Body Freedom with Michele Scarlet

Michele Scarlet
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Health & Fitness
  • Updated Weekly

If your doctor’s wellness advice actually worked for women over 40, you wouldn’t be here. I’m Michele Scarlet; Functional Medicine Practitioner specializing in women’s health, metabolic function, and hormone regulation in midlife. I don’t manage symptoms or normalize fatigue, brain fog, weight gain, or declining health as “just getting older.” On this podcast, I break down what’s actually happening inside the female body after 40; from hormones and metabolism to stress, detoxification, weight loss, and longevity. New Episodes Weekly

  1. 2d ago

    Why You Don't Want Sex Anymore After 40 | The Hormone & Metabolism Truth

    Have you ever wondered why your sex drive suddenly disappeared, even though you still love your partner, feel attracted to them, and desperately want to feel like yourself again? In this episode of the Body Freedom Podcast, Michele Scarlet explores one of the most misunderstood topics in women's health: low libido after 40. What many women are told is simply "part of aging" is often the result of deeper physiological changes involving hormone imbalance, metabolic dysfunction, chronic stress, and nervous system dysregulation. Michele explains why declining estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, and DHEA can influence intimacy, energy, mood, sleep, and confidence and why a low sex drive is often a symptom rather than the root problem. She also breaks down why chronic stress, elevated cortisol, poor sleep, mental load, certain medications, and perimenopause weight gain can all contribute to changes in desire. You'll also discover why "normal" lab results don't always reflect optimal health, how conventional testing differs from functional medicine, which hormone markers women should ask to have tested, why timing matters when evaluating hormones, and how comprehensive testing such as the DUTCH Complete can provide a more complete picture. Whether you're struggling with weight loss after 40 women, hormone imbalance women, gut health women, metabolic health women, thyroid issues women, perimenopause weight gain, or wondering why I can't lose weight after 40 female, this conversation explains how hormones, metabolism, stress, and overall health are closely connected. In this episode, you'll learn: Why low libido after 40 is often a symptom, not the root cause How estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, DHEA, and cortisol influence desire Why chronic stress can suppress both hormones and metabolism Why "normal" lab results don't always mean optimal health Which hormone tests women should ask for and when to test them When functional hormone testing may provide a clearer picture Because lasting health isn't about treating one symptom at a time. It's about understanding what your body has been trying to tell you and addressing the root cause.   🔥 TAKE THE METABOLISM QUIZ Want to know exactly what’s driving your weight gain and symptoms? 👉 https://michelescarlethealth.com/metabolism-qz    ⚠️ DISCLAIMER This content is for education only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes. 🔗 IMPORTANT LINKS: Subscribe to Michele Scarlet on YOUTUBE for more expert episodes on hormones, metabolism, and fat loss after 40.

    24 min

  2. Jul 3

    My Doctor Said I Was Normal, My Body Said Otherwise | The Story Behind Body Freedom

    Have you ever felt like you're doing everything right, tracking your food, exercising consistently, eating healthy, yet you're still gaining weight, feeling exhausted, bloated, anxious, and being told your labs are "normal"? In this deeply personal episode of the Body Freedom Podcast, Michele Scarlet shares the story that completely changed her life, and ultimately became the foundation of her Body Freedom Method. At just 30 years old, Michele gained 25 pounds in only three months while eating less than ever before. She struggled with hormonal weight gain, bloating, constipation, poor sleep, anxiety, low energy, and digestive issues, yet conventional testing repeatedly told her everything was normal. It wasn't until she invested in comprehensive functional lab testing that the bigger picture finally became clear: gut dysfunction, nervous system dysregulation, cortisol depletion, hormone imbalance, mold exposure, mineral deficiencies, and chronic inflammation were all contributing to the symptoms her body had been trying to communicate for years. In this episode, Michele explains why functional medicine focuses on identifying dysfunction before it becomes disease, why root cause healing matters more than symptom management, and how rebuilding metabolic health transformed every area of her life. You'll discover: Why "normal" lab results don't always mean optimal health How gut health, hormones, cortisol, and the nervous system work together The seven foundational steps behind Michele's Body Freedom Method Why strength training, restorative sleep, targeted nutrition, and functional lab testing became the turning point in her healing How sustainable fat loss begins with metabolic health—not restriction or endless dieting If you've been searching for answers about weight loss after 40 women, hormone imbalance women, gut health women, functional medicine, metabolic health women, why I can't lose weight after 40 female, belly fat after 40, or how to balance hormones naturally for weight loss, this episode offers a practical, experience-based roadmap built from real healing, not quick fixes. Because, true body freedom begins when you stop fighting your body, understand what it's trying to tell you, and address the root cause instead of chasing symptoms. 🔥 TAKE THE METABOLISM QUIZ Want to know exactly what’s driving your weight gain and symptoms? 👉 https://michelescarlethealth.com/metabolism-qz    ⚠️ DISCLAIMER This content is for education only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes. 🔗 IMPORTANT LINKS: Subscribe to Michele Scarlet on YOUTUBE for more expert episodes on hormones, metabolism, and fat loss after 40.

