Welcome back to Permission to Thrive, our four-part series dedicated to helping women understand their hormones, reclaim their health, and thrive through every stage of midlife.

Hosted by Terry Barga, Episode 2 features another powerful conversation with our expert panel: * Vanessa Hampton – Women’s wellness advocate and co-host * Cara Clark – Integrative Nutritionist, Cara Clark Nutrition * Dr. Kela Smith, PhD – Founder of The Hormone Puzzle Society® and women’s hormone specialist * Katie Breeding – Hormone specialist, gym owner, and women’s fitness expert Episode 2: “The Hormone Deep Dive” Now that we’ve identified what perimenopause looks and feels like, it’s time to answer the bigger question: Why is this happening? In this episode, we move beyond symptoms to explore the science behind hormone changes and how they affect nearly every system in the body.

You’ll gain a better understanding of why hormones influence everything from your energy and mood to muscle, metabolism, sleep, and brain function. In this episode, you’ll learn:  The real roles of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone—and why they’re about much more than reproduction

Why two women can experience the same symptom but have completely different underlying causes 

The latest understanding of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), including common myths and current evidence

How your nutrition needs change during perimenopause, including protein intake, blood sugar regulation, and insulin resistance

Why strength training becomes one of the most important tools for hormone health—and why endless cardio may actually work against your goals

A rapid-fire myth-busting session where each panelist debunks one of the biggest misconceptions they hear about women’s hormones Whether you’re already experiencing hormone changes or simply want to prepare for what’s ahead, this episode will help you better understand your body and make more informed decisions about your health. This is Episode 2 of our four-part “Permission to Thrive” series. If you missed Episode 1, be sure to watch it first, then subscribe so you don’t miss the remaining conversations. Connect with our panelists.

Cara Clark Nutrition Website: https://caraclarknutrition.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/caraclarknutrition

Dr. Kela Smith | The Hormone Puzzle Society Website: https://hormonepuzzlesociety.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/drkela

Terry Barga Website: https://nashvillefitmagazine.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/terrybarga

Vanessa Hampton Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adventuresofvch3/

Katie Breeding Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kt_breeding/ —

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We’d love to hear from you: What’s the biggest hormone myth you’ve believed—or heard?

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