Honest conversations and practical insights to help women better understand perimenopause, menopause and the wider factors that shape their health.
Beyond Hormone Symptoms explores the questions women are asking about hormonal health, perimenopause and menopause—from nutrition, sleep and stress to relationships, body changes, data and emerging research.
Hosted by Gloria Halim, the podcast brings together education, thoughtful conversations and practical questions women can take into their own health journeys. It is part of the wider QUESVITA mission to help women cut through the noise and make more informed choices.
Podcast content is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for individual medical advice.
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Gloria Halim speaks with John Ossipinski, a certified lymphedema therapist and developer of Lymphpractic, about the lymphatic system and its possible connections to hormone health, brain fog, and inflammation. John explains how movement, breathing, posture, and daily habits feature in his approach, while sharing his own health story and practical routines.
Explore the relationship between oestrogen and collagen, why collagen loss may become more noticeable as women move through perimenopause and menopause, and the questions worth asking when considering skin and connective-tissue support.
A practical look at creatine for women over 40: what current research suggests about its potential benefits, what the evidence does and does not show, and important cautions to consider before using it.
Gloria speaks with Josephine “JoJo” Aligwekwe about how menopause can affect marriage and relationships, including communication, changing needs and ways partners can better understand and support one another.
Learn how to track your hormonal journey more effectively, identify patterns in symptoms and daily wellbeing, and use personal data to have more informed conversations about your health.
Explore the proposed links between the gut, epigenetics and common menopause experiences such as abdominal weight changes and mood. The episode unpacks these connections and what they may mean for understanding your health.
A response to the menopause questions women are searching for online most often, helping separate common concerns from misconceptions and pointing listeners towards more informed conversations about their health.
In the Season 5 finale, Gloria Halim addresses something deeply timely for summer: why perimenopausal women can take a holiday, sleep more, do less and still come back exhausted. This is not a failure of attitude. It is a physiological state with real hormonal drivers.
If you have ever sat in a doctor’s office describing your symptoms and been told your thyroid is fine and walked out more confused than when you went in, this episode is for you. Gloria Halim covers what the thyroid actually does, the difference between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, why these conditions share almost every symptom with perimenopause, the important caution around iodine supplementation, and what comprehensive testing actually looks…
Oestrogen dominance is one of the most Googled terms in women’s health and one of the most misunderstood. In this episode, Gloria Halim cuts through the wellness noise and explains what oestrogen dominance actually is (hint: it is about the ratio, not just the level), why declining progesterone is the piece most women have never been told about, and why your gut, not your ovaries, is often at the centre of the solution. Evidence-based, warm, and…
If you have been eating carefully, exercising, doing everything you were told and still losing muscle, feeling flat, struggling with energy and wondering why your body is not responding the way it used to, this episode is going to change something fundamental about how you understand what is happening. Gloria Halim explains why the advice to eat less is precisely the wrong advice for perimenopausal women, why protein is the most underestimated…
If you have been doing everything right and still feeling the way you feel, this episode is going to change how you understand your own symptoms. Gloria Halim explains why chronic systemic inflammation is the hidden thread running through almost every perimenopause symptom you have, why declining oestrogen removes the body’s natural anti-inflammatory protection, and how the gut, the nervous system, blood sugar, sleep and food all connect through one…
If you have been told to just relax, breathe through it, or think more positively and found that none of it actually worked, this episode explains why. Gloria Halim goes deeper on the nervous system than ever before on this podcast, introducing polyvagal theory in plain language, explaining what declining oestrogen is actually doing inside your brain, and giving you the body-based tools that genuinely build nervous system resilience over time. This is…
This episode is for the woman in the middle, caring for ageing parents, raising teenagers, running a full life, and somewhere right at the bottom of her own list. Gloria Halim explains the biology of what that load is doing to your hormonal health: the cortisol mechanism, the invisible load, the co-regulation cost of raising a teenager during your own hormonal transition, and why the guilt of not prioritising yourself is partly physiological, not just…
Summary In this episode, Gloria Halim explains the direct link between oestrogen decline and insulin resistance in perimenopause and why this single shift drives the afternoon energy crashes, 3am wake-ups, afternoon anxiety, and weight that won’t shift that so many women experience. She also addresses the fasting question honestly: when it helps, when it backfires, and what the biology says. Plus four practical principles that genuinely move the needle.
