Chaos to Calm
As a woman over 40, you’re in the busiest phase of your life and probably starting to wonder WTH hormones?! Maybe you’ve figured out that these changing hormones are messing with your mood, metabolism and energy. You want to know, is it perimenopause and will it stay like this (or get worse)? Host Sarah the Perimenopause Naturopath helps you understand that this chaos doesn’t have to be your new normal, while teaching you how to master it in a healthy, sustainable and permanent way. Explore topics: like hormones, biochemistry and physiology (promise it won’t be boring!), along with wha...
Am I Too Young for Perimenopause? The Early Signs in Your Late 30s and 40s
I was 42 when I was told I was too young for perimenopause. I believed it, went home, tried harder, and lost two years working on the wrong things.
If you're in your late 30s or early 40s and your sleep, your cycle or your mood has changed, but you've been told you're too young, this episode is for you. Because "too young" usually means something much smaller than it sounds.
In this episode:
What "too young" is actually based on, and why an average is the middle, not the minimumWhy the early signs are...Information doesn’t drive transformation.
Fact: More tips, hacks, and info aren’t going to help you feel any better in perimenopause
If you’ve tried every supplement, diet tweak, and “perimenopause hack” without seeing real change, this episode is for you.
You don’t have a lack of information — you have an overload of it. And it could be the very thing keeping you stuck feeling rubbish in perimenopause.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Why consuming more advice, tips, and hacks often makes symptoms worse — and how it chips away at your confidence in knowing your own body...5 Clues About Why You’re Exhausted That You and Your Doctor Might Be Missing
It’s 3 p.m. and your third (or is it fourth?!) coffee isn’t even touching the sides. You’re bone-tired, feeling like you’re living in a fog, no matter how much you sleep, it never feels like enough. (Though let’s be honest, in perimenopause, decent sleep feels like a fantasy anyway!)
If you feel like you’re dragging yourself through mud day after day, and your blood tests look normal, these 5 clues might finally explain why.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Why “normal” blood tests miss the real reasons for your crushing fatigue5 hidden...Why Are My Hormones So Low at 41, and What About DHEA? Answering a Listener’s Question
Why Are ALL My Hormones So Low at 41? And What About DHEA?
If your blood tests are “normal”… but you feel anything but — this episode is for you.
You’re tired. Moody. Gaining weight. Your thyroid results are borderline. Your estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are low.
And your doctor says… “Everything looks fine.”
What now?
In this episode of Chaos to Calm, Sarah answers a listener’s question that gets to the heart of what so many women in their early 40s are experiencing — hormone shifts that don’t sh...
Why “Eat Less and Move More” Doesn’t Work After 40
Eat Less, Move More? Why That Stops Working After 40
It’s not that your body is broken. It’s that your body changed the rules and didn’t tell you.
If your old weight loss strategies are making things worse... this episode is for you.
You’ve cut back on calories. You’ve done more cardio. You’ve skipped breakfast, pushed through the hunger, and skipped family pizza night and wine time with the girls more times than you care to remember. But the weight won’t shift, and your energy, m...
The Real Reasons You’re Craving Sugar, Salty Snacks, Coffee or Wine
Your 3pm cravings aren’t about willpower. They’re messages from your body — and they’re louder in perimenopause.
If chocolate, chips, coffee or wine feel like the only thing getting you through the afternoon, this episode is for you.
So what’s really going on at 3pm?
It’s not a lack of discipline. It’s a biological (and emotional) response to hormone shifts, blood sugar drops, low dopamine, and overstimulation. In this episode, I walk you through the real drivers of perimenopause cravings — and how to gentl...
Still Tired After 8 Hours of Sleep? Here’s What Might Be Going On
You’re not lazy — and it’s not just “life.” There are real biological reasons you're still exhausted, even after a full night’s sleep.
If you’re waking up tired every day and wondering what’s going on, this episode is going to connect the dots for you.
