Perimenopause Simplified

Have you been feeling unusually irritable, moody, or downright angry in the days leading up to your period? Perimenopause rage can feel overwhelming, especially when you don't understand why your emotions seem to be all over the place. In this episode, Claudia Petrilli explains how fluctuating estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone may influence your mood during perimenopause, and why symptoms can become more unpredictable during this stage of life. You'll learn how blood sugar, nutrition, stress, sleep, and nutrient deficiencies may contribute to mood swings, along with practical food and lifestyle changes that can help support your well-being. Claudia also discusses PMDD, when severe premenstrual symptoms may need further attention, and how hormone replacement therapy may fit into an individualized approach to managing symptoms. If you feel like a different person before your period, this episode will help you better understand what may be happening in your body and explore ways to feel more like yourself again. In this episode, we covered: Mood swings in perimenopause  Hormone fluctuations that cause moodiness The estrogen-serotonin connection Why your food & lifestyle shouldn't be overlooked PMDD in perimenopause Steps to take to improve mood struggles    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ SAVE $300 on Personalized Support! Stop guessing - and get real answers (and results) in The Perimenopause Method. This program has helped hundreds of women finally feel like themselves again - without the overwhelm. APPLY HERE by OCTOBER 23 and get $300 OFF on enrollment ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ FREE RESOURCES:  👉6 Things Missing From Your Routine Labs That May Be Contributing to Your Anxiety, Mood Swings & Fatigue After 40 👉Mini Training: Why You're Exhausted, Moody & Gaining Weight After 40 (And What Actually Matters) 👉HRT Crash Course: What Every Woman 40+ Needs to Know Before Starting Hormone Therapy CONNECT WITH CLAUDIA:  Website  YouTube  Instagram  Facebook  Inquiries   SHOP: Products We Love   Love the show? Please subscribe, leave a 5-star rating, review, and share, so that other women can find this podcast for guidance and support through their perimenopause journey!    Sources: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1327664/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4335177/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11955793/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6266949/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3317401/ https://thewellnessbydesignproject.com/2023/05/pmdd/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15013271/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26168104/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12519554/ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/gut-feelings-how-food-affects-your-mood-2018120715548 https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2668205  

Estrogen often gets a bad rap, but it's one of the most powerful and protective hormones in a woman's body, especially in midlife. In this episode of Perimenopause Simplified, we're unpacking what estrogen does, how it changes after 40, and what you need to know about supporting it through perimenopause and beyond. Whether you're dealing with brain fog, vaginal dryness, or mood swings, this episode will help you understand whether low estrogen might be at play – and what you can do about it. We also dive into hormone replacement therapy (HRT), the different forms of estrogen available, and why progesterone is essential if you choose to supplement. Estrogen isn't the enemy; let's set the record straight.   What's covered in this episode: The benefits of estrogen for your brain, heart, bones, and mood How estrogen levels fluctuate and decline during perimenopause and menopause Signs and symptoms of low estrogen vs. estrogen excess When to consider estrogen HRT and the different types (patches, gels, Biest & more) Why progesterone is needed when taking estrogen HRT How to support healthy estrogen detoxification through liver, gut, and lifestyle strategies   ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ SAVE $300 on Personalized Support! Stop guessing - and get real answers (and results) in The Perimenopause Method. This program has helped hundreds of women finally feel like themselves again - without the overwhelm. APPLY HERE by OCTOBER 23 and get $300 OFF on enrollment ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Links Mentioned: Ep. 31: How Endocrine Disruptors Impact Perimenopause For a deeper dive into estrogen, listen to Ep. 36: Estrogen: Why We Love It & Need It w/ Jill Chmielewski, RN, BSN   Connect with Claudia: Website  YouTube  Instagram  Facebook  Inquiries    Free resources:  👉6 Things Missing From Your Routine Labs That May Be Contributing to Your Anxiety, Mood Swings & Fatigue After 40 👉Mini Training: Why You're Exhausted, Moody & Gaining Weight After 40 (And What Actually Matters) 👉HRT Crash Course: What Every Woman 40+ Needs to Know Before Starting Hormone Therapy

In this week's episode, Claudia addresses one of the BIGGEST frustrations women face–going to their OB/GYN for perimenopause help, only to realize they're not as knowledgeable about hormones as we expect. Too often, doctors miss the full picture, leaving women dismissed and without real solutions.   We're covering: Why your OB/GYN is great for pregnancy–but often clueless about perimenopause Why perimenopause isn't just about estrogen and progesterone The common treatments doctors prescribe that don't actually fix the root cause What you really need to do to start feeling better   Source: https://www.contemporaryobgyn.net/view/survey-shows-menopause-curriculums-lacking-in-residency-programs     Seeking Personalized Support? Stop guessing - and get real answers (and results) in The Perimenopause Method. This program has helped hundreds of women finally feel like themselves again - without the overwhelm.   ➡️ Learn more HERE - OCTOBER SPOTS AVAILABLE!       ------------------------------------------   LOVE THE SHOW? Please subscribe, leave a 5-star rating, review, and share with other women, so they can get the support they need in perimenopause!    CONNECT WITH CLAUDIA:  Website YouTube Instagram Facebook Inquiries

Many women start hormone therapy expecting relief from hot flashes, brain fog, and mood swings - only to be frustrated when the scale starts creeping up. While providers often dismiss it, weight gain on HRT is a real experience for many. In this episode, Claudia explains why it happens, which hormones play a role, and what you can do to support your metabolism in midlife. What you'll learn in this episode: How progesterone can sometimes trigger water retention (even though it's a diuretic) Why estrogen balance matters for fat distribution, insulin sensitivity, and fluid shifts The risks of too much testosterone and how it impacts weight and symptoms The natural metabolic changes over 40 that make weight management harder Key nutrition strategies: prioritizing lean protein, fiber, and smart carbs while watching hidden calories from fats The importance of gut health, daily detox, and pooping regularly for hormone balance     If you want to learn more, my course Perimenopause HRT Roadmap is on sale this month through September 25th. Save $25 with code: SAVE25.   Links Mentioned: Ep. 67: Understanding Cortisol After 40: Why You Need It, Why It Becomes Imbalanced & What To Do About It Ep. 78: Undereating After 40: The #1 Habit Wrecking Your Hormones & Metabolism Progesterone Therapy & Thyroid Function Walking 7000 Steps a Day Oura Ring Optim Ring Pedometer to Track Steps Optimizing Adult Protein Intake   LOVE THE SHOW? Please subscribe, leave a 5-star rating, review, and share with other women, so they can get the support they need in perimenopause!    CONNECT WITH CLAUDIA:  Website YouTube Instagram Facebook Inquiries  

If you've started hormone replacement therapy (HRT) but still feel exhausted, anxious, bloated, moody or worse – you're not alone. In this episode, I'm breaking down why hormone therapy alone isn't enough for many women over 40, why it really requires a whole body, holistic approach, and what your provider may be missing.   In this episode, you'll learn: Why HRT is a process - not a quick fix Common mistakes providers make with perimenopausal women How mineral imbalances and nervous system dysregulation affect HRT Why you may feel worse after starting hormones What we assess in every client before addressing hormones   If you want to learn more, my course Perimenopause HRT Roadmap is on sale this month through September 25th. CLICK HERE to save $25 with code: SAVE25.     CONNECT WITH CLAUDIA:  Website  YouTube  Instagram  Facebook  Inquiries   SHOP: Products We Love