The Hormone Shift Show™ Podcast

“You can bring the love back if you want it back.” - Carolyn SharpMidlife has a way of magnifying every crack in a marriage. Small arguments feel bigger, resentments grow heavier, and the spark can feel hard to find. Add shifting hormones, a heavier stress load, and zero tolerance for “just getting by,” and what once felt manageable might now feel unbearable. It’s tempting to believe the only answer is walking away.Today, I’m joined by Carolyn Sharp, couples therapist, coach, and author of Fired Up: Four Secrets to Reigniting Intimacy and Joy in Your Relationship. With over 30 years of experience, Carolyn shares why so many couples drift into disconnection in midlife, the biggest myths about reigniting intimacy, and why tending to your relationship is just as critical as tending to your health.We talk about the warning signs that shouldn’t be ignored, the under-functioning/over-functioning trap so many couples fall into, and how radical responsibility and curiosity can help you shift even long-standing patterns. You’ll also learn a simple but powerful exercise Carolyn uses with couples to rebuild trust, how humor and small conversations can act as “reset buttons” for your relationship, and why your physical health and emotional health are inseparable when it comes to intimacy and connection.By the end of this episode, you’ll have new tools, a fresh perspective, and a reminder that it’s not too late to reignite the spark if you’re willing to do the work.---Your TakeawaysHow shifting hormones and life roles in midlife strain relationshipsWhy you need to work on connection during major life transitionsThe biggest myth about reigniting intimacy and the four-step process that busts itEarly signs of disconnection: living like roommates, no laughter, only talking about logisticsThe underrated tools that rebuild trust (eye contact, true listening, and humor)---Episode ResourcesCarolyn Sharp's Website https://www.secureconnectionsretreats.com/Episode 8 FREE Listener Guide https://leslie-duffy-coaching.kit.com/1f27df3a53Check out the full show notes at https://leslieduffycoaching.com/8.---Connect with LeslieConnect with me and learn more at LeslieDuffyCoaching.com (https://leslieduffycoaching.com/)Send me a message and follow me on Instagram @LeslieDuffyCoaching (https://www.instagram.com/leslieduffycoaching/)Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube @TheHormoneShiftShow (https://www.youtube.com/@TheHormoneShiftShow)I love hearing from listeners! Email your questions or topic requests to Leslie@TheHormoneShiftShow.comCheck out Leslie’s favorite things: Amazon Storefront (https://www.amazon.com/shop/leslieduffycoaching)

“Testosterone isn’t just a male hormone. It’s essential for women’s energy, libido, brain, and bones.” - Leslie DuffyIf you’ve been dragging through the day with zero motivation, feeling anxious or foggy, noticing weight gain, or dealing with random chin hairs, oily skin, or sudden acne, your testosterone could be out of balance.Most women don’t realize that testosterone matters just as much for us as it does for men. Whether it’s too high or too low, the ripple effects of testosterone imbalance show up everywhere, from your mood to your metabolism.Today, I’m giving you a crash course on testosterone in women, including what it does, why it matters in midlife, and how to know if your levels are too high or too low. We’ll cover the surprising symptoms most women don’t connect to testosterone, the biggest lifestyle and medication triggers, and how stress and blood sugar swings can wreak havoc on your testosterone levels.You’ll also learn three natural ways to boost testosterone if it’s low, and three strategies to calm it down if it’s high. By the end of this episode, you’ll know exactly what red flags to look for, what steps you can take right now to support your hormones, and how to bring this “hidden” hormone back into balance so you can feel like yourself again.---Your TakeawaysWhy testosterone matters for women’s energy, mood, libido, and brain healthSigns of low testosterone: fatigue, low motivation, brain fog, weight gain, and low sex driveSigns of high testosterone: belly fat, acne, facial hair, irritability, and insulin resistanceEveryday triggers that disrupt testosterone: stress, under-eating, medications, toxins, and blood sugar swingsNatural ways to balance testosterone: lift weights, eat enough protein, and prioritize deep sleep---Free ResourcesTestosterone Quick Guide: Get Your Free Guide at https://idyllic-wind-45449.myflodesk.com/episode7Check out the full show notes at https://leslieduffycoaching.com/7.---Connect with LeslieConnect with me and learn more at LeslieDuffyCoaching.com (https://leslieduffycoaching.com/)Send me a message and follow me on Instagram @LeslieDuffyCoaching (https://www.instagram.com/leslieduffycoaching/)Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube @TheHormoneShiftShow (https://www.youtube.com/@TheHormoneShiftShow)I love hearing from listeners! Email your questions or topic requests to Leslie@TheHormoneShiftShow.comCheck out Leslie’s favorite things: Amazon Storefront (https://www.amazon.com/shop/leslieduffycoaching)