Key Takeaways:
Why your exhaustion isn’t just about sleep quantity — but quality, hormones, and motivation tooThe hidden impact of blood sugar crashes, gut issues, and inflammation on your energy levelsHow to figure out what’s really draining your energy — and the first step to changi...The messy midlife: why your body feels so different in perimenopause
Feeling like a stranger in your own body lately?
It’s not just "getting older" — and it’s definitely not "all in your head."
In this episode, I’m breaking down what’s really happening inside your body during perimenopause. We’ll talk about why it’s not just about your hormones dropping, but about the chaos and flux happening behind the scenes. You'll learn how your metabolism, mood, and body are changing, even when you feel like you’re doing “all the right things.” And I’ll explain why calories and cardio aren’t cutting it anymore — and...
What if PMS and pain aren’t normal?
You’ve been told your whole life that your period is meant to be awful.
Painful. Messy. Something you just have to put up with.
But what if that’s not true?
Because just like your blood pressure or body temperature, your period is a vital sign — and when you know how to read it, you can actually use it to feel better, not just dread it coming each month.
Key Takeaways:
The signs that your period might be trying to tell you something — and how to start listening before things f...It’s never too late.
Is this just how it’s going to be now?
If you’ve started wondering whether you’ve missed your chance to feel good again - this one’s for you.
Because no, you’re not too old. You’re not past it. And you haven’t left it too late.
Key takeaways from this episode:
Why all your effort (fasting, lifting, tracking protein) might not be working - and what to do insteadThe real reason your symptoms have built up over time (hint: your body’s not bro...Why Understanding Your Hormones Changes Everything in Perimenopause
Feeling like your body isn’t playing by the same rules anymore? You’re doing everything “right,” but the weight won’t budge, your energy is gone, and your mood is all over the place?
Your Body Isn’t the Problem, Your Strategy Is
For decades, women have been told to eat less, exercise more, and just "push through" perimenopause. But that advice wasn’t designed for a body whose hormones are shifting. If your body isn’t responding the way it used to, it’s not failing you - it needs a different approach...
One tiny change that made perimenopause and weight loss easier for me
Why your morning coffee is making perimenopause harder
What if your morning coffee routine - the thing you rely on to wake up and get through the day - is actually working against you?
It might be the reason you’re crashing by mid-afternoon, craving sugar, and feeling like you can’t get through the afternoon without more caffeine.
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
Why coffee first thing in the morning makes perimenopause symptoms worse - and ho...Perimenopause & puberty: simple ways to support you and your daughter’s hormones.
Two hormone-ravaged brains under one roof? No one warned us about this!
Perimenopause is hard enough on its own - now level it up by adding in a teenage daughter going through puberty, and suddenly, your house feels like a hormonal war zone. Mood swings, tears, interrupted sleep, emotional outbursts over things that make no sense… sound familiar?
The good news? The same things that support your perimenopausal hormones can also support hers. And in this episode, I’m breaking down exactly how to make that happen.
Key Takeaways:
How...What to eat, drink and do daily to feel better in perimenopause
What if I told you that you’re not exhausted because you’re getting older.
You’re exhausted because your body isn’t getting what it needs.
Most women in perimenopause think they need more coffee, stricter diets, or harder workouts to fight fatigue, brain fog, and weight gain. But what if the real problem is how you’re fueling your body?
After competing in a full-contact national box lacrosse championship at 50, playing against women half my age in 2-hour games, five days straight...
The Biggest Mistakes Women Make When Trying to Fix Their Perimenopause Symptoms
You’re doing everything “right” - eating well, exercising, taking the supplements, maybe even starting HRT - so why do you still feel exhausted, foggy, and stuck in a body that isn’t cooperating?
If perimenopause has left you frustrated and wondering why nothing is working, chances are you’re making one of these three common mistakes.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Most women are given generic, one-size-fits-all advice when it comes to perimenopause. But here’s the truth - what worked in your 30s won’t work now. In this episode...
Estrogen excess in perimenopause: more periods, PMS, and pain. Here’s why.
