Quick Hits: Gut Health Mysteries Unveiled - Insights on Hormone Metabolism, Low Carb, COVID, Weight Loss, and GLP1s with Dr. Grace Liu
The Hormone Solution Podcast with Karen Martel
Release Date: 04/29/2025
Part 2 Q&A with Karen: Cortisol Replacement, Optimal Levels, HRT Absorption Issues, Estrogen Detox, BIEST Troches, Perimenopause Confusion & More!
The Hormone Solution Podcast with Karen Martel
This episode picks up right where part one leaves off as I dive into more of your thoughtful, honest questions in the second-part of this year-end Q&A. What happens when hormone therapy doesn’t seem to be working the way you expected? And how do you know if your dose is actually doing what you need it to do? I answer questions about achy joints, stubborn symptoms, cortisol replacement, thyroid interactions, and why some delivery methods work beautifully for one person and fail another. Why do absorption issues happen? What does “optimal” really mean when it comes to hormone levels?...
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Q&A with Karen: High Ferritin, Injectable HRT, Breakthrough Bleeding, Optimizing Hormones, Histamine Intolerance and MORE!
The Hormone Solution Podcast with Karen Martel
I’m wrapping up the year by answering your questions in this first of a two-part Q&A, and we cover a lot of ground. From confusing lab results to hormone dosing debates, I dig into the questions so many of you are quietly wondering about. What does high ferritin really mean? Is it iron—or something else entirely? We’ll also take a look at hormone replacement frustrations. Why do some people still bleed months into HRT? Are injections better than patches or creams? And how do you know if your body is actually absorbing what you’re taking? I share real-world context, common patterns...
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From Belly Fat to Brain Fog: The Top Peptides, & Hormones Helping Women in Menopause with Dr. Aleksandra Gajer
The Hormone Solution Podcast with Karen Martel
What’s really driving the sudden belly fat, brain fog, and sleep chaos so many women hit in midlife? And why do the usual “eat less, move more” solutions stop working overnight? In this episode featuring Dr. Aleksandra Gajer, we dig into the hormones and peptides that may finally explain why your body feels like it’s changing without your permission. Together, we unpack what’s happening beneath the surface (insulin resistance, inflammation, mitochondrial slowdown, hormonal roller coasters), and ask the questions women are never told to ask. What if your symptoms aren’t a lack of...
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Hair Loss, Chin Whiskers & More: How to Avoid the Not-So-Pretty Side Effects of Testosterone HRT for Women
The Hormone Solution Podcast with Karen Martel
Are you curious about the buzz surrounding testosterone therapy for women, but wondering about the side effects? In this episode, we dive deep into the world of testosterone replacement therapy’s unwanted side effects, and more importantly, how to fix them. What happens when testosterone levels spike too high? Could the very treatment meant to enhance your energy and libido lead to unwanted changes in your body? Join us as we discuss real stories from women navigating their hormone journeys and uncover the truth behind the glamorous narratives often shared on social media. Are you ready to...
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The Surprising Root Cause of the Dreaded 3 A.M. Wake-Up—And the Fix No One Told You About
The Hormone Solution Podcast with Karen Martel
Are you one of those people who wakes up at 3 A.M. and can’t fall back asleep? Have you ever wondered if there’s a deeper reason behind those late-night wake-ups? In this episode, we explore the shocking link between blood sugar fluctuations and nighttime awakenings. Blood sugar expert Dani Hamilton joins us to shed light on the root cause of these sleep disruptions. Have you ever thought about how your dietary habits could be impacting your sleep? Or how embracing fats might be the key to stable energy levels? We challenge the misconceptions around dietary fat and reveal the essential...
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The Most Asked HRT Questions of 2025 — Answered by Karen (a.k.a. The Ones She Hears 10,000 Times a Year)
The Hormone Solution Podcast with Karen Martel
Curious about the future of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and its impact on menopause? This episode features my answers to the most common HRT questions of 2025. Can HRT be your secret weapon for a healthier, longer life, even if you aren't experiencing typical menopause symptoms? Is HRT the missing piece in your weight loss journey? Explore the fascinating link between hormone cycling and midlife wellness. What does the latest research say about personalized hormone approaches, and how might these strategies keep cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis at bay? Ever wondered about the...
