In this powerful and eye-opening episode of Perimenopause Simplified, Claudia sits down with Grey Area Drinking Coach and bestselling author, Sarah Rusbatch, to unpack the hidden impact of alcohol on women’s health, especially during perimenopause. From anxiety and sleep issues to weight gain and hormonal disruption, alcohol can quietly wreak havoc – yet it's often the last thing we question. Sarah shares her personal journey, the truth about Grey Area Drinking, and how thousands of women are rethinking their relationship with alcohol in midlife.

If you've ever found yourself relying on that glass of wine to unwind or wondering if it's doing more harm than good, this episode is for you.

 

What we cover:

• What Grey Area Drinking really is (and how to know if you fall into it)
• Why Alcohol Use Disorder has skyrocketed in women over the past 30 years
• The connection between alcohol and perimenopause symptoms like anxiety, depression, and poor sleep
• Why so many women shift their drinking habits in midlife and how to know when it’s time
• The biggest benefits women report after ditching alcohol
• How to start drinking less (without shame, pressure, or perfection)

 

Connect with Sarah:

Website

Instagram

Facebook

The Women’s Wellbeing Collective

30-Day Alcohol-Free Program

Beyond Booze: How to Create a Life You Love Alcohol-Free

 

Sources:

Alcohol Use Disorder

Gray Area Drinking

Alcohol Use & Increased Symptom Burden in Midlife

Women Unaware of Alcohol & Breast Cancer Risk

Alcohol & Cancer Risk

 

CONNECT WITH CLAUDIA: 

Website

YouTube

Instagram

Facebook

 

FREE RESOURCES: 

Peri-What?! The Must-Have Guide for Women 40+ Navigating Hormone Changes

Perimenopause Daily Checklist

HRT 3-Day Crash Course

 

GET SUPPORT: 

Perimenopause Clarity Session

The Perimenopause Method Program

Perimenopause HRT Roadmap Course

 

QUESTIONS? 

Email: [email protected]

 

LOVE THE SHOW?

Please subscribe, leave a 5-star rating, review, and share, so that other women can find this podcast for guidance and support through perimenopause! 

 

In this episode of Perimenopause Simplified, Claudia opens up about a side of midlife that rarely gets discussed: what it’s really like to care for aging parents, while navigating your own hormone shifts, emotions, and identity.

She shares a personal story about supporting her mom after hip surgery, how losing her dad shaped her perspective on forgiveness, and why so many women in their 70s are now facing serious health issues, due to the fallout of the WHI study and lack of hormone therapy access.

Claudia also talks about the hard (but necessary) conversation she had with her mom about end-of-life planning…and why getting clear now can prevent stress and heartache later. 

A raw, reflective episode that will hit home for any woman feeling the weight of midlife caregiving and a powerful reminder to take care of your health now.

 

In this episode, Claudia discusses:

• The emotional and physical demands of midlife caregiving
• Why she chose to forgive her father before he passed and what that taught her
• The ripple effects of the WHI study on women’s health and quality of life
• Stats on bone loss, dementia, sleep issues & metabolic decline in women over 40
• The evolving relationship with her mom: from frustration to compassion
• How planning ahead for death can make space for grieving, instead of chaos

 

Sources:

Alzheimer’s Facts

Osteoporosis Stats

Prevalence of Obesity

Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause

Sleep During Menopause

Menopause and Cardiovascular Disease Risk

 

CONNECT WITH CLAUDIA: 

Website

YouTube

Instagram

Facebook

 

FREE RESOURCES: 

Peri-What?! The Must-Have Guide for Women 40+ Navigating Hormone Changes

Perimenopause Daily Checklist

HRT 3-Day Crash Course

 

GET SUPPORT: 

Perimenopause Clarity Session

The Perimenopause Method Program

Perimenopause HRT Roadmap Course

 

QUESTIONS? 

Email: [email protected]

 

LOVE THE SHOW?

Please subscribe, leave a 5-star rating, review, and share, so that other women can find this podcast for guidance and support through perimenopause! 