More periods, more PMS, more pain?! I thought perimenopause was supposed to be about less…
If you’ve been told that perimenopause means fewer periods, lower estrogen, and less of everything… think again. In the early and mid-stages of perimenopause, many women experience more - heavier periods, more PMS, more breast tenderness, more anxiety, more migraines, more bloating. And it’s all because of one thing: estrogen excess.
Doctors often focus on hormone loss in perimenopause and menopause, but before hormones decline, they fluctuate wildly - sometimes reaching higher levels than ever before.
If you’re...
How I feed my family as The Perimenopause Naturopath
Think eating well means cooking one meal for your family and something different for yourself? That’s a recipe for burnout.
If you’ve ever found yourself making one meal for your family and something completely different for yourself, just so you can eat “healthy,” this episode is going to change the way you think about food.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
•How to make one meal work for everyone - without being a short-order cook, without food battles, and without feeling like you’re eating salads on your own, 24/7 and missing out on yummy mea...
Weird perimenopause symptoms no one warned you about
Wait… phantom smells are a perimenopause symptom?!
If you’ve ever found yourself Googling, “Is this perimenopause or am I losing my mind?” You’re not alone.
Hot flushes and mood swings get all the attention, but what about the bizarre symptoms no one warns you about? The phantom smells that only you can smell, the itchy ears that make you feel like a dog with fleas, the skin-crawling sensation that makes you want to jump out of your own body?
In this episode, Sarah, The Perimenopause Naturopath is breaking down the weirdest p...
Which menopause phase are you in? The 5 stages explained.
You might be in perimenopause and not even realise it.
Most women don’t know that perimenopause happens in distinct stages, and by the time they start experiencing symptoms that feel impossible to ignore, they’ve already been in it for years.
So, how do you know where you are in the perimenopause transition - and what’s coming next?
If you’ve been feeling off but can’t pinpoint why, or struggling with more PMS, heavy periods, mood swings, or energy crashes, this episode will help you figure out which stage of p...
4 Myths keeping you confused about whether its perimenopause (or not)
Feeling exhausted, moody, and out of sync? It might not be stress or “just getting older.”
Many women dismiss perimenopause as being part of the cause of their symptoms, or are told it’s just part of being a busy Mum. But what if the real cause is perimenopause?
Key Takeaways
In this episode, we’re unpacking four common myths about perimenopause that are keeping women stuck, frustrated, and searching for answers. If you’re tired of feeling like your body is working against you, this episode is for you. Here’s what we cove...
Kickstart your health after 40: how to feel amazing in 2025 and beyond
Feeling tired, moody, and stuck in your body doesn’t have to be your normal.
So many women believe that fatigue, weight gain, and feeling uncomfortable and out of sync with your body are just part of perimenopause, or worse, that they’re inevitable as you age. But that’s simply not true.
In this episode, Sarah The Perimenopause Naturopath is breaking down the common mistakes that might be holding you back from feeling great, and sharing five simple yet powerful habits that can help you take control of your health and energy in 2025 - and be...
Ditch ‘new year, new you.’ Want to feel healthier in 2025? Start with this game-changing reflection.
Forget “New Year, New You.” You don’t need a new version of yourself - you need a better way to set health goals that actually last.
If you’re tired of making health resolutions that fizzle out by February, it’s time to ditch the all-or-nothing mindset and try a more compassionate, results-driven approach.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
In this episode, I’ll show you how to reset your health goals without falling into the “New Year, New You” trap. It’s not about perfection or starting over—it’s about tuning into what you actually need...
Silent Nights: Improve your sleep during the holiday rush
Feeling exhausted and wired at the same time? Holiday stress and perimenopause might be wrecking your sleep more than you think.
When you’re already running on empty, the last thing you need is restless nights and 3 a.m. wake-ups, but they don’t have to be inevitable.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Tired of feeling like the Grinch because of holiday stress and hormone-fueled insomnia? In this episode, I break down exactly why sleep becomes harder during perimenopause and what you can do about it—without sacrificing holiday magic.
