359 // I Started HRT 30 Days Ago… Here’s What’s Working (and What’s Not)

359 // I Started HRT 30 Days Ago… Here’s What’s Working (and What’s Not)

Author: Stacey Ziegler August 11, 2026 Duration: 9:17
I started HRT 30 days ago and I’m opening up about what this journey has really been like so far.

Before starting hormone replacement therapy, I spent a lot of time trying to get my health, fitness, nutrition, sleep, and lifestyle in order. I was exercising, eating well, staying active, and doing the things I knew were important for my health in midlife. And while I was seeing some results, I still didn’t feel like myself.

Then came the decision to start HRT.

Now, 30 days in, I’m sharing what I’m taking, what has changed, what hasn’t, and some of the things that surprised me along the way including waking up one morning and realizing I felt many of the same symptoms I had before starting.

I’ve experienced things like fatigue and leg cramps, and I’m still figuring out what my body is telling me.

This isn’t medical advice or a promise of what HRT will do for anyone else. It’s simply my personal experience as a woman navigating midlife, menopause, hormones, fitness, nutrition, and faith and I want to be transparent about the journey.

I’m not sharing this because I have all the answers.

I’m sharing it because I’m living it.

And I’ll continue documenting this journey as I learn what’s working, what’s not working, and how my body changes over time.

If you’re a woman navigating perimenopause, menopause, hormone changes, or simply trying to feel like yourself again in midlife, I hope you’ll follow along.

We’re figuring this out together. 🌿

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Fit and Fueled by Faith is a faith and wellness podcast for women over 40 who want to feel strong, energized, and rooted in faith. Hosted by Stacey Ziegler, NASM-CPT, Certified Holistic Health and Life Coach.

Midlife brings its own unique set of questions, especially about health and purpose. Fit and Fueled by Faith | Faith & Wellness for Women 40+ sits right in that space, offering conversations that go far beyond diet tips or workout routines. Host Stacey Ziegler brings her perspective as a certified personal trainer and holistic health coach, but more importantly, she approaches wellness as an integrated journey. Here, physical strength and sustainable habits are discussed alongside spiritual nourishment, with the understanding that caring for your body is also a way of honoring your faith. This podcast recognizes that for women navigating this season, energy, strength, and a sense of rootedness are deeply connected goals. You’ll hear practical, grace-filled discussions on creating routines that actually last, managing the shifts that come with age, and cultivating a resilient mindset. Stacey’s belief that true strength is sourced from a foundation in Christ informs each episode, making this a unique blend of tangible advice and spiritual encouragement. It’s for any woman who is tired of quick fixes and is looking for a compassionate, faith-centered companion to walk with her toward holistic well-being. Tune in for honest talks that address the whole self-body, mind, and soul-in a way that feels both supportive and actionable.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Fit & Fueled by Faith | Midlife Wellness
Podcast Episodes
349 // Why Intimacy Changes in Midlife (And What You Can Do) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:06
This is a conversation many women are having quietly… or not at all. Have you noticed a shift in your desire, your connection, or your interest in intimacy in midlife? You’re not broken. And you’re not alone. In this epi…
346 // Why Belly Fat Increases in Midlife (Perimenopause Explained) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:32
Have you noticed that weight in midlife seems to show up in one specific place… your belly? Even when your habits haven’t changed? You’re not imagining it and it’s not just about calories. In this episode of the Hello Ho…
345 // Sleep in Midlife: Why I can't fall asleep! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:49
Wide awake… and wondering why you can’t fall asleep? If you’re in your 40s or 50s, this isn’t just a random fluke — it could be your hormones talking. In this episode of the Hello Hormones series on Fit & Fueled by F…
344 // Anxiety in Midlife | Why You Feel More Overwhelmed [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:05
Have you felt more anxious lately… even when nothing obvious is wrong?Your thoughts feel louder.Your patience feels thinner.Your body feels on edge and you can’t quite explain why.If you’ve found yourself wondering, “Why…
343 // Body Image in Midlife: Making Peace With the Mirror [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:04
Your body changes in midlife — and sometimes your self-talk does too. In this episode of Hello Hormones, we talk about body image during perimenopause and menopause. Why the mirror can suddenly feel louder. Why clothes f…