Unlocking Hormonal Balance with Deborah Maragopoulos, FNP

The Positive Pause

December 18, 2024 ∙ 36 mins
Episode 30

About

In this episode, Deborah Maragopoulos, FNP an intuitive integrative family nurse practitioner with over 30 years of experience in neuroimmune endocrinology, joins us for a discussion around the crucial role of the hypothalamus in managing menopause symptoms, overall health, and hormonal harmony. 

Specializing in hypothalamic health, Deborah has helped thousands of patients restore hormonal balance through her integrative approach. She is the author of several books including her latest, "The Hypothalamus Handbook," which outlines the steps people can take to start healing their hypothalamus on their own. She is also the Founder of Full Circle Family Health, Genesis Health Products, Inc and Divine Daughters Unite. In addition, Deborah serves as clinical endocrine advisor to Genova Laboratory and Sansum Medical Clinic, and she is also the past president of the California Association of Nurse Practitioners.

The hypothalamus, often overlooked in traditional healthcare, is a small almond-shaped gland in the brain responsible for regulating the body’s key functions, including temperature, metabolism, mood, sleep, and hormone balance.

Deborah explains that many menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep disruption, weight gain, and brain fog stem from a dysregulated hypothalamus as hormone levels fluctuate. This critical gland struggles to maintain balance as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels decline. Part of the problem is that hypothalamic imbalances can be hard to detect through standard tests. Deborah recommends and uses a comprehensive health history, lab analysis, and symptoms checklists to diagnose and treat her patients.

Topics covered in this episode:

  • The hypothalamus’ role in menopause and perimenopause 
  • How perimenopause and menopause affect your hypothalamus 
  • Some of the most common disorders and medical conditions that might be linked to an unbalanced hypothalamus and how to talk with your medical provider about it
  • Five lifestyle pillars to keep the hypothalamus functioning optimally 

Specializing in neuro-immune endocrinology, Deborah focuses on optimizing the function of the hypothalamus - the maestro of the symphony of hormones. Her approach combines cutting-edge science with a holistic perspective, offering hope to those struggling with unexplained symptoms or chronic health issues. 

Connect with Deborah: 

Resources Referenced in the Podcast:

Information

Podcast

The Positive Pause

Episode

30

Date

December 18, 2024

Length

36 mins
You may also like
US
pfizer-womens-health

Women's Health

Women’s Health is your destination for compelling, stand-out series that touch on all aspects of women’s health. While each series may focus on a different topic, they’re united in their commitment to candid conversations that destigmatize women’s health issues and highlight real life people. This channel features the following podcasts: menopause: unmuted; Tales from the […]

Health & Fitness Medicine
Australia

Joint Action

Joint Action is a podcast hosted by David Hunter. As a consequence of isolation, those living with osteoarthritis related disability may become less fit, more depressed and anxious, more socially isolated and gain weight. It is critical at times like this that people with osteoarthritis have their burden and disability minimised and their knowledge of […]

Health & Fitness Medicine
UK

Happy Place

Fearne Cotton talks to incredible people about life, love, loss, and everything in-between as she reveals what happiness means to them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Health & Fitness Mental Health
UK

The Liz Earle Wellbeing Show

Welcome to The Liz Earle Wellbeing Show, the podcast helping all women have a better second half. I’m Liz Earle and, with so many of us living longer than ever before, I’m on a mission to help women thrive in later life by investing in our health and wellbeing today. This means picking up good […]

Arts Education
UK

The Mid•Point with Gabby Logan

Gabby Logan is middle-aged and unashamed.But what does it mean to be at the halfway stage of your life? Here, Gabby talks candidly to well-known faces about their own midlife challenges and expectations, drawing on the advice of experts from sleep gurus, nutritionists, and doctors specialising on hormone treatment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for […]

Education Fitness
US
Office Hours by MiM Menopause

Office Hours by MiM Menopause

Welcome to Office Hours. This is a podcast where we talk about menopause, perimenopause, and other things that you should be talking to your doctor or health care professional about but probably aren’t. Come on in. No appointment needed. Visit us at heymim.com