Here’s what you...
Overindulged? How to reset without guilt, shame, or skipping meals
Do you feel guilty after indulging?
If you’ve ever woken up after a big meal or event feeling bloated, sluggish, or beating yourself up for eating too much, you’re not alone. But what if you didn’t need to fix anything? What if guilt and restriction were keeping you stuck?
In this episode, I’m cutting through the diet myths and all-or-nothing thinking to share how you can recover after overindulging without punishing yourself. Learn simple, practical steps to feel better fast and move forward with confidence.
Key Takeaways:
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Busy and burnt out? Easy self-care hacks every woman over 40 needs
Feeling exhausted and overwhelmed by the holiday chaos? It’s not just your to-do list that’s running you ragged.
This episode isn’t just another pep talk encouraging you to do less, and have more mani/pedis or weekends away. It’s a real-world guide from a busy homeschooling mum of 4 kids, to help you break the cycle of burn out and actually feel good and enjoy this holiday season.
Key takeaways:
In this episode, we’re diving into the difference between self-care and self-comfort and how small shifts in your habits can...
Emotional eating during stressful times
Emotional eating isn’t a lack of willpower - it’s your brain trying to make you feel safe in the easiest way possible.
If you’ve ever found yourself turning to chocolate, wine, or chips after a long day, you’re not alone - but it doesn’t have to stay this way.
Key takeaways
Discover the real reasons behind emotional eating and how perimenopause, holiday stress, and subconscious habits play a role. This episode breaks down:
Tired of people-pleasing? How to set boundaries that stick
Tired of saying yes? How setting boundaries can change everything - especially at the end of the year.
If you’re worn out from always trying to keep everyone else happy, it might be time to rethink your approach to saying yes.
In this episode, we’re cutting through the guilt and tackling why boundaries are so essential - especially for women over 40 who are ready to put their well-being first. Learn why saying no isn’t selfish, how people-pleasing can mess with your health - especially in perimenopause - and how se...
Your Guide to Avoiding Burnout These Holidays
The holiday season is full of joy, connection, and celebration - but it can also push you to the brink of exhaustion. If you’re tired of hitting Christmas Day and already feeling drained, you need to hear this.
The good news? You don’t have to choose between enjoying the festivities and preserving your energy.
Key Takeaways:
Are your mid-conversation memory blanks perimenopause or early dementia?
Is your forgetfulness an early flag for dementia or just menopause?
You’re mid-conversation, and suddenly, you can’t remember the name of something basic. A grater? Your colleague’s name? Completely blank. If you've been wondering if this is normal or something more sinister, you're certainly not alone - but the answer might surprise you.
Tune in to this episode where we get to the real reasons behind these frustrating memory lapses, why you’re not losing your mind, and how you can regain your usual mental clarity.
Key Takeaway...
The appetite hormones messing with your hunger in perimenopause (and how to spot them)
Is your hunger real, or are your hormones playing tricks on you?
If you’re constantly feeling hungry or craving carbs, even after eating well, it’s not about willpower - it’s about your hormones. In this episode, I’ll help you understand why your appetite is suddenly out of control and what’s really behind those cravings.
Key takeaways
In this episode, we break down the science behind your appetite and cravings, especially in perimenopause. You’ll learn:
• Why intuitive eating might not work for you during perimenopause - your hunger...
7 signs your liver is overloaded and making perimenopause worse
Is your liver secretly sabotaging your perimenopause?
When your liver is overloaded, it can mimic or worsen common perimenopause symptoms, leaving you stuck. Are you sure it’s just your hormones causing trouble?
Key takeaways:
• Spot the hidden signs of liver overload, like stubborn weight gain and unexpected fatigue.
• Understand why liver health matters more during perimenopause, and how it influences hormone balance.
• Gain practical steps to support liver function and take control of your symptoms.
