In this episode of the Fueled & Free Podcast, Margaret has an honest conversation about one of the most common questions she hears: “How long is this going to take?” Whether it’s balancing hormones, healing the gut, improving energy, or reaching weight loss goals, many women expect a clear timeline. But the body doesn’t work that way.

Instead, Margaret reframes the process of health and healing — comparing it to learning a new skill that takes time, practice, and patience. She emphasizes why expectations can become one of the biggest obstacles to progress, and how showing up consistently with the right support makes the difference.

This conversation sheds light on why healing is not a quick fix, but a personal journey that requires patience, consistency, and a willingness to embrace the process.

Episode Recap:

• Why “How long will this take?” is the wrong question to ask {00:53}
• How expectations can sabotage real healing {01:21}
• Why health journeys are like learning a new skill — and can’t be rushed {02:42}
• The truth about timelines for gut healing, hormone balance, and metabolism {07:28}
• The cultural obsession with “perfect health” and why it’s unrealistic {09:06}
• How functional testing helps remove barriers slowing your progress {13:25}
• A better question to ask yourself instead of “How long?” {13:40}
• Why creating space for healing, and showing up matter more {16:07}

Links & References:

• Click here to order peptides with EllieMD, a US based telehealth provider.
• Book a peptide consult zoom call
• Download my GLP 1 Peptide Guide
• Join The Microdose Method GLP Coaching Group
• Join our 1:1 Coaching Program
• Learn more about working with our team by visiting fueledandfree.com

Connect with me on Instagram @margaretannpowell

**Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is NOT meant to be taken as individual or medical advice. Please seek the guidance of your physician or healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

In this episode of the Fueled & Free Podcast, Margaret explores the reality of PMS and PMDD, especially for women in their 30s and 40s. She challenges the conventional approach of prescribing birth control as a “fix,” explaining why it fails to address the root causes of hormonal imbalance.

Instead, she highlights the role of bioidentical progesterone in easing symptoms, supporting perimenopause, and protecting long-term health.

This conversation sheds light on why women need real hormone support — not suppression — and how understanding progesterone’s benefits can transform mental health, sleep, and overall well-being.

Episode Recap:

• Why birth control is the default prescription for PMS, PMDD, and perimenopause symptoms {01:53}
• How medical training and pharma influence keep doctors from addressing root causes {04:59}
• Why suppressing ovulation in perimenopause makes symptoms worse, not better {06:08}
• The critical difference between synthetic progestins and natural progesterone {07:32}
• How bioidentical progesterone supports mood, sleep, metabolism, and long-term health {09:26}
• The outdated fears around hormone therapy—and why they don’t apply to progesterone {11:10}
• Best practices for progesterone use—and how to know if it’s working for you {13:26}
• Questions to ask your provider so you can advocate for better hormone care {24:04}

Links & References:

• Access hormone replacement therapy from Raena Health, a US based telehealth provider.
• Taking Charge Of Your Fertility Book on Amazon.
• Click here to order peptides with EllieMD, a US based telehealth provider.
• Book a peptide consult zoom call
• Download my GLP 1 Peptide Guide
• Join The Microdose Method GLP Coaching Group
• Learn more about working with our team by visiting fueledandfree.com
• Ep. 67 | Estrogen Dominance In Perimenopause: Why You’re Bloated, Gaining Weight, Moody, & Have Heavy Periods

Connect with me on Instagram @margaretannpowell

**Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is NOT meant to be taken as individual or medical advice. Please seek the guidance of your physician or healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.

In today’s episode I’m sharing real talk on the cost of GLP-1 peptides like semaglutide and tirzepatide, what insurance does (and doesn’t) cover, and what it actually takes to maintain results long term.

These medications can be powerful tools for weight loss and metabolic health, but they’re not quick fixes. That’s why it’s so important to understand not just the financial side, but also the lifestyle shifts, maintenance strategies, and functional testing that truly support lasting results.

I’ll walk you through what you can expect if you’re paying cash, what insurance may cover depending on BMI or health conditions, why weight regain is such a common challenge, and how strength training + holistic health strategies fit into the picture.

You deserve clarity, and you deserve support in making these decisions with eyes wide open.

Episode Recap:

• How much GLP-1s really cost — and why so many women ask this question {00:43}
• When insurance typically covers GLP-1s and when it almost never does {01:20}
• What cash pay looks like at pharmacies, medspas, and telehealth platforms {05:42}
• How long you might actually need to be on a GLP-1, and why weight regain is common {09:19}
• What maintenance really looks like: strength training, protein, gut health, and hormones {13:39}
• Why functional testing still matters, even if GLP-1s are working {20:25}
• The hidden cost of not addressing metabolic issues early {25:39}
• Why GLP-1s are more than weight loss drugs — they’re metabolic therapies {26:41}

Links & References:

• Click here to order peptides with EllieMD, a US based telehealth provider.
• Book a peptide consult zoom call
• Download my GLP 1 Peptide Guide
• Join The Microdose Method GLP Coaching Group
• Learn more about working with our team by visiting fueledandfree.com
• Ep. 68 | Microdosing GLP-1s / Semaglutides: A Tool for Reducing Inflammation, Weight Loss & Insulin Resistance
• Ep. 75 | My 6 month update on microdosing a GLP 1, how peptides impact cravings, blood sugar, and can be a tool for longevity

Connect with me on Instagram @margaretannpowell

**Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is NOT meant to be taken as individual or medical advice. Please seek the guidance of your physician or healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.