

The Perimenopause Solution Podcast
Tara Thorne
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 Perimenopause 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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 26, 2024 • 59min
81: An interview with Deanna Minich, PhD, nutrition scientist, educator, & author about melatonin & its multiple functions.
In today's episode, Tara is joined by Deanna Minich, a distinguished expert with a scientific background, to unravel the wonders of melatonin and its significance in healthcare. Deanna shares insights from her role as Chief Science Officer at Symphony Natural Health, shedding light on their innovative plant-based nutraceuticals and the remarkable benefits of Herbatonin, a high-quality form of melatonin. The conversation dissects the importance of melatonin in healthy aging, its impact on detoxification, and its potential to regulate circadian rhythms. From varying dosages to the influence of liver health, the episode provides a comprehensive understanding of melatonin's multifaceted role in supporting overall well-being. Whether you're curious about melatonin for children's sleep patterns or it's potential role in healthy aging, this episode has all the answers. Here's some of what is discussed: Understanding Melatonin: Dr. Minich provides valuable insights into the unique properties of Herbatonin, a high-quality plant-derived form of melatonin that exhibits potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. Melatonin for Children: The debate surrounding the use of melatonin supplements for children, especially amidst the challenges of the pandemic, is explored in-depth, considering both the benefits and potential risks. Individualized Approaches: Dr. Minich emphasizes the importance of personalized dosage and the quality of melatonin supplements, advocating for a comprehensive understanding of individual responses and needs. Melatonin and Healthy Aging: The episode uncovers the benefits of melatonin for healthy aging, with a focus on the optimal dosage for different age groups and specific conditions. ABOUT DR. MINICH Deanna Minich, PhD, is a nutrition scientist, educator, and author, with over twenty years of experience in academia and in the natural product industries, currently serving as Chief Science Officer at Symphony Natural Health. She has been active as a functional medicine clinician in clinical trials and in her own practice (Food & Spirit™). She is the author of six consumer books on wellness topics, four book chapters, and over fifty scientific publications. Through her talks, workshops, groups, and in-person retreats, she helps people to transform their lives practically and artfully through nutrition and lifestyle. Visit her at: www.deannaminich.com Visit https://www.phytomelatonin.org to learn more about Herbatonin, the science behind melatonin and melatonin's many applications in the body. If you are interested in Symphony Natural Health's products and have more questions, reach out to the team by emailing medical.team@symphonynaturalhealth.com Clinicians, please visit https://symphonynaturalhealthpro.com to learn more about Symphony Natural Health's professional line of products. Mentioned in this episode: Purchase Herbatonin here and use Tara's discount code for 15% off, which is Tara15: https://symphonynaturalhealth.com/TaraHerbatonin Find out more about The Hormone Balance Solution here: https://tarathornenutrition.com/hormone-balance-solution/

Feb 27, 2024 • 23min
80: A pep talk you may be needing. You are stronger than you think. Kick old stories, dig deep to find discipline & get the results you want.
In this episode of The Hormone Balance Solution podcast, Tara discusses the vital topics of discipline and consistency. The key to achieving your goals, whether they're related to mental or physical health, career, or relationships lies in these two elements. Here's what she covers: 1. The importance of discipline and consistency in achieving mental and physical health goals 2. The role of mindset in making positive changes in your life 3. How to break free from old stories and limiting beliefs to empower yourself 4. The significance of having a support system and coaching to guide you on your journey 5. The impact of making small, consistent changes in your lifestyle for long-term success Remember, the journey to hormone balance and overall well-being is a choice, and you are far more capable than you think. Let his episode uplift and empower you as you charge forward in living your best life. Mentioned in this episode: Paleovalley – Grab your goodies as mentioned in this episode, HERE MegaSporeBiotic – Click HERE to grab this probiotic and use my practitioner code, which also gets you 10% off: TaraMegaSpore YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY THESE EPISODES: EPS 51: The month that changed me: Discovering Soul-Nourishing Wisdom in the Midst of Challenges EPS 52: Mindset and nervous system restoration after my hard month Hi, I'm Tara Thorne, FDN-P, RHN, FNC and women's health and hormone expert. After serving hundreds of women in my signature program, The Hormone Balance Solution, I bring to you, the HBS Podcast. This podcast is all about educating women, and giving them actionable strategies for supporting hormonal harmony. It's my passion to empower women to take back their health and their happiness. We'll cover gut health, mineral balancing, nutrient deficiencies, cellular health, nervous system health, functional testing, and so much more. No Fluff. No BS. Just everything you need to know and nothing you don't.

