The Perimenopause Solution Podcast

People assume that popular supplements can only help — but that’s not always true. In this episode, Tara unpacks the risks of DIY-ing your own supplement routine, even with commonly recommended options like magnesium or vitamin D. She explains why personalized advice matters and how what works for one person may not work for another. Tara shares a powerful client story about gut health issues that got worse after the client added supplements she found online. With the help of targeted gut testing, Tara’s team uncovered that those supplements were actually feeding the wrong gut bacteria — and making symptoms worse, not better. This episode is an eye-opener for anyone who’s ever wondered if their supplement routine is really helping. Tara breaks down why it’s essential to keep your practitioner in the loop before adding anything new — and how to avoid the common pitfalls of self-prescribing.   Here's what is covered: * Supplements Aren’t One-Size-Fits-All: Just because magnesium or vitamin D is touted online doesn’t mean it’s right for you. Your body is complex, and repleting a nutrient isn’t as simple as just taking a pill. * Hidden Pitfalls of DIY Supplementation: I shared a real client case where “healthy” supplements like MSM, broccoli sprout extract, and taurine actually worsened her digestive issues—because they fed the very bacteria contributing to her symptoms! * Communication with Practitioners Is Crucial: Always consult with your health practitioner before adding new supplements. What seems harmless could directly counteract your progress or even make symptoms worse.   [BOOK A 30-MINUTE SESSION WITH TARA HERE] [https://calendly.com/tarathornenutrition/free-symptom-freedom-session]   You may also enjoy these episodes: Episode 46: All about melatonin: a hormone that’s anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, aids brain detox & SO much more [https://tarathornenutrition.com/2023/05/30/all-about-melatonin-a-hormone-thats-anti-cancer-anti-inflammatory-aids-brain-detox-so-much-more/] Episode 81: An interview with Deanna Minich, PhD, nutrition scientist, educator, & author about melatonin & its multiple functions. [https://tarathornenutrition.com/2024/03/26/an-interview-with-deanna-minich-phd-nutrition-scientist-educator-author-about-melatonin-its-multiple-functions/]     LIVE TRAINING: The Perimenopause Reset: From Exhausted to Energised. Your Proven 3-Step Roadmap to Thrive in Perimenopause—Naturally and Confidently. WHEN: Wednesday, May 14th at 5pm PST / 8pm EST, (which is 10am AEDT on May 15th)  REGISTER HERE [https://go.tarathornewellness.com/live-training-registration] [Limited Spots Available]     Mentioned in this episode: HRT Made Simple™ [https://tarathornenutrition.com/hrt-made-simple] - Learn how to confidently speak to your doctor about the benefits of hormone replacement therapy so you can set yourself up for symptom-free, unmedicated years to come without feeling confused, dismissed, or leaving the medical office minus your HRT script. Hair Loss Solutions Made Simple™ [https://tarathornenutrition.com/hair-loss-solutions] – This course will teach you the best natural, highly effective, and safe solutions for your hair loss so you can stop it, reverse it, and regrow healthy hair without turning to medications. The Perimenopause Solution™ [https://tarathornenutrition.com/hormone-balance-solution/] – My signature 6-month comprehensive hormonal health program for women in midlife who want to get solid answers to their hormonal health issues once and for all so they can kick the weight gain, moodiness, gut problems, skin issues, period problems, fatigue, overwhelm, insomnia, hair/eyebrow loss, and other symptoms in order to get back to the woman they once were. [FREE] The Ultimate Midlife Perimenopause Handbook [https://go.tarathornewellness.com/ultimate-midlife-peri-handbook] - Grab my free guide and RECLAIM your confidence, your mood, your waistline and energy without turning to medications or restrictive diets (or spending a fortune on testing you don’t need!).

