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“Menopause is inevitable, but suffering through it isn’t. This is a time when we can step into our wisdom, strength, and confidence — if we support our bodies properly.” – Dr. Christine Maren
In this episode of The Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations Podcast, I sit down with my longtime friend and expert in women’s health, Dr. Christine Maren, to talk about navigating and thriving in perimenopause. Dr. Maren is a board-certified physician specializing in functional medicine, hormones, gut health, and resilience. Having experienced her own health struggles with Hashimoto’s, pregnancy and perimenopause, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a compassionate approach to supporting women through this major transition.
We discuss why perimenopause isn’t just a prelude to menopause—it’s a significant phase in its own right. Many of us start experiencing unexpected weight gain, insomnia, anxiety, brain fog, and cycle changes before we even realize what’s happening. Dr. Maren and I share our personal experiences and practical strategies for balancing hormones, optimizing thyroid function, and feeling our best during this transition.
If you’ve been experiencing symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, mood swings, sudden weight gain, or unpredictable cycles, you’re not alone. Perimenopause can start as early as your late 30s, and yet, so many women feel caught off-guard when symptoms start creeping in.
Dr. Maren and I agree that this phase isn’t about losing vitality, but rather gaining wisdom and resilience. She has personally inspired me on my perimenopause journey and I hope she will inspire you too!
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- Perimenopause isn’t just about hot flashes – It can feel like your entire personality has changed overnight. Anxiety, weight gain, brain fog, and sleep struggles are common signs—but they don’t have to be your new normal.
- Stress can fast-track perimenopause – High-achieving women who push through stress may experience perimenopause earlier and more intensely. Learning how to regulate your nervous system is key to resilience.
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) got a bad rap—but the science has changed – The infamous 2002 Women’s Health Initiative study was misleading. Modern research shows bioidentical hormones can protect your brain, bones, metabolism, and mood.
- Your gut microbiome changes in perimenopause! – As estrogen drops, your gut bacteria shift, increasing inflammation, bloating, and even autoimmune risks. Fiber, resistant starch, and gut-healing strategies become essential.
- Lifting weights is the ultimate metabolism booster – Walking and yoga aren’t enough anymore. Strength training helps prevent the muscle loss that slows your metabolism and contributes to stubborn weight gain.
- Low estrogen can mimic ADHD and anxiety – That sudden inability to focus or regulate emotions? It might not be stress or aging—it could be a hormone imbalance that’s completely fixable.
- Progesterone can be a game-changer for sleep and mood – Many women struggling with perimenopause anxiety, irritability, and insomnia see dramatic improvements just by adding bioidentical progesterone.
The good news is that with the right strategies, you can regain control over your body and mind.
Resources from Dr. Maren
- Free gift from Dr. Maren – 12 Ways to Detox Your Home
Supplements & Nutrients
- Methylated B-complex – Supports energy, mood, and detox pathways.
- Pure Encapsulations B12 Liquid – Helpful for stress, brain, and nervous system health.
- Vitamin D3 + K2 – Critical for bone health, immune function, and hormone balance.
- Rootcology Magnesium Citrate Powder – Helps with sleep, muscle function, and stress resilience.
- Fish Oil (Omega-3s) – Reduces inflammation and supports brain health.
- Creatine – Aids in muscle maintenance, cognitive function, and energy production.
- Collagen – Supports hair, skin, nails, joints, and gut health.
- DIM (Diindolylmethane) – Supports estrogen metabolism, particularly useful for women on bioidentical hormones.
- Chaste Tree (Vitex) – Can support progesterone levels in early perimenopause.
- Berberine – Helps with blood sugar regulation and insulin sensitivity.
- Inositol (D-Chiro + Myo-inositol) – Supports blood sugar balance, PCOS, and thyroid function.
- Digestive Enzymes & Ox Bile – Supports digestion and nutrient absorption.
- Spore-Based Probiotics (e.g. MegaSporeBiotic) – Supports gut health without triggering histamine issues. (MegaSporeBiotic is available when you sign up through this link.)
- Serum-Derived Immunoglobulins (SBI Protect, Mega IgG 2000 for Gut Health) – Help gut immunity and support healing from leaky gut, IBS, and mold exposure.
