Beyond Hormone Symptoms Podcast

Gloria Halim
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  • Health & Fitness
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to "Beyond Hormone Symptoms," your ultimate resource for navigating the complex journey of hormonal changes with confidence and clarity. This podcast is specifically designed for women over 35 who are experiencing hormone imbalances and perimenopause symptoms, offering expert insights, evidence-based strategies, and practical solutions that go beyond conventional advice. Each episode delivers actionable wisdom to help you decode your body's signals, transform frustrating symptoms into meaningful information, and reclaim your vitality during this significant life transition.

  1. Jun 24

    Episode 56: Why You’re Losing Muscle in Perimenopause and Why Eating Less Is Making It Worse

    If you have been eating carefully, exercising, doing everything you were told and still losing muscle, feeling flat, struggling with energy and wondering why your body is not responding the way it used to, this episode is going to change something fundamental about how you understand what is happening.  Gloria Halim explains why the advice to eat less is precisely the wrong advice for perimenopausal women, why protein is the most underestimated nutritional lever in midlife, and what chronically under-eating it is doing to your muscles, your mood, your blood sugar and your brain. Including her own story of muscle loss during perimenopause and what she discovered when she finally asked the right question. Key Takeaways: Why the advice to eat less is precisely wrong for perimenopausal women and what it is actually doing to your body What protein does beyond building muscle: blood sugar stability, gut lining integrity, immune function and satiety The three satiety hormones explained - leptin (long-term energy balance), PYY and GLP-1 (meal-by-meal fullness) - and why oestrogen decline disrupts all three Why the pharmaceutical industry built a multi-billion dollar industry around mimicking what your body already knows how to do (GLP-1 and Ozempic) Gloria’s personal story: losing muscle mass in perimenopause while already slim and what she found when she looked honestly at her diet Sarcopenia: the medical term for age-related muscle loss, why it accelerates significantly in perimenopause, and why it matters far beyond appearance The neurotransmitter connection: serotonin, dopamine, GABA and noradrenaline are all built from amino acids and what happens to your mood when the raw materials are insufficient How much protein - What kind -  When it matters most Gloria’s Personal Story in This Episode Gloria shares for the first time how she lost significant muscle mass during perimenopause, not weight in the conventional sense, but the kind of loss that changes how your body looks and feels and functions. As a woman who has always been slim, the conversation about perimenopause and food had never felt like it was for her. Until she understood what was actually happening. Resources & Links Schedule Your Free Hormone Audit Call Beyond Hormone Symptoms Facebook Community Instagram: @gloriahalim Timestamps 00:00 - Episode overview: Why your body's dance during perimenopause needs more than just "eat less" advice 02:28 - The foundational role of protein in muscle, hormones, and neurotransmitter synthesis 03:44 - How protein modulates blood sugar spikes and enhances satiety signals 04:58 - The three key satiety hormones—leptin, PYY, and GLP1—and their roles in hunger regulation 05:49 - The impact of declining estrogen on leptin sensitivity and persistent hunger in perimenopause 06:43 - How PYY signals fullness from the gut in response to dietary protein 07:38 - The role of GLP1 in insulin release and its connection to medications like Ozempic 09:38 - Protein’s influence on immune function and gut health maintenance 11:15 - Personal insight: Recognizing muscle loss versus weight loss during hormonal transition 15:09 - Analogy of building maintenance for understanding muscle preservation and decline 16:27 - The cycle of muscle breakdown and rebuilding, and how it slows in perimenopause 18:57 - How muscle loss worsens insulin sensitivity, blood sugar control, and inflammation 19:47 - The neurochemical effects of protein deficiency on mood, motivation, and stress resilience 23:15 - The compounded risk: declining serotonin with inadequate protein intake in perimenopause 27:04 - Timing of protein consumption—importance of breakfast and post-exercise intake 30:17 - The key message: Eat more of the right foods, especially protein at each main meal DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please work with a qualified healthcare practitioner for your individual situation.