 

In this episode of Perimenopause Simplified, Claudia is joined by Dr. Ana Duarte, a medical doctor, expert in anti-aging and longevity medicine, and CSO of Eusari Nutrition. After 15+ years in pharmaceutical research, Ana hit her own perimenopause wall: burnt out, disconnected, and completely unprepared for the changes in her early 40s.

That experience led her to pursue advanced training in women’s health and longevity – and to discover just how overlooked midlife women are. No roadmap. No conversation. Just silence, shame, and guesswork. So she founded Eusari, a science-backed wellness brand built by and for women in perimenopause and menopause.

Dr. Ana blends cutting-edge medical science with deep empathy, helping women feel like themselves again. She’s also a speaker, writer, and passionate advocate for real, effective solutions to support women’s health and vitality in midlife and beyond.

Whether you can’t take HRT or simply prefer not to, this episode is packed with evidence-based guidance to help you take back control of your health.

You’ll learn:

• Why some women can’t or choose not to use hormone replacement therapy
• What non-hormonal alternatives women are turning to (and what actually works)
• The surprising science behind equol, a powerful ingredient for estrogen support
• What to look for in a trusted supplement brand
• How Dr. Ana’s product, MenoPlay, supports mood, sleep, and energy without hormones
• How to cut through the noise and make informed choices in the age of overwhelm

 

Connect with Ana Duarte, MD:

Instagram: @dr.anacd

TikTok: @dr.anacd

Facebook: facebook.com/eusariwellness

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/anacatalinaduarte

Website: www.eusari.com

Free Resources: Midlife Guides

 

Links Mentioned:

Ep. 45 Supplements for Perimenopause: What to Know

Menoplay

 

Sources:

Acupuncture In Menopause

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for MenopausePhytoestrogens for Hot Flashes

 

  Not afraid of hormone therapy, but need some clarity? Grab Claudia's popular course: Perimenopause HRT Roadmap.   Save $100 until July 31st with coupon code: ROADMAP100. Claudia breaks down everything, so it's easy to understand and so you feel confident in advocating for the care you deserve.  Check it out here.   

 

CONNECT WITH CLAUDIA: 

Website

YouTube

Instagram

Facebook

 

FREE RESOURCES: 

Peri-What?! The Must-Have Guide for Women 40+ Navigating Hormone Changes

Perimenopause Daily Checklist

HRT 3-Day Crash Course

 

GET SUPPORT: 

Perimenopause Clarity Session

The Perimenopause Method Program

Perimenopause HRT Roadmap Course

 

QUESTIONS? 

Email: [email protected]

 

LOVE THE SHOW?

Please subscribe, leave a 5-star rating, review, and share, so that other women can find this podcast for guidance and support through perimenopause! 

 

Confused about when to start hormone replacement therapy? You’re not alone. In this episode of Perimenopause Simplified, we’re cutting through the mixed messages and breaking down when to consider starting HRT, what symptoms to look out for, and how to know if it’s the right move for you.

If you’re in your 40s and feeling dismissed, overwhelmed, or unsure where to begin…this one’s for you.

We cover:

• Why hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is so confusing and what’s changed since the 2002 WHI study
• The difference between perimenopause and menopause & why that matters for HRT timing
• Common early symptoms that may signal hormone shifts (and which hormone to start with first)
• When estrogen might be added - it’s earlier than you think
• The risks of waiting too long to start HRT
• Why and when I started HRT myself

 

Sources:

Hormone Therapy & Cardiovascular Disease: The Role of Timing

Hormone Therapy & Cognition

Prevention of Osteoporosis

NAMS Hormone Therapy Position

 

To learn about hormone therapy, grab Claudia’s brand new, FREE resource: 3-Day HRT Crash Course. In just 3 quick emails, you’ll learn:

📌 What HRT is + how it works to improve symptoms 📌 The different types + how to choose for you 📌 Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)

 

To connect with Claudia Petrilli: 

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Website

 

FREE GIFT: Peri-What?! The Must-Have Guide for Women 40+ Navigating Hormone Changes

FREE GIFT: Perimenopause Daily Checklist

WORK WITH US: The Perimenopause Method

BOOK A CLARITY SESSION: Perimenopause Clarity Session

HRT COURSE: Perimenopause HRT Roadmap 

QUESTIONS? EMAIL: [email protected]

 

Love the show? Please subscribe, leave a 5-star rating, review, and share, so that other women can find this podcast for guidance and support through their perimenopause journey! 

