108: Synthetic vs. Bioidentical vs. Compounded HRT: which is better? Which should be avoided?

In this episode of The Hormone Balance Solution, Tara Thorne sits down with Dr. Jason Hawrelak to discuss the critical role that gut health plays in overall wellness. Together, they explore how dietary choices—especially fiber and polyphenols—are essential for maintaining a balanced gut microbiome, and they highlight the risks of a low-fiber diet, including inflammation and microbial imbalances that can lead to long-term issues. Tara and Dr. Hawrelak also address the impact of antibiotic overuse on gut health, emphasizing why it’s crucial to question whether antibiotics are truly necessary, particularly in cases of viral infections. Dr. Hawrelak dispels common myths around cooking with extra virgin olive oil, explaining why it’s actually a stable, healthy fat choice. They wrap up the conversation by discussing gut integrity, transit time, and the value of personalized microbiome assessments in supporting health goals. This episode is filled with actionable insights and tips for enhancing digestive health and overall well-being. Don’t miss it!   🌿 Gut Microbiome Dynamics: Learn about the critical role of dietary choices in shaping your gut microbiome. Dr. Hawrelak sheds light on the negative feedback loop resulting from low-fiber diets, emphasizing the importance of fiber for a balanced gut ecosystem. 🔥 Cooking Oils Debate: Tara and Dr. Hawrelak passionately discuss the benefits of different fats. While Tara sticks with butter, Dr. Hawrelak makes a compelling case for extra virgin olive oil's stability in cooking—break through the myths with evidence-backed insights. 🔬 Microbiome Assessments: Discover why microbiome testing is transformative for understanding gut health. Dr. Hawrelak explains how these assessments can provide crucial insights, particularly for conditions like leaky gut. 🌱 Herbs and the Microbiome: Explore Dr. Hawrelak's eye-opening research on the effects of herbs like oregano and garlic on beneficial bacteria. He warns about the overreliance on certain herbs and offers better alternatives for supporting health without harming your microbiome. 🤔 Rethinking Antibiotics: Engage with the conversation about the cautious use of antibiotics, especially in cases where they may do more harm than good. Tara shares a personal anecdote exemplifying the dilemmas faced by many. 🧬 Cutting-edge Testing Techniques: The rise in advanced DNA-based testing is revolutionizing how we understand microbial diversity. Learn how these groundbreaking technologies can illuminate the path to a healthier gut.   Dr Jason Hawrelak: Dr Jason Hawrelak is a researcher, educator, Western herbalist, and naturopathic physician with 25 years’ clinical experience. He did his PhD examining the capacity of probiotics, prebiotics and herbal medicines to modify the gastrointestinal tract microbiota and teaches worldwide on the topics of microbiota modification and gastrointestinal health. He has published extensively in these areas, including 20 textbook chapters. Dr Hawrelak is on the Medical Nutrition Council of the American Society for Nutrition and is a Fellow of both the American College of Nutrition and the Naturopaths and Herbalists Association of Australia. Dr Hawrelak maintains a busy online clinical practice in Hobart, Tasmania. Dr Hawrelak has taught health professionals at both the undergraduate and postgraduate level for the past 20+ years. He is currently teaches natural approaches to Gastroenterology within the University of Western States Master of Science in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine program (Portland, Oregon). Additionally, Dr Hawrelak is Chief Research Officer at ProbioticAdvisor.com, which offers a searchable database that enables easy, evidence-based prescribing of probiotic products and is Lead Educator at the Microbiome Restoration Center, which offers online courses for clinicians to learn more about gastrointestinal health and the human microbiome and how they can positively influence these ecosystems to optimise health outcomes.   Mentioned in this episode: HERBATONIN - Save 15% HERE when you use Tara's code: Tara15       EQUIP PRIME PROTEIN – Click HERE to grab yours and use my code: TARA20 to get 20% off HRT Made Simple™ - Learn how to confidently speak to your doctor about the benefits of hormone replacement therapy so you can set yourself up for symptom-free, unmedicated years to come without feeling confused, dismissed, or leaving the medical office minus your HRT script.   Hair Loss Solutions Made Simple™ – This course will teach you the best natural, highly effective, and safe solutions for your hair loss so you can stop it, reverse it, and regrow healthy hair without turning to medications.   The Hormone Balance Solution™ – My signature 6-month comprehensive hormonal health program for women in midlife who want to get solid answers to their hormonal health issues once and for all so they can kick the weight gain, moodiness, gut problems, skin issues, period problems, fatigue, overwhelm, insomnia, hair/eyebrow loss, and other symptoms in order to get back to the woman they once were.   [FREE] The Ultimate Midlife Perimenopause Handbook - Grab my free guide and RECLAIM your confidence, your mood, your waistline and energy without turning to medications or restrictive diets (or spending a fortune on testing you don’t need!).     You might also enjoy these episodes: EPISODE 104: How high fat (keto/carnivore) diets can destroy gut health & the new stool tests we are using EPISODE 74: Why I don't recommend or use food sensitivity testing EPISODE 112: Why we stopped using the GI MAP in my practice & how we are approaching gut testing these days (COMING SOON)   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.

