The Perimenopause Solution Podcast

In this episode, Tara clarifies the limitations of using herbs, supplements, and phytoestrogens as alternatives to natural bioidentical hormones in alleviating perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms. She explains that while some herbal remedies may offer temporary relief for certain symptoms, they do not provide the comprehensive protective benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) using natural bioidentical hormones. Tara emphasizes the importance of informed decision-making regarding HRT and provides resources, such as her course "HRT Made Simple," to guide women through understanding the significant health benefits of hormone therapy for long-term well-being. Here are three key takeaways from our discussion: Bioidentical Hormones vs. AlternativesWhile herbs and phytoestrogens might offer some relief from symptoms, they don't replace the health-protective benefits of natural bioidentical hormones, which are vital for mitigating risks associated with heart disease, osteoporosis, and more. The Importance of Educating YourselfMany doctors aren't fully equipped to guide you through hormone replacement therapy because they don't receive extensive training in medical school. My course, HRT Made Simple, provides you with simplified, evidence-based knowledge, empowering you to make informed decisions alongside your healthcare provider. Rethinking "Natural" MenopauseLiving longer means facing extended periods of hormone deficiency post-menopause. As we're at a higher risk for serious health conditions in these years, reconsidering the idea of natural menopause is essential. Embrace modern medicine's role in improving your quality of life. Mentioned in this episode: Purchase Herbatonin here and use Tara's discount code for 15% off, which is Tara15: https://symphonynaturalhealth.com/TaraHerbatonin   HRT Made Simple™ - Learn how to confidently speak to your doctor about the benefits of hormone replacement therapy so you can set yourself up for symptom-free, unmedicated years to come without feeling confused, dismissed, or leaving the medical office minus your HRT script.   Hair Loss Solutions Made Simple™ – This course will teach you the best natural, highly effective, and safe solutions for your hair loss so you can stop it, reverse it, and regrow healthy hair without turning to medications.   The Hormone Balance Solution™ – My signature 6-month comprehensive hormonal health program for women in midlife who want to get solid answers to their hormonal health issues once and for all so they can kick the weight gain, moodiness, gut problems, skin issues, period problems, fatigue, overwhelm, insomnia, hair/eyebrow loss, and other symptoms in order to get back to the woman they once were.   [FREE] The Ultimate Midlife Perimenopause Handbook - Grab my free guide and RECLAIM your confidence, your mood, your waistline and energy without turning to medications or restrictive diets (or spending a fortune on testing you don't need!).   You might also enjoy these episodes: EPISODE 83: Why doing menopause "naturally" is not a good idea & will increase your risk of disease states. EPISODE 84: The Invisible Benefits of HRT (HRT is important even if you have NO symptoms!).  EPISODE 85: Why your doc says HRT is dangerous (it's not!).  EPISODE 108: Synthetic vs. Bioidentical vs. Compounded HRT: which is better? Which should be avoided?     Hi, I'm Tara Thorne, FDN-P, RHN, FNC, CMRCP. Basically? I'm a women's health and hormone expert. After serving thousands of women in my 10+ years of clinical experience, I bring you The Hormone Balance Solution podcast - a podcast aimed to educate and empower midlife women. Midlife can be a confronting time but it doesn't have to be a bumpy ride. No matter where you're at, or where you've come from we can get you feeling better in midlife than you have in years - plus set yourself up for healthier decades to come. I'll be bringing you weekly doses of inspiration, education and conversations with amazing people to give you real, actionable strategies for supporting your health now and in the future. So tune in, make sure you're subscribed, leave a review, and get ready to learn important health information that isn't readily available …. everything you need to know and nothing you don't. Find me on Instagram: @TaraThorneHealth 

Is everyone really low in vitamin D? Or have we been sold a narrative that doesn't hold up under scrutiny? In this mind-blowing episode, Tara sits down with Regina and Kristin, the investigative duo behind the Normal Curves podcast, to explore the truth behind the so-called "vitamin D deficiency epidemic." Spoiler: it may have been manufactured by outdated, flawed science—and driven by people with major conflicts of interest. This is a must-listen for anyone taking vitamin D or worried about their levels. If you've been told your D is "low," this episode might change everything. In this episode we cover: How the original vitamin D reference ranges were set (and how they were quietly reversed in 2024) Why testing vitamin D routinely may be doing more harm than good The role of conflicts of interest in shaping clinical guidelines What the latest randomized controlled trials (RCTs) actually show about supplementing vitamin D for disease prevention Why observational data can mislead us, and how low D might be the consequence—not the cause—of illness How much sun you actually need to make enough vitamin D (hint: it's a lot less than you think) Why the "low D" narrative stuck around even after the science was overturned If you're thinking about taking D, already taking D, or have been told your vitamin D is "low" (it likely isn't) then this one is for you.   WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE -https://www.youtube.com/@TaraThorne   Regina Nuzzo is a Gallaudet professor, award-winning science journalist, and co-host of the Normal Curves podcast. She brings statistics to life for students and audiences worldwide, often using sex-science examples to keep things lively. Her writing has appeared in Nature, The New York Times, Scientific American, and the Los Angeles Times, where she wrote a column on the science of sex and relationships. Alongside co-host Kristin Sainani, she penned a long-running statistics column for Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and now teaches a Stanford summer course on statistics for clinical informatics. Regina's work earned the American Statistical Association's Excellence in Statistical Reporting Award.   Kristin Cobb Sainani is a Stanford professor, science journalist, and co-host of the Normal Curves podcast. She brings statistics and scientific writing to students and audiences around the world. She also works as a statistician on sports medicine projects. Kristin has written widely about health, science, and statistics for both academic and popular audiences. She was a health columnist for Allure magazine for ten years and, alongside co-host Regina Nuzzo, penned a long-running statistics column for the journal Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. In 2018, she received Stanford's Biosciences Award for Excellence in Graduate Teaching. Known for her statistical sleuthing and ability to cut through academic jargon, Kristin champions clear language and rigorous methods in science.   Mentioned in this episode: Normal Curves Podcast https://www.normalcurves.com/vitamin-d-part-1-is-the-deficiency-epidemic-real/     https://www.normalcurves.com/vitamin-d-part-2-good-for-more-than-just-your-bones/     Normal Curves Website: https://www.normalcurves.com/     EQUIP PRIME PROTEIN – Click HERE to grab yours and use my code: TARA to get 15% off. When you sign up for a subscription via my link, you'll save 30% on the first month & 15% on any subsequent months! Purchase Herbatonin here to get 15% automatically applied to your cart: https://symphonynaturalhealth.com/Tara PIQUE TEA – These are some of Tara's favourite teas! They're crystal form, which makes them super unique and easy to transport in your purse, (they come in single use satchels!) and higher in polyphenols. They're made from high quality ingredients with triple toxin screening, (super important when it comes to your tea). Click HERE to visit the shop. HRT Made Simple™ - Learn how to confidently speak to your doctor about the benefits of hormone replacement therapy so you can set yourself up for symptom-free, unmedicated years to come without feeling confused, dismissed, or leaving the medical office minus your HRT script. Hair Loss Solutions Made Simple™ – This course will teach you the best natural, highly effective, and safe solutions for your hair loss so you can stop it, reverse it, and regrow healthy hair without turning to medications. The Perimenopause Solution™ – My signature 6-month comprehensive hormonal health program for women in midlife who want to get solid answers to their hormonal health issues once and for all so they can kick the weight gain, moodiness, gut problems, skin issues, period problems, fatigue, overwhelm, insomnia, hair/eyebrow loss, and other symptoms in order to get back to the woman they once were. [FREE] The Ultimate Midlife Perimenopause Handbook - Grab my free guide and RECLAIM your confidence, your mood, your waistline and energy without turning to medications or restrictive diets (or spending a fortune on testing you don't need!).   [BOOK A 30-MINUTE SESSION WITH TARA HERE]

