Show Notes

In this empowering episode of the Hello Hot Flash Podcast, I talk with Karen Viesta, a certified health and lifestyle coach who helps women over 40 master their health, energy, and boundaries. Together, they explore how people-pleasing behaviors and poor boundaries silently erode your well-being—and what to do about it.

Karen shares why boundaries are not about control, but about self-respect and emotional protection—and how to communicate them clearly so they strengthen, rather than harm, your relationships.

What You’ll Learn:

1. Why people pleasing is often rooted in early conditioning—and how to start breaking free.
2. The key resources boundaries are meant to protect: your time, money, energy, and emotional health.
3. How to communicate boundaries and consequences without guilt, shame, or fear of rejection.

Additional Resources:

• Have a health chat with Stephanie: /https://LOscheduling.as.me/action-plan-call
• Inquire about nutrition coaching here: https://LOscheduling.as.me/Wellness
• Listen to the Limited Series - Christian Women And Menopause: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/christian-women-and-menopause/id1742579345
• Take the free Hot Flash Free challenge here: https://www.hellohotflash.com/scorecard

About Our Guest

To learn more about our guest, head over to https://hellohotflash.com/episodes/stop-people-pleasing.

Results are not guaranteed. The interview is for entertainment purposes only. Please see disclaimer for more details.

In this episode, I break down the real reasons why weight gain happens during perimenopause and menopause — and why it’s not your fault. It's not just about eating less and moving more; it's about understanding the major changes happening inside your body and adjusting your approach.

I explain what tests you can request from your doctor, how hormonal shifts impact your metabolism, and why strategies that used to work often stop working in midlife.

If you're feeling frustrated with stubborn weight gain, heavier breathing, or faster heart rates when exercising — you’re not alone. I share how better information, targeted testing, and the right support can help you take control again.

• Which medical tests you should ask your doctor for to get a clearer picture of your health
• How hormone changes, like lower estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, affect your ability to lose weight
• Why insulin resistance often develops in midlife and how it sabotages weight loss efforts
• Why old methods like extreme calorie cutting and aggressive exercise stop working
• How to work with your body — not against it — using a smarter, more supportive approach

👉 Want help building a plan that's tailored to you? Book your free Action Plan Call here: https://www.hellohotflash.com/actionplancall

Show Notes:

In today’s 10-Minute Menopause Moment on Hello Hot Flash, we're busting one of the biggest myths around menopause — that it automatically means the end of your sex life.

Spoiler alert: it doesn’t!

In this episode, I share medical and holistic solutions to help support libido during midlife, who to talk to, and exactly what to ask for at your next doctor’s appointment.

Whether you're curious about testosterone therapy, natural options like maca root, or just want to feel empowered at your next check-up, this quick episode gives you the facts you need to start important conversations and take back control of your health.

What You'll Learn:

• The role of testosterone therapy in boosting libido after menopause — and important pros and cons to know
• A natural alternative (maca root) that may help support sexual health and energy
• The specific test to ask for at your next doctor’s visit if you're concerned about low libido

In today's episode, we’re diving into how sugar impacts menopause, the surprising connection between blood sugar and hot flashes, weight gain, and mood swings, plus simple medical and dietary solutions you can start today.

If you’re tired of unexplained weight gain, energy crashes, or intense sugar cravings during perimenopause and menopause, this episode is for you!

• The hidden ways sugar wreaks havoc on your body during perimenopause and menopause.

• Two actionable solutions: a medical option (CGM - Continuous Glucose Monitor) and a holistic dietary approach to stabilize blood sugar.

• Which tests to request and which medical experts to see if you're struggling with blood sugar issues during menopause.

• Have a health chat with Stephanie: https://www.hellohotflash.com/actionplancall

• Inquire about nutrition coaching: https://www.hellohotflash.com/discoverycall

• Listen to the Limited Series - Christian Women And Menopause: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/christian-women-and-menopause/id1742579345

• Take the free Hot Flash Free challenge here: https://www.hellohotflash.com/scorecard

Dr. Jenny Tufenkian, licensed naturopathic physician and expert in functional medicine, breaks down the complex relationship between long Covid, chronic fatigue (ME/CFS), and brain inflammation. Learn how lingering viruses, gut health, and emotional well-being play a role in post-viral syndromes—and how you can take steps toward healing.

Whether you're struggling with fatigue, brain fog, or feeling dismissed by providers, this episode offers hope and insight into root causes and solutions.

