In this masterclass episode, I'm breaking down the critical health factors that get dismissed when everything gets lumped under the perimenopause umbrella—and what you actually need to be testing and addressing.
Key Topics:
Why "It's Just Perimenopause" Isn't Good Enough
The difference between normal perimenopause transition and symptoms that signal deeper issues
Why severity matters: fatigue vs. extreme exhaustion, hair changes vs. handfuls falling out
How to advocate for proper testing and care
The Four Major Areas Being Overlooked:
1. Your Thyroid (The Big One)
Why TSH alone is NOT enough—what you actually need to test
The difference between subclinical hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's
How thyroid issues show up differently in thin vs. heavier women
The connection between thyroid health and your daughters' period issues
2. Your Adrenal System
HPA axis dysfunction (what "adrenal fatigue" really means)
Why your cortisol awakening response matters
The connection between stress, sleep disruption, and that 1-4am wake-up call
How to support your adrenals without crushing your body with over-exercise
3. Blood Sugar & Insulin
Why you MUST eat within 1-2 hours of waking (yes, really)
The difference between fasting glucose and fasting insulin—and why both matter
How insulin resistance shows up in perimenopause
Why coffee is not breakfast (and what it's actually doing to your metabolism)
4. Gut Health & Estrogen Metabolism
Why digestive issues intensify as we age
The gallbladder-liver-insulin connection you need to understand
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in perimenopause
If you don't have a gallbladder, what you MUST be taking
Additional Topics:
FSH and ovarian function: what rising numbers really mean
Hot flashes as cardiac events (not just annoyances)
Cognitive changes, memory issues, and the perimenopause-ADHD diagnosis connection
Why we need to stop treating perimenopause like something to "white knuckle through"
The Hard Truths About Healthcare:
I'm getting real about the reality of women's health testing in this episode:
Why "free healthcare" doesn't cover functional women's health
The difference between Western medicine testing and functional diagnostic testing
How to create a health savings account strategy
What testing actually costs and why it's worth it
When to work with a specialist vs. a generalist
Testing & Resources Mentioned:
Blood Work You Should Request:
Full thyroid panel (TSH, Free T4, Free T3, antibodies, Reverse T3)
Fasting insulin AND fasting glucose
Complete lipid panel
Liver enzymes
Iron panel
Functional Tests Worth Considering:
DUTCH Complete (adrenal/hormone testing)
HTMA (Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis)
Comprehensive stool testing
Mira Fertility Tracker for tracking hormone fluctuations
Key Takeaways:
One change can create a ripple effect
You don't need to overhaul everything at once
Your body is designed to work in your 40s and 50s
We just need to support it properly
Stop comparing yourself to your 20s
The goal is vitality at your current age
Testing is an investment, not an expense
Pay now or pay later
Find practitioners who specialize
Not all healthcare providers are trained the same
The Mindset Shift:
This is about stepping into the wisdom of midlife while honoring your body as it is RIGHT NOW. Not trying to look like you did in your 20s. Not accepting that feeling terrible is "just part of aging." Finding YOUR definition of health and vitality.
Let's dive in!
Thank you for joining us today. If you could rate, review & subscribe, it would mean the world to me! While you're at it, take a screenshot and tag me @jennpike to share on Instagram – I'll re-share that baby out to the community & once a month I'll be doing a draw from those re-shares and send the winner something special!
Click here to listen:
Apple Podcasts – CLICK HERE
Spotify – CLICK HERE
This episode is sponsored by:
withinUs | Use the code JENNPIKE20 at withinus.ca for a limited time to save 20% off your first order and 20% off your first subscription order
St. Francis | Go to stfrancisherbfarm.com and save 15% off your all your orders with code JENNPIKE15
Eversio Wellness | Go to eversiowellness.com/discount/jennpike15 and save 15% off every order with code JENNPIKE15 /// not available for "subscribe & save" option
Free Resources:
Free Metabolic Ignition Playbook | jennpike.com/metabolic-guide
Free Perimenopause Support Guide | jennpike.com/perimenopausesupport
Free Blood Work Guide | jennpike.com/bloodworkguide
The Simplicity Sessions Podcast | jennpike.com/podcast
Get 20% on thewalkingpad.com using code "JENNPIKE20"
Get discounts at happybumco.com using code "JENNPIKE"
*code doesn't apply with Black Friday sale*
Programs:
Ignite: Your 8-Week Body Transformation Program | https://jennpike.com/ignite
The Peri & Menopause Project - Join the Waitlist | jennpike.com/theperimenopauseproject
Synced Virtual Fitness Studio | jennpike.com/synced
Services: Work With Jenn | https://jennpike.com/work-with-jenn/
Functional Testing | jennpike.com/testing-packages
Business Mentorship | The Audacious Woman Mentorship: jennpike.com/theaudaciouswoman
Connect with Jenn:
Instagram | @jennpike
Facebook | @thesimplicityproject
YouTube | Simplicity TV
Website | The Simplicity Project Inc.
Have a question? Send it over to
[email protected] and I'll do my best to share helpful insights, thoughts and advice.
New Zealand