S3E7: Menopause & Perimenopause: Symptoms, Solutions, and Self-Advocacy with Esther Blum

Explicit content warning

08/07/23 • 51 min

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified healthcare providers for personalized recommendations.

In today’s episode, we are joined by a special guest, Esther Blum, an integrative dietitian and menopause expert and together we dive into the world of menopause and perimenopause, shedding light on this often misunderstood phase of life for women.

Here's a breakdown of what you can expect from this insightful conversation:

The frustration with conventional medical approaches and seeking alternative methods
The importance of questioning research sources and understanding bias
The need for transparency and advocating for your health
Empowering women to take control of their health and question medical recommendations
Monica's personal experience with hormonal imbalance and how it led to the creation of her brand, Marea
Esther's journey into the field of menopause and integrative dietetics.
The lack of support and focus on menopausal women in conventional medicine
Addressing the evolving perspective on menopause and the changing landscape of healthcare
Recognizing the signs of perimenopause, including changes in menstrual cycle, weight gain, hot flashes, etc
Factors influencing hormone balance
The impact of trauma on hormone balance and the importance of healing.
The misconception around the duration of menopause and addressing symptoms.
Differentiating between induced symptoms due to diet changes and genuine perimenopausal symptoms
Approaches to raising progesterone levels and managing hormonal changes.
The ongoing nature of menopausal symptoms if not addressed properly.
The long-term effects of a hysterectomy without proper hormone replacement therapy
The role of vaginal estrogen and treatments for menopausal vaginal health

And so much more!

Connect with Esther:

Website: https://estherblum.com/

Instagram: @gorgeousesther

About Esther Blum:
Esther Blum is an Integrative Dietitian and Menopause Expert. 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.

Learn more about Marea: http://www.mareawellness.com/

Connect with The Flow State Podcast Hosts:

Norah Candito, registered dietitian: @nutritionwithnorah

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.nutritionwithnorah.com/

Join Norah's group program for personalized support on your hormonal health journey:

https://www.nutritionwithnorah.com/harmonize

Monica Grohne, Marea’s founder, PMDD warrior and wellness junkie: @monicagrohne

Want to connect with other like minded wellness girlies? Join the

Here's a breakdown of what you can expect from this insightful conversation:

The frustration with conventional medical approaches and seeking alternative methods
The importance of questioning research sources and understanding bias
The need for transparency and advocating for your health
Empowering women to take control of their health and question medical recommendations
Monica's personal experience with hormonal imbalance and how it led to the creation of her brand, Marea
Esther's journey into the field of menopause and integrative dietetics.
The lack of support and focus on menopausal women in conventional medicine
Addressing the evolving perspective on menopause and the changing landscape of healthcare
Recognizing the signs of perimenopause, including changes in menstrual cycle, weight gain, hot flashes, etc
Factors influencing hormone balance
The impact of trauma on hormone balance and the importance of healing.
The misconception around the duration of menopause and addressing symptoms.
Differentiating between induced symptoms due to diet changes and genuine perimenopausal symptoms
Approaches to raising progesterone levels and managing hormonal changes.
The ongoing nature of menopausal symptoms if not addressed properly.
The long-term effects of a hysterectomy without proper hormone replacement therapy
The role of vaginal estrogen and treatments for menopausal vaginal health

And so much more!

Connect with Esther:

Website: https://estherblum.com/

Instagram: @gorgeousesther

About Esther Blum:
Esther Blum is an Integrative Dietitian and Menopause Expert. 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.

Learn more about Marea: http://www.mareawellness.com/

Connect with The Flow State Podcast Hosts:

Norah Candito, registered dietitian: @nutritionwithnorah

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.nutritionwithnorah.com/

Join Norah's group program for personalized support on your hormonal health journey:

https://www.nutritionwithnorah.com/harmonize

Monica Grohne, Marea’s founder, PMDD warrior and wellness junkie: @monicagrohne

Want to connect with other like minded wellness girlies? Join the

Previous Episode

S3E6: Mind-Body Connection: Community Q&A on Hormones, Hair Loss, and HIIT

In this episode, Norah and Monica dive deep into the world of hormone support and cycle tracking. They begin by thanking their audience for the amazing questions received for their seasonal community Q&A, emphasizing the importance of providing personalized answers to individual situations.

Episode Highlights:

Understanding Acne and Hormones: Exploring the link between gut health, hormones, and acne during ovulation.
Caloric Intake Recommendations: Discussing energy needs and nutrition during different menstrual phases.
Coping with Period Cramps: Nutritional approaches, including Omega-3 and Vitamin E sources, to alleviate discomfort.
Cycle Thinking and Anxiety: How hormonal fluctuations impact anxiety levels, differentiating PMDD and PME.
Cycle Tracking in College and Busy Schedules: Tips for college students with unpredictable schedules.
Age and Irregular Periods: Addressing irregular periods in mid-30s and considering perimenopause.
Understanding the Menstrual Cycle Continuum: Consider the last few months' impact on your current cycle, not just the previous month. Hormones take time to influence the menstrual cycle.
Hair Loss and Hormones: Hormonal imbalances, PCOS, and elevated androgens can cause hair loss in women. Nutrient deficiencies, especially iron, can also contribute.
Nutritional Supplements for Hair: Biotin and zinc can support hair, skin, and nails. Adequate nutrition is crucial for overall health and hair quality.
Tips for Better Motility: Practice mindful eating, avoid stress during meals, chew food thoroughly, and prioritize relaxation for improved digestion.

And so much more!

This podcast is brought to you by Marea. A menstrual wellness company providing drinkable nutrition to support you and your hormones. Take 15% off your first order with the code FLOWPOD.

Learn more about Marea: http://www.mareawellness.com/

Connect with The Flow State Podcast Hosts:

Norah Candito, registered dietitian: @nutritionwithnorah

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.nutritionwithnorah.com/

Join Norah's group program for personalized support on your hormonal health journey:

https://www.nutritionwithnorah.com/harmonize

Monica Grohne, Marea’s founder, PMDD warrior and wellness junkie: @monicagrohne

Want to connect with other like minded wellness girlies? Join the FLOW STATE CLUB, a digital group chat connecting people like you.

Next Episode

S3E8: Awakening Your Inner Child with Liz Hayes

In this episode, we are joined by the incredible Liz Hayes, known to many as "Miss Magic." Liz is an intuitive guide and the creator of the Sync Up Method, an approach that helps you reconnect with your inner flow, embrace your preferences, and lead a more fulfilling life.

Tune in to discover the transformative journey of reconnecting with your intuition, embracing your inner flow, and finding magic in the everyday moments of life.

Episode Highlights:

Liz shares an engaging exercise that demonstrates the power of tuning into your preferences. This exercise helps you connect with your inner self and uncover your true desires
Monica relates the concepts discussed to her personal experiences, highlighting the importance of reconnecting with your intuition and inner wisdom
Societal pressures and expectations that often overshadow our authentic desires
The difference between goals and preferences, emphasizing the significance of tuning into your body's wisdom and having authentic conversations with yourself
Monica shares her experience of building a strong Instagram following and the realization that external achievements don't fundamentally change who you are
The importance of listening to your own instincts and inner guidance, drawing parallels to health coaching and the power of personal insights
A practical advice for listeners seeking to reconnect with their bodies and intuition

And so much more!

Connect with Liz:

Instagram: @lovelizhays

Website: https://meetmsmagic.com/

The Mothership Membership

This podcast is brought to you by Marea. A menstrual wellness company providing drinkable nutrition to support you and your hormones. Take 15% off your first order with the code FLOWPOD.

Learn more about Marea: http://www.mareawellness.com/

Connect with The Flow State Podcast Hosts:

Norah Candito, registered dietitian: @nutritionwithnorah

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.nutritionwithnorah.com/

Join Norah's group program for personalized support on your hormonal health journey:

https://www.nutritionwithnorah.com/harmonize

Monica Grohne, Marea’s founder, PMDD warrior and wellness junkie: @monicagrohne

Want to connect with other like minded wellness girlies? Join the FLOW STATE CLUB, a digital group chat connecting people like you.