Today, we're diving deep into the world of functional testing and exploring the unique approach used in Tara's practice to help women in midlife, typically between the ages of 35 to 55, tackle common symptoms such as fatigue, hair loss, gut issues, mood swings, and more. In this episode, Tara unveils the reasons behind opting for comprehensive gut health assessments and hair tissue mineral analysis over traditional hormone tests to uncover root causes and drive real results. Join us as Tara explains why these specific tests are crucial for addressing inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, and overall well-being, ensuring you have the key insights to optimize your health journey. Get ready for an informative session that's all about achieving balance and rejuvenation during this transformative phase of life!   Mentioned in this episode: PALEOVALLEY – Grab your goodies as mentioned in this episode, HERE   PIQUE TEA – These are some of Tara’s favourite teas! They’re crystal form, which makes them super unique and easy to transport in your purse, (they come in single use satchels!) and higher in polyphenols. They’re made from high quality ingredients with triple toxin screening, (super important when it comes to your tea). Click HERE to visit the shop.   HRT Made Simple™ - Learn how to confidently speak to your doctor about the benefits of hormone replacement therapy so you can set yourself up for symptom-free, unmedicated years to come without feeling confused, dismissed, or leaving the medical office minus your HRT script.   Hair Loss Solutions Made Simple™ – This course will teach you the best natural, highly effective, and safe solutions for your hair loss so you can stop it, reverse it, and regrow healthy hair without turning to medications.   The Hormone Balance Solution™ – My signature 6-month comprehensive hormonal health program for women in midlife who want to get solid answers to their hormonal health issues once and for all so they can kick the weight gain, moodiness, gut problems, skin issues, period problems, fatigue, overwhelm, insomnia, hair/eyebrow loss, and other symptoms in order to get back to the woman they once were.   [FREE] The Ultimate Midlife Perimenopause Handbook - Grab my free guide and RECLAIM your confidence, your mood, your waistline and energy without turning to medications or restrictive diets (or spending a fortune on testing you don’t need!).   You might also enjoy these episodes: EPISODE 45: My thoughts on the DUTCH test EPISODE 91: Debunking common arguments for needing to run the DUTCH test EPISODE 102: Why we don't test hormones in perimenopause EPISODE 70: All about minerals & the HTMA test with Lisa-Pitel-Killah EPISODE 104: How high fat (keto/carnivore) diets can destroy gut health & the new stool tests we are using EPISODE 74: Why I don't recommend or use food sensitivity testing EPISODE 112: Why we stopped using the GI MAP in my practice & how we are approaching gut testing these days (COMING SOON)

In this episode, Tara clarifies the limitations of using herbs, supplements, and phytoestrogens as alternatives to natural bioidentical hormones in alleviating perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms. She explains that while some herbal remedies may offer temporary relief for certain symptoms, they do not provide the comprehensive protective benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) using natural bioidentical hormones. Tara emphasizes the importance of informed decision-making regarding HRT and provides resources, such as her course "HRT Made Simple," to guide women through understanding the significant health benefits of hormone therapy for long-term well-being. Here are three key takeaways from our discussion: Bioidentical Hormones vs. AlternativesWhile herbs and phytoestrogens might offer some relief from symptoms, they don't replace the health-protective benefits of natural bioidentical hormones, which are vital for mitigating risks associated with heart disease, osteoporosis, and more. The Importance of Educating YourselfMany doctors aren't fully equipped to guide you through hormone replacement therapy because they don't receive extensive training in medical school. My course, HRT Made Simple, provides you with simplified, evidence-based knowledge, empowering you to make informed decisions alongside your healthcare provider. Rethinking "Natural" MenopauseLiving longer means facing extended periods of hormone deficiency post-menopause. As we’re at a higher risk for serious health conditions in these years, reconsidering the idea of natural menopause is essential. Embrace modern medicine’s role in improving your quality of life. Mentioned in this episode: 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.   Hair Loss Solutions Made Simple™ – This course will teach you the best natural, highly effective, and safe solutions for your hair loss so you can stop it, reverse it, and regrow healthy hair without turning to medications.   