 

In this short, reflective episode, Claudia gets real about the power of gratitude–especially during the chaotic, emotional, and overwhelming season of perimenopause.

If you're a busy, driven woman over 40 navigating hormone changes, aging parents, anxiety, or a constant sense of "not enough," this episode is your reminder to pause, breathe, and reframe.

Learn how gratitude isn’t just a feel-good practice; it’s a brain-changing tool that helps you feel more grounded, clear, and connected.

 

In this episode, you'll hear:

• Why midlife women are more vulnerable to stress and comparison (01:01)
• Claudia’s personal reflection of chasing “enough” in her 30s (01:44)
• How gratitude physically rewires the brain (04:30)
• Why modern convenience makes this the easiest time to be alive–and yet the hardest on our nervous systems (05:27)
• How HRT helped improve Claudia’s mood & overall outlook on life (07:43)
• A simple 30-day gratitude practice you can start today (08:28)

 

To learn about hormone therapy, grab Claudia’s brand new, FREE resource: 3-Day HRT Crash Course HERE. In just 3 quick emails, you’ll learn:

📌 What HRT is + how it works to improve symptoms

📌 The different types + how to choose for you

📌 Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)

 

Source: The effects of gratitude expression on neural activity

 

To connect with Claudia Petrilli: 

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Website

 

FREE GIFT: Peri-What?! The Must-Have Guide for Women 40+ Navigating Hormone Changes

FREE GIFT: Perimenopause Daily Checklist

WORK WITH US: The Perimenopause Method

BOOK A CLARITY SESSION: Perimenopause Clarity Session

HRT COURSE: Perimenopause HRT Roadmap 

QUESTIONS? EMAIL: [email protected]

 

Love the show? Please subscribe, leave a 5-star rating, review, and share, so that other women can find this podcast for guidance and support through their perimenopause journey! 

 

About 15% to 50% of perimenopausal women may experience anxiety, often accompanied by depression, insomnia, and forgetfulness.

In fact, anxiety is one of the main symptoms women reach out to me about.

But unfortunately, a lot of healthcare providers aren't addressing the underlying imbalances associated with anxiety, besides thoughts, mindset, and/or trauma. And of course these things should be addressed, but there's more to the story...

 

In this episode, we covered:

• Anxiety in perimenopause 
• Hormone changes that cause anxiety
• Why progesterone is your best friend
• What to know about copper
• Vital food & lifestyle changes to make 
• Some supplements to consider

 

Mentioned in this episode:

Matcha I love: https://amzn.to/4aQjAXv

Perimenopause HRT Roadmap Course - Learn the ins and outs of hormone replacement therapy, get empowered with easy-to-understand information & gain confidence to advocate for yourself and get the support you need!

 

Sources:

https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/the-latest/mood-changes-during-perimenopause-are-real-heres-what-to-know

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/any-anxiety-disorder

https://www.fda.gov/consumers/womens-health-topics/women-and-anxiety

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10086901/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10517880/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8080935/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9577631/

https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-statistics/digestive-diseases

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4872422/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0278262602005304

 

To connect with Claudia Petrilli: 

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Website

 

FREE GIFT: Peri-What?! The Must-Have Guide for Women 40+ Navigating Hormone Changes

FREE GIFT: Perimenopause Daily Checklist

WORK WITH US: The Perimenopause Method

BOOK A CLARITY SESSION: Perimenopause Clarity Session

HRT COURSE: Perimenopause HRT Roadmap 

QUESTIONS? EMAIL: [email protected]

 

Love the show? Please subscribe, leave a 5-star rating, review, and share, so that other women can find this podcast for guidance and support through their perimenopause journey! 

