#477 Defensiveness, Coping & Managing Emotions with Dr. Stephanie Lopez

Send us Fan Mail✨ Feeling mentally scattered, overwhelmed, or like your brain just won't slow down? I've put together my tried-and-true tools for better mental clarity in Finally Focused: Mental Clarity on Demand. Grab it here: http://christabiegler.com/focus🚨 BIG SAVINGS on Jaspr Air Scrubbers! Get $350 OFF NOW through December 31, 2026 with code LESSSTRESSED! Shop here: https://jaspr.co/lessstressedDo you ever catch yourself overthinking, trying to keep everyone happy, or feeling like you need to control everything? On this episode of the Less Stressed Life, I'm joined by Dr. Stephanie Lopez to talk about how these everyday habits can actually be signs of defensiveness. Stephanie shares how a workshop during her career at NASA completely changed the way she understood her own emotions, and why coping with anxiety isn't always the same as addressing what's underneath it. We also get into how our nervous system plays a role in anxiety and some interesting ways to help calm it down. Plus, how learning to handle our own emotions can make a difference in our relationships, especially with our kids.KEY TAKEAWAYS:🛡️ Defensiveness beyond arguing🧠 Overthinking, perfectionism, and people pleasing💭 Coping vs. addressing anxiety🌿 Calming an overactive nervous system❤️ Emotional capacity and relationshipsABOUT GUEST:Dr. Stephanie Lopez is an organizational psychologist, executive coach, and former NASA professional who helps high achievers overcome anxiety and overwhelm. After struggling with anxiety and burnout herself, a life-changing workshop inspired her to take a different approach to managing emotions. Today, Dr. Steph combines psychology, nervous system science, and practical tools to help women feel calmer, more confident, and connected in their everyday lives.WHERE TO FIND GUEST:Free Workshop: https://www.brave-method.com/anxiety-relief-experience Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drstephanielopezPodcast: https://www.brave-method.com/anxiety-relief-experienceSPONSOR:Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 💛 I’m sharing some pretty cool health pearls 💎 about vitamin K2, a misunderstood nutrient that goes way beyond 🦴 bone health, including its role in helping calcium get where it needs to go, ❤️ cardiovascular health, 🥾 performance and more. Save 10% on any Jigsaw Health order with code LESSSTRESSED10.NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE:🍽️ Over restriction is dead🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards)🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone❤️ Do your best and leave the restWHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionistPodcast Instagram: @lessstressedlifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlifeQuick Links: https://www.christabiegler.com/linksCortisol Shop: https://christabiegler.com/cortisol-shop✨Grab Cortisol Reset here: https://christabiegler.com/cortisol-a❓Questions for Christa? Submit them here: https://www.christabiegler.com/questions

Send us Fan Mail⚠️If you want all my tried & true options for mental clarity✨ on demand, pick up Finally Focused: http://christabiegler.com/focusOn this episode of the Less Stressed Life, we're wrapping up our October ADHD series with psychologist Dr. Ari Tuckman. We talk about what an ADHD diagnosis actually looks like, why ADHD often goes unnoticed in girls and women, and how it can affect relationships and parenting. We also explore the difference between using ADHD as an explanation versus an excuse, along with practical strategies for managing procrastination, time blindness, and everyday challenges.KEY TAKEAWAYS:🧠 What an accurate ADHD diagnosis looks like🧬 Genetics and why ADHD can go undiagnosed❤️ ADHD in relationships and parenting⏰ Managing time blindness and procrastination🧩 ADHD as an explanation, not an excuseABOUT GUEST:Dr. Ari Tuckman, PsyD, MBA, is a psychologist, international speaker, and ADHD thought leader with over 25 years of experience in private practice. He specializes in working with teens and adults with ADHD, as well as couples navigating relationship challenges. He is the author of five books on adult ADHD, including his newest, The ADHD Productivity Manual, and received CHADD's Hall of Fame Award in 2023.WHERE TO FIND GUEST:Website: https://www.drarituckman.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arituckmanpsydSPONSOR:Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 💛 I’m sharing some pretty cool health pearls 💎 about vitamin K2, a misunderstood nutrient that goes way beyond 🦴 bone health, including its role in helping calcium get where it needs to go, ❤️ cardiovascular health, 🥾 performance and more. Save 10% on any Jigsaw Health order with code LESSSTRESSED10.NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE:🍽️ Over restriction is dead🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards)🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone❤️ Do your best and leave the restWHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionistPodcast Instagram: @lessstressedlifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlifeQuick Links: https://www.christabiegler.com/linksCortisol Shop: https://christabiegler.com/cortisol-shop✨Grab Cortisol Reset here: https://christabiegler.com/cortisol-a❓Questions for Christa? Submit them here: https://www.christabiegler.com/questions