Feb 20, 2024 • 25min
79: Do you need HRT if you don't have symptoms? What if you don't have hot flashes & you're still cycling regularly?
In this episode, Tara unpacks a common question: Do you need hormone replacement therapy (HRT) if you don't have symptoms? She addresses misconceptions about perimenopause and emphasizes the importance of HRT beyond just alleviating hot flashes; shedding light on the invisible benefits of HRT, advocating for proactive health measures, and debunking myths surrounding hormone therapy and regular menstrual cycles. Here's what you can expect: Symptoms Awareness: Many women may not realize they are experiencing symptoms of hormone imbalance, which they have normalized as a part of everyday life. It's essential to be proactive and educate ourselves about the subtle signs that could indicate hormonal fluctuations. Proper Monitoring: Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) should not be overlooked just because of regular cycles or absence of hot flashes. Proper monitoring, preferably through a 24-hour urine test, is crucial to ensuring the optimal hormone levels necessary to protect against chronic disease states. Comprehensive Hormone Support: HRT isn't a standalone solution. It needs to be complemented with personalized nutritional support and detoxification to ensure the hormones effectively communicate with the body at the tissue level. Understanding and addressing hormone receptors, nutrient levels, and detoxification processes are paramount for holistic hormone balance. Mentioned in this episode: Paleovalley – Grab your protein packed goodies as mentioned in this episode, HERE MegaSporeBiotic – Click HERE to grab this probiotic and use my practitioner code, which also gets you 10% off: TaraMegaSpore YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY THESE EPISODES: EPS 35: The dangers of synthetic birth control: not a solution for peri-menopausal women PART 1 EPS 36: The dangers of synthetic birth control: not a solution for peri-menopausal women PART 2 EPS 41: Why you're afraid of hormone replacement therapy, but shouldn't be

Feb 13, 2024 • 28min
78: Exercise is a non-negotiable in midlife & beyond + what is "skinny fat" and why is it dangerous?
In this episode, Tara gets real about why it's crucial to build muscle for metabolic health and longevity in midlife and beyond. Exercise, particularly muscle-building exercises, can significantly impact our overall health as we age. Here's a glimpse of what you can expect from this (what I hope is) empowering episode: 1. Understanding the Importance of Muscle: Tara explains how muscle plays a pivotal role in combating chronic disease states such as cardiovascular disease, dementia, osteoporosis, cancer, and type 2 diabetes. Building robust muscle is our superpower against these health issues. 2. Challenging Age-Related Misconceptions: Tara passionately challenges the misconceptions around aging, emphasizing that losing strength as we age is not an inevitable consequence. With the right exercise and nutrition, we can defy the limitations often associated with getting older. 3. Anabolic Resistance and Muscle Health: The episode sheds light on anabolic resistance, a common phenomenon as we age, and provides actionable solutions for combating it. Tara discusses the importance of protein intake, heavy weight lifting, and hormone replacement therapy to counter anabolic resistance and build muscle effectively. 4. Waist Circumference as a Predictor: Tara also highlights the significance of measuring waist circumference as a predictor of metabolic dysfunction, providing valuable insights for assessing and improving our metabolic health. FUN(CTIONAL) FACT: Did you know that muscle mass significantly predicts lifespan? Research shows that individuals over 60 years of age with lower muscle strength were 50% more likely to die from all causes, including cancer. Mentioned in this episode: Paleovalley – Grab your goodies as mentioned in this episode, HERE EQUIP PRIME PROTEIN – Click HERE to grab yours and use my code: TARA20 to get 20% off Register for my Live Training coming up in February - More details HERE! Hi, I'm Tara Thorne, FDN-P, RHN, FNC and women's health and hormone expert. After serving hundreds of women in my signature program, The Hormone Balance Solution, I bring to you, the HBS Podcast. This podcast is all about educating women, and giving them actionable strategies for supporting hormonal harmony. It's my passion to empower women to take back their health and their happiness. We'll cover gut health, mineral balancing, nutrient deficiencies, cellular health, nervous system health, functional testing, and so much more. No Fluff. No BS. Just everything you need to know and nothing you don't.