    16 min

  3. Jun 25

    The Hidden Link Between Thyroid, Gut Health, Hormones & Weight Gain | Stephanie Dunlop

    Have you ever been told your labs are “normal” even though you’re struggling with fatigue, brain fog, bloating, hormonal weight gain, thyroid symptoms, anxiety, constipation, poor digestion, or weight loss resistance? In this episode of the Body Freedom Podcast, Michele Scarlet sits down with Dr. Stephanie Dunlop, board-certified emergency medicine physician and founder of RootRx, to explore why so many women are dismissed by conventional medicine despite experiencing very real symptoms. After gaining over 30 pounds in just a few months postpartum, Dr. Dunlop was repeatedly told everything was normal. That experience led her into the world of functional medicine, where advanced testing uncovered deeper issues involving gut health, cortisol dysfunction, thyroid conversion problems, nervous system dysregulation, inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction. Together, Michele and Dr. Dunlop discuss why perimenopause symptoms often reveal underlying dysfunction that has been developing for years, why the hormone imbalance women experience is rarely just about estrogen alone, and how thyroid issues women face are frequently missed when only TSH is tested. In this episode, you'll learn: Why normal lab results do not always mean optimal health The connection between cortisol, adrenal dysfunction, thyroid health, and hormone balance How gut health women often overlook can directly impact hormones and metabolism Why T4 to T3 thyroid conversion matters more than many women realize The role of inflammation, digestion, and detoxification pathways in women’s health Why weight loss after 40 women struggle with is often a metabolic issue, not a willpower issue How nervous system regulation influences hormone health, recovery, and long-term wellness Why eating less and exercising more can sometimes make symptoms worse If you've been wondering why you can't lose weight after 40, why you're gaining weight with no reason, or why your symptoms keep getting dismissed despite “normal” labs, this conversation offers a powerful root-cause perspective. Because true healing starts when we stop guessing and start understanding what the body is trying to tell us.   🔥 TAKE THE METABOLISM QUIZ Want to know exactly what’s driving your weight gain and symptoms? 👉 https://michelescarlethealth.com/metabolism-qz 📲Connect with Dr Stephanie Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/docstephaniemd/   ⚠️ DISCLAIMER This content is for education only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes. 🔗 IMPORTANT LINKS: Subscribe to Michele Scarlet on YOUTUBE for more expert episodes on hormones, metabolism, and fat loss after 40.

    41 min

  4. Jun 18

    Cortisol, Hormones & Body Freedom | The Real Reason You Don't Feel Like Yourself After 40

