Vitalize Wellness Podcast S1E2: Where Did My Body Go? Understanding the Changes of Menopause

Where did my body go? You’re eating well, staying active, and doing many of the same things you’ve always done—yet suddenly your body looks and feels different. In this episode of The Vitalize Wellness Podcast, Dr. Georgia Nab and functional medicine nurse practitioner Chelsea Nab explore why women can experience significant changes in weight, body composition, muscle, skin, mood, and metabolism during perimenopause and menopause—even when their lifestyle hasn’t changed. As Georgia shares some of the changes she has experienced herself, Chelsea explains how declining estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone can affect much more than reproductive health. Hormone receptors exist throughout the body, which means these changes can influence everything from insulin sensitivity and muscle mass to sleep, skin, and how you feel in your own body. In this episode, we discuss: 01:10 - Why your body can change even when your habits haven’t. 01:40 - Estrogen, metabolism, insulin resistance, and unexpected weight gain. 02:20 - Testosterone, muscle mass, metabolism, and libido. 02:50 - Why menopause can change your skin, elasticity, and hydration. 03:20 - The emotional side of body changes and why women may stop feeling like themselves. 04:00 - Georgia’s personal approach to exercise, nutrition, sleep, and navigating this stage of life. 06:20 - Why protein and strength training become increasingly important as we age. 06:55 - BHRT, peptides, and GLP-1s: additional tools Chelsea may consider with her patients. 08:40 - Protein: how much should women actually be getting? 11:10 - Think you’re getting enough protein? Why tracking it for a few days can be eye-opening. 11:45 - A simple way to think about protein without counting every gram. Your body changing doesn’t mean you’ve failed or that you need to simply accept feeling unlike yourself. Understanding what is changing—and becoming intentional about supporting your body through it—can make a meaningful difference. \*\*Your 1° of Change:\** Make sure you’re eating, sleeping, and moving in ways that support the body you have today. \*\*Your Path to Vitality:\** Track your protein intake for a few days. You may be surprised by how much—or how little—you’re actually getting. Your path to vitality starts here. Like and subscribe to join us as we explore the truth about living well at every age. \*\*MEDICAL DISCLAIMER\** The Vitalize Wellness Podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information shared reflects general health and wellness education and should not be used as a substitute for individualized care from a qualified healthcare professional. Health needs, medical histories, medications, and treatment options vary from person to person. Always consult with your own qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, supplement, treatment, nutrition plan, or health-related program. Any products, services, treatments, or therapies discussed on this podcast are presented for educational purposes and are not intended as a guarantee of results or as a recommendation that they are appropriate for every individual. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, seek immediate medical attention. © The Vitalize Wellness Podcast. All rights reserved.