15 episodes

The Go-to Podcast for Midlife Women Who Want To Balance Hormones Naturally



Ugh. I feel so bloated. I’m retaining more water than the Hoover Dam.

What? Not another pimple? It’s like puberty all over again!

Sleep? What’s that like? (I forget.:<)

Umm, I just turned 40….. Aren’t I too young for this?!?



Hello Friend.

(Can I call you “friend”? ‘Cuz we’re already friends in my head:)

Welcome to Are You There, Midlife? It’s Me, Monica.

I’m Monica Topete, Certified Holistic Health Coach and Hormone Imbalance Survivor. And I’m on a mission to help women in midlife balance their hormones naturally without drugs, doctors (or divorce!)

It wasn’t too long ago when perimenopause came crashing through my door with a ton of luggage (‘cuz she was prepared to stay for A WHILE!)

I remember how overwhelmed, anxious, and pretty much clueless I was about what was happening to my body…and how desperate I was for a diagnosis!

But, after SEVERAL visits to my doctor who gave me a clean bill of health and lab results that came back “within normal range,” I finally decided to take my health into my own hands.

I spent OVER A YEAR combing through PubMed research studies, taking online courses in naturopathy and functional medicine, and becoming my own human guinea pig to crack the hormone code and create a research-based program that really worked to balance my hormones, put the kibosh on perimenopause symptoms, and lose stubborn weight–and keep it off–for more than 10 years!

And now, I want to share it with you.

Join me as I demystify the hormonal transition in midlife and spill the ”tea” on what to expect when you’re expecting perimenopause…and beyond.

From anxiety to insomnia, body fat to funky body odor (yeah, that’s a thing!), I’ll unpack all the ”weird stuff” going on inside our midlife bodies, plus give you the latest science and holistic solutions to balance it all.

Are you tired of dealing with heavy, painful periods that look like a crime scene?…

Or struggling with symptoms like chronic headaches, fatigue, or brain fog that….(Oops! What was I saying again?)...

Are you beyond frustrated doing “all the things” to lose weight—but are still packing on the pounds faster than a sumo wrestler in training?…

Then, you’re in the right place.:)

There is a way you can balance your hormones naturally that doesn’t involve band-aid solutions like antidepressants or birth control pills (which are a BIG mistake! HUGE!)...and that only provide temporary relief without fixing the root problem.

In this podcast, you’ll learn how to:

- End painful periods and PMS

- Improve your sleep and reduce hot flashes and night sweats

- Alleviate hormonal headaches, fatigue, joint pain, and gut issues

- Reduce mood swings and depression (without meds)

- Move the scale on stubborn weight and belly fat

- And talk to your partner about perimenopause (without sounding like you’re totally insane!)

- It’s time to take back control of your hormones and show ‘em who’s boss!

...Without ever stepping foot inside a doctor’s office or resorting to crazy hormone pellets.

No need to make an appointment or even change outta your PJs.

Just come as you are–wherever you are–and listen in as I discuss ALL things hormones and midlife–with a bit of saucy humor.

(‘Cuz laughing is better than crying, unless it makes you pee.:)

---

Next Steps:

- Become an AYTML Podcast Insider: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

- Take my FREE Hormone Quiz: https://bit.ly/HormoneSelfAssessment

- Book a 15-minute Hormone Clarity Call: https://bit.ly/hormonecall

- Submit a Question to be Answered on the Pod: https://www.speakpipe.com/AreYouThereMidlife

- Email Me: monica@monicalanetopete.com

Are You There, Midlife? It’s Me, Monica. | Balance Hormones Naturally in Perimenopause, Menopause for Women Over 40 Monica Topete | Holistic Health Coach | Perimenopause Educator | Hormone Imbalance Survivor

    • Health & Fitness
    • 5.0 • 7 Ratings

The Go-to Podcast for Midlife Women Who Want To Balance Hormones Naturally



Ugh. I feel so bloated. I’m retaining more water than the Hoover Dam.

What? Not another pimple? It’s like puberty all over again!

Sleep? What’s that like? (I forget.:<)

Umm, I just turned 40….. Aren’t I too young for this?!?



Hello Friend.

(Can I call you “friend”? ‘Cuz we’re already friends in my head:)

Welcome to Are You There, Midlife? It’s Me, Monica.

I’m Monica Topete, Certified Holistic Health Coach and Hormone Imbalance Survivor. And I’m on a mission to help women in midlife balance their hormones naturally without drugs, doctors (or divorce!)

