09: Thriving in Perimenopause

In this podcast episode, Dr. Izabella Wentz is joined by Dr. Christine Maren, a board-certified functional medicine physician specializing in women's health and hormones. Dr. Maren shares her expertise on navigating perimenopause, addressing hormonal imbalances, and optimizing health during this transformative phase. They discuss the common symptoms women face, the impact of stress, the importance of strength training, and how bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be a game-changer. This episode is packed with practical strategies to help women feel energized, clear-headed, and confident as they transition through perimenopause. Show Highlights: Dr. Christine Maren’s personal health journey and how it shaped her approach to functional medicine. Common symptoms of perimenopause, including weight gain, insomnia, mood changes, and brain fog. The role of stress in worsening perimenopause symptoms and how it can impact hormone balance. Understanding the difference between perimenopause and menopause—when does perimenopause really begin? How tracking cycles can help women identify early perimenopause symptoms. Why some women experience estrogen deficiency while others have estrogen dominance during perimenopause. The importance of strength training, muscle-building, and protein intake to support metabolism and hormonal balance. The truth about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (HRT)—debunking myths and clarifying safety concerns. How birth control pills impact perimenopause and why they may not be the best option for older women. The gut-hormone connection and how fiber, microbiome health, and estrogen metabolism play a crucial role. Essential lab tests for perimenopause, including hormone levels, thyroid function, and nutrient status. The impact of low estrogen on mental health and why HRT can be the first-line treatment for mood-related issues. Supplements and natural therapies to support perimenopause and hormone balance, including magnesium, creatine, collagen, and fiber. The role of weighted vests and walking treadmills in optimizing bone health, metabolism, and overall fitness. Links and Resources: Weighted Vest (Amazon) Walking Treadmill (Amazon) Connect with Dr. Christine Maren: Website: DrChristineMaren.com Instagram: @DrChristineMaren Facebook: Dr. Christine Maren Connect with Dr. Izabella Wentz: Website: ThyroidPharmacist.com Instagram: @isabellawentzpharmd Facebook: Dr. Izabella Wentz, Thyroid Pharmacist Dr. Izabella Wentz’s Programs & Resources: Hashimoto’s Self-Management Program Root Cause Reset Free Root Cause Book Hashimoto’s Protocol Book Adrenal Transformation Protocol Book Fatigue Program Free Reset Cookbook Rootcology Supplements (Adrenal Support, Carnitine Blend, Myo-Inositol, Selenium, Magnesium, Protein, Electrolytes, and more) 🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with someone who needs this information!

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Welcome to Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations, where Dr. Izabella Wentz, pharmacist, researcher and NYT bestselling author dives deep into the root causes of thyroid dysfunction, gut imbalances, fatigue, chronic health issues and autoimmunity.  This show brings you deep, insightful conversations with top experts in functional medicine, nutrition, and wellness. We explore topics like gut health, adrenal support, detoxification, diet, and lifestyle changes to help you take control of your health and reclaim your energy. Join Dr. Wentz for solo episodes packed with practical strategies and insightful discussions from her own research and observations. Whether you're navigating Hashimoto’s, hypothyroidism, perimenopause, IBS, struggling with mystery symptoms, metabolism, or looking for holistic ways to optimize your well-being, these conversations will empower you with knowledge and actionable steps. Subscribe now to start your healing journey and discover the tools to thrive.