“Low progesterone doesn’t just mess with your cycle, it disrupts your sleep, your mood, your energy, and even your immune system.” - Leslie DuffyIf you’ve been dealing with heavy periods, clotting, night sweats, insomnia, anxiety, or even autoimmune flare-ups, it might not just be “getting older.” In perimenopause, progesterone is the first hormone to take a sharp dive, dropping by nearly 75% between the ages of 35 and 50. And when it does, the ripple effects show up everywhere in your body, from your brain to your bones.Today, I’m breaking down exactly what happens when progesterone declines, why it matters far beyond fertility, and how to tell if your symptoms are connected. You’ll learn the difference between estrogen dominance and low progesterone, the role ovulation plays in producing this calming hormone, and why stress, under-eating, sedentary living, or certain medications may be stealing your progesterone long before age does.I’ll also walk you through how functional medicine approaches low progesterone by supporting ovulation, reducing stress, addressing thyroid and adrenal health, and using nutrition and lifestyle tools to restore balance. By the end, you’ll understand why progesterone is your body’s built-in calming system, how to protect it, and what steps you can take right now to feel more like yourself again.---Your TakeawaysThe dramatic decline of progesterone in perimenopauseLow progesterone shows up as anxiety, insomnia, heavy bleeding, and autoimmune flaresCauses of low progesterone include stress, under-eating, infections, poor blood flow, and certain medicationsThe difference between the conventional medicine and the functional medicine approachStress is the ultimate disruptor, and why your body will always choose survival over balance---Free ResourcesProgesterone & Perimenopause Quick Guide: Get Your Free Guide at https://idyllic-wind-45449.myflodesk.com/episode6Check out the full show notes at https://leslieduffycoaching.com/6.---ArticlesGABA System Modifications During Periods of Hormonal Flux Across the Female Lifespan https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/behavioral-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnbeh.2022.802530/fullUse of hormone replacement therapy and risk of venous thromboembolism: nested case-control studies using the QResearch and CPRD databases https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/behavioral-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnbeh.2022.802530/fullDoes taking progesterone pose an increased risk for breast cancer? https://cemcor.ubc.ca/ask/what-about-progesterone-and-risk-breast-cancer/Risk of Breast Cancer by Type of Menopausal Hormone Therapy: a Case-Control Study among Post-Menopausal Women in France https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3815310/---Connect with LeslieConnect with me and learn more at LeslieDuffyCoaching.com (https://leslieduffycoaching.com/)Send me a message

