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 TAKEAWAYS:

• Understand the real impact of hormonal shifts: Learn how fluctuating estrogen levels can dramatically affect your mental health, and why recognising the signs of perimenopause psychosis is crucial for your well-being.
• The power of self-advocacy in healthcare: Discover the importance of tracking your symptoms and advocating for yourself when doctors dismiss your concerns. Fiona's story reveals how concrete data and persistence led to a proper diagnosis and effective treatment.
• Building a strong support network: Find out how surrounding yourself with the right community and healthcare professionals can make all the difference. Fiona discusses the role of her adventure community, Wild Island Women, in supporting her through her toughest times.

SNEAK PEEK:
"And let’s keep talking and that removes that shame, the stigma, the judgment... We inherit genes, we inherit ideas and thoughts as well around what someone with bipolar might look like or what someone in perimenopause or menopause looks like."

This episode isn't just about perimenopause or psychosis — it's about empowering you to take control of your health, challenge the status quo in healthcare, and find solidarity in shared experiences.

Don’t let your symptoms be dismissed. Tune in now to hear Fiona’s full story, learn the signs to watch for, and discover how to advocate for yourself in a healthcare system that too often ignores women's voices.

ABOUT FIONA WEAVER:
Fiona Weaver is an adventurer, entrepreneur, writer, and speaker. In 2003, after a stint in the corporate wor

Send us a question for the FAQs segment or your feedback, we’d love to hear from you.

Find out more about Sarah, her services and the Freebies mentioned in this episode at https://www.ThePerimenopauseNaturopath.com.au

• The Perimenopause Decoder is the ultimate guide to understanding if perimenopause hormone fluctuations are behind your changing mood, metabolism and energy after 40, what phase of perimenopause you're in, and how much longer you may be on this roller coaster for.
• For more, follow on Instagram at @theperimenopausenaturopath.

WORK WITH SARAH THE PERIMENOPAUSE NATUROPATH:

• PerimenoGO (because who wants to pause anyway?!) A self-guided program to help you reverse weight gain, boost energy, and reclaim your mood — without extreme diets or cutting carbs. Perfect for women who want a realistic plan that fits around kids, work, and actual life.
• The Chaos to Calm Method: A 1:1 personalised program for women who want a more personalised plan and support — especially if you’ve got 10kg+ to lose, other health issues, or feel like your body’s just stuck. Includes comprehensive blood testing and analysis, Metabolic Balance ...

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 during perimenopause. Understanding this concept is key to breaking free from the frustration of yo-yo dieting and learning how to work with your body, not against it.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn how your weight set point works and why it feels like your body is stuck. Discover how hormonal changes, stress, and past dieting habits impact your metabolism and why traditional dieting methods might be sabotaging your efforts.
• Find out what might be driving your cravings and making weight loss feel impossible. Understand how appetite hormones like leptin and ghrelin, influenced by your body’s weight set point, play a role in hunger and satiety, pushing you towards those high-calorie snacks.
• Get practical, actionable steps to reset your weight set point naturally. This isn’t about restrictive diets or punishing workouts. It's about making sustainable changes that support your body’s unique needs during perimenopause, helping you feel in control and at peace with your body.

‘Sneak Peek’: "Your body really fiercely defends your weight set point… If you drop below your weight set point, then you might get to a point where you're just driven to eat and keep eating, and feel like you can't stop and out of control."

It’s time to stop fighting against your biochemistry, and start working with it instead. This episode dives deep into how you can manage your weight more effectively by understanding the mechanisms at play in your own body.

Ready to take control and stop the frustration?

Listen to the full episode now to learn how to reset your weight set point and finally see the results you’ve been working

Send us a question for the FAQs segment or your feedback, we’d love to hear from you.

Find out more about Sarah, her services and the Freebies mentioned in this episode at https://www.ThePerimenopauseNaturopath.com.au

• The Perimenopause Decoder is the ultimate guide to understanding if perimenopause hormone fluctuations are behind your changing mood, metabolism and energy after 40, what phase of perimenopause you're in, and how much longer you may be on this roller coaster for.
• For more, follow on Instagram at @theperimenopausenaturopath.

WORK WITH SARAH THE PERIMENOPAUSE NATUROPATH:

• PerimenoGO (because who wants to pause anyway?!) A self-guided program to help you reverse weight gain, boost energy, and reclaim your mood — without extreme diets or cutting carbs. Perfect for women who want a realistic plan that fits around kids, work, and actual life.
• The Chaos to Calm Method: A 1:1 personalised program for women who want a more personalised plan and support — especially if you’ve got 10kg+ to lose, other health issues, or feel like your body’s just stuck. Includes comprehensive blood testing and analysis, Metabolic Balance ...

