Advertise on podcast: Perimenopause Simplified

Estrogen often gets a bad rap, but it's one of the most powerful and protective hormones in a woman's body, especially in midlife. In this episode of Perimenopause Simplified, we're unpacking what estrogen does, how it changes after 40, and what you need to know about supporting it through perimenopause and beyond. Whether you're dealing with brain fog, vaginal dryness, or mood swings, this episode will help you understand whether low estrogen might be at play – and what you can do about it. We also dive into hormone replacement therapy (HRT), the different forms of estrogen available, and why progesterone is essential if you choose to supplement. Estrogen isn't the enemy; let's set the record straight.   What's covered in this episode: The benefits of estrogen for your brain, heart, bones, and mood How estrogen levels fluctuate and decline during perimenopause and menopause Signs and symptoms of low estrogen vs. estrogen excess When to consider estrogen HRT and the different types (patches, gels, Biest & more) Why progesterone is needed when taking estrogen HRT How to support healthy estrogen detoxification through liver, gut, and lifestyle strategies   ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ SAVE $300 on Personalized Support! Stop guessing - and get real answers (and results) in The Perimenopause Method. This program has helped hundreds of women finally feel like themselves again - without the overwhelm. APPLY HERE by OCTOBER 23 and get $300 OFF on enrollment ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Links Mentioned: Ep. 31: How Endocrine Disruptors Impact Perimenopause For a deeper dive into estrogen, listen to Ep. 36: Estrogen: Why We Love It & Need It w/ Jill Chmielewski, RN, BSN   Connect with Claudia: Website  YouTube  Instagram  Facebook  Inquiries    Free resources:  👉6 Things Missing From Your Routine Labs That May Be Contributing to Your Anxiety, Mood Swings & Fatigue After 40 👉Mini Training: Why You're Exhausted, Moody & Gaining Weight After 40 (And What Actually Matters) 👉HRT Crash Course: What Every Woman 40+ Needs to Know Before Starting Hormone Therapy

In this week's episode, Claudia addresses one of the BIGGEST frustrations women face–going to their OB/GYN for perimenopause help, only to realize they're not as knowledgeable about hormones as we expect. Too often, doctors miss the full picture, leaving women dismissed and without real solutions.   We're covering: Why your OB/GYN is great for pregnancy–but often clueless about perimenopause Why perimenopause isn't just about estrogen and progesterone The common treatments doctors prescribe that don't actually fix the root cause What you really need to do to start feeling better   Source: https://www.contemporaryobgyn.net/view/survey-shows-menopause-curriculums-lacking-in-residency-programs     Seeking Personalized Support? Stop guessing - and get real answers (and results) in The Perimenopause Method. This program has helped hundreds of women finally feel like themselves again - without the overwhelm.   ➡️ Learn more HERE - OCTOBER SPOTS AVAILABLE!       ------------------------------------------   LOVE THE SHOW? Please subscribe, leave a 5-star rating, review, and share with other women, so they can get the support they need in perimenopause!    CONNECT WITH CLAUDIA:  Website YouTube Instagram Facebook Inquiries

Many women start hormone therapy expecting relief from hot flashes, brain fog, and mood swings - only to be frustrated when the scale starts creeping up. While providers often dismiss it, weight gain on HRT is a real experience for many. In this episode, Claudia explains why it happens, which hormones play a role, and what you can do to support your metabolism in midlife. What you'll learn in this episode: How progesterone can sometimes trigger water retention (even though it's a diuretic) Why estrogen balance matters for fat distribution, insulin sensitivity, and fluid shifts The risks of too much testosterone and how it impacts weight and symptoms The natural metabolic changes over 40 that make weight management harder Key nutrition strategies: prioritizing lean protein, fiber, and smart carbs while watching hidden calories from fats The importance of gut health, daily detox, and pooping regularly for hormone balance     If you want to learn more, my course Perimenopause HRT Roadmap is on sale this month through September 25th. Save $25 with code: SAVE25.   Links Mentioned: Ep. 67: Understanding Cortisol After 40: Why You Need It, Why It Becomes Imbalanced & What To Do About It Ep. 78: Undereating After 40: The #1 Habit Wrecking Your Hormones & Metabolism Progesterone Therapy & Thyroid Function Walking 7000 Steps a Day Oura Ring Optim Ring Pedometer to Track Steps Optimizing Adult Protein Intake   LOVE THE SHOW? Please subscribe, leave a 5-star rating, review, and share with other women, so they can get the support they need in perimenopause!    CONNECT WITH CLAUDIA:  Website YouTube Instagram Facebook Inquiries