It wasn’t too long ago when perimenopause came crashing through my door with a ton of luggage (‘cuz she was prepared to stay for A WHILE!)

I remember how overwhelmed, anxious, and pretty much clueless I was about what was happening to my body…and how desperate I was for a diagnosis!

But, after SEVERAL visits to my doctor who gave me a clean bill of health and lab results that came back “within normal range,” I finally decided to take my health into my own hands.

I spent OVER A YEAR combing through PubMed research studies, taking online courses in naturopathy and functional medicine, and becoming my own human guinea pig to crack the hormone code and create a research-based program that really worked to balance my hormones, put the kibosh on perimenopause symptoms, and lose stubborn weight–and keep it off–for more than 10 years!

And now, I want to share it with you.

Join me as I demystify the hormonal transition in midlife and spill the ”tea” on what to expect when you’re expecting perimenopause…and beyond.

From anxiety to insomnia, body fat to funky body odor (yeah, that’s a thing!), I’ll unpack all the ”weird stuff” going on inside our midlife bodies, plus give you the latest science and holistic solutions to balance it all.

Are you tired of dealing with heavy, painful periods that look like a crime scene?…

Or struggling with symptoms like chronic headaches, fatigue, or brain fog that….(Oops! What was I saying again?)...

Are you beyond frustrated doing “all the things” to lose weight—but are still packing on the pounds faster than a sumo wrestler in training?…

Then, you’re in the right place.:)

There is a way you can balance your hormones naturally that doesn’t involve band-aid solutions like antidepressants or birth control pills (which are a BIG mistake! HUGE!)...and that only provide temporary relief without fixing the root problem.

In this podcast, you’ll learn how to:

- End painful periods and PMS

- Improve your sleep and reduce hot flashes and night sweats

- Alleviate hormonal headaches, fatigue, joint pain, and gut issues

- Reduce mood swings and depression (without meds)

- Move the scale on stubborn weight and belly fat

- And talk to your partner about perimenopause (without sounding like you’re totally insane!)

- It’s time to take back control of your hormones and show ‘em who’s boss!

...Without ever stepping foot inside a doctor’s office or resorting to crazy hormone pellets.

No need to make an appointment or even change outta your PJs.

Just come as you are–wherever you are–and listen in as I discuss ALL things hormones and midlife–with a bit of saucy humor.

(‘Cuz laughing is better than crying, unless it makes you pee.:)

---

Next Steps:

- Become an AYTML Podcast Insider: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

- Take my FREE Hormone Quiz: https://bit.ly/HormoneSelfAssessment

- Book a 15-minute Hormone Clarity Call: https://bit.ly/hormonecall

- Submit a Question to be Answered on the Pod: https://www.speakpipe.com/AreYouThereMidlife

- Email Me: monica@monicalanetopete.com

    14 | Is Estrogen Dominance Causing Your Hormonal Weight Gain? 3 Quick Tips To Move The Scale

    14 | Is Estrogen Dominance Causing Your Hormonal Weight Gain? 3 Quick Tips To Move The Scale

    Hey friend,
    Today, I’m continuing my “6 Weeks To Summer” podcast series where I unpack the 7 most common hormonal imbalances in perimenopause and how they contribute to weight loss resistance.
    In today’s episode, I’m taking a deep dive into Estrogen Dominance. The most common hormone imbalance in women in perimenopause, Estrogen Dominance affects an estimated half of all women in the U.S. over age 35! (Including yours truly.:)
    In today’s episode, you’ll learn:

    What is your estrogen to progesterone ratio and why it is important


    What causes high estrogen in women?


    What causes low progesterone?


    What are some Estrogen Dominance symptoms?


    Can Estrogen Dominance cause weight gain?


    And can high estrogen symptoms or low progesterone symptoms resolve on their own?

    Plus, I’ll share 3 quick tips to help you reverse estrogen dominance and move the dial on stubborn weight gain just in time for summer!
    If you’re dealing with hormonal symptoms that just won’t go away or lab test results that say your estrogen and progesterone levels are “within normal range” even though you know something’s just not right, this episode is for you.

