Podcast
Living Life Naturally
Hosted by Lynne Wadsworth · EN
Are fatigue, stubborn weight gain, or sugar cravings stealing your spark?
Do you feel like your body has a mind of its own as you move through perimenopause, menopause, or beyond—leaving you dealing with hot flashes, mood swings, headaches, or sleepless nights?
If so, you're in the right place.
Welcome to The Living Life Naturally Podcast, where Board-Certified Holistic Health & Wellness Practitioner Lynne Wadsworth helps women in midlife take back control of their health, energy, and happiness—naturally.
Each week, Lynne shares empowering conversations, holistic health tips, and real-life strategies to help you balance your hormones, manage stress, boost your energy, and feel more vibrant and confident than ever.
Whether you're navigating perimenopause, tackling menopause symptoms head-on, or embracing post-menopause with fresh purpose, this show will guide you toward feeling strong, calm, and fully alive again.
Because midlife isn't the end—it's your new beginning. 🌿
42episodes
Episodes
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LLN Episode 329: The Window of Tolerance: Why Midlife Women Are More Stressed Than Ever | Owen Marcus
Mar 1600:31:07Tap to summarizeWhy does stress seem to hit so much harder in midlife? If you've ever found yourself feeling anxious, emotionally flat, overwhelmed, reactive, or strangely disconnected from yourself, this conversation may help make sense of what's going on beneath the surface. In this episode of Living Life Naturally, I'm joined by Owen Marcus, Founder and CEO of MELD, to talk about stress, emotional resilience, and the concept of the window of tolerance — the range in which your nervous system feels safe enough to think clearly, respond calmly, and stay connected to yourself and others. Owen explains how chronic stress can gradually shrink that window, especially during seasons like midlife and menopause when the body may already be carrying more load. We talk about why common advice like "just breathe" or "think positive" often falls flat when you're already in a survival state, and why nervous system support needs to start with understanding what your body is actually experiencing. This conversation explores the difference between hyperarousal and freeze, why disconnection can become such a common midlife experience, and how body awareness, co-regulation, and gentle somatic tools can support greater steadiness and emotional resilience. If you've been feeling wired, numb, overly emotional, or not quite like yourself, this episode offers an eye-opening and compassionate look at what stress may really be doing — and how you can begin to support yourself more effectively. In this episode, we discuss: what the window of tolerance means and why it matters how chronic stress affects the body and brain why midlife and menopause can make stress feel more intense the difference between fight-or-flight and freeze responses why common stress-management tools sometimes don't work how body awareness can help shift your nervous system the role of co-regulation and connection in feeling calmer why understanding your stress response is the first step toward change About Owen Marcus Owen Marcus is the Founder and CEO of MELD (Men's Emotional Leadership Development), a pioneer in men's emotional health, and the author of Grow Up: A Man's Guide to Emotional Maturity. His work integrates neuroscience, Polyvagal Theory, somatic mindfulness, and relational skill-building to support emotional intelligence and authentic leadership. Resources mentioned MELD: meld.community MELD resources: meld.community/resource/ Facebook: MELD Men X: @meldmen Instagram: @meld.men YouTube: @MELD-men LinkedIn: MELD Men's Community Join my community If you're a woman in midlife looking for grounded, natural support for energy, hormones, stress, and emotional wellbeing, come join us inside the Energized Healthy Women's Club. It's a warm and welcoming community where we talk honestly about what midlife really looks like — and how to support mind, body, and soul with more ease, wisdom, and encouragement. Did you enjoy the podcast? If this episode encouraged you, taught you something new, or helped you feel a little more understood, I'd be so grateful if you'd leave a 5-star review for the Living Life Naturally podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite listening app. Your reviews help more women discover the show and get the support they need through midlife and beyond. Connect with Lynne If you'd like a gentle conversation about your next steps, you can schedule time with me here: https://calendly.com/lynnewadsworth/30min Disclaimer This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your licensed healthcare provider regarding any symptoms, health concerns, or treatment decisions. The views shared by podcast guests are their own and are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition.
