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.

You’ve probably noticed that it’s harder to lose weight in perimenopause. You may be feeling ‘fluffy’, and your clothes aren’t fitting as well. Weight gain feels inevitable, and unfortunately, what you did in your 20s or early 30s to combat this just won’t cut it anymore.

While it’s true that your metabolism and body composition changes as you age, there are plenty of factors to take into consideration.

I’m diving into WHY you’re gaining weight in perimenopause, and practical solutions to help you work through this. Major hormonal shifts with progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone greatly impact your metabolism, sleep, and overall energy.

Your lifestyle also plays a crucial role during perimenopause. More than ever, you’ve got to be mindful of your nutrition + exercise. These mundane, ‘unsexy’ things done consistently are what’s going to support you AND actually move the needle in this season of life!

If you’re struggling with symptoms of hormonal imbalance, weight gain and more, I invite you to learn more about our brand NEW 1:1 program, 90 Day Powerful Peri Protocol. We would love to provide you with strategic, tailored support during perimenopause, and get you to a place of feeling healthy, strong, and confident again!

Episode Recap:

• The biological component with women and fat storage + the role stress plays {4:17}
• Hormonal changes that occur during perimenopause {6:22}
• ‘Cortisol belly’ + other impacts of cortisol dysregulation on the body {10:09}
• What's behind your metabolism ‘‘slowing down’ as you age {13:44}
• Why muscle loss can happen during perimenopause {18:41}
• How inflammation negatively affects muscle health + the rate of muscle loss {20:33}
• Why it IS more difficult to maintain a healthier lifestyle during perimenopause {21:49}
• The #1 thing you need to incorporate if you’re struggling with your weight or body composition {29:23}
• Cleaning up your diet + paying closer attention to your nutrition {36:32}
• Using gut testing to check for low stomach acid, pathogens & more {38:19}
• Getting on a consistent + personalized supplement routine {39:30}
• Hormone replacement therapy recs {40:58}

Links & References:

• Join the 90 Day 1:1 Program, Powerful Peri Protocol HERE
• Ep. 57 | 2025 Wellness Trends, Longevity, Peptides + GLP 1’s, Red Light Therapy, Infrared Sauna, and Hormone Replacement Therapy / HRT
• Ep. 23 | Estrogen Dominance & the Link to PMS Symptoms, Weight Gain & Gut Issues, Root Causes + Where to Start to Fix It
• Ep. 59 | Are you in Perimenopause? Are You Prepared for What’s to Come? What’s ACTUALLY Happening with Your Hormones in Your Mid/Late 30s and 40s
• 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.

Today’s episode kicks off a multi-part series focused on…perimenopause!

Perimenopause affects women as early as mid to late thirties, and it’s commonly known as a ‘second puberty’ (not super appealing, right?!) Many women don’t know when this ‘shift’ happens for them, and they have NO idea the wide range of symptoms that can occur during perimenopause!

I’m breaking down why key hormones like estrogen and progesterone significantly fluctuate, why ovarian function tends to go a bit ‘offline’, how stress levels can exacerbate symptoms, what happens when your adrenal glands and thyroid take a ‘hit’, and more.

There’s no getting around this perimenopausal transition, BUT, it doesn’t have to be absolute hell, or something you’re bound to suffer though! I want to encourage you to do your own research, and get a personalized strategy that fully supports YOU through this natural phase of life.

Our Fueled & Free team would be honored to walk alongside you + help you thrive during perimenopause and beyond. Learn more about working with us HERE!

Episode Recap:

• Why you should be testing your hormones and checking blood work at LEAST 1x/year once you’re in your mid to late thirties {3:07}
• Results from MY recent Dutch test {5:24}
• What the transition into menopause *actually* looks like {9:13}
• Hormonal changes during puberty + why perimenopause is like a ‘second puberty’ {16:07}
• The importance of supporting your hormones post-birth control {22:42}
• Why your ovarian function is like a WiFi signal + the impact on progesterone {25:32}
• What the second phase of perimenopause looks like + why estrogen may fluctuate dramatically during this time {28:15}
• How stress disrupts hormonal communication during perimenopause + the critical role the adrenals play {32:13}
• Why a ‘sluggish’ thyroid can result during perimenopause {34:02}
• Why your perimenopausal experience does NOT have to be miserable {35:12}
• 3 categories that women typically fall into when struggling with perimenopause {37:20}
• Accepting the fact that change IS coming + embracing change & supporting yourself {42:07}

Links & References:

• Ep. 43 | Our experience with mold exposure this summer, supporting your body during mold exposure, symptoms of mold illness
• Ep. 23 | Estrogen Dominance & the Link to PMS Symptoms, Weight Gain & Gut Issues, Root Causes + Where to Start to Fix It
• 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

Have you been curious about functional testing, and wonder if it’s the path you should pursue to optimize your health? If so, today’s episode is for you!

I’m excited to give you a behind the scenes look at a compelling client case study, and what it really looks like to work with our team. This particular client was doing all of the ‘right things’ when it came to her health and wellness, but she was still experiencing a variety of frustrating symptoms.

