Do you wonder “Is this perimenopause?” Do you wonder what it looks and feels like?

Get information on how to adjust and alter your exercise when you are.

 

My Guest:

Abby Chitty, a single mom with 5 kids between 15 and 24. She owns her own business as a realtor. We met on Instagram and I invited her to be a guest in this unique episode where we’re doing a coaching call and you get to listen over the fence.

 

Questions We Answer in This Episode:

• [00:05:15] What does perimenopause look like for asymptomatic women over 50? 
• [00:20:00] What changes do we need to make to our workout routine? 
• [00:25:00] If asymptomatic, how do we know if we’re moving through the stages and how then do we judge what changes to make?

 

What’s Showing Up for Abby?

• Gaining 20 lbs slowly post-kids, despite a healthy lifestyle.
• Feeling frustrated when traditional diet and exercise weren’t effective anymore.
• Friends telling you might be “doing too much” in terms of fitness.
  • 5 days/week strength training
  • Seasonal long-distance running (up to 30K)
  • Uses YouTube programs with fast-paced, minimal-rest formats
  • Occasional yoga/mobility work
  • Exercises to failure, prefers lifting heavy

 

Time to Flip the Switch with Abby:

• Overtraining & Recovery
  • Benefit from less frequent but heavier strength sessions
  • Incorporating rest + slower tempo lifting could help. Recovery may be insufficient—without it, muscle building stalls.
• Running & Cortisol
  • Long runs + strength + possible fasting = cortisol overload.
  • Midlife women are more vulnerable to stress and hormonal shifts.
  • Lower estrogen increases cortisol response, impacting body composition.
• Sleep & Metabolism
  • Sleep deprivation is linked to stubborn weight and reduced muscle recovery. Abby averages 5.5–6.5 hours of sleep, with limited REM/deep sleep.
  • Need more sleep to trigger growth hormone/testosterone release.
• Supplements
  • Try specific forms (glycinate or L-threonate) and gradually increase the dose. Abby uses magnesium oil and a multivitamin with magnesium.
• Nutrition
  • A little caloric deficit is okay, but eat enough. Not doing it too long creates stress.
  • Reintroduce sweet potatoes. Carbs with high fiber at night will help us sleep better.

 

Key Takeaways to Know Is This Perimenopause?

• You might be in perimenopause without classic symptoms: Weight gain and sleep disruption can be early signs.
• More isn’t always better in midlife exercise: Volume should decrease, intensity (with recovery) can rise.
• Muscle preservation is crucial: It drives metabolism and health outcomes more than weight alone.
• Sleep matters just as much as workouts: It affects hormonal balance, recovery, and fat loss.
• Cortisol and insulin sensitivity shift in midlife: Long-distance cardio and fasting a tricky combo.
• Smart scale stats are more telling than BMI: Body composition paints a clearer health picture.
• Personalized magnesium dosing: May improve sleep and aid recovery in midlife.

 

Connect with Abby:

• Instagram - @abbysmarket

 

Other Episodes You Might Like:

• Previous Episode - Energy Crashes & Stubborn Belly Fat After 40 (and what to do about it)
• Next Episode - Breast Implants and No-Cut Facelifts - the Surgeon with Answers
• More Like This – Weight Gain in Perimenopause and Menopause

 

Resources:

• Don’t know where to start? Book your Discovery Call with Debra
• Join the Flipping50 Insiders Facebook Group and connect with Debra and the community.
• Understand how sleep relates to your hormones, muscle mass and weight loss with Flipping 50 Sleep Yourself Skinny