- Rootcology Resistant Starch & Prebiotics (e.g. cooked and cooled potatoes, green bananas, oats) – Support gut microbiome and hormone detoxification.
- Rootcology Butyrate Balance & Aloe Vera – Help with gut healing, reducing inflammation, and promoting healthy digestion.
- Rootcology Electrolyte Powder – Replenishes electrolytes and supports energy levels.
- NOW Vitamin C – For immune system and stress.
Hormone Therapy & Medications
Bioidentical Hormone Therapy (HRT) Options:
- Micronized Progesterone (e.g. Prometrium) – Supports sleep, mood, and hormone balance.
- Transdermal Estradiol (Patch, Gel, Cream, or Vaginal Ring) – Supports cognitive function, bone density, and heart health with lower clot risk.
- Testosterone Therapy (Topical or DHEA precursor) – Helps with libido, motivation, and muscle strength (based on lab results).
Testing & Functional Medicine Tools
- Day 3-5 Blood Work for Hormones – Helps assess estrogen, progesterone, LH, FSH, and testosterone levels.
- Thyroid Testing – Regular monitoring of thyroid hormones (TSH, Free T3, Free T4, antibodies) is crucial during perimenopause.
- Organic Acid Test (OAT) – Identifies nutrient deficiencies, mitochondrial function, and gut imbalances.
- Comprehensive Stool Test – Assesses gut health, microbiome balance, and estrogen detox pathways.
- SIBO Breath Test – Checks for bacterial overgrowth, which can contribute to bloating and gut issues.
- DUTCH Hormone Test – Evaluates hormone levels, metabolites, and cortisol patterns (useful for bioidentical hormone monitoring).
- Mycotoxin Testing – Helps identify toxins that may worsen perimenopause symptoms.
Lifestyle & Fitness Resources
- Weighted Vest (Amazon) (10% of body weight) – Enhances bone density, improves posture, and increases workout intensity.
- Walking Treadmill (Amazon)
- Strength Training – Essential for metabolism, bone health, and longevity.
- High-Fiber Diet (30g per day) – Supports hormone balance, gut health, and weight management.
- Spotify Playlist for Female Empowerment Workouts – Dr. Maren’s personal mix
Perimenopause & Gut Health Insights:
- The Estrobolome – The gut microbiome’s role in estrogen metabolism and hormonal balance.
- Menopause & Brain Health – Early HRT use can protect against cognitive decline.
Relevant Reading and Resources
- Information on symptoms like fibrocystic breasts and decreased libido
- Moderating Blood sugar swings can help with the perimenopause emotional rollercoaster
- The Best Probiotics for Hashimoto’s
- 14 Ways Birth Control Pills Rob Us of Our Health
- Did Your Thyroid Condition Start or Worsen During Perimenopause?
- Estrogen Dominance as a Trigger for Hashimoto’s
- Adrenal Transformation Protocol Book
Get the Full Episode Transcript
Let’s Connect!
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Got questions? Drop them in the comments! 🙂
Host & Guest
Dr. Izabella Wentz
Dr. Izabella Wentz is a compassionate, innovative, solution-focused integrative pharmacist dedicated to finding the root causes of chronic health conditions. Her passion stems from her own diagnosis of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis in 2009, following a decade of debilitating symptoms. Dr. Izabella Wentz has written several best-selling books, including the New York Times bestseller Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: Lifestyle Interventions for Finding and Treating the Root Cause, the protocol-based #1 New York Times bestseller Hashimoto’s Protocol: A 90-Day Plan for Reversing Thyroid Symptoms and Getting Your Life Back, the Wall Street Journal bestseller Hashimoto’s Food Pharmacology: Nutrition Protocols and Healing Recipes to Take Charge of Your Thyroid Health, and her latest book, Adrenal Transformation Protocol.
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Dr. Christine Maren
Christine Maren D.O. is a board-certified physician and founder of a functional medicine practice specializing in women’s health and hormones. Her transformative work addresses root causes, optimizes hormones, and builds lasting resilience. Having navigated her own health challenges with pregnancy and now perimenopause, she understands how overwhelming hormonal symptoms can feel. Her comprehensive approach combines conventional and functional medicine expertise to help women feel energized, clear-headed and confident again. Board-certified by ABFM and IFMCP-certified, she serves patients virtually across Colorado, Michigan, and Texas.
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