I’m sharing my insights on what the hair tissue mineral analysis (HTMA) and GI map stool tests can reveal, the 4 crucial macro minerals, parasites and how they affect hormones, the root-cause approach we used to heal this client’s gut and hormones, and more.

If you’re constantly dealing with debilitating gut and hormonal symptoms, your body needs support. Taking a root-cause approach with a game plan tailored to what YOU need is vital, and that’s exactly what we do at Fueled & Free Nutrition!

Our brand new, 8 week Jump Start program can help you begin this process, and be on your way to feeling strong, healthy, and confident. We want to help you say goodbye to your hormonal symptoms, and take back your health - for GOOD!

Episode Recap:

• Why this particular client sought out functional testing {1:22}
• The importance of stress management techniques + finding a ‘wind-down’ routine that works for you {4:55}
• What the HTMA test can show + the 4LOWS pattern {8:56}
• How the 4LOWS pattern affected this client’s gut and hormones {15:45}
• What the GI map stool test digs into + taking caution with parasite cleanses {18:23}
• Why a person’s symptoms matter + the role the whole wellness questionnaire plays {23:41}
• Details of this client’s unique protocol {27:33}
• The 4 R protocol used to heal the gut {29:35}

Links & References:

• Water filter options: AquaTru, Clearly Filtered
• Check out Whole Practice
• 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

To kick off 2025, I wanted to dedicate an episode to the popular health ‘trends’ that seem to be shaping the future of wellness. I’ve been entrenched in the holistic health space for about a decade now, so I’ve seen a lot!

One of the biggest (and more recent) shifts in the health space is the focus on longevity and biohacking tools. I’m sharing my thoughts on well-known wearable devices like the Oura Ring, the transformative benefits of red light therapy and infrared sauna, why GLP-1s and peptides can aid in more than weight loss, finding a ‘flow’ versus rigidity with your routines, and more.

I love that more people are pursuing integrative wellness, and really taking their health into their own hands. When you choose functional testing, you’re getting the complete picture; you learn what’s going on within YOUR body, and you can get to the root cause.

If you’re ready to tackle frustrating hormonal symptoms and experience true healing in 2025, you can learn more about working with our team HERE - we would love to support you in this way!

Episode Recap:

• My personal journey in the holistic health & wellness space {0:57}
• The current, major focus on longevity + mainstream biohacking tools {4:38}
• How devices like the Oura Ring, red light therapy & infrared sauna are helping more people ‘hack’ their health & feel their best {5:38}
• The hot topic of cold-plunging {12:27}
• The fascinating usage of GLP-1s and peptides outside of weight loss {15:07}
• The increase in tech ‘wellness’ platforms for HRT + more {22:13}
• Why people are pursuing Integrative wellness with more individualized approaches {27:05}
• Finding more ‘flow’ with your routines vs. rigidity and ‘all or nothing’ {32:14}

Links & References:

• Ep. 28 | Cold Plunging, How I Approach Cold Exposure, Determining If It’s For You, and Hacks for Improving Sleep
• Ep. 23 | Estrogen Dominance & the Link to PMS Symptoms, Weight Gain & Gut Issues, Root Causes + Where to Start to Fix It
• 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

Today’s episode features a returning guest, Beka Gaskin!

Beka Gaskin is a trauma-informed nervous system coach. She supports high-achieving women to nurture their inner selves and break free from the grind. Beka is a good friend and someone I worked with previously; it was truly a life-changing experience!

This time of year can be joyous, but it can also bring up a LOT of stress, overwhelm, and anxiety. Beka and I discuss a variety of topics in this episode, like the never-ending societal pressures to perform and present ‘perfect’ images (especially as women) during the holiday season, the power of co-regulation, and much more.

Beka is deeply insightful and encouraging; I believe you’ll find today’s conversation to be very comforting, and honestly, a breath of fresh air during this season. I hope it leaves you feeling more grounded and connected as we wrap up 2024!!

Episode Recap:

• Getting caught up in so much ‘perfection’ during the holiday season + the ‘triggers’ that lead to even more stress {3:42}
• Understanding that trauma is NOT a one-time event {11:03}
• The performance & perfectionism tendencies that plague so many of us + choosing to strive for ‘presence’ instead {12:27}
• Masculine vs. feminine energy {22:05}
• Why there isn’t anything ‘wrong’ with anger + what this really means {24:29}
• What ‘romanticizing’ parts of your day looks like + ‘self-mothering’ {26:40}
• The concept of ‘wintering’ + a different perspective on intimacy {32:15}
• Why loneliness pops up more when you’re surrounded by people {35:15}
• Addressing self-sabotage and ‘self-protection’ during the holidays + the key connection between co-regulation and self-regulation {43:06}
• Why both therapy AND coaching are crucial for personal growth {48:32}

**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.

Links/Resources mentioned:

• Ep. 8 | Regulating the Nervous System with Beka Gaskin
• Connect with Beka on Instagram @bekagaskin
• Connect with me on Instagram @margaretannpowell and @fueledandfreenutrition
• For questions or suggestions about the podcast, send us an email at fueledandfreepodcast@gmail.com