Feb 6, 2024 • 19min
77: How to know if you're in perimenopause
Are you experiencing symptoms and wondering how to know if you've entered of perimenopause? In the latest episode of The Hormone Balance Solution podcast, we take a look at the signs and symptoms of perimenopause. From hormonal fluctuations to lifestyle adjustments, this stage of midlife can be managed with the right knowledge and support. Low Progesterone and Estrogen Symptoms of low progesterone and low estrogen are telltale signs of perimenopause. Recognizing changes such as mood swings, irregular cycles, hot flashes, and more can indicate that you've entered this transition. The Transition Period Perimenopause can last for 12-15 years, and it's crucial to support your body through this transition. Multifactorial approaches including hormone replacement therapy, inflammation reduction, and blood sugar balance are essential for managing symptoms and setting the stage for long-term health. Beyond Perimenopause It's not just about managing perimenopause, but also setting yourself up for a healthy future. By addressing diet, lifestyle, functional testing, and custom supplementation alongside hormone therapy, you can support your body through perimenopause and beyond. Explore the full podcast episode for a deeper understanding of perimenopause and discover how to navigate this stage with grace and empowerment. Share this with the women in your life who can benefit from this important information, and stay tuned for more insightful episodes. Don't miss out on valuable insights - subscribe to The Hormone Balance Solution podcast today! Mentioned in this episode: EQUIP PRIME PROTEIN – Click HERE to grab yours and use my code: TARA20 to get 20% off Register for my Live Training coming up in February - More details HERE! Hi, I'm Tara Thorne, FDN-P, RHN, FNC and women's health and hormone expert. After serving hundreds of women in my signature program, The Hormone Balance Solution, I bring to you, the HBS Podcast. This podcast is all about educating women, and giving them actionable strategies for supporting hormonal harmony. It's my passion to empower women to take back their health and their happiness. We'll cover gut health, mineral balancing, nutrient deficiencies, cellular health, nervous system health, functional testing, and so much more. No Fluff. No BS. Just everything you need to know and nothing you don't.

Jan 30, 2024 • 40min
76: Everything you need to know to support your breast health now and into the future.
Breast Cancer is something that affects so many women and as we enter midlife, it's even more important that we give this topic our attention. From the foods we eat to the impact of alcohol consumption, healthy gut and mineral support, to the influence of genetics and lifestyle, we'll delve into all the factors that contribute to breast health in this episode of The Hormone Balance Solution podcast. Here's some of what I share in this episode: Gut Health and Breast Cancer Risk: Our gut health has a significant impact on hormone metabolism and inflammation regulation in the body, which can influence the risk of breast cancer and disease states. It's essential to prioritize a healthy gut by consuming gut-supportive foods and maintaining a balanced diet. Lifestyle Factors and Breast Cancer: Obesity and alcohol consumption have been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. By focusing on maintaining a healthy weight, minimizing alcohol intake, and optimizing lifestyle choices, individuals can help reduce their susceptibility to breast cancer. Hormones, Microbiome, and Breast Health: Hormones play a crucial role in breast health, and the gut microbiome can impact estrogen metabolism, affecting its removal from the body. Additionally, low levels of melatonin have been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Prioritizing hormone balance and microbiome health can be key in promoting overall breast health. Melatonin and Breast Health: Low levels of melatonin can influence the development of breast cancer, and disruptions in the circadian rhythm have been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. Melatonin, known for its potent antioxidant and anti-cancer properties, is recommended for its potential impact on breast cancer and resistance to chemotherapy. Paying attention to our gut microbiome, specific bacteria, and enzymes can offer insights into breast cancer risk and development. Join me on a journey to understanding the crucial role of diet, melatonin levels, circadian rhythm, gut microbiome, and more in maintaining optimal breast health. Empower yourself with knowledge to make informed, precautionary choices for your well-being. Mentioned in this episode: Herbatonin – Save 15% when you use Tara's code: Tara15 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 Studies of Reference: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/alcohol/alcohol-fact-sheet#:~:text=Breast%20cancer%3A%20Epidemiologic%20studies%20have,breast%20cancer%2C%20compared%20with%20nondrinkers https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3832299/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36374962/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10058520/#:~:text=The%20microbiota%20can%20increase%2Fdecrease,and%20modulating%20the%20immune%20system. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10058520/#:~:text=The%20microbiota%20can%20increase%2Fdecrease,and%20modulating%20the%20immune%20system. Hi, I'm Tara Thorne, FDN-P, RHN, FNC and women's health and hormone expert. After serving hundreds of women in my signature program, The Hormone Balance Solution, I bring to you, the HBS Podcast. This podcast is all about educating women, and giving them actionable strategies for supporting hormonal harmony. It's my passion to empower women to take back their health and their happiness. We'll cover gut health, mineral balancing, nutrient deficiencies, cellular health, nervous system health, functional testing, and so much more. No Fluff. No BS. Just everything you need to know and nothing you don't.