    28 min

  2. Jun 11

    Episode 55: Inflammation: The Hidden Driver Behind Almost Every Perimenopause Symptom You Have

    If you have been doing everything right and still feeling the way you feel, this episode is going to change how you understand your own symptoms. Gloria Halim explains why chronic systemic inflammation is the hidden thread running through almost every perimenopause symptom you have, why declining oestrogen removes the body’s natural anti-inflammatory protection, and how the gut, the nervous system, blood sugar, sleep and food all connect through one underlying mechanism. This is the capstone episode of Season 5. It does not add more to your list. It shows you that the work you are already doing goes deeper than you knew. What We Cover The difference between acute inflammation and the chronic, low-grade kind that drives perimenopause symptoms What C-reactive protein is and why elevated levels are consistently found in perimenopausal women with more severe symptoms Oestrogen as a powerful anti-inflammatory agent, the job it was doing quietly your whole adult life Why joint pain, brain fog, hot flushes and skin changes are inflammatory events, not coincidences Why the inflammation is not a side effect of perimenopause, in many cases it is the mechanism The five drivers of chronic inflammation in perimenopausal women: gut dysbiosis, cortisol dysregulation, blood sugar instability, inadequate sleep, processed food and excess sugar Why the five drivers do not operate in isolation, how they interact, amplify each other, and create cycles The anti-inflammatory approach: eating to reduce inflammation, supporting the gut, regulating the nervous system, prioritising sleep quality, moving gently and consistently Why the anti-inflammatory approach is not a new programme - it is the same work from Season 5, understood from a deeper place How every episode this season - the gut, the nervous system, blood sugar, cortisol, the sandwich generation - connects through the inflammation lens Episodes Referenced in This Episode Episode 51: The Surprising Reason Your Oral Health Is Getting Worse in Your 40s - It's Not What Your Dentist Thinks Episode 52: Blood Sugar & Perimenopause - Why the Way You Ate in Your 30s No Longer Works Episode 53: Why Doing Everything for Everyone Is Destroying Your Hormones in Perimenopause Episode 54: The Nervous System Reset: Why 'Just Calm Down' Doesn't Work in Perimenopause — and What Actually Does Resources & Links Free live training — Hormone Reset Bootcamp  Glow with Grace Blueprint — 12-week personal 1:1 programme Beyond Hormone Symptoms Facebook Community Timestamps:  00:00 - Introduction to the episode’s focus on inflammation as a hidden symptom driver01:15 - Differentiating acute vs. silent chronic inflammation02:21 - How inflammation impacts hormonal signaling and perimenopause symptoms03:13 - The immune response to persistent threats like gut dysbiosis and toxins04:33 - The anti-inflammatory role of estrogen and consequences of its decline05:56 - How inflammation worsens joint pain, brain fog, skin changes, and hot flashes06:47 - The five key drivers of chronic inflammation in perimenopause07:22 - Deep dive into gut dysbiosis and leaky gut08:35 - Cortisol dysregulation and its inflammatory effects09:35 - Blood sugar spikes and glycation as inflammation triggers10:01 - The critical role of sleep in inflammation resolution12:15 - Incorporating anti-inflammatory foods and reducing ultra-processed foods14:22 - Supporting gut health with prebiotics, fermented foods, and hydration15:14 - Regulating the nervous system through vagal toning and sleep routines18:09 - Integrating these practices into a cohesive approach for hormonal health19:00 - The role of inflammation as the mechanism driving many perimenopausal symptoms20:13 - Invitation to free training for deeper support and community connectionDISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please work with a qualified healthcare practitioner for your individual situation.

