The Perimenopause Solution Podcast

This week on the podcast, I’m joined by my friend and fellow practitioner Esther Blum;  integrative dietitian, best-selling author, and someone who knows what it actually takes to feel better in perimenopause.   We get real about all of it - from postpartum hormone shifts, to the mental weight of motherhood, navigating HRT, and why women are done with being dismissed.   Esther shares what helped her reclaim her energy and identity (hint: it wasn’t just supplements or sleep hygiene), and we talk through the deep nervous system shifts that so many women don’t even realize are affecting their hormones.   Here’s a peek at what we get into: How postpartum depletion can carry into your 40s The shame women feel around burnout and needing help How libido, confidence, and self-trust are all connected The difference between “doing all the right things” vs. actually feeling better Why midlife women need to be informed about perimenopause and HRT   Esther Blum: Esther Blum is a Menopause Dietitian and Keynote Speaker. In the past 27+ years she has helped thousands of women master menopause through nutrition, hormones and self-advocacy. Esther is the bestselling author of See ya later, Ovulator, Cavewomen Don't Get Fat, Eat, Drink and Be Gorgeous, Secrets of Gorgeous, and The Eat, Drink, and Be Gorgeous Project. Known as Gwyneth Paltrow's menopause mentor, Esther has appeared on the Today Show, ABC-TV, and Good Day NY and is frequently quoted in Forbes, goop, Well + Good, Ben Greenfield Life, Time Magazine, and The New York Post. Esther received a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Nutrition from Simmons College in Boston and is a graduate of New York University, where she received her Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition. Esther is credentialed as a registered dietitian, a certified dietitian-nutritionist and a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS), the certification from the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists (BCNS). Esther lives in CT with her family where she can be seen fixing a mocktail, taking long walks, and singing karaoke by the fire pit. Instagram: @gorgeousesther Website: https://estherblum.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/estherblum The Midlife Realignment™ Podcast: https://estherblum.com/podcast/ Make Menopause Your Bitch: https://makemenopauseyourbitch.com/ Macro Reset: https://makemenopauseyourbitch.com/join Watch on Youtube here: https://youtu.be/C4bXjGzux9U 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]

Discover the powerful health benefits of soy and flax, especially for women navigating perimenopause. Learn how soy can reduce breast cancer risk, boost cognitive function, and support heart and bone health. Flax acts as a natural estrogen modulator, promoting healthier hormone balance and fighting inflammation. Ditch the myths surrounding these nutrient-dense foods! Incorporate 2 tablespoons of ground flax daily and enjoy soy options like miso or tempeh a few times a week for a balanced diet.

This week on the podcast, Tara shares a story that so many of you will relate to.   A woman in her early 50s came to me after spending hundreds of dollars on functional testing - the DUTCH hormone test and the GI MAP stool test - and you know what? They offered her no real answers.   She was still exhausted. Still bloated. Still not sleeping. And still stuck with zero direction on what to do next. So what went wrong?       In this Episode: 00:54 - Why a 51-year-old client came to Tara after getting no answers from standard functional testing (DUTCH + GI MAP). 02:11 - Why DUTCH testing can fall flat when hormone production has already declined - and why it’s not useful for many women in menopause. 04:06 - The limits of the GI MAP when gut dysfunction is mild or metabolic - and why gut symptoms don’t always mean gut damage. 05:22 - How this client’s low energy, low mood, and low motivation pointed to hormone and thyroid depletion - not just gut dysfunction. 11:32 - Tara’s approach: rebuilding from the bottom of the pyramid up - focusing first on nutrition, minerals, hormone/thyroid support. 14:10 - Final thoughts on test interpretation, why you don’t always need more data, and how to assess your next steps strategically.     Other Episodes You May Enjoy: EPS 45: My thoughts on the DUTCH test EPS 91: Debunking common arguments for needing to run the DUTCH test  EPS 102: Why we don't test hormones in perimenopause  EPS 112: Why we stopped using the GI MAP in my practice & how we are approaching gut testing these days  EPS 131: Should we be concerned about estrogen metabolites?    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]

Join Kristin Cobb, a Stanford professor and insightful science journalist, as she teams up with Regina Nuzzo to dissect the widely accepted notion of a vitamin D deficiency epidemic. They question outdated research and expose conflicts of interest that have shaped clinical guidelines. Discover how much sun exposure is actually needed for adequate vitamin D and why testing could be misleading. This engaging conversation encourages listeners to critically evaluate health narratives and embrace informed, evidence-based discussions.