1. Why long Covid and chronic fatigue syndrome often overlap—and what your inflammation levels might be trying to tell you
2. How reactivated viruses like Epstein-Barr could be contributing to fatigue, brain fog, and immune dysfunction
3. Holistic tools (and medical ones) to support healing—including how to choose the right probiotics and test for lingering spike proteins

(00:01:19) What post-viral fatigue really is—and why it’s often misunderstood (00:05:53) How latent viruses like Epstein-Barr reactivate and cause respiratory and immune dysfunction (00:13:20) What a holistic approach to long Covid recovery looks like (00:15:30) Why inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction are central to persistent symptoms (00:18:04) How viral fragments continue to dysregulate your immune system (00:26:33) How to tailor probiotics to your unique gut health (00:29:27) The link between chronic inflammation and long Covid symptoms (00:33:05) Why emotional healing is key to gut and immune health (00:44:33) The role of pharmacists and integrative providers in long Covid recovery

Find out more about our guest here.

Show notes:

In this episode of Hello Hot Flash, Dr. Kelly Baron—Doctor of Chiropractics and co-founder of Tempesta—shares her holistic, no-nonsense approach to supporting your body during perimenopause and menopause. From macronutrients and minerals to strength training and hydration, Dr. Baron breaks down the simple shifts that can have a big impact. Whether you're just starting to feel the changes or deep in the transition, this episode offers real-life, sustainable tips to help you feel stronger, more energized, and more in control.

What you’ll learn:

• The three essential minerals every woman in midlife should prioritize—and how to get them
• How to shop for food that supports hormone health (without overhauling your life)
• Why hydration matters more now than ever before
• The role of strength training in protecting your bones and boosting long-term energy

Timestamp:

[00:01:32] What Nutrients Does a Menopausal Woman Really Need? Dr. Baron explains the key macronutrients and how they support energy, mood, and hormones during midlife.

[00:04:14] Are You Low on These Minerals? Most Women Over 40 Are A deep dive into mineral deficiencies—like magnesium and zinc—and how they can make menopause symptoms worse.

[00:11:15] The Grocery Store Trick That Supports Hormone Health Why shopping the perimeter of the store is a game-changer, and what to look for when meal planning.

[00:14:19] What Sugary Drinks Are Doing to Your Midlife Body How sugary beverages impact blood sugar, energy, and even your sleep—and what to sip instead.

[00:25:44] The Nutrients Your Body’s Begging For in Midlife Learn how small dietary tweaks can restore energy, clarity, and resilience during menopause.

[00:32:32] Strength Training Isn’t Optional—Here’s Why Dr. Baron shares why building muscle is critical for women over 40, and how to start safely.

[00:36:01] Protect Your Core, Protect Your Future Why core strength matters for long-term mobility and independence—and how to build it at home.

🔗 Links + Resources: → Join the 14-Day Eat Right for Your Hormones Program → Learn more about Dr. Baron and Tempesta at mytempesta.com

Show Notes

Could your dental fillings be the hidden culprit behind your menopause symptoms? Mercury toxicity from dental amalgam is a little-known health risk that could be impacting hormone balance, energy levels, and autoimmune conditions. In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Sharon Dickerson, a trauma-informed dentist with 25+ years of experience, breaks down the shocking connection between oral health and menopause.

Timestamp

⏳ (00:08:10) How Your Oral Microbiome Impacts Your Overall Health

⏳ (00:11:39) Mercury Fillings & Menopause: The Silent Link

⏳ (00:16:26) How Mercury Fillings Disrupt Your Hormones

⏳ (00:18:07) How to Reduce the Health Risks of Mercury Fillings

⏳ (00:21:53) The Shocking Truth About Mercury in Dental Amalgam

⏳ (00:29:13) Trauma-Informed Dentistry: Empowering Patients Through Better Care

💡 Your Oral Health Affects Your Whole Body Chronic inflammation, autoimmune issues, and hormone imbalances can all be triggered by poor dental health and mercury exposure.

💡 Mercury Toxicity Can Worsen Menopause Symptoms Heavy metal exposure can disrupt thyroid function, adrenal health, and estrogen balance, leading to brain fog, fatigue, and joint pain.

💡 Safe Removal of Mercury Fillings is Essential If you’re considering removing mercury fillings, choose a biological dentist trained in safe removal protocols to avoid further toxicity.

About Our Guest

To learn more about our guest click here.

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