Many women don’t realize there’s a big difference between synthetic progestins and natural bioidentical progesterone when it comes to hormone support. In this short episode, Tara breaks down the key distinctions between these two types of progesterone, explaining why bioidentical forms are the safest and most effective option for women in midlife. Tara highlights the potential harms of synthetic progestins—which are commonly found in birth control pills, certain IUDs, and some hormone replacement therapies—including increased risks of breast cancer, negative cardiovascular impacts, mood disturbances, and more. In contrast, natural bioidentical progesterone supports sleep, mood, brain health, and overall well-being, without the risks associated with its synthetic counterparts. If you’re on hormone therapy or using birth control, Tara encourages you to check what type of progesterone you’re taking and consider making a switch if necessary. This episode is full of clear, empowering information to help you make the best choices for your long-term health as you navigate perimenopause and beyond.   Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode: 1. What’s REAL progesterone and what’s FAKE? Tara breaks down the difference between bioidentical (aka body-identical) progesterone and synthetic progestins—and why you should absolutely care. 2. Why progestins (the fake stuff) can be harmful Learn about the potential risks progestins carry, including higher chances of breast cancer, cardiovascular issues, and unwanted mood disturbances. 3. How natural progesterone actually supports your health From better sleep to improved mood, bone strength, a happier heart, and even better hair—Tara reveals why this hormone is your BFF in midlife. 4. Where these progestins are hiding Birth control pills, IUDs (hello, Mirena!), and even some outdated hormone replacement therapies are common culprits. Tara drops key brand names and what to watch out for (don’t worry, she’s listed them in the show notes too). 5. What to do if you think you’re on a progestin Tara offers concrete advice on how to talk to your healthcare provider about making the switch—and why there’s almost always a natural, better alternative.   Commonly Used Progestins (synthetic forms): • Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) – used in Prempro, Provera • Norethisterone (Norethindrone) – found in some birth control and HRT pills • Levonorgestrel – used in IUDs (e.g., Mirena, Kyleena, Skyla, Liletta), birth control pills • Norgestrel – in some oral contraceptives • Drospirenone – in pills like Yaz, Yasmin • Desogestrel, Etonogestrel, Dienogest – in various contraceptive options   You may also enjoy these episodes: Episode 96: What is "estrogen kickback" when you start on progesterone HRT? [https://tarathornenutrition.com/2024/07/09/what-is-estrogen-kickback-when-you-start-on-progesterone-hrt/] Episode 99: Everything you need to know about progesterone & replacing it, with Carol Petersen [https://tarathornenutrition.com/2024/07/30/everything-you-need-to-know-about-progesterone-replacing-it-with-carol-petehttps://tarathornenutrition.com/2024/07/30/everything-you-need-to-know-about-progesterone-replacing-it-with-carol-petersen/rsen/]     LIVE TRAINING: The Perimenopause Reset: From Exhausted to Energised. Your Proven 3-Step Roadmap to Thrive in Perimenopause—Naturally and Confidently. WHEN: Wednesday, May 14th at 5pm PST / 8pm EST, (which is 10am AEDT on May 15th)  REGISTER HERE [https://go.tarathornewellness.com/live-training-registration] [Limited Spots Available]     Mentioned in this episode: HRT Made Simple™ [https://tarathornenutrition.com/hrt-made-simple] - Learn how to confidently speak to your doctor about the benefits of hormone replacement therapy so you can set yourself up for symptom-free, unmedicated years to come without feeling confused, dismissed, or leaving the medical office minus your HRT script. Hair Loss Solutions Made Simple™ [https://tarathornenutrition.com/hair-loss-solutions] – This course will teach you the best natural, highly effective, and safe solutions for your hair loss so you can stop it, reverse it, and regrow healthy hair without turning to medications. The Hormone Balance Solution™ [https://tarathornenutrition.com/hormone-balance-solution/] – My signature 6-month comprehensive hormonal health program for women in midlife who want to get solid answers to their hormonal health issues once and for all so they can kick the weight gain, moodiness, gut problems, skin issues, period problems, fatigue, overwhelm, insomnia, hair/eyebrow loss, and other symptoms in order to get back to the woman they once were. [FREE] The Ultimate Midlife Perimenopause Handbook [https://go.tarathornewellness.com/ultimate-midlife-peri-handbook] - Grab my free guide and RECLAIM your confidence, your mood, your waistline and energy without turning to medications or restrictive diets (or spending a fortune on testing you don’t need!).

