Episode Summary

Have you been feeling exhausted, irritable, bloated, or just not yourself — and no one can tell you why? You might be in perimenopause. You're not alone, and you're not crazy.

In this episode, Sonia sits down with naturopath, herbalist and women's health specialist Sulin Sze to break down everything you weren't told about perimenopause — what's actually happening in your body, why your symptoms are real, and what you can do about it naturally.

In This Episode We Cover:

• Why perimenopause can start in your late 30s — and the signs most women miss
• What your bleed is actually telling you about your hormones
• Belly fat, bloating and why your waistline is changing in your 40s
• Brain fog, memory loss and ADD-like symptoms — yes, it's hormonal
• Why ghrelin increases six times in perimenopause
• The liver-emotion connection and why rage and hot flashes are linked
• How chronic stress directly lowers progesterone
• The Mediterranean diet, phytoestrogens and herbs that actually help

Connect with Sulin Sze 🌿 Website: www.herbalwell.com.au 📱 Instagram: @perimenopause.naturopath ▶️ YouTube: Sulin Sze

Sulin's book: https://herbalwell.com.au/product/wildcraft-guide-botany-herbalism-for-wildcrafters/

Learn herbalism with Sulin: www.wildmedicineacademy.com

Perimenopause course: https://insighttimer.com/meditation-courses/calm-the-chaos-a-natural-toolkit-for-perimenopause

Connect with Sonia 🌊 Website: www.womenmakewaves.com.au 📱 Instagram: @womenmakewaves_

Listeners' Discounts

🍄 SuperFeast — 20% off all products with code WMWHEALTH 👉 www.superfeast.com.au

🍫 Australian Ceremonial Cacao — 20% off with link 👉 www.australianceremonialcacao.com/?ref=WMWHEALTH

Keywords: perimenopause symptoms, natural remedies, anxiety, insomnia, perimenopause weight gain, estrogen dominance, progesterone decline, insulin resistance

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Perimenopause: An Introduction

01:21 Cultural Influences on Perimenopause

06:05 Defining Perimenopause and Menopause

09:27 Symptoms of Perimenopause

14:54 The Role of Hormones in Perimenopause

25:37 Nutrition and Lifestyle Changes for Perimenopause

32:07 Understanding Hormonal Changes in Women

41:38 The Importance of Nutrition and Food Choices

52:38 Navigating Perimenopause: Hormonal Imbalances and Symptoms

56:39 Dietary Recommendations for Hormonal Health

01:01:03 Cultural Influences on Menopause

01:03:29 The Importance of Community and Connection

01:05:29 Nutrition and Herbal Remedies for Hormonal Health

01:10:13 Mental Health and Hormonal Balance

01:15:19 Generational Stress and Its Impact on Women

01:19:41 Emotional Health and Hormonal Well-being

01:24:33 Empowerment Through Knowledge and Support