If you've started hormone replacement therapy (HRT) but still feel exhausted, anxious, bloated, moody or worse – you're not alone. In this episode, I'm breaking down why hormone therapy alone isn't enough for many women over 40, why it really requires a whole body, holistic approach, and what your provider may be missing.   In this episode, you'll learn: Why HRT is a process - not a quick fix Common mistakes providers make with perimenopausal women How mineral imbalances and nervous system dysregulation affect HRT Why you may feel worse after starting hormones What we assess in every client before addressing hormones   If you want to learn more, my course Perimenopause HRT Roadmap is on sale this month through September 25th. CLICK HERE to save $25 with code: SAVE25.     CONNECT WITH CLAUDIA:  Website  YouTube  Instagram  Facebook  Inquiries   SHOP: Products We Love

Starting hormone replacement therapy can feel both exciting and overwhelming. What should you expect? How do you find the right provider? Which delivery method is best? And how long does it take before you actually start feeling better? In this episode of Perimenopause Simplified, Claudia Petrilli walks you through what the HRT journey can look like, from finding a hormone-savvy provider to understanding different delivery methods and the importance of starting low and going slow. Claudia discusses why simply finding someone who can prescribe HRT isn't always enough, what questions to ask when interviewing a provider, and why finding the right dose and combination of hormones can take some patience and fine-tuning. She also breaks down progesterone, estrogen, testosterone, DHEA, and several different delivery options, including patches, creams, pills, troches, injections, and pellets. Plus, she shares some of her own experiences with HRT, including the changes she noticed when starting testosterone and the difference estrogen made for her period-related body aches. If you're considering HRT or have already started and aren't sure what to expect, this episode will help you better understand the process and feel more prepared to advocate for yourself. In this episode, we covered: How to find an HRT provider Different deliveries of hormone replacement therapy Why hormone injections and pellets are not recommended Side effects of hormone replacement therapy Progesterone hormone replacement therapy Estrogen hormone replacement therapy Testosterone & DHEA hormone replacement therapy   Sources: Women's International Pharmacy Institute of Bioidentical Medicine (IOBIM)-trained providers The Academy for Preventive and Innovative Medicine (Worldlink Medical) Institute for Functional Medicine Carol Petersen, RPh, CNP Dr. Phyllis Bronson   _______________________________________________________________________________ To learn about hormone therapy, grab Claudia's FREE resource: 3-Day HRT Crash Course. In just 3 quick emails, you'll learn: 📌 What HRT is + how it works to improve symptoms 📌 The different types + how to choose for you 📌 Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)  _______________________________________________________________________________ CONNECT WITH CLAUDIA:  Website  YouTube  Instagram  Facebook  Inquiries   SHOP: Products We Love

Confused about when to start hormone replacement therapy? You're not alone. In this episode of Perimenopause Simplified, we're cutting through the mixed messages and breaking down when to consider starting HRT, what symptoms to look out for, and how to know if it's the right move for you. If you're in your 40s and feeling dismissed, overwhelmed, or unsure where to begin…this one's for you. We cover: Why hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is so confusing and what's changed since the 2002 WHI study The difference between perimenopause and menopause & why that matters for HRT timing Common early symptoms that may signal hormone shifts (and which hormone to start with first) When estrogen might be added - it's earlier than you think The risks of waiting too long to start HRT Why and when I started HRT myself   Sources: Hormone Therapy & Cardiovascular Disease: The Role of Timing Hormone Therapy & Cognition Prevention of Osteoporosis NAMS Hormone Therapy Position   To learn about hormone therapy, grab Claudia's FREE resource: 3-Day HRT Crash Course. In just 3 quick emails, you'll learn: 📌 What HRT is + how it works to improve symptoms 📌 The different types + how to choose for you 📌 Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)   Connect with Claudia: Website  YouTube  Instagram  Facebook  Inquiries    Free resources:  👉Perimenopause Daily Checklist 👉HRT Crash Course: What Every Woman 40+ Needs to Know Before Starting Hormone Therapy

Blood sugar and carbohydrates can feel incredibly confusing—especially in midlife, when changes in estrogen, muscle mass, sleep, stress, and body composition can affect metabolic health. In this episode, we're breaking down what your glucose, HbA and fasting insulin actually tell you, why you don't need to fear carbohydrates, and why constantly chasing a perfectly flat glucose curve may be doing more harm than good. What "blood sugar balance" means—and why glucose spikes aren't always bad Why carbs aren't the enemy and how to build meals with all macronutrients How stress, under-eating, exercise, poor sleep, and midlife hormone changes can affect glucose regulation Why building muscle, moving regularly, eating enough, and looking at lab trends over time matter more than obsessing over one number or wearing a glucose monitor   Ready to stop guessing about your health & hormones? The Perimenopause Method is my 12-week personalized, private coaching experience for women 40+ who are tired of conflicting advice and want a clear plan tailored to their body. Apply HERE. ⏰August enrollment ends soon!   Connect with Claudia: Website  YouTube  Instagram  Facebook  Inquiries    Free resources:  👉Perimenopause Daily Checklist 👉HRT Crash Course: What Every Woman 40+ Needs to Know Before Starting Hormone Therapy