Health & Fitness Medicine
UK
The Menopause Space

The Menopause Space

The Menopause Space is a weekly, discussion-based podcast which provides a toolkit for the community to better understand the issues surrounding perimenopause and menopause. Our goal is to break down the taboos surrounding menopause in Hong Kong, with expert advice and insight from some of the territory’s leading experts on the topic. Through a series […]

Health & Fitness Nutrition
Canada

Making Space For Menopause

Menopause is a time for us to make space. Space for things like joy, and the things that make our life full. It’s about our health, yes, but also about nourishing ourselves in whatever way we see fit. When we move into the fall of our lives, it’s time to accept who we are, by […]

Alternative Health Education
Ethiopia

Pause for Menopause

Welcome to the Pause for Menopause Podcast. Menopause has far-reaching emotional, physiological, psychological, and sociological consequences for every woman of a certain age group and those close to her. In response, Pause for Menopause is here to inform, empower, and encourage women of all ages – and men – not just to prepare for, understand, […]

Alternative Health Health & Fitness
UK

Postcards From Midlife

Are you living in a hormonal hothouse, feeling a little overwhelmed and in need of some positive, uplifting and comforting guidance on how to lead a more magnificent midlife? Well, you’re not alone and this podcast is for you. Hosts Lorraine and Trish chat with celebrities and experts on all things midlife, from menopause and perimenopause […]

Health & Fitness Kids & Family

  • Gaining Strength At Midlife

    In this episode, Joe Hoye, Owner/Operator of Hoye Fit, joins us for a discussion about how he helps women, especially those over the age of 40, in creating lasting change through fitness, nutrition, health and mindset. Most coaches tell women to eat less and move more—Joe Hoye does the opposite. Through Diet Detox, he simplifies […]

  • Heal, Evolve, Reignite: Navigating Midlife Mental Health

    In this episode, Dawn Van Berkel, LPC, CCTP, CST, a mental health counselor and founder of H.E.R. Therapy, joins us for a discussion to explore the emotional challenges and opportunities women face during midlife and menopause.  Dawn shares her inspiring story of going back to school in her mid-40s to earn a master’s degree in […]

  • Navigating Menopause with Humor and Strength

    In this episode, Colleen McIntosh, author of Menopause: The Horror, Humility, and Humor of It All joins us to discuss her candid and humorous approach to navigating menopause. She shares insights on how humor, support, and self-care can help women thrive during this challenging life transition. Colleen’s story is one of humor, resilience, and self-discovery. […]

  • Understanding Pelvic Health with Ingrid Harm-Ernandes, PT, WCS

    In this episode, Ingrid Harm-Ernandes, PT, WCS, a seasoned physical therapist, author, and speaker with over 40 years of experience, including almost three decades specializing in women’s health, joins us for a discussion into the often overlooked but crucial topic of pelvic health, its critical role in everyday functions like bowel and bladder control, sexual […]

  • Unlocking Hormonal Balance with Deborah Maragopoulos, FNP

    In this episode, Deborah Maragopoulos, FNP an intuitive integrative family nurse practitioner with over 30 years of experience in neuroimmune endocrinology, joins us for a discussion around the crucial role of the hypothalamus in managing menopause symptoms, overall health, and hormonal harmony.  Specializing in hypothalamic health, Deborah has helped thousands of patients restore hormonal balance […]

  • The Motivational Force of Menopause

    In this episode, Stephanie Mitchell, a certified personal trainer (CPT) and the inspiring wellness coach behind Stephanie Mitchell Fitness, joins us for a discussion around how women can prioritize wellness through the complex journey of perimenopause and menopause. In our conversation, Stephanie shares insights on staying connected to our "why" in our wellness routines, staying […]

  • Workplace Fairness for Women at Midlife: A Conversation on Menopause and Employee Rights

