The Perimenopause Solution Podcast

In this episode, Tara dives into the complexities of high-fat, ketogenic, and carnivore diets, specifically focusing on their impact on the microbiome. She emphasizes the importance of consuming ample protein, particularly as we age, but raises concerns about the excessive intake of fats that often accompanies these dietary approaches. Tara breaks down why high-fat diets are problematic for gut health, detailing how increased bile production can feed harmful bacteria and produce damaging metabolites like hydrogen sulfide. She offers practical tips for maintaining a balanced gut, such as incorporating a diverse range of plant foods and being cautious with saturated fats. Bringing it all together, Tara discusses how these diet choices can lead to systemic inflammation and other health issues over time. She highlights the importance of stool testing to understand your individual gut health and advises against trends like bulletproof coffee and excessive use of coconut oil. Tune in to learn how to support a healthy gut while still meeting your protein needs. In this episode:  Why getting enough protein is non-negotiable, especially as you age. How overconsumption of fats can mess with your microbiome, and why swinging the food pendulum isn't the best idea. The truth about those nasty metabolites, like hydrogen sulfide, and what they mean for your health. Why your gut craves diversity and how to give it just that. Simple switches you can make to your diet today to improve your overall health and wellbeing.   Mentioned in this episode: HERBATONIN – Save 15% when you use Tara's code: Tara15   EQUIP PRIME PROTEIN – Click HERE to grab yours and use my code: TARA20 to get 20% off   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.     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.   [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!).   Hi, I'm Tara Thorne, FDN-P, RHN, FNC, CMRCP. Basically? I’m a women's health and hormone expert. After serving thousands of women in my 10+ years of clinical experience, I bring you The Hormone Balance Solution podcast - a podcast aimed to educate and empower midlife women. Midlife can be a confronting time but it doesn’t have to be a bumpy ride. No matter where you’re at, or where you’ve come from we can get you feeling better in midlife than you have in years - plus set yourself up for healthier decades to come. I’ll be bringing you weekly doses of inspiration, education and conversations with amazing people to give you real, actionable strategies for supporting your health now and in the future. So tune in, make sure you’re subscribed, leave a review, and get ready to learn important health information that isn’t readily available …. everything you need to know and nothing you don't.

Do you suspect you might have SIBO but feel overwhelmed by the conflicting information out there? In this episode, Tara Thorne demystifies Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), shedding light on what it really is, its common symptoms, and the significant role the gut plays in our overall health. She dives deep into the risk factors, from PPI and antibiotic use to lifestyle triggers like binge drinking and food poisoning. Tara also emphasizes the importance of proper testing, exploring the nuances of the complex, yet critical, SIBO breath tests, and the potential pitfalls of relying solely on symptoms or stool tests for diagnosis. Additionally, Tara provides actionable insights into treatment options, including why traditional methods may not always be ideal. From discussing individualized herbal tinctures to evaluating the impact of diet and transit time, this episode equips listeners with valuable knowledge to navigate their own SIBO journey with more clarity and confidence. In this episode you'll learn about:  1. The Two Types of SIBO: Gram-positive bacteria from the upper respiratory tract. Colonic SIBO where bacteria like e.coli make their way up from the colon.  2. Symptoms to Watch For: Bloating a little too quickly after meals? Tara explains why this could be a key indicator. Other symptoms like gas, belching, diarrhea, and more.  3. Associated Conditions: How SIBO ties into conditions like IBS, fibromyalgia, and even liver cirrhosis.  4. Testing and Risk Factors: The best ways to test for SIBO, including the tri-sugar breath test. Factors like PPI use, antibiotics, and even binge drinking that might increase your risk.  5. Effective Treatments: Herbal tinctures, prebiotics, and the importance of addressing root causes like hypothyroidism.   Mentioned in this episode: HERBATONIN – Save 15% when you use Tara's code: Tara15   EQUIP PRIME PROTEIN – Click HERE to grab yours and use my code: TARA20 to get 20% off   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.     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.   [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!).   Hi, I'm Tara Thorne, FDN-P, RHN, FNC, CMRCP. Basically? I’m a women's health and hormone expert. After serving thousands of women in my 10+ years of clinical experience, I bring you The Hormone Balance Solution podcast - a podcast aimed to educate and empower midlife women. Midlife can be a confronting time but it doesn’t have to be a bumpy ride. No matter where you’re at, or where you’ve come from we can get you feeling better in midlife than you have in years - plus set yourself up for healthier decades to come. I’ll be bringing you weekly doses of inspiration, education and conversations with amazing people to give you real, actionable strategies for supporting your health now and in the future. So tune in, make sure you’re subscribed, leave a review, and get ready to learn important health information that isn’t readily available …. everything you need to know and nothing you don't.