Walking is one of the simplest—and most underrated—ways to support your health after 40. In this episode, we're talking about how daily walking can benefit cardiovascular health, metabolism, stress, sleep and your circadian rhythm, plus how to get more steps into your day without adding another "workout" to your schedule. We'll cover: Why 7,000 steps a day may be a more meaningful target than 10,000 How walking supports metabolic and cardiovascular health Why outdoor walks and natural light can benefit your circadian rhythm and sleep Simple ways to build walking into your day—even if you're busy, tired or sedentary Ready to stop guessing about your health & hormones? The Perimenopause Method is my 12-week personalized coaching experience for women 40+  who are tired of conflicting advice and want a clear plan that actually fits their body. Learn more + apply HERE.   Check out the FitBit I use to track steps HERE! https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10051082/ https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250726234359.htm https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12077053/ Connect with Claudia: Website  YouTube  Instagram  Facebook  Inquiries    Free resources:  👉Mini Training: Why You're Exhausted, Moody & Gaining Weight After 40 (And What Actually Matters) 👉HRT Crash Course: What Every Woman 40+ Needs to Know Before Starting Hormone Therapy

Are you tracking the right things for your health or just the things that create more stress? In this episode, I'm sharing exactly what I track as a women's health coach over 40, what I intentionally ignore, and how focusing on the right health data can help you make better decisions about your nutrition, workouts, hormones, and overall well-being. The health metrics I actually track each week (and why) How to use data without becoming obsessive Why trends matter more than one-off numbers How tracking the right things can help you make smarter health decisions Ready to stop guessing about your health & hormones? The Perimenopause Method is my 12-week personalized coaching program for women 40+ ready to stop guessing, get a clear plan tailored to their needs, and start feeling like themselves again. Learn more + apply HERE.   Check out my FitBit Inspire HERE!   Connect with Claudia: Website  YouTube  Instagram  Facebook  Inquiries    Free resources:  👉Mini Training: Why You're Exhausted, Moody & Gaining Weight After 40 (And What Actually Matters) 👉HRT Crash Course: What Every Woman 40+ Needs to Know Before Starting Hormone Therapy

Between supplements, protocols, and influencers all claiming to have "the answer," it's easy to end up more overwhelmed than when you started — chasing what worked for someone else instead of what your own body actually needs. In this episode, I'm sharing why I took a few weeks off from the podcast, what my twice-a-year business audit taught me about the difference between noise and real data, and how that exact same principle applies to your health in perimenopause.   You'll learn: Why chasing what worked for someone else usually leaves you busier, not better What my own business data taught me about where real results actually come from Why testing that matters (bloodwork, minerals, and your whole picture) beats trends How nutrients work like the foundation of a house: skip them and nothing else holds What it actually takes to make progress consistently, instead of spinning your wheels Ready to stop guessing about your health & hormones? The Perimenopause Method is my 12-week personalized coaching program for women 40+ ready to stop guessing, get a clear plan tailored to their needs, and start feeling like themselves again. Learn more + apply to be considered HERE.   Connect with Claudia: Website  YouTube  Instagram  Facebook  Inquiries    Free resources:  👉  15-Minute Training: Why You're Exhausted, Moody & Gaining Weight After 40 (And What Actually Matters) 👉  3-Day HRT Crash Course

Protein has become one of the biggest nutrition buzzwords, but are women over 40 focusing so much on protein that they're forgetting about carbs and fiber? In this episode, I'm breaking down how much protein women really need in midlife, why protein matters for muscle, metabolism, blood sugar and healthy aging, and why carbohydrates aren't the enemy. You'll learn: • Why protein needs often increase after 40 • How much protein we typically recommend for women in midlife • Why carbs are important for energy, recovery, and muscle growth • The role of fiber in digestion, blood sugar balance and estrogen metabolism • What to expect when increasing protein and carbohydrates 🔥Want a simple, sustainable approach for better energy, sleep & strength after 40? My new 6-week live program, Midlife Body Rebuild, is open for enrollment! JOIN NOW to get founding member pricing + special bonuses until July 3rd. FREE RESOURCE:  Perimenopause Daily Checklist   CONNECT WITH CLAUDIA:  Website YouTube Instagram Inquiries    SHOP: Products We Love   LOVE THE SHOW? Please subscribe, leave a rating & review, and share with others – it really helps our show get seen by more women who need support!