Did you know your gums have oestrogen and progesterone receptors? In one of her most personal episodes yet, Gloria Halim shares how her journey through cancer treatment led her to discover the deep connection between oral health and hormonal health and changed her daily practices completely. She covers the science, a client story, the honest truth about root canals, and what she personally does every day including oil pulling and her clove water mouthwash.
Is soy friend or foe when it comes to menopause? In this episode, Gloria Halim sits down with quintuple board-certified integrative physician Dr. Monisha Bhanote to cut through decades of confusion and fear around soy.
This is the third episode in Gloria's HRT mini-series on Beyond Hormone Symptoms. After exploring HRT from a holistic perspective and hearing the powerful lived experience of a client who combined HRT with a whole-body protocol, Gloria sits down with GP Dr. Becky Howie to complete the picture with the medical evidence.
In this Season 5 opener, Gloria Halim explores why so many women feel exhausted, bloated, and hormonally out of balance — even when they're trying to do everything right. Gloria unpacks the gut-hormone connection, what everyday toxin load does to cortisol and oestrogen, and how a gentle 7-day reset can transform the way you feel from the inside out. Whether you're perimenopausal, navigating PMS, or simply running on empty, this episode is your…
Are you doing 'all the right things' with your diet — and still feeling exhausted, bloated, and completely out of sync with your body? You're not failing. The advice is failing you.
In this episode of Beyond Hormone Symptoms, Gloria Halim sits down with Kirsten Samuel — wellbeing entrepreneur and perimenopause advocate — for the honest conversation every woman on this journey needs to hear. From Kirsten's decision to start HRT to discovering the Glow with Grace GLOW Framework, this episode is your permission slip to want more for yourself. Takeaways Kirsten's personal perimenopause journey, including diagnosis and effects on brain…
If you’ve been quietly managing leaks, pelvic pressure, bladder urgency, or pain — and telling yourself it’s just part of getting older — this episode is your wake-up call. Gloria Halim sits down with Kim Vopni, internationally known as The Vagina Coach, to have the honest, unfiltered conversation about pelvic floor health that every woman in perimenopause and menopause deserves to hear. Kim has spent over 15 years helping thousands of women reverse…
In this episode of Beyond Home and Symptoms, host Gloria Halim and guest Victoria Plekenpol delve into the complexities of hormonal health and the biohacking revolution tailored for women. They discuss the importance of understanding biohacking, the role of data in managing health, and the benefits and challenges of wearable technology. The conversation also covers continuous glucose monitors, the significance of NAD+ and peptides in longevity, and the…
You're not losing your mind — your hormones are shifting, and there's a big difference. In this episode, Gloria breaks down exactly why perimenopause triggers mood swings, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm, and why so many women are left feeling like strangers in their own bodies. More importantly, she shares practical, compassionate tools to help you stabilise your emotions, set boundaries that actually protect your energy, and rediscover the joy that…
Are you in your 40s, 50s, or beyond and wondering what's really happening in your body during perimenopause and menopause? You're not alone. This episode of Beyond Hormone Symptoms dives deep into the science of longevity and hormone health with expert practitioner Victoria Plekenpol.