    In this episode Jack Tuckner, Esq. and Catherine Crider, Esq. of Tuckner, Sipser, Weinstock & Sipser, LLP, a NY-based law firm dedicated to workplace gender rights, join us to discuss the significant challenges faced by women at midlife, particularly around menopause, and how the workplace can better support them. The conversation is a deep dive […]

  • Empowering Women Through Perimenopause with Laura Okafor

    In this episode, Laura Okafor, founder and CEO of perry, joins us for a conversation about why perimenopause needs its own awareness month, how to help women understand & support them during the menopause transition, and misconceptions around perimenopause. This September, the National Menopause Foundation, in partnership with perry, launched the inaugural National Perimenopause Awareness […]

  • Self-Care Strategies with Cara-Michele Nether, L.Ac., FNC, CPT

    In this episode, Cara-Michele Nether, a distinguished licensed health practitioner, author, and founder of Strength & Vitality Wellness, joins us for a conversation about the self-care crisis and the four urgent steps women aged 45 and older can't afford to ignore.  Making friends with self-care consistency is more straightforward than you might think, and feeling […]

  • Understanding Menopause Through the Lens of Eastern Medicine

    In this episode, Dr. Evan M. Rabinowitz, the founder of the Yao Shan Center for Chinese Medicine in Washington, DC, joins us for a conversation about acupuncture for menopause symptom treatment relief, the importance of treatment for the individual, how the body is an ecosystem and how holistic & Eastern medicine focus on addressing and […]

  • Building Strength from Within

    In this episode, Rebekah Rotstein, NCPT, joins us for a conversation about the unique health challenges women face at midlife particularly regarding bone health and osteoporosis, and ways in which women can maintain and build bone health and muscle strength.  Rebekah Rotstein, a leading expert in Pilates, bone health, and movement education, is the founder […]

  • Navigating Menopausal Care with Dr. Samantha Dunham

    In this episode, Dr. Samantha Dunham joins us for a conversation on the crisis around menopausal care as often, women experience menopausal symptoms without understanding what’s happening and without knowing where to go for help. Dr. Samantha Dunham is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist (OB/GYN), a certified menopause practitioner, and the co-director of the Center for Midlife […]

  • Holistic Wellness and a Purpose-Filled Life

    In this episode, we talk about the balance of physical movement and mental clarity, and how they lead to emotional balance and help you set and implement your goals. with guest Sonia Satra. Sonia Satra, certified Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) Practitioner, is an executive coach, author and mind-body thought leader who specializes in personal transformation by […]

  • Getting Your Zzzzzz During Menopause

    In this episode, we focus on the importance of sleep and how aging & menopause can affect our sleep habits with guest, Dr. Whitney Roban, PhD. Dr. Roban is a renowned sleep expert, author, and founder of Solve Our Sleep, a one-stop shop for family, educational, and corporate sleep needs, offering various sleep supports via […]

  • Heart Health & Menopause with Michelle Routhenstein, MS, RD, CDCES, CDN

    In this episode, we focus on heart health and menopause, and how we can be proactive in keeping our hearts healthy as we age with guest Michelle Routhenstein. Michelle is the owner and president of Entirely Nourished LLC, a specialized private practice in nutrition counseling and consulting focused on the prevention and management of heart […]

  • Episode #19 – Protecting Your Pelvic Floor with Ingrid Harm-Ernandes, PT, WCS, BCB-PMD

    In this episode, we discuss how important our pelvic floor is to our overall health with guest Ingrid Harm-Ernandes. Many women experience symptoms in the pelvic region during menopause. These are known as genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) and are often not discussed with women as they transition through menopause. Ms. Harm-Ernandes is a physical […]

  • Maximizing Quality of Midlife Through Fitness – Dr. Maria Luque

    In this episode we discuss how physical activity affects the quality of life of women going through menopause, with guest Maria Luque, Ph.D. Dr. Luque is a menopause fitness expert, health science professor, U.S. Air Force veteran, and busy mom. Her vision is to help all women in menopause become stronger, healthier, saner, and much […]