 

If you're a woman in your 40s who feels constantly anxious, moody, and mentally fried, it might not just be your hormones.

In this episode of Perimenopause Simplified, I unpack one of the most overlooked hormone disruptors in midlife: overstimulation.

From non-stop group chats to cluttered homes to the pressure to keep up on Instagram, our nervous systems are bombarded 24/7… and it’s silently wrecking our hormone balance, our energy, and our mood.

I’m sharing my personal experience with digital burnout, why I’ve scaled back communication in my business and life, and how overstimulation is keeping so many midlife women stuck in survival mode – even when they’re doing “all the right things.” 

You’ll learn:

• Why constant notifications, group texts & social media are wrecking your nervous system
• How overstimulation fuels hormone imbalances, fatigue, and mood swings
• The connection between overconsumption – digital and material – and midlife burnout
• Why boundaries, white space, and rest aren’t luxuries; they’re medicine
• The real reason “more stuff” isn’t making you happier (and what to do instead)
• How we help women simplify and reset inside The Perimenopause Method using testing, lifestyle shifts, and emotional recalibration

⏰The Perimenopause Method is open for enrollment! Learn more about how to work with me and my team HERE for highly personalized support, advanced testing & evidence-based midlife education – without the fluff.

 

To connect with Claudia Petrilli: 

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Website

 

FREE GIFT: Peri-What?! The Must-Have Guide for Women 40+ Navigating Hormone Changes

FREE GIFT: Perimenopause Daily Checklist

WORK WITH US: The Perimenopause Method

BOOK A CLARITY SESSION: Perimenopause Clarity Session

HRT COURSE: Perimenopause HRT Roadmap 

QUESTIONS? EMAIL: [email protected]

Love the show? Please subscribe, leave a 5-star rating, review, and share, so that other women can find this podcast for guidance and support through their perimenopause journey!

Estrogen often gets a bad rap, but it’s one of the most powerful and protective hormones in a woman’s body, especially in midlife. In this episode of Perimenopause Simplified, we’re unpacking what estrogen does, how it changes after 40, and what you need to know about supporting it through perimenopause and beyond. Whether you're dealing with brain fog, vaginal dryness, or mood swings, this episode will help you understand whether low estrogen might be at play – and what you can do about it.

We also dive into hormone replacement therapy (HRT), the different forms of estrogen available, and why progesterone is essential if you choose to supplement. Estrogen isn’t the enemy; let’s set the record straight.

What’s covered in this episode:

• The benefits of estrogen for your brain, heart, bones, and mood
• How estrogen levels fluctuate and decline during perimenopause and menopause
• Signs and symptoms of low estrogen vs. estrogen excess
• When to consider estrogen HRT and the different types (patches, gels, Biest & more)
• Why progesterone is needed when taking estrogen HRT
• How to support healthy estrogen detoxification through liver, gut, and lifestyle strategies

Link Mentioned:

Ep. 31: How Endocrine Disruptors Impact Perimenopause

For a deeper dive into estrogen, listen to Ep. 36: Estrogen: Why We Love It & Need It w/ Jill Chmielewski, RN, BSN

 

🧐Got questions about perimenopause? You’re in luck! I’m hosting a (free) Live Q&A: Ask Me Anything About Perimenopause!

🗓️ Save the date: June 18th at 3 pm EST / 12 pm PST and CLICK HERE to save your spot. 

Can’t attend live? No problem? Submit your questions ahead of time and we’ll send out a replay.

 

FREE GIFT: Peri-What?! The Must-Have Guide for Women 40+ Navigating Hormone Changes

FREE GIFT: Perimenopause Daily Checklist

WORK WITH US: The Perimenopause Method

BOOK A CLARITY SESSION: Perimenopause Clarity Session

HRT COURSE: Perimenopause HRT Roadmap 

QUESTIONS? EMAIL: [email protected]

 

To connect with Claudia Petrilli: 

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Website

 

Love the show? Please subscribe, leave a 5-star rating, review, and share, so that other women can find this podcast for guidance and support through their perimenopause journey! 

