In this episode of The Nicola Graham Podcast, I’m joined by menopause coach Jackie Fairweather to challenge the idea that perimenopause and menopause are only about hot flushes.

Jackie shares her journey from fitness to acupuncture after a serious car accident, her fertility experiences, endometriosis, major surgery and an abrupt medical menopause that brought intense psychological symptoms, anxiety and sleep disruption.

We discuss how underprepared many women feel, the stigma around hormonal change, and why lifestyle foundations like sleep, anti-inflammatory nutrition, movement, stress management, sunlight and blood sugar support matter alongside (or before) HRT.

Jackie explains how absorption issues (including omega-3 and methylfolate vs folic acid) can affect symptoms and treatment, why one size doesn’t fit all, and why women ...