Part 2 Q&A with Karen: Cortisol Replacement, Optimal Levels, HRT Absorption Issues, Estrogen Detox, BIEST Troches, Perimenopause Confusion & More!

This episode picks up right where part one leaves off as I dive into more of your thoughtful, honest questions in the second-part of this year-end Q&A. What happens when hormone therapy doesn't seem to be working the way you expected? And how do you know if your dose is actually doing what you need it to do? I answer questions about achy joints, stubborn symptoms, cortisol replacement, thyroid interactions, and why some delivery methods work beautifully for one person and fail another. Why do absorption issues happen? What does "optimal" really mean when it comes to hormone levels? And when is more not actually better? We also talk about real-world frustrations—irregular cycles, weight changes, hair loss, breast tenderness, and the overwhelm that can come with trying to figure all of this out. If you've ever wondered whether you're doing the right thing for your body, this episode is for you! In this episode, we uncover: How to know if your hormone dose is actually providing protective benefits. Why cortisol, stress, and thyroid medications complicate hormone balance. What causes poor absorption with patches, creams, or injections. How to spot signs of too much or too little estrogen. Why individualized testing and symptom tracking truly matter. Listen now to get the answers that could change how you approach your hormones in 2026!     Sponsors Get 20% of the Alitura luxury clay mask and more at alitura.com and use coupon code KAREN for 20% off. Coupon KM20 to get 20% off your order of Vitali Skin Care! Order your LMNT electrolytes today and get a FREE 8 pack of samples! Plus try it risk free, they have a no-questions-asked refund policy – you don't even have to send it back!     Are you in peri or post menopause and looking to optimize your hormones and health? At Hormone Solutions, we offer telemedicine services and can prescribe in every U.S. state, as well as in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario in Canada.   Visit karenmartel.com to explore our comprehensive programs: Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Individualized Weight Loss Programs  Peptide Therapy for weight loss    Interested in our NEW Peptide Weight Loss Program? Join today and get all the details here.   Join our Women's Peri and Post Menopause Group Coaching Program, OnTrack, TODAY!   To our nursing audience members, our podcasts qualify for nursing CE @ RNegade.pro. Provide # CEP17654.   Your host: Karen Martel Certified Hormone Specialist, Transformational Nutrition Coach, & Weight Loss Expert   Karen's Facebook Karen's Instagram

I'm wrapping up the year by answering your questions in this first of a two-part Q&A, and we cover a lot of ground. From confusing lab results to hormone dosing debates, I dig into the questions so many of you are quietly wondering about. What does high ferritin really mean? Is it iron—or something else entirely? We'll also take a look at hormone replacement frustrations. Why do some people still bleed months into HRT? Are injections better than patches or creams? And how do you know if your body is actually absorbing what you're taking? I share real-world context, common patterns I see, and why one-size-fits-all advice can be misleading. This episode also touches on bigger, more nuanced questions. How do genetics like BRCA status factor into hormone decisions? Can stress, immune health, or histamine issues change how hormones affect you? And in perimenopause, is balance even realistic, or are we chasing the wrong goal? In this episode, we uncover: How to interpret high ferritin levels and what they may signal beyond iron. Why hormone absorption issues can cause unexpected symptoms like bleeding. What typical testosterone and estrogen injection doses actually look like. How stress, inflammation, and immunity intersect with hormone health. What to consider when navigating HRT during perimenopause versus menopause. Tune in now if you've ever felt confused, frustrated, or overwhelmed by hormone advice. Get clarity before we continue the conversation in part two!     Sponsors Timeline is offering 20% off your first order of Mitopure. Go to timeline.com/HORMONE20 use coupon HORMONE20 and get 20% off your order. Order your LMNT electrolytes today and get a FREE 8 pack of samples! Plus try it risk free, they have a no-questions-asked refund policy – you don't even have to send it back! Head to https://www.getkion.com/hormone and use my link for 20% off your order.     