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LLN Episode #328: Overwhelmed After 40? A Simple Calm Reset That Actually Works
Mar 1000:22:51Tap to summarizeOverwhelmed after 40 and feeling wired, tense, or easily overstimulated? In this Tea & Truth episode, Lynne shares a simple calm reset that actually works—fast breathwork, gentle herb support, and daily rituals to help your nervous system feel steadier without adding more to your day. Free download: Midlife Calm Toolkit (Mini eGuide) https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&id=1f2n1XMAwR8c8fsMrN6vTZ4ykPquY8ESw Show Notes: Midlife stress can feel different—less tolerance for overwhelm, more nervous system activation, and that "wired but tired" feeling that affects sleep, mood, cravings, and energy. If you've been telling yourself you should be coping better, let this episode be your permission slip to stop pushing and start supporting. In today's Tea & Truth, Lynne shares a simple calm reset that actually works—real-life breathwork you can do in under a minute, daily micro-rituals that help shift your baseline, and gentle herb support with a quick Q&A (what to use, when to use it, and what to be careful with). Free download for this episode: Midlife Calm Toolkit (Mini eGuide) https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&id=1f2n1XMAwR8c8fsMrN6vTZ4ykPquY8ESw In this episode, we cover: Why stress often feels louder after 40 Breathwork tools you can use anywhere (30–60 seconds) Daily micro-rituals that calm your nervous system The "Calm Trio": light + movement + downshift A stress-budget approach (where stress leaks) Herbs for stress support + a quick Q&A A simple weekly challenge to feel calmer without overwhelm Join the Energized Healthy Women's Club If you're tired of trying to figure out midlife health on your own—stress, sleep, energy, cravings, belly bloat, hormone shifts—come join us inside The Energized Healthy Women's Club. It's a private, supportive community of like-minded women who want real-life, doable wellness (without perfection). You'll get practical tips, simple routines, recipe ideas, encouragement, and a place to ask questions and feel understood—because midlife is a lot easier when you're supported and you've got a plan. Join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/energized.healthy.women Connect with Lynne Website: https://holistic-healthandwellness.com Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/holistichealthandwellnessllc Private Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/energized.healthy.women Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynnewadsworth LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnewadsworth Did You Enjoy the Podcast? If you enjoyed this episode, the best way you can support the show is by leaving a quick 5-star rating and review for the Living Life Naturally podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Pandora. Reviews help more women find this show—women who are navigating midlife changes and looking for calm, energy, and real support. Thank you for being here… and for helping us reach the women who need these conversations most. 💜 Disclaimer This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns, medications, supplements, or health conditions. Never disregard professional medical advice because of something you heard on this podcast.
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LLN Episode #327: Katie Hardie - The "Normal Labs" Trap: What Midlife Women Must Know to Get Better Testing
Mar 200:24:39Tap to summarizeHave you ever been told your labs are "normal"… but you still feel off? In this episode, Lynne sits down with Katie Hardie, a board-certified holistic nutritionist and FDN practitioner, to unpack what so many midlife women experience: symptoms that don't always show up clearly on standard bloodwork. Katie explains the difference between standard lab ranges (which are designed to identify dysfunction) and functional optimal ranges (which are designed to support how you actually feel). They discuss why it's worth advocating for more comprehensive testing, how inflammation can play a role in midlife symptoms, and why stress support — including simple breathing tools — can be a game-changer for overall wellbeing. They also touch on hormone profiling options like the DUTCH Plus test, and why ongoing support and education can help women feel more confident and less stuck when navigating perimenopause and midlife changes. What You'll Learn · How to start listening to your body's signals in midlife · Standard lab ranges vs functional optimal ranges · Why symptoms matter even when labs look "normal" · Inflammation support through food (simple starting points) · Stress physiology and how it can show up (sleep, anxiety, fatigue) · Simple breathing practices for nervous system support · DUTCH Plus test overview for hormone + cortisol patterns 🎁 Spring Renewal (FREE) — my gift to you: subscribepage.io/GqjyUW 💗 Want extra midlife support? Come join my free Facebook community, The Energized Healthy Women's Club — practical tips, encouragement, and simple mind-body-soul support. 👉Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/energized.healthy.women Complimentary Consult with Katie: https://www.mypeak365.com/ Connect With Katie: Website: https://www.mypeak365.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mypeak365/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hardiepeakperformance/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-hardie-hermanson-860a874/ Connect with Lynne: Website: https://holistic-healthandwellness.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/holistichealthandwellnessllc The Energized Healthy Women's Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/energized.healthy.women Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynnewadsworth LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnewadsworth Did you enjoy the podcast? If you enjoyed this episode, a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Pandora helps us reach more women who want practical midlife support. Thank you — together, we make a difference!