In this episode, Tara breaks down why blood work is one of the most powerful tools for navigating your health — especially in perimenopause and midlife. She explains how conventional medicine often relies on lab ranges based on unhealthy population averages, which can leave many women feeling dismissed even when they don’t feel well. Instead, Tara advocates for interpreting labs through a functional, optimal range lens, offering a clearer, more personalized picture of what’s really happening in your body. She dives into the most important blood markers to monitor annually to protect against risks like dementia, heart disease, osteoporosis, and type 2 diabetes — including fasting insulin, glucose, HBA1C, glycomark, cholesterol ratios, and liver health indicators. Tara also highlights the nuances of thyroid and iron metabolism in midlife, why oversimplified interpretations can lead to missed diagnoses, and how comprehensive reviews can uncover root causes behind symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and brain fog. This episode is packed with empowering, actionable information to help you advocate for better care, understand your body’s signals, and make informed, proactive choices for your health.   What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 1. Comprehensive Blood Work Reviews - Discover the difference between a standard blood test review and a deep dive into the nuances of your results. 2. Interpreting Lab Reference Ranges - Learn why the traditional lab ranges might not always reflect the healthiest standards. 3. Key Metabolic Markers - Understand which markers are essential to monitor for optimal metabolic health and why they're critical as we age. 4. Iron and Vitamin D Insights - Find out why relying solely on ferritin for iron levels and high doses of vitamin D might not be the best approach. 5. Thyroid Health Nuances - Explore the complexities behind thyroid markers and why a comprehensive test is more telling.   Your health didn't decline overnight—it took decades of stress, diet choices, and life events to get to this point. True healing requires commitment, patience, and consistency. The women who succeed are the ones who stay the course, even when progress feels slow. If you’re ready to commit to deep, lasting change, BOOK A CONSULT WITH TARA HERE [https://calendly.com/tarathornenutrition/free-symptom-freedom-session].   You may also enjoy these episodes: Episode 123: [https://tarathornenutrition.com/2025/03/24/caution-should-be-taken-when-supplementing-vitamin-d-iron-selenium-do-not-diy-these-supplements/] Caution should be taken when supplementing vitamin D, iron & selenium. Do not DIY these supplements! [https://tarathornenutrition.com/2025/03/24/caution-should-be-taken-when-supplementing-vitamin-d-iron-selenium-do-not-diy-these-supplements/] Episode 22: All about cholesterol, (& how it doesn't cause heart disease). [https://tarathornenutrition.com/2022/12/13/all-about-cholesterol-how-it-doesnt-cause-heart-disease/]   Mentioned in this episode: EQUIP PRIME PROTEIN [https://www.equipfoods.com/?rfsn=6286966.799d48] – Click HERE [https://www.equipfoods.com/?rfsn=6286966.799d48] to grab yours and use my code: TARA20 to get 20% off HRT Made Simple™ [https://tarathornenutrition.com/hrt-made-simple] - Learn how to confidently speak to your doctor about the benefits of hormone replacement therapy so you can set yourself up for symptom-free, unmedicated years to come without feeling confused, dismissed, or leaving the medical office minus your HRT script. Hair Loss Solutions Made Simple™ [https://tarathornenutrition.com/hair-loss-solutions] – This course will teach you the best natural, highly effective, and safe solutions for your hair loss so you can stop it, reverse it, and regrow healthy hair without turning to medications. The Hormone Balance Solution™ [https://tarathornenutrition.com/hormone-balance-solution/] – My signature 6-month comprehensive hormonal health program for women in midlife who want to get solid answers to their hormonal health issues once and for all so they can kick the weight gain, moodiness, gut problems, skin issues, period problems, fatigue, overwhelm, insomnia, hair/eyebrow loss, and other symptoms in order to get back to the woman they once were. [FREE] The Ultimate Midlife Perimenopause Handbook [https://go.tarathornewellness.com/ultimate-midlife-peri-handbook] - Grab my free guide and RECLAIM your confidence, your mood, your waistline and energy without turning to medications or restrictive diets (or spending a fortune on testing you don’t need!).

In this episode, Tara Thorne breaks down why keto and carnivore diets are not ideal for women in perimenopause—especially when it comes to gut health. She explains that carbs aren’t the enemy, and cutting them out can actually worsen gut imbalances, leading to long-term inflammation and poor health. Tara discusses how restrictive, low-fiber diets may offer short-term relief but ultimately harm the gut microbiome. She emphasizes the need for a diverse, plant-rich diet to support healing and calls out the importance of working with a practitioner who understands functional gut testing and nutrition. Her message is clear: you can eat carbs, support your gut, and feel better.   What You’ll Learn in This Episode: * Carbohydrates and Weight Loss * Understanding dysbiosis and its contribution to gut symptoms. * The role of bacteria in gut health and the production of beneficial or harmful metabolites. * Diet Recommendations for Gut Health * Potential systemic health problems of Keto and Carnivore Diets, including inflammation, dementia, and cancer linked to poor gut health. * Importance of proper stool testing and guidance from a gut expert for determining gut health issues.   