Are you in peri or post menopause and looking to optimize your hormones and health? At Hormone Solutions, we offer telemedicine services and can prescribe in every U.S. state, as well as in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario in Canada.   Visit karenmartel.com to explore our comprehensive programs: Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Individualized Weight Loss Programs  Peptide Therapy for weight loss    Interested in our NEW Peptide Weight Loss Program? Join today and get all the details here.   Join our Women's Peri and Post Menopause Group Coaching Program, OnTrack, TODAY!   To our nursing audience members, our podcasts qualify for nursing CE @ RNegade.pro. Provide # CEP17654.   Your host: Karen Martel Certified Hormone Specialist, Transformational Nutrition Coach, & Weight Loss Expert   Karen's Facebook Karen's Instagram

What's really driving the sudden belly fat, brain fog, and sleep chaos so many women hit in midlife? And why do the usual "eat less, move more" solutions stop working overnight? In this episode featuring Dr. Aleksandra Gajer, we dig into the hormones and peptides that may finally explain why your body feels like it's changing without your permission. Together, we unpack what's happening beneath the surface (insulin resistance, inflammation, mitochondrial slowdown, hormonal roller coasters), and ask the questions women are never told to ask. What if your symptoms aren't a lack of willpower but a lack of biochemical support? And what if the tools to help you already exist? Which peptides actually matter for women in perimenopause and menopause? Which ones help with sleep, energy, weight, stress resilience, or recovery? And how do you know when it's time to consider hormone therapy or advanced diagnostics? Get all the answers in this episode! In this episode, we uncover: How shifting hormones trigger metabolic chaos long before menopause officially begins. Why peptides like BPC-157 and MOTS-C may support healing, energy, and resilience. How inflammation, gut health, and chemical exposures silently shape weight and symptoms. Why GLP-1 medications aren't shortcuts, plus who actually benefits from them. How personalized labs and targeted therapies can prevent years of unnecessary suffering. If you're ready to understand your midlife body in a way no one has ever explained before, this episode is for you. Listen now to start feeling informed and empowered!     Sponsors Get 20% off your Cozy Earth Bed Sheet with coupon code HORMONES. Timeline is offering 20% off your first order of Mitopure. Go to timeline.com/HORMONE20 use coupon HORMONE20 and get 20% off your order. Get 15% off Massyzmes by Bioptimzers at bioptimizers.com/hormone      Are you in peri or post menopause and looking to optimize your hormones and health? At Hormone Solutions, we offer telemedicine services and can prescribe in every U.S. state, as well as in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario in Canada.   Visit karenmartel.com to explore our comprehensive programs: Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Individualized Weight Loss Programs  Peptide Therapy for weight loss    Interested in our NEW Peptide Weight Loss Program? Join today and get all the details here.   Join our Women's Peri and Post Menopause Group Coaching Program, OnTrack, TODAY!   To our nursing audience members, our podcasts qualify for nursing CE @ RNegade.pro. Provide # CEP17654.   Your host: Karen Martel Certified Hormone Specialist, Transformational Nutrition Coach, & Weight Loss Expert   Karen's Facebook Karen's Instagram

Are you curious about the buzz surrounding testosterone therapy for women, but wondering about the side effects? In this episode, we dive deep into the world of testosterone replacement therapy's unwanted side effects, and more importantly, how to fix them. What happens when testosterone levels spike too high? Could the very treatment meant to enhance your energy and libido lead to unwanted changes in your body? Join us as we discuss real stories from women navigating their hormone journeys and uncover the truth behind the glamorous narratives often shared on social media. Are you ready to learn how to optimize your testosterone therapy while minimizing side effects? What if you could avoid the pitfalls that many women face? Discover practical tips and insights that could change your experience with hormone therapy for the better! In this episode, we uncover: How you can avoid common side effects of testosterone therapy. Why dosing and delivery method are crucial for effective treatment. The role DHT plays in unwanted hair growth and mood changes. How you can identify if your testosterone levels are too high. Why it's important to start low and go slow with hormone therapy. Don't miss this eye-opening episode that could transform your understanding of testosterone therapy and let you take control of your hormone health!     