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About Meredith Shirk, CPT
Meredith Shirk has been in the health
and fitness industry for over a decade
with a Magna Cum Laude Biology
degree, certification as a personal
trainer with the National Academy of
Sports medicine (NASM), and a mind,
body nutrition specialist.

Over the years she’s helped athletes,

celebrities, models… and people just
like yourself… make their dreams
become reality achieving their best
body, inside and out.

“Mere,” as her clients and subscribers know her, is the CEO of Svelte
Media & Training. She’s also the creator of the cutting-edge 1-minute
workout plan, One & Done, that she’s successfully taught to clients for
the past 12 years.

Mere has over 150K subscribers and followers combined on Facebook

and her YouTube channel, spreading the message of ‘total mind, body,
health’ globally.

Let’s get social! Double click the icons below to follow and subscribe to
stay up to date with free video workouts, weight loss tips, recipes and
more.

3
Table of Contents
Introduction....................................................................................5
Other Causes of Hormonal Imbalance..........................................7
MetaTherapy -
Natural Remedies For Hormonal Imbalances..............................9
High Cortisol................................................................................10
Low Progesterone.........................................................................11
Low Estrogen................................................................................12
High Testosterone........................................................................13
Hypothyroidism............................................................................14
Hyperthyroidism...........................................................................15
MetaTherapy Solutions................................................................16

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Introduction
Hi there, it’s Mere.

I’m so proud of you for committing to the MetaBoost Connection

system. By now you understand the important of living a MetaLifestyle.

You’ve already poised your body for sustained weight loss (remember
the MetaBurn!) through the MetaClean and MetaSlim days as well
as eating MetaMeals rich with cellular engine revving nutrients, also
called MetaInfluencers.

So you’re taking control of body’s ‘input’ and ‘output’…the fuel that

goes in and the energy that’s used.

But I’m going to switch gears about something that is plaguing women
as early as 40 AND it can affect their mind, body and health… hormone
imbalances.

Hormone imbalances, if you haven’t experienced them yet, can cause

changes in your body from the inside out including brittle nails,
thinning hair, dry skin, weight gain, migraines, lethargy, and
more.

Women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s can experience hormonal changes
due to peri menopause, menopause, and post menopause.

First, I’d like to clarify the difference between peri and premenopause.
Perimenopause may start about 8 to 10 years before menopause. At this
point, your ovaries gradually produce less estrogen. This can last right
up until menopause actually hits and the ovaries stop releasing eggs.

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Sometimes women in their early 40s may miss a period and think it’s
stress or pregnancy, when it may be the onset of perimenopause. Believe
it or not, according to the Mayo Clinic, about 5% of women go into early
menopause, experiencing symptoms between the ages of 40 and 45. ¹

Pre menopause is often used interchangeably with perimenopause, but

they are slightly different.

As pre menopause is when you have no symptoms of going through

perimenopause or menopause. Technically, a woman could be
premenopause any time before she enters menopause. However for
accuracy, perimenopause is speaking more to the fact of a decrease in
hormone levels, which is what’s actually happening in perimenopause.

1 https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/womens-wellness-5-things-you-need-to-know-
aboutearly-menopause/

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 If you’re between the ages of 40-45 and you’re experiencing any of
the below, you could be in early menopause: ²

→ missing more than three

→ periods in a row
→ heavier or lighter than usual
→ periods
→ trouble sleeping
→ weight gain
→ hot flashes
→ vaginal dryness

However, if you’re past age 45 and you’re experiencing any of the

symptoms, you could be in perimenopause (falling estrogen
levels):

→ hot flashes
→ mood swings
→ night sweats
→ vaginal dryness
→ difficulty sleeping
→ vaginal dryness
→ changes in sex drive
→ trouble concentrating
→ hair loss
→ fast heart rate
→ urinary problems

2 https://www.healthline.com/health/menopause/symptoms-of-menopause#second

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Other Causes of Hormone Imbalances
So what if you’re a 40+, you’re still getting your periods but experiencing
some of the above symptoms?