Today is the Part 2 re-run of the vitamin D series, Tara moves beyond basic lab values and takes a closer look at what can happen when vitamin D supplementation goes too far — and why more is not always better. She explains how today's standard reference ranges are built on shaky assumptions, how high-dose vitamin D can create real imbalances in the body, and why symptoms like mood changes, calcium shifts, mitochondrial stress, and even worsening autoimmune issues can sometimes be linked to over-supplementation. Most importantly, Tara shares a smarter, root-cause approach to supporting healthy vitamin D levels without relying on megadoses that may do more harm than good.  In Part 2, Tara covers: • Why common vitamin D reference ranges may be misleading • Signs and symptoms of vitamin D overload • Why a "just take more" approach misses the bigger picture • The key cofactors your body needs to properly use vitamin D If you've ever been told to simply increase your vitamin D without deeper investigation, this episode will help you ask better questions and take a more balanced, informed approach to your health.   Mentioned in this episode: MegaSporeBiotic – Click HERE to grab this probiotic and use my practitioner code, which also gets you 10% off: TaraMegaSpore Paleovalley – Grab your goodies as mentioned in this episode, HERE Blue Light Blocking Glasses Recommendations: Baxter Blue (Australian site) Save 15% when you use Tara's code: Tara15 Bon Charge Save 15% when you use Tara's code: TARA15   HRT Made Simple™ - Learn how to confidently speak to your doctor about the benefits of hormone replacement therapy so you can set yourself up for symptom-free, unmedicated years to come without feeling confused, dismissed, or leaving the medical office minus your HRT script. Hair Loss Solutions Made Simple™ – This course will teach you the best natural, highly effective, and safe solutions for your hair loss so you can stop it, reverse it, and regrow healthy hair without turning to medications. The Perimenopause Solution™ – My signature 6-month comprehensive hormonal health program for women in midlife who want to get solid answers to their hormonal health issues once and for all so they can kick the weight gain, moodiness, gut problems, skin issues, period problems, fatigue, overwhelm, insomnia, hair/eyebrow loss, and other symptoms in order to get back to the woman they once were. [FREE] The Ultimate Midlife Perimenopause Handbook - Grab my free guide and RECLAIM your confidence, your mood, your waistline and energy without turning to medications or restrictive diets (or spending a fortune on testing you don't need!).   [BOOK A 30-MINUTE SESSION WITH TARA HERE]

Today's episode is a rerun of one of the most important conversations I've ever shared on the podcast, all about vitamin D. As the podcast library grows, some truly foundational episodes can get buried, and this is information that's simply too important to lose. This is part one of a two-part series, and if you've never listened (or even if you have), it's well worth revisiting. Is your vitamin D "deficiency" actually a misdiagnosis? In this eye-opening episode, Tara dives into one of the most misunderstood nutrients in functional medicine: vitamin D. While most practitioners rush to prescribe high doses of vitamin D based on a single lab marker (25(OH)D), Tara challenges the status quo and breaks down why this approach can be both misleading and harmful, especially for women in perimenopause.  She explains the critical difference between 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)₂D, why elevated active vitamin D (1,25) often goes unnoticed, and how it can actually suppress your vitamin D storage while driving up inflammation, calcium loss, and even contributing to autoimmune conditions and bone loss. This episode is a must-listen if you've ever felt confused about whether to supplement or if you've been taking vitamin D long-term without fully understanding how it works in your body. In this episode we cover: The difference between storage vs. active vitamin D (and why you must always test both but your practitioner likely hasn't) The issues with vitamin D testing that scientists are hotly debating (can you even trust your lab result?) What is the optimal reference range for vitamin D? And why ranges are terribly inflated and many are not to be trusted. What really drives down vitamin D in the body and how to come at this from a root-cause perspective instead of drowning yourself in vitamin D supplements If you're thinking about taking D, already taking D, or have been told your vitamin D is "low" (it likely isn't) then this one is for you.   Mentioned in this episode: 🔍 Formula to convert your 25,OH,D leve from ng/dL to nmol/L:  25(OH)D in nmol/L = 25(OH)D in ng/dL X 25 EQUIP PRIME PROTEIN – Click HERE to grab yours and use my code: TARA20 to get 20% off Purchase Herbatonin here and use Tara's discount code for 15% off, which is Tara15: https://symphonynaturalhealth.com/TaraHerbatonin PIQUE TEA – These are some of Tara's favourite teas! They're crystal form, which makes them super unique and easy to transport in your purse, (they come in single use satchels!) and higher in polyphenols. They're made from high quality ingredients with triple toxin screening, (super important when it comes to your tea). Click HERE to visit the shop. HRT Made Simple™ - Learn how to confidently speak to your doctor about the benefits of hormone replacement therapy so you can set yourself up for symptom-free, unmedicated years to come without feeling confused, dismissed, or leaving the medical office minus your HRT script. Hair Loss Solutions Made Simple™ – This course will teach you the best natural, highly effective, and safe solutions for your hair loss so you can stop it, reverse it, and regrow healthy hair without turning to medications. The Perimenopause Solution™ – My signature 6-month comprehensive hormonal health program for women in midlife who want to get solid answers to their hormonal health issues once and for all so they can kick the weight gain, moodiness, gut problems, skin issues, period problems, fatigue, overwhelm, insomnia, hair/eyebrow loss, and other symptoms in order to get back to the woman they once were. [FREE] The Ultimate Midlife Perimenopause Handbook - Grab my free guide and RECLAIM your confidence, your mood, your waistline and energy without turning to medications or restrictive diets (or spending a fortune on testing you don't need!).   [BOOK A 30-MINUTE SESSION WITH TARA HERE]