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LLN Episode #326: Why You Wake Up at 3 AM (and How to Stay Asleep)
Feb 2300:24:25Tap to summarizeIt's 2:47 AM. You are exhausted. But your eyes pop open, and suddenly your brain decides it's the perfect time to plan dinner for next Tuesday, worry about an email you sent three years ago, or wonder why your hip hurts. If you're tired of staring at the ceiling while your husband snores peacefully beside you, thinking, "Why can everyone else sleep but me?"—I want you to know: You are not broken. You are not failing. And you are definitely not alone. Today, I'm going to share the exact strategy I use with my private clients called the "Sleep Stack." We're going to calm that "tired but wired" feeling so you can finally get the rest you deserve. If you keep waking up at 3 AM—wide awake, restless, mind racing—this episode is for you. Midlife sleep changes are incredibly common, and they're rarely about one single thing. Often, 3 AM wake-ups are driven by a mix of cortisol rhythm shifts, blood sugar dips, hormone and temperature changes, and a nervous system that's been running in "high alert" for far too long. In this episode, I walk you through the most common reasons women wake up at 3 AM in midlife, and—more importantly—what to do about it. You'll learn how to build your personal Sleep Stack (a layered approach that makes sleep feel easier instead of harder) and you'll get a simple 3 AM Protocol you can use in the moment, so you don't spiral, don't suffer, and can fall back asleep faster. In this episode, we cover: Why 3 AM wake-ups are so common in midlife (and why it's not "just you") Cortisol spikes at night: what they are and how to calm them The blood sugar connection (and why it can wake you suddenly) Hormone + temperature changes that fragment sleep The "tired but wired" nervous system pattern (and how to downshift) The Sleep Stack: simple layers that support deeper, steadier sleep The 3 AM Protocol: what to do when you wake up so you can fall back asleep A gentle 7-day reset to help you stay asleep longer Resources + Next Steps If you want a gentle chat about next steps, schedule time with me here: https://calendly.com/lynnewadsworth/30min Free resource: Midlife Morning Menu https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/8q1mf8y6z9mqhys39ep4r/Midlife-Morning-Menu.pdf Connect with Lynne Website: https://holistic-healthandwellness.com Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/holistichealthandwellnessllc Private Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/energized.healthy.women Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynnewadsworth LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnewadsworth Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.
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LLN Episode #325: Perimenopause Problems? Start With This Simple Symptom List (with Denise Stegall)
Feb 1600:33:12Tap to summarizeMenopause can feel confusing — but perimenopause can be even more frustrating because so many women are told, "You're fine," while they feel anything but fine. In this episode of Living Life Naturally, Lynne sits down with Denise Stegall — founder of Healthy Living with Denise, international best-selling author of Healthy Living, Happy Life, and widely known as the Menopause Mentor. Denise shares what sparked her own deep dive into perimenopause support after experiencing unexplained symptoms in her late 30s — and why one of the most powerful first steps is also the simplest: track your symptoms. You'll learn how understanding hormone fluctuations can help you communicate more effectively with your provider, advocate for yourself, and make supportive changes without feeling overwhelmed. This conversation also dives into the "midlife musts" Denise teaches women every day — including strength training, mobility and flexibility work, and why bone density and prevention matter so much after menopause. Denise brings a warm, no-nonsense voice to a topic that's often brushed aside — and helps reframe this season as one where you can get clear, get proactive, and feel more like yourself again. In this episode, we cover: Denise's story: symptoms at 37 and what led her into menopause wellness What perimenopause really is (and why it's missed so often) Why a simple symptom list changes your doctor conversations Hormone basics: estrogen, progesterone, cortisol — and how they interact Finding the right support: menopause-informed providers + holistic practitioners Post-menopause prevention: bone density, muscle building, and heart health Why strength + mobility matter so much in midlife Supplement common sense: quality, reputable sourcing, and what to ask first Denise's approach to nutrition, decisions, and personal accountability Free Resource from Denise Stegall: The Nervous System Reset (3-day reset) https://menopausementormn.com/nervous-system-reset Connect with Denise: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MenopauseMentorMN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/menopausementormn/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@menopausementormn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/menopausementormn/ Connect with Lynne: Website: https://holistic-healthandwellness.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/holistichealthandwellnessllc Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/energized.healthy.women Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynnewadsworth LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnewadsworth If you want a gentle chat about next steps, schedule time with me here: https://calendly.com/lynnewadsworth/30min Free Resources from Lynne: 5 Essential Steps for Flourishing in Menopause: https://holistic-healthandwellness.com/flourish-in-midlife/ Midlife Morning Menu (freebie): https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/8q1mf8y6z9mqhys39ep4r/Midlife-Morning-Menu.pdf Did you enjoy the podcast? If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review for the Living Life Naturally podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Pandora. Reviews help more women find supportive, practical conversations for midlife and beyond — thank you! 💜 This episode is for education and inspiration and isn't medical advice. Always check with your healthcare provider for personal guidance.
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LLN Episode #324: Tea & Truth: How to Create a Midlife-Friendly Morning Routine
Feb 900:20:05Tap to summarizeMornings in midlife can feel harder than they used to—more fatigue, more brain fog, more cravings, and less patience for rigid routines. In this Tea & Truth episode, Lynne shares a midlife-friendly morning framework that supports hormones, energy, and the nervous system—without perfection, pressure, or unrealistic "5am routine" advice. You'll learn how to build a flexible Morning Menu you can personalize, plus simple routines for tired days so you can start steady and feel more like yourself. Show Notes: If you've ever woken up and thought, "Why do I feel behind before the day even starts?" — you're not alone. In midlife, hormone shifts can change your energy, stress response, blood sugar stability, sleep quality, and motivation. That's why the old "just push through" approach often stops working. In today's Tea & Truth, we're creating a midlife-friendly morning routine that feels supportive, realistic, and repeatable. This isn't a rigid checklist. It's a flexible framework designed to help you start your day with more steadiness and less pressure. In this episode, you'll learn: Why midlife mornings are less about motivation and more about nervous system regulation The 3 S's framework: Soften • Steady • Signal How to create a flexible Morning Menu instead of one "perfect routine" Simple ways to support energy and cravings with a steadier first hour The "4 levels" of morning routines (so your routine still counts on tired days) A gentle approach to consistency that doesn't rely on willpower Free download for this episode: Midlife Morning Menu (1-page guide): https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/8q1mf8y6z9mqhys39ep4r/Midlife-Morning-Menu.pdf Connect with Lynne: Imagine not having to "figure out midlife" on your own anymore. 💜 If you're craving real support, practical solutions, and honest conversation, come join The Energized Healthy Women's Club —my private community for women who want to feel healthier, lighter, and more confident. Inside, we share tips and strategies for weight, belly bloat, hormones, sugar cravings, fatigue, recipes, perimenopause, menopause, headaches, and more… so you can feel energized, supported, and truly not alone in this season. Website: https://holistic-healthandwellness.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/holistichealthandwellnessllc The Energized Healthy Women's Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/energized.healthy.women Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynnewadsworth LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnewadsworth Did You Enjoy The Podcast? If you enjoyed this episode please let us know! 5-star reviews for the Living Life Naturally podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or iHeart are greatly appreciated. This helps us reach more women struggling to live through midlife and beyond. Thank you. Together, we make a difference!
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LLN Episode #323: Caffeine, Sugar & Alcohol — What's the Real Impact in Midlife?
Feb 200:30:49Tap to summarizeIf caffeine suddenly makes you anxious, sugar cravings feel louder than ever, and alcohol disrupts your sleep more than it used to… you're not imagining it. In this Tea & Truth episode, Lynne breaks down what's really happening in midlife — and why everyday stimulants can feel so different during perimenopause and menopause. You'll learn how hormones, blood sugar, and the nervous system all play a role, plus gentle, realistic ways to support your body without extremes. Show Notes: In midlife, it can feel like your body has a new "volume setting." Coffee that once felt energizing now feels jittery. Sugar feels harder to manage. And alcohol can trigger 3am wake-ups, mood shifts, and restless sleep. In today's Tea & Truth, we're unpacking the real impact of caffeine, sugar, and alcohol in perimenopause and menopause — and the shared thread that connects all three: the nervous system. This is not a "cut everything out" episode. It's a compassionate, practical conversation designed to help you understand what your body is asking for now — and how to respond with steadier support. In this episode, we cover: Why caffeine can increase jitters, anxiety, and sleep disruption in midlife The blood sugar–hormone connection behind cravings and energy crashes Why alcohol can worsen sleep quality, inflammation, hot flashes, and next-day anxiety The "coffee to push, sugar to soothe, wine to unwind" pattern (and how to shift it gently) Simple, realistic ways to support your nervous system with steadiness instead of stimulation Free download for this episode: Midlife Stimulant Reset (1-page PDF)https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/vfpricme835xt7ova9h4r/Midlife-Stimulant-Reset.pdf Connect with Lynne: Imagine not having to "figure out midlife" on your own anymore. 💜 If you're craving real support, practical solutions, and honest conversation, come join The Energized Healthy Women's Club —my private community for women who want to feel healthier, lighter, and more confident. Inside, we share tips and strategies for weight, belly bloat, hormones, sugar cravings, fatigue, recipes, perimenopause, menopause, headaches, and more… so you can feel energized, supported, and truly not alone in this season. Website: https://holistic-healthandwellness.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/holistichealthandwellnessllc The Energized Healthy Women's Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/energized.healthy.women Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynnewadsworth LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnewadsworth Did You Enjoy The Podcast? If you enjoyed this episode please let us know! 5-star reviews for the Living Life Naturally podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or iHeart are greatly appreciated. This helps us reach more women struggling to live through midlife and beyond. Thank you. Together, we make a difference!
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LLN Episode #322: Alicia Jones - The Truth About Protein And Why Most Women Over 40 Are Falling Short
Jan 2600:29:41Tap to summarizeIf you're over 40 and feel like the old "eat less, move more" advice isn't working anymore, you're not alone. In this episode, I'm joined by Alicia Jones to talk about why most women are falling short on protein in midlife — and the simple, realistic shifts that can support muscle, metabolism, and steady energy without extreme dieting. If you're over 40 and feel like your energy, strength, or body composition has shifted — you're not imagining it. One of the biggest gaps I see in midlife women is protein intake. Most women are simply not getting enough, and in perimenopause and menopause that can quietly affect muscle, metabolism, cravings, inflammation, and how you feel day to day. In this episode of Living Life Naturally, I'm joined by fitness and weight loss strategist Alicia Jones, who helps women over 45 transform their health through realistic nutrition and training strategies. We talk about what changes during hormonal transition, why extreme calorie restriction can backfire, and how supporting lean muscle can make midlife health and weight goals feel more doable again. In This Episode, We Discuss: Why most women over 40 are falling short on protein (and why it matters more in midlife) How perimenopause and menopause can increase muscle loss risk Why protecting lean muscle supports metabolic rate and long-term quality of life Protein targets to aim for: 20–30 grams per meal (and daily guidance based on body weight/activity) Why drastic calorie cutting can make results harder in midlife Easy protein strategies that don't require a complete diet overhaul Smart swaps (like higher-protein yogurt options) and how to read labels Added sugars vs naturally occurring sugars (what to pay attention to) A simple "log one day of food" approach to identify hidden gaps (especially protein and fiber) Midlife fitness mindset shifts: quality over quantity, resistance training, and practical ways to add intensity into everyday movement Key Takeaway Midlife doesn't require harsher restriction — it requires smarter support. When protein and strength are prioritized, many women notice improvements in energy, satiety, strength, and body composition — without the burnout of constant dieting. About Alicia Jones Alicia Jones helps transform