Sponsors Get 20% off your Cozy Earth Bed Sheet with coupon code HORMONES. Coupon KM20 to get 20% off your order of Vitali Skin Care! Order your LMNT electrolytes today and get a FREE 8 pack of samples! Plus try it risk free, they have a no-questions-asked refund policy – you don't even have to send it back!     Are you in peri or post menopause and looking to optimize your hormones and health? At Hormone Solutions, we offer telemedicine services and can prescribe in every U.S. state, as well as in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario in Canada.   Visit karenmartel.com to explore our comprehensive programs: Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Individualized Weight Loss Programs  Peptide Therapy for weight loss    Interested in our NEW Peptide Weight Loss Program? Join today and get all the details here.   Join our Women's Peri and Post Menopause Group Coaching Program, OnTrack, TODAY!   To our nursing audience members, our podcasts qualify for nursing CE @ RNegade.pro. Provide # CEP17654.   Your host: Karen Martel Certified Hormone Specialist, Transformational Nutrition Coach, & Weight Loss Expert   Karen's Facebook Karen's Instagram

Are you one of those people who wakes up at 3 A.M. and can't fall back asleep? Have you ever wondered if there's a deeper reason behind those late-night wake-ups? In this episode, we explore the shocking link between blood sugar fluctuations and nighttime awakenings. Blood sugar expert Dani Hamilton joins us to shed light on the root cause of these sleep disruptions. Have you ever thought about how your dietary habits could be impacting your sleep? Or how embracing fats might be the key to stable energy levels? We challenge the misconceptions around dietary fat and reveal the essential role it plays in your health. Are you ready to rethink your relationship with food and sleep? What if cold exposure and seasonal nutrition hold the key to your energy balance? Discover how simple lifestyle changes can transform your well-being. From brown adipose tissue to hormonal harmony, this episode is packed with insights to help you thrive! In this episode, we uncover: How blood sugar drops might be the hidden cause of your 3 A.M. wake-ups. Why women in midlife need to look beyond hormones for better sleep solutions. How embracing dietary fats can stabilize your insulin levels and energy. Why seasonal nutrition changes can prevent sleep and metabolic disruptions. How cold exposure can boost thyroid health and energy regulation. Uncover the secrets to better sleep and energy balance. You won't want to miss these expert insights and practical solutions!     Previous episode with Dani Hamilton The Hidden Influence of Sunlight and Circadian Rhythm on Blood Sugar & Metabolism with Danielle Hamilton     Sponsors Head to cozyearth.com and use my code HORMONES for 20% off sitewide! Try Bioptimzers Masszymes and get 15% off with coupon code HORMONE at http://bioptimizers.com/hormoneIf  If you're trying to lose fat without losing muscle, or you just want to feel stronger and recover faster, try KION! Head to getkion.com/hormone and use my link for 20% off your order.     Are you in peri or post menopause and looking to optimize your hormones and health? At Hormone Solutions, we offer telemedicine services and can prescribe in every U.S. state, as well as in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario in Canada.   Visit karenmartel.com to explore our comprehensive programs: Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Individualized Weight Loss Programs  Peptide Therapy for weight loss    Interested in our NEW Peptide Weight Loss Program? Join today and get all the details here.   Join our Women's Peri and Post Menopause Group Coaching Program, OnTrack, TODAY!   To our nursing audience members, our podcasts qualify for nursing CE @ RNegade.pro. Provide # CEP17654.   Your host: Karen Martel Certified Hormone Specialist, Transformational Nutrition Coach, & Weight Loss Expert   Karen's Facebook Karen's Instagram

