Perimenopause Simplified
Perimenopause Simplified is a health podcast for women over 40 who feel off despite doing everything right. Host Claudia Petrilli, a functional health and nutrition coach, explains what happens to hormones, metabolism, and the body during perimenopause. Episodes cover symptoms, hormone therapy, GLP-1s, muscle and body composition, sleep, recovery, nutrition, and lifestyle changes suited to midlife. The show focuses on practical strategies for perimenopause rather than generic advice from earlier decades.
Episodes
127. Perimenopause Rage: Why It Happens & What to Do About It
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 c
126. Mood Swings & Anxiety: Could Estrogen Be The Missing Piece?
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 episod
125. Your OBGYN Probably Can't Help You in Perimenopause
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
124. Gaining Weight on HRT? Here's How to Fix It
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
123. Why HRT Isn't Enough to Fix Your Perimenopause Symptoms
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 Com
122. What to Expect When You Start Hormone Replacement Therapy
Starting hormone replacement therapy can feel both exciting and overwhelming. What should you expect? How do you find the right provider? Which delivery method is best? And how long does it take before you actually start feeling better? In this episode of Perimenopause Simplified, Claudia Petrilli walks you through what the HRT journey can look like, from finding a hormone-savvy provider to unders
121. Not Sure What Age to Start HRT? This Will Help You Decide
Confused about when to start hormone replacement therapy? You're not alone. In this episode of Perimenopause Simplified, we're cutting through the mixed messages and breaking down when to consider starting HRT, what symptoms to look out for, and how to know if it's the right move for you. If you're in your 40s and feeling dismissed, overwhelmed, or unsure where to begin…this one's for you. We cov
120. Blood Sugar After 40: Please Stop Fearing Carbs
Blood sugar and carbohydrates can feel incredibly confusing—especially in midlife, when changes in estrogen, muscle mass, sleep, stress, and body composition can affect metabolic health. In this episode, we're breaking down what your glucose, HbA and fasting insulin actually tell you, why you don't need to fear carbohydrates, and why constantly chasing a perfectly flat glucose curve may be doing m
119. Walking: The Free Health Habit That Actually Matters After 40
Walking is one of the simplest—and most underrated—ways to support your health after 40. In this episode, we're talking about how daily walking can benefit cardiovascular health, metabolism, stress, sleep and your circadian rhythm, plus how to get more steps into your day without adding another "workout" to your schedule. We'll cover: Why 7,000 steps a day may be a more meaningful target than 10
118. What I Track as a Women's Health Coach Over 40: What Actually Matters
Are you tracking the right things for your health or just the things that create more stress? In this episode, I'm sharing exactly what I track as a women's health coach over 40, what I intentionally ignore, and how focusing on the right health data can help you make better decisions about your nutrition, workouts, hormones, and overall well-being. The health metrics I actually track each week (a
117. Why Following the Wrong Advice Keeps Women Stuck in Perimenopause
Between supplements, protocols, and influencers all claiming to have "the answer," it's easy to end up more overwhelmed than when you started — chasing what worked for someone else instead of what your own body actually needs. In this episode, I'm sharing why I took a few weeks off from the podcast, what my twice-a-year business audit taught me about the difference between noise and real data, and
116. Protein After 40: How Much Do You Really Need & Are You Forgetting Carbs
Protein has become one of the biggest nutrition buzzwords, but are women over 40 focusing so much on protein that they're forgetting about carbs and fiber? In this episode, I'm breaking down how much protein women really need in midlife, why protein matters for muscle, metabolism, blood sugar and healthy aging, and why carbohydrates aren't the enemy. You'll learn: • Why protein needs often increas
115. Why You're Gaining Weight After 40 (Even Though You're Eating Healthy)
Frustrated because you're eating healthy, exercising, and still gaining weight after 40? Many women in perimenopause feel like their body suddenly stopped responding to the things that used to work. In this episode, Claudia breaks down some of the common reasons women gain weight in midlife - even when they're trying hard to "eat clean." If you've been wondering why you feel more inflamed, puffy,
