July 30, 2025

Dr Rachael Chrystal on Navigating Burnout and Perimenopause

37 minutes

In this enlightening episode I chat with Dr Rachael Crystal, a GP and accredited menopause specialist, about the complex relationship between burnout and perimenopause.

We explore how hormonal changes, stress, and life pressures intertwine, impacting women's mental and physical well-being during midlife.

Rachel shares her Masters research on the lived experiences of professional women navigating burnout during perimenopause, revealing key themes like loss of identity, the importance of support, and pathways to empowerment. If you're curious about recognizing burnout, understanding hormonal impacts, or seeking ways to thrive through midlife, this episode is packed with valuable insights and hope.

Key Points & Takeaways:

Burnout & Perimenopause Overlap: Many women experience symptoms like exhaustion, brain fog, and emotional detachment during perimenopause, often exacerbated by stress and life pressures. These symptoms can be mistaken for other issues, leading to confusion and delayed support.

The Role of Hormones: Fluctuating oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels during perimenopause impact brain function, resilience, and stress management, making women more vulnerable to burnout.

Research Insights: Rachael's qualitative research with 15 women uncovered four key themes, including the "lost in transition" feeling—women feeling a loss of identity and grappling with the invisible pressures of work and life.

Challenges in Diagnosis: Many women struggle to get clear answers, often being misdiagnosed or told their symptoms are due to stress or depression. Blood tests may not always provide clarity in perimenopause.

Pathways to Empowerment: Supportive interventions like hormone replacement therapy (HRT), coaching, counseling, and building community can help women regain confidence, set boundaries, and re-evaluate their lives.

The Power of Community & Support: Normalizing conversations about menopause and burnout, creating safe spaces, and sharing stories can reduce stigma and foster resilience.

Hope & Positive Change: Many women find empowerment and renewed confidence after navigating these challenges, often emerging with clearer boundaries, stronger self-awareness, and a sense of freedom.

Connect with Rachael and learn more about her work at Manchester Menopause Hive (https://manchestermenopausehive.co.uk/) and via The Burnout Revolution podcast and Substack newsletter (https://rachaelchrystal.substack.com/podcast)

If you enjoy the podcast please help us grow by sharing this episode, or writing a review.

Want to work with me?

Join me over at www.holdingupthesky.com - our new community for women navigating the "midlife collision"

Coaching with me at http://www.thetripleshift.org

Menopause in the workplace support at www.managingthemenopause.com

Connect with me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmacthomas/

Follow along on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/middlingalong_podcast/

Or subscribe to my Substack at https://middlingalong.substack.com/

...more

View all episodes

By Emma Thomas

44 ratings