Ep 92: Perimenopause, Your Gut & the Hormone Changes No One Prepared You For with Karen Martel
The Nutrient Dense PodcastShow Notes
You're eating well, taking care of yourself, and doing the things that used to make you feel good - but suddenly your sleep, digestion, mood, and weight are changing. What gives?
In this episode, I'm joined by certified hormone specialist and Midlife Solutions founder Karen Martel to unpack the changes women can experience during perimenopause and menopause. We discuss progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone, how hormone shifts can overlap with gut and thyroid symptoms, and why your symptoms deserve attention even when your labs fall within the reference range.
Karen shares her personal experience navigating midlife hormone changes, her approach to testing, and her perspective on bioidentical hormone therapy. We also explore practical foundations, from eating enough and building muscle to supporting digestion, reducing stress, and finding community, that can help you feel more supported through this chapter.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: Early signs of perimenopause beyond hot flashes, including changing periods, disrupted sleep, anxiety, and worsening PMS. Why progesterone often changes earlier in the menopausal transition. How hormone shifts can overlap with digestive symptoms, thyroid concerns, and changes in metabolic health. Why symptoms and personal history matter alongside lab results. Karen's approach to blood work, hormone testing, and looking at the bigger picture. The difference between supporting hormone production in younger years and navigating declining ovarian function. Karen's perspective on bioidentical hormone therapy and discussing your options with a qualified clinician. Why adequate nourishment, strength training, recovery, and community deserve a place in your midlife care plan. Advocating for yourself when you know something has changed.
LINKS: Book a strategy call with Hannah HERE Take the Gut Health Root Cause Quiz for free! Equip Protein: use the code hannahaylwardhhc for 15% off Create a Fullscript account and get access to 15% off our recommended practitioner-grade supplements here. Apply for HAN's 1:1 Coaching Program! Listen to Episode 75: The Epidemic of Low Progesterone Problem: Root Causes, Hidden Signs & How to Naturally Restore Balance Listen to Episode 28: How Your Gut Is Messing With Your Hormones: The Estrogen & Thyroid Connection Listen to Episode 70: Are You Addicted to Stress Hormones?
CONNECT WITH HANNAH: Instagram | Website
CONNECT WITH KAREN: Instagram | Website | Podcast
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