Send us Fan Mail⚠️If you want all my tried & true options for mental clarity✨ on demand, pick up Finally Focused: http://christabiegler.com/focusOn this episode of the Less Stressed Life, we're diving into executive function with Dr. Sharon Saline as part of our October ADHD series. We talk about why everyday things like managing time, remembering appointments, and following through can be so challenging, and how these struggles can affect relationships. We also explore ADHD diagnosis, genetics, hormones, and the role shame plays in keeping us stuck. Plus, Sharon shares practical strategies for making everyday life a little easier. KEY TAKEAWAYS:🧠 Why ADHD can be missed in women🧬 Genetics, trauma, and ADHD symptoms🧩 Hot vs. cool executive functioning skills❤️ ADHD, relationships, and emotional regulation✅ Practical strategies for motivation and follow-throughABOUT GUEST:Dr. Sharon Saline is the author of the award-winning book, What Your ADHD Child Wishes You Knew: Working Together to Empower Kids for Success in School and Life and The ADHD solution card deck. She specializes in working with ADHD and neurodivergent children, teens, adults and families--helping them improve anxiety, cognitive and social executive functioning skills, resilience, self-confidence and personal relationships. She consults with schools, clinics and businesses internationally. Dr. Saline is an instructor at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, a part-time lecturer at the Smith College School for Social Work, blogger for PsychologyToday.com, contributing expert on MASS Live at WWLP TV, serves on the editorial board of ADDitudemag.com.WHERE TO FIND GUEST:Website: https://www.drsharonsaline.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsharonsaline YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@DrSharonSalineSPONSOR:Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 💛 I’m sharing some pretty cool health pearls 💎 about vitamin K2, a misunderstood nutrient that goes way beyond 🦴 bone health, including its role in helping calcium get where it needs to go, ❤️ cardiovascular health, 🥾 performance and more. Save 10% on any Jigsaw Health order with code LESSSTRESSED10.NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE:🍽️ Over restriction is dead🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards)🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone❤️ Do your best and leave the restWHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionistPodcast Instagram: @lessstressedlifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlifeQuick Links: https://www.christabiegler.com/linksCortisol Shop: https://christabiegler.com/cortisol-shop✨Grab Cortisol Reset here: https://christabiegler.com/cortisol-a❓Questions for Christa? Submit them here: https://www.christabiegler.com/questions

Send us Fan Mail⚠️If you want all my tried & true options for mental clarity✨ on demand, pick up Finally Focused: http://christabiegler.com/focusOn this episode of the Less Stressed Life, we’re continuing ADHD month with returning guest Dr. Jolene Brighten to talk about the hidden signs of ADHD in women and why so many go undiagnosed for years. We get into masking, people pleasing, overachieving, and what ADHD can look like when someone seems to have it all together on the outside but is struggling to keep up behind the scenes.We also unpack the connection between ADHD and perimenopause, including why hormonal changes can make existing symptoms worse or create symptoms that look like ADHD. Jolene explains why thyroid health matters when evaluating ADHD symptoms and how inflammation, gut health, sleep, and movement can influence brain function. Plus, we discuss what an ADHD diagnosis actually involves and when getting one may be helpful. 📖 Get Dr. Jolene Brighten’s new book, ADHD and Women, here: https://drbrighten.com/books/adhd-and-women/✅ Check out Dr. Jolene Brighten's previous episode, #294 Is This Normal? Libido, Night Sweats, and BC AlternativesKEY TAKEAWAYS:🧠 Why ADHD often goes undiagnosed in women🎭 Masking, people pleasing, and overachieving🔍 How ADHD can show up beyond the typical stereotypes🌸 Why perimenopause can amplify ADHD symptoms🦋 How thyroid and hormone changes can mimic ADHD🔥 The connection between inflammation, gut health, and brain function💤 How sleep and movement support focus and executive function🧩 When an ADHD diagnosis may be helpfulABOUT GUEST:Dr. Jolene Brighten is an internationally recognized hormone expert, nutrition scientist, and founder of Dr. Brighten Essentials, a supplement company creating science-backed solutions for women’s health. Board-certified in naturopathic endocrinology, a certified menopause specialist, and sex counselor, she’s the bestselling author of Beyond the Pill, Is This Normal, and the forthcoming ADHD and Women—empowering women to optimize their hormones and enhance sexual wellness. A passionate advocate for uncovering the root causes of hormonal imbalances, Dr. Brighten combines clinical expertise with evidence-based education to empower women to optimize their hormones, brain health, and sexual wellness. Through her writing, speaking engagements, and global educational platforms, she has inspired millions of women to better understand their bodies and reclaim vitality.WHERE TO FIND GUEST:Website: https://drbrighten.