    20 min

  3. Jun 4

    Episode 54: The Nervous System Reset: Why 'Just Calm Down' Doesn't Work in Perimenopause — and What Actually Does

    If you have been told to just relax, breathe through it, or think more positively and found that none of it actually worked, this episode explains why. Gloria Halim goes deeper on the nervous system than ever before on this podcast, introducing polyvagal theory in plain language, explaining what declining oestrogen is actually doing inside your brain, and giving you the body-based tools that genuinely build nervous system resilience over time. This is the episode that makes everything else you are doing for your hormones finally start working. Key Topics: The impact of hormonal fluctuations on emotional stability and nervous system responses The three states of the nervous system: safe and social, fight or flight, shutdown or freeze How perimenopause narrows the window of tolerance, increasing emotional reactivity The role of oestrogen in supporting brain areas like the hypothalamus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex Practical vagal toning techniques: extended exhale breathing, humming, cold exposure, rhythmic movement, and co-regulation The importance of body-based practices over purely cognitive approaches The significance of neurosception — the nervous system’s constant reading of its environment The body's upward message flow via the vagus nerve and how movement and touch influence brain states Building resilience and flexibility in the nervous system to navigate hormonal changes effectively The Five Vagal Toning Practices Extended exhale breathing - 4 counts in, 4 hold, 6 out. Five minutes. Activates the ventral vagal branch specifically Humming - two minutes. Direct mechanical stimulation of the vagus nerve. Medically prescribed Cold water on the face, around the eyes and forehead. Triggers the mammalian diving reflex. Works in seconds Slow rhythmic movement - ten-minute walk at a conversational pace. The rhythm is doing the work, not the speed Genuine human connection - five minutes with someone who really knows you. Co-regulation is physiological, not metaphorical Previous Episode Referenced Episode 39 — Why Your Nervous System Is the Missing Link in Your Perimenopause Journey Go back to Ep 39 for the foundations — this episode builds on and goes deeper than them. Resources and Links Free live training: Hormone Reset Bootcamp Registration - Starts Monday 15th June to Friday 19th June Glow with Grace Blueprint: 12-week personal 1:1 programme Beyond Hormone Symptoms Facebook Community Connect with Gloria Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and emotional reactions as a nervous system response 05:07 - The three states of the nervous system and their impact 15:30 - Deep dive into polyvagal theory and its relevance 22:09 - Practical vagal toning techniques and their benefits 30:13 - The window of tolerance and body-based practices 34:17 - Call to action: join free trainings, support the show, share this knowledge DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please work with a qualified healthcare practitioner for your individual situation.

    31 min

  4. May 28

    Episode 53: Why Doing Everything for Everyone Is Destroying Your Hormones in Perimenopause

    This episode is for the woman in the middle, caring for ageing parents, raising teenagers, running a full life, and somewhere right at the bottom of her own list. Gloria Halim explains the biology of what that load is doing to your hormonal health: the cortisol mechanism, the invisible load, the co-regulation cost of raising a teenager during your own hormonal transition, and why the guilt of not prioritising yourself is partly physiological, not just personal. Plus five genuinely doable tools for a body under chronic load. Takeaways The invisible load of midlife caregiving and its measurable physiological costYour stress response system explained simply and why chronic caregiving keeps it activatedHow persistently elevated cortisol suppresses progesterone, disrupts the estrobolome and drives blood sugar instabilityWhy perimenopause amplifies the effects of caregiver stressThe mental load: what it is and why thinking and planning and anticipating all count as stressThe teenager and perimenopause intersection - two hormonal transitions, one kitchenCo-regulation: why your teenager’s dysregulation costs your nervous system something realThe biology of guilt: why prioritising yourself can feel threatening in a stressed nervous systemThe physiological sigh: what it is, why it works, and how to do it in seven secondsTransition rituals, titrated rest, protein at every meal, and one boundary per week Resources & Links 5-Day Hormone Reset BootcampBeyond Hormone Symptoms Facebook Community Schedule your FREE 30-minute wellness consult Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome and overview00:31 - A day in the life01:30 - Biological load and hormones02:33 - Stress response system04:13 - Chronic caregiving and cortisol05:42 - Effects on hormones and gut health06:48 - Cortisol and blood sugar09:02 - Invisible and mental load09:54 - Emotional and physiological toll11:20 - Raising teenagers and hormones13:41 - Co-regulation and nervous system14:42 - Self-care and biological load15:06 - Threat detection and guilt16:50 - Physiology of guilt18:09 - Tools for nervous system support19:52 - Breathing techniques22:06 - Transition rituals23:36 - Micro-rests for cortisol reduction25:02 - Protein for blood sugar control26:31 - Creating boundaries27:43 - Summary and interventions28:31 - Body-first approaches29:01 - Understanding biological load29:58 - Practical takeaways DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please work with a qualified healthcare practitioner for your individual situation.

