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
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***TOP 1.5% 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 & Health Life Coach, Peri+ Menopause Educator, and Natural Hormone Balance Expert. And I’m on a mission to help women in midlife 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 and integrative medicine, and becoming my own human guinea pig to crack the hormone code and create a research-based program to balance my hormones naturally, put the kibosh on my most frustrating 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.

There IS a way you can balance your hormones 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 reclaim your confidence and feel like 'you ' 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 and join me every Tuesday as we 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

Become a Podcast Insider + Subscribe to The Hot Flash–Hormone hacks, recipes, lifestyle tips, and behind the scenes stuff I don't share anywhere else! https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

Connect With 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
  • 106 | How to Calm Sugar Cravings in Perimenopause (Without Cutting Carbs Or Spiking Your Blood Sugar)

    106 | How to Calm Sugar Cravings in Perimenopause (Without Cutting Carbs Or Spiking Your Blood Sugar)
    Dec 16 2025

    Do You Have A Hormone Imbalance? Take my FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

    What if sugar cravings in perimenopause aren’t about sugar at all?

    What if they’re our body’s way of asking for something else—and we’ve just been answering the wrong question?

    In today’s episode, I’m peeling back the curtain on what sugar cravings really mean in perimenopause—and how to calm them without cutting carbs.

    In this episode, I‘ll address your most commonly Googled questions, including:

    ✅ Why am I craving sugar so much in perimenopause?

    ✅ Why do sugar cravings get worse in midlife?

    ✅ Why do I crave sugar even when I’m not hungry?

    ✅ How does hormone imbalance contribute to sugar cravings?

    ✅ Do carbs cause sugar cravings?

    ✅ Why do cravings get worse when I cut carbs?

    ✅ How does blood sugar affect sugar cravings?

    ✅ Can stress cause sugar cravings?

    ✅ How do I stop sugar cravings without cutting carbs?

    If you’re craving sugar even when you’re not hungry (or you’re cutting carbs but still dealing with intense cravings), this episode’s for you.

    —

    EPISODES MENTIONED: 104 | Are Carbs Killing Your Metabolism? The 3 Protein Rules That Fuel Fat Loss in Perimenopause: https://pod.fo/e/35ea0c

    105 | The 4 Biggest Metabolism Mistakes You’re Probably Making in Perimenopause (And How to Fix Them):https://pod.fo/e/362da4

    — FREE RESOURCES:

    Do You Have A Hormone Imbalance? Take my FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

    Become a Podcast Insider + Subscribe to The Hot Flash–Hormone hacks, recipes, and lifestyle tips I don’t share anywhere else!: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

    Tired of Tossing and Turning? Grab my FREE “Better Sleep After 40” Supplement Cheat Sheet: https://monicalanetopete.kit.com/sleepbetter

    —

    *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
  • 105 | The 4 Biggest Metabolism Mistakes You’re Probably Making in Perimenopause (And How to Fix Them)

    105 | The 4 Biggest Metabolism Mistakes You’re Probably Making in Perimenopause (And How to Fix Them)
    Dec 9 2025

    Do You Have A Hormone Imbalance? Take my FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

    When did weight loss become a full-time job?!!!

    Here’s what no one ever bothered to tell you about weight loss and perimenopause:

    Gaining weight in midlife isn’t just about calories. It’s driven by multiple hormonal and biological shifts that change how our bodies store fat, use fuel, and slow down our metabolism.

    In today’s episode, I’m breaking down the four biggest metabolism mistakes you’re probably making in perimenopause—and how to start to fix them.

    In this episode, I‘ll address your most commonly Googled questions, including:

    ✅ Why am I gaining weight even though I haven’t changed anything?

    ✅ Is weight gain during perimenopause hormonal?

    ✅ Why is it harder to lose weight after 40?

    ✅ I’m eating less—so why am I still gaining weight?

    ✅ Why am I not losing weight with intermittent fasting?

    ✅ How does muscle loss affect metabolism in women?

    ✅ How often should women over 40 eat to lose weight?

    ✅ What’s the best exercise for weight loss after 40?

    ✅ I’m eating more protein—so why is my metabolism still slow?

    If your metabolism feels slower than your family volunteering to clean the dishes after Christmas dinner, this episode’s for you.

    —

    FREE RESOURCES:

    Do You Have A Hormone Imbalance? Take my FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

    Become a Podcast Insider + Subscribe to The Hot Flash–Hormone hacks, recipes, and lifestyle tips I don’t share anywhere else!: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

    Tired of Tossing and Turning? Grab my FREE “Better Sleep After 40” Supplement Cheat Sheet: https://monicalanetopete.kit.com/sleepbetter

    —

    *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
  • 104 | Are Carbs Killing Your Metabolism? The 3 Protein Rules That Fuel Fat Loss in Perimenopause

    104 | Are Carbs Killing Your Metabolism? The 3 Protein Rules That Fuel Fat Loss in Perimenopause
    Dec 2 2025

    Do You Have A Hormone Imbalance? Take my FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

    Most midlife women think carbs are the enemy… but the real problem isn’t the carbs—it’s protein (or a lack of it.)

    Because once we hit our 40s, those same bagels and banana bread we inhaled in our 20s suddenly hit our metabolism a lot harder once our hormones start to shift.

    In today’s episode, I’m breaking down the three simple protein-timing rules that stabilize blood sugar, support your hormones, and get your metabolism working for you again—even in a carb-heavy season.

    In this episode, I‘ll address your most commonly Googled questions, including:

    ✅ Why does my metabolism seem slower in my 40s?

    ✅ Do carbs slow metabolism?

    ✅ Why does the scale jump whenever I eat carbs?

    ✅ Why do I crave carbs so much in perimenopause?

    ✅ How do I stabilize my blood sugar in perimenopause without giving up carbs?

    ✅ Why do I crash every afternoon in perimenopause — even when I eat breakfast?

    ✅ How much protein do midlife women actually need to lose weight?

    If every holiday carb you consume seems to go straight to your stomach, this episode’s for you.

    — FREE RESOURCES:

    Do You Have A Hormone Imbalance? Take my FREE Hormone Symptom Profile Assessment: https://bit.ly/takemyhormonequiz

    Become a Podcast Insider + Subscribe to The Hot Flash–Hormone hacks, recipes, and lifestyle tips I don’t share anywhere else!: https://areyoutheremidlife.com/

    Tired of Tossing and Turning? Grab my FREE “Better Sleep After 40” Supplement Cheat Sheet: https://monicalanetopete.kit.com/sleepbetter

    —

    *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
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