There are some other common causes of hormone imbalances I wanted to

share with you that may not be related to menopause…3

Stress: Elevated stress can release a hormone, CRH, which ultimately

increases the release of the stress hormone, cortisol. Increased cortisol
makes your body think it’s in danger thus using its energy to protect the
body and stealing energy from digestive and reproductive systems.

Protein from foods: Some proteins cause inflammation which can

overstimulate the immune system and throw your microbiome out of
whack. The changes to the microbiome can lead to an imbalance in
hormones.

Estrogen Mimicking Chemicals: Man-

made chemicals found in plastics, pesticides,
and other daily products can contain
estrogen-like chemicals that interfere with
the human endocrine system and hormone
production.

Hysterectomy/Oophorectomy: If your ovaries are removed, they will no

longer produce hormones in our body causing menopause-like symptoms.

Obesity: The hormones leptin, insulin, oestrogens, androgens

and growth hormones influence our appetite, metabolism and
body fat distribution. Studies show that people who are extremely
overweight and obese have hormone levels that actually promote the

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accumulation of body fat. So it turns into a vicious cycle. You may have
became overweight due to a hormone imbalance, like hypothyroidism, then
your weight is encouraging the build-up of body fat.

Leaky Gut and Digestive Issues. A recent report from the American
Journal of Pathology, linked food allergies and digestive disorders to
hormone imbalances and regulation. If you have leaky gut or are deficient
in probiotic bacteria in your intestinal wall, you may be more susceptible to
hormonal problems, including diabetes and obesity. You see, inflammation
typically stems from your stomach but has a ripple effect and then impacts
nearly every aspect of your overall health

I must emphasize that each of these symptoms could also mean other health
issues or conditions, so as always, don’t try and diagnosis yourself.
If you are experiencing anything different than usual – and nobody knows
your body better than you – go see your health care provider for a more in-
depth exam and diagnosis to see if it’s hormone related or not.

3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1592668/

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MetaTherapy - Natural Remedies for
Hormone Imbalances
According to a recent survey, forty-three percent of women say hormones
have negatively affected their overall well-being. Dr. Ana Cabeca, in doing
research for her new book, surveyed 2,000 American women, aged 30 to
60. She found that nearly half (47 percent) have experienced the symptoms
of a hormonal imbalance. Results however also suggested that many are
unaware of the potential implications of hormones… the vast majority (72
percent) only later understood the cause of their symptoms. While more
than two-thirds of the respondents reported knowing that mood swings,
hot flashes and weight gain are symptoms of a hormonal imbalance,
less than half were aware that urinary incontinence, brain fog and even
memory loss can also be symptoms. 4

The following are typical hormone imbalances – menopause or other

– and some natural ways to treat it. Please consult with your health care
provider before starting any new regimen. Certain conditions may require
pharmaceutical medications.

But if you’re interested in alternative

treatments and discuss such a plan with
your doctor, it may be worth a try AND
without the additional side effects (some
dangerous!) that often accompany hormone
medications.

People have used natural supplements to

treat hormonal imbalances for thousands of years. Natural supplements
commonly used for the reduction of symptoms associated with hormonal
imbalances are listed below.

4. https://nypost.com/2019/02/22/nearly-half-of-women-have-been-affected-by-a-hormonal-imbalance/

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High Cortisol
Symptoms

Cortisol is secreted by the hypothalamus in the brain, pituitary, and

adrenal glands. When cortisol levels are high, weight gain increases,
especially in the stomach area. Increased cortisol also spikes blood
pressure and mood swings, which can also increase thirst and cause
muscles to feel weak.

Treatments

♦ Low intensity exercise

♦ Magnesium Supplements
♦ Teas to support the nervous system - (Chamomile, Peppermint, Skullcap)
♦ Sleep - (limit caffeine, reduce exposure to blue light at night, melatonin)
♦ Probiotics/Prebiotics - (Probiotics in foods or consumed as supplements
contain good bacteria. Prebiotics contain soluble fiber to provide food
for probiotics. The combination helps lower cortisol levels.)

