Are You There, Midlife? | Perimenopause, Weight Loss, Fatigue, Brain Fog, Hormone Imbalance, Balance Hormones Naturally cover art

Are You There, Midlife? | Perimenopause, Weight Loss, Fatigue, Brain Fog, Hormone Imbalance, Balance Hormones Naturally

Are You There, Midlife? | Perimenopause, Weight Loss, Fatigue, Brain Fog, Hormone Imbalance, Balance Hormones Naturally

By: Monica Topete | Perimenopause + Menopause Health Coach for Midlife Women
Listen for free

About this listen

 ***TOP 2% GLOBAL PODCAST*** 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 Lane Topete, Certified Nutrition Coach Coach, Peri+ Menopause Educator, Personal Trainer, NASM Behavior Change Specialist, and Hormone Imbalance Survivor. And I’m on a mission to help women in mid life 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….(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, girl, 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, menstrual headaches, and PMS - Improve your sleep, reduce night sweats, and increase your overall energy - Reduce hormonal depression and anxiety–WITHOUT meds! - Alleviate symptoms of inflammation like joint pain, hair loss, gut issues, and allergies - Move the scale on stubborn weight and belly fat (and never starve yourself again!) - 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...so you can feel confident and love yourself again! ...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–as I discuss ALL things hormones in midlife–with a bit of saucy humor. (‘Cuz laughing is better than crying, unless it makes you pee.:) --- Next Steps: Take the First Step to Balance Your Hormones Naturally With My FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment!: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz It’s Possible to Feel Like ‘You’ Again! Book a FREE Quick Fit Clarity Call to find out how my Master Your Midlife Hormones program can help you balance your hormones and move the dial on midlife weight gain: https://bit.ly/quickfitcall Become a Podcast Insider + Subscribe to The Hot Flash–Weekly hormone hacks, recipes, and lifestyle tips—no spam, no fluff, just science (with snacks:.): https://areyoutheremidlife.com/ 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.Copyright 2025 All rights reserved. Alternative & Complementary Medicine Hygiene & Healthy Living
Episodes
  • 84 | Sleep Your Way to Weight Loss in Perimenopause: My Go-To Supplements (Part 2)

    84 | Sleep Your Way to Weight Loss in Perimenopause: My Go-To Supplements (Part 2)
    Jul 29 2025

    Do You Know What’s Driving Your Hormone Symptoms? Take the first step to balance your hormones naturally with my FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

    Get my “Better Sleep Over 40” Supplement Cheat Sheet for FREE when you subscribe to my weekly newsletter, The Hot Flash: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

    Taking your sleep supplement right before bed might actually be the problem.

    Wait—what?

    If you’ve ever popped magnesium at 9pm, only to find yourself wide awake, replaying an awkward conversation you had in 2004—there’s a reason for that.

    Sleep supplements aren’t one-size-fits-all. They need to work with your hormones.

    In this week's episode, I’m peeling back the curtain on my go-to supplements for better sleep in midlife—so you can finally get the rest your body needs and kick hormonal weight gain to the curb.

    In this episode, I’ll answer your most-asked questions, including:

    ✅ How do hormone imbalances affect sleep?

    ✅ What supplements actually work for sleep during perimenopause or menopause?

    ✅ Why does one sleep supplement knock out my friend but does nothing for me?

    ✅ Could my sleep issues be tied to blood sugar?

    ✅ What type of magnesium is best for sleep?

    ✅ What’s the best supplement for 3am wakeups?

    ✅ When’s the best time to take sleep supplements—before bed or earlier in the evening?

    If you’ve ever found yourself staring at the ceiling, wondering why those melatonin gummies that knock out your bestie hit YOU like a tranquilizer dart—this episode’s for you. 🎧

    —

    Episodes Mentioned:

    EP 83 | Is Poor Sleep Making You Gain Weight in Perimenopause? (Part 1) https://pod.fo/e/3003d1

    Next Steps:

    Take the First Step to Balance Your Hormones Naturally With My FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment!: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

    It’s Possible to Feel Like ‘You’ Again! Book a Quick Fit Clarity Call to find out how my Master Your Midlife Hormones program can help you balance your hormones and move the dial on midlife weight gain: https://bit.ly/quickfitcall

    Get my “Better Sleep Over 40” Supplement Cheat Sheet for FREE when you subscribe to The Hot Flash—my weekly newsletter packed with hormone hacks and wellness tips I don’t share anywhere else.: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

    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.
    Show More Show Less
    21 mins
  • 83 | Is Poor Sleep Making You Gain Weight in Perimenopause? (Part 1)

    83 | Is Poor Sleep Making You Gain Weight in Perimenopause? (Part 1)
    Jul 22 2025

    Do You Know What’s Driving Your Hormone Symptoms? Take the first step to balance your hormones naturally with my FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

    You used to be able to fall asleep before your head hit the pillow.

    Now? You’re wide awake at 2 am, drenched in sweat, and wondering why your jeans are getting tighter by the week.

    Poor sleep in midlife isn’t just annoying.

    It’s hormonal. And it could be the reason your body’s hanging onto fat.

