Less Stressed Life: Helping You Heal Yourself

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On this episode of the Less Stressed Life, we're continuing our September focus on perimenopause with Dr. Carrie Jones, who is back to break down what actually happens to our hormones during the perimenopause transition and why symptoms aren't always as straightforward as they seem.
We talk about the stages of perimenopause, early symptoms, hormone testing, and why fatigue or changing hormones may be related to perimenopause, something else, or both. Carrie also explains how declining estrogen can affect insulin resistance, body composition, belly fat, cholesterol, and blood pressure, plus how to know when HRT (hormone replacement therapy) may make sense, why HRT isn't one size fits all, and the foundational pieces that still matter throughout the transition.
Check out Carrie's other episode, #93 Hormone Testing & Stress Hormones - https://www.buzzsprout.com/775589/episodes/2394305
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
🧬 The different stages of perimenopause
😴 Why fatigue isn't always just a hormone issue
🧪 What FSH, estrogen & progesterone testing can tell you
🍎 Why body composition & belly fat can change
🩸 How estrogen impacts glucose, insulin & cardiovascular health
💊 When HRT (hormone replacement therapy) may make sense
🧠 Why foundations still matter with or without HRT
FREE PERIMENOPAUSE EBOOK:
Not sure which stage of perimenopause you're in? Grab Carrie's free guide here: https://www.drcarriejones.com/stages
ABOUT GUEST:
Carrie Jones, ND, FABNE, MPH, MSCP is an internationally recognized speaker, consultant, author and educator on women's health and hormones with over 20 years in the industry. Dubbed the “Queen of Hormones” in functional medicine, Dr. Jones is a Naturopathic Physician who completed a two-year residency focused on women's health and endocrinology. She earned her Master of Public Health (MPH), became one of the first to be board certified through the American Board of Naturopathic Endocrinology (FABNE), and is a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner (MSCP). She was the first Medical Director for Precision Analytical (the DUTCH Test), the first Head of Medical Education at Rupa Health (a Fullscript Company) and served on Under Armour’s Human Performance Council. She regularly consults and educates for several women’s health, supplement, and lab-focused companies. Dr. Jones co-hosted the highly popular Root Cause Medicine Podcast, which has over 10 million downloads and now hosts her own podcast, Hello Hormones. 
WHERE TO FIND GUEST:
Website: https://www.drcarriejones.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drcarriejones
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carriejones
Podcast: Hello Hormones with Dr. Carrie Jones find on Apple or Spotify
SPONSOR:
Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎 Get back into the swing of things with 🧴 MagRelief Lotion for stress and sleep, 🧠 Brain Boost Mag L-Threonate for focus, and 🍓🫐 Berry-Licious Electrolyte Supreme for daily hydration.
🥳🎉 September special: From September 1–30, use code LESSSTRESSED15 for 15% off any order! Plus, get a FREE stainless steel water bottle 💦 when you start a new Electrolyte Supreme subscription.
✨ Any other time, use code LESSSTRESSED10 for 10% off any order.
NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE:
🍽️ Over restriction is dead
🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best
🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards)
🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone
❤️ Do your best and leave the rest
WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:
Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/
Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionist
Podcast Instagram: @lessstressedlife
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlife
More Links + Quizzes: https://www.christabiegler.com/links
Protocols: https://www.christabiegler.com/protocolshop
❓Questions for Christa? Submit them here: https://www.christabiegler.com/questions