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjolenebrighten/ Podcast: The Dr. Brighten Show - https://drbrighten.com/podcast/SPONSOR:Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 💛 I’m sharing some pretty cool health pearls 💎 about vitamin K2, a misunderstood nutrient that goes way beyond 🦴 bone health, including its role in helping calcium get where it needs to go, ❤️ cardiovascular health, 🥾 performance and more. Save 10% on any Jigsaw Health order with code LESSSTRESSED10.NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE:🍽️ Over restriction is dead🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards)🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone❤️ Do your best and leave the restWHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionistPodcast Instagram: @lessstressedlifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlifeQuick Links: https://www.christabiegler.com/linksCortisol Shop: https://christabiegler.com/cortisol-shop✨Grab Cortisol Reset here: https://christabiegler.com/cortisol-a❓Questions for Christa? Submit them here: https://www.christabiegler.com/questions

Send us Fan Mail⚠️If you want all my tried & true options for mental clarity✨ on demand, pick up Finally Focused: http://christabiegler.com/focus🚨🚀 FREE 5-DAY SUCCESS ACCELERATOR: Brad’s free 5-day challenge starts October 19. Put what you learned in this episode into action!http://www.bradbizjack.com/a/2148328314/SoWiGkU5🎯 WHAT’S YOUR UNIQUE SUCCESS ARCHETYPE? Take Brad’s free 60-second assessment to uncover subconscious patterns that may be holding you back from your goals.http://www.bradbizjack.com/a/2148328317/SoWiGkU5On this episode of the Less Stressed Life, we’re kicking off ADHD month with returning guest Brad Bizjack to talk about motivation, identity, and what can keep us stuck even when we know what we want to do. We get into why motivation often comes after action, the difference between pushing yourself and feeling pulled toward something, and how the stories we believe about ourselves can shape our behavior.We also unpack toxic positivity and what happens when we avoid uncomfortable emotions like anger and anxiety. Brad shares a practical framework for processing emotions instead of stuffing them down, plus we talk about burnout, recharging your battery, and the difference between doing something that truly fills your cup and simply checking out or escaping.✅Check out Brad's pervious episode, #423 Achievement Without Fulfillment and PerfectionismKEY TAKEAWAYS:🧠 Why motivation often comes after action🔄 How identity and beliefs influence behavior🧲 Push motivation vs. pull motivation👏 Why rewarding the action matters🔥 Processing anger and other uncomfortable emotions🧩 The RULER framework for working through emotions🔋 Recharging your battery vs. escapingABOUT GUEST:Brad Bizjack is a personal development expert, mindset strategist, coach, inspirational speaker, and podcast host with over 10 years of coaching experience. His mission is to help people maximize their life, master their mindset, and elevate their relationships and career to the next level and beyond. Brad is happily married to his beautiful wife, Janiece. They reside in Western Illinois in their lake house and have a daughter named Lillian and a dog named Oliver.WHERE TO FIND GUEST:Website: https://www.bradbizjack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradbizjack/Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rewire-your-mind-w-brad-bizjack/id1435519731SPONSOR:Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 💛 I’m sharing some pretty cool health pearls 💎 about vitamin K2, a misunderstood nutrient that goes way beyond 🦴 bone health, including its role in helping calcium get where it needs to go, ❤️ cardiovascular health, 🥾 performance and more. Save 10% on any Jigsaw Health order with code LESSSTRESSED10.NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE:🍽️ Over restriction is dead🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards)🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone❤️ Do your best and leave the restWHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionistPodcast Instagram: @lessstressedlifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlifeQuick Links: https://www.christabiegler.com/linksCortisol Shop: https://christabiegler.com/cortisol-shop✨Grab Cortisol Reset here: https://christabiegler.com/cortisol-a❓Questions for Christa? Submit them here: https://www.christabiegler.com/questions

