The Perimenopause Solution Podcast

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.    

In this episode, Dr. Simmons and Tara Thorne discuss the misconceptions surrounding breast cancer, hormone therapies, and the vital role of estrogen in our health. It's an eye-opening and empowering conversation that you won't want to miss. Here's what you can expect: Understanding the Significance of Hormone Receptors in Cancer Cells: Dr. Simmons explains the complexities of treating cancer cells that no longer have hormone receptors, shedding light on the challenges in cancer treatment. Debunking Misunderstandings about Estrogen and Progesterone: Tara Thorne shares how many individuals misunderstand the significance of estrogen and progesterone in breast cancer and discusses common misconceptions about lowering estrogen levels. Unveiling the Truth about Tamoxifen: Discover the surprising truth about tamoxifen – a synthetic estrogen – and its effects on the body, as Dr. Simmons explains its association with unwanted side effects and its impact on decision-making for individuals with breast cancer. The Protective Benefits of Estrogen: The hosts emphasize the protective benefits of estrogen in breast cancer survival and discuss the lack of publicized information about hormone replacement therapy and its positive outcomes for women. Mammograms aren't preventative: Dr. Simmons highlighted the limitations of mammographic screening programs and the potential harmful effects of mammograms, challenging the established beliefs around breast cancer growth and detection methods while advocating for a proactive and holistic approach to breast health. Proactive Health Measures: Dr. Simmons highlights the importance of proactive health measures and a holistic approach to overall health, including breast health as part of general wellness. DR. JENN SIMMONS:  Dr. Jenn Simmons started her professional career as Philadelphia's first fellowship trained breast surgeon and spent 17 years as Philadelphia's top breast surgeon. Her own illness led her to discover functional medicine. So enamored with the concept of creating health rather than killing disease, she left traditional medicine in 2019 and founded Real Health MD to help women along their breast cancer journey truly heal.   Dr. Jenn is on a mission to change the impact of breast cancer by empowering millions of women to take control of their health and create the life they want. She hosts her weekly podcast, Keeping Abreast with Dr. Jenn, hosted the Breast Cancer Breakthroughs Summit, is the author of The Smart Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer, and Recipes for Real Health.   Dr. Jenn is currently opening PerfeQTion Imaging centers across the country featuring QT Imaging, an innovative technology that uses sound waves to create a 3D reconstruction of the breast without pain, compression, or radiation. This fast affordable FDA approved technology has 40x the resolution of MRI and will forever change the way that we screen for breast cancer. For more information email info@perfeqtionimaging.com   BOOK: The Smart Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer INSTAGRAM: @drjennsimmons PODCAST: Keeping Abreast with Dr. Jenn YOUTUBE: @dr.jennsimmons WEBSITE: Real Health MD PROGRAM: Breast Health Blueprint     MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Purchase Herbatonin here and use Tara's discount code for 15% off, which is Tara15: https://symphonynaturalhealth.com/TaraHerbatonin 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     YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY:  EPISODE 40: Why you're afraid of hormone replacement therapy, but shouldn't be EPISODE 93: Breast tenderness isn't normal: how to overcome it naturally & support our breast health in midlife.

Breast tenderness is a common but often dismissed issue among women. In our latest podcast episode, I share some effective and safe natural solutions to address breast tenderness and overall breast health. Here's what to expect on this episode: 1. The significance of estrogen to progesterone ratio, hormone balance, and iodine levels in determining breast tenderness. 2. The impact of diet on reducing inflammation, as well as the essential role of high-quality fish oil in supporting overall health and cellular membrane health. 3. The crucial connection between gut health and breast health, and how to assess and support gut health for inflammation reduction. 4. The influence of hormone balancing, progesterone usage, and estrogen signaling on addressing breast tenderness in midlife and perimenopausal women.   Mentioned in this episode: Purchase Herbatonin here and use Tara's discount code for 15% off, which is Tara15: https://symphonynaturalhealth.com/TaraHerbatonin BOOK: Happy Healthy Hormones by D. Rosensweet   You might also enjoy these recent episodes: EPISODE 81: An interview with Deanna Minich, PhD, nutrition scientist, educator, & author about melatonin & its multiple functions, specifically, Herbatonin, which is far superior to other types of melatonin. EPISODE 46: All about melatonin: a hormone that’s anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, aids brain detox & SO much more

Improve Your Overall Health and Wellness with Medicinal Mushrooms If you've been feeling intrigued by the world of medicinal mushrooms and their potential to transform your health, then our latest episode is a must-listen! In this week's episode, our hosts Tara sits down for an interview with Brandi Garden to dive deep into the fascinating world of functional mushrooms and their incredible benefits. Brandi takes us on a journey through her inspiring health story, from her struggles with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis to founding her company, Eversio, to offer high-quality functional mushroom supplements and extract blends. Here's what they discussed:   1. Brandi Garden's Inspiring Health Journey: Learn about Brandi's personal struggle with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, the challenges she faced with Western medicine, and how her search for better health solutions led her to the power of functional mushrooms.   2. Uncovering the Myths and Benefits: Discover the truth about functional mushrooms and how they can contribute to brain health, relaxation, sleep, hormone balancing, and adaptogenic qualities.   3. The Story Behind Eversio: Get the inside scoop on Brandi's company, Eversio, the Latin meaning behind the name, and their commitment to providing high-quality, potent, and concentrated mushroom products.   4. Avoiding Ineffective Supplements: Hear about the frustrations surrounding the prevalence of low-dose or ineffective mushroom supplements in the market, and why correct dosages and organic certification are crucial for maximum benefits.   5. The Future of Functional Mushrooms: Find out about the exciting developments in mushroom blends for specific health benefits and the company's focus on providing valuable resources, including research, blogs, and over 100 recipes.   Brandi Garden Biography: Brandi Garden is the co-founder of Eversio Wellness, a family owned and operated Canadian mushroom wellness company with the mission to change lives through fungi. The fungi kingdom found Brandi after three bouts with skin cancer, caused by the pharmaceutical she’d been prescribed for over a decade. She’s since started Eversio with her husband, and has become a passionate advocate for the daily use of medicinal mushrooms as preventative and natural medicine and an alternative to pharmaceuticals.   Mentioned in this episode: Eversio Wellness - Eversio means change. Our mission is to change lives through fungi. We intend to do that by offering the best medicinal mushroom supplements available today. Eversio Wellness products deliver the benefits of medicinal mushrooms with premium grade fruiting body extracts that are organic, non-GMO, and super concentrated. Each capsule or 1/2 tsp of our mushroom extracts delivers a FULL THERAPEUTIC DOSE! Purchase Herbatonin here and use Tara's discount code for 15% off, which is Tara15: https://symphonynaturalhealth.com/TaraHerbatonin   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.  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.   You might also enjoy these recent episodes: EPISODE 16: Is blue light negatively impacting your health with Aaron Telford of Baxter Blue EPISODE 81: An interview with Deanna Minich, PhD, nutrition scientist, educator, & author about melatonin & its multiple functions, specifically, Herbatonin, which is far superior to other types of melatonin.