Ep 2: It’s Not Just Hot Flushes ~ Understanding Perimenopause

Perimenopause is a stage so many women enter without even realising it’s happening, and for many, it can feel confusing, frustrating, and honestly a little unsettling.

In Episode 2 of The Nature & Nurture Podcast, I dive into what perimenopause really looks like, why symptoms can feel so unpredictable, and how understanding what’s happening in your body can be incredibly empowering.

While hot flushes and night sweats tend to get the most attention, perimenopause often shows up in much quieter (and less talked about) ways. Things like anxiety that seems to come out of nowhere, brain fog, disrupted sleep, heavier or more painful periods, mood swings, bloating, changes in weight, or that classic “wired but tired” feeling. For many women, it can feel like their body has changed the rules without giving them a heads up.

In this episode, I explain what’s actually happening beneath the surface. Perimenopause is driven by fluctuating levels of oestrogen and progesterone — not a steady decline, but more of a hormonal roller coaster. These shifts can affect everything from mood and sleep to temperature regulation, metabolism, and how your body responds to stress. One week you might feel fine, and the next you feel flat, anxious, foggy, or overstimulated, not because your body is failing you, but because it’s transitioning.

We also spend time myth-busting some of the biggest misconceptions I hear in clinic. Perimenopause doesn’t only happen in your 50s, it’s not “all in your head”, and you absolutely don’t have to just put up with feeling awful. Hormones influence brain chemistry, metabolism, skin, joints, gut health, libido, and so much more, which is why symptoms can feel so widespread and confusing. And if your blood tests keep coming back “normal”, that doesn’t mean nothing is going on.

I also share some gentle, foundational ways to start supporting your body during this phase. We talk about the importance of protein and fibre for blood sugar and hormone balance, sleep and nervous system support, and movement that feels nourishing rather than punishing. Strength training, walking, yoga, and pilates can all play a role in supporting muscle mass, bone health, metabolism, and overall wellbeing as hormones shift.

Finally, we touch on herbal and nutritional support, not as a one-size-fits-all solution, but as part of a personalised approach that takes your whole picture into account. There are many beautiful options that can support stress resilience, sleep, mood, and hormonal balance when used appropriately and safely.

Most importantly, this episode is about reassurance. Perimenopause isn’t something to fear or hide, it’s a natural transition, and with the right support, it can be a time of deep reconnection with your body.

🎧 To hear the full conversation, including detailed explanations, practical examples, and personal reflections, I encourage you to listen to Episode 2 of The Nature & Nurture Podcast.

You can find this episode on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and many other platforms, simply click here to see the full list of podcast players to listen to it on.

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