Your health didn't decline overnight—it took decades of stress, diet choices, and life events to get to this point. True healing requires commitment, patience, and consistency. The women who succeed are the ones who stay the course, even when progress feels slow. If you’re ready to commit to deep, lasting change, BOOK A CONSULT WITH TARA HERE [https://calendly.com/tarathornenutrition/free-symptom-freedom-session].   You may also enjoy these episodes: Episode 111: Gut health IS health. How many approach gut health incorrectly & why the right testing matters with Dr. Jason Hawrelak. [https://tarathornenutrition.com/2024/11/05/gut-health-is-health-how-many-approach-gut-health-incorrectly-why-the-right-testing-matters-with-dr-jason-hawrelak/] Episode 112: Why we stopped using the GI MAP in my practice & how we are approaching gut testing these days [https://tarathornenutrition.com/2024/11/12/why-we-stopped-using-the-gi-map-in-my-practice-how-we-are-approaching-gut-testing-these-days/]   Mentioned in this episode: PIQUE TEA [https://www.piquetea.com/?rfsn=2873433.db9c9a] - These are some of Tara’s favourite teas! They’re crystal form, which makes them super unique and easy to transport in your purse, (they come in single use satchels!) and higher in polyphenols. They’re made from high quality ingredients with triple toxin screening, (super important when it comes to your tea). HRT Made Simple™ [https://tarathornenutrition.com/hrt-made-simple] - Learn how to confidently speak to your doctor about the benefits of hormone replacement therapy so you can set yourself up for symptom-free, unmedicated years to come without feeling confused, dismissed, or leaving the medical office minus your HRT script. Hair Loss Solutions Made Simple™ [https://tarathornenutrition.com/hair-loss-solutions] – This course will teach you the best natural, highly effective, and safe solutions for your hair loss so you can stop it, reverse it, and regrow healthy hair without turning to medications. The Hormone Balance Solution™ [https://tarathornenutrition.com/hormone-balance-solution/] – My signature 6-month comprehensive hormonal health program for women in midlife who want to get solid answers to their hormonal health issues once and for all so they can kick the weight gain, moodiness, gut problems, skin issues, period problems, fatigue, overwhelm, insomnia, hair/eyebrow loss, and other symptoms in order to get back to the woman they once were. [FREE] The Ultimate Midlife Perimenopause Handbook [https://go.tarathornewellness.com/ultimate-midlife-peri-handbook] - Grab my free guide and RECLAIM your confidence, your mood, your waistline and energy without turning to medications or restrictive diets (or spending a fortune on testing you don’t need!).

Many women in midlife are doing all the "right" things—eating well, taking supplements, and following protocols—yet they’re still not feeling their best. Why? One of the biggest mistakes I see is a lack of patience and persistence in the healing process. In this episode, I break down why true healing takes time and why constantly searching for a "quick fix" can keep you stuck.   What You’ll Learn in This Episode: * Why healing takes longer than we expect (and why that’s normal) * How past stress, trauma, and health issues build up over time * The dangers of "practitioner hopping" and why switching too soon can slow progress * Why there’s never just one thing that will fix your health * The key habits of women who see real, lasting improvements Your health didn't decline overnight—it took decades of stress, diet choices, and life events to get to this point. True healing requires commitment, patience, and consistency. The women who succeed are the ones who stay the course, even when progress feels slow. If you’re ready to commit to deep, lasting change, book a consultation with me HERE [https://calendly.com/tarathornenutrition/free-symptom-freedom-session]. Mentioned in this episode: PIQUE TEA [https://www.piquetea.com/?rfsn=2873433.db9c9a] - These are some of Tara’s favourite teas! They’re crystal form, which makes them super unique and easy to transport in your purse, (they come in single use satchels!) and higher in polyphenols. They’re made from high quality ingredients with triple toxin screening, (super important when it comes to your tea). HRT Made Simple™ [https://tarathornenutrition.com/hrt-made-simple] - Learn how to confidently speak to your doctor about the benefits of hormone replacement therapy so you can set yourself up for symptom-free, unmedicated years to come without feeling confused, dismissed, or leaving the medical office minus your HRT script. Hair Loss Solutions Made Simple™ [https://tarathornenutrition.com/hair-loss-solutions] – This course will teach you the best natural, highly effective, and safe solutions for your hair loss so you can stop it, reverse it, and regrow healthy hair without turning to medications. The Hormone Balance Solution™ [https://tarathornenutrition.com/hormone-balance-solution/] – My signature 6-month comprehensive hormonal health program for women in midlife who want to get solid answers to their hormonal health issues once and for all so they can kick the weight gain, moodiness, gut problems, skin issues, period problems, fatigue, overwhelm, insomnia, hair/eyebrow loss, and other symptoms in order to get back to the woman they once were. [FREE] The Ultimate Midlife Perimenopause Handbook [https://go.tarathornewellness.com/ultimate-midlife-peri-handbook] - Grab my free guide and RECLAIM your confidence, your mood, your waistline and energy without turning to medications or restrictive diets (or spending a fortune on testing you don’t need!).