1. Exercise and Nutrition through Perimenopause & Menopause with Jody Trostler

About this episode

Dr. Rachel Pope and Jody Trostler discuss the impact of hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause on women's health, exercise, and nutrition.

Many women reach midlife feeling frustrated that what once worked no longer does. Despite exercising regularly and eating "healthy," they experience weight gain, fatigue, injuries, and stalled progress. Host Dr. Rachel Pope is joined by Jody Trostler [https://www.justtrain.net/about], certified menopause fitness and health coach, master health coach, and personal trainer, to discuss how hormonal shifts change the body's response to exercise and nutrition — and what women can do now to support their health, strength, and metabolism. Why the Midlife Body Changes Jody explains that the perimenopausal transition brings significant metabolic and hormonal shifts that affect muscle, fat distribution, recovery, and energy balance. Many women unknowingly enter a state of low energy availability, meaning they are under-fueling relative to their activity and stress levels. Common consequences include: * Increased injuries and poor recovery * Fatigue and brain fog * Stubborn midsection weight gain * Slowed metabolism Even women who exercise frequently and eat "clean" are often impacted. From Cardio to Strength & Fueling Jody emphasizes that muscle becomes a critical protective organ during…

People in this episode

Host: Dr. Rachel Pope

Guest: Jody Trostler

Topics covered

• perimenopause
• menopause
• exercise
• nutrition
• health
• strength training

Keywords

• midlife
• metabolism
• fatigue
• strength training
• energy balance
• muscle loss
• weight gain

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Just Train

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• 8. Weight Lifting & Prolapse with Dr. Jessica Jenkins · May 29, 2026 · 15 min
• 7. 15-Minute Consult: Acne and Facial Hair in Perimenopause & Menopause with Dr. Melissa Mauskar · April 15, 2026 · 12 min
• 6. Testosterone in Perimenopause & Menopause with Dr. Tami Rowen · March 16, 2026 · 23 min
• 5. Hormone Therapy in Perimenopause & Menopause with Dr. Rachel Pope · March 11, 2026 · 17 min
• 4. Disordered Eating in Perimenopause & Menopause with Lucene Wisniewski, Ph.D., FAED · February 24, 2026 · 32 min