In this episode of the Vibrant Wellness Podcast, Dr. Christine Maren, DO, explores the deep connections between hormones, gut health, thyroid function, metabolism, and the nervous system, especially during perimenopause and midlife. Drawing from both personal experience and years of functional medicine practice, Dr. Maren explains how hormonal transitions often unmask underlying issues like gut dysfunction, nutrient depletion, autoimmune conditions, chronic stress, and metabolic imbalance.
She discusses why so many women feel stuck in “survival mode,” how stress physiology impacts digestion and hormone balance, and why healing requires addressing both the body and the nervous system together. The conversation also dives into hormone replacement therapy, GLP-1s, thyroid testing, Hashimoto’s, estrogen metabolism, strength training, fiber intake, trauma healing, meditation, and the importance of reconnecting to joy, pleasure, and self-care. Throughout the episode, Dr. Maren reinforces the idea that women are not broken. The body is adaptive, intelligent, and capable of healing when given the right support.
The takeaway: Start with the foundations and listen to what your body is asking for. Prioritize protein, fiber, strength training, sleep, nervous system regulation, and comprehensive lab testing before chasing quick fixes or advanced protocols. Healing is rarely about one supplement or one hormone. It is about creating safety, restoring balance, and supporting the body as a whole.
Key Topics Covered
🧠 Gut Health, Estrogen Metabolism & the Estrobolome
🌙 Perimenopause, Hormone Therapy & Midlife Metabolic Changes
⚖️ Chronic Stress, Survival Mode & Nervous System Dysregulation
💪 Strength Training, Protein Intake & Metabolic Flexibility for Women
🦠 Mold Toxicity, Trauma Healing & the Mind-Body Connection
🧬 Thyroid Health, Hashimoto’s & the Importance of Lab Testing
🧘♀️ Meditation, Dance, Joy & Reconnecting to the Body
💞 Sexual Health, Trauma Recovery & “The Body Keeps the Score”
Timestamps
00:00— Dr. Christine Maren, DO
03:05— Why Perimenopause Unmasks Hidden Health Issues
05:31— How She Treats Hormones, Gut Health & Root Causes
08:18— Peptides, Metabolism & Why Women Need More Carbs
10:55— GLP-1s, Estrogen & Midlife Weight Gain
12:18— The Real Root Cause: Survival Mode & Chronic Stress
15:01— Mold Toxicity, Trauma & Nervous System Healing
17:52— Advice for Practitioners Entering Functional Medicine
20:11— The Gut-Hormone Connection & Estrogen Metabolism
27:05— Thyroid Testing, Hashimoto’s & Why Women Need Labs
33:19— Can the Body Truly Heal? Homeostasis, Healing & Self-Love
36:20— Strength Training, Fiber & Daily Wellness Habits
41:37— Meditation, Joy, Dance & Women’s Emotional Health
45:32— Sexual Health, Trauma & the Body Keeping Score
Resources Mentioned
🖥️ Learn more about Dr. Christine Maren
🔗 Connect with Dr. Maren on Instagram
📱 Connect with Dr. Alex Carrasco on Instagram
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Limitations
Please note the information provided by Vibrant Wellness is intended solely for research and informational purposes to help inform lifestyle choices aimed at potential risk mitigation. The information is not intended to be used by the patient for any diagnostic purpose and is not a substitute for medical advice by a healthcare practitioner. Please consult a licensed healthcare practitioner for any questions regarding diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of any disease or health assessment