    Next Steps:EP 12 | Perimenopause Weight Gain: Are Your Hormones To Blame?https://pod.fo/e/23bc62
    Take my FREE Hormone Quiz: https://bit.ly/HormoneSelfAssessment
    Become an AYTML Podcast Insider: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/
    Book a 30-minute Hormone Clarity Call: https://bit.ly/hormonecall
    Record a Question to be Answered on the Podcast: https://www.speakpipe.com/AreYouThereMidlife
    Shop my Favorite Hormone Balancing Supplements And Save 5% or More on Every Order (Enter promo code EUQ1741):https://www.iherb.com/me/HormoneBalance
    Email Me: monica@monicalanetopete.com
     
    *Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

    • 20 min
    13 | Why Am I Not in The Mood?--4 Myths About Low Libido in Women

    13 | Why Am I Not in The Mood?--4 Myths About Low Libido in Women

    Hey friend,
    Can I call you ‘friend”? Cuz I already feel like we’re friends in my head.
    So just between us….
    …How’s your sex life? 
    No, I mean really….How Is Your Sex Life? 
    If your answer on a scale of 1-10 is somewhere between 5 and non-existent, girl, you are not alone!
    On today’s episode, I’m joined once again by my husband, Rick, as we continue our special “Love & Hormones” Spring Series (continuing every other Thursday throughout May and June.)
    Warning: This episode features a discussion about sex and intimacy and may include explicit content not suitable for children. (So… you may want to listen to this one through your headphones…or at least make sure the kids are out of the house before turning on your speakers!)In this episode, you will learn:

    The cause of low libido in women in midlife


    Why sex is important in marriage satisfaction


    Self-image issues and other libido killers


    What is “responsive desire” and how can it improve your sex life?


    How sexual desire works in men vs. women 


    How menopause affects sex drive…and can sexual desire come back? 

    Plus, Rick and I get very candid about our ups and downs in the bedroom during the last 26+ years (no pun intended) including how we weathered dry spells, issues with aging and body image, and how we’re still working to keep things fresh.
    If you’ve been struggling at all with libido, sex, or intimacy in your relationship, you won’t want to miss this very juicy episode!

    Next Steps:
    EP 7 | What Husbands Should Know About Perimenopause (And Menopause) https://pod.fo/e/232c2410 | "Why Do I Hate My Husband?"--Relationship Advice for Couples Navigating Hormonal Imbalancehttps://pod.fo/e/237f2e
    Take my FREE Hormone Quiz: https://bit.ly/HormoneSelfAssessment
    Record a Question to be Answered on the Podcast: https://www.speakpipe.com/AreYouThereMidlife
    Become an AYTML Podcast Insider: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/
    Book a 30-minute Hormone Clarity Call: https://bit.ly/hormonecall
    Shop my Favorite Hormone Balancing Supplements And Save 5% or More on Every Order (Enter promo code EUQ1741): https://www.iherb.com/me/HormoneBalance
    Email Me: monica@monicalanetopete.com
    *Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

    • 37 min
    12 | Perimenopause Weight Gain: Are Your Hormones to Blame?

    12 | Perimenopause Weight Gain: Are Your Hormones to Blame?

    Hey friend,
    Pop quiz: What comes first: hormonal imbalance or weight gain?
    According to the latest research, 99% of all weight loss resistance in women can be traced to a hormonal cause.
    Today, I’m kicking off my “6 Weeks To Summer” podcast series and unpacking the connection between hormones and weight gain in perimenopause.
    In today’s episode, you’ll learn:
    How do hormones cause weight gain?
    What is the primary purpose of hormones? 
    What hormones cause weight gain or weight loss resistance
    Plus, we’ll discuss 7 of the most common hormonal imbalances among midlife women including:
    Thyroid issues
    Adrenal fatigue   
    High cortisol levels 
    Estrogen Dominance
    Low Progesterone
    High Estrogen
    Low Estrogen
    Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
    If you’re a woman in your late 30s or older who has been struggling with rapid weight gain or weight that just won’t budge no matter what you do, this episode is for you.

    Next Steps:EP 1 | 1 | How Do I Know If I'm In Perimenopause?https://pod.fo/e/2297e9
    Take my FREE Hormone Quiz: https://bit.ly/HormoneSelfAssessment
    Become an AYTML Podcast Insider: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/
    Book a 30-minute Hormone Clarity Call: https://bit.ly/hormonecall
    Record a Question to be Answered on the Podcast: https://www.speakpipe.com/AreYouThereMidlife
    Shop my Favorite Hormone Balancing Supplements And Save 5% or More on Every Order (Enter promo code EUQ1741):https://www.iherb.com/me/HormoneBalance
    Email Me: monica@monicalanetopete.com
    *Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

    • 17 min
    11 | The 3 Biggest Mistakes I Made to Balance Hormones and Lose Weight

