I always thought menopause was something “older” women dealt with. You know, once the kids are gone and you’ve got gray hair and bifocals.

But then... I hit 40.

And weird stuff started happening.

Was it perimenopause? Hormones? Stress? Just a fluke? Honestly, I didn’t know. I wasn’t even sure how to know—because no one really talks about this stuff in detail. 

This week on the Healthy Parenting Handbook podcast, I got to sit down with Jenn Pike, a brilliant practitioner with a background in exercise science and a passion for helping women understand their bodies, hormones, and how to feel strong again—especially in our 40s and 50s. 

Here’s a sneak peek at what we covered:

• The real definition of perimenopause
• Why your workouts might stop “working” and how to adapt after 40
• Unexpected early signs of hormone shifts 
• What kind of exercise actually helps your hormones... and what might be hurting them
• How to start small and build sustainable health habits during this transition
• Why skipping breakfast is the worst idea for women
• What to eat, when to eat, and how often to fuel your body the right way

If you’re in your late 30s or 40s and you’ve been wondering, “What is happening to me?”... this is the conversation you didn’t know you needed.

Resources We Mention for Perimenopause Symptoms

• Check out Jenn's Synced fitness membership program! Get 10% off with code KATIE10.
• Hormone Health Is Not Just about Fertility
• Women Metabolize and Build Strength Differently Than Men
• Healthy Sleep Routines for the Whole Family
• Some favorite helps for sleep: Magnesium Lotion Shop lotion; Earthley Good Night Lotion
• Check out Jenn’s books: The Simplicity Project, The Simplicity Body, and The Simplicity Kitchen.
• Find Jenn at her website or on her podcast, The Simplicity Sessions.
• Follow on socials: Facebook,

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