Part 2 Q&A with Karen: Cortisol Replacement, Optimal Levels, HRT Absorption Issues, Estrogen Detox, BIEST Troches, Perimenopause Confusion & More!

This episode picks up right where part one leaves off as I dive into more of your thoughtful, honest questions in the second-part of this year-end Q&A. What happens when hormone therapy doesn't seem to be working the way you expected? And how do you know if your dose is actually doing what you need it to do?

I answer questions about achy joints, stubborn symptoms, cortisol replacement, thyroid interactions, and why some delivery methods work beautifully for one person and fail another. Why do absorption issues happen? What does "optimal" really mean when it comes to hormone levels? And when is more not actually better?

We also talk about real-world frustrations—irregular cycles, weight changes, hair loss, breast tenderness, and the overwhelm that can come with trying to figure all of this out. If you've ever wondered whether you're doing the right thing for your body, this episode is for you!

In this episode, we uncover:

• How to know if your hormone dose is actually providing protective benefits.
• Why cortisol, stress, and thyroid medications complicate hormone balance.
• What causes poor absorption with patches, creams, or injections.
• How to spot signs of too much or too little estrogen.
• Why individualized testing and symptom tracking truly matter.

Listen now to get the answers that could change how you approach your hormones in 2026!

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Your host:

Karen Martel

Certified Hormone Specialist, Transformational Nutrition Coach, & Weight Loss Expert

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