114. Why Your Workouts Aren't Working After 40
Working out but not seeing results after 40? Feeling frustrated that your body seems to be changing despite eating "healthy" and exercising? In this episode, I'm breaking down the biggest reasons your workouts may not be working in midlife: from too much cardio and not enough muscle…to under-fueling, fear of carbs, shifting hormones, poor recovery, and unrealistic expectations. In this episode:
113. Why Your Body Feels Stiff, Inflamed, and Off After 40 (Even If You're Active)
Feeling more stiff, achy, inflamed, or sore over 40s - even though you're working out and trying to be healthy? In this episode, we're breaking down why so many women in perimenopause and midlife suddenly feel "off" in their body. We'll cover the reasons behind joint pain, stiffness, slower recovery, and inflammation: from hormone shifts and muscle loss to sedentary lifestyles, under-fueling, stre
112. The Midlife Health Mistakes Keeping Women Stuck After 40
Feeling like your body has changed after 40…even though you're eating healthy and trying hard? In this episode, I'm breaking down the biggest midlife health mistakes I see smart, health-conscious women making that may be impacting metabolism, energy, hormones, muscle, recovery, and body composition. If you've been frustrated by stubborn weight gain, lower energy, poor recovery, or feel like what w
111. Why Belly Fat Shows Up in Your 40s (It's Not Just Your Hormones)
If you feel like your belly fat appeared overnight in your 40s, even though you're eating well and staying active, this episode will break down what's driving these changes in perimenopause. From hormone fluctuations to metabolic health, stress, and mineral imbalances, you'll learn why it's not just about hormones, what your body needs right now, and how to stop spinning your wheels with strategie
110. Why You Have No Motivation in Perimenopause (What Most Coaches Get Wrong)
If you feel like you have no motivation to work out, eat healthy, stay consistent, or take care of yourself in perimenopause, this episode is for you. In today's conversation, I'm breaking down why low motivation in your 40s isn't a discipline problem - but a physiology problem. We're diving into how declining estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, blood sugar dysregulation, stress, and cortisol i
109. Has Perimenopause Become Too Loud? Cutting Through the Noise
The conversation around perimenopause has exploded - but has it gone too far? In this episode, we're cutting through the noise, confusion, and conflicting advice dominating social media. From "it's all your hormones" to "it's just aging," we break down what's actually happening in your body during perimenopause, why symptoms like weight gain, anxiety, and poor sleep are so common, and how to take
108. The Patterns That Quietly Sabotage Your Health In Perimenopause
Feeling stuck, exhausted, or like your body is working against you in midlife? This episode is your tough-love wake-up call, because thriving in perimenopause starts with radical ownership. I'm breaking down the patterns that keep women overwhelmed, inflamed, and waiting for "someday", and offering a powerful invitation to take back your time, energy, and mindset–starting now. In this episode, I
107. Brain Fog & Memory Loss in Perimenopause: How to Get Clear & Calm Again
Brain fog, forgetfulness, irrational thoughts, and focus issues are common in perimenopause - but rarely explained. In this episode, we explore what's really happening to the female brain during the perimenopausal transition, why symptoms often start in the late 30s and intensify in the 40s, and what women can do to protect long-term brain health. In this episode, you'll learn: How estrogen, prog
106. GLP-1s in Perimenopause: What Most Providers Are Missing
GLP-1 medications and peptides are everywhere right now - but the conversation around them has become loud, polarized, and often missing context. In this episode, I share why I intentionally waited to talk about GLP-1s, how I think about them through a functional and midlife lens, and why tools like peptides or hormones can't replace foundational health work. This is a grounded, non-shaming conver
105. Why You Don't Want Sex Anymore (And What to Do About It) with Dr. Maria Sophocles
What really happens to sex in midlife - and why do so many women feel like their desire disappears overnight? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Maria Sophocles, a leading menopause expert and author of The Bedroom Gap, to break down the truth about libido, hormones, and what's actually driving sexual burnout in perimenopause and beyond. We get into the physical, emotional, and relationship fact
104. The Missing Piece Behind Your Perimenopause Symptoms: Your Nervous System