    28 min

  5. May 21

    Episode 52: Blood Sugar & Perimenopause - Why the Way You Ate in Your 30s No Longer Works

    Summary In this episode, Gloria Halim explains the direct link between oestrogen decline and insulin resistance in perimenopause and why this single shift drives the afternoon energy crashes, 3am wake-ups, afternoon anxiety, and weight that won’t shift that so many women experience. She also addresses the fasting question honestly: when it helps, when it backfires, and what the biology says. Plus four practical principles that genuinely move the needle. Takeaways Why oestrogen is a metabolic hormone not just a reproductive one How oestrogen decline causes insulin resistance and what that means for your cells Why blood sugar crashes trigger cortisol and what that does to progesterone, sleep and mood The 3pm crash, the 3am wake-up, and the afternoon anxiety explained as blood sugar events Why visceral fat accumulation in perimenopause is driven by insulin, not calories The fasting question: when it helps, when it backfires for perimenopausal women Why women’s HPA axis is more sensitive to caloric restriction than men’s Protein at breakfast: the single most impactful blood sugar change Food sequence: why eating vegetables and protein before carbohydrates reduces glucose spikes by 20–30% The 10-minute post-meal walk and why it works Consistent meals, whole food carbohydrates, and eating smarter for the hormonal body you have now Resources mentioned: Free live trainingGlow With Grace Blueprint Programme Beyond Hormone Symptoms Facebook Community Schedule Your Free 30-Minute Wellness Consult Timestamps: 00:00 - Overview of hormonal changes in women02:02 - The role of oestrogen in metabolism05:02 - Cortisol's impact on energy and mood08:27 - Misconceptions about calories and weight13:07 - Insulin levels and fat burning20:10 - Practical principles for stabilising blood sugar DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or nutritional advice. Please work with a qualified healthcare practitioner for your individual situation. What We CoverResources & LinksTimestamps:

    29 min

  6. May 14

    Episode 51: The Surprising Reason Your Oral Health Is Getting Worse in Your 40s - It's Not What Your Dentist Thinks