Struggling with perimenopause symptoms like low energy, poor sleep & weight gain? Discover the gentle GLOW framework to thrive naturally—no HRT, no extreme workouts, no complicated protocols. In this episode, you'll discover: Why complicated protocols and extreme approaches often backfire during perimenopause The 4 pillars of the GLOW framework (Ground, Love, Optimise, Work with your body) How to support your nervous system, gut, liver, and hormones…
In this episode of Beyond Hormone Symptoms, I sit down with health practitioner Valerie Engelson to explore the complex relationship between autoimmune conditions and hormonalhealth in midlife women. Building on our Episode 11 discussion about the interplay of hormones, genetics, and environmental factors, we dive deeper into what it really means to live well with conditions like Hashimoto's thyroiditis and lupus. If you've been told yoursymptoms are…
In this focused episode, Gloria shares her personal journey through perimenopause and burnout, and explores thecrucial connection between your nervous system and perimenopause symptoms. Discover why so many of your symptoms—from hot flushes to anxiety, brain fog to insomnia—are actually nervous system issues triggered by hormonal changes and learn practical techniques to reset your nervous system. What You'll Learn: The fascinating connection between…
In this episode, Gloria debunks the biggest nutrition myths sabotaging hormone balance after 35, drawing from her own experience of healing through cancer treatment and navigating perimenopause. Learn why diets don't work, the truth about carbs (and the critical difference between simple and complex carbs), how to practice intermittent fasting properly for women's hormones, why healthy fats are essential, and what your body actually needs to thrive in…
Your lymphatic system is your body's drainage and detox powerhouse—but most high-achieving women have never been taught how to support it, especially duringperimenopause. When your lymph gets sluggish, everything suffers - energy crashes, stubborn weight gain, brain fog, hormone imbalances, and chronic inflammation. If you're mid-January and losing momentum on your health goals or feeling like your body isn't responding no matter what you try, this…
Feeling exhausted, bloated, and hormonal after the holidays? Learn how to support your body's natural detoxification pathways to balance hormones, boost energy, clear brain fog, and reduce bloating. Gloria shares a gentle, science-backed approach to detoxing that actually works—no starvation or extreme cleanses required.
The holidays are magical... and let's be honest, they can also be overwhelming, especially when you're navigating perimenopause or menopause. Between family gatherings, late nights, sugar everywhere, and disrupted routines, your hormones might already be sending you warning signals. In this special season finale episode, Gloria shares practical, holistic strategies to help you actually enjoy the holidays while supporting your hormone balance.
In this powerful episode, Gloria Halim sits down with wellness advocate Catherine Vallejos to discuss her transformative journey from debilitating fibroid symptoms to finding freedom through hysterectomy and hormonal healing. Did you know that up to 80% of women will develop fibroids by age 50? Yet so many of us suffer in silence, unsure ofwhat's normal and what deserves medical attention.
Are you stuck at 60-70% better despite all your DIY efforts to balance your hormones? In this candid episode, Gloria gets real about why self-directed hormone healing plateaus—and what you actually need to create lasting change. She emphasises the importance of expert guidance, a proven framework, and support for effective hormone healing.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can feel confusing and overwhelming. Should you try it? Are bioidentical hormonessafer?
In this episode of Beyond Hormone Symptoms, Gloria Halim guides listeners through the three phases of hormone rebalancing, emphasising why many women get stuck in phase one and how to progress to achieve true transformation. She discusses foundational steps, deep healing, and optimisation for long-term hormone health, offering insights into detoxification, gut health, adrenal support, and more. Gloria also introduces her Glow with Grace Blueprint…
Are you a high-achieving woman experiencing burnout, brain fog, hot flashes, or unexplained weight gain? In this episode of Beyond Hormone Symptoms, Gloria Halim shares the hidden connection between your drive to succeed and hormonal chaos—and why pushing through symptoms isactually sabotaging your success. She reveals 7 holistic, science-backed strategies to support your hormones naturally while still crushing your goals.
Have you been dismissed by doctors, told your labs are normal, or handed antidepressants when you know something hormonal is happening? In this powerful episode, Gloria Halim exposes why doctors consistently miss perimenopause symptoms and what women can do to get the help they deserve. Gloria reveals the truth about perimenopause hormone testing (why one-time blood tests are basically useless), shares the complete list of 40+ symptoms doctors don't…
Heart disease kills more women than all cancers combined, and your risk doubles in the five years after menopause. In this episode of Beyond Home and Symptoms, host Gloria Halim discusses the critical connection between hormonal health and heart disease, particularly in women with wellness advocate Munisha Mirchandani. Munisha shares the inflammatory markers, environmental toxins, and nutritional approaches every perimenopausal woman needs to know to…
Struggling with itchy skin during perimenopause? You're not alone. In this episode of Beyond Hormone Symptoms, I share my personal experience with perimenopause skin problems including mysterious white spots, eczema-like patches, and that maddening crawling sensation that had my friend taking a cold shower at work just to find relief.
Can you still get pregnant during perimenopause? What about fertility after 35? In this episode of Beyond Hormone Symptoms, host Gloria Halim sits down with Dr.