If you're feeling anxious, exhausted, gaining weight, and like nothing is working anymore, this episode is for you. These symptoms aren't just about hormones; they're often signs of a dysregulated nervous system. In this episode, Functional Health & Integrative Nutrition Coach Claudia Petrilli, breaks down how your nervous system impacts hormones, metabolism, sleep, mood, and more during perimenop
103. Feeling Burnt Out in Perimenopause? Here's What Your Body Actually Needs
Feeling more tired, anxious, or irritable in your 40s—but still pushing through like you always have? In this episode, Claudia shares why the "hustle mode" that may have worked in your 30s starts to backfire in perimenopause–and what to do instead. She opens up about the personal changes she's made to her daily and weekly rhythm, and walks you through 5 simple, doable practices to help you preser
102. Undereating In Perimenopause: The #1 Habit Wrecking Your Hormones & Metabolism
Discover why undereating after 40 wrecks your hormones, thyroid, and metabolism—and how to finally fuel your body for better energy, sleep, and mood. Are you undereating without even realizing it? In this episode of Perimenopause Simplified, Claudia gets real about one of the most common habits sabotaging women's health after 40. If you've been struggling with fatigue, mood swings, brain fog, stub
101. High Cortisol After 40: Busting Myths & What You Really Need to Focus On
In this episode of Perimenopause Simplified, we're diving deep into cortisol, the stress hormone that plays a significant role in our health, especially for women over 40. If you've been feeling exhausted, anxious, or wired at night, it's time to understand what might be going on with your cortisol levels. Cortisol can become dysregulated during perimenopause, making stress management even more cr
100. Midlife Health: What Actually Moves the Needle After 40
Today marks our 100th episode! I'm sharing the biggest lessons I've learned - personally and professionally - about health, hormones, and thriving after 40. This episode isn't about supplements or the best HRT protocol; it's about why midlife health requires a different approach - one that requires you to do less, not more. If you've felt confused or frustrated with your body in this season, this
99. Boundaries in Perimenopause: Why They Matter More Than You Think
In this episode, we're talking about one of the most overlooked drivers of how women feel in midlife and perimenopause: boundaries. Not just saying "no", but protecting your mental space, stress load, time, and nervous system in a world that constantly demands your attention. If you've been feeling more overwhelmed, more reactive, more exhausted, or less tolerant of noise and chaos, this conversa
98. Why Piecing Your Health Together Isn't Working in Perimenopause
Perimenopause isn't the phase of life where more podcasts, Instagram advice, or short programs create lasting change. When hormones, stress tolerance, metabolism, sleep, and the nervous system are all shifting at once, information alone isn't enough. In this episode, I explain why piecemealing your health keeps you stuck in midlife and why strategy and ongoing guidance are the missing pieces for r
97. Heavy Periods, Fibroids & Ovarian Cysts After 40: What Every Woman Needs to Know
In this episode, Claudia breaks down why heavy bleeding, fibroids, and ovarian cysts become so common in perimenopause – and what's really driving them beneath the surface. You'll learn how low progesterone, poor estrogen metabolism, mineral imbalances, gut health, and improperly managed HRT can all contribute, and why monitoring matters when symptoms persist. In this episode, we cover: Why low p
96. Should You Get HRT or Peptides from an Online Telehealth Company?
More women are turning to online telehealth companies for hormones, peptides, and thyroid support - and for good reason. These platforms have made care more accessible and more empowering than ever. But access doesn't always equal personalization. In this episode, we explore when telehealth hormone clinics can be a great fit, where their limitations lie, and how to know whether you need simple sup
95. Low Ferritin After 40: Do You Really Need Iron? What Your Labs Aren't Telling You
You were told your iron is low - but is that really true? In this episode, Claudia breaks down why low ferritin does not automatically mean iron deficiency, why so many women are incorrectly told to take iron supplements, and how incomplete lab testing leads to more confusion and symptoms. You'll learn: Why ferritin alone does not tell the full iron story Key iron labs most providers miss (serum
94. Magnesium After 40: Why It's Not Working the Way You Expect