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Low Progesterone
Symptoms

Progesterone helps regulate the effects of estrogen on the body. If

progesterone is low, it can increase PMS like symptoms related to high
estrogen. Low progesterone affects your sleep quality. With lower
progesterone levels, it can be harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. It can
also cause night sweats and hot flashes. Low progesterone is linked with
mood swings and irritability.

Treatments

♦ Sleep (adults should average 7-9 hours)

♦ Cruciferous veggies contain phytoestrogens to inhibit excess estrogen
♦ Stress Reduction (exercise, meditation, yoga)
♦ Vitamin B-6 (supplement or found in chickpeas, tuna, spinach, bananas,
and lean red meat)
♦ Zinc (supplement, also found in cashews, almonds, chickpeas, kidney
beans, and shellfish)

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Low Estrogen
Symptoms

Estrogen levels decrease in perimenopause and after menopause

contributing to night sweats and hot flashes. Decreased estrogen affects
leptin which inhibits hunger. The increase in appetite causes women to go
for foods high in fat, calories, sugar, and salt. Decreased estrogen levels
cause women to hold more weight around the abdomen and arms and can
also increase bloating. Estrogen can affect breast tissue also low estrogen
can decrease breast tissue density. (Alternatively: high estrogen can cause
lumpy or dense breast tissue and even potential cysts.) Low estrogen is
associated with skin aging. Skin gets thinner, more prone to wrinkles as
collagen is lost, drier, less elastic, and less vascular. Loss of estrogen is
highly associated with bone loss and increased risk of osteoporosis.

Treatments

♦ Stress Reduction (exercise, meditation, yoga)

♦ Exercise Reduction (extreme levels of exercise can reduce estrogen
production)
♦ Soy (studies indicate soy isoflavones reduce menopausal symptoms
caused by low estrogen)

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High Testosterone
Symptoms

Testosterone is a hormone found in both men and women. Excess

androgens increase production in oil glands. Excess oil and skin cells can
clog pores leading to acne. Low testosterone can cause low libido. It can
increase muscle mass, bodily hair growth, and affect mood additionally.

Treatments

♦ Consume fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like Salmon MetaInfluencer!

♦ Tea (spearmint and marjoram teas balance adrenal androgen levels)
♦ Flaxseed helps reduce androgen levels MetaInfluencer!
♦ Diindolylmethane (DIM) is a natural supplement found in cauliflower
and broccoli that helps reduce androgens
♦ Calcium D-Glucarate helps to balance hormones

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Hypothyroidism
Your thyroid doesn’t produce enough thyroxine. Usually symptoms grad-
ually increase over the course of several years.

Symptoms
• Hair loss
• Weight gain
• Slowed heart rate
• Elevated blood cholesterol
• Dry thinning hair
• Muscle stiffness
• Aches and tenderness
• Decreased sweating
Treatments

♦ Stress Reduction (exercise, meditation, yoga)

♦ Exercise (begin with low-moderate levels to support metabolism and
help battle symptoms like fatigue)
♦ Selenium (According to NIH, Slenium plays a part in thyroid hormone
metabolism. In some cases, this element has shown to help balance
thyroxine (T4) levels.)

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Hyperthyroidism
An overactive Thyroid is when the thyroid gland produces too much of
the hormone, thyroxine.

Symptoms
• Feeling nervous, anxious or irritable
• Sensitivity to heat
• Increased frequency in bowel movements
• Shaking in hands and fingers
• Sleep problems
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Thinning skin
Treatments

♦ Low Iodine Foods - the mineral iodine produces thyroid hormones.

Reducing iodine in your diet helps reduce thyroid hormones. Low iodine
foods include:
♦ egg white
♦ non-iodized salt
♦ oats
♦ unsalted nuts MetaInfluencer!
♦ unsalted butters
♦ Increase Iron intake - iron helps blood cells carry oxygen to cells in your
body. Low iron is linked to hyperthyroidism.
♦ Zinc uses food as energy to keep immune system and thyroid healthy.
Taken as supplement or found in:
♦ beef
♦ chickpeas
♦ cocoa powder MetaInfluencer!
♦ mushrooms
♦ pumpkin seeds
♦ lamb
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MetaTherapy Solutions
The following are natural herbs, oils, supplements, and other remedies that
may help fill nutritional voids and promote hormone balance.