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:

• Understand the urgency: Why you need to think about addressing muscle loss now, in your 40s, is crucial to maintaining your strength, metabolism, and overall health as you age.
• Practical steps you can take: Learn how simple, sustainable changes in your exercise and nutrition routine can make a significant difference in preserving muscle mass.
• Hormones and muscle loss: Find out how the hormonal shifts of perimenopause accelerate muscle loss and what you can do to counteract it.
  
  

Sneak peek: “Muscle loss isn’t just about making it harder to do your gym workout or those sorts of things. It’s actually a key player in maintaining our metabolism, and reducing our risk of chronic diseases.”

Ready to take control of your muscle health? The sooner you start, the better your chances of staying active, strong, and independent well into your later years.

Listen to the full episode now to learn how to protect your muscle mass and ensure a healthier future.

Links and resources mentioned in the episode:

• PerimenoGO
• Vitamin D
  
  

Send us a question for the FAQs segment or your feedback, we’d love to hear from you.

Find out more about Sarah, her services and the Freebies mentioned in this episode at https://www.ThePerimenopauseNaturopath.com.au

• The Perimenopause Decoder is the ultimate guide to understanding if perimenopause hormone fluctuations are behind your changing mood, metabolism and energy after 40, what phase of perimenopause you're in, and how much longer you may be on this roller coaster for.
• For more, follow on Instagram at @theperimenopausenaturopath.

WORK WITH SARAH THE PERIMENOPAUSE NATUROPATH:

• PerimenoGO (because who wants to pause anyway?!) A self-guided program to help you reverse weight gain, boost energy, and reclaim your mood — without extreme diets or cutting carbs. Perfect for women who want a realistic plan that fits around kids, work, and actual life.
• The Chaos to Calm Method: A 1:1 personalised program for women who want a more personalised plan and support — especially if you’ve got 10kg+ to lose, other health issues, or feel like your body’s just stuck. Includes comprehensive blood testing and analysis, Metabolic Balance ...

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:

• Why diet matters: Learn how specific foods can help manage the unpredictable symptoms of perimenopause, from mood swings to stubborn weight gain.
• The four essentials: Discover the four key components that every meal should include to support your body through this transition.
• Long-term health benefits: Understand how what you eat today can impact not just how you feel now, but how you’ll live decades from now, ensuring you remain active and engaged in life.

SNEAK PEEK

"The right nutrition really can help you navigate the changes of perimenopause with confidence... Makes the transition smoother, more manageable, more enjoyable… You can really focus on the mental aspect of this metamorphosis… We’ve got the physical change, like the caterpillar going into a cocoon and then coming out as the butterfly, but we do can do that mentally as well. So if we’ve got the physical stuff in check, we can really focus down on, you know, our purpose, what do we want for this next phase of life and how do we get to that as well?"

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the constant changes in your body and the symptoms it creates, this episode is a must-listen. You’ll come away with practical advice that’s easy to implement and designed to help you thrive, not just survive, during perimenopause.

Tune in now to discover how to take control of your perimenopause journey through the power of nutrition.

Links and resources mentioned in the episode:

• PerimenoGO
• Healthy fats episode

Send us a question for the FAQs segment or your feedback, we’d love to hear from you.

Find out more about Sarah, her services and the Freebies mentioned in this episode at https://www.ThePerimenopauseNaturopath.com.au

• The Perimenopause Decoder is the ultimate guide to understanding if perimenopause hormone fluctuations are behind your changing mood, metabolism and energy after 40, what phase of perimenopause you're in, and how much longer you may be on this roller coaster for.
• For more, follow on Instagram at @theperimenopausenaturopath.

WORK WITH SARAH THE PERIMENOPAUSE NATUROPATH:

• PerimenoGO (because who wants to pause anyway?!) A self-guided program to help you reverse weight gain, boost energy, and reclaim your mood — without extreme diets or cutting carbs. Perfect for women who want a realistic plan that fits around kids, work, and actual life.
• The Chaos to Calm Method: A 1:1 personalised program for women who want a more personalised plan and support — especially if you’ve got 10kg+ to lose, other health issues, or feel like your body’s just stuck. Includes comprehensive blood testing and analysis, Metabolic Balance ...

