Episode 129

Published November 11, 2025

In this engaging conversation, Esther Blum and Dr. Jaclyn explore the complexities of hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause, emphasizing the importance of nutrition, self-care, and the impact of stress and trauma on women's health. 

Esther and Dr. Jaclyn also discuss: 

• Practical strategies for managing stress and maintaining hormonal balance 
• Societal pressures women face regarding health and wellness
• The intricate relationship between cortisol, stress, and hormonal balance, particularly in women experiencing menopause 
• How the DUTCH Test can aid in understanding hormonal health 
• The power of gratitude and mindfulness in managing stress and achieving hormonal balance

Key Moments

0:46 Podcast Intro

5:22 Navigating Hormonal Changes and Nutrition

8:09 The Spiritual Journey of Menopause

11:18 Self-Reflection and Personal Growth

14:28 Stress and Hormonal Transitions

17:05 The Impact of Trauma on Hormones

20:04 Everyday Stressors and Their Effects

23:05 Refeeding and Hormonal Balance

26:05 Common Clinical Pictures in Women's Health

29:34 Understanding Cortisol and Its Effects

32:51 DUTCH Test Report Updates!

33:57 The Importance of Sleep and Stress Management

40:36 Lifestyle Changes Over Supplements

44:35 The Power of Gratitude in Hormonal Balance

55:07 What Hormonal Balance Looks Like in Menopause

57:25 Chasing Joy and Finding Peace

1:00:34 Closing Thoughts and Resources

About our speaker

Esther Blum is an Integrative Dietitian and Menopause Expert. In the past 27 years she has helped thousands of women master menopause through nutrition, hormones and self-advocacy.

Esther is the bestselling author of See ya later, Ovulator ; Cavewomen Don’t Get Fat ; Eat, Drink and Be Gorgeous ; Secrets of Gorgeous ; and The Eat, Drink, and Be Gorgeous Project .

Widely respected as an industry expert, Esther was voted Best Nutritionist by Manhattan Magazine. She has appeared on Dr. Oz, the Today Show, ABC-TV, and Good Day NY. Esther is an in-demand authority frequently quoted in goop, Well + Good, Forbes, Time Magazine, The New York Post, The Los Angeles Times, In Style, Bazaar, Self, Fitness, Marie Claire, and Cosmo.

Esther received a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Nutrition from Simmons College in Boston and is a graduate of New York University, where she received her Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition. Esther is credentialed as a registered dietitian, a certified dietitian-nutritionist and a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS), the certification from the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists (BCNS). She is also a member of the American Dietetic Association, Dietitians in Functional Medicine, Nutritionists in Complementary Care, and the Connecticut Dietetic Association.

Show Notes

Check out Esther’s new podcast, Midlife Realignment, and follow her on Instagram @gorgeousesther! For more on menopause and the DUTCH Test, access our library of menopause resources.

Become a DUTCH Provider today to get access to free educational resources, expert clinical support, comprehensive patient reports, and peer-reviewed and validated research.

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