    Have you ever looked at your life and thought, “Everything seems fine... so why don’t I feel like myself anymore?” In this deeply personal episode of the Body Freedom Podcast, Michele Scarlet shares the story behind her own journey through hormone imbalance, low energy, emotional flatness, and the loss of connection so many women experience in their late 30s and 40s. Despite doing everything “right”, clean eating, intense workouts, supplements, early mornings, and endless discipline. Michele found herself feeling disconnected, exhausted, uninspired, and not sure how to change it. What she eventually discovered changed everything. This episode explores the often-overlooked relationship between cortisol, stress, hormone balance, metabolism, and women’s health after 40. Michele explains why so many high-achieving women experience symptoms that are often dismissed as aging, including low motivation, hormonal weight gain, poor recovery, loss of drive, brain fog, and feeling emotionally flat. In this episode, you'll learn: Why hormone imbalance women experience after 40 is often deeper than estrogen alone The connection between cortisol, stress, and sex hormone production Why women over 40 health challenges are frequently misunderstood How chronic stress can impact metabolism, recovery, mood, and energy Why weight loss after 40 women struggle with may not be a calorie problem The hidden cause of belly fat after 40 and metabolic resistance Why pushing harder often makes symptoms worse How to balance hormones naturally for weight loss and long-term vitality The role of recovery, nourishment, and metabolic health women need during midlife What true body freedom actually means beyond the scale This women health podcast episode is for women who have ever wondered: Why can’t I lose weight after 40? Why am I gaining weight for no reason? Why do I feel disconnected from myself even when life looks good on paper? Because the goal isn’t simply weight loss after 40. The goal is getting yourself back.   🔥 TAKE THE METABOLISM QUIZ Want to know exactly what’s driving your weight gain and symptoms? 👉 https://michelescarlethealth.com/metabolism-qz    ⚠️ DISCLAIMER This content is for education only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes. 🔗 IMPORTANT LINKS: Subscribe to Michele Scarlet on YOUTUBE for more expert episodes on hormones, metabolism, and fat loss after 40.

    15 min

  5. Jun 11

    Stop Wasting Money on Supplements: The Only 5 Menopause Supplements Worth Taking After 40

    What if the reason you're still exhausted, inflamed, waking up at 3 a.m., struggling with brain fog, cravings, poor recovery, and stubborn weight gain after 40 isn't because you're taking the wrong supplements, but because you've been sold the wrong solution? In this episode of the Body Freedom Podcast, functional medicine practitioner Michele Scarlet exposes one of the biggest myths in the wellness industry: more supplements do not automatically mean better health. Women in perimenopause and menopause are often spending hundreds of dollars every month on collagen powders, greens blends, adrenal supplements, probiotics, and trendy wellness products while still battling fatigue, inflammation, sleep disturbances, hormone changes, low energy, brain fog, and menopause weight gain. Instead of chasing wellness trends, Michele breaks down the five evidence-based supplements that directly support the systems most affected by menopause: inflammation, blood sugar regulation, insulin sensitivity, sleep quality, mood, recovery, muscle preservation, and metabolic health. In this episode, you'll learn: Why menopause symptoms often worsen despite taking multiple supplements The connection between inflammation, hormone changes, and metabolic health women need after 40 How Omega-3 fatty acids support inflammation, brain health, and recovery Why magnesium is one of the most important nutrients for blood sugar balance and insulin sensitivity How glycine may help improve sleep quality, nervous system regulation, and overnight recovery The role of vitamin D in mood, overall wellness, and women over 40 health Why creatine is one of the most researched supplements for muscle preservation, cognitive function, and metabolism after 40 The hidden connection between protein intake, metabolism, muscle loss, and menopause weight gain The biggest mistake women make after 40 when trying to improve energy, body composition, and hormone balance Michele also explains why supplements should never replace the true foundations of health: adequate protein, strength training, sleep, stress management, and a healthy nervous system. If you've been searching for the best metabolism boost tips for women over 40, wondering why you feel different during perimenopause, struggling with fatigue, brain fog, poor sleep, slow recovery, hormonal weight gain, or looking for a realistic approach to long-term metabolic health, this episode provides a practical, science-backed roadmap. Because the goal isn't to take more supplements. It's to support the systems menopause is actually affecting.   🔥 TAKE THE METABOLISM QUIZ Want to know exactly what’s driving your weight gain and symptoms? 👉 https://michelescarlethealth.com/metabolism-qz  ⚠️ DISCLAIMER This content is for education only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes. 🔗 IMPORTANT LINKS: My Fav Protein Powder that helps add 50grams of protein to my morning so I barely need to think about it the rest of the day! 👉https://www.paleovalley.com/?pc=pvpartners&oid=26&affid=2412 Subscribe to Michele Scarlet on YOUTUBE for more expert episodes on hormones, metabolism, and fat loss after 40. 📲https://www.youtube.com/@michelescarlet_/videos