Jan 23, 2024 • 25min
75: Thyroid health: a quick overview of the must-knows
This episode takes us through the crucial aspects of thyroid health, especially in midlife and perimenopausal years. We discuss the symptoms of a sluggish thyroid, the importance of comprehensive thyroid blood work, and the impactful role of cellular hypothyroidism. And also the importance of factors such as toxic load, heavy metals, and gut health in optimizing thyroid function. Here's the rundown of what I share: 1. The symptoms of a sluggish thyroid and how they often present in midlife and perimenopausal years. 2. The importance of looking beyond the traditional TSH test and considering a comprehensive thyroid panel for accurate diagnosis. 3. The impact of cellular hypothyroidism, where thyroid hormone levels may appear normal in blood work but fail to reach the cells, leading to persistent symptoms. 4. The critical role of addressing factors like toxic load, heavy metals, and gut health in supporting thyroid function and reducing the cell danger response. 5. The significance of minerals like iodine and the necessity of conducting an HTMA test to assess thyroid health comprehensively. Fun Fact from the Episode: Did you know that the TSH reference range was developed using only 200 volunteers in 1973? Tara shares the debate surrounding the accuracy of this range and why functional optimal ranges may be more relevant for assessing thyroid health. Mentioned in this episode: EQUIP PRIME PROTEIN – Click HERE to grab yours and use my code: TARA20 to get 20% off MegaSporeBiotic – Click HERE to grab this probiotic and use my practitioner code, which also gets you 10% off: TaraMegaSpore Hi, I'm Tara Thorne, FDN-P, RHN, FNC and women's health and hormone expert. After serving hundreds of women in my signature program, The Hormone Balance Solution, I bring to you, the HBS Podcast. This podcast is all about educating women, and giving them actionable strategies for supporting hormonal harmony. It's my passion to empower women to take back their health and their happiness. We'll cover gut health, mineral balancing, nutrient deficiencies, cellular health, nervous system health, functional testing, and so much more. No Fluff. No BS. Just everything you need to know and nothing you don't.

Jan 9, 2024 • 30min
74: Why I don't recommend or use food sensitivity testing
In this episode, Tara delves into the topic of food sensitivity testing, and why she doesn't currently run them for her clients. Even though it's one of the most requested topics, she gives a deep dive into the topic and breaks down her reasons for not running food sensitivity tests on clients. Here are 5 key points from this episode: 1. The difference between food intolerances, food allergies, and food sensitivities. 2. The flaws in food sensitivity testing and why it might not be the answer to your health concerns. 3. How leaky gut can impact food sensitivity test results and what it means for your overall health. 4. Insight into why simply removing foods may not address the root cause of problems. 5. Future possibilities in gut testing and how understanding gut metabolites could revolutionize gut health approaches. 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 WATCH MY FREE HORMONE BALANCE SOLUTION TRAINING VIDEO HERE [box] Hi, I'm Tara Thorne, FDN-P, RHN, FNC and women's health and hormone expert. After serving hundreds of women in my signature program, The Hormone Balance Solution, I bring to you, the HBS Podcast. This podcast is all about educating women, and giving them actionable strategies for supporting hormonal harmony. It's my passion to empower women to take back their health and their happiness. We'll cover gut health, mineral balancing, nutrient deficiencies, cellular health, nervous system health, functional testing, and so much more. No Fluff. No BS. Just everything you need to know and nothing you don't. [/box]

