#257 Susan Niebergall’s Journey: Menopause, HRT, and Finding Strength in Midlife

Nov 7, 2025

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Welcome back to another inspiring episode of the Nutrition and Life podcast! In this episode, Lisa Franz is joined by the insightful Susan Niebergall, a seasoned nutrition and fitness coach who powerfully advocates that "it's never too late" to make a positive change in your health and life. Whether you're navigating menopause, dealing with bone density concerns, or striving for lasting strength, Susan shares her journey and candid wisdom on HRT, managing symptoms, overcoming hip replacement, and finding sustainable fitness routines, even in your 60s!

Get ready for actionable guidance, myth-busting, and plenty of encouragement for women in midlife and beyond. This episode is packed with practical tips, vulnerable storytelling, and a clear message: You can start prioritizing your health at any age.

Timestamp Overview:

[00:00] - Welcome & Introduction
[01:17] -Susan's Background: School Counseling to Fitness Coach
[03:46] - Facing Weight Gain & Nutrition Misconceptions
[06:11] - Finding Strength, Transformation in Her 50s & The Power of Coaching
[07:35] - Hip Pain, Osteoarthritis & Hip Replacement Journey
[09:22] - "Menopause, the Gift that Keeps on Giving"
[10:25] - Advocating for Postmenopausal Women
[12:13] - The Importance of Tracking Food & Nutrition Basics
[14:26] - Performance-Based Goals vs. Scale Obsession
[16:19] - The Power of Coaching Support (and HRT Myths)
[17:23] - Starting HRT After 60: Symptoms, Challenges, and Results
[22:09] - Advocating for Yourself in Healthcare
[26:17] - Tracking Symptoms and Planning for Doctor Visits
[29:16] - Is There "Menopause-Specific" Training? (And the Fundamentals of Strength)
[32:25] - Bone Density, Osteoporosis & Impact Training
[33:37] - Individualized Progression and the Myth of Heavy Lifting
[38:35] - How Metabolism Changes with Age (and How to Fight Back)
[41:24] - Building Muscle as the Best Investment for Aging Well
[42:07] - Susan Niebergal’s Book & Final Words: It’s Never Too Late

Follow & Connect with Susan Niebergall:

Instagram: @susanniebergallfitness
Website: https://susanniebergallfitness.com/

Episode Availability: Catch this empowering conversation with Susan Niebergall on all major podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more.

Connect, Share & Subscribe: Want more nutrition wisdom and inspiring conversations? Subscribe to the podcast and follow us on social for updates, more expert guests, and Lisa’s latest news. Share your favorite takeaway from this episode and tag us on Instagram @nutritioncoachingandlife or our website at https://nutritioncoachingandlife.com/