The Hormone Balance Solution™ – My signature 6-month comprehensive hormonal health program for women in midlife who want to get solid answers to their hormonal health issues once and for all so they can kick the weight gain, moodiness, gut problems, skin issues, period problems, fatigue, overwhelm, insomnia, hair/eyebrow loss, and other symptoms in order to get back to the woman they once were.   [FREE] The Ultimate Midlife Perimenopause Handbook - Grab my free guide and RECLAIM your confidence, your mood, your waistline and energy without turning to medications or restrictive diets (or spending a fortune on testing you don’t need!).   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 84: The Invisible Benefits of HRT (HRT is important even if you have NO symptoms!).  EPISODE 85: Why your doc says HRT is dangerous (it's not!).  EPISODE 108: Synthetic vs. Bioidentical vs. Compounded HRT: which is better? Which should be avoided?     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. Find me on Instagram: @TaraThorneHealth 

Hormone replacement therapy isn't just about relieving symptoms; it's also about supporting overall health. In this episode, we explore the differences among synthetic, bioidentical, and compounded hormones to guide listeners in choosing the right type for their therapy. Tara emphasizes the added health benefits of bioidentical hormones, like brain, breast, and bone protection, while warning about the potential drawbacks of synthetic options. Additionally, we take a look at the regulatory landscape of compounded hormones, dispelling myths about their safety and highlighting their customization advantages. With valuable insights and expert guidance, this episode equips women with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about hormone health.   In this episode:  The Differences in Hormones: Understand the crucial distinctions between synthetic, bioidentical, and compounded hormones. Know why it truly matters! Synthetic Hormones Explained: Unravel what synthetic hormones contain and why they might need a little extra work from your body. Spoiler: We're not fans! Bioidentical Bliss: Learn how bioidentical hormones seamlessly integrate with your body's receptors and why they're our recommended choice. Compounded Hormones Unveiled: Debunk the myths and embrace the flexibility and cleanliness offered by compounded hormones. Progesterone vs. Progestins: Welcome relief! Grasp how bioidentical progesterone supports your health, unlike its synthetic counterpart.   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.   HRT Made Simple™ - Learn how to confidently speak to your doctor about the benefits of hormone replacement therapy so you can set yourself up for symptom-free, unmedicated years to come without feeling confused, dismissed, or leaving the medical office minus your HRT script.   Hair Loss Solutions Made Simple™ – This course will teach you the best natural, highly effective, and safe solutions for your hair loss so you can stop it, reverse it, and regrow healthy hair without turning to medications.   The Hormone Balance Solution™ – My signature 6-month comprehensive hormonal health program for women in midlife who want to get solid answers to their hormonal health issues once and for all so they can kick the weight gain, moodiness, gut problems, skin issues, period problems, fatigue, overwhelm, insomnia, hair/eyebrow loss, and other symptoms in order to get back to the woman they once were.   [FREE] The Ultimate Midlife Perimenopause Handbook - Grab my free guide and RECLAIM your confidence, your mood, your waistline and energy without turning to medications or restrictive diets (or spending a fortune on testing you don’t need!).   Studies: The Bioidentical Hormone Debate: Are Bioidentical Hormones (Estradiol, Estriol, and Progesterone) Safer or More Efficacious than Commonly Used Synthetic Versions in Hormone Replacement Therapy? The effects of compounded bioidentical transdermal hormone therapy on hemostatic, inflammatory, immune factors; cardiovascular biomarkers; quality-of-life measures; and health outcomes in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women   You might also enjoy these episodes: EPISODE 87: Your HRT questions answered! EPISODE 86: You can't HRT your way out of a crappy diet or poor lifestyle habits.   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, Tara tackles a concern that many women face, especially in midlife—hair loss. Drawing from her own experience and deep research, she breaks down the hormonal shifts, metabolic changes, and health factors (like COVID-19) that can contribute to hair thinning and shedding. It's essential to understand the root causes behind hair loss, which can range from inflammation and stress to nutrient deficiencies and hormonal imbalances. Tara dives into how these factors play a role and how to address them effectively. Tara shares an overview of her new course, Hair Loss Solutions Made Simple™, which is designed to provide clear, actionable steps to manage and improve hair health. From adopting a nutrient-dense diet to managing stress, this course offers practical solutions that can lead to positive changes. And most importantly, she encourages early intervention—because with the right strategies, regrowth is possible. There’s hope and a path forward! In this episode we cover:  The connection between hormonal shifts, inflammation, and hair loss in midlife. The importance of nutrients and how deficiencies can impact your hair health. How stress and gut health play pivotal roles in hair loss and what you can do about it. Sneak peek into my new course: "Hair Loss Solutions Made Simple," a well-rounded resource offering deeper insights and actionable strategies.   