    16 min

  6. Jun 4

    Cellulite Isn’t the Problem: The Metabolism Truth Behind Cellulite After 40

    What if cellulite isn’t actually a skin or a fat problem? What if the dimples on your legs are simply your body’s way of revealing what’s happening beneath the surface with your metabolism, blood sugar, inflammation, muscle mass, circulation, and hormone health? In this powerful episode of the Body Freedom Podcast, Michele Scarlet challenges one of the most profitable myths in women’s health and wellness. She explains why 80–90% of women have cellulite, why it often becomes more noticeable during perimenopause and midlife, and why the solutions women are constantly sold rarely address the real problem. Instead of focusing on cellulite creams, wraps, restrictive diets, or endless cardio, Michele uncovers the metabolic factors that influence cellulite appearance and shares what actually supports lasting change. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why cellulite is not a cosmetic flaw, discipline problem, or personal failure The connection between insulin resistance, blood sugar dysregulation, and fat storage How metabolic health impacts cellulite, body composition, and women’s health after 40 Why perimenopause can make cellulite appear worse seemingly overnight The role of muscle building in improving insulin sensitivity and metabolism How chronic inflammation affects collagen, connective tissue, and skin appearance Why circulation and lymphatic health matter more than most women realize The truth about protein intake, metabolism boost strategies, and body composition change Why chronic cardio and under-eating often backfire for women in midlife The biggest mistake women make after 40 when trying to “fix” their bodies How to support metabolic health without restriction, obsession, or shame Most importantly, Michele explores the deeper message behind cellulite and body image: you do not have to earn your life, your confidence, your vacation, your photos, or your summer. You do not need to wait until your body is “perfect” before you start living. If you’ve been searching for answers about cellulite after 40, perimenopause weight gain, metabolic health, blood sugar balance, inflammation, hormone changes, or sustainable body transformation, this episode offers a refreshing, science-backed perspective rooted in functional medicine and true body freedom. Because healing your metabolism and living your life are allowed to happen at the same time. LINKS In this EPISODE Get 50grams of protein in at breakfast without planning! Get my favorite protein powder at the link below plus 15% off⤵️ https://paleovalley.com/store?pc=pvpartners&oid=25&affid=2412   🔥 TAKE THE METABOLISM QUIZ Want to know exactly what’s driving your weight gain and symptoms? 👉 https://michelescarlethealth.com/metabolism-qz  ⚠️ DISCLAIMER This content is for education only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes. 🔗 IMPORTANT LINKS: Subscribe to Michele Scarlet on YOUTUBE for more expert episodes on hormones, metabolism, and fat loss after 40.

    14 min

  7. May 28

    The Hidden Root Cause of Bloating, Exhaustion, Hormone Chaos & Stubborn Weight Gain | Elizabeth Aylor

    Michele Scarlet sits down with functional medicine practitioner and gut health expert Elizabeth Aylor for a deeply honest conversation about the hidden reasons so many women feel bloated, exhausted, inflamed, hormonally imbalanced, and stuck in bodies that no longer feel like their own, even while eating healthy, exercising consistently, and “doing everything right.” In this powerful women’s health podcast episode, Elizabeth shares her personal journey through severe gut dysfunction, chronic constipation, parasites, SIBO, mold toxicity, hormone imbalance, inflammation, nervous system dysregulation, burnout, and unexplained weight gain. Together, Michele and Elizabeth uncover how chronic stress, toxic overload, poor gut health, overtraining, under-eating, and emotional trauma can silently disrupt metabolism, digestion, hormones, thyroid function, energy, and fat loss. This episode dives deep into: The hidden root cause of bloating, fatigue, brain fog, and stubborn weight gain Why clean eating and excessive cardio often stop working Gut health and hormone imbalance in women Nervous system healing for metabolism and fat loss Chronic stress, cortisol dysfunction, and inflammation Mold toxicity, parasites, SIBO, and digestive dysfunction Thyroid symptoms women commonly ignore Why women feel exhausted despite “healthy” lifestyles Emotional eating, body image, and toxic diet culture How to rebuild metabolic health naturally Sustainable fat loss without restriction or obsession The connection between gut health, mood, libido, energy, and confidence Michele and Elizabeth also discuss why true healing is not about chasing quick fixes, extreme diets, or calorie restriction,  it’s about restoring safety, resilience, nourishment, and balance within the body. If you are struggling with hormone chaos, bloating, chronic fatigue, slow metabolism, weight loss resistance, or feeling disconnected from your body, this functional medicine podcast episode will help you understand what may actually be keeping your body stuck, and how real healing begins.   🔥 TAKE THE METABOLISM QUIZ Want to know exactly what’s driving your weight gain and symptoms? 👉 https://michelescarlethealth.com/metabolism-qz    ⚠️ DISCLAIMER This content is for education only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes. 🔗 IMPORTANT LINKS: Subscribe to Michele Scarlet on YOUTUBE for more expert episodes on hormones, metabolism, and fat loss after 40. Connect with Elizabeth Aylor: Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/elizabethaylorfitness/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@elizabethaylorfitness