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:

• Understanding cholesterol’s role: Discover how cholesterol supports hormone production, cell structure, digestion, and more.
• Cholesterol and inflammation: Learn why cholesterol isn’t the root cause of heart disease but rather a response to what’s going on in your body and the arteries.
• Natural management: Get practical advice on how to naturally manage cholesterol levels through diet, lifestyle changes, and stress management.
  
  

Sneak Peek: "Blaming cholesterol for cardiovascular disease is like blaming firefighters for a fire because they’re always at the scene. Cholesterol is responding to an issue, not causing it."

For women faced with the challenges of high cholesterol perimenopause, understanding what’s driving it, and how to manage your cholesterol levels naturally is crucial. This episode will empower you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your health.

Tune in now to get the full picture and practical tips on managing your cholesterol naturally.

Links & resources mentioned in the episode:

• Blood Test Decoder freebie
• PerimenoGO (who wants to pause anyway?!)
• Episode 42: Understanding Cortisol in Perimenopause
• Episode 53: Why Insulin Matters in Perimenopause

Send us a question for the FAQs segment or your feedback, we’d love to hear from you.

Find out more about Sarah, her services and the Freebies mentioned in this episode at https://www.ThePerimenopauseNaturopath.com.au

• The Perimenopause Decoder is the ultimate guide to understanding if perimenopause hormone fluctuations are behind your changing mood, metabolism and energy after 40, what phase of perimenopause you're in, and how much longer you may be on this roller coaster for.
• For more, follow on Instagram at @theperimenopausenaturopath.

WORK WITH SARAH THE PERIMENOPAUSE NATUROPATH:

• PerimenoGO (because who wants to pause anyway?!) A self-guided program to help you reverse weight gain, boost energy, and reclaim your mood — without extreme diets or cutting carbs. Perfect for women who want a realistic plan that fits around kids, work, and actual life.
• The Chaos to Calm Method: A 1:1 personalised program for women who want a more personalised plan and support — especially if you’ve got 10kg+ to lose, other health issues, or feel like your body’s just stuck. Includes comprehensive blood testing and analysis, Metabolic Balance ...

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:

• Understanding the gallbladder's job: Learn how this small organ is essential for digesting fats, absorbing vitamins, and maintaining hormone balance, especially during perimenopause.
• Recognising the symptoms: Find out the common signs of gallbladder issues, and why women over 40 are at higher risk.
• Maintaining gallbladder health with food: Easy to implement tips on maintaining a healthy gallbladder and preventing gallstones with food and lifestyle changes.

Sneak Peek: "I firmly believe that we don't get given organs that are dispensable. Everything serves a purpose in our body."

The gallbladder is no different, having a significant role in our digestive and hormonal health, especially in perimenopause.

Listen to the full episode to learn why protecting your gallbladder - avoiding gallstones - is crucial, and how you can take simple steps to do that.

Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

• Gallbladder Health Blog
• PerimenoGO Program
• Previous episodes on
  Episode 54: how do I detox my liver (and do I even need to?)
  and Episode 9 - intermittent fasting and perimenopause: why it’s not the best choice.

Send us a question for the FAQs segment or your feedback, we’d love to hear from you.

Find out more about Sarah, her services and the Freebies mentioned in this episode at https://www.ThePerimenopauseNaturopath.com.au

• The Perimenopause Decoder is the ultimate guide to understanding if perimenopause hormone fluctuations are behind your changing mood, metabolism and energy after 40, what phase of perimenopause you're in, and how much longer you may be on this roller coaster for.
• For more, follow on Instagram at @theperimenopausenaturopath.

WORK WITH SARAH THE PERIMENOPAUSE NATUROPATH:

• PerimenoGO (because who wants to pause anyway?!) A self-guided program to help you reverse weight gain, boost energy, and reclaim your mood — without extreme diets or cutting carbs. Perfect for women who want a realistic plan that fits around kids, work, and actual life.
• The Chaos to Calm Method: A 1:1 personalised program for women who want a more personalised plan and support — especially if you’ve got 10kg+ to lose, other health issues, or feel like your body’s just stuck. Includes comprehensive blood testing and analysis, Metabolic Balance ...

Soy in perimenopause: super food or super villain?

Is soy truly the health villain it’s made out to be, or could it be the key to easing your perimenopause symptoms?

Join me to explore the real story behind soy to see if it can play a positive role in managing your perimenopause journey.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Cut through the noise: sort through the clutter of soy myths to give you the facts about soy.
• What's in soy and what can soy products do for your menopause symptoms?
• Breast cancer risk - myth or fact?
• Making smart choices - talking quality and quantity for maximum benefit and minimum risk.