You've likely heard about magnesium being a miracle mineral and you're probably taking a supplement to help with some of your perimenopause symptoms, but supplementing randomly often leads to frustration. In this episode, I unpack why so many women over 40 struggle to raise magnesium levels, why electrolytes matter more than you think, and how minerals like sodium and potassium determine whether y
93. Why You're Exhausted (Even on HRT): Minerals, Stress & Over-Functioning
Feeling exhausted, wired, and stuck in a loop of burnout? You do everything right: sleep, clean eating, supplements…but still feel like your energy is on fumes. In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on why hormone tests alone often miss the root cause. We'll dive deep into how mineral depletion (you read that right) is the missing piece of the puzzle for many over-functioning, type-A women
92. Women Over 40 Are Drowning — But Here's What No One Wants to Talk About
Women over 40 aren't just "busy" – they're overloaded. In this episode, we talk honestly about why so many midlife women feel like they're drowning: the pressure to over-function, checked-out partners, overbooked kids, rising costs of living, comparison culture, and hormones pushed past their limits. You'll hear what most people are afraid to say out loud and practical shifts that help you slow d
91. You're Not Behind After 40: Letting Go of Pressure, Comparison, and Expectations
As another year comes to a close, many women in midlife silently judge themselves for what they didn't achieve. In this powerful year-end episode, Claudia dismantles the toxic belief that your worth is tied to timelines, milestones, or other people's expectations. If you've ever felt behind - in your career, relationships, finances, health, or life - this episode will shift your perspective and he
90. Anger, Irritability & Rage in Perimenopause (and What to Do About It)
If you've been snapping at people you love, feeling angry for no reason, or like you're becoming someone you barely recognize, this episode explains why. Perimenopause rage is a physiological response to shifting hormones, mineral depletion, and decades of over-functioning. In this episode, Claudia breaks down what's driving the emotional volatility, why traditional advice doesn't help, and what
89. Menopause in Your 40s: How My Teammate Tonya Romano Navigated the Transition Holistically
In this episode, Claudia sits down with Tonya Romano, Nutritional Therapy Practitioner and co-coach inside The Perimenopause Method, to talk about her personal journey into menopause - a few years earlier than expected. From losing her period in her 40s to discovering the power of functional testing, nutrition, weight training, and hormone therapy, Tonya's story will resonate with any woman wonder
88. Stop Overcomplicating Health After 40: Here's What Women in Perimenopause Need First
Tired, bloated, moody, or not like yourself? Before you assume it's mold, Lyme, or some complicated "root cause", it might be time to get back to the basics. In this episode, Claudia shares what women in perimenopause truly need to focus on first to start feeling better. She breaks down why functional medicine sometimes leads to fear and confusion, and how to simplify your approach, so your body c
87. Redefining Yourself Over 40: One Bold Move at a Time (Even When It Feels Scary)
Feeling stuck or craving change lately? In this episode, Claudia shares how a simple impulsive hair-dye moment became a reminder that midlife is the perfect season to reinvent yourself. Whether it's changing careers, reconnecting with your partner, starting a new workout routine, or simply saying yes to what you've been putting off - this episode helps you rediscover who you are beyond the roles y
86. No, Your Blood Work Probably Isn't 'Normal' Over 40
If your doctor told you your labs are "normal" but you still feel tired, bloated, anxious, or off in your body, this episode is for you. Claudia explains the difference between conventional lab ranges and optimal ones, the patterns most doctors overlook, and how functional blood work can finally give you the clarity and answers you've been missing in perimenopause. You'll learn: Why "normal" lab
85. Over 40 with More Hair 'Down There' & Everywhere?
If you've noticed more chin hair, nipple hair, or thicker pubic hair in your 40s…you're not imagining it. In this episode, Claudia breaks down what's really behind the sudden hair growth and how your midlife hormones and metabolism are connected. You'll learn: Why androgen hormones can spike during perimenopause and trigger hair growth How declining estrogen and progesterone make androgens more d
84. The Midlife Call-Up: How Hormone Shifts Become a Divine Invitation to Slow Down, Heal & Redefine Success