In this episode, I dive into why hormone testing isn't the best approach during perimenopause. With hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone fluctuating so much, tests like the Dutch hormone test can be misleading and expensive. Instead, I emphasize focusing on symptoms to guide your approach. I also touch on the role of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and when testing might actually be useful for ensuring its effectiveness. My goal is to help you better understand the complexities of hormone balance during this phase.   In this episode: Understand why hormone testing during perimenopause can be misleading Recognize the fluctuation of estrogen and its impact on symptoms Learn how progesterone levels can vary due to stop-start ovulation Discover why symptoms are a more accurate gauge than hormone testing Identify the right time for testing hormones and how it relates to hormone replacement therapy   LISTEN TO EPISODE 91: Debunking common arguments for needing to run the DUTCH test   Mentioned in this episode: HERBATONIN – Save 15% when you use Tara's code: Tara15   ZINZINO – If you're interested in trying out the ZINZINO fish oil I recommend in this episode, please email me. Make sure you tell me which country you live in when you email me so I can send you the right information: tara@tarathornenutrition.com    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. 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. [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!).   Hi, I'm Tara Thorne, FDN-P, RHN, FNC, CMRCP. Basically? I’m a women's health and hormone expert. After serving thousands of women in my 10+ years of clinical experience, I bring you The Hormone Balance Solution podcast - a podcast aimed to educate and empower midlife women. Midlife can be a confronting time but it doesn’t have to be a bumpy ride. No matter where you’re at, or where you’ve come from we can get you feeling better in midlife than you have in years - plus set yourself up for healthier decades to come. I’ll be bringing you weekly doses of inspiration, education and conversations with amazing people to give you real, actionable strategies for supporting your health now and in the future. So tune in, make sure you’re subscribed, leave a review, and get ready to learn important health information that isn’t readily available …. everything you need to know and nothing you don't.

In this episode, we venture behind the scenes in the Hormone Balance Solution as Tara walks us through a detailed blood work review, covering key health concerns like thyroid issues, nutrient deficiencies, liver health, and inflammation. She explains the importance of monitoring specific markers, such as Billy Rubin levels, iron status, white blood cell differentials, and cholesterol, for a well-rounded health assessment. Tara also highlights the difference between functional and allopathic reference ranges, and how to better interpret blood work results effectively. In this episode: Learn the difference between functional and allopathic reference ranges Gain insights into the impacts of various white blood cell differentials, such as neutrophils and lymphocytes, on your overall health and hormone balance. Understand the significance of fluctuating TSH levels and how it may indicate potential thyroid issues. Uncover the implications of low iron levels, ferritin, and other nutrient deficiencies on hormone health and well-being. Learn about the importance of comprehensive blood work panels and the significance of markers such as liver enzymes, albumin levels, and more in assessing hormone balance.   Mentioned in this episode: EQUIP PRIME PROTEIN – Click HERE to grab yours and use my code: TARA20 to get 20% off HERBATONIN – Save 15% when you use Tara's code: Tara15 MEGASPOREBIOTIC – Click HERE to grab this probiotic and use my practitioner code, which also gets you 10% off: TaraMegaSpore 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.   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.   [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!).   Hi, I'm Tara Thorne, FDN-P, RHN, FNC, CMRCP. Basically? I’m a women's health and hormone expert. After serving thousands of women in my 10+ years of clinical experience, I bring you The Hormone Balance Solution podcast - a podcast aimed to educate and empower midlife women. Midlife can be a confronting time but it doesn’t have to be a bumpy ride. No matter where you’re at, or where you’ve come from we can get you feeling better in midlife than you have in years - plus set yourself up for healthier decades to come. I’ll be bringing you weekly doses of inspiration, education and conversations with amazing people to give you real, actionable strategies for supporting your health now and in the future. So tune in, make sure you’re subscribed, leave a review, and get ready to learn important health information that isn’t readily available …. everything you need to know and nothing you don't.

