In this episode, Claire and Louise explore perimenopause through their own lived experience and their work supporting women. With menopause conversations everywhere, we ask: Are women getting the support they need, or simply being sold another solution? From brain fog and changing energy to people pleasing and the pressure to keep everything going, we chat about what this transition can feel like. We explore the mental load women carry, the expectations placed on us at home and at work, and what happens when we begin to question whether we want to keep doing it all. We also discuss HRT as one of the tools available, why individual experiences differ and the importance of considering nutrition, sleep, stress and overall health alongside hormonal changes. We look at menopause-branded supplements, the “everyone should take this” advice circulating online and why something that helps your friend might not suit you. Because this stage of life can hold possibilities as well as challenges. With personalised support and space to listen to your own needs, there may be room for stronger boundaries, creativity and a different way of living. In this episode Why greater openness about perimenopause matters The commercialisation of menopause and the cost of accessing care Looking at the whole person alongside their hormones HRT, individual experiences and a broader toolbox of support Brain fog, stress and the mental load women carry People pleasing, boundaries and the difference between being kind and being nice The pressure to maintain the same energy and productivity every day Why hormone test results need context Menopause-branded supplements and blanket recommendations Finding your own rhythm through a changing stage of life Key takeaways You deserve support that considers your symptoms, history, lifestyle and circumstances. HRT and nutrition or lifestyle support can be part of the same conversation. A supplement that suits someone else may not suit you, particularly if you take medication. Rest, nourishment and manageable changes deserve attention alongside the latest wellness trends. You can be kind while setting boundaries and making space for your own needs. If something has not helped, that does not mean you cannot be helped. You do not have to keep pushing through and telling yourself you will be grand. Follow Shur, I’ll Be Grand on Instagram @shurillbegrand and TikTok @shur.ill.be.grand. Shur, I’ll Be Grand is hosted by Claire O’Brien of Allaria Nutritional Therapy and Louise Kane Buckley of Loula Natural. Season 1 is proudly sponsored by The Natural Clinic, a multi-therapist, non-medical clinic on Sullivan’s Quay in Cork City. This episode is supported by Nature’s Plus, offering a wide range of vitamins, minerals and nutritional supplements, including GI Nutra digestive products, HEMA-PLEX iron and Animal Parade children’s supplements. Explore the range at naturesplus.ie.Find Claire Website: www.allaria.ie Instagram: @claireobrien_nt Substack: https://allariant.substack.com/ Find LouiseWebsite: www.loulanatural.com Instagram: @loulanatural Substack: Louise Kane Buckley Season sponsor: The Natural ClinicThe Natural Clinic is a multi-therapist, non-medical clinic based on Sullivan’s Quay in Cork City. At The Natural Clinic, we believe good healthcare begins by listening. Our role is to understand the person behind the symptoms, help them make sense of what they are experiencing, and guide them towards appropriate support. We recognise that symptoms rarely exist in isolation. Physical health, emotional wellbeing, lifestyle, nutrition, stress, relationships and life experiences all influence one another. Website: www.thenaturalclinic.ie Instagram: @the.natural.clinic Podcast editor Shannon Bowman - studio23cork@gmail.com