    Did you know your gums have oestrogen and progesterone receptors? In one of her most personal episodes yet, Gloria Halim shares how her journey through cancer treatment led her to discover the deep connection between oral health and hormonal health and changed her daily practices completely. She covers the science, a client story, the honest truth about root canals, and what she personally does every day including oil pulling and her clove water mouthwash. Takeaways How Gloria’s cancer recovery led her to the oral-hormone connectionWhy your gums are hormonally responsive and what that means in perimenopauseWhy gums bleed more before your period, the progesterone connectionBone density and your jaw, the skeletal effects of declining oestrogenThe root canal question: Hidden Epidemic by Dr. Thomas Levy and what the evidence actually saysThe well-documented tooth fracture risk of root canal treated teethHow gum inflammation drives systemic inflammation and worsens hormonal symptomsOil pulling: what it is, how to do it, and what the research saysClove water mouthwash: eugenol, why it works, and how to make itKey nutrients for oral health in midlife: CoQ10, Vitamin D, Vitamin C, MagnesiumWhy all your hormonal work also supports your oral health Gloria’s Daily Practices Mentioned Oil pulling: 1 tbsp coconut oil, swish for 10–20 minutes first thing before eating. Spit in the bin, not the sink. Clove water mouthwash: small handful of whole raw cloves in a glass of filtered water, leave 24 hours on the counter. Use after brushing morning and evening. Discard after 4 - 5 days and refresh. Book Mentioned Hidden Epidemic: Silent Oral Infections Cause Most Heart Attacks and Breast Cancers — Dr. Thomas E. Levy MD JDThe Toxic Tooth: How a Root Canal Could Be Making You Sick — Dr. Thomas E. Levy MD JD Resources & Links Join Beyond Hormone Symptoms Facebook Community Instagram:  @gloriahalimSchedule a 30-minute FREE Wellness Consult Timestamps:  00:00 - Introduction to the link between hormonal health and oral health02:28 - Gloria’s experience with Tamoxifen and dry mouth04:43 - How oestrogen receptors in the mouth influence gum tissue health06:56 - The effects of perimenopause on saliva production and oral inflammation09:16 - Connect between oral infections and serious systemic illness11:00 - Recognising hormonal signs in gum health and bleeding12:09 - The role of oestrogen and progesterone receptors in gum tissue13:46 - How declining oestrogen increases gum disease risk16:23 - Case study: Susan’s hormonal and gum health improvements19:36 - The controversial connection between root canals and systemic disease20:33 - Silent vs. classic inflammation and its role in disease progression22:23 - Understanding the long-term effects of root canal treatment26:01 - How gum inflammation impacts the entire body's inflammatory load27:00 - Why oral health is essential for hormonal balance28:41 - Practical steps: talking to your dentist, dietary choices, and supplements34:15 - Incorporating oil pulling and homemade mouthwash for oral hygiene39:27 - The importance of supporting your oral microbiome and nutrient intake43:45 - Systemic connection: oral health’s influence on gut and hormone health44:41 - Announcing the free Hormone Reset Bootcamp47:34 - Summarising the bidirectional relationship between mouth and hormones48:32 - Final thoughts on systemic health, root canals, and proactive care DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only. Nothing here is medical or dental advice. Gloria’s personal experiences are shared for informational purposes. Please work with qualified healthcare and dental practitioners for your individual situation.

    48 min

  7. Apr 29

    Episode 50: Soy for Menopause Symptoms: Separating Facts from Fear (What Science Really Says) with Dr. Monisha Bhanote

    Is soy friend or foe when it comes to menopause? In this episode, Gloria Halim sits down with quintuple board-certified integrative physician Dr. Monisha Bhanote to cut through decades of confusion and fear around soy. Drawing on her pathology expertise and integrative medicine practice, Dr. Bhanote breaks down the real science: what phytoestrogens actually do in your body, why soy helps some women more than others (hint: it's all in your gut bacteria), what the research actually says about hot flashes and bone health, and why the soy-breast cancer fear deserves to be retired once and for all. Whether you've been soy-curious or soy-scared, this episode will leave you informed, empowered, and maybe a little hungry for edamame. Takeaways: Origins of the soy fear rooted in rodent studies and media misinterpretation How soy phytoestrogens work at the cellular level, especially in menopausal health The benefits of whole, unprocessed soy—including muscle, bone, and cardiovascular health How gut microbiome influences soy absorption and oestrogen metabolism Practical ways to incorporate soy into your daily diet (tofu, edamame, miso, and more) The importance of organic, non-GMO soy to avoid exposure to harmful chemicals Navigating soy supplements versus whole foods The impact of soy on breast cancer survivors and women on treatment How to foster hormonal balance through lifestyle, diet, and mindfulness Resources & Links: Dr. Monisha's Website Book: The Anatomy of Wellbeing Travella Essentials Supplement Connect with Dr. Monisha: Instagram YouTube Facebook Pinterest Note: This episode emphasises the importance of choosing whole, minimally processed soy foods and consulting with healthcare providers before starting supplements—especially if thyroid conditions are involved. Timestamps:  00:00 - Introduction to the podcast and soy myths 02:24 - Dr. Monisha’s background and journey in medicine 08:39 - What is soy and why is it controversial? 10:28 - Rodent studies versus human biology and the real data 12:23 - How soy intake lowers cancer risks and debunks myths 13:27 - Cellular mechanisms of soy’s hormonal effects 15:26 - Oestrogen receptor subtypes and soy’s selective activity 17:45 - Menopausal symptom relief and benefits of soy foods 20:54 - Timeframes for soy’s effectiveness in hot flash reduction 22:21 - Broader benefits beyond hot flashes: heart, bones, mood 25:07 - Foods and recipes for incorporating soy into daily routines 30:47 - Optimal servings and preparation tips for soy 34:55 - How to choose quality soy products (tofu, miso, edamame) 37:07 - Soy supplements versus whole foods—what’s better? 39:23 - Safety of soy for breast cancer survivors and during treatment 40:20 - Role of gut microbiome in hormone metabolism and health 44:57 - New supplement developed by Dr. Monisha for holistic health 51:18 - Rapid fire questions on soy preferences and menopause tips 55:34 - Final thoughts and empowering women for hormonal health 56:33 - What women should understand about menopause at the cellular level 58:18 - Key advice: listening to your body during hormonal transitions 59:11 - Where to find Dr. Monisha and her resources Disclaimer: The information in this episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet or supplement routine, especially if you have a history of hormone-sensitive conditions or are currently in treatment.