  • Cultural Impacts on Menopause – Meera Bhogal

    Today’s episode of the Positive Pause is with Meera Bhogal. Meera, who is lives in the UK, is a menopause expert, personal trainer & fitness coach and provides training, classes & advocacy on the topic of menopause throughout the UK and around the globe. She is passionate about  raising awareness of menopause, especially in South […]

  • Managing Menopause in the Workplace – Dr. Mache Seibel

    Today’s episode of the Positive Pause is with Dr. Mache Seibel. Dr. Seibel is known for his expertise in helping menopausal women regain control over their lives, work, and relationships. With an impressive 25-year tenure as a Harvard Medical School faculty member, he’s not only shaped the field, but has also made a significant impact […]

  • The Art of Being Unmessablewith – Josselyne Herman-Saccio

    Today’s episode of the Positive Pause is with Josselyne Herman-Saccio. For more than 30 years, Josselyne has been leading transformative programs and coaching people who experience themselves stuck or "messablewith" in certain areas. She has worked with and impacted over 200,000 people directly in the areas of business and career, relationships and family, communication and […]

  • Taking a Big Bite out of Life: Combining Foods, Friends and Fun

    In today's episode of The Positive Pause, Bonnie Tandy Leblang, National Menopause Foundation Board Member, leads the conversation on the fun of life with guest, Silvia Baldini. Silvia is a branding expert and an Italian-born chef known for her work with popular Italian ingredients. She’s knowledgeable and passionate about food and wellness, and she holds […]

  • What the Tech is Happening in Menopause with Dr. Pamela Peeke

  • Body Image at Midlife with Ellen Albertson

    In today's episode of The Positive Pause, we get to hear a relatable discussion on some of the shared struggles of women: low self-image, comparison, practicing self-compassion, going through menopause. Claire is joined by Dr. Ellen Albertson. Dr. Albertson is also known as The Midlife Whisperer™. She is a Psychologist, Registered Dietitian, Board Certified Health […]

  • Women’s Health Tech with Ann Garnier

    Today’s guest is Ann Garnier, a healthcare leader and the driving force behind Lisa Health, the creator of the Midday App for menopause and healthy aging. As co-founder and CEO, Ann has dedicated her career to improving women's health using technology. Her passion for transforming women's health after 40, coupled with her expertise in artificial […]

  • The Whole Body Reset

    Heidi Skolnik is joining Claire on the podcast today. Considered a thought leader in nutrition, Heidi has influenced millions through her media work, writing and thriving consulting business. Heidi has been part of The Women’s Sports Medicine Center at HSS for over 20 years. Her company Nutrition Conditioning, oversees the Performance Nutrition program at The […]

  • Reproductive Longevity with Dr. Jennifer Garrison

    Joining me on the podcast today is Jennifer Garrison PhD. Jennifer is an assistant professor at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging and also holds appointments in the Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology at University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and the Davis School of Gerontology at the University of Southern California. Dr. […]

  • We’re Not Done Yet – Dealing with Ageism

    Ageism is real and we all likely know someone who has experienced it. In this episode, Claire Gill speaks with Patti Temple Rocks, author of I’m Not Done Yet: It’s Time to Talk About Ageism in the Workplace. In her close to four decades in the communications business, Patti has held senior leadership positions in […]

  • Managing Menopausal Symptoms via Diet

    In this episode, National Menopause Foundation Board Member, Bonnie Tandy Leblang, RD, interviews fellow nutritionists and authors of THE MENOPAUSE DIET PLAN: A Natural Guide to Managing Hormones, Health, and Happiness. Hillary Wright and Elizabeth Ward, registered dietitians and good friends since college, bring more than 60 years of combined knowledge as health professionals – […]

  • Our Bodies at Menopause

    There are many physical changes women experience at menopause. Some of these changes can be difficult to acknowledge and understand. In this episode of The Positive Pause we speak with Dr. Heather L. Johnson, an actively practicing gynecologist and author of two books, who, after delivering more than 3,500 babies over 40 years, recently retired […]