Mentioned in this episode: Purchase Herbatonin here and use Tara's discount code for 15% off, which is Tara15: https://symphonynaturalhealth.com/TaraHerbatonin     Hair Loss Solutions Made Simple™ - This course will teach you the best natural, highly effective, and safe solutions for your hair loss so you can stop it, reverse it, and regrow healthy hair without turning to medications.        The Hormone Balance Solution™ – My signature 6-month comprehensive hormonal health program for women in midlife who want to get solid answers to their hormonal health issues once and for all so they can kick the weight gain, moodiness, gut problems, skin issues, period problems, fatigue, overwhelm, insomnia, hair/eyebrow loss, and other symptoms in order to get back to the woman they once were.   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, Tara Thorne gets real about estrogen metabolism and why your liver health matters more than you think. She breaks down the three phases of liver detox and explains why supporting your body’s natural detoxification is the key to optimizing estrogen pathways. Tara shares her clinical insights on why expensive DUTCH tests, though popular, may not be the best investment for women in perimenopause. Instead, she focuses on the power of gut health and nutrient balance using more effective tools like stool tests and Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA). Tara dives deep into how your liver, gut, and nutrients are the foundation for hormonal health and overall well-being. From eating more cruciferous veggies to practicing stress-reduction techniques, she outlines practical ways to support your body’s natural detox processes daily. She also clears up confusion around methylation and the COMT enzyme, shining a light on why DUTCH tests fall short in this area. If you’re ready for a fresh perspective on hormone health, this episode is a must-listen. Tara’s evolved approach goes beyond hormones, helping you prioritize long-term gut health and personalized nutrition strategies that improve your overall health from the inside out.   Mentioned in this episode: 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 goodies as mentioned in this episode, HERE   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 her words: "I'm not tired all the time, grumpy or look 6 months pregnant. It brings tears to my eyes. I didn't think it was possible. Everyone else has noticed, but more importantly; I have noticed." Struggling with panic, anxiety, and fatigue, April felt like she was at the end of her rope before joining the Hormone Balance Solution program. In this episode, Tara speaks with April about her journey and the challenges she faced prior to finding support through the Hormone Balance Solution. April opens up about her experiences with stomach issues, bloating, and the overwhelming impact of anxiety on her daily life. After finding Tara on Instagram, April decided to join the program, drawn by her intuitive sense that Tara would provide the deep, compassionate listening and personalized support she needed. Throughout their conversation, April shares how the program has transformed her life, helping her live without anxiety and offering tools to manage any anxious moments that arise. Tara and April discuss the importance of doing the hard work, asking for help, and the profound changes April has experienced, not only in physical symptoms but also in her overall well-being and outlook on life.      Episode Highlights: From Anxiety at a 20 to Serenity: April vividly recounts how she felt at the end of her rope, battling panic attacks and debilitating anxiety. Discover how she went from feeling overwhelmed to living a life free from anxiety. Personalized Healing Path: Learn about April’s experience working closely with Tara and Michelle. She emphasizes the importance of feeling heard and receiving tailored guidance that goes beyond surface-level solutions. Transformative Support: April details the compassionate support she received through our Facebook group and direct communication, which played a crucial role in her healing journey. Practical Advice for Listeners: April shares her top advice for those struggling with their health, emphasizing the importance of taking the leap and doing the work to see real change.     Mentioned in this episode: HERBATONIN – Save 15% when you use Tara's code: Tara15   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.    

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: [email protected]    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.