Frustrated because you're eating healthy, exercising, and still gaining weight after 40? Many women in perimenopause feel like their body suddenly stopped responding to the things that used to work. In this episode, Claudia breaks down some of the common reasons women gain weight in midlife - even when they're trying hard to "eat clean." If you've been wondering why you feel more inflamed, puffy, hungry, tired, or stuck in your body after 40, this episode will help you understand what may actually be going on. We cover: • Why eating healthy doesn't always lead to weight loss after 40 • Hidden nutrition mistakes (healthy salads, smoothies, nuts & snacks) • Why under-eating protein and carbs can backfire in midlife • The connection between hormones, muscle & weight gain • Why skipping meals and exercising more may be making things worse 🔥Want a realistic plan for better energy, mood & strength after 40? My new 6-week live program, Midlife Body Rebuild is open for enrollment! JOIN NOW to get founding member pricing + special bonuses until July 3rd. FREE RESOURCE:  Perimenopause Daily Checklist   CONNECT WITH CLAUDIA:  Website YouTube Instagram Inquiries   SHOP:  Products We Love   LOVE THE SHOW? Please subscribe, leave a rating & review, and share with others – it really helps our show get seen by more women who need support!

Working out but not seeing results after 40? Feeling frustrated that your body seems to be changing despite eating "healthy" and exercising? In this episode, I'm breaking down the biggest reasons your workouts may not be working in midlife: from too much cardio and not enough muscle…to under-fueling, fear of carbs, shifting hormones, poor recovery, and unrealistic expectations.   In this episode: Why too much cardio may be working against you The importance of building muscle after 40 Under-eating, fear of carbs & metabolism shifts Hormone changes, sleep & recovery What actually matters for results in midlife   🔥Want a smarter approach to body composition after 40? My new 6-week live program, Midlife Body Rebuild, opens soon! JOIN WAITLIST to get founding member pricing + special bonuses. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:  Ep. 110. Why You Have No Motivation in Perimenopause (What Most Coaches Get Wrong)   FREE RESOURCE:  Perimenopause Daily Checklist   CONNECT WITH CLAUDIA:  Website YouTube Instagram Inquiries   SHOP: Products We Love   LOVE THE SHOW? Please subscribe, leave a rating & review, and share with others – it really helps our show get seen by more women who need support!

Feeling more stiff, achy, inflamed, or sore over 40s - even though you're working out and trying to be healthy? In this episode, we're breaking down why so many women in perimenopause and midlife suddenly feel "off" in their body. We'll cover the reasons behind joint pain, stiffness, slower recovery, and inflammation: from hormone shifts and muscle loss to sedentary lifestyles, under-fueling, stress, poor sleep, and thyroid health. In this episode: Why joint pain & stiffness increase in perimenopause The role of muscle loss, metabolism & hormones after 40 Why walking & daily movement matter more than one workout How protein, carbs, sleep & recovery affect how you feel Simple ways to support your body without extremes   🔥My new 6-week live program, Midlife Body Rebuild, opens soon! Join the waitlist now for founding member pricing + early access: JOIN WAITLIST   FREE RESOURCES:  Perimenopause Daily Checklist   CONNECT WITH CLAUDIA:  Website YouTube Instagram Inquiries   SHOP: Products We Love   LOVE THE SHOW? Please subscribe, leave a rating & review, and share with others – it really helps our show get seen by more women who need support!

Feeling like your body has changed after 40…even though you're eating healthy and trying hard? In this episode, I'm breaking down the biggest midlife health mistakes I see smart, health-conscious women making that may be impacting metabolism, energy, hormones, muscle, recovery, and body composition. If you've been frustrated by stubborn weight gain, lower energy, poor recovery, or feel like what worked in your 30s suddenly stopped working, this is for you. In this episode, we cover: Why eating too little can backfire on metabolism, muscle, and hormones after 40 The truth about cardio vs. strength training in perimenopause How stress, poor sleep, and over-functioning affect recovery and body composition Why midlife requires a different strategy for nutrition, hormones, and feeling good again   LINKS MENTIONED: 🎧Ep. 111 Why Belly Fat Shows Up in Your 40s (It's Not Just Your Hormones)  🔥My new 6-week live program, Midlife Body Rebuild, opens in July! Join the waitlist now for founding member pricing + early access: JOIN WAITLIST   CONNECT WITH CLAUDIA:  Website YouTube Instagram Inquiries   SHOP: Products We Love   LOVE THE SHOW? Please subscribe, leave a rating & review, and share with others – it really helps our show get seen by more women who need support!