide Weight Loss Program? Join today and get all the details here.   Join our Women's Peri and Post Menopause Group Coaching Program, OnTrack, TODAY!   To our nursing audience members, our podcasts qualify for nursing CE @ RNegade.pro. Provide # CEP17654.   Your host: Karen Martel Certified Hormone Specialist, Transformational Nutrition Coach, & Weight Loss Expert   Karen's Facebook Karen's Instagram

Curious about the future of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and its impact on menopause? This episode features my answers to the most common HRT questions of 2025. Can HRT be your secret weapon for a healthier, longer life, even if you aren't experiencing typical menopause symptoms? Is HRT the missing piece in your weight loss journey? Explore the fascinating link between hormone cycling and midlife wellness. What does the latest research say about personalized hormone approaches, and how might these strategies keep cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis at bay? Ever wondered about the mysteries of hormone metabolism? We'll unpack tests like the Dutch test and their role in optimizing HRT dosage. Can progesterone and estrogen improve your sleep, mood, and even joint health? Get ready to uncover the benefits of HRT beyond menopause! In this episode, we uncover the answers to: 1. If I have no symptoms, should I still take HRT? 2. It's natural to go into menopause — so why would I use HRT? 3. I'm using vaginal estrogen… why am I still dry? 4. Is oral bioidentical estradiol safe? 5. Will HRT help me lose weight? 6. Do I have to cycle my hormones? 7. Can I start HRT if it's been more than 10 years since menopause? 8. Can I start HRT even if I'm still cycling but have symptoms? 9. I get bloated or gain weight on estrogen — does that mean it's not right for me? 10. My period came back after starting HRT — is that normal? 11. Is my estradiol dose high enough? 12. Do I have to stay on HRT forever? 13. What's the difference between estradiol and estriol — and do I need both? 14. Should I take progesterone if I don't have a uterus? 15. Can HRT help my sleep? 16. Can HRT help my libido? 17. Is spotting normal on HRT? 18. What are your thoughts on pellets? 19. Why do my estrogen levels still look "low" on blood work even while on HRT? 20. Can HRT help with joint pain and inflammation? Listen now to discover how HRT can revolutionize your midlife health journey. Don't miss this Q&A episode filled with insights and expert advice to empower your health decisions!     Sponsors Get 20% off your Cozy Earth Bed Sheet with coupon code HORMONES Coupon KM20 to get 20% off your order of Vitali Skin Care!     Are you in peri or post menopause and looking to optimize your hormones and health? At Hormone Solutions, we offer telemedicine services and can prescribe in every U.S. state, as well as in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario in Canada.   Visit karenmartel.com to explore our comprehensive programs: Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Individualized Weight Loss Programs  Peptide Therapy for weight loss    Interested in our NEW Peptide Weight Loss Program? Join today and get all the details here.   Join our Women's Peri and Post Menopause Group Coaching Program, OnTrack, TODAY!   To our nursing audience members, our podcasts qualify for nursing CE @ RNegade.pro. Provide # CEP17654.   Your host: Karen Martel Certified Hormone Specialist, Transformational Nutrition Coach, & Weight Loss Expert   Karen's Facebook Karen's Instagram