141. Menopause Weight Gain and Symptoms No One Warns You About: Hormones, ADHD, and HRT

I'm joined by Jen, the creator behind the popular TikTok and Instagram account @jenopause_midlife, and what happens is an honest, fun, and deeply relatable conversation about midlife, hormones, and everything women were never really taught about this stage of life. We talk about what it's like to start experiencing changes in your body and mind and not have the language, information, or support to understand what's happening. We explore why so many women feel dismissed or confused in midlife, why symptoms are often misunderstood, and how powerful it can be to finally realize you're not alone. This episode also dives into why humor matters so much during perimenopause and menopause, how social media has unexpectedly become a place for connection and education, and what happens when women finally start talking openly about their experiences instead of suffering quietly. It's lighthearted, real, educational without being overwhelming, and feels more like two friends talking than a formal interview. In This Episode, We Touch On What women are (and aren't) told about perimenopause and menopause Why midlife symptoms are so often misunderstood or dismissed The emotional side of midlife changes Learning about hormones later than expected Finding connection, validation, and support in unexpected places Why humor can be such a powerful coping and teaching tool About Jen Jen is the founder of Jenopause Midlife, a women's health education and advocacy platform dedicated to bringing honesty, support, and empowerment to the midlife experience. Known for her warmth, candor, and humor, Jen brings a refreshing authenticity to conversations many women have been taught to keep quiet. After more than two decades in high-performance ad sales roles, Jen began experiencing physical and emotional changes that were repeatedly dismissed. She later learned she was in perimenopause, a realization that collided with a challenging chapter at work and eventually led to an ADHD diagnosis later in life. These experiences opened her eyes to how often women are misdiagnosed, minimized, or left to navigate midlife without understanding or support. Motivated to change that narrative, Jen earned a menopause coaching certification, not to coach clients, but to deepen her knowledge so she could better educate, validate, and advocate for women who deserve real answers. Through Jenopause Midlife, she helps women understand their options, find quality care, and feel less alone through education, humor, and open conversation. Jen also serves on the Board of Directors of the NYC YMCA and is active in fundraising and community volunteer work. This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast. It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep. Other links Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast. LMNT http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes Disclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Always consult with your medical practitioner before changing habits. This podcast is not to take the place of medical or mental health professionals. If you enjoyed the episode, share and follow. I would be so grateful.