  • Sexy Sleepwear

    For about 75% of women, hot flashes and night sweats are a fact of life during perimenopause and menopause. Entrepreneur Lara Smith was inspired to create a beautiful and comfortable sleepwear product to help her sister who suffered through night sweats caused by cancer treatment. The result, Lusomè, is beautifully designed sleepwear using the most […]

  • Managing Motherhood and Menopause

    It’s estimated that more than 100,000 Americans give birth in their 40s each year, a number that has been steadily growing. It’s wonderful that the option of having children or adopting children is available to women later in life than was previously the norm. But, it’s still not the norm. For those who have become […]

  • Osteoporosis, Bone Health, and Menopause

    In this episode National Menopause Foundation board member, Susan Randall, MSN, FNP-BC, talks with Claire Gill, CEO of the National Menopause Foundation about osteoporosis and bone health. Susan is former head of education for the National Osteoporosis Foundation.  All women begin to lose bone at a faster rate at menopause due to a decrease in […]

  • Move Your Body: Exercise for Hormone Balance

    In this episode we discuss how women should consider adjusting their exercise routines to better respond to physical and mental changes at midlife. Fitness expert and best selling author Debra Atkinson share tips on how to listen to your body and develop an exercise routine that best meets your needs given what stage of menopause […]

  • Got Sex? Women's Sexual Health at Menopause

    In this first episode of The Positive Pause, we interview Dr. Andrea Singer, MD, FACP, CCD, associate professor and chief, Division of Women's Primary Care and director of bone densitometry, in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C., about women's sexual health at menopause. We discuss physical changes […]

  • Symptoms of Breast Cancer (YouTube Video #389)

    Symptoms of Breast Cancer In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Barbara 'Menopause' Taylor reveals a surprising truth—most breast cancers have no early symptoms. She debunks common myths, especially the widespread belief that breast pain signals cancer, and explains the difference between signs and symptoms. Learn why relying on symptoms alone can be dangerous, and how early […]

  • Sherri Dindal – Being The Real Slim Sherri and new beginnings in Midlife & Menopause

    Many of you will know The Real Slim Sherri from Instagram and TikTok – she is well known for her no- holds barred, unfiltered truths around growing up in the 70’s and 80’s, midlife, life as a Gen X woman and menopause.  I have loved her page ever since I discovered it and so was […]

  • What Stem Cell Therapy Taught Me About Recovery, Mindset, and Reinventing Downtime

    In today’s episode, I share my personal experience with stem cell therapy—and the unexpected lessons that came from being forced to slow down. Whether you’re choosing a procedure like stem cell therapy or suddenly dealing with an injury or illness, time off from your normal routine isn’t just inconvenient — it’s a major mental and […]

  • 193 Can Color Heal You? Dr. Deanna Minich Thinks So 🎨🧠🌿

    Forget everything you thought you knew about nutrition. This episode gets wildly colorful—literally. Dr. Deanna Minich joins Sally to decode how COLOR—yes, actual colors—can shift your health, your hormones, and even your mood. From purple carrots to chlorophyll, this convo goes deep on how to nourish your body and your energy. We’re talking:✨ Yellow for […]

  • Ep #152: Overcoming Gender Barriers in a Male-Dominated Industry with Captain Reyné O’Shaughnessy

    In this episode, Andrea Donsky, nutritionist, published menopause researcher, menopause educator, and co-founder of WeAreMorphus.com, talks to Captain Reyné O’Shaughnessy. She is a veteran commercial airline pilot with over 34 years at a Fortune 50 carrier and more than 10,000 heavy-jet flight hours, including being among the first women qualified on the Boeing 747. She's […]

  • 219 How to Support Your Mental Health and Stop Menopause Weight Gain

    Menopause is a natural part of life, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. I’ve experienced the exhaustion, the thinning hair, the mood swings—and the confusion that comes when you feel like your body is changing faster than you can keep up. In this episode, I’m sharing my personal journey with menopause and the lessons I’ve […]

  • S4 Ep178: Mid-life Nutrition: Tips and Tricks From a Dietician with Dr. Alexandra Filingeri