    11 | The 3 Biggest Mistakes I Made to Balance Hormones and Lose Weight

    Hey friend,
    Summer’s just 6 weeks away! So, in anticipation of sundresses and sleeveless shirt weather, I’m pulling back the curtain on the three biggest mistakes I made trying to balance my hormones and lose hormonal weight. 
    From lab results to symptom management to calorie restricting and over-exercising, I’m stirring the tea on what NOT to do–along with 3 very important lessons I learned–on the road to reclaiming my health.In today’s episode, you’ll learn:   
    - Why a blood test for hormones may be less accurate than you think
    - Can hormonal imbalance cause weight gain? (And how)
    - Five “don’ts” when it comes to hormone balance and weight loss including:
    Fat burning pills for women
    Low calorie diets
    Endurance cardio
    Incorporating healthy grain foods
    Focusing on hormone imbalance symptoms, aka “symptom management”
    Plus, I’ll share with you a free diagnostic tool you can use to take back control of your body and finally find out what’s going on with your hormones today!
    Carpe hormones!

    Next Steps:EP 2 | Why Does My Blood Test For Hormones Keep Coming Back “Normal”?https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/are-you-there-midlife-its-me-monica-balance-hormones/id1736009810?i=1000649528656
    EP 6 | What Foods Cause Hormonal Imbalance Symptoms?: 10 "Healthy" Foods To Avoidhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/are-you-there-midlife-its-me-monica-balance-hormones/id1736009810?i=1000649528656
    Take my FREE Hormone Quiz: https://bit.ly/HormoneSelfAssessment
    Become an AYTML Podcast Insider: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/
    Book a 30-minute Hormone Clarity Call: https://bit.ly/hormonecall
    Record a Question to be Answered on the Podcast: https://www.speakpipe.com/AreYouThereMidlife
    Shop my Favorite Hormone Balancing Supplements and Save 5% or More on Every Order (Enter promo code EUQ1741):https://www.iherb.com/me/HormoneBalance
    Email Me: monica@monicalanetopete.com
     
    *Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.
     
     

    • 15 min
    10 | "Why Do I Hate My Husband?"--Relationship Advice for Couples Navigating Hormonal Imbalance

    10 | "Why Do I Hate My Husband?"--Relationship Advice for Couples Navigating Hormonal Imbalance

    Hey friend,
    On today’s episode, I’m joined once again by my husband of 26 years, Rick, as we continue our special “Love & Hormones” His-and-Her’s Day Spring Series (every other Thursday throughout the month of May.)
    Ladies, do you ever have days when you’re angry and irritated for no reason? …
    Guys, do you ever have days when you ask yourself, “Why does my wife hate me so much?”
    Perimenopause and menopause can be hard on relationships. Even good relationships. Even battle-tested relationships.
    According to a recent survey of 1,000 women by The Family Law Menopause Project, 7 out of 10 women who reported experiencing hormonal symptoms blamed menopause for the breakdown of their marriage!!!
    But a complete marital apocalypse is NOT inevitable. And one of the best ways to ensure your relationship goes the distance is to understand what your partner is going through. (Cuz’ believe it or not, we ladies need our man’s love and support more now than ever!)
    Join Rick and me as we take a deep dive into the emotional side of perimenopause and menopause. In this episode, you will learn:

    The science behind fluctuating hormones, including, “Can hormonal imbalance cause anxiety?” 


    The prevalence of mood-related disorders in perimenopause and menopause and how hormonal depression may be showing up in your marriage


    The cause-and-effect relationship between menopause and anger towards husbands 


    Why hormonal imbalance can trigger conditions like OCD 


    Plus, 6 tips to support your wife emotionally through perimenopause and beyond

    Tip: Ladies, listen to this episode all the way through. Then grab your man and listen to it a second time, together. 
    If you’ve been dealing with the hormotional rollercoaster of perimenopause or menopause in your relationship, you won’t want to miss this episode!

    Next Steps:
    EP 7 | What Husbands Should Know About Perimenopause (And Menopause) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/7-what-husbands-should-know-about-perimenopause-and/id1736009810?i=1000652856627
    Record a Question to be Answered on the Podcast: https://www.speakpipe.com/AreYouThereMidlife
    Take my FREE Hormone Quiz: https://bit.ly/HormoneSelfAssessment
    Become an AYTML Podcast Insider: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/
    Book a 30-minute Hormone Clarity Call: https://bit.ly/hormonecall
    Shop my Favorite Hormone Balancing Supplements and Save 5% or More on Every Order (Enter promo code EUQ1741):https://www.iherb.com/me/HormoneBalance
    Email Me: monica@monicalanetopete.com
    *Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

    • 20 min
    9 | Six Warning Signs Your Supplements for Menopause and Perimenopause Might Be a Scam (Part 2)