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On this episode of the Less Stressed Life, we're diving into our September focus on perimenopause with Jennifer Gularson, who is back to break down the different hormone replacement therapy (HRT) options available during perimenopause and menopause.
We talk about estrogen patches, progesterone, testosterone, creams, gels, and pellets, including how they work, why one option may be a better fit than another, and what to consider when starting HRT. Jennifer also explains hormone testing, why she often introduces hormones one at a time, and how treatment may change as you move through the menopause transition.
Check out Jennifer's other episode, #453 Low libido, testosterone, estrogen and HRT - https://www.buzzsprout.com/775589/episodes/19164554
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
🧬 The different forms of estrogen, progesterone & testosterone
🩹 How estrogen patches, gels & oral options compare
🌙 Immediate vs. sustained-release progesterone
🌸 When HRT may be considered during perimenopause
🧪 Testing and adjusting hormones over time
⚖️ Pros & cons of hormone pellets
💗 Why vaginal estrogen may still be helpful with HRT
ABOUT GUEST:
Jennifer Gularson, PA-C, IFMCP is a board-certified Physician Assistant and functional medicine practitioner specializing in perimenopause, menopause, hormone therapy, and women’s midlife health. With over 20 years of clinical experience, she focuses on personalized, science-based care to support longevity, metabolic health, and overall wellness for women navigating hormonal changes. 
WHERE TO FIND GUEST:
Website: https://www.yourbestlifewithjennifer.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifergularson/
SPONSOR:
Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎 Get back into the swing of things with 🧴 MagRelief Lotion for stress and sleep, 🧠 Brain Boost Mag L-Threonate for focus, and 🍓🫐 Berry-Licious Electrolyte Supreme for daily hydration.
🥳🎉 September special: From September 1–30, use code LESSSTRESSED15 for 15% off any order! Plus, get a FREE stainless steel water bottle 💦 when you start a new Electrolyte Supreme subscription.
✨ Any other time, use code LESSSTRESSED10 for 10% off any order.
NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE:
🍽️ Over restriction is dead
🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best
🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards)
🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone
❤️ Do your best and leave the rest
WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:
Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/
Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionist
Podcast Instagram: @lessstressedlife
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlife
More Links + Quizzes: https://www.christabiegler.com/links
Protocols: https://www.christabiegler.com/protocolshop
❓Questions for Christa? Submit them here: https://www.christabiegler.com/questions

Send us Fan Mail
On this episode of the Less Stressed Life, I'm joined again by my associate registered dietitian, Jenna De Kok, to continue our conversation about CIRS and mold, this time focusing on the health of your home.
After navigating multiple mold exposures herself, Jenna has learned firsthand how overwhelming the environmental side of healing can feel. We talk about what she wishes she had known earlier, including proper mold removal, small particle cleaning, HVAC maintenance, humidity, and when an Indoor Environmental Professional (IEP) may be helpful. We also discuss practical ways to support a healthier home without feeling like you have to figure everything out overnight.
Check out Jenna's CIRS story here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/775589/episodes/19623415
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
🏠 What to do when you find mold or water damage
🧹 Why small particle cleaning matters after mold exposure
🧼 Why killing mold isn't the same as removing it
💨 HVAC maintenance, airflow & indoor air quality
💧 Why monitoring humidity can help prevent mold growth
🔎 When an Indoor Environmental Professional (IEP) may help
🌱 Taking practical steps without letting mold overwhelm you
ABOUT GUEST:
Jenna is a registered dietitian via her business Nutritiously Jenna and associate practitioner at Less Stressed Life Nutrition. She started working with Christa in 2018 doing mentorship hours for her undergraduate degree. Her passion for women's wellness came from her firsthand struggles flaring with a variety of gut, detox/drainage, nervous system, and energy issues. In January 2026 was when she officially learned that CIRS was a piece of not only her health story but also, her husband's after a variety of exposures to biotoxins in their homes. Through this experience, her goal is helping other "misunderstood" clients better understand how their symptoms can be influenced by the health of their environment.
WHERE TO FIND GUEST:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nutritiouslyjenna/
SPONSOR:
Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎 Get back into the swing of things with 🧴 MagRelief Lotion for stress and sleep, 🧠 Brain Boost Mag L-Threonate for focus, and 🍓🫐 Berry-Licious Electrolyte Supreme for daily hydration.
🥳🎉 September special: From September 1–30, use code LESSSTRESSED15 for 15% off any order! Plus, get a FREE stainless steel water bottle 💦 when you start a new Electrolyte Supreme subscription.
✨ Any other time, use code LESSSTRESSED10 for 10% off any order.
NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE:
🍽️ Over restriction is dead
🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best
🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards)
🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone
❤️ Do your best and leave the rest
WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:
Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/
Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionist
Podcast Instagram: @lessstressedlife
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlife
More Links + Quizzes: https://www.christabiegler.com/links
Protocols: https://www.christabiegler.com/protocolshop
❓Questions for Christa? Submit them here: https://www.christabiegler.com/questions