SNEAK PEEK:

"If you're drinking buckets of soy milk, or using soy protein powders or you're eating processed food that is rich in the soy isolates, then you're going to have a problem."

Curious to see if soy could be an unexpected hero in your perimenopause story?

Listen to the full episode to explore how soy might just be the ally you need to manage your symptoms naturally.

LINKS & RESOURCES:

• Phytoestrogens blog 
• Phytoestrogens podcast episode 
• Soy and breast cancer risk, meta-analysis
• PerimenoGO

Send us a question for the FAQs segment or your feedback, we’d love to hear from you.

Find out more about Sarah, her services and the Freebies mentioned in this episode at https://www.ThePerimenopauseNaturopath.com.au

• The Perimenopause Decoder is the ultimate guide to understanding if perimenopause hormone fluctuations are behind your changing mood, metabolism and energy after 40, what phase of perimenopause you're in, and how much longer you may be on this roller coaster for.
• For more, follow on Instagram at @theperimenopausenaturopath.

WORK WITH SARAH THE PERIMENOPAUSE NATUROPATH:

• PerimenoGO (because who wants to pause anyway?!) A self-guided program to help you reverse weight gain, boost energy, and reclaim your mood — without extreme diets or cutting carbs. Perfect for women who want a realistic plan that fits around kids, work, and actual life.
• The Chaos to Calm Method: A 1:1 personalised program for women who want a more personalised plan and support — especially if you’ve got 10kg+ to lose, other health issues, or feel like your body’s just stuck. Includes comprehensive blood testing and analysis, Metabolic Balance ...

Talking about meal planning might make you feel like a 1950s housewife, but I would say to you that the modern woman knows that simple, strategic meal planning supports your busy lifestyle and sets you up for your best hormonal and overall health.

SNEAK PEEK
“Meal planning is not just about feeding your family; it’s about making life easier and helping you feel better by consistently nourishing your body with nutrient-dense food.”

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Create time and reduce stress: Discover how meal planning can save you time and reduce stress, giving you more freedom to enjoy life.
• Supports your health goals: Learn how to beat stubborn weight gain and other perimenopause symptoms with meal planning, by meeting your nutritional needs each day. Avoid the last-minute supermarket dash and takeaway trap!
• Build connection: Find out how involving your family in meal planning can teach valuable life skills, provide more opportunities to connect with your family, and reduce your workload.

Ready to transform your daily kitchen chaos into a streamlined, calmer experience?

Listen to this episode of the Chaos to Calm podcast for Sarah The Perimenopause Naturopath's easy-to-implement method for successful meal planning. Listen Now!


LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE

•  PerimenoGO program details and waitlist

Send us a question for the FAQs segment or your feedback, we’d love to hear from you.

Find out more about Sarah, her services and the Freebies mentioned in this episode at https://www.ThePerimenopauseNaturopath.com.au

• The Perimenopause Decoder is the ultimate guide to understanding if perimenopause hormone fluctuations are behind your changing mood, metabolism and energy after 40, what phase of perimenopause you're in, and how much longer you may be on this roller coaster for.
• For more, follow on Instagram at @theperimenopausenaturopath.

WORK WITH SARAH THE PERIMENOPAUSE NATUROPATH:

• PerimenoGO (because who wants to pause anyway?!) A self-guided program to help you reverse weight gain, boost energy, and reclaim your mood — without extreme diets or cutting carbs. Perfect for women who want a realistic plan that fits around kids, work, and actual life.
• The Chaos to Calm Method: A 1:1 personalised program for women who want a more personalised plan and support — especially if you’ve got 10kg+ to lose, other health issues, or feel like your body’s just stuck. Includes comprehensive blood testing and analysis, Metabolic Balance ...

Are you feeling constantly tired, struggling with weight gain, or dealing with unpredictable mood swings? Discover how your liver could be the key to transforming your health and easing perimenopause symptoms.

In this episode of Chaos to Calm, we dive into the often-overlooked, under-valued, but all-around powerhouse of your body: the liver.

Your liver has a massive impact on your everyday health. It's crucial for balancing hormones, energy, and a healthy weight,  especially in perimenopause.