    9 | Six Warning Signs Your Supplements for Menopause and Perimenopause Might Be a Scam (Part 2)

    Hey friend,
    In today’s episode, we’re continuing a vital conversation about the efficacy and safety of supplements.
    Supplements can be a real game-changer when it comes to our hormonal health, especially for those of us who want to balance our hormones without HRT or hormonal birth control....Or who don’t want to take prescription medication like sleeping pills, SSRIs, or anti-depressants to help ease certain perimenopause and menopause symptoms.
    But there’s a dark side to supplements because they can be dangerous–fatal even.
    Of the estimated 4,000 supplement manufacturers worldwide, the vast majority test for zero contaminants such as mercury, heavy metals, mold, bacteria, steroids, and even prescription drugs! And a recent Harvard study published in the Journal of American Medical Association found that two-thirds of all FDA-recalled dietary supplements analyzed still contained banned substances at least 6 months after being recalled!!
    So how do you really know what's in your supplements and vitamins?In today’s episode, I’m sharing 6 warning signs your supplement may be a scam, including:
    -  The hidden dangers of proprietary blend supplements
    -  Quality control issues with gummies vitamins
    -  Checks and balances of 3rd party testing
    -  Social proof or scam?: Positive supplement reviews
    -  "Pretty" toxins in vitamins
    -  And supplement purity standards
    Plus, you'll learn three things to look for to ensure you are taking quality supplements and what you need to know about 3rd party testing of supplement brands by the USP United States Pharmacopeia, NSF National Sanitation Foundation, and Consumer Labs Reviews.








    If you or anyone in your family take vitamins, probiotics, or herbal supplements (that includes gummies, too), don’t miss this episode!

    Next Steps:
    Take my FREE Hormone Quiz: https://bit.ly/HormoneSelfAssessment
    EP 8 | Do Hormone Balancing Supplements Work? (Part 1) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/are-you-there-midlife-its-me-monica-balance-hor mones/id1736009810
    Shop my Favorite Hormone Balancing Supplements and Save 5% or More on Every Order (Enter promo code EUQ1741):https://www.iherb.com/me/HormoneBalance
    Third-Party Supplement Testing Resources:
    United States Pharmacopeia (USP)
    https://www.quality-supplements.org/usp_verified_products
    National Sanitation Foundation (NSF)
    https://info.nsf.org/Certified/dietary/
    Consumer Lab
    https://www.consumerlab.com/join/?cltrkid=HomepageHero
    Record a Question to be Answered on the Podcast:
    https://www.speakpipe.com/AreYouThereMidlife Email Me: monica@monicalanetopete.com
    ---
    *Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. I share the strategies that have worked for me and you are advised to do your own research and speak to your medical provider for care.

    • 18 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
7 Ratings

7 Ratings

Blaga Goertzen ,

Perfect Timing!

This podcasst is exactly what I've been looking for! Monica you are very fun, informative and helpful! I can't wait to binge listen all the episodes! Nicely done!

Lauren T Collins ,

Great resource

Monica has so much knowledge in this area. Would recommend to anyone wanting to feel better in midlife! - Lauren Collins

💩DAZMETHEPOOPHEAD💩 ,

Helpful information

I have listened to a few episodes and have found Monica’s insights so enlightening. She seems to know a lot in a realm where so little has been available before now. I would recommend listening to her show.

Top Podcasts In Health & Fitness

Huberman Lab
Scicomm Media
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
iHeartPodcasts
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
iHeartPodcasts
Ten Percent Happier with Dan Harris
Ten Percent Happier
Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee
Dr Rangan Chatterjee: GP & Author
The Peter Attia Drive
Peter Attia, MD

You Might Also Like

Perimenopause WTF?
perry app
THE PERIOD WHISPERER PODCAST - Perimenopause, Menopause, Cortisol, Weight Loss, Hormone Balancing, Insomnia, Hot Flashes, N*g
Bria Gadd - Integrative Nutrition Coach, Hormone Specialist, Personal Trainer, Perimenopause Coach, Menopause Coach
Not Your Mother's Menopause with Dr. Fiona Lovely
Discussions on women's health, the peaceful passage of menopause, peri-menopause and hormonal balance for all women., Dr. Fiona Lovely
The Metabolism and Menopause Podcast
Stephanie Crassweller
Better! with Dr. Stephanie
Dr. Stephanie Estima
40+ Fitness for Women: Strength Training, Health & Weight Loss for Women in menopause & perimenopause
Lynn Sederlöf-Airisto