Curious about the future of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and its impact on menopause? This episode features my answers to the most common HRT questions of 2025. Can HRT be your secret weapon for a healthier, longer life, even if you aren't experiencing typical menopause symptoms? Is HRT the missing piece in your weight loss journey? Explore the fascinating link between hormone cycling and midlife wellness. What does the latest research say about personalized hormone approaches, and how might these strategies keep cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis at bay? Ever wondered about the mysteries of hormone metabolism? We'll unpack tests like the Dutch test and their role in optimizing HRT dosage. Can progesterone and estrogen improve your sleep, mood, and even joint health? Get ready to uncover the benefits of HRT beyond menopause! In this episode, we uncover the answers to: 1. If I have no symptoms, should I still take HRT? 2. It's natural to go into menopause — so why would I use HRT? 3. I'm using vaginal estrogen… why am I still dry? 4. Is oral bioidentical estradiol safe? 5. Will HRT help me lose weight? 6. Do I have to cycle my hormones? 7. Can I start HRT if it's been more than 10 years since menopause? 8. Can I start HRT even if I'm still cycling but have symptoms? 9. I get bloated or gain weight on estrogen — does that mean it's not right for me? 10. My period came back after starting HRT — is that normal? 11. Is my estradiol dose high enough? 12. Do I have to stay on HRT forever? 13. What's the difference between estradiol and estriol — and do I need both? 14. Should I take progesterone if I don't have a uterus? 15. Can HRT help my sleep? 16. Can HRT help my libido? 17. Is spotting normal on HRT? 18. What are your thoughts on pellets? 19. Why do my estrogen levels still look "low" on blood work even while on HRT? 20. Can HRT help with joint pain and inflammation? Listen now to discover how HRT can revolutionize your midlife health journey. Don't miss this Q&A episode filled with insights and expert advice to empower your health decisions!     Sponsors Get 20% off your Cozy Earth Bed Sheet with coupon code HORMONES Coupon KM20 to get 20% off your order of Vitali Skin Care!     Are you in peri or post menopause and looking to optimize your hormones and health? At Hormone Solutions, we offer telemedicine services and can prescribe in every U.S. state, as well as in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario in Canada.   Visit karenmartel.com to explore our comprehensive programs: Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Individualized Weight Loss Programs  Peptide Therapy for weight loss    Interested in our NEW Peptide Weight Loss Program? Join today and get all the details here.   Join our Women's Peri and Post Menopause Group Coaching Program, OnTrack, TODAY!   To our nursing audience members, our podcasts qualify for nursing CE @ RNegade.pro. Provide # CEP17654.   Your host: Karen Martel Certified Hormone Specialist, Transformational Nutrition Coach, & Weight Loss Expert   Karen's Facebook Karen's Instagram

Are you struggling with weight loss despite following a strict diet? Ever wondered if eating more could actually help you lose weight? Join us in this episode as we dive into the intriguing world of reverse dieting and metabolic recovery with Philip Pape, a high-performance nutrition coach. Do you know about GLP-1 medications and their revolutionary role in weight management? Are you curious about how to optimize your metabolism and finally break through those frustrating weight loss plateaus? Philip unpacks these groundbreaking topics, providing you with the knowledge to transform your fitness journey. With the holiday season fast approaching, how can you maintain your fitness goals amidst the festive chaos? Learn strategic approaches to adapt your workout routines and nutritional habits to ensure success. Get ready to explore the nuances of metabolic recovery and why it might just be the missing piece in your weight loss puzzle. In this episode, we uncover: How reverse dieting differs from traditional dieting approaches and its potential benefits. Why GLP-1 medications are creating a buzz in the fitness industry. The psychological and physiological aspects of a successful recovery diet. How to strategically manage your fitness goals during the holiday season. Why performance blood work is crucial for uncovering hidden health constraints. Ready to revolutionize your approach to fitness and weight loss? Don't miss this episode packed with expert insights and practical strategies!   Wits & Weights Physique University (group program) - get a free custom nutrition plan with code KAREN: https://physique.witsandweights.com    Episode about strength vs. hypertrophy: Strength vs. Hypertrophy (The 65% Threshold for Lifters Chasing PRs vs. Muscle Size) | Ep 297 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1870546/episodes/16781454      Sponsors BEAM: Use coupon code HORMONE for 20% off your order. Try the Alitura Clay Mask go to alitura.com and use coupon code KAREN for 20 percent off your order. Timeline is offering 20% off your first order of Mitopure. Go to timeline.com/KARENMARTEL and use code HORMONE.     