Brain fog, migraines, mood swings, heavy periods — could it all be perimenopause?

In this empowering episode of HCA Talks Health, host Zena Le Roux is joined by Suzanne Laurie — Nutritional Therapist, MSc in Positive Psychology, certified wellness coach, and licensed Emotional & Binge Eating Disorder specialist. Suzanne shares both her personal journey and professional expertise on navigating perimenopause with confidence.

With over eight years of lived experience, contributions to books on menopause, and years of supporting women in practice, Suzanne offers practical insights into how food, movement, sleep, stress, and mindset can transform your midlife journey.

🎧 In this conversation you’ll discover:

The common (and not-so-common) symptoms of perimenopause

Why every woman’s experience is different — and why blood tests often miss it

How stress, sleep, and mindset play a huge role in symptom management

Why protein, fibre, and blood sugar balance are essential for hormonal health

The role of movement (especially strength training) in protecting long-term wellbeing

Real-life strategies to reduce triggers like alcohol, caffeine, and sugar

How to feel empowered instead of powerless during perimenopause

⏱️ Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction & Suzanne’s background
2:00 Suzanne’s personal perimenopause journey
5:00 Symptoms no one warns you about
9:00 How early perimenopause can start
11:00 Taking control: tracking symptoms & lifestyle shifts
15:00 Nutrition basics: protein, fibre & blood sugar balance
18:00 Stress and the “midlife collision”
21:00 Triggers: alcohol, caffeine & histamine foods
25:00 Blood tests & what’s actually useful
28:00 Why change is hard — and the role of coaching & support
33:00 Building accountability & breaking habits
35:00 Final words of encouragement

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