#32: It's Not In Your Head: The Science of What Perimenopause Actually Does To Your Body
Episode notes
In this episode, I dive deep into the science behind perimenopause to show you that the symptoms you are experiencing—from brain fog to stubborn belly fat—are not just in your head. I discuss the significant gaps in current menopause care, highlighted by a new Ontario Health quality standard, and explain why so many women feel dismissed by the traditional medical system.
I walk you through the biological shifts occurring in your body, including how hormone withdrawal affects your metabolism, muscle mass, sleep, and brain chemistry.
Finally, I share how functional lab testing can help connect the dots and provide a personalized roadmap for navigating this transition with strength and confidence.
Top 10 Timestamps
- 01:23 - Introduction to the "Muscle Strength and Menopause" podcast and my background as a specialist.
- 03:30 - Discussion of the Ontario Health Menopause Quality Standard and the gaps in current care.
- 04:38 - Statistics showing that only 27% of women have their clinicians proactively start a conversation about menopause.
- 05:33 - The economic impact of menopause, including lost productivity and women leaving their careers.
- 09:25 - Defining perimenopause versus menopause and the hormonal changes involved.
- 11:51 - How progesterone decline affects the nervous system, sleep, and mood years before periods change.
- 12:46 - The science of why estrogen decline leads to muscle loss and increased abdominal fat.
- 14:52 - Understanding how elevated cortisol and sympathetic nervous system dominance drive muscle breakdown.
- 16:49 - How fluctuating estrogen levels impact serotonin, leading to brain fog, anxiety, and cravings.
- 27:08 - An overview of functional lab testing, including the Dutch test and GI map, to identify root causes.
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