Send us Fan Mail
MOLDCO DISCOUNT:
Use code LESSSTRESSED20 for 20% off the Complete Panel and Home Dust Test. Find those tests here https://www.moldco.com/testing.
Mold exposure can feel like an expensive and overwhelming rabbit hole, especially when symptoms span multiple systems and conventional testing keeps coming back normal. This week on The Less Stressed Life, I’m joined by Ariana Thacker of MoldCo to talk about making mold and CIRS testing and treatment more accessible and less overwhelming. We cover the symptoms and environmental clues that may point toward mold exposure, MoldCo’s $56 starter blood panel, home and genetic testing, and why some people are more susceptible than others. Ariana also walks us through their simplified approach to the Shoemaker Protocol, including prescription binders, nasal sprays, and VIP, and shares an important reminder for anyone navigating mold illness: there are solutions, and people do get better.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
🦠 Common signs and symptoms of mold exposure
🧪 Affordable blood, home, and genetic testing options
🏠 HERTSMI vs. ERMI testing
🧬 Why some people are more susceptible to mold
💊 MoldCo’s detox, clear, and repair approach
🌿 Using symptoms to track recovery
💡 There are solutions for mold-related illness
ABOUT GUEST:
Ariana Thacker is the founder and CEO of MoldCo, a healthcare technology platform focused on identifying and treating mold toxicity. With a background in chemical engineering and experience as a venture capitalist, she co-founded Conscience VC, investing in early-stage, science-driven startups. Her personal health journey with mold inspired MoldCo, where she combines technical expertise and entrepreneurial insight to improve care for overlooked conditions. Ariana is dedicated to advancing patient-centered, data-driven solutions and continues to support innovative companies shaping the future of health and technology.
WHERE TO FIND GUEST:
Website: https://www.moldco.com/
Testing: https://www.moldco.com/products
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@themoldcompany
Free Questionnaire: https://access.moldco.com/signs
MoldCo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/moldco/
Ariana's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arianadthacker/
Dr. Scott's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-mcmahon-b97191357/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themoldcompany/
Ariana's X: https://x.com/m0ldilocks
MoldCo's X: https://x.com/themoldcompany
SPONSOR:
Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎  Try their Electrolyte Supreme in the crowd-favorite Fruit Punch flavor this summer.🍓🍹Use code LESSSTRESSED10 on every order for 10% off! 
NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE:
🍽️ Over restriction is dead
🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best
🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards)
🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone
❤️ Do your best and leave the rest
WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:
Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/
Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionist
Podcast Instagram: @lessstressedlife
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlife
More Links + Quizzes: https://www.christabiegler.com/links
Protocols: https://www.christabiegler.com/protocolshop
❓Questions for Christa? Submit them here: https://www.christabiegler.com/questions

Send us Fan Mail
In this episode of The Less Stressed Life, I'm joined by my associate registered dietitian, Jenna De Kok, to share the deeply personal journey she and her husband have been on with Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS). After multiple exposures to water-damaged buildings, they both began experiencing unexplained symptoms, with Jenna developing debilitating panic attacks, severe insomnia, neurological symptoms, and overwhelming fatigue. Despite being told by multiple healthcare providers that it was "just anxiety," she continued searching for answers until she finally received a CIRS diagnosis. We also discuss what CIRS is, how it differs from mold illness, why environmental testing matters, and the role of the Shoemaker Protocol in recovery.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
 What is Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS)
 Common neurological symptoms of CIRS 
 The difference between CIRS and mold illness 
 Trusting your body when answers don't add up 
 Why environmental testing matters 
 Finding the right tools for your healing journey 
ABOUT GUEST:
Jenna is a registered dietitian via her business Nutritiously Jenna and associate practitioner at Less Stressed Life Nutrition. She started working with Christa in 2018 doing mentorship hours for her undergraduate degree. Her passion for women's wellness came from her firsthand struggles flaring with a variety of gut, detox/drainage, nervous system, and energy issues. In January 2026 was when she officially learned that CIRS was a piece of not only her health story but also, her husband's after a variety of exposures to biotoxins in their homes. Through this experience, her goal is helping other "misunderstood" clients better understand how their symptoms can be influenced by the health of their environment.
WHERE TO FIND GUEST:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nutritiouslyjenna/
SPONSOR:
Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎  Try their Electrolyte Supreme in the crowd-favorite Fruit Punch flavor this summer.🍓🍹Use code LESSSTRESSED10 on every order for 10% off! 
NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE:
🍽️ Over restriction is dead
🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best
🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards)
🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone
❤️ Do your best and leave the rest
WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:
Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/
Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionist
Podcast Instagram: @lessstressedlife
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlife
More Links + Quizzes: https://www.christabiegler.com/links
Protocols: https://www.christabiegler.com/protocolshop
❓Questions for Christa? Submit them here: https://www.christabiegler.com/questions