Hi friends! I have a brand new podcast episode live, and today we're diving into a topic that so many women are confused about but deeply affected by: perimenopause. I'm joined by the amazing mother-daughter duo, Candace and Jess from Your Hormone Balance, and we're breaking down what perimenopause actually is, why it can start earlier than most women expect, and how chronic stress and nervous system dysregulation play a huge role in hormone imbalances, fatigue, mood swings, weight gain, and more. This episode is especially for you if you're in your 30s or 40s, feeling "off" in your body, struggling with sleep, energy, anxiety, or changes in your cycle - and being told everything is "normal." Here's what we chat about: What perimenopause really is (and why it's an 8–10 year transition, not a single moment) The early signs of perimenopause, including changes in your cycle, mood, sleep, and energy Why progesterone is often the first hormone to decline — and how that impacts anxiety, PMS, and stress tolerance How chronic stress, overworking, under-eating, and people-pleasing disrupt ovulation and hormone balance The connection between nervous system dysregulation and symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, bloating, and low libido Why so many women are estrogen dominant — and how stress drives that imbalance The importance of hormone testing (and why symptoms alone don't tell the full story) Simple, realistic nervous system practices to lower cortisol and support healing Breathwork techniques like the "physiological sigh" to calm anxiety in real time Everyday vagus nerve tools: humming, singing, grounding, and gentle movement How boundaries, asking for help, and reducing people-pleasing can literally improve your hormones Why heavy, painful, or irregular periods are not something you should ignore The role of protein, nourishment, and avoiding extremes with exercise and caffeine This episode is such a powerful reminder that your body isn't broken; it's responding to the life you're living. And with the right tools, support, and awareness, you can move through perimenopause feeling calmer, stronger, more regulated, and more in tune with your body. I hope you enjoy this episode! Connect with Candace and Jess here: @bodyblissbyjess @yourhormonebalance www.yourhormonebalance.com Take symptom quiz: https://yourhormonebalance.outgrow.us/decodeyoursymptoms Book free mini strategy sesh with Jess: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=14435499&appointmentType=87514616 Women Talking Frankly Podcast Solo 2.0 Podcast Make sure you're subscribed to my newsletter For my free Autoimmune Healing ebook, click here. Detailed show notes here: https://fitnessista.com/podcast Partners: Try out luxury handbags and jewelry from Vivrelle and use my code GINAHARNEY for your first month free! Check out We Feed Raw! Maisey goes crazy for this! I use it as a topper for her kibble or mix it into her pup loaf. You can try the raw version, the raw dehydrated kibble, and they'll help you customize a plan for your pup. Use FITNESSISTA40 for 40% off your Meal Plan Starter Box here! Check out my new favorite red light device here, and use the code FITNESSISTA for a huge discount. I've been using Nutrisense on and off for a couple of years now. I love being able to see how my blood sugar responds to my diet and habits, and run experiments. You can try out Nutrisense here and use GINA30 for 30% off. If any of my fellow health professional friends are looking for another way to help their clients, I highly recommend IHP. You can also use this information to heal yourself and then go one to heal others, which I think is a beautiful mission. You can absolutely join if you don't currently work in the health or fitness industry; many IHPs don't begin on this path. They're friends who are passionate to learn more about health and wellness, and want to share this information with those they love. You can do this as a passion, or start an entirely new career. You can use my referral link here and the code FITNESSISTA for up to $250 off the Integrative Health Practitioner program. I highly recommend it! Thank you so much for listening and for all of your support with the podcast! Please be sure to subscribe, and leave a rating or review if you enjoyed this episode. If you leave a rating, head to this page and you'll get a little "thank you" gift from me to you. http://fitnessista.com/podcastreview