“Estrogen decline in perimenopause is not steady. It’s a rollercoaster.” – Leslie DuffyDo you feel like your body changed overnight? Maybe your weight won’t budge, your joints ache, your period is all over the place, or your moods swing like a rollercoaster? Chances are, estrogen is connected to your symptoms.Most of us were never taught about what estrogen does in our bodies, and by the time we walk into our doctor’s office, it’s already causing chaos. Then, their jargon can leave you feeling lost, dismissed, or even foolish for not knowing what’s going on with your own body.Today, I’m breaking down 10 things every woman over 40 needs to know about estrogen and, more importantly, what to do about it. You’ll learn what estrogen dominance is, how estrogen and progesterone work like a seesaw, why high stress makes estrogen dominance worse, and how estrogen works as your “juicy hormone” to keep your skin plump, your joints flexible, and your vaginal tissue healthy. We’re also digging into how estrogen affects your bones, metabolism, histamine response, and more, plus the steps you can take right now to start to optimize your hormone health.By the end of this episode, you’ll be aware of red flags that may signal estrogen imbalance, which action steps to prioritize, and why estrogen matters for more than your cycle. It’s time to stop guessing, start tracking, and feel empowered in this season of life.---Your TakeawaysThe three types of estrogen and how they shift through our life stagesWhy estrogen is the “juicy hormone” for skin, joints, and vaginal healthHow estrogen supports collagen, bone strength, and flexibilityThe rollercoaster nature of estrogen in perimenopauseWhy estrogen detox is crucialCheck out the full show notes at https://leslieduffycoaching.com/5.---Free ResourcesFireproof Your Hormones: A real-life approach to calming inflammation and supporting hormone health. Get Your Free Guide at https://stan.store/leslieduffycoaching/p/fireproof-your-hormonesTracker + Symptom Checklist: Too many symptoms, not enough answers? Grab this free tracker + symptom checklist to start connecting the dots at https://idyllic-wind-45449.myflodesk.com/lj57cu63zk---ArticlesEffect of estrogens on skin aging and the potential role of SERMs https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2685269Estrogen Inhibits Bone Resorption by Directly Inducing Apoptosis of the Bone-resorbing Osteoclasts https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2685269Phytoestrogens protect joints in collagen induced arthritis by increasing IgG glycosylation and reducing osteoclast activation https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1567576919328826---Connect with LeslieConnect with me and learn more at LeslieDuffyCoaching.com (https://leslieduffycoaching.com/)Send me a message and follow me on Instagram @LeslieDuffyCoaching (

“Your money story is just that: a story. And you get to rewrite it.” - Jeannie DoughertyIf you’ve ever felt guilty about money, avoided checking your bank account, or wondered why you’re hustling so hard but never feel secure, you’re not alone. In midlife, financial stress doesn’t just live in your bank account; it lives in your body. It keeps you up at night, spikes your cortisol, fuels anxiety, and leaves you running on fumes no matter how hard you push.In this episode, I sit down with bestselling author and certified money coach Jeannie Dougherty to unpack how your money story was formed and how to let it go in midlife. We talk about the hidden connections between money and health, why forgiveness (including forgiving yourself) is a key part of financial healing, and how to start rewiring your “money brain” so you can break free from old patterns.Jeannie shares practical ways to uncover your money values, spot red flags in relationships, and shift from scarcity and shame into empowerment and alignment. If you’ve been white-knuckling your finances, manifesting without results, or constantly feeling blocked when it comes to money, this conversation will help you release the guilt, take back your power, and start creating financial and physical freedom.---Your TakeawaysHow family money stories shape your financial mindsetWhy forgiveness of others and yourself is key to releasing financial shameThe difference between money mindset and rewiring your brain around moneyWhat your spending patterns reveal about your core valuesHow health investments today create long-term freedom later---Links & ResourcesCheck out the full show notes at https://leslieduffycoaching.com/how-to-rewire-your-money-story-in-midlife-with-jeannie-dougherty/Book a Wellness Shift Strategy Call with Leslie - Your first step toward feeling clear, capable, and in control of your health again (https://calendly.com/leslieduffycoaching/wellness-shift-strategy-call)---Connect with LeslieConnect with me and learn more at LeslieDuffyCoaching.com (https://leslieduffycoaching.com/)Send me a message and follow me on Instagram @LeslieDuffyCoaching (https://www.instagram.com/leslieduffycoaching/)Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube @TheHormoneShiftShow (https://www.youtube.com/@TheHormoneShiftShow)I love hearing from listeners! Email your questions or topic requests to Leslie@TheHormoneShiftShow.comCheck out Leslie’s favorite things: Amazon Storefront (https://www.amazon.com/shop/leslieduffycoaching)