Send us Fan MailOn this episode of the Less Stressed Life, we’re switching things up and having a little fun with personal style. I’m talking with style coach Gillian Jakob Kieser about why figuring out what actually feels like you goes way beyond knowing your colors, following trends, or buying the pieces someone says everyone needs in their closet.Gillian walks me through the six style archetypes and we get into my own mix of natural, dramatic, and gamine. We also talk about why your style can change through different seasons of life, what your closet can teach you about yourself, and how understanding what you actually like can make getting dressed and shopping a whole lot easier (and more fun).FREEBIE: Gillian's Style Archetype Quiz - https://www.gillianjakobkieser.com/quizKEY TAKEAWAYS:👗 Why personal style is about more than fashion🎨 Why knowing your colors isn’t enough✨ The six style archetypes and what they mean🧩 Finding your unique blend of archetypes🔎 What your closet can teach you🛍️ Shopping with less guesswork👚 Building a wardrobe for your actual life💫 Making getting dressed easier and more funABOUT GUEST:Gillian Jakob Kieser (KEESER) is a style coach here to serve the women who have felt left behind by traditional style advice. She goes beyond 'fashion' and doesn't believe there are any 6 pieces everyone must own. She shows you celebrate your true self, quiet the clothing noise, and teaches you how to match your outsides to your insides. Using concrete tools and frameworks, Gillian makes style understandable and enjoyable for EVERYONE, whether you’re “good at fashion” or not.WHERE TO FIND GUEST: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gillianjakobkieserSPONSOR:Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎 Get back into the swing of things with 🧴 MagRelief Lotion for stress and sleep, 🧠 Brain Boost Mag L-Threonate for focus, and 🍓🫐 Berry-Licious Electrolyte Supreme for daily hydration.🥳🎉 September special: From September 1–30, use code LESSSTRESSED15 for 15% off any order! Plus, get a FREE stainless steel water bottle 💦 when you start a new Electrolyte Supreme subscription.✨ Any other time, use code LESSSTRESSED10 for 10% off any order.NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE:🍽️ Over restriction is dead🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards)🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone❤️ Do your best and leave the restWHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionistPodcast Instagram: @lessstressedlifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlifeQuick Links: https://www.christabiegler.com/linksCortisol Shop: https://christabiegler.com/cortisol-shop❓Questions for Christa? Submit them here: https://www.christabiegler.com/questions

Send us Fan MailOn this episode of the Less Stressed Life, we're continuing our September focus on perimenopause with Integrative and Functional Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Kari Natwick to talk about how herbs can support women throughout the perimenopause transition.We talk about why some women struggle more through perimenopause than others, how changing hormones can amplify stress on underlying systems, and why herbal support may look different depending on where you are in the transition. Kari shares herbs for hot flashes, sleep, mood, libido, and nervous system support, plus where herbs fit alongside HRT.Check out Kari's other episode, #299 Mind-Body Connection for Chronic Gut Issues: https://www.buzzsprout.com/775589/episodes/12938540🌿 WISE WOMAN ERA: Kari's 12-week group program for navigating perimenopause with support around hormones, nutrition, gut health, the nervous system, and herbal medicine: https://www.gutbrainrd.com/wise-woman🎁 FREE PRIVATE PODCAST: Go deeper into perimenopause myths and the roles of hormones, gut health, the nervous system, nutrition, and herbal medicine: https://app.helloaudio.fm/feed/f8c39ba9-f4cb-437d-815f-545bfb93a51b/signupKEY TAKEAWAYS:🌿 How herbs can support perimenopause🌱 Vitex for early perimenopause🫖 Nourishing herbs for minerals & vitality🧠 Nervines for stress, mood & sleep🔥 Herbal support for hot flashes & night sweats💊 How herbs fit alongside HRTABOUT GUEST: Kari Natwick, RDN, LD, IFNCP, is an Integrative and Functional Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and founder of Kari Natwick Nutrition | Gut Brain RD. She helps women navigate perimenopause by uncovering the biological story behind their symptoms and connecting gut health, the nervous system, metabolism, hormones, and the realities of modern life. WHERE TO FIND GUEST:Website: https://www.gutbrainrd.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gutbrainrd SPONSOR:Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎 Get back into the swing of things with 🧴 MagRelief Lotion for stress and sleep, 🧠 Brain Boost Mag L-Threonate for focus, and 🍓🫐 Berry-Licious Electrolyte Supreme for daily hydration.