In this powerful and heart-opening conversation, I joined my good friend Jennifer Ragazzo, a Soul Aligned Wellness Coach, on her podcast, The Daily Surrender, to explore the sacred intersection of hormones, healing and higher purpose. Together we unpack: Hormonal shifts that shape midlife and why your changing body is not betraying you - it's inviting you to listen deeper How pushing, striving,
83. Food Noise in Perimenopause: Why You're Always Hungry (and How to Fix It)
Are you always thinking about food, feeling hungry, or never fully satisfied in perimenopause? You're not alone. In this episode, Claudia breaks down why food noise gets louder in midlife, the role of fluctuating hormones, and how nutrition, movement, and even how GLP-1s can help you finally feel in control. You'll learn: How estrogen fluctuations and blood sugar dips drive constant hunger Wh
82. Why You Might Gain Weight on HRT & What to Do About It
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
81. Sorry, But HRT Alone Won't Fix Your Perimenopause Symptoms
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 Commo
80. Losing Motivation? What High-Achieving Women 40+ Need to Know
Have you noticed that your ambition and motivation aren't what they used to be? You're not alone. Many women over 40 - even the most successful, driven, high-achieving women - find themselves feeling flat, tired, and unmotivated. In this episode of Perimenopause Simplified, I break down why this happens and what you can do about it. From the powerful role hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and
79. What Happened When I Ran Out of Progesterone (and Why It Matters After 40)
What happens when you stop taking progesterone, even for just a few weeks? In this quick episode, I'm sharing my personal story of running out of progesterone, how my symptoms came rushing back, and why this hormone is so important for women in perimenopause. You'll learn why dosing and delivery methods matter, common signs of low progesterone, and how we help clients find a provider who actually
78. Undereating After 40: The #1 Habit Wrecking Your Hormones & Metabolism
Discover why undereating after 40 wrecks your hormones, thyroid, and metabolism—and how to finally fuel your body for better energy, sleep, and mood. Are you undereating without even realizing it? In this episode of Perimenopause Simplified, Claudia gets real about one of the most common habits sabotaging women's health after 40. If you've been struggling with fatigue, mood swings, brain fog, stub
77. Why Your Man Might Be Tired, Moody & Avoiding Intimacy w/ Dr. Joshua Gonzalez
Is your man more tired than usual, moodier, or pulling away from intimacy? You're not imagining it. In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Joshua Gonzalez: a board-certified urologist and sexual medicine specialist to talk about the low testosterone epidemic and why men's midlife health is often overlooked. We'll cover how hormone changes impact men physically, emotionally, and in the bedroom, plus wh
76. Feeling Sad, Irritable, or Unmotivated Over 40? Here's What's Really Going On
In this episode, Claudia gets vulnerable, sharing her own struggle with depression, the steps she took to overcome it, and how you can navigate depression in perimenopause. In this episode we covered: How hormone changes in perimenopause affect mental health How nutrient imbalances and gut health play a role in depression The life transitions perimenopause women experience Frustrations with yo
75. Ditch Alcohol in Midlife: Reclaim Your Energy, Confidence & Clarity w/ Sarah Rusbatch
In this powerful and eye-opening episode of Perimenopause Simplified, Claudia sits down with Grey Area Drinking Coach and bestselling author, Sarah Rusbatch, to unpack the hidden impact of alcohol on women's health, especially during perimenopause. From anxiety and sleep issues to weight gain and hormonal disruption, alcohol can quietly wreak havoc – yet it's often the last thing we question. Sara
74. Caring for Aging Parents While Navigating Perimenopause: What No One Talks About
In this episode of Perimenopause Simplified, Claudia opens up about a side of midlife that rarely gets discussed: what it's really like to care for aging parents, while navigating your own hormone shifts, emotions, and identity. She shares a personal story about supporting her mom after hip surgery, how losing her dad shaped her perspective on forgiveness, and why so many women in their 70s are no
73. Non-Hormonal Perimenopause Solutions: When HRT Isn't the Right Fit w/ Dr. Ana Duarte
In this episode of Perimenopause Simplified, Claudia is joined by Dr. Ana Duarte, a medical doctor, expert in anti-aging and longevity medicine, and CSO of Eusari Nutrition. After 15+ years in pharmaceutical research, Ana hit her own perimenopause wall: burnt out, disconnected, and completely unprepared for the changes in her early 40s. That experience led her to pursue advanced training in women'