the health and lives of women over 45 through her fitness and weight loss strategies. She has appeared on various health and wellness television programs and produced and hosted Health Matters and The View: Health and Wellness on Rogers TV. She has a B.A. in Kinesiology and holds many certifications, including National Coach of Canada (NCCP), Advanced Sport Nutrition, Certified Group Fitness Instructor, Personal Training Specialist, and more. Learn more at: aliciajoneshealthyliving.com Free Resource from Alicia Jones: Free Masterclass: https://masterclass.aliciajoneshealthyliving.com/masterclass This goes into greater depth about the Food and fitness formula every woman over 50 needs to know, AND how to make the changes fit your lifestyle. Connect with Lynne Website: https://holistic-healthandwellness.com Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/holistichealthandwellnessllc Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/energized.healthy.women Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynnewadsworth LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnewadsworth Connect with Lynne: Imagine not having to "figure out midlife" on your own anymore. 💜 If you're craving real support, practical solutions, and honest conversation, come join The Energized Healthy Women's Club —my private community for women who want to feel healthier, lighter, and more confident. Inside, we share tips and strategies for weight, belly bloat, hormones, sugar cravings, fatigue, recipes, perimenopause, menopause, headaches, and more… so you can feel energized, supported, and truly not alone in this season. Free Resources from Lynne Wadsworth: Flourish in Midlife: 5 Essential Steps to Feeling Like Yourself Again Hot flashes, mood swings, stubborn weight, zero energy… if midlife has you wondering "What happened to me?"—you are not alone, and you are not stuck this way. Ladies, it's time to move from just coping to truly flourishing. In this FREE guide, you'll discover 5 essential, practical steps to help you: Stay fit and energized through perimenopause and menopause Calm the chaos of hormones so you feel more balanced and in control Start feeling more "like yourself" again—clearer, lighter, and more confident Wake up with more energy and meet your day with real enthusiasm These are the same simple, sustainable strategies I use with my clients—pulled together in one powerful resource designed just for midlife women like you. ✨ Ready to feel healthier, more in control, and excited about this next chapter? Grab your free copy of Flourish in Midlife here: https://holistic-healthandwellness.com/flourish-in-midlife/ Did You Enjoy The Podcast? If you enjoyed this episode please let us know! 5-star reviews for the Living Life Naturally podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or iHeart are greatly appreciated. This helps us reach more women struggling to live through midlife and beyond. Thank you. Together, we make a difference! Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personal guidance.
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LLN Episode #321: Gut Health and Menopause: The Overlooked Connection
Jan 1900:32:45Tap to summarizeMidlife digestion changes can feel confusing — bloating, constipation, reflux, cravings, brain fog, and inflammation that seem to come out of nowhere. In this episode, we unpack the gut–hormone connection in perimenopause and menopause, and I share a gentle framework to feel better: Calm • Feed • Support, plus a free 14-day gut reset. If perimenopause or menopause has you feeling like your digestion has changed overnight — bloating by lunchtime, stubborn constipation, reflux out of nowhere, new food sensitivities, cravings, brain fog, or feeling inflamed and puffy — you're not alone… and you're not imagining it. In this Tea & Truth episode, we explore the overlooked connection between gut health and menopause, including how shifting estrogen and progesterone can impact motility, the microbiome, inflammation, and even the way estrogen is processed in the body (hello, estrobolome). You'll walk away with a simple, menopause-friendly framework — Calm • Feed • Support — and a gentle 14-Day Gut Reset you can start this week to support regularity, reduce bloating, stabilize energy, and feel more comfortable in your body again. In this episode, we cover: • Why gut symptoms often flare in perimenopause + menopause • The gut–hormone connection (in plain English) • Estrogen metabolism + the role of the microbiome • Common root causes in midlife: stress, sleep, blood sugar, and digestion foundations • Symptom-specific support for bloating, constipation, reflux, cravings, and anxiety • A simple, doable 14-Day Gut Reset (free download) Free download: 14-Day Gut Reset (Menopause-Friendly) https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JQcxbyKS46YBsxGVg0r_BrelqrLocoQY/view?usp=sharing Connect With Lynne: Website: https://holistic-healthandwellness.com Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/holistichealthandwellnessllc Facebook Group (Energized Healthy Women's Club): https://www.facebook.com/groups/energized.healthy.women Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynnewadsworth LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnewadsworth Reminder: This episode is educational and supportive, but not medical advice. If you have severe or persistent symptoms (pain, blood in stool, unexplained weight loss, or worsening issues), please work with your healthcare provider.