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Reverse Dieting, Metabolic Recovery, and the Real Way to Fix Your Fat Loss Plateaus with Philip Pape
The Hormone Solution Podcast with Karen Martel
Are you struggling with weight loss despite following a strict diet? Ever wondered if eating more could actually help you lose weight? Join us in this episode as we dive into the intriguing world of reverse dieting and metabolic recovery with Philip Pape, a high-performance nutrition coach. Do you know about GLP-1 medications and their revolutionary role in weight management? Are you curious about how to optimize your metabolism and finally break through those frustrating weight loss plateaus? Philip unpacks these groundbreaking topics, providing you with the knowledge to transform your...
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Tesofensine: The Next Big Weight Loss Compound That Boosts Dopamine, Burns Fat and Lights up the Midlife Brain
The Hormone Solution Podcast with Karen Martel
Ready to hear about a new revolutionary weight loss strategy tailored for midlife women? Ever wondered how cutting-edge peptides and hormones can transform your wellness journey? This episode dives deep into the world of tesofensine, a fascinating compound originally researched for Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, now making waves in weight management. What makes tesofensine a potential game-changer for women experiencing hormonal shifts during perimenopause and menopause? How does it work to enhance neurotransmitter balance and boost metabolic health? Discover the unexpected benefits and...
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The Forgotten Molecule That 98% of Women Lose in Midlife—And How It Can Revive Your Libido, Energy & Glow with Cathy Eason
The Hormone Solution Podcast with Karen Martel
Curious about the molecule that's been dubbed the "molecule of energy?” Ever wonder how it impacts women's health, especially during midlife? Join us as we dive into the world of nitric oxide with Cathy Eason, Chief Science Officer at Berkeley Life. Discover why this often-overlooked molecule might be the missing piece in your health puzzle. What if your midlife vitality could be revitalized with a simple molecule? How does nitric oxide influence libido, heart health, and even skin vitality? Cathy debunks myths and uncovers the hidden connections between nitric oxide and hormones like...
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Menopause Besties Q&A: Hormone Testing, Progesterone Truths, Late-Start HRT & More with Zora Benhamou
The Hormone Solution Podcast with Karen Martel
Are you curious about the mysteries of menopause and how to navigate this transformative life stage with confidence? In this Q&A episode, we sit down with Zora Benhamou to answer all your burning questions about hormone management and replacement therapy. How do you know if your hormone levels are optimal, and what can you do if they're not? Ever wondered about the truths and myths surrounding progesterone? Zora shares invaluable insights into the world of hormone testing and what those numbers really mean for your health. Why is it crucial to consider both estradiol and progesterone, and...
info_outlineWelcome 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.
Dr. Grace Liu PharmD is an IFM-trained functional medicine practitioner and founder of The Gut Institute. She is a clinical pharmacist with a doctorate in practice for 20+ years and specializes in complex disease management. Dr. Liu consults and helps clients gain optimal performance through rebuilding the microbiome after damage from modern living. You can find her at thegutinstitute.com.
In this episode:
- How gut health affects hormone balance and weight loss.
- Why the SARS-CoV-2 virus and certain vaccines could be influencing gut health.
- How gut bacteria can influence testosterone levels.
- Why addressing the root cause of inflammation can positively impact both men and women.
- Harmful effects of low fiber diets on gut health.
- The pivotal role of peptides in achieving health goals.
- Why addressing the mental component of weight loss is crucial.
- How emotional trauma can contribute to self-sabotage and weight gain.
- The concept of microdosing and how GLP-1 agonists can bolster gut health and weight loss.
- The connection between gut health and hormone health.
- How parasites and Candida can contribute to premature aging.
- The role of good flora in the gut.
- The importance of dietary fiber and prebiotics in supporting gut health.
- How synthetic peptides can potentially help in healing and reaching health goals.
- Effects tat emotional trauma can have on weight gain.
- The power of biohacking tools, such as peptides, to help people lose weight.
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
- Individualized Weight Loss Programs
- Peptide Therapy for weight loss
Interested in our NEW Peptide Weight Loss Program? Join today and get all the details here.
Join our Women’s Peri and Post Menopause Group Coaching Program, OnTrack, TODAY!
Your host:
Karen Martel
Certified Hormone Specialist, Transformational Nutrition Coach, & Weight Loss Expert