“Anxiety in perimenopause isn’t about your husband or your job; it’s your hormones.” - Leslie DuffyWhile it would be easy to think your increased anxiety or irritability is a result of your workload, your partner, or the state of the world, that might not be the case. Here’s the truth: in perimenopause, shifting estrogen and progesterone is remodeling your brain and making you more vulnerable to anxiety than ever before. Racing thoughts, poor sleep, heart palpitations, jaw tension, or even not wanting to spend time doing things you used to love can all be signs that your hormones, not your willpower, are causing a change.Understanding the “why” behind your anxiety is the first step toward taking back your power. In this episode, I’m connecting the dots between what’s happening in your brain and what you’re feeling day to day. We’ll unpack how shifting estrogen and progesterone levels change your stress response, why your nervous system suddenly feels more sensitive, and the real reason your body is reacting like there’s danger even when you’re safe.I’m sharing lifestyle interventions that actually work, the pivotal roles of sleep, nutrition, and movement, and when it might make sense to go deeper with functional testing for hormones, gut health, thyroid, or adrenals. You’ll leave this episode knowing that you’re not broken or crazy, and you can regain a sense of calm and control, even in the middle of the hormone shift.---Your TakeawaysWhy your anxiety might not be about your job or your partnerHow fluctuating estrogen and progesterone disrupt calm and focusWhy anxiety feels bigger during midlifeEveryday practices that ease anxious symptomsTracking cycles, symptoms, and labs to bring clarity and control---Links & ResourcesFREE Tracker: Feeling Anxious AF? Grab this free tracker + symptom checklist to start connecting the dots.(https://idyllic-wind-45449.myflodesk.com/lj57cu63zk)HeartMath (https://www.heartmath.com/)Book a Wellness Shift Strategy Call with Leslie - Your first step toward feeling clear, capable, and in control of your health again (https://calendly.com/leslieduffycoaching/wellness-shift-strategy-call)---Connect with LeslieConnect with me and learn more at LeslieDuffyCoaching.com (https://leslieduffycoaching.com/)Send me a message and follow me on Instagram @LeslieDuffyCoaching (https://www.instagram.com/leslieduffycoaching/)Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube @TheHormoneShiftShow (https://www.youtube.com/@TheHormoneShiftShow)I love hearing from listeners! Email your questions or topic requests to Leslie@TheHormoneShiftShow.comCheck out Leslie’s favorite things: Amazon Storefront (https://www.amazon.com/shop/leslieduffycoaching)

“Stress is the enemy of self-control, and your cravings are not about willpower.” – Leslie DuffyIf you’ve ever found yourself halfway through a bag of chips or surrounded by Oreo crumbs, wondering what just happened, you’re not alone. Your cravings aren’t a sign of low willpower or weakness; they’re driven by shifts in estrogen and dopamine, and amplified during perimenopause and menopause. That “treat yourself” moment of comfort is actually one of the ways your body is trying to self-regulate.In this episode, I’m breaking down why your cravings feel so hard to resist and how you can take back control without relying on willpower or giving up the foods you love forever. We’ll talk about the dopamine–estrogen connection, the cues that trigger cravings, and how low dopamine can push you toward food, wine, shopping, or scrolling for that quick hit of feel-good. You’ll also learn how stress magnifies cravings, what emotions often hide underneath them, and how to start catching yourself in the moment so you can choose differently.I’ll share my strategy for creating a plan to calm cravings, replace them with healthier dopamine boosts, and develop your own “treat yourself” menu that supports your body instead of sabotaging it. You’ll leave this episode with tools you can use today, and the relief of knowing this isn’t about discipline, it’s about working with your brain and hormones to create real change.---Your TakeawaysHow stress and hormones team up to fuel cravingsThe cue–reward cycle and how to break itWhy food feels like comfort, connection, and survivalAwareness: your first weapon against cravingsSimple swaps and small wins to rewire your rewards---Grab Leslie’s ResourcesFREE PDF: Natural ways to increase dopamine levels (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ygZxPSHEVRca7pb37Og8qaaGMR1py7vl/view?usp=sharing)Mini-Course: CALM the Cravings [Use discount code: HSS15 for 15% off!] (https://stan.store/leslieduffycoaching/p/calm-the-cravings)Book a Wellness Shift Strategy Call - Your first step toward feeling clear, capable, and in control of your health again (https://calendly.com/leslieduffycoaching/wellness-shift-strategy-call)---Mentioned in this episodeEstradiol and the reward system in humans (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352154617302735)Hormone sensitivity predicts the beneficial effects of transdermal estradiol on reward-seeking behaviors in perimenopausal women: A randomized controlled trial (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10568486/)---Connect with LeslieConnect with me and learn more at LeslieDuffyCoaching.com (https://leslieduffycoaching.com/)Send me a message and follow me on Instagram @LeslieDuffyCoaching (https://www.instagram.com/leslieduffycoaching/)Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube @TheHormoneShiftShow (