72. When Should You Start HRT? The Truth for Women in Their 40s
Confused about when to start hormone replacement therapy? You're not alone. In this episode of Perimenopause Simplified, we're cutting through the mixed messages and breaking down when to consider starting HRT, what symptoms to look out for, and how to know if it's the right move for you. If you're in your 40s and feeling dismissed, overwhelmed, or unsure where to begin…this one's for you. We cov
71. Gratitude: It's More Powerful Than We Think in Perimenopause
In this short, reflective episode, Claudia gets real about the power of gratitude–especially during the chaotic, emotional, and overwhelming season of perimenopause. If you're a busy, driven woman over 40 navigating hormone changes, aging parents, anxiety, or a constant sense of "not enough," this episode is your reminder to pause, breathe, and reframe. Learn how gratitude isn't just a feel-good p
70. Why You're Anxious in Perimenopause & What to Do About It
About 15% to 50% of perimenopausal women may experience anxiety, often accompanied by depression, insomnia, and forgetfulness. In fact, anxiety is one of the main symptoms women reach out to me about. But unfortunately, a lot of healthcare providers aren't addressing the underlying imbalances associated with anxiety, besides thoughts, mindset, and/or trauma. And of course these things should be ad
69. Overstimulated & Over It: Why Midlife Feels So Loud
If you're a woman in your 40s who feels constantly anxious, moody, and mentally fried, it might not just be your hormones. In this episode of Perimenopause Simplified, I unpack one of the most overlooked hormone disruptors in midlife: overstimulation. From non-stop group chats to cluttered homes to the pressure to keep up on Instagram, our nervous systems are bombarded 24/7… and it's silently wrec
68. Estrogen: What Every Woman Over 40 Needs to Know
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 episod
67. Understanding Cortisol After 40: Why You Need It, Why It Becomes Imbalanced & What To Do About It
In this episode of Perimenopause Simplified, we're diving deep into cortisol, the stress hormone that plays a significant role in our health, especially for women over 40. If you've been feeling exhausted, anxious, or wired at night, it's time to understand what might be going on with your cortisol levels. Cortisol can become dysregulated during perimenopause, making stress management even more cr
66. Feeling Burnt Out in Your 40s? Here's What Your Body Actually Needs
Feeling more tired, anxious, or irritable in your 40s—but still pushing through like you always have? In this episode, Claudia shares why the "hustle mode" that may have worked in your 30s starts to backfire in perimenopause–and what to do instead. She opens up about the personal changes she's made to her daily and weekly rhythm, and walks you through 5 simple, doable practices to help you preser
65. The Missing Piece Behind Anxiety, Fatigue & Weight Gain: Your Nervous System
If you're feeling anxious, exhausted, gaining weight, and like nothing is working anymore, this episode is for you. These symptoms aren't just about hormones; they're often signs of a dysregulated nervous system. In this episode, Functional Health & Integrative Nutrition Coach Claudia Petrilli, breaks down how your nervous system impacts hormones, metabolism, sleep, mood, and more during perimenop
64. Why Good Sex is Good Medicine in Perimenopause
In this raw and empowering episode of Perimenopause Simplified, we're diving into one of the most overlooked, yet powerful ways to support your health in midlife: sex. From the hormonal magic of oxytocin to the emotional benefits of intimacy, I'll share how good sex can actually help ease perimenopause symptoms—while also addressing the very real challenges modern couples face when it comes to con
63. Vaginal Changes in Perimenopause Real Talk on Dryness, Odor & More
In this episode of Perimenopause Simplified, Claudia dives deep into vaginal health during midlife, an often overlooked but essential part of overall well-being. Learn how hormonal shifts impact vaginal tissue, pH, and infection risk, and get practical, evidence-based solutions to support comfort, confidence, and intimacy. Whether you're experiencing dryness, odor, or recurring UTIs, this episode
62. Perimenopause + Your Pelvic Floor: Fix Leaks, Pressure & Pain w/ Christina Walsh, PT
On this week's episode of Perimenopause Simplified, Claudia is joined by Christina Walsh, a New Orleans mama of two, physical therapist, published researcher, and cofounder of Tighten Your Tinkler–a pelvic floor rehab method designed specifically for women. Christina knows firsthand what it's like to live with pelvic floor dysfunction–and how to heal naturally, without kegels or invasive devices.
