Perimenopause and menopause affect every woman, yet far too many of us are still being dismissed, misdiagnosed, or told we’re “too young” for support. In this episode, I sit down with Nikki Kuehl, Family Nurse Practitioner and perimenopause and menopause specialist, to talk honestly about what’s really happening in women’s bodies during this transition—and why mainstream healthcare is still so far behind.

Nikki shares her own personal journey through menopause, what led her to specialize in hormone health, and what she sees every day in women who come to her after being told their symptoms are “just anxiety,” “just depression,” or simply “normal aging.”

In this episode, we talk about:

• What perimenopause and menopause actually are and how early symptoms can begin

• Common and lesser-known menopause symptoms like brain fog, joint pain, dry skin, sleep disruption, mood changes, and fatigue

• The truth about hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and cancer risk in 2026

• Why you don’t need to wait until full menopause to explore hormone support

• Why antidepressants are so often prescribed instead of addressing hormone imbalance

• How estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone impact brain health, bone density, metabolism, and longevity

• The role of inflammation, lifestyle, strength training, sleep, stress management, and community in menopause wellness

• What to do if your doctor isn’t listening—and how to advocate for your health with confidence

This conversation is especially important for Gen X and millennial women, moms raising daughters, and anyone who wants to understand menopause before it happens—not after years of unnecessary confusion and suffering.

If you’ve ever felt like your body changed overnight, like you don’t recognize yourself anymore, or like you’ve been told to “just deal with it,” this episode is your reminder: it’s not in your head, and you’re not alone.

Click here to learn more about Nikki

Resources Mentioned

Menopause Society

If you want to make 2026 your strongest year yet, I'd love to help. Click here to learn learn more about my programs and access free resources to get you started.