    1h 1m

  8. Apr 22

    Episode 49: Hormone Therapy Uncovered: Risks, Benefits & Smart Questions to Ask with Dr. Becky Howie

    This is the third episode in Gloria's HRT mini-series on Beyond Hormone Symptoms. After exploring HRT from a holistic perspective and hearing the powerful lived experience of a client who combined HRT with a whole-body protocol, Gloria sits down with GP Dr. Becky Howie to complete the picture with the medical evidence. What do the options actually look like? When should you start? What do the real breast cancer numbers say - not the 2002 ones? And what are the exact questions to bring to your next GP appointment? Dr. Howie answers all of it. Whether you're mid-perimenopause, already on HRT and wanting more confidence in your decision, or you've been dismissed by a doctor and don't know what to do next - this one's for you. In this episode: The different types of HRT and how to know which might be right for you The real data on breast cancer risk and why the story is more nuanced than you've heard Timing, is there a 'right' moment to start? The biggest myths, debunked by a GP10 questions to ask your doctor, so you leave the appointment with answers Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to the episode and Dr. Becky Howie's expertise00:32 - The holistic perspective on hormonal health and empowerment04:15 - Overview of HRT categories: estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone10:17 - Vaginal DHEA and other treatment options outside standard HRT21:38 - When is the optimal window to start HRT?28:45 - Managing menopause with breast cancer history and balancing risks36:20 - Benefits of HRT for bone health, heart, and aging well44:45 - Myth busting: HRT safety and misconceptions50:50 - The differences between bioidentical and compounded hormones55:39 - How to prepare questions for your GP about HRT58:54 - The importance of lifestyle, strength training, and prevention in menopause62:56 - Resources for support and advocacy in menopause care65:12 - Final thoughts: self-advocacy and personalised care Resources & Links: British Menopause Society⁠⁠NHS Inform Menopause Section⁠HRT Questions to ask your GP/Healthcare Provider⁠Women’s Health Concern⁠⁠Lisa Mascone - Brain health & menopause⁠⁠Maldott Life - Dr. Becky Howie’s practice⁠

    1h 7m
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Welcome to "Beyond Hormone Symptoms," your ultimate resource for navigating the complex journey of hormonal changes with confidence and clarity. This podcast is specifically designed for women over 35 who are experiencing hormone imbalances and perimenopause symptoms, offering expert insights, evidence-based strategies, and practical solutions that go beyond conventional advice. Each episode delivers actionable wisdom to help you decode your body's signals, transform frustrating symptoms into meaningful information, and reclaim your vitality during this significant life transition.

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