Benefits of Listening:

• Understand the liver’s role: Learn how your liver detoxifies your body and regulates hormones, vital for reducing perimenopause symptoms.
• Detoxes - yay or nay?: Find out why trendy detox products might be doing more harm than good, and what you to do instead.
• Liver over-loaders: Discover the everyday habits and substances that could be overloading your liver and how to reduce their impact.
• Support your liver naturally: Get practical tips on diet, hydration, and lifestyle changes that support your liver's natural detoxification processes.
• Happy hormones: Understand how supporting your liver can lead to better mood, energy levels, and easier weight management.

Listening to this episode will equip you with the knowledge to support your liver’s health, with the added bonus of helping you to navigate perimenopause with more ease and comfort. No need to struggle with lots of symptoms and feeling rubbish.

Tune in now to learn how to take care of your liver, answer the question of whether you need to do a detox (or not!), and create sustainable health habits that will help you feel more in control of your body, improve your health overall, and reduce your perimenopause symptoms.

Send us a question for the FAQs segment or your feedback, we’d love to hear from you.

Find out more about Sarah, her services and the Freebies mentioned in this episode at https://www.ThePerimenopauseNaturopath.com.au

• The Perimenopause Decoder is the ultimate guide to understanding if perimenopause hormone fluctuations are behind your changing mood, metabolism and energy after 40, what phase of perimenopause you're in, and how much longer you may be on this roller coaster for.
• For more, follow on Instagram at @theperimenopausenaturopath.

WORK WITH SARAH THE PERIMENOPAUSE NATUROPATH:

• PerimenoGO (because who wants to pause anyway?!) A self-guided program to help you reverse weight gain, boost energy, and reclaim your mood — without extreme diets or cutting carbs. Perfect for women who want a realistic plan that fits around kids, work, and actual life.
• The Chaos to Calm Method: A 1:1 personalised program for women who want a more personalised plan and support — especially if you’ve got 10kg+ to lose, other health issues, or feel like your body’s just stuck. Includes comprehensive blood testing and analysis, Metabolic Balance ...

Struggling with weight gain, low energy, or mood swings during perimenopause? Yes, perimenopause hormone changes may be behind them, but they could be the result of an imbalance in one of your 'master' hormones – insulin.

Understanding insulin's role in your body can transform your perimenopause experience, so in this episode, we dive deep into the world of insulin, a key hormone that sets the tone for the health of your body and mind. You’ll learn why managing insulin is crucial, especially during perimenopause and menopause, and how it impacts every aspect of your health.

Here's what else we cover:

• How insulin acts as a key player in regulating blood sugar, energy, mood, muscle and fat mass, hormonal health, and more.
• Find out how insulin influences other hormones, brain function, and even skin health, giving you a comprehensive view of its impact.
•  What is insulin resistance, and how it contributes to common perimenopause symptoms like weight gain, brain fog, and fatigue.
• Practical tips on nutrition, exercise, and stress management to maintain stable insulin levels and improve your wellbeing.
• Gain the knowledge to be able to take control of your health and make informed decisions with confidence.

This episode is packed with practical advice and expert knowledge that can help you navigate perimenopause with less symptoms, and more ease.

You'll gain valuable information about how insulin impacts your health, why traditional weight loss methods might not be working anymore, and be able to do something about it, with actionable advice about what you can do to manage your insulin levels well.

Ready to take charge of your health and perimenopause experience? Listen to the full episode and start your transformation now.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE SHOW:

• Episode 17: The secrets of your metabolic powerhouse: the thyroid 
• Episode 18: Understanding the perimenopause-thyroid connection: achieving hormonal balance after 40
• Episode

Send us a question for the FAQs segment or your feedback, we’d love to hear from you.

Find out more about Sarah, her services and the Freebies mentioned in this episode at https://www.ThePerimenopauseNaturopath.com.au

• The Perimenopause Decoder is the ultimate guide to understanding if perimenopause hormone fluctuations are behind your changing mood, metabolism and energy after 40, what phase of perimenopause you're in, and how much longer you may be on this roller coaster for.
• For more, follow on Instagram at @theperimenopausenaturopath.

WORK WITH SARAH THE PERIMENOPAUSE NATUROPATH:

• PerimenoGO (because who wants to pause anyway?!) A self-guided program to help you reverse weight gain, boost energy, and reclaim your mood — without extreme diets or cutting carbs. Perfect for women who want a realistic plan that fits around kids, work, and actual life.
• The Chaos to Calm Method: A 1:1 personalised program for women who want a more personalised plan and support — especially if you’ve got 10kg+ to lose, other health issues, or feel like your body’s just stuck. Includes comprehensive blood testing and analysis, Metabolic Balance ...