🥳🎉 September special: From September 1–30, use code LESSSTRESSED15 for 15% off any order! Plus, get a FREE stainless steel water bottle 💦 when you start a new Electrolyte Supreme subscription.✨ Any other time, use code LESSSTRESSED10 for 10% off any order.NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE:🍽️ Over restriction is dead🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards)🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone❤️ Do your best and leave the restWHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionistPodcast Instagram: @lessstressedlifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlifeQuick Links: https://www.christabiegler.com/linksCortisol Shop: https://christabiegler.com/cortisol-shop❓Questions for Christa? Submit them here: https://www.christabiegler.com/questions

Send us Fan MailOn this episode of the Less Stressed Life, we're continuing our September focus on perimenopause with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rey Hamidi to unpack why skin can seem to age so quickly in midlife and what shifting hormones have to do with it.We talk about how declining estrogen and progesterone can affect collagen, elastin, pigmentation, acne, dryness, sensitivity, and sagging. Dr. Rey also explains why supporting your skin barrier should come before adding actives, which skincare ingredients she prioritizes, how sleep and other internal factors affect aging skin, and when treatments like microneedling or lasers may make sense.KEY TAKEAWAYS:🧬 How hormones affect aging skin✨ Why skin can seem to age overnight🧴 How to support your skin barrier🫧 Why over-exfoliating can backfire💧 Which skincare actives to prioritize😴 How sleep & stress impact your skin💆‍♀️ When microneedling & lasers may helpABOUT GUEST:Dr. Rey Hamidi is a board certified dermatologist, founder and CEO of Derm Media, Inc and creator of Ageless Alchemy, a digital program for women in midlife navigating signs of aging. She still practices dermatology part time in Southern California, where she lives with her husband and 2 children. Dr. Rey is passionate about helping women in midlife feel like themselves again, even amidst the hormone chaos of perimenopause and menopause.WHERE TO FIND GUEST:Work with Dr. Rey + Freebies: https://www.doctorrey.com/work-with-me YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrReyHamidi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_rey_hamidiTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr_rey_hamidiSPONSOR:Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎 Get back into the swing of things with 🧴 MagRelief Lotion for stress and sleep, 🧠 Brain Boost Mag L-Threonate for focus, and 🍓🫐 Berry-Licious Electrolyte Supreme for daily hydration.🥳🎉 September special: From September 1–30, use code LESSSTRESSED15 for 15% off any order! Plus, get a FREE stainless steel water bottle 💦 when you start a new Electrolyte Supreme subscription.✨ Any other time, use code LESSSTRESSED10 for 10% off any order.NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE:🍽️ Over restriction is dead🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards)🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone❤️ Do your best and leave the restWHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionistPodcast Instagram: @lessstressedlifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlifeQuick Links: https://www.christabiegler.com/linksCortisol Shop: https://christabiegler.com/cortisol-shop❓Questions for Christa? Submit them here: https://www.christabiegler.com/questions

Send us Fan MailOn this episode of the Less Stressed Life, we're continuing our September focus on perimenopause with Dr. Carrie Jones, who is back to break down what actually happens to our hormones during the perimenopause transition and why symptoms aren't always as straightforward as they seem.We talk about the stages of perimenopause, early symptoms, hormone testing, and why fatigue or changing hormones may be related to perimenopause, something else, or both. Carrie also explains how declining estrogen can affect insulin resistance, body composition, belly fat, cholesterol, and blood pressure, plus how to know when HRT (hormone replacement therapy) may make sense, why HRT isn't one size fits all, and the foundational pieces that still matter throughout the transition.Check out Carrie's other episode, #93 Hormone Testing & Stress Hormones - https://www.buzzsprout.com/775589/episodes/2394305KEY TAKEAWAYS:🧬 The different stages of perimenopause😴 Why fatigue isn't always just a hormone issue🧪 What FSH, estrogen & progesterone testing can tell you🍎 Why body composition & belly fat can change🩸 How estrogen impacts glucose, insulin & cardiovascular health💊 When HRT (hormone replacement therapy) may make sense🧠 Why foundations still matter with or without HRTFREE PERIMENOPAUSE EBOOK: Not sure which stage of perimenopause you're in? Grab Carrie's free guide here: https://www.drcarriejones.com/stagesABOUT GUEST:Carrie Jones, ND, FABNE, MPH, MSCP