Are you in peri or post menopause and looking to optimize your hormones and health? At Hormone Solutions, we offer telemedicine services and can prescribe in every U.S. state, as well as in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario in Canada.   Visit karenmartel.com to explore our comprehensive programs: Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Individualized Weight Loss Programs  Peptide Therapy for weight loss    Interested in our NEW Peptide Weight Loss Program? Join today and get all the details here.   Join our Women's Peri and Post Menopause Group Coaching Program, OnTrack, TODAY!   To our nursing audience members, our podcasts qualify for nursing CE @ RNegade.pro. Provide # CEP17654.   Your host: Karen Martel Certified Hormone Specialist, Transformational Nutrition Coach, & Weight Loss Expert   Karen's Facebook Karen's Instagram

Ready to hear about a new revolutionary weight loss strategy tailored for midlife women? Ever wondered how cutting-edge peptides and hormones can transform your wellness journey? This episode dives deep into the world of tesofensine, a fascinating compound originally researched for Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, now making waves in weight management. What makes tesofensine a potential game-changer for women experiencing hormonal shifts during perimenopause and menopause? How does it work to enhance neurotransmitter balance and boost metabolic health? Discover the unexpected benefits and potential side effects of this serotonin, noradrenaline, and dopamine reuptake inhibitor. Let's explore hormone cycling, peptide desensitization, and the science behind sustainable weight loss. How can strategic breaks and cycling enhance the efficacy of weight management strategies? And what role does tesofensine play in this transformative journey? Tune in to uncover these insights and more! In this episode, we uncover: How tesofensine is reshaping weight loss for midlife women. Why neurotransmitter balance is crucial during hormonal shifts. The science behind tesofensine's dual-action weight loss effects. How hormone cycling can prevent peptide desensitization. Why combining tesofensine with 5-HTP offers sustainable results. Dive into this episode to unlock the secrets of effective weight management for midlife women. Learn how these cutting-edge strategies can enhance your wellness journey and support a balanced lifestyle!     Sponsors Buy Tesofensine at PeptidePro with coupon code KAREN Get 10% off your Berkeley Life Nitric Oxide products with coupon code HORMONE here. Try the power of copper peptides on your skin today and get 20% off your order with coupon code km20 here. Order your LMNT electrolytes today and get a FREE 8 pack of samples! Plus try it risk free, they have a no-questions-asked refund policy – you don't even have to send it back!     Are you in peri or post menopause and looking to optimize your hormones and health? At Hormone Solutions, we offer telemedicine services and can prescribe in every U.S. state, as well as in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario in Canada.   Visit karenmartel.com to explore our comprehensive programs: Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Individualized Weight Loss Programs  Peptide Therapy for weight loss    Interested in our NEW Peptide Weight Loss Program? Join today and get all the details here.   Join our Women's Peri and Post Menopause Group Coaching Program, OnTrack, TODAY!   To our nursing audience members, our podcasts qualify for nursing CE @ RNegade.pro. Provide # CEP17654.   Your host: Karen Martel Certified Hormone Specialist, Transformational Nutrition Coach, & Weight Loss Expert   Karen's Facebook Karen's Instagram

Curious about the molecule that's been dubbed the "molecule of energy?" Ever wonder how it impacts women's health, especially during midlife? Join us as we dive into the world of nitric oxide with Cathy Eason, Chief Science Officer at Berkeley Life. Discover why this often-overlooked molecule might be the missing piece in your health puzzle. What if your midlife vitality could be revitalized with a simple molecule? How does nitric oxide influence libido, heart health, and even skin vitality? Cathy debunks myths and uncovers the hidden connections between nitric oxide and hormones like estrogen and testosterone. Prepare to have your questions answered and your perspective transformed! Did you know your oral hygiene could impact your nitric oxide levels? How can leafy greens and beets support this essential molecule? Cathy shares practical tips on