Show Notes

In this episode of the Hello Hot Flash podcast, I welcome Dr. Lara Briden—naturopathic doctor, women’s health expert, and author of Period Repair Manual—to break down the phases of the menstrual cycle and how they impact mood, energy, and overall well-being.

Many women don’t realize just how much their cycle influences everything from productivity to emotional resilience. Dr. Briden explains why understanding your body's natural rhythms—what she calls body literacy—is one of the most empowering tools for navigating both your cycle and the transition into perimenopause.

💡 How to Work with Your Cycle, Not Against It – Learn how hormonal fluctuations affect mood and energy and how to use these changes to your advantage in work and life.

⚠️ Recognizing Perimenopausal Symptoms Early – Dr. Briden outlines nine key symptoms—including cycle irregularities, breast pain, sleep disturbances, and increased migraines—so you can spot the signs before they disrupt your life.

🥑 Natural Remedies for Hormonal Balance – From zinc supplementation to nutrient-dense diets, discover science-backed strategies to support your body without relying solely on medication.

🎙️ A Quote to Remember: "Understanding the menstrual cycle and knowing if and when you ovulate is called body literacy, which is a lovely term." – Dr. Lara Briden

If you’ve ever felt frustrated by hormonal changes or wondered if there’s a better way to navigate perimenopause, this episode is for you. Join us as we break the stigma, empower women with knowledge, and give you practical steps to support your health naturally.

🎧 Listen now and take control of your hormonal health!

To learn more about Dr. Lara’s work and resources, click here.

Timestamp

⏳ (00:00:56) – How to Navigate Menstrual Health with Confidence – A look into Lara Briden’s book as an accessible guide for understanding your cycle.

⏳ (00:04:29) – Can Your Menstrual Cycle Be a Tool for Empowerment? – How to work with hormonal shifts instead of against them.

⏳ (00:11:43) – What Do Estrogen Fluctuations Mean for Your Body? – Breaking down common symptoms of perimenopause and what they signal.

⏳ (00:14:31) – How Do Hormones Change During Perimenopause? – Understanding the key hormonal fluctuations and how they impact mood, energy, and overall well-being.

⏳ (00:22:50) – What Natural Remedies Actually Work for Menstrual Symptoms? – Science-backed solutions for relief without relying solely on medication.

⏳ (00:25:34) – How Does Diet Influence Hormonal Balance? – The role of nutrition in supporting menstrual and perimenopausal health.

⏳ (00:35:13) – Why Is Self-Care Essential for Inner Peace? – Practical strategies for reducing stress and supporting long-term well-being.

Additional Resources

• Here’s a link to Dr. Laren Briden’s books
• For curated products and services tailored to midlife women, visit our shop here.
• Like to watch your podcast episodes? Well, so do I! Subscribe to my YouTube page, @hellohotflashpodcast, to see the videos.
• Listen to my limited series podcast "Christian Women and Menopause" for Bible-based strategies on dealing with menopause symptoms like stress, anxiety, and depression.