Struggling with sudden bloating, mysterious food sensitivities, or digestive issues that seem to have appeared out of nowhere since entering perimenopause? You're not alone, and you're definitely not imagining it! In this Season 3 premiere episode, Gloria Halim is diving deep into the fascinating connection between your gut and hormones - and why your microbiome becomes either your biggest ally or your greatest challenge during perimenopause.
In this season finale of Beyond Hormonal Symptoms, Gloria Halim discusses the emotional and physical challenges of hair loss during perimenopause. She shares her personal journey, emphasising the importance of understanding hormonal changes and their impact on hair health. The episode covers nutritional strategies, external treatments, stress management, and the significance of self-compassion.
In this episode, Gloria Halim and her guest, Thelma Fubara, explore the complexities of navigating hormonal changes, particularly during perimenopause, and how it impactsfitness and mental health. Thelma shares her personal journey of adapting her fitness routine to align with her changing body and the importance of seeking the right support. They discuss the significance of recovery, redefining success in fitness, and practical advice for women facing…
In this episode of Beyond Home and Symptoms, host Gloria Halim and guest Alexis Kiwi explore the complexities of hormonal health and the psychological barriers that preventwomen from taking action towards their health goals. They discuss the impact of perfectionism, the importance of understanding one's unique strengths, and the necessity of self-compassion in the journey towards sustainable health changes. The conversation emphasises the significance…
In this episode of Beyond Hormone Symptoms, Gloria Halim discusses the critical importance of bone health for women, particularly during perimenopause and menopause. She highlights the significant bone density loss that can occur during these stages and emphasises the need for proactive monitoring and care. The conversation covers various aspects of bone health, including hormonal influences, nutritional needs, exercise, lifestyle factors, and…
In this episode of Beyond Hormone Symptoms, host Gloria Halim and holistic health practitioner Victoria Plekenpol discuss the impact of environmental toxins on hormonal health. They explore the sources of endocrine disruptors, the importance of detoxification, and practical steps listeners can take to reduce their toxic exposure. Victoria shares her personal journey into holistic health, the significance of understanding endocrine disruptors, and…
In this episode of Beyond Hormone Symptoms, Gloria Halim explores the intricate relationship between hormonal health and migraines, particularly focusing on how hormonal fluctuations can lead to debilitating headaches. She shares her personal journey with migraines and emphasises the importance of understanding the body's signals. The episode provides listeners with natural strategies for preventing migraines, immediate relief techniques, and long-term…
In this episode of Beyond Hormone Symptoms, Gloria Halim delves into the complexities of hormonal health, focusing on insulin resistance and its implications for women's health. She explains how insulin resistance develops, its signs, and its connection to conditions like PCOS and perimenopause. The conversation emphasises the importance of understanding one's body, recognising symptoms, and making informed lifestyle choices.
In this episode, Gloria Halim and Valerie Engelson delve into the complexities of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), particularly focusing on how it disproportionately affects women. They explore the biological and hormonal factors contributing to this disparity, the emotional and psychological connections to digestive health, and the often-overlooked condition of Small Intestinal BacterialOvergrowth (SIBO). The conversation emphasises the importance of a…
In this episode of Beyond Hormone Symptoms, Gloria Halim explores the intricate relationship between hormonal health and sleep disorders, particularly focusing on how hormonal fluctuations affect sleep quality in women. She discusses the role of key hormones like oestrogen, progesterone, cortisol, and melatonin, and how their changes during different life stages, especially perimenopause, can lead to sleep disturbances. The episode also delves into the…
In this episode of Beyond Home and Symptoms, Gloria Halim discusses the often-overlooked topic of perimenopause, sharing her personal experiences and insights as a health practitioner. She explains the early signs of perimenopause, the hormonal changes that occur, and provides evidence-based strategies for managing symptoms. The episode emphasises the importance of knowledge, community support, and personalised approaches to navigating this transition…
In this episode of Beyond Hormone Symptoms, Gloria discusses the critical issue of medical gaslighting that affects countless women. Joined by holistic health practitioners Victoria Plekenpol and Valerie Engelson, they explore the historical context of women's health, the impact of gender bias in medicine, and common misdiagnoses. The conversation emphasises the importance of effective communication with healthcare providers, advocating for oneself…