Sneak peek:
"When you're going through perimenopause, it's easy to cha...
Premature menopause: how to support your body naturally (with or without HRT)
Menopause isn’t something you expect to be dealing with in your 20s or 30s, but for some women with premature menopause that is their reality.
Whether you’re navigating early menopause, supporting someone who is, or simply want to understand what’s ahead, this episode reveals how to support your body and mind through this transition, with or without hormone therapy.
Key takeaways
• What are premature and early menopause?
• How premature and early menopause can impact your health and why early action can make all the difference in how you fee...
Menopause isn’t the end: why my 50s are the start of something exciting
Is menopause really the beginning of a whole new chapter? Yes! And in this episode, I’m sharing why it’s more exciting than you think.
You’ve probably heard that menopause signals the end, but what if I told you that it’s the start of a new era filled with freedom, energy, and purpose?
In this episode, I’m sharing my personal reflections as I turn 50 and why this milestone is about more than just age - it’s about embracing life without the hormonal rollercoaster and discovering the joy that comes from s...
Hair loss during perimenopause: why it happens and what to do about it
If you’re losing hair in perimenopause, it’s not just a part of getting older—it’s a sign that something deeper is happening. But don’t worry, there’s a lot you can do about it.
In this episode of Chaos to Calm, we dive deep into the real reasons why your hair might be thinning, and what you can do to stop it.
You don’t need to accept hair loss as your “new normal.”
Learn how to support your hair health naturally, and understand the factors that could be affecting your hai...
Perimenopause psychosis: Fiona Weaver’s story
What if your mental health symptoms are being dismissed as "just part of perimenopause" when they're actually something far more serious?
In this episode of Chaos to Calm, we explore a little discussed topic: the intersection of hormonal changes and mental health during perimenopause, and in particular perimenopause psychosis.
Are you feeling increasingly anxious, struggling with sleep, or experiencing mood swings that just don’t make sense? Listen in as Fiona Weaver courageously shares her journey through perimenopause psychosis, breaking the silence on a condition many women don’t even know exists.
KEY...
Why your weight loss has stalled in perimenopause (and how to fix it)
Think your body is betraying you because you’re doing ‘all the right things’, but nothing is shifting from your belly?
It’s not your fault — the right things probably aren’t the right things for your perimenopausal body - AND there’s your weight set point. Your body’s weight set point - the range it feels most safe and comfortable at could be the hidden culprit keeping you from shedding that stubborn weight.
In this episode, we uncover the science behind the weight set point and why it can be so tough to move past it dur...
Muscle loss in midlife: The hidden risk you shouldn’t ignore
Why muscle loss in your 40s could be the biggest threat to your health (and what to do about it)
Did you know that your muscle mass could be silently slipping away, setting you up for a less active and independent future? It’s time to face the truth about sarcopenia — muscle loss isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about your health, independence, and longevity.
Key Takeaways:
Eat your way through perimenopause: 4 foods that make a big difference
Are you sick of playing hormonal roulette? Here's how to take control of perimenopause with what you eat.
Perimenopause can feel like your body is playing by a new set of rules every day. But what if you could take back control and make this transition smoother, more manageable, and even enjoyable - using food?
KEY TAKEAWAYS
In this episode, I dive deep into how the right nutrition can be a game-changer during perimenopause. Here’s what you’ll get out of listening:
High Cholesterol and what to do about it for Women Over 40
Is your doctor pushing statins for high cholesterol? Before you fill that prescription, let’s uncover the real story behind high cholesterol in women over 40.
Many people believe high cholesterol is a health disaster waiting to happen, but the reality is more nuanced. In this episode, we dive deep into why cholesterol rises during perimenopause and menopause, and how it’s actually working to protect your body.
Key takeaways:
Why your gallbladder deserves more attention in perimenopause
Is your gallbladder the missing link in your perimenopause health?
Discover the critical role your gallbladder plays in hormone health and why its removal could be more detrimental than you think.
Key Takeaways:
