The Hormone Solutions Podcast with Karen Martel is your ultimate guide to understanding the complexities of hormone health, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and optimizing your health in midlife. Hosted by Karen Martel, known as the "Hormone Whisperer," this podcast taps into her deep understanding of hormones—something that sets her apart from most practitioners. As a Certified Hormone Specialist, Transformational Nutrition Coach, speaker, podcaster, and passionate advocate for women's health, Karen brings a unique perspective that combines scientific expertise with a compassionate, holistic approach to hormone balance.
In each episode, Karen dives into the science behind hormonal imbalances, the truth about hormone replacement therapy, and how hormones impact everything from metabolism to mood. The Hormone Solutions Podcast provides science-backed solutions, actionable insights, and empowering strategies for women navigating peri-menopause, menopause, and beyond. Whether you're considering HRT or looking for natural ways to optimize your health, Karen offers the knowledge you need to make informed decisions and thrive through every stage of life.
Tune in to hear from a trusted expert in the field and get the tools you need to reclaim your health and live your best life!
New episodes released every Saturday and Tuesday, and don't forget to start your journey today with Karen's free hormone quiz at https://karenmartel.com. Together, we'll explore the tools and options to help you feel your best at every stage of life.
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The Period Brain: PMS, PMDD & the Scary Truth About Birth Control
Saturday, October 4, 2025 • Duration 01:30:42
Curious about how your hormones influence your mood, libido, and relationships? Dr. Sarah Hill, a leading evolutionary psychologist, is here to unravel the mysteries of women's hormonal cycles and their profound impact on emotional and sexual well-being. Are you ready to challenge the conventional wisdom around PMS and PMDD?
Ever wondered why your sexual desire seems to fluctuate throughout the month? Dr. Hill delves into the natural ebb and flow of women's libido and how understanding these cycles can enhance intimacy. Can knowing more about your hormones improve your relationship dynamics?
What's the real deal with hormonal birth control? Dr. Hill offers a balanced view of its benefits and drawbacks, from mood swings to partner preferences. Are you sure you're making informed choices about your hormonal health?
In this episode, we uncover:
How hormonal cycles affect women's psychological and physical well-being.
Why PMS and PMDD are often misunderstood and mismanaged.
How understanding sexual desire cycles can improve relationship dynamics.
The impact of hormonal birth control on mood and partner preferences.
Why maintaining hormonal balance is crucial for overall health.
Tune in to discover the hidden truths about women's hormonal health and relationships. Let Dr. Hill guide you through embracing hormonal balance and self-compassion as you understand the period brain!
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Are you in peri or post menopause and looking to optimize your hormones and health? At Hormone Solutions, we offer telemedicine services and can prescribe in every U.S. state, as well as in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario in Canada.
Visit karenmartel.com to explore our comprehensive programs:
Beauty Without Toxins: The Alitura Story with Andy Hnilo
Tuesday, September 30, 2025 • Duration 01:04:02
How did a near-fatal accident could lead to a groundbreaking skincare revolution? Discover Andy Hnilo's inspiring journey from tragedy to triumph as he transforms adversity into Alitura's luxurious, natural skincare solutions. What are the secrets behind his success?
Have you ever wondered why ingredient authenticity is crucial in skincare? Dive into the meticulous world of sourcing the finest ingredients from across the globe. How does Andy ensure each product meets the highest standards, and what role does nutrition play in achieving glowing skin?
Is it possible to enhance your beauty routine with natural, toxin-free products? Explore the power of essential oils and natural ingredients that can revolutionize your skincare regimen. What are the transformative benefits of red light therapy and nutrient-dense diets?
In this episode, we uncover:
How a life-changing accident sparked Andy's passion for natural skincare.
Why authenticity and ingredient sourcing are key to Alitura's success.
The role of nutrition and lifestyle choices in achieving optimal skin health.
Why red light therapy is a game-changer for collagen synthesis and rejuvenation.
How Andy's fragrance venture is inspired by his mother's favorite scents.
Join us on this enlightening journey into the world of natural beauty. Tune in to discover how you can elevate your skincare routine and embrace the power of nature's gifts!
If you're trying to balance your hormones, head to https://www.beamminerals.com and use code HORMONE for 20% off your first order.
Starting HRT More Than 10 Years After Menopause: What the Science Really Says
Saturday, August 9, 2025 • Duration 57:45
Are you or someone you know experiencing menopause symptoms even a decade later? Could modern hormone replacement therapy be the solution you've been searching for? Discover how this podcast episode uncovers the transformative potential of HRT, debunking myths and misconceptions along the way.
Have you ever wondered about the impact of estrogen loss on your bone health and overall well-being? Could transdermal estradiol and bioidentical progesterone offer safer alternatives? Dive into the critical role of timely hormone therapy in maintaining health and reducing risks, even for those well past menopause.
Is there a way to enhance metabolic health, energy, and cognitive function through hormone therapies? Explore the nuanced, systems-based approach to HRT and learn why it might be time to rethink your options. Whether you're newly approaching menopause or considering HRT later in life, this episode has insights for you.
In this episode, we uncover:
How modern HRT options are reshaping menopause relief and quality of life.
Why transdermal estradiol and bioidentical progesterone might be safer for older women.
The critical role of hormone therapy in maintaining bone density and reducing fracture risks.
How testosterone and other hormone therapies can improve vaginal tissue health.
Why timing and form matter in using HRT to protect against cognitive decline.
Don't miss this enlightening conversation that could change your perspective on hormone therapy. Tune in to uncover how HRT can be a game-changer for women's health, even if you're considering it later in life!
The Great Menopause Myth: The Truth on Mastering Midlife Hormonal Mayhem with Kristin Johnson & Maria Claps
Saturday, September 14, 2024 • Duration 57:33
Maria, an FDN practitioner, and Kristin, an NTP Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition, are plainspoken friends and practitioners who share a passion for women's health, especially women's health at midlife. As both are themselves menopausal, they've refined the art and science of thriving as a midlife woman based on both clinical and personal experience. They combine individualized nutrition and lifestyle changes tailored to midlife women's needs with mindset coaching, lab testing and hormone replacement therapy education to help women thrive so that they can stop or prevent their health from spinning out of control.
Maria and Kristin share their journey from general nutrition to specialized hormonal health in this episode. We explore the profound impacts of hormones on aging, focusing on the roles of senescent cells and hormone replacement therapy. Maria and Kristin reveal surprising insights about estrogen receptors and the importance of maintaining optimal hormone levels for overall health, from hair and joints to brain and vascular health. They emphasize the benefits of cyclical progesterone dosing and debunk common myths surrounding estriol and estradiol in HRT, advocating for a personalized approach to hormone therapy.
In this episode:
Why hormone replacement therapy impacts overall health beyond symptom relief.
How estrogen receptors are located in unexpected areas like the eyes and ears.
How hormone cycling can mimic the body's natural rhythms for better health outcomes.
Why cyclical progesterone dosing is preferred over static hormone dosing.
How static dosing can lead to issues like breakthrough bleeding and water retention.
Why estradiol is often misunderstood and feared despite its protective benefits.
How high doses of estriol can cause adverse effects such as insulin resistance.
Why incorporating topical progesterone can benefit women sensitive to oral forms.
Why understanding hormone health is important beyond just managing symptoms.
How Maria and Kristin's book "The Great Menopause Myth" provides a unique perspective.
Quick Hits: Women Facing Menopause are Betrayed by Ignorance and Sexism in the Health Community
Tuesday, September 10, 2024 • Duration 34:41
Night sweats, mood swings, insomnia, hot flashes, weight gain, headaches, depression, anxiety, dry skin, vaginal atrophy... the list goes on.
It's disheartening, isn't it? These are just some of the often debilitating symptoms that accompany peri-menopause and menopause.
You'd think such a daunting list would catch the attention of doctors and spur them to find effective solutions. But sadly, that's not what's happening. Instead, many women are being met with ignorance—even sexism—by the very medical professionals they trust, including doctors, functional MDs, nutrition coaches, and so-called hormone "experts."
The number of postmenopausal women has only increased over time. In 1998, there were 477 million postmenopausal women worldwide. By 2025, that number is expected to soar to 1.1 billion.
At one point, estrogen was the most prescribed medication in North America, helping countless women navigate their menopausal years with greater ease. But then something changed. Misinformation and unfounded fear about hormone replacement therapy spread, leading to widespread misconceptions.
In this episode, I dive deep into the study that upended the lives of millions of women. We'll explore how trusted health practitioners have misled us about estrogen and hormone replacement therapy, and why it's crucial that women educate themselves and join me in spreading the word—so no one has to suffer unnecessarily.
Are you in peri or post menopause and looking to optimize your hormones and health? At Hormone Solutions, we offer telemedicine services and can prescribe in every U.S. state, as well as in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario in Canada. Visit karenmartel.com to explore our comprehensive programs:
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
Your host: Certified Hormone Specialist, Transformational Nutrition Coach, & Weight Loss Expert
From Depression to Peak Health: The Secret Struggles of High-Performing Women with Biohacker Angela Foster
Saturday, September 7, 2024 • Duration 01:24:16
Angela is an award-winning Nutritionist, Health & Performance Coach, Keynote Speaker and Host of The High Performance Health Podcast.
A former corporate lawyer turned industry leader in biohacking and health optimisation for women, Angela regularly gives keynotes to large fitness, health and wellness events She also delivers Health Optimisation and Performance Workshops to large multinational corporations with a strong focus on women's health and burnout prevention.
Angela brings us through her vast knowledge of midlife mental health, focusing on the hormonal shifts that many women experience during perimenopause and menopause. We explore how a drop in key hormones like serotonin and GABA can exacerbate depression and anxiety. Angela shares her personal journey from a high-powered corporate lawyer to a health advocate, revealing the strategies she used to harmonize her hormones and prevent burnout. Together, we discuss mental health strategies that you can easily implement, the challenges of balancing career and motherhood, and the importance of self-kindness and resilience during midlife transitions.
In this episode:
Why serotonin and GABA drops can amplify mood disorders in midlife women.
Angela's transition from a corporate lawyer to a health performance coach.
How Angela battled PCOS, endometriosis, and prenatal and postnatal depression.
Why seeking help for mental health issues is crucial, especially during midlife.
How Angela harmonized her hormones and prevented burnout.
The importance of mindfulness and simple, present-focused strategies for mental well-being.
Why balancing motherhood and a demanding career requires emotional resilience.
How infant health issues often add to maternal stress and isolation.
Strategies for managing depression and anxiety through mindfulness and thought pattern changes.
How past traumas resurface during midlife and require new therapeutic approaches.
Why self-awareness is essential for overall well-being in midlife.
Quick Hits: The Dark Side of Weight Loss: Are You Secretly Sabotaging Your Success?
Tuesday, September 3, 2024 • Duration 21:12
Welcome to Quick Hits: Blasts from The Past. Join Karen as she explores her podcast archives, offering you short, impactful excerpts from standout episodes. In just 15 minutes, you'll experience the essence of past conversations, packed with valuable insights and memorable moments from our guests. If you want to dive deeper, you'll find links to the full episodes in the show notes below.
Have you ever reached your weight loss goals only to discover that you are still unsatisfied and full of self-hatred? Have you ever sabotaged your weight loss efforts? Do you look in the mirror each day and cut yourself down? Very few women have a positive outlook on their body when they are trying to lose weight. This lack of self acceptance and self love can stop you from losing weight and/or make it so that you are never satisfied with your efforts.
In this episode;
I ask you some tough questions that need to be answered in order to reach your weight loss goals.
What is happening on the brain level that keeps us in a state unnecessary self judgement.
How we can self sabotage our efforts and subconsciously want to keep the weight on.
The 6 basic human needs that can help you transform
How to conquer self acceptance so that you can truly transform
Are you in peri or post menopause and looking to optimize your hormones and health? At Hormone Solutions, we offer telemedicine services and can prescribe in every U.S. state, as well as in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario in Canada. Visit karenmartel.com to explore our comprehensive programs:
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
Your host: Certified Hormone Specialist, Transformational Nutrition Coach, & Weight Loss Expert
Boosting Brain, Body, and Mood: Exploring the Power of Methylene Blue with Dr. Scott Sherr
Saturday, August 31, 2024 • Duration 01:23:38
Dr. Scott Sherr is a Board Certified Internal Medicine Physician Certified to Practice Health Optimization Medicine and a specialist in Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT).
He is the COO of Troscriptions, a line of physician formulated, pharmaceutical grade, and precision dosed buccal troches containing novel ingredients like methylene blue, agarin, and others in formulas for energy, focus, sleep, stress, immune support, and more. His clinical practice includes Health optimization medicine as its foundation plus an integrative approach to hyperbaric oxygen therapy that includes cutting-edge and dynamic HBOT protocols, comprehensive laboratory testing targeted supplementation, personal practices, synergistic technologies (new and ancient), and more.
Along with Dr. Sherr, we're checking out the fascinating world of methylene blue. We explore the compound's rich history, from its beginnings as a clothing dye to its modern applications in health optimization. Dr. Sherr shares insights into the rigorous testing and sourcing required to ensure methylene blue's purity and efficacy, emphasizing its critical role in mitochondrial support and energy production. We discuss its potential in treating chronic illnesses, boosting cognitive function, and managing jet lag. Join us to uncover practical tips for incorporating this powerful supplement into your wellness routine.
In this episode:
Why Dr. Sherr emphasizes the importance of sourcing high-purity methylene blue.
How methylene blue supports mitochondrial function and energy production.
Methylene blue's historical usage to treat malaria and various infections.
Why starting with low doses of methylene blue is crucial for safety.
How methylene blue helps manage chronic conditions and inflammation.
Why combining methylene blue with red light therapy can enhance its benefits.
How Troscriptions ensures the purity and efficacy of their methylene blue products.
Why Blue Cannatine combines methylene blue, nicotine, caffeine, and CBD.
How methylene blue can be used to manage jet lag and brain inflammation.