“You can’t lose weight if your life is a dumpster fire.” – Leslie DuffyIf you’ve been hitting the gym, counting the calories, and still can’t budge the numbers on the scale, here’s the truth: it’s probably not what you’re eating. In midlife, fluctuating estrogen levels make our bodies more sensitive to stress, and we can’t handle the stress response as well as we used to. Your overscheduled life, that coworker you can’t stand, or even the clothes that don’t fit right, can spike your blood sugar just like a candy bar would. The result? Higher cortisol, stubborn belly fat, crappy sleep, and sluggish digestion.In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on how stress messes with your hormones in midlife and creates weight loss resistance, and why pushing yourself harder isn’t the answer. I’m also sharing my four-step CALM method to get out of fight-or-flight, lower cortisol, and put your body back in fat-burning, hormone-balancing mode. It’s time to start working with your body instead of against it.If you’ve been doing everything right and still feel stuck, this episode will help you to connect the dots and finally break free.---What You’ll LearnWhy stress is basically a Snickers bar — minus the funThe three types of stress and how chronic stress affects your weightHow hormones like cortisol drive stress-related weight gainThe CALM Method for regulating your body, not just your habitsWhy letting go, slowing down, and shifting your mindset can actually help you lose weight.---Resources from LeslieGet your Free Episode 1 Worksheet! (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ow6p1S0C8X5fvoJ0q0UUqEAT_HKoGskt/view?usp=drive_link)Free PDF: The CALM Plate —Get your free printable resource (https://stan.store/leslieduffycoaching/p/the-calm-plate)Mini-Course: CALM the Cravings [Discount code: HSS15] (https://stan.store/leslieduffycoaching/p/calm-the-cravings)---Mentioned in this episodeHuberman Lab | Control Stress for Healthy Eating, Metabolism & Aging with Dr. Elissa Epel (https://youtu.be/ulHrUVV3Kq4)Anti-inflammatory properties of the vagus nerve: potential therapeutic implications of vagus nerve stimulation (https://physoc.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1113/JP271539)Can Meditation Slow Rate of Cellular Aging? Cognitive Stress, Mindfulness, and Telomeres (https://nyaspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1749-6632.2009.04414.x)The Chain Mediating Effect of Negative Perfectionism on Procrastination: An Ego Depletion Perspective (https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/15/9355)Estrogen Improves Insulin Sensitivity and Suppresses Gluconeogenesis via the Transcription Factor Foxo1 (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6341301/)Impact of the Baltimore Experience Corps Trial on cortical and hippocampal volumes (

“Midlife isn’t a crisis, it’s a turning point. Your comeback starts here.” – Leslie DuffyIf you’re a woman over 40 and you barely recognize yourself in the mirror… your energy’s in the tank, your emotions are all over the place, and you’re wondering what happened to the “you” you used to be, you’re not alone. And you’re not broken.I’m Leslie Duffy, a registered nurse, life coach, and certified functional hormone specialist. After 20+ years of helping women reclaim their health, I created The Hormone Shift Show™ Podcast to give you the answers nobody else is talking about.This is the strategy podcast for women ready to stop guessing and start feeling like themselves again. Here’s what you won’t get: endless to-do lists, restrictive diets, or morning routines that take 2 hours. Here’s what you will get: science-backed tools you can use right now to balance your hormones, regain your energy, and finally breathe again.Your 40s and 50s aren’t the beginning of the end; they’re your window of health. What you do today shapes how you age and thrive for decades to come.So if you’re tired of pushing through and ready to rewrite your next chapter, hit follow now.Your comeback starts here.---Connect with me and learn more at LeslieDuffyCoaching.com (https://leslieduffycoaching.com/)Send me a message and follow me on Instagram @LeslieDuffyCoaching (https://www.instagram.com/leslieduffycoaching/)Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube @TheHormoneShiftShow (https://www.youtube.com/@TheHormoneShiftShow)