In this episode of Beyond Hormone Symptoms, I explore the controversial topic of adrenal fatigue, discussing its implications and the scientific understanding of HPA axis dysfunction. I share recovery stories, practical protocols for restoring hormonal health, and addresses the controversy surrounding this topic in conventional medicine. The episode emphasises the importance of understanding chronic stress's impact on hormonal health and encourages…
In this episode, I discuss the female autoimmune epidemic, exploring why women are disproportionately affected by autoimmune conditions and delve into the complex interplay of hormones, genetics, and environmental factors that contribute to these conditions. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the gut-immune connection, practical steps for immune support, and the need for a collaborative healthcare team. Through a case study, I…
In this actionable second instalment of our interview with holistic health practitioner Valerie Engelson, we move from theory to practice with specific techniques for maintaining optimal breast health. Building on the foundational knowledge from Part 1, Valerie demonstrates proper self-examination techniques you can incorporate into your monthly routine, empowering you to become familiar with your own breast tissue and detect changes early. She reveals…
In this compelling first instalment of our two-part interview, I'm joined by holistic health practitioner and wellness warrior Valerie Engelson to explore a truly comprehensive approach to breast health that goes far beyond traditional screening methods. Part 1 lays the essential groundwork for understanding breast wellness from a holistic perspective. Valerie guides us through the intricate hormonal influences on breast tissue and how to identify…
In this episode of Beyond Hormone Symptoms, I explore the intricate connections between gut health, hormonal balance, and mental well-being. I discuss how the gut functions as a major endocrine system, the role of the microbiome in hormone regulation, and the gut-brain axis that links digestive health to mental health. Practical strategies for nurturing gut health are provided, alongside a discussion of the controversies surrounding gut health…
In this inspiring episode, I chat with my friend, functional nutritionist and natural living advocate Victoria Plekenpol for a candid conversation about taking control of your health journey. Victoria shares her remarkable story of surviving a heart attack at 21 and later battling Graves' disease while living abroad. Through these experiences, she discovered how lifestyle choices and environmental factors can either trigger or prevent health issues…
In this episode of Beyond Hormone Symptoms, Gloria discusses the hormonal changes women experience after 40 and their impact on weight management. She explains the physiological shifts, including metabolism changes, insulin resistance, and the role of cortisol. Gloria emphasises the importance of a hormone-supportive approach to nutrition and exercise, moving away from traditional calorie-restriction diets.
In this eye-opening episode, we dive deep into the often-overlooked world of thyroid health and why it's particularly crucial for women. Discover why so many women hear, "your thyroid is fine" while still feeling exhausted, gaining weight, and battling brain fog. We uncover the limitations of standard testing and reveal which comprehensive markers you should actually request from your doctor.
Stress is totally part of our everyday lives and physiology especially for women. Did you know that women experience stress differently than men? In this episode, we get into the nitty gritty to understand how we as women deal with stress and how our body handles it.
In this episode, I chat with Munisha Mirchandani about her transformative health journey following a silent heart attack at the age of 50. We explore the importance of holistic health practices, body awareness, and emotional healing in recovery. Munisha shares her experiences with supplements, essential oils, and the significance of being intentional about health.
In this episode of Beyond Hormone Symptoms, we delve into the complexities of hormonal imbalance, particularly focusing on the often-overlooked phase of perimenopause. We talk through how hormonal fluctuations can lead to a variety of symptoms that many women experience but may not understand and emphasise the importance of recognising these symptoms as signals from the body and discusses the roles of key hormones like oestrogen, progesterone…
In this episode of the Beyond Hormone Symptoms podcast, I share my personal journey through breast cancer and the lessons learned about holistic wellness. I emphasise the importance of treating the body with love and respect, understanding the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, and spiritual health. I also discuss my coaching approach to empower women navigating hormonal changes and recovery, highlighting that healing can be a blend of…
Welcome to "Beyond Hormone Symptoms," your ultimate resource for navigating the complex journey of hormonal changes with confidence and clarity. This podcast is specifically designed for women over 35 who are experiencing hormone imbalances and perimenopause symptoms, offering expert insights, evidence-based strategies, and practical solutions that go beyond conventional advice. Each episode delivers actionable wisdom to help you decode your body's…