Jan 2, 2024 • 4min
73: Free live training this week! The first in months. Don't miss it.
My brand-new live training is happening THIS WEEK! I'm super excited and I really do hope I'll see you there live. If you come live you'll get all your questions answered in a Q&A at the end and find out about a big discount on my flagship program! PLUS! If you show up live you'll get the chance to go into a draw to win one of 5 free 30-minute private one-on-one consultations with me! Click HERE to save your seat. On this training you'll discover: Why you shouldn’t run a hormone test in midlife and what to do instead to get ROOT CAUSE answers. How to regain HOPE that there ARE answers - that your health struggles are NOT insurmountable - and trust you’re on the right path with an effective plan to feel better once and for all! Why restrictive diets, giving up coffee or doing parasite cleanses, coffee enemas, and seed cycling aren’t necessary and how to enjoy life WHILST healing your hormones. Why HRT is important for every middle-aged woman to start thinking about and what to consider to ensure you're not dismissed and that you're doing HRT healthfully. And so much more! You’ll walk away from this training feeling excited, clear, and ready to finally get the answers you seek and a clear path forward to feeling like your old self again. I promise it is possible! My trainings are always best attended live and you'll get access to me during a live Q&A at the end - and I always answer EVERY question. PLUS! If you show up LIVE and stay until the end of the training, you get the chance to go into a draw to win one of 5 free 30-minute private one-on-one consultations with me! Tara XO

Dec 19, 2023 • 34min
72: All about peri-menopause and strategies for mid-life: An interview with Jennifer Woodward, FDN-P
In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Jennifer Woodward, a functional diagnostic nutrition practitioner specializing in guiding women through perimenopause naturally. Jennifer shared valuable insights into addressing hormone imbalances and provided practical solutions to navigate this phase with grace. Here is some of what she shared with us: Recognizing perimenopause symptoms Recognizing perimenopause symptoms is crucial, and Jennifer emphasizes the value of paying attention to sleep disturbances, weight changes, anxiety, depression, and menstrual irregularities. Managing fluctuating estrogen and progesterone levels The conversation highlighted the importance of managing fluctuating estrogen and progesterone levels, recognizing perimenopause symptoms, and prioritizing stress management and self-care practices. Proactive stress management Jennifer advocates proactive stress management, urging women to prioritize self-care, deep breathing, and mindful practices to reduce chronic stress and support hormone balance. Jennifer also shared her inspiring perspective on embracing the mindset of abundance and positivity, encouraging women to focus on nourishment, positivity, and repletion in their journey through perimenopause. A fantastic message for all of our HBS podcast listeners. About Jennifer Woodward: Jennifer Woodward holds a Master’s of Science in Integrative Nutrition and is a certified Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner and a Board Certified Functional Wellness Coach. Jennifer is the creator of the acclaimed FDN Business School and she loves getting to help new FDNs thrive professionally. She is also the former Executive Director of the Association of Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Professionals where she was mentored by course creator Reed Davis. Jennifer was recently a quarter-long guest lecturer in graduate Endocrinology at Parker University and also completed a three-month long internship with Dr. Kyrin Dunston, getting hands-on training in women’s hormones. She loves to be active with her high school sweetheart husband and four kids. CONNECT WITH JENNIFER WEBSITE: jenniferwoodwardnutrition.com INSTAGRAM: @jennifer_woodward_nutrition FACEBOOK: facebook.com/jenniferwoodwardFDNP/ Mentioned in this episode: MegaSporeBiotic – Click HERE to grab this probiotic and use my practitioner code, which also gets you 10% off: TaraMegaSpore WATCH MY FREE HORMONE BALANCE SOLUTION TRAINING VIDEO HERE Hi, I'm Tara Thorne, FDN-P, RHN, FNC and women's health and hormone expert. After serving hundreds of women in my signature program, The Hormone Balance Solution, I bring to you, the HBS Podcast. This podcast is all about educating women, and giving them actionable strategies for supporting hormonal harmony. It's my passion to empower women to take back their health and their happiness. We'll cover gut health, mineral balancing, nutrient deficiencies, cellular health, nervous system health, functional testing, and so much more. No Fluff. No BS. Just everything you need to know and nothing you don't.