    56 min

  8. May 21

    The Blood Sugar Mistake Nobody Talks About (And It May Be Affecting Your Energy, Weight & Hormones)

    What if the reason you can't lose weight after 40 has nothing to do with carbs, and everything to do with inflammation, hormones, stress, and the way your body is responding to perimenopause? In this powerful hormone health podcast episode, Michele Scarlet breaks down the hidden blood sugar problem affecting millions of women over 40. From hormonal weight gain and stubborn belly fat after 40, to exhaustion, cortisol spikes, thyroid symptoms, poor sleep, and slow metabolism, this episode explains why so many women feel like their bodies suddenly stopped working. You'll discover why traditional advice like cutting carbs, fasting harder, obsessing over glucose monitors, and eating less may actually be making blood sugar dysregulation and hormone imbalance worse. Michele explains the real connection between insulin, cortisol, thyroid function, inflammation, metabolism, and perimenopause weight gain, while sharing a science-backed, functional medicine approach to balancing hormones naturally and improving metabolic health without extreme dieting. Inside this episode: The real reason your hormones feel broken Hidden causes of belly fat after 40 Blood sugar dysregulation in perimenopause Why low-carb diets may slow metabolism The thyroid and weight gain connection in women Best metabolism boost habits for women Stress, sleep, cortisol, and insulin resistance How to support hormone balance naturally Why glucose monitors may increase food anxiety If you're searching for real answers about weight loss after 40 that women actually need, not another restrictive diet, this episode will completely change the way you think about hormones, metabolism, blood sugar, and long-term women's health. 🔗 RESOURCES & LINKS Take the Metabolism Quiz: https://michelescarlethealth.com/metabolism-qz Find out exactly where your metabolism stands and what's driving your symptoms. Paleovalley Grass-Fed Whey Protein: https://www.p20vtrk.com/4WH44RP/27P3D6/ The clean, grass-fed, colostrum-rich protein I use every morning to stabilize blood sugar and hit my 30g protein target before the day starts. Follow Michele on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelescarlet_/ For daily real-talk on hormones, blood sugar, perimenopause, and reclaiming body freedom after 40. MEDICAL DISCLAIMER The information shared in this podcast episode and accompanying description is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional. Always consult your physician or a licensed healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, supplement routine, exercise program, hormone therapy, or medication, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking prescription medications, or managing a medical condition. The opinions expressed by Michele Scarlet and any guests are their own and do not constitute medical advice. Listening to this podcast does not create a practitioner-patient relationship. Use of any information provided is at the listener's own risk.

    18 min
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About

If your doctor’s wellness advice actually worked for women over 40, you wouldn’t be here. I’m Michele Scarlet; Functional Medicine Practitioner specializing in women’s health, metabolic function, and hormone regulation in midlife. I don’t manage symptoms or normalize fatigue, brain fog, weight gain, or declining health as “just getting older.” On this podcast, I break down what’s actually happening inside the female body after 40; from hormones and metabolism to stress, detoxification, weight loss, and longevity. New Episodes Weekly

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