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By Dr. Marguerite Weston |

Episode 7: Estrogen, Progesterone & That First Hot Flash

We Don’t Have to Go Through Menopause the Way Mom Did

Episode 7: Estrogen, Progesterone & That First Hotflash

We need to have a talk. The talk. The one about hormones.

Because they get blamed for everything, from hot flashes to mood swings. But the real truth is that estrogen and progesterone are doing far more than most of us realize.

In Episode 7: Estrogen, Progesterone & That First Hot Flash, we highlight the signs of perimenopause, the role hormones play in metabolism and memory, and how to better advocate for your own health at every age.

Meet The Women Who Are in Your Corner

Host Carrie Esposito is joined by a team of passionate women’s health advocates: Dr. Marguerite Weston, double board-certified functional medicine physician; Angie Scala, NP, nurse practitioner and hormone specialist; and Tiffany Wagner, a health-conscious working mom who shares her real-life journey through perimenopause.

Together, they offer practical, science-backed advice for navigating this period of your life with grace and clarity!

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Patient handling menopause symptoms

Menopause Medicine Has Come a Long Way

Menopause symptoms aren’t pleasant. Hot flashes. Anxiety. Joint pain. Brain fog. Burning Mouth Syndrome?

You Don’t Have to “Just Deal with It.”

We finally have science-backed strategies to help navigate all of this with greater control and comfort. These services and approaches are designed to address your menopause symptoms at the root cause and optimize your well-being: 

“I was feeling that shift. My gut wasn’t feeling good. I was tired. My moods were up & down. My periods were irregular. The answer I got? ‘You should get on birth control.’ But I didn’t want to be on birth control! I didn’t want to add that into my lifestyle, not at this stage in my life. So, I searched for a functional medicine doctor & found Dr. Weston!”
— Tiffany Wagner

What Does Estrogen Actually Do Besides Reproduction?

Of course, low estrogen affects libido and can cause hot flashes. It also plays a crucial role in mood regulation, joint health, sleep quality, skin elasticity, attention span and memory. That’s why the early signs of perimenopause can often look like anxiety, forgetfulness or fatigue before that first hot flash ever hits.

Understanding the full scope of estrogen’s impact helps reframe what’s really going on in your body. It makes it less daunting. It’s less scary. It’s more manageable and, honestly? A period of life you can look forward to (if you’re like some of us).

Photo of a strong woman flexing

 

Dr. Weston explaining supplements to a menopause patient in Columbus Ohio

Is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Actually Safe?

The short answer: yes. The science continues to support that hormone therapy is safe and effective for menopausal women. The HRT protocols we use today are safer and more personalized to each patient, often using bioidentical hormones tailored to each individual’s unique needs.

The outdated fears around cancer risk have been largely debunked when treatment is properly managed using more modern methods of hormone therapy.

LATEST FDA FINDINGS ON HRT

How To Balance Hormones Naturally & Boost Daily Energy

“Balancing hormones” isn’t just about prescriptions — it’s also about supporting your body with lifestyle, nutrition and targeted supplements.

Our Experts Recommend:

  • Eating enough protein (0.6-0.9 grams per lb. of bodyweight) and fiber (21-25 grams per day)
  • Resistance training twice a week
  • Avoiding under-eating, which can suppress thyroid function
  • Managing alcohol intake
  • Prioritizing sleep and circadian rhythm health

MANAGING MENOPAUSE NATURALLY

Marguerite Weston, MD-IFMCP Author Photo

“It’s not about the absolute value of estrogen or progesterone — it’s about the balance. If estrogen is a $100 credit card charge & progesterone is a $10 payment? That imbalance is where all these lovely symptoms show up.”
— Dr. Marguerite Weston

Fiber’s Role in Weight Management & Hormone Regulation

Fiber supports estrogen detoxification and helps regulate insulin, which are two essential functions for managing perimenopausal symptoms and midlife weight changes. It also feeds healthy gut bacteria, which play a major role in mood and immune health.

Some Simple Ways to Add More Fiber to Your Diet

  • Add lentils to your salads
  • Sprinkle chia seeds into smoothies
  • Snack on raw carrots and hummus
  • Swap white rice for quinoa or farro
  • Blend in flaxseed with overnight oats
  • Try whole-grain or bean-based pasta varieties

 

“You don’t have to be restrictive. You just have to be more intentional with your eating.”
— Dr. Weston

Donaldson Menopause Patient Sitting In Her Suburban Living Room 2025

Understanding the Phases of Menopause

Menopause isn’t a one-size-fits-all moment. It can feel like it has been drawn out for years. Or it can feel like it happened overnight. 

From perimenopause (which can begin in your mid-to-late 30s) to post-menopause, each stage brings its own symptoms and hormone shifts. Knowing what to expect allows you to proactively prepare and be ready for these changes instead of trying to play reactive whack-a-mole with each symptom that shows up.

That wisdom also empowers you to reach out to a functional medicine expert when you know you need some additional medical support to manage your symptoms at the root cause.

PERIMENOPAUSE VS. MENOPAUSE

Estrogen, Progesterone & That First Hot Flash | Asking For A Friend

 

About The “Asking For A Friend” Podcast

From Botox and filler to lasers, skincare and facial rejuvenation, Asking For A Friend is your go-to podcast for honest conversations about aging gracefully and authentically. Each episode features real talk, expert guidance and zero pressure to chase trends. Carrie and her crew of trusted providers are here to guide you — whether you’re new to aesthetics or navigating your next chapter.

No question is off the table! Because chances are, if you’re wondering about it, so is someone else.

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