Episode Details

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ABOUT THE EPISODE

If you have been feeling "off" in your late 30s, 40s, or 50s and you cannot quite explain it, I can't wait for you to here this conversation.

In this episode, I'm joined by Michelle White, a nutritional therapy practitioner and host of the Inspired Wellness Podcast, for a clear and compassionate breakdown of what perimenopause actually is, why so many women (and doctors) miss it, and how to stop ignoring yourself when your body is waving red flags.

What is perimenopause? Michelle explains the hormonal shifts that drive the symptoms so many women are experiencing, including why progesterone often declines first, why estrogen can feel like a rollercoaster, and how stress and cortisol can amplify everything from mood to sleep to cravings. We also talk about why "normal labs" do not always match how you feel, and why symptom tracking and the right support matter.

One of the most helpful parts of this episode is Michelle's framework of the four stages of perimenopause. Instead of thinking of it as one long miserable stretch, you will start to recognize patterns and understand why your experience may feel cyclical, inconsistent, and unpredictable.

We also get into the lesser-known symptoms that can blindside women, like joint pain, frozen shoulder, histamine reactions, heart palpitations, itchy skin or ears, burning tongue, and even changes in pelvic floor health. If you have ever said, "I used to tolerate this just fine, what is happening to me?" you are going to feel very seen.

Finally, we talk about what actually helps. Michelle shares simple, actionable strategies to support blood sugar stability, reduce cortisol overload, and regulate your nervous system without requiring you to overhaul your life overnight. This is the season to shift the goal from "being skinny" to being strong, steady, and well, for the decades ahead.

In this episode, we cover:

• What perimenopause is (and why menopause is technically one day)
• Why symptoms can be real even when labs look "normal"
• The four stages of perimenopause and what they can feel like
• The surprising symptoms women are not warned about

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