is an internationally recognized speaker, consultant, author and educator on women's health and hormones with over 20 years in the industry. Dubbed the “Queen of Hormones” in functional medicine, Dr. Jones is a Naturopathic Physician who completed a two-year residency focused on women's health and endocrinology. She earned her Master of Public Health (MPH), became one of the first to be board certified through the American Board of Naturopathic Endocrinology (FABNE), and is a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner (MSCP). She was the first Medical Director for Precision Analytical (the DUTCH Test), the first Head of Medical Education at Rupa Health (a Fullscript Company) and served on Under Armour’s Human Performance Council. She regularly consults and educates for several women’s health, supplement, and lab-focused companies. Dr. Jones co-hosted the highly popular Root Cause Medicine Podcast, which has over 10 million downloads and now hosts her own podcast, Hello Hormones. WHERE TO FIND GUEST:Website: https://www.drcarriejones.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drcarriejonesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carriejonesPodcast: Hello Hormones with Dr. Carrie Jones find on Apple or SpotifySPONSOR:Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎 Get back into the swing of things with 🧴 MagRelief Lotion for stress and sleep, 🧠 Brain Boost Mag L-Threonate for focus, and 🍓🫐 Berry-Licious Electrolyte Supreme for daily hydration.🥳🎉 September special: From September 1–30, use code LESSSTRESSED15 for 15% off any order! Plus, get a FREE stainless steel water bottle 💦 when you start a new Electrolyte Supreme subscription.✨ Any other time, use code LESSSTRESSED10 for 10% off any order.NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE:🍽️ Over restriction is dead🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards)🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone❤️ Do your best and leave the restWHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionistPodcast Instagram: @lessstressedlifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlifeQuick Links: https://www.christabiegler.com/linksCortisol Shop: https://christabiegler.com/cortisol-shop❓Questions for Christa? Submit them here: https://www.christabiegler.com/questions

Send us Fan MailOn this episode of the Less Stressed Life, we're diving into our September focus on perimenopause with Jennifer Gularson, who is back to break down the different hormone replacement therapy (HRT) options available during perimenopause and menopause.We talk about estrogen patches, progesterone, testosterone, creams, gels, and pellets, including how they work, why one option may be a better fit than another, and what to consider when starting HRT. Jennifer also explains hormone testing, why she often introduces hormones one at a time, and how treatment may change as you move through the menopause transition.Check out Jennifer's other episode, #453 Low libido, testosterone, estrogen and HRT - https://www.buzzsprout.com/775589/episodes/19164554KEY TAKEAWAYS:🧬 The different forms of estrogen, progesterone & testosterone🩹 How estrogen patches, gels & oral options compare🌙 Immediate vs. sustained-release progesterone🌸 When HRT may be considered during perimenopause🧪 Testing and adjusting hormones over time⚖️ Pros & cons of hormone pellets💗 Why vaginal estrogen may still be helpful with HRTABOUT GUEST:Jennifer Gularson, PA-C, IFMCP is a board-certified Physician Assistant and functional medicine practitioner specializing in perimenopause, menopause, hormone therapy, and women’s midlife health. With over 20 years of clinical experience, she focuses on personalized, science-based care to support longevity, metabolic health, and overall wellness for women navigating hormonal changes. WHERE TO FIND GUEST:Website: https://www.yourbestlifewithjennifer.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifergularson/SPONSOR:Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎 Get back into the swing of things with 🧴 MagRelief Lotion for stress and sleep, 🧠 Brain Boost Mag L-Threonate for focus, and 🍓🫐 Berry-Licious Electrolyte Supreme for daily hydration.🥳🎉 September special: From September 1–30, use code LESSSTRESSED15 for 15% off any order! Plus, get a FREE stainless steel water bottle 💦 when you start a new Electrolyte Supreme subscription.✨ Any other time, use code LESSSTRESSED10 for 10% off any order.NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE:🍽️ Over restriction is dead🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards)🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone❤️ Do your best and leave the restWHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionistPodcast Instagram: @lessstressedlifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlifeQuick Links: https://www.christabiegler.com/linksCortisol Shop: https://christabiegler.com/cortisol-shop❓Questions for Christa? Submit them here: https://www.christabiegler.com/questions