    In this week’s episode, I’m walking you through how sleep affects metabolism after 40, what your hormones are (supposed to be) doing while you sleep, and why fixing your sleep is often the first step to fat loss in perimenopause.

    In this episode, I’ll answer your most-asked questions, including:

    ✅ Can poor sleep cause weight gain in midlife?

    ✅ What hormones are released while I sleep?

    ✅ How does sleep affect metabolism in midlife?

    ✅ Why do I wake up craving carbs after a bad night’s sleep?

    ✅ Does sleep really burn fat—or is that a myth?

    ✅ How does sleep affect blood sugar and insulin resistance?

    ✅ Can a hormone imbalance cause insomnia or leg cramps?

    ✅ How does improving sleep help with weight loss?

    If you’ve been blaming your metabolism for weight gain while ignoring your sleep—this episode is for you. 🎧

    —

    Episodes Mentioned:

    EP 82 | Are You Eating the Right Macros for Perimenopause Weight Loss? https://pod.fo/e/2fc784

    EP 81 | Don’t Stop Lifting! 5 Tips to Reverse Strength Training Weight Gain in Perimenopause (Part 2)

    https://pod.fo/e/2f79a5

    EP 80 | Is Strength Training Making You Gain Weight in Perimenopause? (Part 1) https://pod.fo/e/2f34c1

    EP 77 | The BEST Diet To Burn Fat + Balance Hormones in Perimenopause: https://pod.fo/e/2e2e6b

    EP 76 | 6 Tools Under $100 for Hormone Balance + Perimenopause Weight Loss: https://pod.fo/e/2dee57

    EP 75 | Trying to Lose Weight in Perimenopause? What to Know Before Intermittent Fasting: https://pod.fo/e/2db0fe

    —

    Next Steps:

    Take the First Step to Balance Your Hormones Naturally With My FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment!: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

    It’s Possible to Feel Like ‘You’ Again! Book a FREE Quick Fit Clarity Call to find out how my Master Your Midlife Hormones program can help you balance your hormones and move the dial on midlife weight gain: https://bit.ly/quickfitcall

    Become a Podcast Insider + Subscribe to The Hot Flash–Weekly hormone hacks, recipes, and lifestyle tips—no spam, no fluff, just science (with snacks:.): https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

    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.
    Show More Show Less
    14 mins
  • 82 | Are You Eating the Right Macros for Perimenopause Weight Loss?

    82 | Are You Eating the Right Macros for Perimenopause Weight Loss?
    Jul 15 2025

    Do You Know What’s Driving Your Hormone Symptoms? Take the first step to balance your hormones naturally with my FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

    First, it was low-fat.

    Then it was no carbs.

    Then more protein…

    And finally, “just eat intuitively.”

    No wonder more than half of us in perimenopause feel totally confused about what to eat—especially when our hormones, metabolism, and energy are changing by the week.

    In this week’s episode, I’m walking you through how macro tracking works in midlife, why your macronutrient needs shift with menopause and hormone imbalance, and how to finally stop fearing food—and start using it to fuel your results.

    In this episode, I’ll answer your most-asked questions, including:

    ✅ “What is a macro and why do I need to track it?”

    ✅ “How do macros change after 40?”

    ✅ “How much protein should I eat to lose weight?”

    ✅ “What is the best macro ratio for belly fat after menopause?”

    ✅ Can eating too much healthy fat cause weight gain in perimenopause?

    ✅ “What are the best macros for building muscle after 40?”

    ✅ “Is low carb bad for hormone balance?”

    If you break out into a cold sweat every time you try to do macro math in your head—this episode is for you. 🎧

    —

    Episodes Mentioned:

    EP 81 | Don’t Stop Lifting! 5 Tips to Reverse Strength Training Weight Gain in Perimenopause (Part 2): https://pod.fo/e/2f79a5

    EP 80 | Is Strength Training Making You Gain Weight in Perimenopause? (Part 1): https://pod.fo/e/2f34c1

    EP 79 | Perimenopause Fatigue + Weight Gain?: LIVE Coaching Call: https://pod.fo/e/2ee220

    EP 77 | The BEST Diet To Burn Fat + Balance Hormones in Perimenopause: https://pod.fo/e/2e2e6b

    EP 76 | 6 Tools Under $100 for Hormone Balance + Perimenopause Weight Loss: https://pod.fo/e/2dee57

    EP 75 | Trying to Lose Weight in Perimenopause? What to Know Before Intermittent Fasting: https://pod.fo/e/2db0fe

    —

    Next Steps:

    Take the First Step to Balance Your Hormones Naturally With My FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment!: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

    It’s Possible to Feel Like ‘You’ Again! Book a FREE Quick Fit Clarity Call to find out how my Master Your Midlife Hormones program can help you balance your hormones and move the dial on midlife weight gain: https://bit.ly/quickfitcall

    Become a Podcast Insider + Subscribe to The Hot Flash–Weekly hormone hacks, recipes, and lifestyle tips—no spam, no fluff, just science (with snacks:.): https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

    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.
    Show More Show Less
    18 mins
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.