Heavy periods are one of the most common, and most disruptive symptoms women experience as they move through perimenopause. Flooding, clots, changing tampons constantly, disrupted sleep, rising anxiety… these changes often show up together, and they're not random. In this episode, Tara breaks down what's actually happening hormonally in midlife and why low progesterone is so often at the root of heavy periods. She explains the critical differences between natural bioidentical progesterone and synthetic progestins, and why progestins (like those found in birth control or IUDs) are not the solution many women are led to believe they are. In this episode: Why heavy periods are often a progesterone problem in perimenopause Why natural bioidentical progesterone is the solution - not herbs, not wild yam cream, not "wait and see" Why progestins (birth control, Mirena, Slinda, etc.) are not the same thing and can actually make symptoms worse Why many doctors underdose progesterone (or pull it away too quickly) because they aren't trained in HRT How adequate progesterone can lighten periods, improve sleep, reduce anxiety, calm the nervous system, and protect your brain, bones, breasts, and heart IF YOU ENJOYED THIS EPISODE, LISTEN TO THESE NEXT: EPS 99: Everything you need to know about progesterone & replacing it, with Carol Petersen EPS 113: Welcoming back Carol Petersen, RPh, CNP! She's answering all your progesterone questions!  EPS 127: Are you taking a fake, potentially harmful progestin (fake progesterone?). Find out in this episode & what to do instead.  Mentioned in this episode: HRT Made Simple™ - Learn how to confidently speak to your doctor about the benefits of hormone replacement therapy so you can set yourself up for symptom-free, unmedicated years to come without feeling confused, dismissed, or leaving the medical office minus your HRT script. Hair Loss Solutions Made Simple™ – This course will teach you the best natural, highly effective, and safe solutions for your hair loss so you can stop it, reverse it, and regrow healthy hair without turning to medications. The Perimenopause Solution™ – My signature 6-month comprehensive hormonal health program for women in midlife who want to get solid answers to their hormonal health issues once and for all so they can kick the weight gain, moodiness, gut problems, skin issues, period problems, fatigue, overwhelm, insomnia, hair/eyebrow loss, and other symptoms in order to get back to the woman they once were. [FREE] The Ultimate Midlife Perimenopause Handbook - Grab my free guide and RECLAIM your confidence, your mood, your waistline and energy without turning to medications or restrictive diets (or spending a fortune on testing you don't need!).   [BOOK A 30-MINUTE SESSION WITH TARA HERE]

Weight loss in midlife has become so confusing, emotional, and frankly? Full of misinformation and trends that do more harm than good.    Women are being told calories don't matter, fat can't make you gain weight, or that low sex hormones, low thyroid function, insulin resistance or cortisol issues are the culprit and that fixing hormones will magically melt fat away. NONE of this is true!   In this episode, Tara strips away the noise and talk honestly about what actually drives fat loss in perimenopause. This isn't about shame, extremes, or quick fixes. It's about clarity, realism, and understanding how your body works at this stage of life so you can stop spinning your wheels.       Here's what is covered:   • Why weight loss really is simple (but absolutely not easy) • The role calories play, whether we like it or not • Why hormones don't magically make you gain fat, but do affect how and where you store it • The two biggest mistakes I see women making when trying to lose weight • Why tracking can feel hard; and why that doesn't mean you're failing • How tools like GLP-1 medications and fasting may have a time and place • Why building muscle is non-negotiable for long-term health and staying at a healthy weight   Enrollment in The Perimenopause Solution™ is open until January 13th - Join now to get $700 OFF   Mentioned in this episode: HRT Made Simple™ - Learn how to confidently speak to your doctor about the benefits of hormone replacement therapy so you can set yourself up for symptom-free, unmedicated years to come without feeling confused, dismissed, or leaving the medical office minus your HRT script. Hair Loss Solutions Made Simple™ – This course will teach you the best natural, highly effective, and safe solutions for your hair loss so you can stop it, reverse it, and regrow healthy hair without turning to medications. The Perimenopause Solution™ – My signature 6-month comprehensive hormonal health program for women in midlife who want to get solid answers to their hormonal health issues once and for all so they can kick the weight gain, moodiness, gut problems, skin issues, period problems, fatigue, overwhelm, insomnia, hair/eyebrow loss, and other symptoms in order to get back to the woman they once were. [FREE] The Ultimate Midlife Perimenopause Handbook - Grab my free guide and RECLAIM your confidence, your mood, your waistline and energy without turning to medications or restrictive diets (or spending a fortune on testing you don't need!).   [BOOK A 30-MINUTE SESSION WITH TARA HERE]

As we enter a new year, Tara Thorne encourages listeners to focus on foundational health to set themselves up for a vibrant 2026. She emphasizes that true wellness begins with the basics; supporting the body with quality nutrition, stress management, restorative sleep, and balanced movement.  Tara shares candid stories from her practice, highlighting how simple shifts, like increasing protein intake or prioritizing sleep, can lead to transformative results for women in perimenopause.   In This Episode, Tara Covers: 1. Why Foundations Matter 2. The Truth About Popular Diets 3. How to Supplement Smartly 4. The Real Story on Hormone Testing & HRT 5. What to Avoid in 2026   You're Invited to Hangout with Tara: If you're ready for more clarity—and less confusion—in 2026, You're invited to join Tara for her upcoming free Hangout. She'll share exactly what matters, what you can safely ignore, and how to move forward, even if you're feeling lost. Save your seat HERE!   Mentioned in this episode: EQUIP PRIME PROTEIN – Click HERE to grab yours and use my code: TARA to get 15% off. When you sign up for a subscription via my link, you'll save 30% on the first month & 15% on any subsequent months! HERBATONIN - Click HERE to visit the shop. Save 10% when you use Tara's code: Tara10 PIQUE TEA – These are some of Tara's favourite teas! They're crystal form, which makes them super unique and easy to transport in your purse, (they come in single use satchels!) and higher in polyphenols. They're made from high quality ingredients with triple toxin screening, (super important when it comes to your tea). Click HERE to visit the shop. HRT Made Simple™ - Learn how to confidently speak to your doctor about the benefits of hormone replacement therapy so you can set yourself up for symptom-free, unmedicated years to come without feeling confused, dismissed, or leaving the medical office minus your HRT script. Hair Loss Solutions Made Simple™ – This course will teach you the best natural, highly effective, and safe solutions for your hair loss so you can stop it, reverse it, and regrow healthy hair without turning to medications. The Perimenopause Solution™ – My signature 6-month comprehensive hormonal health program for women in midlife who want to get solid answers to their hormonal health issues once and for all so they can kick the weight gain, moodiness, gut problems, skin issues, period problems, fatigue, overwhelm, insomnia, hair/eyebrow loss, and other symptoms in order to get back to the woman they once were. [FREE] The Ultimate Midlife Perimenopause Handbook - Grab my free guide and RECLAIM your confidence, your mood, your waistline and energy without turning to medications or restrictive diets (or spending a fortune on testing you don't need!).   [BOOK A 30-MINUTE SESSION WITH TARA HERE]

In today's episode, I'm opening up about something I've never fully shared before — my own thyroid journey. Even as a practitioner, I'm not immune to the hormonal shifts, viral triggers, and autoimmune quirks that so many midlife women face. My goal with this episode is to pull back the curtain, remove the shame, and give you a deeper understanding of what can really drive thyroid issues in perimenopause and menopause. I walk you through the symptoms I experienced, what my lab work revealed, how my antibodies suddenly spiked, and the surprising reason why (hint: it wasn't gluten or leaky gut). I also share how I'm supporting my thyroid now, including why I chose Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) and how modern medicine + holistic strategies can work beautifully together. Whether you've been diagnosed with Hashimoto's, you suspect thyroid changes, or you've simply "never felt the same" since getting sick — this episode will give you clarity, validation, and a roadmap for next steps. In This Episode, We Cover: 1. Practitioners Aren't Superhuman (and Why I'm Sharing My Story)  2. My Personal Symptoms  3. The Rollercoaster of Thyroid Health  4. What Actually Triggered My Antibodies  5. How I'm Addressing Thyroid Autoimmunity  6. Hashimoto's vs. Hypothyroidism – Clearing Up the Confusion  7. Genetics, Gut Health & The Importance of Testing  8. When & Why To Check Your Thyroid    Mentioned in this episode: EQUIP PRIME PROTEIN – Click HERE to grab yours and use my code: TARA to get 15% off. When you sign up for a subscription via my link, you'll save 30% on the first month & 15% on any subsequent months! HERBATONIN - Click HERE to visit the shop. Save 10% when you use Tara's code: Tara10 PIQUE TEA – These are some of Tara's favourite teas! They're crystal form, which makes them super unique and easy to transport in your purse, (they come in single use satchels!) and higher in polyphenols. They're made from high quality ingredients with triple toxin screening, (super important when it comes to your tea). Click HERE to visit the shop. HRT Made Simple™ - Learn how to confidently speak to your doctor about the benefits of hormone replacement therapy so you can set yourself up for symptom-free, unmedicated years to come without feeling confused, dismissed, or leaving the medical office minus your HRT script. Hair Loss Solutions Made Simple™ – This course will teach you the best natural, highly effective, and safe solutions for your hair loss so you can stop it, reverse it, and regrow healthy hair without turning to medications. The Perimenopause Solution™ – My signature 6-month comprehensive hormonal health program for women in midlife who want to get solid answers to their hormonal health issues once and for all so they can kick the weight gain, moodiness, gut problems, skin issues, period problems, fatigue, overwhelm, insomnia, hair/eyebrow loss, and other symptoms in order to get back to the woman they once were. [FREE] The Ultimate Midlife Perimenopause Handbook - Grab my free guide and RECLAIM your confidence, your mood, your waistline and energy without turning to medications or restrictive diets (or spending a fortune on testing you don't need!).   [BOOK A 30-MINUTE SESSION WITH TARA HERE]

Fatigue in midlife isn't just about needing more sleep — it's often a sign that something deeper is out of balance. In this episode, Tara shares her clinical approach to fatigue, including how hormones, minerals, iron status, thyroid function, inflammation, gut health, and stress all impact your energy. She explains why basic labs don't always tell the full story and what to look for when fatigue doesn't improve with rest or supplements alone. You'll walk away with a clearer understanding of why you feel tired and what steps actually move the needle — plus how personalized testing and guidance can help you get your energy back for good.   Here's what you'll discover in this episode: 1. Why "just getting older" isn't a reason to accept low energy Tara Thorne shares her refreshing perspective on why we shouldn't expect our bodies to bounce back like they did in our twenties, and how you can actually regain your spark at any age. 2. The importance of digging into your blood work Learn what labs to ask for (and why most doctors miss critical markers)—including a full-thyroid panel, specific immune markers, iron panels, and even markers for viral and bacterial infections. 3. How mineral imbalances could be sabotaging your energy Tara Thorne walks through the magic of HTMA tests and why simply popping magnesium or iron might not help (and could even make things worse!). 4. The gut-fatigue connection Surprise! You might not have GI symptoms and still have serious gut-driven exhaustion. Tara Thorne unpacks how gut health, inflammation, and "leaky gut" can zap your vitality. 5. The critical (but often overlooked) role of hormones and stress From optimizing your hormones with bioidentical HRT to managing stress and dialing in quality sleep, you'll get actionable advice to support your energy on every level.   Other episodes of interest: EPS 114: Thyroid health in midlife: post-illness autoimmunity/hypothyroidism, why TSH will rise with iodine & this is OK, progesterone & thyroid health & more! EPS 129: Hypothyroidism goes undiagnosed all the time in midlife. This episode: everything you need to know to ensure this doesn't happen to you. EPS 123: Caution should be taken when supplementing vitamin D, iron & selenium. Do not DIY these supplements! EPS 130: Do not take oral / IV iron until you've listened to this. EPS 5: Copper Toxicity: How it may be driving your PMS, estrogen issues, OCD, anxiety & more. EPS 121: All-things-cortisol in perimenopause. Are levels usually high or low? Should we test cortisol? If so, how? Everything you need to know!   Mentioned in this episode: HERBATONIN – Click HERE to visit the shop. Save 10% when you use Tara's code: Tara10 HRT Made Simple™ - Learn how to confidently speak to your doctor about the benefits of hormone replacement therapy so you can set yourself up for symptom-free, unmedicated years to come without feeling confused, dismissed, or leaving the medical office minus your HRT script. Hair Loss Solutions Made Simple™ – This course will teach you the best natural, highly effective, and safe solutions for your hair loss so you can stop it, reverse it, and regrow healthy hair without turning to medications. The Perimenopause Solution™ – My signature 6-month comprehensive hormonal health program for women in midlife who want to get solid answers to their hormonal health issues once and for all so they can kick the weight gain, moodiness, gut problems, skin issues, period problems, fatigue, overwhelm, insomnia, hair/eyebrow loss, and other symptoms in order to get back to the woman they once were. [FREE] The Ultimate Midlife Perimenopause Handbook - Grab my free guide and RECLAIM your confidence, your mood, your waistline and energy without turning to medications or restrictive diets (or spending a fortune on testing you don't need!).   [BOOK A 30-MINUTE SESSION WITH TARA HERE]

If you've ever found yourself walking into a room and forgetting why you're there, struggling to find words in a meeting, or just feeling that ever-present mental cloud—this week's episode is for you.  Discover the real causes of midlife brain fog and memory issues and learn how Tara Thorne helps clients overcome them through thyroid support, hormone balance, gut health, blood sugar stabilization, and targeted nutrients. A clear, practical roadmap for women in perimenopause and menopause. Here's What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why Your Thyroid Might Be the Culprit Discover how thyroid issues can slow everything down (including your brain!) and what you need to know about proper thyroid testing. The Role of Estrogen in Mental Clarity Is your estrogen low? I'll explain why you can't always trust hormone tests during perimenopause and how to tune into the right clues. Gut Health and That Pesky Brain Fog Find out why your gut is the last place you'd think to look for answers—and why it shouldn't be. Nutrients Your Brain is Begging For Learn about the essential nutrients, including minerals and amino acids, that could turn your brain from foggy to focused. Blood Sugar Balance for a Sharper Mind It's all about the protein! I'll share how getting enough protein (and balancing minerals) is a real game changer for mood and brain function.   **BLACK FRIDAY SALE** Save up to $400 on a TPS Quick Start testing package. (Our lowest prices ever offered outside of TPS!) Click HERE to learn more. Mentioned in this episode: HRT Made Simple™ - Learn how to confidently speak to your doctor about the benefits of hormone replacement therapy so you can set yourself up for symptom-free, unmedicated years to come without feeling confused, dismissed, or leaving the medical office minus your HRT script. Hair Loss Solutions Made Simple™ – This course will teach you the best natural, highly effective, and safe solutions for your hair loss so you can stop it, reverse it, and regrow healthy hair without turning to medications. The Perimenopause Solution™ – My signature 6-month comprehensive hormonal health program for women in midlife who want to get solid answers to their hormonal health issues once and for all so they can kick the weight gain, moodiness, gut problems, skin issues, period problems, fatigue, overwhelm, insomnia, hair/eyebrow loss, and other symptoms in order to get back to the woman they once were. [FREE] The Ultimate Midlife Perimenopause Handbook - Grab my free guide and RECLAIM your confidence, your mood, your waistline and energy without turning to medications or restrictive diets (or spending a fortune on testing you don't need!).   [BOOK A 30-MINUTE SESSION WITH TARA HERE]

Let's talk about that mysterious, relentless bloating that seems to appear (or worsen) as we step into midlife. If you feel like your jeans fit differently by the end of the day, or you're suddenly experiencing tummy troubles you never had before, you're not alone – and you're not imagining things. Hormonal shifts during perimenopause don't just mess with our moods or energy levels—they can have a huge impact on our gut. Our estrogen, progesterone, and even thyroid hormones all play critical roles in gut function. When those hormones start to fluctuate, the gut can become more sensitive, digestion can slow down, and inflammation levels can rise.  Bloating is your body's way of asking for detective work. Maybe it's a case of poor transit time, low stomach acid, SIBO, or certain bacteria (hello methane or hydrogen sulfide producers!) making themselves at home. That's why it's so important to get personalized testing and work with someone who truly understands the microbiome—not one-size-fits-all protocols or quick fixes that can do more harm than good. In this episode:  How Your Hormones Mess With Your Gut: Learn how shifts in estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid can trigger bloating and impact digestion. Transit Time Matters: Find out why pooping daily isn't enough—you need to understand your transit time for true gut health. Thyroid's Surprising Role: Get the scoop on how sluggish thyroid function can slow things down and lead to major bloating (and exactly which labs to ask your doctor for!). Enzyme & Stomach Acid Secrets: Discover Tara's favorite enzyme supplement, plus the critical role of stomach acid (and how to spot signs of deficiency). Testing, Not Guessing: Why stool testing is THE gold standard for uncovering the real root of your bloating—and how to choose the right practitioner.   Watch on Youtube HERE.    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- **BLACK FRIDAY SALE** Save up to $400 on a TPS Quick Start testing package. (Our lowest prices ever offered outside of TPS!)Click HERE to learn more. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   You may also want to check out these episodes: EPS 111: Gut health IS health. How many approach gut health incorrectly & why the right testing matters with Dr. Jason Hawrelak. EPS 112: Why we stopped using the GI MAP in my practice & how we are approaching gut testing these days    Mentioned in this episode: HRT Made Simple™ - Learn how to confidently speak to your doctor about the benefits of hormone replacement therapy so you can set yourself up for symptom-free, unmedicated years to come without feeling confused, dismissed, or leaving the medical office minus your HRT script. Hair Loss Solutions Made Simple™ – This course will teach you the best natural, highly effective, and safe solutions for your hair loss so you can stop it, reverse it, and regrow healthy hair without turning to medications. The Perimenopause Solution™ – My signature 6-month comprehensive hormonal health program for women in midlife who want to get solid answers to their hormonal health issues once and for all so they can kick the weight gain, moodiness, gut problems, skin issues, period problems, fatigue, overwhelm, insomnia, hair/eyebrow loss, and other symptoms in order to get back to the woman they once were. [FREE] The Ultimate Midlife Perimenopause Handbook - Grab my free guide and RECLAIM your confidence, your mood, your waistline and energy without turning to medications or restrictive diets (or spending a fortune on testing you don't need!).   [BOOK A 30-MINUTE SESSION WITH TARA HERE]  

Here's the truth — if you're not having a healthy bowel movement every single day, your body is holding onto more than just waste. You're also holding onto excess estrogen and toxins, which can fuel symptoms like: bloating and discomfort stubborn weight gain mood swings and anxiety hormone imbalances and even higher risk for disease over time In this week's episode, I explain why constipation is so much more than an inconvenience — and how resolving it can transform your energy, hormones, and long-term health. We'll cover: Why constipation is not something we should ignore (and what it signals about your health) The connection between constipation, estrogen dominance, and disease risk Practical, natural strategies to get your gut moving again — without relying on laxatives How supporting digestion also helps balance hormones, energy, mood, and metabolism If you've been struggling silently or just thought "that's how my body works," please don't ignore this. Your gut is sending you a message — and it's one you want to pay attention to.   Mentioned in this episode:   MegaSporeBiotic – Click HERE to grab this probiotic and use my practitioner code, which also gets you 10% off: TaraMegaSpore HRT Made Simple™ - Learn how to confidently speak to your doctor about the benefits of hormone replacement therapy so you can set yourself up for symptom-free, unmedicated years to come without feeling confused, dismissed, or leaving the medical office minus your HRT script. Hair Loss Solutions Made Simple™ – This course will teach you the best natural, highly effective, and safe solutions for your hair loss so you can stop it, reverse it, and regrow healthy hair without turning to medications. The Perimenopause Solution™ – My signature 6-month comprehensive hormonal health program for women in midlife who want to get solid answers to their hormonal health issues once and for all so they can kick the weight gain, moodiness, gut problems, skin issues, period problems, fatigue, overwhelm, insomnia, hair/eyebrow loss, and other symptoms in order to get back to the woman they once were. [FREE] The Ultimate Midlife Perimenopause Handbook - Grab my free guide and RECLAIM your confidence, your mood, your waistline and energy without turning to medications or restrictive diets (or spending a fortune on testing you don't need!).   [BOOK A 30-MINUTE SESSION WITH TARA HERE]

Perimenopause brings a lot of changes but there is good news! You see, when you understand what's actually happening in your body, you can take back control.   In this week's episode of The Perimenopause Solution, I sit down with Jill Chmielewski, RN, BSN to unpack the critical metabolic and biological shifts that happen during perimenopause, and what you can do right now to support your body, energy, and long-term health.   In the episode, we cover: The surprising connection between your hormones, muscle, and metabolism How to spot the early signs of imbalance before they spiral out of control  When HRT makes sense vs. when it might not What you can start doing today to support your energy, mood, and longevity   Midlife isn't a downhill slide but an invitation to approach your health in a whole new way. You have options, and this episode will help you understand them.   Jill Chmielewski, RN, BSN Jill Chmielewski, RN, BSN, is a Registered Nurse, Health Coach, Menopause Educator, and Women's Health Advocate with over 30 years of experience in healthcare. She is a bold voice in the midlife health movement, calling out the outdated belief that it's all downhill after 40—and replacing it with something far more powerful: the truth that a woman's next chapter can be her strongest, healthiest, and most vibrant yet. Jill holds a Master of Jurisprudence in Health Law and is a certified health coach from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN). She has completed advanced training through the School of Applied Functional Medicine and the Institute of Bioidentical Medicine, with deep expertise in menopause, hormones, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). As Education Lead at Respin Health, founded by Halle Berry, Jill combines science-based education with deep compassion and clinical insight, helping women understand their bodies, advocate for their health, and make informed, confident decisions. Her work is rooted in the belief that decline is not inevitable—it's simply what happens when we fail to adapt to our bodies' needs in midlife and as we age. Jill is the co-creator of two personalized Menopause Health & Hormone Optimization programs, the creator of The Beginner's Guide to Hormone Replacement Therapy, and a trusted clinician known for making complex topics clear, approachable, and actionable. Most recently, Jill was featured in the groundbreaking menopause docuseries "Four Days," created by filmmaker Charles Mattocks and a passionate team of experts and women willing to share their stories. The series was born from a quiet question: What if we finally changed the conversation, and turned into a movement? Because the silence around menopause has gone on too long. And because women deserve to be seen, heard, and supported in this next chapter of life. The docuseries is expected to air in late fall 2025.  Jill's Links:  Website Instagram Respin Health HRT Telehealth Programs for women in the following states: California, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Arizona, Illinois, and Ohio   Watch on Youtube HERE.   Mentioned in this episode: HRT Made Simple™ - Learn how to confidently speak to your doctor about the benefits of hormone replacement therapy so you can set yourself up for symptom-free, unmedicated years to come without feeling confused, dismissed, or leaving the medical office minus your HRT script. Hair Loss Solutions Made Simple™ – This course will teach you the best natural, highly effective, and safe solutions for your hair loss so you can stop it, reverse it, and regrow healthy hair without turning to medications. The Perimenopause Solution™ – My signature 6-month comprehensive hormonal health program for women in midlife who want to get solid answers to their hormonal health issues once and for all so they can kick the weight gain, moodiness, gut problems, skin issues, period problems, fatigue, overwhelm, insomnia, hair/eyebrow loss, and other symptoms in order to get back to the woman they once were. [FREE] The Ultimate Midlife Perimenopause Handbook - Grab my free guide and RECLAIM your confidence, your mood, your waistline and energy without turning to medications or restrictive diets (or spending a fortune on testing you don't need!).   [BOOK A 30-MINUTE SESSION WITH TARA HERE]  

We live in a world where convenience rules and quick fixes are everywhere-whether it's for pain, sleep, or anxiety. But when it comes to HRT, I urge you to slow down. The truth? Many women expect instant results from HRT, but that's rarely the case. The dosage might need tweaking.Your body might react unpredictably at first. And sometimes, what looks like a hormone issue is rooted elsewhere entirely. In this episode:  Why HRT Isn't a Magic Bullet: Get the lowdown on why leaning solely on HRT for symptoms like fatigue, sleep problems, or mood swings often leads to disappointment—and even more questions! The Power of Foundations: Discover the critical role that sleep, movement, diet, and stress management play—before, during, and after starting HRT. Trial and Error with HRT: Hear real talk about how finding the right hormone dose is a process, and why side effects are common if foundational health isn't sorted out. Don't Get Trapped by "Single Solution" Thinking: Learn the pitfalls of following experts who only talk about one thing (whether that's HRT, gut health, or protein). Diversity in your approach is key! Gut Health's Surprising Role: Uncover stories showing how gut health—not always hormones—is sometimes the secret culprit behind night-time bathroom trips, brain fog, and even fatigue.   Mentioned in this episode: Purchase Herbatonin here - Save 10% when you use Tara's code: Tara10 MegaSporeBiotic – Click HERE to grab this probiotic and use my practitioner code, which also gets you 10% off: TaraMegaSpore Paleovalley – Grab your goodies as mentioned in this episode, HERE Blue Light Blocking Glasses Recommendations: Baxter Blue (Australian site) Save 15% when you use Tara's code: Tara15 Bon Charge Save 15% when you use Tara's code: TARA15 HRT Made Simple™ - Learn how to confidently speak to your doctor about the benefits of hormone replacement therapy so you can set yourself up for symptom-free, unmedicated years to come without feeling confused, dismissed, or leaving the medical office minus your HRT script. Hair Loss Solutions Made Simple™ – This course will teach you the best natural, highly effective, and safe solutions for your hair loss so you can stop it, reverse it, and regrow healthy hair without turning to medications. The Perimenopause Solution™ – My signature 6-month comprehensive hormonal health program for women in midlife who want to get solid answers to their hormonal health issues once and for all so they can kick the weight gain, moodiness, gut problems, skin issues, period problems, fatigue, overwhelm, insomnia, hair/eyebrow loss, and other symptoms in order to get back to the woman they once were. [FREE] The Ultimate Midlife Perimenopause Handbook - Grab my free guide and RECLAIM your confidence, your mood, your waistline and energy without turning to medications or restrictive diets (or spending a fortune on testing you don't need!).   [BOOK A 30-MINUTE SESSION WITH TARA HERE]

Many people assume that gut problems always show up as bloating, pain, or digestive distress — but that's far from the truth. In this episode, Tara explains why everyone who cares about their long-term health and longevity should be paying attention to their gut… even if they think their digestion is just fine. From fatigue and brain fog to anxiety, weight gain, autoimmune issues, and even fertility challenges — the gut often plays a bigger role than you might realize. Tara shares a real-life client case: a woman with zero gut symptoms whose stool test revealed significant bacterial imbalances that were quietly driving inflammation and impacting her health. You'll learn why markers like LPS (lipopolysaccharides) and butyrate are so important, how they connect to inflammation throughout the body, and why a truly comprehensive stool test is non-negotiable if you want real answers. Tara also explains why not all tests — and not all practitioners — are created equal, and how to ensure you're working with someone who understands the full complexity of the microbiome. Whether you're chasing down stubborn symptoms or simply want to stay vibrant and healthy for years to come, this episode will inspire you to make your gut a top priority. Tara explains that: Comprehensive stool testing is essential for everyone, not just those with digestive symptoms. This helps identify issues that may be quietly driving systemic inflammation. Markers like LPS (lipopolysaccharides) and butyrate on stool tests provide vital insights into the inflammatory state of your gut—and, by extension, your whole body. If your test doesn't measure these, you're missing valuable information. Imbalances (dysbiosis) can exist without gut symptoms and still drive conditions like fatigue, autoimmunity, and infertility. Understanding your unique microbiome can be truly game-changing for your health path. Watch on Youtube.    Mentioned in this episode: HRT Made Simple™ - Learn how to confidently speak to your doctor about the benefits of hormone replacement therapy so you can set yourself up for symptom-free, unmedicated years to come without feeling confused, dismissed, or leaving the medical office minus your HRT script. Hair Loss Solutions Made Simple™ – This course will teach you the best natural, highly effective, and safe solutions for your hair loss so you can stop it, reverse it, and regrow healthy hair without turning to medications. The Perimenopause Solution™ – My signature 6-month comprehensive hormonal health program for women in midlife who want to get solid answers to their hormonal health issues once and for all so they can kick the weight gain, moodiness, gut problems, skin issues, period problems, fatigue, overwhelm, insomnia, hair/eyebrow loss, and other symptoms in order to get back to the woman they once were. [FREE] The Ultimate Midlife Perimenopause Handbook - Grab my free guide and RECLAIM your confidence, your mood, your waistline and energy without turning to medications or restrictive diets (or spending a fortune on testing you don't need!).   [BOOK A 30-MINUTE SESSION WITH TARA HERE]

This week on the podcast, I'm joined by my friend and fellow practitioner Esther Blum;  integrative dietitian, best-selling author, and someone who knows what it actually takes to feel better in perimenopause.   We get real about all of it - from postpartum hormone shifts, to the mental weight of motherhood, navigating HRT, and why women are done with being dismissed.   Esther shares what helped her reclaim her energy and identity (hint: it wasn't just supplements or sleep hygiene), and we talk through the deep nervous system shifts that so many women don't even realize are affecting their hormones.   Here's a peek at what we get into: How postpartum depletion can carry into your 40s The shame women feel around burnout and needing help How libido, confidence, and self-trust are all connected The difference between "doing all the right things" vs. actually feeling better Why midlife women need to be informed about perimenopause and HRT   Esther Blum: Esther Blum is a Menopause Dietitian and Keynote Speaker. In the past 27+ years she has helped thousands of women master menopause through nutrition, hormones and self-advocacy. Esther is the bestselling author of See ya later, Ovulator, Cavewomen Don't Get Fat, Eat, Drink and Be Gorgeous, Secrets of Gorgeous, and The Eat, Drink, and Be Gorgeous Project. Known as Gwyneth Paltrow's menopause mentor, Esther has appeared on the Today Show, ABC-TV, and Good Day NY and is frequently quoted in Forbes, goop, Well + Good, Ben Greenfield Life, Time Magazine, and The New York Post. Esther received a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Nutrition from Simmons College in Boston and is a graduate of New York University, where she received her Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition. Esther is credentialed as a registered dietitian, a certified dietitian-nutritionist and a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS), the certification from the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists (BCNS). Esther lives in CT with her family where she can be seen fixing a mocktail, taking long walks, and singing karaoke by the fire pit. Instagram: @gorgeousesther Website: https://estherblum.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/estherblum The Midlife Realignment™ Podcast: https://estherblum.com/podcast/ Make Menopause Your Bitch: https://makemenopauseyourbitch.com/ Macro Reset: https://makemenopauseyourbitch.com/join Watch on Youtube here: https://youtu.be/C4bXjGzux9U Mentioned in this episode: EQUIP PRIME PROTEIN – Click HERE to grab yours and use my code: TARA to get 15% off. When you sign up for a subscription via my link, you'll save 30% on the first month & 15% on any subsequent months! HERBATONIN - Click HERE to visit the shop. Save 10% when you use Tara's code: Tara10 PIQUE TEA – These are some of Tara's favourite teas! They're crystal form, which makes them super unique and easy to transport in your purse, (they come in single use satchels!) and higher in polyphenols. They're made from high quality ingredients with triple toxin screening, (super important when it comes to your tea). Click HERE to visit the shop. HRT Made Simple™ - Learn how to confidently speak to your doctor about the benefits of hormone replacement therapy so you can set yourself up for symptom-free, unmedicated years to come without feeling confused, dismissed, or leaving the medical office minus your HRT script. Hair Loss Solutions Made Simple™ – This course will teach you the best natural, highly effective, and safe solutions for your hair loss so you can stop it, reverse it, and regrow healthy hair without turning to medications. The Perimenopause Solution™ – My signature 6-month comprehensive hormonal health program for women in midlife who want to get solid answers to their hormonal health issues once and for all so they can kick the weight gain, moodiness, gut problems, skin issues, period problems, fatigue, overwhelm, insomnia, hair/eyebrow loss, and other symptoms in order to get back to the woman they once were. [FREE] The Ultimate Midlife Perimenopause Handbook - Grab my free guide and RECLAIM your confidence, your mood, your waistline and energy without turning to medications or restrictive diets (or spending a fortune on testing you don't need!).   [BOOK A 30-MINUTE SESSION WITH TARA HERE]

Despite common myths, soy and flax can be powerful allies for women's health - especially during perimenopause and menopause. In this episode, Tara sets the record straight on the hotly debated topics of soy and flax. If you've been hearing mixed messages online - especially about these foods being "estrogenic" or dangerous -it's time to clear the air with research-backed facts!   In this episode you'll learn: 🔹 Soy is linked to multiple health benefits: Regular soy intake is shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer, improve cognitive function, and support heart and bone health - especially for peri- and postmenopausal women. The quality of your gut bacteria plays a key role in how well you benefit from soy. 🔹 Flax is a natural estrogen modulator: Far from being "dangerous," flax helps balance estrogen by modulating it, not just increasing or decreasing levels - plus it supports cancer prevention, reduces inflammation, and even helps the body process estrogen down healthier pathways. 🔹 Food > Fear: If anyone tells you to avoid soy or flax without sound evidence, take pause. These are nutrient-dense, research-supported foods, not dangerous "no-nos." Tara recommends 2 tbsp of ground flax daily, and incorporating soy foods like miso, natto, tempeh, or edamame 2–3 times a week. Watch the podcast on Youtube    Mentioned in this episode: EQUIP PRIME PROTEIN – Click HERE to grab yours and use my code: TARA to get 15% off. When you sign up for a subscription via my link, you'll save 30% on the first month & 15% on any subsequent months! HERBATONIN - Click HERE to visit the shop. Save 10% when you use Tara's code: Tara10 PIQUE TEA – These are some of Tara's favourite teas! They're crystal form, which makes them super unique and easy to transport in your purse, (they come in single use satchels!) and higher in polyphenols. They're made from high quality ingredients with triple toxin screening, (super important when it comes to your tea). Click HERE to visit the shop. HRT Made Simple™ - Learn how to confidently speak to your doctor about the benefits of hormone replacement therapy so you can set yourself up for symptom-free, unmedicated years to come without feeling confused, dismissed, or leaving the medical office minus your HRT script. Hair Loss Solutions Made Simple™ – This course will teach you the best natural, highly effective, and safe solutions for your hair loss so you can stop it, reverse it, and regrow healthy hair without turning to medications. The Perimenopause Solution™ – My signature 6-month comprehensive hormonal health program for women in midlife who want to get solid answers to their hormonal health issues once and for all so they can kick the weight gain, moodiness, gut problems, skin issues, period problems, fatigue, overwhelm, insomnia, hair/eyebrow loss, and other symptoms in order to get back to the woman they once were. [FREE] The Ultimate Midlife Perimenopause Handbook - Grab my free guide and RECLAIM your confidence, your mood, your waistline and energy without turning to medications or restrictive diets (or spending a fortune on testing you don't need!).   [BOOK A 30-MINUTE SESSION WITH TARA HERE]

This week on the podcast, Tara shares a story that so many of you will relate to.   A woman in her early 50s came to me after spending hundreds of dollars on functional testing - the DUTCH hormone test and the GI MAP stool test - and you know what? They offered her no real answers.   She was still exhausted. Still bloated. Still not sleeping. And still stuck with zero direction on what to do next. So what went wrong?       In this Episode: 00:54 - Why a 51-year-old client came to Tara after getting no answers from standard functional testing (DUTCH + GI MAP). 02:11 - Why DUTCH testing can fall flat when hormone production has already declined - and why it's not useful for many women in menopause. 04:06 - The limits of the GI MAP when gut dysfunction is mild or metabolic - and why gut symptoms don't always mean gut damage. 05:22 - How this client's low energy, low mood, and low motivation pointed to hormone and thyroid depletion - not just gut dysfunction. 11:32 - Tara's approach: rebuilding from the bottom of the pyramid up - focusing first on nutrition, minerals, hormone/thyroid support. 14:10 - Final thoughts on test interpretation, why you don't always need more data, and how to assess your next steps strategically.     Other Episodes You May Enjoy: EPS 45: My thoughts on the DUTCH test EPS 91: Debunking common arguments for needing to run the DUTCH test  EPS 102: Why we don't test hormones in perimenopause  EPS 112: Why we stopped using the GI MAP in my practice & how we are approaching gut testing these days  EPS 131: Should we be concerned about estrogen metabolites?    Mentioned in this episode: Purchase Herbatonin here - Save 10% when you use Tara's code: Tara10 MegaSporeBiotic – Click HERE to grab this probiotic and use my practitioner code, which also gets you 10% off: TaraMegaSpore Paleovalley – Grab your goodies as mentioned in this episode, HERE Blue Light Blocking Glasses Recommendations: Baxter Blue (Australian site) Save 15% when you use Tara's code: Tara15 Bon Charge Save 15% when you use Tara's code: TARA15 HRT Made Simple™ - Learn how to confidently speak to your doctor about the benefits of hormone replacement therapy so you can set yourself up for symptom-free, unmedicated years to come without feeling confused, dismissed, or leaving the medical office minus your HRT script. Hair Loss Solutions Made Simple™ – This course will teach you the best natural, highly effective, and safe solutions for your hair loss so you can stop it, reverse it, and regrow healthy hair without turning to medications. The Perimenopause Solution™ – My signature 6-month comprehensive hormonal health program for women in midlife who want to get solid answers to their hormonal health issues once and for all so they can kick the weight gain, moodiness, gut problems, skin issues, period problems, fatigue, overwhelm, insomnia, hair/eyebrow loss, and other symptoms in order to get back to the woman they once were. [FREE] The Ultimate Midlife Perimenopause Handbook - Grab my free guide and RECLAIM your confidence, your mood, your waistline and energy without turning to medications or restrictive diets (or spending a fortune on testing you don't need!).   [BOOK A 30-MINUTE SESSION WITH TARA HERE]

Is everyone really low in vitamin D? Or have we been sold a narrative that doesn't hold up under scrutiny? In this mind-blowing episode, Tara sits down with Regina and Kristin, the investigative duo behind the Normal Curves podcast, to explore the truth behind the so-called "vitamin D deficiency epidemic." Spoiler: it may have been manufactured by outdated, flawed science—and driven by people with major conflicts of interest. This is a must-listen for anyone taking vitamin D or worried about their levels. If you've been told your D is "low," this episode might change everything. In this episode we cover: How the original vitamin D reference ranges were set (and how they were quietly reversed in 2024) Why testing vitamin D routinely may be doing more harm than good The role of conflicts of interest in shaping clinical guidelines What the latest randomized controlled trials (RCTs) actually show about supplementing vitamin D for disease prevention Why observational data can mislead us, and how low D might be the consequence—not the cause—of illness How much sun you actually need to make enough vitamin D (hint: it's a lot less than you think) Why the "low D" narrative stuck around even after the science was overturned If you're thinking about taking D, already taking D, or have been told your vitamin D is "low" (it likely isn't) then this one is for you.   WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE -https://www.youtube.com/@TaraThorne   Regina Nuzzo is a Gallaudet professor, award-winning science journalist, and co-host of the Normal Curves podcast. She brings statistics to life for students and audiences worldwide, often using sex-science examples to keep things lively. Her writing has appeared in Nature, The New York Times, Scientific American, and the Los Angeles Times, where she wrote a column on the science of sex and relationships. Alongside co-host Kristin Sainani, she penned a long-running statistics column for Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and now teaches a Stanford summer course on statistics for clinical informatics. Regina's work earned the American Statistical Association's Excellence in Statistical Reporting Award.   Kristin Cobb Sainani is a Stanford professor, science journalist, and co-host of the Normal Curves podcast. She brings statistics and scientific writing to students and audiences around the world. She also works as a statistician on sports medicine projects. Kristin has written widely about health, science, and statistics for both academic and popular audiences. She was a health columnist for Allure magazine for ten years and, alongside co-host Regina Nuzzo, penned a long-running statistics column for the journal Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. In 2018, she received Stanford's Biosciences Award for Excellence in Graduate Teaching. Known for her statistical sleuthing and ability to cut through academic jargon, Kristin champions clear language and rigorous methods in science.   Mentioned in this episode: Normal Curves Podcast https://www.normalcurves.com/vitamin-d-part-1-is-the-deficiency-epidemic-real/     https://www.normalcurves.com/vitamin-d-part-2-good-for-more-than-just-your-bones/     Normal Curves Website: https://www.normalcurves.com/     EQUIP PRIME PROTEIN – Click HERE to grab yours and use my code: TARA to get 15% off. When you sign up for a subscription via my link, you'll save 30% on the first month & 15% on any subsequent months! Purchase Herbatonin here to get 15% automatically applied to your cart: https://symphonynaturalhealth.com/Tara PIQUE TEA – These are some of Tara's favourite teas! They're crystal form, which makes them super unique and easy to transport in your purse, (they come in single use satchels!) and higher in polyphenols. They're made from high quality ingredients with triple toxin screening, (super important when it comes to your tea). Click HERE to visit the shop. HRT Made Simple™ - Learn how to confidently speak to your doctor about the benefits of hormone replacement therapy so you can set yourself up for symptom-free, unmedicated years to come without feeling confused, dismissed, or leaving the medical office minus your HRT script. Hair Loss Solutions Made Simple™ – This course will teach you the best natural, highly effective, and safe solutions for your hair loss so you can stop it, reverse it, and regrow healthy hair without turning to medications. The Perimenopause Solution™ – My signature 6-month comprehensive hormonal health program for women in midlife who want to get solid answers to their hormonal health issues once and for all so they can kick the weight gain, moodiness, gut problems, skin issues, period problems, fatigue, overwhelm, insomnia, hair/eyebrow loss, and other symptoms in order to get back to the woman they once were. [FREE] The Ultimate Midlife Perimenopause Handbook - Grab my free guide and RECLAIM your confidence, your mood, your waistline and energy without turning to medications or restrictive diets (or spending a fortune on testing you don't need!).   [BOOK A 30-MINUTE SESSION WITH TARA HERE]

In Part 2 of Tara's vitamin D series, we move beyond lab values and dig into the real-world consequences of high-dose vitamin D supplementation and what to do instead. Tara details how today's standard reference ranges may be misleading, why more is not always better, and how excessive vitamin D can lead to calcium loss, mitochondrial damage, mood symptoms, and even worsen autoimmune conditions. More importantly, she shares a root-cause approach to supporting vitamin D naturally without megadosing and creating imbalance. 💡 In Part 2, Tara explains: Why conventional vitamin D reference ranges are based on flawed assumptions The symptoms of vitamin D overload How to treat low D from a root cause approach instead of a conventional "pill for your ill" approach, (which allopathic and functional practitioners are both doing!) The co-factors you need to support D properly If you've ever been told to "just take more D," this episode is your permission slip to ask better questions and approach your health with nuance and strategy.   Mentioned in this episode: MegaSporeBiotic – Click HERE to grab this probiotic and use my practitioner code, which also gets you 10% off: TaraMegaSpore Paleovalley – Grab your goodies as mentioned in this episode, HERE Blue Light Blocking Glasses Recommendations: Baxter Blue (Australian site) Save 15% when you use Tara's code: Tara15 Bon Charge Save 15% when you use Tara's code: TARA15 HRT Made Simple™ - Learn how to confidently speak to your doctor about the benefits of hormone replacement therapy so you can set yourself up for symptom-free, unmedicated years to come without feeling confused, dismissed, or leaving the medical office minus your HRT script. Hair Loss Solutions Made Simple™ – This course will teach you the best natural, highly effective, and safe solutions for your hair loss so you can stop it, reverse it, and regrow healthy hair without turning to medications. The Perimenopause Solution™ – My signature 6-month comprehensive hormonal health program for women in midlife who want to get solid answers to their hormonal health issues once and for all so they can kick the weight gain, moodiness, gut problems, skin issues, period problems, fatigue, overwhelm, insomnia, hair/eyebrow loss, and other symptoms in order to get back to the woman they once were. [FREE] The Ultimate Midlife Perimenopause Handbook - Grab my free guide and RECLAIM your confidence, your mood, your waistline and energy without turning to medications or restrictive diets (or spending a fortune on testing you don't need!).   [BOOK A 30-MINUTE SESSION WITH TARA HERE]