optimizing nitric oxide through diet, lifestyle, and even oral health. Get ready to uncover secrets that could enhance your health and vitality. In this episode, we uncover: How nitric oxide plays a crucial role in women's midlife health. Why nitrates from plants are better than those from cured meats. How nitric oxide influences hormones, libido, and emotional connectivity. Why oral hygiene is vital for nitric oxide production. How to optimize nitric oxide levels with diet and lifestyle changes. Tune in to this enlightening episode and unlock the secrets to a more vibrant midlife. Cathy will guide you through practical steps to harness the power of nitric oxide for a healthier, more energetic life!   Get 10% off your Berkeley Life Nitric Oxide products with coupon code HORMONE here.     Sponsors Order your LMNT electrolytes today and get a FREE 8 pack of samples! Plus try it risk free, they have a no-questions-asked refund policy – you don't even have to send it back! Bioptimzers Masszymes get 15% off at bioptimizers.com/hormone Sign for the FREE Menopause Doula Certification Webinar     Are you in peri or post menopause and looking to optimize your hormones and health? At Hormone Solutions, we offer telemedicine services and can prescribe in every U.S. state, as well as in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario in Canada.   Visit karenmartel.com to explore our comprehensive programs: Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Individualized Weight Loss Programs  Peptide Therapy for weight loss    Interested in our NEW Peptide Weight Loss Program? Join today and get all the details here.   Join our Women's Peri and Post Menopause Group Coaching Program, OnTrack, TODAY!   To our nursing audience members, our podcasts qualify for nursing CE @ RNegade.pro. Provide # CEP17654.   Your host: Karen Martel Certified Hormone Specialist, Transformational Nutrition Coach, & Weight Loss Expert   Karen's Facebook Karen's Instagram

Are you curious about the mysteries of menopause and how to navigate this transformative life stage with confidence? In this Q&A episode, we sit down with Zora Benhamou to answer all your burning questions about hormone management and replacement therapy. How do you know if your hormone levels are optimal, and what can you do if they're not? Ever wondered about the truths and myths surrounding progesterone? Zora shares invaluable insights into the world of hormone testing and what those numbers really mean for your health. Why is it crucial to consider both estradiol and progesterone, and how do they work together to support your well-being? Thinking about starting hormone replacement therapy but worried it's too late? Discover the benefits and potential drawbacks of late-start HRT and how it might fit into your menopause journey. What strategies can you adopt to manage weight gain and other post-menopausal challenges? In this episode, we uncover: How hormone testing timing impacts results and what it reveals about your balance. Why progesterone is essential even if you don't have a uterus. How to differentiate between various hormone delivery methods and their pros and cons. Why gut health and lifestyle factors play a critical role in hormone sensitivity. How personalized hormone therapy can transform your menopause experience. Listen now to this enlightening episode filled with practical advice and expert insights. Empower yourself with the knowledge you need to master menopause!   Hack My Age by Zora   Sponsors Get 20% of the Alitura luxury clay mask and more at alitura.com and use coupon code KAREN for 20% off. Timeline is offering 20% off your first order of Mitopure. Go to timeline.com/HORMONE20 use coupon HORMONE20 and get 20% off your order. Head to getkion.com/hormone and use my link for 20% off your order.     Are you in peri or post menopause and looking to optimize your hormones and health? At Hormone Solutions, we offer telemedicine services and can prescribe in every U.S. state, as well as in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario in Canada.   Visit karenmartel.com to explore our comprehensive programs: Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Individualized Weight Loss Programs  Peptide Therapy for weight loss    Interested in our NEW Peptide Weight Loss Program? Join today and get all the details here.   Join our Women's Peri and Post Menopause Group Coaching Program, OnTrack, TODAY!   To our nursing audience members, our podcasts qualify for nursing CE @ RNegade.pro. Provide # CEP17654.   Your host: Karen Martel Certified Hormone Specialist, Transformational Nutrition Coach, & Weight Loss Expert   Karen's Facebook Karen's Instagram