    Any mid-life woman knows that once you hit your 40s, 50s, or 60s, things will not go well if you eat the same way you did when you were 20. But it’s confusing to know what to eat, and how much to eat, without downloading multiple APPs and carrying around a calculator  My guest, Alexandra […]

  • 164: Emotional Eating in Menopause – The Psychology Behind the Cravings

    Do you get cravings for the foods that make your soul feel fuzzy but your body feel icky? In this episode, Adele explains the psychology behind those cravings, how to make steps away from those cravings and how to be more mindful with your eating. Check out Adele’s FREE symptom assessment here: https://adelejohnstoncoaching.com/free-copy-of-our-symptom-assessment/ Adele is […]

  • Thursday Thoughts – Writing a Book

    This week on Thursday Thoughts, Lucy and I dive into a juicy conversation all about her brand new book Shiny Happy Singles — or Thrive Solo if you're tuning in from the US. We chat about the inspiration behind the book, what it really means to thrive on your own, and why this message is […]

  • From Midlife Crisis to Midlife Chrysalis: Chip Conley’s Roadmap to Reinvention

    In this episode of Hello Menopause, Stacy talks with entrepreneur, author, and Modern Elder Academy founder Chip Conley about what it really means to navigate midlife. Drawing from his own experience with prostate cancer and hormone therapy, Chip shares what it felt like to go through “male menopause” and how that informed his vision for […]

  • Bladder Issues in Menopause – The Hidden Bacteria You Need to Know

    If bladder issues in menopause are keeping you from jumping for bone density or for jumping for joy. Or if laughing and sneezing or a need to consider hydration needs against access to a bathroom are real life and every day concerns you… we’ve got you today.  Bladder issues in menopause don’t need to keep […]

  • Ep 176 -Restoring Blood Flow for Brain, Heart and Hormonal Health with Cathy Eason

    In this week’s episode,  Dr. Fiona Lovely speaks with Cathy Eason, a certified holistic nutritionist and clinical educator, about nitric oxide (NO), often called the “miracle molecule” for its vital role in blood flow and thus, overall health.  We talk about the groundbreaking findings from a pilot study on nitric oxide’s impact on women’s sexual […]

  • Ep 481: The 5,000-Year-Old Secret to Stopping Emotional Eating

    I’m showing you how ancient Buddhist wisdom can help you break the cycle of emotional eating with more awareness, compassion, and ease—just like I teach my clients. Get the full show notes and information here: https://drdebbutler.com/481

  • #129: 7 Essential Habits to Move Through Menopause with More Ease

    Midlife doesn’t have to be a crisis — it can be a genuine metamorphosis. In this episode, I’m not talking about just surviving menopause.I’m talking about moving through it with more ease, clarity, and actual calm. You’ll hear a segment from a training I recently ran, where I shared seven essential habits that helped me […]

  • 13 – HRT after 60: myths, facts and finding your own path with Ann Newson

    In this week’s episode, Dr Louise Newson is joined by her mother, Ann Newson, for a candid and deeply insightful conversation about HRT after 60, as requested by some ofour viewers.  Together, Dr Louise and Ann address the persistent fears around breast cancer and HRT, revisiting data from the controversial 2002 WHI study. They also explore the […]

  • Grading and Staging of Breast Cancer (YouTube Video #388)

    Grading & Staging Breast Cancer – Know the Hidden Dangers In this episode, Dr. Barbara 'Menopause' Taylor breaks down the critical differences between grading and staging breast cancer—and exposes the hidden dangers that often leave patients confused or misinformed. Learn how cancer cell "grades" reflect aggressiveness, how "stages" indicate spread, and why stage 0 (carcinoma […]

The Positive Pause

Our motivational-minded podcast covers topics women want to know about as they journey to and through menopause. We cover topics that impact women’s health and healthy aging, including what it means to age healthfully. Hosted by the National Menopause Foundation’s Founder & President, Claire Gill.

00:00
/
00:00