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LLN Episode #320: Dr. Jaime Knopman – Midlife Hormone Chaos? How To Advocate For Better Care
Jan 1200:25:16Tap to summarizePerimenopause isn't just hot flashes and mood shifts — for many women, it can be a silent fertility disruptor. In today's episode of Living Life Naturally, Lynne Wadsworth sits down with Dr. Jaime Knopman, double board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and fertility expert, to talk about what's really happening with egg quality, ovulation, IVF outcomes, and why so many women feel dismissed or misdiagnosed in midlife. We also explore practical ways to advocate for better care — from tracking cycles and symptoms, to bringing a "plus one" to appointments, to understanding why hormones can be tricky to measure in a single blood draw. And if someone you love is navigating infertility, Dr. Knopman shares one of the most powerful reminders: presence matters more than perfect words. You'll learn: How perimenopause impacts fertility and IVF success Why cycles become irregular and timing gets harder What egg freezing can do (and when it's most effective) Why symptom + cycle tracking can be more helpful than "one lab test" How to advocate for yourself at the doctor — and what to bring to appointment How to support a loved one going through infertility (without saying the wrong thing) Guest: Dr. Jaime Knopman — Medical Director of Chick Mission; former Director of Fertility Preservation at CCRM NY; Castle Connolly Top Doctor; author of Own Your Fertility. In this episode, we cover: Perimenopause & fertility Why egg quantity and quality decline in perimenopause How irregular ovulation can make conception harder What it means for IVF outcomes and pregnancy viability Egg freezing & planning ahead Why freezing eggs earlier can change options later "Serving as your own egg donor" — what that really means Why women get missed or dismissed Menopause "having its moment" — and why that matters Why infertility deserves to be part of the menopause conversation too How to support someone in infertility The power of simply showing up What to say when you're afraid of saying the wrong thing Being present in someone else's discomfort Hormone testing + advocating for care Why hormones aren't a simple snapshot The value of tracking cycles + symptoms Why progesterone can swing dramatically Questions to bring to your appointment + why a "plus one" helps HRT, bioidenticals & pellets Why symptom relief often matters more than chasing a number Different options work for different bodies (no one-size-fits-all) Mentioned in this episode: · Book: Own Your Fertility: From Egg Freezing to Surrogacy — How to Take Charge of Your Body and Your Future (also available at Amazon or Barnes & Noble) Connect with Dr. Jaime Knopman Website: https://drjaimeknopman.com/ Connect with Lynne Join the Facebook community: Energized Healthy Women's Club Website: https://holistic-healthandwellness.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/holistichealthandwellnessllc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynnewadsworth LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnewadsworth 👉 Get your free copy of Lynne's Flourish in Midlife eGuide. Disclaimer: This episode is for education only and isn't medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personal guidance Did You Enjoy The Podcast? If you enjoyed this episode please let us know! 5-star reviews for the Living Life Naturally podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Pandora, are greatly appreciated. This helps us reach more women struggling to live their happiest and healthiest life even through midlife and beyond. Thank you. Together, we make a difference!
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