61. From Defeated to Empowered: Take Radical Ownership in Perimenopause
Feeling stuck, exhausted, or like your body is working against you in midlife? This episode is your tough-love wake-up call, because thriving in perimenopause starts with radical ownership. I'm breaking down the patterns that keep women overwhelmed, inflamed, and waiting for "someday", and offering a powerful invitation to take back your time, energy, and mindset–starting now. In this episode, I
60. Perimenopause Truth Bomb: It Starts Earlier Than You Think
Think perimenopause starts in your late 40s? Think again! Many women start experiencing subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) hormone shifts in their mid-30s. But doctors often dismiss these early symptoms. In this episode, Claudia breaks down why perimenopause begins earlier than you expect–and what you can do to start feeling better now. We're covering: Why perimenopause isn't just about your
59. Truth: Your OBGYN Probably Can't Help You in Perimenopause
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
58. Progesterone: What Every Woman Over 35 Needs to Know
Progesterone is one of the most essential hormones for women's health. But after 35, you start to lose this amazing hormone. In this episode, Claudia dives into what you need to know about progesterone, why she believes most women over 35 should replace it, common questions she gets about progesterone, and more. We covered: Symptoms of low progesterone Anovulatory cycles in perimenopause Why es
57. Releasing Trauma in Midlife: How Your Subconscious Shapes Your Health w/ Jennifer Ragazzo
Jennifer Ragazzo is a Soul-Aligned Wellness Coach with over a decade of experience guiding women through profound transformation. With a background in psychology, teaching and coaching, she blends deep emotional and spiritual work with functional health, helping her clients reconnect with their bodies, release unprocessed wounds, and reclaim their vitality. Jennifer's expertise spans Integrative N
56. Reignite Desire & Skyrocket Pleasure in Midlife w/ Susan Bratton
SUSAN BRATTON, "Intimacy Expert to Millions," is a champion and advocate for all those who desire intimacy and passion their whole life long. Susan's superpower is her courage. She takes a lionhearted stand for our human right to pleasurable connection. And she has the willingness and expertise to get nerdy about science/anatomy and very detailed about boudoir skills so everyone can learn to achie
55: The Best Way to Move Your Body In Midlife w/ Jennifer Kirsch
Jennifer Kirsch helps women 45+ get stronger, move better, and build muscle in a way that actually works. With over 30 years of experience, she's coached thousands of women to ditch the fads, lift smart, and fuel their bodies for long-term strength and confidence. Through her online STRONGER U Program and STRAIGHT UP STRENGTH membership, Jen makes strength training simple, effective, and totally d
54. Why You Can't Ignore Bone Health in Perimenopause w/ Dr. Doug Lucas
In this week's episode of Perimenopause Simplified, we have special guest Dr. Doug Lucas, a double board-certified physician specializing in osteoporosis reversal, hormone replacement, and healthspan. He started Optimal Human Health MD, a nationwide telehealth practice, which focuses exclusively on bone health, with a mission to educate the world that osteoporosis is reversible. He also launched
53. Is Stress Killing Your Libido? What to Do About It
In this episode, Claudia discusses how stress, mineral depletion, and lack of healthy communication with your partner are to blame for your low libido – not just your hormones. If you've been dealing with a low sex drive and want to understand the steps to take to improve it, you'll definitely want to listen to this episode. We covered: How chronic stress disrupts hormones and depletes nutrient
52. How Minerals Boost Libido & Vitality in Perimenopause
In this episode, Claudia discusses how minerals are the "spark plugs of life" and may be the missing piece in addressing your perimenopause symptoms. Whether you're dealing with fatigue, mood swings, anxiety, joint pain, sleep disruption or low libido, you'll want to listen to this episode. We covered: What happens to your minerals in perimenopause Key minerals that play a role in your energy,
51. Testosterone in Perimenopause: Not Just for Libido
Testosterone is not just about getting your mojo back in the bedroom—although, that's a pretty nice bonus! It really is SO much more than that, especially for us perimenopausal women. It plays a huge role in your energy levels, mood, muscle strength, and even how well you recover after exercise. It's just as important as estrogen and progesterone in helping us feel our best. In this episode, we
50. Understanding Perimenopause: Signs Every Woman Should Know
In this episode, we covered: What is perimenopause? When does perimenopause occur? What hormones are responsible for perimenopause symptoms? Most common perimenopause symptoms women experience Not-so-obvious perimenopause symptoms Why this stage of life is so crucial Why our clients get results and improve their health Learn about The Perimenopause Method HERE and get started today! When you e
49. Effective Natural Solutions for Perimenopause Symptoms
In this episode, I'm sharing effective, natural solutions to find relief from perimenopause symptoms. Teaser: it's not the majority of things you're hearing about on Instagram, such as fasting, seed cycling, parasite cleanses, water fasts, cold plunges, strict elimination diets, collagen, creatine, or hormone testing, food sensitivity testing, or genetic testing. Basically, I'm sorting throu
48. Depression & Perimenopause: What Every Woman Needs to Know
In this episode, Claudia gets vulnerable, sharing her own struggle with depression, the steps she took to overcome it, and how you can navigate depression in perimenopause. She covered: How hormone changes in perimenopause affect mental health How nutrient imbalances and gut health play a role in depression The life transitions perimenopause women experience Frustrations with your body and hea
