Perimenopause Simplified

• 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 crucial, as your body’s hormonal landscape shifts. Tune in to learn how to support your cortisol, manage stress, and feel your best during this transitional phase of life. What’s covered in this episode: What cortisol is and why it’s essential for your survival How chronic stress and hormone fluctuations in perimenopause can disrupt cortisol Why cortisol testing may not give you the full picture and the symptoms to recognize  The impact of poor sleep, blood sugar imbalance, and stress on your cortisol levels Simple, actionable tips to support your nervous system and optimize circadian rhythm Why trauma and feeling unsafe in your body can cause cortisol issues and how to heal 🧐Got questions about perimenopause? You’re in luck! I’m hosting a (free) Live Q&A: Ask Me Anything About Perimenopause! 🗓️ Save the date: June 18th at 3 pm EST / 12 pm PST and CLICK HERE to save your spot.  Can’t attend live? No problem? Submit your questions ahead of time and we’ll send out a replay.   Links Mentioned: Episode 65: The Missing Piece Behind Anxiety, Fatigue & Weight Gain: Your Nervous System Episode 66: Feeling Burnt Out in Your 40s? Here’s What Your Body Actually Needs   Blue Light Blocking Glasses Viva Rays Filter Optix   To connect with Claudia Petrilli:  Instagram Facebook YouTube Website   FREE GIFT: Peri-What?! The Must-Have Guide for Women 40+ Navigating Hormone Changes FREE GIFT: Perimenopause Daily Checklist WORK WITH US: The Perimenopause Method BOOK A CLARITY SESSION: Perimenopause Clarity Session HRT COURSE: Perimenopause HRT Roadmap  QUESTIONS? EMAIL: [email protected]   Love the show? Please subscribe, leave a 5-star rating, review, and share, so that other women can find this podcast for guidance and support through their perimenopause journey!   

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• 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 preserve energy, regulate your nervous system, and feel more like yourself again. This isn’t about doing nothing. It’s about moving through life with intention, clarity, and ease, especially in a body that’s changing. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why women in their 40s become more stress-sensitive How pushing through, over-scheduling, and constant “doing” impacts your symptoms Real-life shifts Claudia made to stop burning herself out (and how you can too) 5 simple practices to reduce anxiety, feel more grounded, and prioritize what matters How pleasure, nature, and movement support hormonal health in midlife A reframe on slowing down as a strategy for productivity and well-being 💗Learn about Perimenopause Intensive, Claudia’s 8-week private coaching package for women ready to take action HERE. Limited spots available.   Links Mentioned Episode 65: The Missing Piece Behind Anxiety, Fatigue & Weight Gain: Your Nervous System Melissa Woodard   To connect with Claudia Petrilli:  Instagram Facebook YouTube Website   FREE GIFT: Peri-What?! The Must-Have Guide for Women 40+ Navigating Hormone Changes FREE GIFT: Perimenopause Daily Checklist WORK WITH US: The Perimenopause Method BOOK A CLARITY SESSION: Perimenopause Clarity Session HRT COURSE: Perimenopause HRT Roadmap  QUESTIONS? EMAIL: [email protected]   Love the show? Please subscribe, leave a 5-star rating, review, and share, so that other women can find this podcast for guidance and support through their perimenopause journey!   

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• 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 perimenopause. You’ll learn why so many women over 40 feel stuck in survival mode and what you can start doing right now to calm your nervous system, reclaim your energy, and feel like yourself again. In this episode, we cover: Why your nervous system matters more than ever in midlife How chronic stress affects cortisol, thyroid, estrogen, and progesterone Why feeling “tired but wired” is a sign your body is stuck in fight-or-flight How trauma wires your system for stress What a healthy cortisol rhythm should look like (and how to support it) 5 simple ways to regulate your nervous system today   💗Learn about Perimenopause Intensive, Claudia’s 8-week private coaching package for women ready to take action HERE. Limited spots available.   Episode 57. Releasing Trauma in Midlife: How Your Subconscious Shapes Your Health w/ Jennifer Ragazzo   To connect with Claudia Petrilli:  Instagram Facebook YouTube Website   FREE GIFT: Peri-What?! The Must-Have Guide for Women 40+ Navigating Hormone Changes FREE GIFT: Perimenopause Daily Checklist WORK WITH US: The Perimenopause Method BOOK A CLARITY SESSION: Perimenopause Clarity Session HRT COURSE: Perimenopause HRT Roadmap  QUESTIONS? EMAIL: [email protected]   Love the show? Please subscribe, leave a 5-star rating, review, and share, so that other women can find this podcast for guidance and support through their perimenopause journey!   

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• 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 connection. I’ll also open up about a dry spell in my own relationship, and how we found our way back to each other. Whether your libido is MIA or you’re craving deeper connection, this episode is for you.   You’ll learn: How oxytocin release during sex can lower cortisol and reduce perimenopause symptoms Why connection and pleasure are essential forms of self-care in midlife The difference between responsive vs. spontaneous desire—and why it matters How shame, judgment, and silence impact intimacy in long-term relationships Real talk about what happens when couples stop making time for sex Simple ways to rebuild emotional and physical connection with your partner   Links mentioned: The Difference Between Spontaneous and Responsive Sexual Desire Vanessa Marin Therapy Sex Talks Book  Vanessa Marin On Mel Robbins Jake Woodard Episode 56. Reignite Desire & Skyrocket Pleasure in Midlife with Susan Bratton   Sources: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14675803/ https://drlindseyberkson.com/oxytocin-new-hormonal-kid-clinical-block/ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0924933810701553 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306987719312575 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23430983/   To connect with Claudia Petrilli:  Instagram Facebook YouTube Website   FREE GIFT: Peri-What?! The Must-Have Guide for Women 40+ Navigating Hormone Changes FREE GIFT: Perimenopause Daily Checklist WORK WITH US: The Perimenopause Method BOOK A CLARITY SESSION: Perimenopause Clarity Session HRT COURSE: Perimenopause HRT Roadmap  QUESTIONS? EMAIL: [email protected] Love the show? Please subscribe, leave a 5-star rating, review, and share, so that other women can find this podcast for guidance and support through their perimenopause journey!

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• 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 breaks down both hormonal and non-hormonal tools that can help you feel like yourself again.   In this episode, you'll learn: How declining estrogen affects vaginal tissue, moisture, and pH balance Why changes in pH can increase UTIs, bacterial vaginosis, and yeast infections The benefits and safety of vaginal estrogen for all women Non-hormonal options like DHEA, hyaluronic acid, and clean OTC products Key nutrients and supplements that support blood flow and tissue health How vaginal rejuvenation tools (like medical vibrators) improve circulation and elasticity   Links mentioned: Ep. 62: Perimenopause + Your Pelvic Floor: Fix Leaks, Pressure & Pain w/ Christina Walsh, PT Dr. Rachel Rubin  EWG Skin Deep Glow Below Nitric Oxide Foria Wellness Joylux Red Light Mv.health   Sources: Nitric Oxide Study  Vitamin E Study   To connect with Claudia Petrilli:  Instagram Facebook YouTube Website   FREE GIFT: Peri-What?! The Must-Have Guide for Women 40+ Navigating Hormone Changes FREE GIFT: Perimenopause Daily Checklist WORK WITH US: The Perimenopause Method BOOK A CLARITY SESSION: Perimenopause Clarity Session HRT COURSE: Perimenopause HRT Roadmap  QUESTIONS? EMAIL: [email protected] Love the show? Please subscribe, leave a 5-star rating, review, and share, so that other women can find this podcast for guidance and support through their perimenopause journey!

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