The Perimenopause Solution Podcast

Heavy periods are one of the most common, and most disruptive symptoms women experience as they move through perimenopause. Flooding, clots, changing tampons constantly, disrupted sleep, rising anxiety… these changes often show up together, and they're not random. In this episode, Tara breaks down what's actually happening hormonally in midlife and why low progesterone is so often at the root of heavy periods. She explains the critical differences between natural bioidentical progesterone and synthetic progestins, and why progestins (like those found in birth control or IUDs) are not the solution many women are led to believe they are. In this episode: Why heavy periods are often a progesterone problem in perimenopause Why natural bioidentical progesterone is the solution - not herbs, not wild yam cream, not "wait and see" Why progestins (birth control, Mirena, Slinda, etc.) are not the same thing and can actually make symptoms worse Why many doctors underdose progesterone (or pull it away too quickly) because they aren't trained in HRT How adequate progesterone can lighten periods, improve sleep, reduce anxiety, calm the nervous system, and protect your brain, bones, breasts, and heart IF YOU ENJOYED THIS EPISODE, LISTEN TO THESE NEXT: EPS 99: Everything you need to know about progesterone & replacing it, with Carol Petersen EPS 113: Welcoming back Carol Petersen, RPh, CNP! She's answering all your progesterone questions! EPS 127: Are you taking a fake, potentially harmful progestin (fake progesterone?). Find out in this episode & what to do instead. 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]

Weight loss in midlife is often shrouded in confusion and misconceptions. The truth? Calories play a crucial role, even if it’s not a pleasant reality. Hormones influence fat storage but aren't the sole reason for weight gain. Tara reveals common mistakes women make and highlights the importance of tracking calories. Sustainable weight loss is emphasized, with a recommendation to aim for just a pound a week. Building muscle through resistance training is non-negotiable for long-term health. Discovering the right tools can aid in achieving realistic weight loss goals.

As we gear up for 2026, listeners are urged to prioritize foundational health for true wellness. Tara highlights the importance of quality nutrition, stress management, restorative sleep, and balanced movement. Insightful stories reveal how simple changes, like boosting protein intake, can yield dramatic benefits during perimenopause. She critiques popular diets and emphasizes smart supplementation, while advising on when hormone therapy is truly necessary. Tara also shares what to avoid to save money and stress, focusing on what genuinely matters for well-being.

In today's episode, I'm opening up about something I've never fully shared before — my own thyroid journey. Even as a practitioner, I'm not immune to the hormonal shifts, viral triggers, and autoimmune quirks that so many midlife women face. My goal with this episode is to pull back the curtain, remove the shame, and give you a deeper understanding of what can really drive thyroid issues in perimenopause and menopause. I walk you through the symptoms I experienced, what my lab work revealed, how my antibodies suddenly spiked, and the surprising reason why (hint: it wasn't gluten or leaky gut). I also share how I'm supporting my thyroid now, including why I chose Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) and how modern medicine + holistic strategies can work beautifully together. Whether you've been diagnosed with Hashimoto's, you suspect thyroid changes, or you've simply "never felt the same" since getting sick — this episode will give you clarity, validation, and a roadmap for next steps. In This Episode, We Cover: 1. Practitioners Aren't Superhuman (and Why I'm Sharing My Story) 2. My Personal Symptoms 3. The Rollercoaster of Thyroid Health 4. What Actually Triggered My Antibodies 5. How I'm Addressing Thyroid Autoimmunity 6. Hashimoto's vs. Hypothyroidism – Clearing Up the Confusion 7. Genetics, Gut Health & The Importance of Testing 8. When & Why To Check Your Thyroid 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]

Fatigue in midlife isn't just about needing more sleep — it's often a sign that something deeper is out of balance. In this episode, Tara shares her clinical approach to fatigue, including how hormones, minerals, iron status, thyroid function, inflammation, gut health, and stress all impact your energy. She explains why basic labs don't always tell the full story and what to look for when fatigue doesn't improve with rest or supplements alone. You'll walk away with a clearer understanding of why you feel tired and what steps actually move the needle — plus how personalized testing and guidance can help you get your energy back for good. Here's what you'll discover in this episode: 1. Why "just getting older" isn't a reason to accept low energy Tara Thorne shares her refreshing perspective on why we shouldn't expect our bodies to bounce back like they did in our twenties, and how you can actually regain your spark at any age. 2. The importance of digging into your blood work Learn what labs to ask for (and why most doctors miss critical markers)—including a full-thyroid panel, specific immune markers, iron panels, and even markers for viral and bacterial infections. 3. How mineral imbalances could be sabotaging your energy Tara Thorne walks through the magic of HTMA tests and why simply popping magnesium or iron might not help (and could even make things worse!). 4. The gut-fatigue connection Surprise! You might not have GI symptoms and still have serious gut-driven exhaustion. Tara Thorne unpacks how gut health, inflammation, and "leaky gut" can zap your vitality. 5. The critical (but often overlooked) role of hormones and stress From optimizing your hormones with bioidentical HRT to managing stress and dialing in quality sleep, you'll get actionable advice to support your energy on every level. Other episodes of interest: EPS 114: Thyroid health in midlife: post-illness autoimmunity/hypothyroidism, why TSH will rise with iodine & this is OK, progesterone & thyroid health & more! EPS 129: Hypothyroidism goes undiagnosed all the time in midlife. This episode: everything you need to know to ensure this doesn't happen to you. EPS 123: Caution should be taken when supplementing vitamin D, iron & selenium. Do not DIY these supplements! EPS 130: Do not take oral / IV iron until you've listened to this. EPS 5: Copper Toxicity: How it may be driving your PMS, estrogen issues, OCD, anxiety & more. EPS 121: All-things-cortisol in perimenopause. Are levels usually high or low? Should we test cortisol? If so, how? Everything you need to know! Mentioned in this episode: HERBATONIN – Click HERE to visit the shop. Save 10% when you use Tara's code: Tara10 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]

If you've ever found yourself walking into a room and forgetting why you're there, struggling to find words in a meeting, or just feeling that ever-present mental cloud—this week's episode is for you. Discover the real causes of midlife brain fog and memory issues and learn how Tara Thorne helps clients overcome them through thyroid support, hormone balance, gut health, blood sugar stabilization, and targeted nutrients. A clear, practical roadmap for women in perimenopause and menopause. Here's What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why Your Thyroid Might Be the Culprit Discover how thyroid issues can slow everything down (including your brain!) and what you need to know about proper thyroid testing. The Role of Estrogen in Mental Clarity Is your estrogen low? I'll explain why you can't always trust hormone tests during perimenopause and how to tune into the right clues. Gut Health and That Pesky Brain Fog Find out why your gut is the last place you'd think to look for answers—and why it shouldn't be. Nutrients Your Brain is Begging For Learn about the essential nutrients, including minerals and amino acids, that could turn your brain from foggy to focused. Blood Sugar Balance for a Sharper Mind It's all about the protein! I'll share how getting enough protein (and balancing minerals) is a real game changer for mood and brain function. **BLACK FRIDAY SALE** Save up to $400 on a TPS Quick Start testing package. (Our lowest prices ever offered outside of TPS!) Click HERE to learn more. 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]

Let's talk about that mysterious, relentless bloating that seems to appear (or worsen) as we step into midlife. If you feel like your jeans fit differently by the end of the day, or you're suddenly experiencing tummy troubles you never had before, you're not alone – and you're not imagining things. Hormonal shifts during perimenopause don't just mess with our moods or energy levels—they can have a huge impact on our gut. Our estrogen, progesterone, and even thyroid hormones all play critical roles in gut function. When those hormones start to fluctuate, the gut can become more sensitive, digestion can slow down, and inflammation levels can rise. Bloating is your body's way of asking for detective work. Maybe it's a case of poor transit time, low stomach acid, SIBO, or certain bacteria (hello methane or hydrogen sulfide producers!) making themselves at home. That's why it's so important to get personalized testing and work with someone who truly understands the microbiome—not one-size-fits-all protocols or quick fixes that can do more harm than good. In this episode: How Your Hormones Mess With Your Gut: Learn how shifts in estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid can trigger bloating and impact digestion. Transit Time Matters: Find out why pooping daily isn't enough—you need to understand your transit time for true gut health. Thyroid's Surprising Role: Get the scoop on how sluggish thyroid function can slow things down and lead to major bloating (and exactly which labs to ask your doctor for!). Enzyme & Stomach Acid Secrets: Discover Tara's favorite enzyme supplement, plus the critical role of stomach acid (and how to spot signs of deficiency). Testing, Not Guessing: Why stool testing is THE gold standard for uncovering the real root of your bloating—and how to choose the right practitioner. Watch on Youtube HERE. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- **BLACK FRIDAY SALE** Save up to $400 on a TPS Quick Start testing package. (Our lowest prices ever offered outside of TPS!)Click HERE to learn more. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- You may also want to check out these episodes: EPS 111: Gut health IS health. How many approach gut health incorrectly & why the right testing matters with Dr. Jason Hawrelak. EPS 112: Why we stopped using the GI MAP in my practice & how we are approaching gut testing these days 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]

Here's the truth — if you're not having a healthy bowel movement every single day, your body is holding onto more than just waste. You're also holding onto excess estrogen and toxins, which can fuel symptoms like: bloating and discomfort stubborn weight gain mood swings and anxiety hormone imbalances and even higher risk for disease over time In this week's episode, I explain why constipation is so much more than an inconvenience — and how resolving it can transform your energy, hormones, and long-term health. We'll cover: Why constipation is not something we should ignore (and what it signals about your health) The connection between constipation, estrogen dominance, and disease risk Practical, natural strategies to get your gut moving again — without relying on laxatives How supporting digestion also helps balance hormones, energy, mood, and metabolism If you've been struggling silently or just thought "that's how my body works," please don't ignore this. Your gut is sending you a message — and it's one you want to pay attention to. Mentioned in this episode: MegaSporeBiotic – Click HERE to grab this probiotic and use my practitioner code, which also gets you 10% off: TaraMegaSpore 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]

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]

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]