If you’re in the trenches of perimenopause, you may be thinking about testing your hormones - especially if you’re considering hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

I’m diving into how to know if you *really* need hormone testing before starting HRT, the ‘broader picture’ that's happening within your body, key blood markers to test, how to access testing without a provider, and more.

Whether we like it or not, perimenopause IS something we’ll be navigating as women. While I don’t believe that HRT is the ‘magic bullet’ that is going to fix all of your problems, it can be an effective part of your treatment plan to optimize your long-term health.

If your lab levels are ‘normal’, but you couldn’t feel further from ‘normal’, don’t allow that to be your story. Perimenopause doesn’t have to suck!

Our 1:1 Program, 90 Day Powerful Peri Protocol, is the program for women 35+ who want to lose weight, improve sleep, energy & mood. We take a root-cause, holistic approach that is individualized to YOU. It’s time to revamp your hormones and build a healthy metabolism for midlife & beyond!

Episode Recap:

• Current changes I’m experiencing in perimenopause {2:01}
• Why there isn’t one ‘magic bullet’ that’s going to solve all of your problems in perimenopause {6:10}
• Key bloodwork markers to test {11:23}
• My current rec for accessing blood testing {13:46}
• Why you may want hormone replacement therapy {19:56}
• The DUTCH test + the value of the HTMA {21:54}
• Options for accessing HRT without your provider {24:52}
• The dynamic nature of perimenopause + why utilizing HRT is proactive for your longevity {29:54}

Links & References:

• Join the 90 Day 1:1 Program, Powerful Peri Protocol HERE
• Check out Function Health to access blood testing.
• Thrive Lab, Raena Health for HRT prescriptions.
• Institute of Bioidentical Medicine (IOBIM)
• Ep. 45 | Mastering Midlife, Perimenopause, and Aging to Thrive with Maria Claps & Kristin Johnson
• The Great Menopause Myth by Kristin Johnson and Maria Claps
• Happy Healthy Hormones by Dr. Daved Rosensweet
• Connect with me on Instagram @margaretannpowell and @fueledandfreenutrition
• Learn more about working with our team by visiting our website
• Send us an email at fueledandfreepodcast@gmail.com

If you’re in your mid/late 30s, 40s, or even 50s, you’ve probably noticed some annoying changes with your gut health. Maybe you’re struggling with more bloating, constipation, food sensitivities, or you can tell your digestion is just ‘off’. It’s not just in your head - unfortunately, your gut can change pretty drastically during perimenopause.

Your gut and hormones are deeply interconnected - the gut plays a HUGE role in how your body processes and metabolizes hormones! I’m diving into the fascinating connection between your gut and fluctuating hormones, what gut changes you may experience during perimenopause, how histamine intolerance, weight changes, and blood sugar issues can present, and more.

I know this time into perimenopause can feel overwhelming, but there ARE solutions for supporting and healing your gut. That’s where our team can step in!

🎉 Our 1:1 Program, 90 Day Powerful Peri Protocol, is open for enrollment for March 2025! This is a program for women 35+ who want to lose weight, improve sleep, energy & mood. By taking a functional approach & utilizing testing for both your gut AND hormones, we can pinpoint what areas of YOUR body need specific attention.

You are NOT doomed - you can build a healthy metabolism, gain strength and confidence, and totally transform your health!

Episode Recap:

• How interconnected your gut & hormones really are {1:25}
• Common gut changes experienced during perimenopause {5:22}
• Histamine intolerance during perimenopause {7:27}
• Weight gain & blood sugar issues during perimenopause {11:15}
• Ways you can successfully support your gut thru perimenopause {15:00}

Links & References:

• Join the 90 Day 1:1 Program, Powerful Peri Protocol HERE
• Ep. 61 | Supporting Progesterone in Perimenopause + Why Optimal Progesterone Matters
• Check out Fullscript for therapeutic, professional grade supplements
• Connect with me on Instagram @margaretannpowell and @fueledandfreenutrition
• Learn more about working with our team by visiting our website
• Send us an email at fueledandfreepodcast@gmail.com

**Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is NOT meant to be taken as individual or medical advice. Please seek the advice of your physician or healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

If you’re in your mid to late 30’s / 40’s, and experiencing symptoms of hormonal imbalance like weight gain, mood issues, disrupted sleep, brain fog, & bloating, chances are, your progesterone needs support!

Progesterone is a crucial hormone that provides a myriad of health benefits; it impacts your menstrual cycle, mood, sleep, and much more.

Unfortunately, it’s often the first hormone to decline as women progress into their 30s and 40s. And it can feel daunting to navigate the variety of symptoms that come with lower progesterone production.

I’m diving into ALL things progesterone in this episode. We’ll uncover why progesterone depletion occurs, telltale signs of low progesterone, testing your progesterone levels, key nutrients and supplements to add into your routine, and more.

🎉 Our 1:1 Program, 90 Day Powerful Peri Protocol, is open for enrollment! This is a program for women 35+ who want to lose weight, improve sleep, energy & mood. This isn’t just another diet program, we incorporate functional lab testing to help pinpoint what areas of YOUR body need specific attention and equip you to work with your hormones, not against them!

Also - I plan to do a future, deep dive episode on bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, so stay tuned for that!!

Episode Recap:

• Why achieving the ‘Goldilocks’ hormone levels is unique to every woman {3:13}
• The only time that robust amounts of progesterone are made + looking at the ‘big picture’ of your hormones {4:33}
• Factors that lead to decreased ovulation & progesterone production {6:30}
• Why progesterone is SO much more than *just* a fertility hormone {10:17}
• The estrogen + progesterone balance explained {12:33}
• The DIM supplement {14:45}
• Signs and symptoms of low progesterone {17:46}
• Testing your progesterone vs. going solely off of your symptoms {23:10}
• Options for testing progesterone levels {25:08}
• How to naturally support progesterone production {27:07}
• The crucial role nutrition plays + top nutrients that help support progesterone production {34:12}
• Targeted supplements that can help with progesterone production {40:21}

Links & References:

• Join the 90 Day 1:1 Program, Powerful Peri Protocol HERE
• Get the Fueled & Free Minerals Guide HERE
• Ep. 44 | Should you still eat if you’re not hungry? Low appetite, hunger cues, how cortisol, your gut + blood sugar connects with your appetite
• Ep. 10 | Empowering Women with PCOS: Understanding Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Holistic Treatment Options
• Ep. 59 | Are you in Perimenopause? Are You Prepared for What’s to Come?
• Connect with me on Instagram @margaretannpowell and @fueledandfreenutrition
• Learn more about working with our team by visiting our website
• Send us an email at fueledandfreepodcast@gmail.com

**Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is NOT meant to be taken as individual or medical advice. Please seek the advice of your physician or healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.