I just had a jaw-dropping experience with improving my metabolic health through weight lifting, and it was so amazing that my doctor couldn't believe the results! In just a few short months, I saw dramatic improvements that had a profound impact on my overall well-being. Through this eye-opening journey, I've learned so much about the importance of metabolic health, especially as we age. Here are some of my findings: Lifting weights and building muscle have a significant impact on supporting metabolic health. Understanding the role of macronutrients and finding the right balance is key to supporting muscle growth. It's not about quick fixes but about long-term well-being. Avoid falling into the trap of fad diets and excessive cardio.   Mentioned in this episode: EQUIP PRIME PROTEIN – Click HERE to grab yours and use my code: TARA20 to get 20% off 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. PALEOVALLEY – Grab your nutrient-dense, whole food goodies as mentioned in this episode, HERE [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!). 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. 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.   You might also enjoy this episode: EPISODE 97: Breaking the yo-yo weight cycle: why chasing a number on the scale is a bad idea in midlife, how calorie restriction will let you down, & what to do instead.

In this episode of The Hormone Balance Solution, our guest, Carol Petersen discusses the critical role of progesterone in alleviating symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, and heart palpitations. She emphasizes the importance of adjusting the dosage based on stress levels and situations, and the potential dangers of low doses. Carol draws on her extensive 30-year career experience and shares the impact of insulin, glucose, and dietary habits on symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats, and the significance of cholesterol levels in relation to hormone balance. Further, Carol sheds light on the effects of progesterone, testosterone, and hydrocortisone on candida overgrowth, and the importance of addressing candida overgrowth through improving the microbiome. Here are some of the highlights from the episode: 1. The importance of tailored progesterone dosage and its impact on various symptoms. 2. The surprising connection between insulin, glucose, and hormone balance, and how dietary habits can play a pivotal role. 3. Eye-opening facts about cholesterol levels and the potential drawbacks of long-term statin use. 4. The crucial role of protein intake in maintaining metabolic health and preventing diseases. 5. Unveiling the impact of certain hormones on candida overgrowth and strategies to combat it.   About Carol Petersen, RPh, CNP: Carol Petersen is an accomplished compounding pharmacist with decades of experience helping patients improve their quality of life through bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin School of Pharmacy and is a Certified Nutritional Practitioner. Her passion to optimize health and commitment to compounding is evident in her involvement with organizations including the International College of Integrated Medicine and the American College of Apothecaries, the Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M), American Pharmacists Association and the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding.   She was also the founder and first chair for the Compounding Special Interest Group with the American Pharmacists Association. She chairs the Integrated Medicine Consortium, an umbrella group for complementary medicine organizations.   She cohosts a radio program “Take Charge of your Health” in the greater New York area. She is on the Medical Advisory Boards for the Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research (CeMCOR.ca) and the Institute for Bioidentical Medicine (IOBIM.org). She also writes and edits for A4M’s website www.worldhealth.net and is a coproducer of “Immortality Now” podcasts. She offers personal consultations at www.thewellnessbydesignproject.com.   For those seeking personalized guidance, Carol and the Wellness By Design Project offer free 15-minute consults, 1-hour consultations, and 3-month coaching packages HERE.   Mentioned in this episode: EQUIP PRIME PROTEIN – Click HERE to grab yours and use my code: TARA20 to get 20% off   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. [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!). 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. 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.   You might also enjoy these recent episodes: EPISODE 83: Why doing menopause "naturally" is not a good idea & will increase your risk of disease states. EPISODE 74:

In this episode of the Hormone Balance Solution podcast, host Tara Thorne explores the Perimenopause Success Formula, a comprehensive approach to addressing the health concerns of women transitioning through midlife. Tara highlights key steps such as diet optimization, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, and nervous system support. She discusses the formula's effectiveness in providing relief and achieving optimal health, especially for women who have tried numerous practitioners without success.   In this episode, you'll discover: 1. The seven key steps of the Perimenopause Success Formula 2.The significance of expert interpretation to identify nuances in blood work. 3. Diet Optimization and the importance of assessing current eating habits. 4. The importance of optimizing gut health and nutrient status.  5. Assessing bowel health and transit time to better support detox pathways.    Mentioned in this episode: EQUIP PRIME PROTEIN – Click HERE to grab yours and use my code: TARA20 to get 20% off   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. [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!). 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. 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.     You might also enjoy these episodes: EPISODE 83: Why doing menopause "naturally" is not a good idea & will increase your risk of disease states. EPISODE 74:

Tara kicks off this episode with a powerful message about the dangers of pursuing the "skinny fat" ideal in midlife. She shares insights into why fixating on the number on the scale can be detrimental to women's health and introduces an alternative approach that promotes overall well-being.   In this episode, you'll discover: The importance of prioritizing metabolic health over chasing a specific weight. How strength training in midlife can transform your body composition and support overall health. The role of adequate protein and carbohydrates in building muscle and maintaining metabolic health. Why excessive fasting and calorie restriction can backfire in the long run. How to reframe your mindset around weight and body composition to feel confident and strong in midlife.   Mentioned in this episode: EQUIP PRIME PROTEIN – Click HERE to grab yours and use my code: TARA20 to get 20% off PALEOVALLEY – Grab your goodies as mentioned in this episode, HERE [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!). 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. 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.   You might also enjoy these recent episodes: EPISODE 68: Metabolic health and the peri-menopause transition -An interview with my IFM-trained functional medicine doc! EPISODE 89: An interview with my trainer: Meaghan Janisse. Why eating MORE is the key to getting the body (and muscle) you desire.

In this brief yet informative episode, Tara Thorne sheds light on the common phenomenon of estrogen kickback.  She explains that estrogen kickback occurs when starting on progesterone and symptoms that may arise due to excess estrogen stimulation. Tara recounts her own experience with cysts in her breasts when starting on progesterone, emphasizing the importance of not giving up on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) when experiencing these symptoms. She encourages listeners to have a conversation with their healthcare provider and provides insights on managing estrogen kickback, including the potential need to increase progesterone dosage. The episode aims to offer guidance and support for individuals navigating HRT, highlighting the importance of working with practitioners who truly understand hormone replacement therapy.   In this episode, you'll discover: 1.The importance of balancing estrogen, progesterone, and thyroid hormones for overall well-being. 2. How estrogen kickback can manifest as symptoms and why it's actually part of the natural process when starting progesterone. 3. Tara's personal experience with estrogen kickback and how she overcame it. 4. Counterintuitive solutions to estrogen kickback, including continuing with or potentially increasing progesterone dosage. 5. The significance of working with a knowledgeable practitioner to find the right hormone dosage for your body.   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: EQUIP PRIME PROTEIN - Click HERE to grab yours and use my code: TARA20 to get 20% off 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. 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. 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.

After 35, many women who have never had mental health issues suddenly struggle with mood swings, anxiety, or low mood. One reason for this is that hormones play a key role in our mental well-being. In this episode, Tara explores the connection between hormones and mental health in perimenopausal women and shares natural solutions for a smoother journey through midlife.   In this episode, you'll discover: 1. The crucial link between hormonal balance and mental health 2. The role of estrogen and progesterone in supporting mood 3. The impact of diet, exercise, and lifestyle on mental well-being 4. Strategies for managing perimenopausal symptoms effectively 5. The potential benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for mental health   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: EQUIP PRIME PROTEIN - Click HERE to grab yours and use my code: TARA20 to get 20% off 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. 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. 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.