Struggling with belly fat, bloating, or weight gain that wasn't a problem a few years ago?

This week, I’m unpacking exactly what’s going on with your body in perimenopause and menopause that’s making weight loss feel impossible… and how to actually shift that.

We’re breaking down:

• What’s really going on with your hormones and metabolism
• Why visceral fat increases (and why it matters)
• The role of insulin resistance, cortisol, and muscle loss
• Why "eat less, move more" is outdated advice — and what to do instead
• The science-backed ways to actually support fat loss in midlife (hint: it's not starvation)

Plus: I’m talking about the real role of HRT, protein, strength training, supplements, and nutrition — and how to stop fighting your body and start working with it.

This one’s part education, part myth-busting, and all about helping you feel better, get stronger, and finally understand what your body is doing — and why it’s not your fault.

To book an appointment if you're in DE or MD visit:
www.offcoastwellness.com or call/text 302-947-8388

IG/FB: @offcoastwellness / @yourhormoneNP

TikTok: @yourhormoneNP

Fullscript Link for Supplements: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/offcoastwellness/store-start

Referenced Research & Resources:

1. Visceral Fat & Estrogen Decline:
   • Lizcano F, Guzmán G. Estrogen deficiency and the origin of obesity during menopause. BioMed Res Int. 2014. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/757461
2. Insulin Resistance & Menopause:
   • Carr MC. The emergence of the metabolic syndrome with menopause. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2003. https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2003-030242
3. Cortisol & Adrenal Compensation:
   • Prior JC. Progesterone for symptomatic perimenopause treatment. Endocrine. 2018. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12020-018-1722-4
4. Creatine for Midlife Women:
   • Forbes SC et al. Effects of creatine supplementation on brain function and health. Nutrients. 2021. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13030875
5. Vitamin D & K2 Synergy for Bone Health:
   • Karp JK et al. Vitamin K2: a neglected player in bone health? Front Endocrinol. 2022. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2022.928556
6. Berberine and Blood Sugar:
   • Dong H et al. Berberine in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systemic review and meta-analysis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/591654
7. Myo-Inositol & PCOS/Insulin Resistance:
   • Unfer V et al. Myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol in PCOS: a review. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2012. https://doi.org/10.3109/09513590.2011.650660
8. Menopause Muscle Loss & Resistance Training:
   • Maltais ML et al. Sarcopenia, muscle function, and resistance training in older women. J Aging Res. 2010. https://doi.org/10.4061/2010/569830

Hormones don’t just affect your period, fertility, or hot flashes. They deeply impact your mood, motivation, mental clarity, and resilience. In this episode, we dive into how hormonal changes — from PMS to perimenopause — can influence anxiety, depression, irritability, and more.

We'll talk about:

• How estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone influence neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and GABA
• Why so many women are prescribed SSRIs when what they may need is hormone evaluation and support
• The mental health toll of hormonal transitions like PMS, PMDD, PCOS, postpartum, perimenopause, and menopause
• The difference between treating symptoms with medications vs. getting to the root cause
• Treatment options, including progesterone, estradiol, and testosterone — and how they can support mood and cognition
• How to advocate for testing and treatment if you’re feeling dismissed or gaslit about your symptoms

Whether you're 25 or 55, this episode gives you the language, validation, and information to take control of your mental and hormonal health.

Resources & References:

• ACOG: Mental Health Conditions Common in Perimenopause
• JAMA Psychiatry (2020): SSRI Prescriptions in Midlife Women
• NIH: Hormones and Mood in Women
• VHA (2024): HRT and Suicide Risk Reduction in Midlife Women
• Endocrine Society: Hormones and Mental Health
• The Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research
• Postpartum Support International
• PMDD: IAPMD - International Association for Premenstrual Disorders

Want to connect?

• Book a Free Discovery Call or Consult if you're in DE or MD at www.offcoastwellness.com
• IG, FB, TikTok: @offcoastwellness

BONUS EPISODE!

After a recent podcast episode featuring Lauryn Bosstick and her guest Shannon went viral for all the wrong reasons, I knew I had to sit down and talk about it — not just to respond, but to educate, advocate, and support the women who deserve better.

We’re breaking down:

• Why positivity does not cure infertility
• The harm in suggesting mindset is the root of fertility struggles
• Why raw milk in pregnancy is a real, evidence-based risk
• Her wild comparison to cavemen and maternal “intuition” (including a reality check on Paleolithic life expectancy)
• A deeper look at hormones, ovulation, and actual fertility physiology
• What to do if you’re struggling to conceive — and how fertility specialists help
• Why women who are doing everything right need compassion, not condescension
• And how to hold space for others, even if you’ve personally been blessed

This episode is passionate, explicit, and deeply honest — because women navigating fertility deserve real information, real support, and real respect.