In this episode of Perimenopause Simplified, we’re diving deep into cortisol, the stress hormone that plays a significant role in our health, especially for women over 40.

If you’ve been feeling exhausted, anxious, or wired at night, it’s time to understand what might be going on with your cortisol levels. Cortisol can become dysregulated during perimenopause, making stress management even more crucial, as your body’s hormonal landscape shifts.

Tune in to learn how to support your cortisol, manage stress, and feel your best during this transitional phase of life.

What’s covered in this episode:

• What cortisol is and why it’s essential for your survival
• How chronic stress and hormone fluctuations in perimenopause can disrupt cortisol
• Why cortisol testing may not give you the full picture and the symptoms to recognize 
• The impact of poor sleep, blood sugar imbalance, and stress on your cortisol levels
• Simple, actionable tips to support your nervous system and optimize circadian rhythm
• Why trauma and feeling unsafe in your body can cause cortisol issues and how to heal

🧐Got questions about perimenopause? You’re in luck! I’m hosting a (free) Live Q&A: Ask Me Anything About Perimenopause!

🗓️ Save the date: June 18th at 3 pm EST / 12 pm PST and CLICK HERE to save your spot. 

Can’t attend live? No problem? Submit your questions ahead of time and we’ll send out a replay.

 

Links Mentioned:

Episode 65: The Missing Piece Behind Anxiety, Fatigue & Weight Gain: Your Nervous System

Episode 66: Feeling Burnt Out in Your 40s? Here’s What Your Body Actually Needs

 

Blue Light Blocking Glasses Viva Rays

Filter Optix

 

To connect with Claudia Petrilli: 

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Website

 

FREE GIFT: Peri-What?! The Must-Have Guide for Women 40+ Navigating Hormone Changes

FREE GIFT: Perimenopause Daily Checklist

WORK WITH US: The Perimenopause Method

BOOK A CLARITY SESSION: Perimenopause Clarity Session

HRT COURSE: Perimenopause HRT Roadmap 

QUESTIONS? EMAIL: [email protected]

 

Love the show? Please subscribe, leave a 5-star rating, review, and share, so that other women can find this podcast for guidance and support through their perimenopause journey! 

 

Feeling more tired, anxious, or irritable in your 40s—but still pushing through like you always have? In this episode, Claudia shares why the “hustle mode” that may have worked in your 30s starts to backfire in perimenopause–and what to do instead. 

She opens up about the personal changes she’s made to her daily and weekly rhythm, and walks you through 5 simple, doable practices to help you preserve energy, regulate your nervous system, and feel more like yourself again.

This isn’t about doing nothing. It’s about moving through life with intention, clarity, and ease, especially in a body that’s changing.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why women in their 40s become more stress-sensitive
• How pushing through, over-scheduling, and constant “doing” impacts your symptoms
• Real-life shifts Claudia made to stop burning herself out (and how you can too)
• 5 simple practices to reduce anxiety, feel more grounded, and prioritize what matters
• How pleasure, nature, and movement support hormonal health in midlife
• A reframe on slowing down as a strategy for productivity and well-being

💗Learn about Perimenopause Intensive, Claudia’s 8-week private coaching package for women ready to take action HERE. Limited spots available.

 

Links Mentioned

Episode 65: The Missing Piece Behind Anxiety, Fatigue & Weight Gain: Your Nervous System

Melissa Woodard

 

To connect with Claudia Petrilli: 

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Website

 

FREE GIFT: Peri-What?! The Must-Have Guide for Women 40+ Navigating Hormone Changes

FREE GIFT: Perimenopause Daily Checklist

WORK WITH US: The Perimenopause Method

BOOK A CLARITY SESSION: Perimenopause Clarity Session

HRT COURSE: Perimenopause HRT Roadmap 

QUESTIONS? EMAIL: [email protected]

 

Love the show? Please subscribe, leave a 5-star rating, review, and share, so that other women can find this podcast for guidance and support through their perimenopause journey!