Dive deep into the complexities of vitamin D levels and the risks of high-dose supplementation. Discover why traditional reference ranges can mislead and how megadosing may worsen health issues. Learn about the interconnectedness of vitamin D with other health factors, emphasizing a root-cause approach over quick fixes. Tara also shares insights on how sunlight and diet play crucial roles in maintaining vitamin D, making it clear that asking the right questions about your health is essential.

Is your vitamin D "deficiency" actually a misdiagnosis? In this eye-opening episode, Tara dives into one of the most misunderstood nutrients in functional medicine: vitamin D. While most practitioners rush to prescribe high doses of vitamin D based on a single lab marker (25(OH)D), Tara challenges the status quo and breaks down why this approach can be both misleading and harmful, especially for women in perimenopause.  She explains the critical difference between 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)₂D, why elevated active vitamin D (1,25) often goes unnoticed, and how it can actually suppress your vitamin D storage while driving up inflammation, calcium loss, and even contributing to autoimmune conditions and bone loss. This episode is a must-listen if you've ever felt confused about whether to supplement or if you've been taking vitamin D long-term without fully understanding how it works in your body. In this episode we cover: The difference between storage vs. active vitamin D (and why you must always test both but your practitioner likely hasn't) The issues with vitamin D testing that scientists are hotly debating (can you even trust your lab result?) What is the optimal reference range for vitamin D? And why ranges are terribly inflated and many are not to be trusted. What really drives down vitamin D in the body and how to come at this from a root-cause perspective instead of drowning yourself in vitamin D supplements If you're thinking about taking D, already taking D, or have been told your vitamin D is "low" (it likely isn't) then this one is for you.   Mentioned in this episode: 🔍 Formula to convert your 25,OH,D leve from ng/dL to nmol/L:  25(OH)D in nmol/L = 25(OH)D in ng/dL X 25 EQUIP PRIME PROTEIN – Click HERE to grab yours and use my code: TARA20 to get 20% off Purchase Herbatonin here and use Tara's discount code for 15% off, which is Tara15: https://symphonynaturalhealth.com/TaraHerbatonin 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 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]  

In this episode, Tara breaks down what estrogen metabolites are, why they matter, and whether it’s necessary to invest in expensive hormone tests. She explains how the body metabolizes estrogen through the liver and gut, and which lifestyle and nutrition strategies support this process - regardless of what your test results may say. Tara also discusses the limitations of supplements like DIM and calcium D-glucarate, urging listeners to focus on diet, gut health, and personalized nutrient support instead of chasing quick fixes. You'll learn: What estrogen metabolites are (2-OH, 4-OH, 16-OH -yes, we decode the jargon!) Why a healthy liver and gut are critical for hormone detox The truth about DIM and calcium D-glucarate (and why they might not be right for everyone) The difference between true root-cause healing vs. supplement band-aids The practical, proven strategies Tara recommends instead of jumping into expensive testing   Mentioned in this episode: 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]  

Feeling wiped out no matter how many iron supplements you take? You’re not alone—and you’re not crazy. In this episode, Tara breaks down the often-misunderstood world of iron, ferritin, and fatigue, revealing why the typical "take more iron" approach doesn’t always work (and can even make you feel worse). She explains the key roles of iron transport, inflammation, and cofactors like copper and ceruloplasmin, and shares how low energy and poor lab results are often symptoms of a deeper imbalance—not a straightforward deficiency. If you’ve ever been told you’re anemic, or your labs show low ferritin, this episode is a must-listen.   What We Cover in This Episode: Why low iron on labs doesn’t always mean you need more iron The role of inflammation and gut health in iron absorption How minerals like copper, retinol (vitamin A), and magnesium support proper iron function The problems with relying on ferritin alone to assess iron status Why Tara rarely recommends iron supplements—and what she uses instead How excess iron can fuel oxidative stress, inflammation, and worsen symptoms What to test for instead (and how to get real answers about your energy and fatigue)   Mentioned in this episode: EQUIP PRIME PROTEIN – Click HERE to grab yours and use my code: TARA20 to get 20% off Purchase Herbatonin here and use Tara's discount code for 15% off, which is Tara15: https://symphonynaturalhealth.com/TaraHerbatonin 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 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]