Quick Hits: Why You Need Iodine for Hormones, Thyroid and More with Dr. David Brownstein
Tuesday, August 27, 2024 • Duration 21:31
Welcome to Quick Hits: Blasts from The Past. Join Karen as she explores her podcast archives, offering you short, impactful excerpts from standout episodes. In just 15 minutes, you'll experience the essence of past conversations, packed with valuable insights and memorable moments from our guests. If you want to dive deeper, you'll find links to the full episodes in the show notes below.
David Brownstein, who is a board-certified family physician. Dr. Brownstein has lectured internationally to physicians and others about his success in using natural hormones and nutritional therapies in his practice. Dr. Brownstein has authored 16 books, including one about iodine and its importance to our well-being.
How Dr. Brownstein realized that iodine deficiency was an epidemic in North America.
The role of iodine in thyroid function
How does iodine help with the utilization of hormones?
Iodine and heavy metals
Iodine's connection to cystic breasts
How to take iodine and what to take it with
What should we know about iodine as it relates to the thyroid and why is it essential?
Does it help to lower reverse t3?
What happens when there's an iodine deficiency?
How halides bromine, chlorine and fluoride that can be released when iodine is taken
How do you test iodine?
What his protocol is if someone was low on iodine
Test your iodine levels from home with the Hakala Iodine Challenge test! David Brownstein, who is a board-certified family physician. Dr. Brownstein has lectured internationally to physicians and others about his success in using natural hormones and nutritional therapies in his practice. Dr. Brownstein has authored 16 books, including one about iodine and its importance to our well-being.
Are you in peri or post menopause and looking to optimize your hormones and health? At Hormone Solutions, we offer telemedicine services and can prescribe in every U.S. state, as well as in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario in Canada. Visit to explore our comprehensive programs: Your host: Certified Hormone Specialist, Transformational Nutrition Coach, & Weight Loss Expert
Unpacking Breast Pain: From Iodine to HRT to Caffeine—The Hidden Culprits and Surprising Solutions
Saturday, August 24, 2024 • Duration 01:04:32
I'm sharing my personal journey in this episode through the challenging landscape of breast pain, swelling, and cysts. We'll discuss the complexities of breast pain, from cyclical and fibrocystic discomfort to hormone replacement therapy-induced pain. You'll hear the critical role that hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin play in breast health and the importance of hormonal balance. Additionally, I explore how lifestyle factors such as caffeine and iodine deficiency impact breast pain. I'll provide strategies, including supplementation and dietary changes, to alleviate discomfort and promote better breast health.
In this episode:
Why breast pain can be perplexing and worrying, especially with breast cancer fears.
The importance of regular breast health monitoring to alleviate anxiety.
How cyclical, fibrocystic, and HRT-induced breast pain differ in causes and symptoms.
Understanding hormonal peaks around ovulation and their effects on breast tissue.
The concept of estrogen dominance and its implications for thyroid function.
Why proper hormonal testing is crucial before making adjustments.
How balancing estrogen, progesterone, and thyroid health can manage breast pain.
How consuming things like caffeine and chocolate can impact breast pain.
The role of iodine deficiency in exacerbating breast pain and breast disease risks.
Practical strategies for supporting estrogen metabolism and reducing breast pain.
Benefits of iodine supplementation and progesterone cream in managing symptoms.
How N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and evening primrose oil help alleviate breast discomfort.
Tips for managing breast pain during hormone replacement therapy.
The significance of using castor oil packs for immediate relief from breast cyst pain.
Why it's essential to consult healthcare providers for personalized breast pain management.
Are you in peri or post menopause and looking to optimize your hormones and health? At Hormone Solutions, we offer telemedicine services and can prescribe in every U.S. state, as well as in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario in Canada.
Visit karenmartel.com to explore our comprehensive programs:
Are you in peri or post menopause and looking to optimize your hormones and health? At Hormone Solutions, we offer telemedicine services and can prescribe in every U.S. state, as well as in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario in Canada.
Visit karenmartel.com to explore our comprehensive programs:
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Are you in peri or post menopause and looking to optimize your hormones and health? At Hormone Solutions, we offer telemedicine services and can prescribe in every U.S. state, as well as in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario in Canada.
Visit karenmartel.com to explore our comprehensive programs:
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Are you in peri or post menopause and looking to optimize your hormones and health? At Hormone Solutions, we offer telemedicine services and can prescribe in every U.S. state, as well as in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario in Canada.
Visit karenmartel.com to explore our comprehensive programs:
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Are you in peri or post menopause and looking to optimize your hormones and health? At Hormone Solutions, we offer telemedicine services and can prescribe in every U.S. state, as well as in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario in Canada.
Visit karenmartel.com to explore our comprehensive programs:
Are you in peri or post menopause and looking to optimize your hormones and health? At Hormone Solutions, we offer telemedicine services and can prescribe in every U.S. state, as well as in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario in Canada.
Visit karenmartel.com to explore our comprehensive programs:
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