Healthy Fats. Eating foods that are rich in healthy fats and Omega 3s
are the building blocks of hormones. These healthy fats also reduce
inflammation, boost metabolism and aid in weight loss. Refined
carbohydrates on the other hand, have the complete opposite effect. Some
of the best healthy fats include coconut oil, avocados, grass-fed butter and
wild-caught salmon. Avoid foods and oils high in omega-6 fats (safflower,
sunflower, corn, cottonseed, canola, soybean and peanut), and add to your
diet foods rich in omega-3s (wild fish, flaxseed, chia seeds, walnuts and
grass-fed animal products).

Healing Herbs. There’s a group of healing plants called Adaptogen

herbs that promote hormone balance and overall wellness. Ashwagandha
has been linked to balancing hormones as well as improving body at the
cellular level combating free radicals that may cause cancer. Ashwagnhda
has also been linked to helping thyroid levels.5 Holy Basil is another healing
herb that has been shown to regulate cortisol levels as well as protect the
body from emotional and environmental stressors.6

Essential Oils. Clary sage helps to balance estrogen levels because

it contains natural phytoestrogens. Use 3-5 drops of clary sage to help
balance hormone levels.7 Fennel has been shown to help with thyroid
imbalances. You add 1-2 drops to a class of warm water or tea to take it
internally. Lavender oil promotes a good, restful sleep, which helps offset
hormone imbalances. You can add 5 drops to a warm water bath or apply
3 drops topically to your temples, back or neck or wrists. Sandalwood
also helps with relaxing and restful sleep, which helps hormone levels.
You can inhale directly from the bottle or put 2-3 drops on back of wrist.

17
Thyme helps progesterone levels. Add 2 drops to a warm bath.8 Evening
primrose has omega-6 fatty acids that support overall hormone levels and
premenstrual symptoms.9

Super Supplements. Vitamin D has an effect in the body like a hormone

and helps keep inflammation very low. The best source of Vitamin D
is natural sunlight, which is absorbed directly through the skin. Taken
orally, you can use Vitamin D3 2,000–5,000 IU daily.10 Probiotics help your
stomach lining and leaky gut, which in turn helps regulate insulin, ghrelin
and leptin hormone levels.11

5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9811169

6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4296439/

7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24802524

8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9492350

9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2542782/

10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18689389

11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1801818/

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If you’re not sure if your hormone levels are balanced or not, there’s
a few easy tests that can confirm it, so be sure to see your health care
provider about the following to see which test is right for you:

• Saliva test - Saliva testing measures your body’s hormones levels at

the cellular level. A saliva test can measure your estrogen,
progesterone, testosterone, cortisol and DHEA levels.
• Blood test - A blood test can measure free (or active) and total
hormone levels.
• Urine test - Urine hormone test requires that you collect every drop
of urine for a 24-hour period. Then your urine is tested to identify
each hormone that is present and at what levels on that particular
day
• Follicle - Stimulating hormone test. Commonly used to measure the
hormonal status of premenopausal women who are beginning to
experience symptoms of menopause.

[Editor’s Note: Many people know that collagen helps with hair, skin and nails
as well as soft tissue repair, but did you know that collagen is also a great source
of amino acids (arginine, glutamine, glycine and proline)? That’s 100% true!
We need amino acids to produce healthy levels of hormones, which help us have
a balanced body and overall wellness. Collagen also supports healthy thyroid
function and offsets cortisol (stress hormone) imbalance. One super easy way to
get extra collagen is through powder form that can easily (and tastily) be added
to your coffee, smoothies, other beverages… some people even bake with it!. But
not all collagen powders are created equal. I happen to use (and love!) Spring
of Life Collagen Peptides. This has hydrolyzed collagen peptide powder with a
remarkable 3x absorption rate as other collagen supplements, which means your
body has an easier time digesting and putting this miracle supplement to work.
I urge you to take a few minutes to get more information about this overlooked,
underappreciated nutrient! Click here now to learn more.

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