120. Microdosing for Midlife: Hormones, Perception, and Libido (Week 3)

Exploring how menopause, perception shifts, and nervous system regulation intersect with midlife libido.

Episode Summary

This episode continues Week 3 of Microdosing for Midlife, April Pride’s 12-part audio companion to her Substack series exploring microdosing through the lens of midlife transition.

In this conversation, April examines one of the most quietly asked questions among women in perimenopause and menopause: can microdosing influence hormones or libido? Rather than positioning psilocybin as a hormonal intervention, she reframes the inquiry around perception, serotonin signaling, emotional regulation, and nervous system safety.

The episode explores how estrogen fluctuations affect mood stability, why cortisol and stress patterns shape desire, and how subtle perceptual shifts—rather than dramatic sensations—may influence connection and intimacy. Through personal reflection and grounded science, April centers integration over hype.

🔵 Key Takeaways

• Sub-perceptual microdosing is about perception shifts, not noticeable psychedelic effects• Estrogen plays a role in serotonin regulation and emotional stability• Hormonal fluctuations in midlife can increase anxiety and mood vulnerability• Libido is influenced by stress regulation and psychological safety• Psilocybin research currently focuses on emotional systems—not hormone “balancing”• Interoception (body awareness) may shift during midlife transitions• Structured integration matters more than isolated insight

🔵 Timestamps

[00:00] Episode disclaimer and introduction[01:00] The neurobiology of change and structured microdosing[02:00] Sensation vs. perception in microdosing[04:00] Rewriting grief narratives and identity shifts[05:00] Estrogen, serotonin, and cortisol interactions[06:30] Oxytocin, connection, and emotional openness[08:00] Interoception and body awareness[09:00] Libido and menopause[10:00] Emotional safety and renewed desire[11:00] Closing reflections

🔵 Additional Resources

Micro-Psyched Microdosing Guide

Original Week 3 post on Substack

Women in the Wild - Reserve your spot!

Learn more about this episode: https://aprilpride.substack.com/p/microdosing-for-midlife-week-3-hormones-libido

Hosted by April Pride

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