Your thyroid is not just “another hormone”—it’s the maestro that sets the tempo for your whole body, and it especially needs love as progesterone drops in perimenopause. But here’s the problem: so many practitioners still miss the real story. If all you’ve had checked is your TSH and you were told “it’s normal,” you could still be sidelined by sluggish thyroid symptoms—because so much more is happening under the surface. A full thyroid panel really matters. That means pushing for TSH, free T4, free T3, reverse T3, and thyroid antibodies. But it doesn’t stop with testing. You need someone looking at your labs with a functional lens (the ‘optimal’ prevention-focused ranges, not just “fine for the average population”) and someone who understands the nuances—like how stress, inflammation, and gut health all play a role in your thyroid feeling sluggish. Here is what we cover in this episode: Top Symptoms of Hypothyroidism: Think constipation, hair loss (even in your brows!), feeling chilly all the time, low libido, dry skin, stubborn bloating, and more. If you nod along to two or more, this episode is for you! Why “Normal” Thyroid Labs Can Still Mean Trouble: Many women have labs that come back “normal,” yet their symptoms scream otherwise. I explain why that happens and what labs you actually need. What a Full Thyroid Panel Really Looks Like: Most practitioners aren’t running the full panel! I spell it out for you (hint: it’s more than just TSH and T4). Reverse T3—The Missing Piece: This marker is rarely tested, but it tells you if your thyroid hormone is actually getting into your cells where it belongs, or if it’s being blocked! The Role of Gut Health and Minerals: If you want lasting thyroid health (and overall well-being), you have to zero in on gut health and the minerals your thyroid loves—spoiler: copper is way more important than you think!   You may also enjoy this episode: EPISODE 43: All about thyroid health with Annabel Bateman EPISODE 114: Thyroid health in midlife: post-illness autoimmunity/hypothyroidism, why TSH will rise with iodine & this is OK, progesterone & thyroid health & more!   LIVE TRAINING: The Perimenopause Reset: From Exhausted to Energised. Your Proven 3-Step Roadmap to Thrive in Perimenopause—Naturally and Confidently. WHEN: Wednesday, May 14th at 5pm PST / 8pm EST, (which is 10am AEDT on May 15th)  REGISTER HERE[Limited Spots Available]

People assume that popular supplements can only help — but that’s not always true. In this episode, Tara unpacks the risks of DIY-ing your own supplement routine, even with commonly recommended options like magnesium or vitamin D. She explains why personalized advice matters and how what works for one person may not work for another. Tara shares a powerful client story about gut health issues that got worse after the client added supplements she found online. With the help of targeted gut testing, Tara’s team uncovered that those supplements were actually feeding the wrong gut bacteria — and making symptoms worse, not better. This episode is an eye-opener for anyone who’s ever wondered if their supplement routine is really helping. Tara breaks down why it’s essential to keep your practitioner in the loop before adding anything new — and how to avoid the common pitfalls of self-prescribing.   Here's what is covered: Supplements Aren’t One-Size-Fits-All: Just because magnesium or vitamin D is touted online doesn’t mean it’s right for you. Your body is complex, and repleting a nutrient isn’t as simple as just taking a pill. Hidden Pitfalls of DIY Supplementation: I shared a real client case where “healthy” supplements like MSM, broccoli sprout extract, and taurine actually worsened her digestive issues—because they fed the very bacteria contributing to her symptoms! Communication with Practitioners Is Crucial: Always consult with your health practitioner before adding new supplements. What seems harmless could directly counteract your progress or even make symptoms worse.   [BOOK A 30-MINUTE SESSION WITH TARA HERE]   You may also enjoy these episodes: Episode 46: All about melatonin: a hormone that’s anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, aids brain detox & SO much more Episode 81: An interview with Deanna Minich, PhD, nutrition scientist, educator, & author about melatonin & its multiple functions.     LIVE TRAINING: The Perimenopause Reset: From Exhausted to Energised. Your Proven 3-Step Roadmap to Thrive in Perimenopause—Naturally and Confidently. WHEN: Wednesday, May 14th at 5pm PST / 8pm EST, (which is 10am AEDT on May 15th)  REGISTER HERE [Limited Spots Available]     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!).