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]

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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: 

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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: 

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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 feeling anxious, exhausted, gaining weight, and like nothing is working anymore, this episode is for you. These symptoms aren’t just about hormones; they’re often signs of a dysregulated nervous system. In this episode, Functional Health & Integrative Nutrition Coach Claudia Petrilli, breaks down how your nervous system impacts hormones, metabolism, sleep, mood, and more during perimenopause.

You’ll learn why so many women over 40 feel stuck in survival mode and what you can start doing right now to calm your nervous system, reclaim your energy, and feel like yourself again.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why your nervous system matters more than ever in midlife
• How chronic stress affects cortisol, thyroid, estrogen, and progesterone
• Why feeling “tired but wired” is a sign your body is stuck in fight-or-flight
• How trauma wires your system for stress
• What a healthy cortisol rhythm should look like (and how to support it)
• 5 simple ways to regulate your nervous system today

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

Episode 57. Releasing Trauma in Midlife: How Your Subconscious Shapes Your Health w/ Jennifer Ragazzo

To connect with Claudia Petrilli: 

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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 raw and empowering episode of Perimenopause Simplified, we’re diving into one of the most overlooked, yet powerful ways to support your health in midlife: sex.

From the hormonal magic of oxytocin to the emotional benefits of intimacy, I’ll share how good sex can actually help ease perimenopause symptoms—while also addressing the very real challenges modern couples face when it comes to connection.

I’ll also open up about a dry spell in my own relationship, and how we found our way back to each other. Whether your libido is MIA or you’re craving deeper connection, this episode is for you.

You’ll learn:

• How oxytocin release during sex can lower cortisol and reduce perimenopause symptoms
• Why connection and pleasure are essential forms of self-care in midlife
• The difference between responsive vs. spontaneous desire—and why it matters
• How shame, judgment, and silence impact intimacy in long-term relationships
• Real talk about what happens when couples stop making time for sex
• Simple ways to rebuild emotional and physical connection with your partner

Links mentioned:

The Difference Between Spontaneous and Responsive Sexual Desire

Vanessa Marin Therapy

Sex Talks Book 

Vanessa Marin On Mel Robbins

Jake Woodard

Episode 56. Reignite Desire & Skyrocket Pleasure in Midlife with Susan Bratton

Sources:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14675803/

https://drlindseyberkson.com/oxytocin-new-hormonal-kid-clinical-block/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0924933810701553

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306987719312575

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23430983/

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 episode of Perimenopause Simplified, Claudia dives deep into vaginal health during midlife, an often overlooked but essential part of overall well-being. Learn how hormonal shifts impact vaginal tissue, pH, and infection risk, and get practical, evidence-based solutions to support comfort, confidence, and intimacy. Whether you're experiencing dryness, odor, or recurring UTIs, this episode breaks down both hormonal and non-hormonal tools that can help you feel like yourself again.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How declining estrogen affects vaginal tissue, moisture, and pH balance
• Why changes in pH can increase UTIs, bacterial vaginosis, and yeast infections
• The benefits and safety of vaginal estrogen for all women
• Non-hormonal options like DHEA, hyaluronic acid, and clean OTC products
• Key nutrients and supplements that support blood flow and tissue health
• How vaginal rejuvenation tools (like medical vibrators) improve circulation and elasticity

Links mentioned:

Ep. 62: Perimenopause + Your Pelvic Floor: Fix Leaks, Pressure & Pain w/ Christina Walsh, PT

Dr. Rachel Rubin 

EWG Skin Deep

Glow Below

Nitric Oxide

Foria Wellness

Joylux Red Light

Mv.health

Sources:

Nitric Oxide Study 

Vitamin E Study

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!

On this week’s episode of Perimenopause Simplified, Claudia is joined by Christina Walsh, a New Orleans mama of two, physical therapist, published researcher, and cofounder of Tighten Your Tinkler–a pelvic floor rehab method designed specifically for women.

Christina knows firsthand what it’s like to live with pelvic floor dysfunction–and how to heal naturally, without kegels or invasive devices. Together, we dig into what every woman 35+ needs to know about pelvic floor health in perimenopause.

• What exactly is the pelvic floor and why it matters in your 40s+
• Common symptoms of a weak pelvic floor (i.e. bladder leaks, heaviness, pain, urgency)
• How hormone changes in perimenopause impact your pelvic floor
• The connection between pelvic floor health and intimacy
• Why Christina says kegels aren’t the answer (and what to do instead)
• Simple, non-invasive strategies to restore strength and function—at home

Whether you're dealing with leaks, pressure, prolapse, or pain during sex, this episode is for you!

Website: https://www.tightenyourtinkler.com 

Signature Program: Tighten Your Tinkler (Save $50 with coupon code: CLAUDIA)

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tighten.your.tinkler/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tightenyourtinkler

Tighten Your Tinkler Quiz 

10-minute Decompression Exercise

Squatty Potty 

To connect with Claudia Petrilli: 

Instagram

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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 stuck, exhausted, or like your body is working against you in midlife? This episode is your tough-love wake-up call, because thriving in perimenopause starts with radical ownership.

I’m breaking down the patterns that keep women overwhelmed, inflamed, and waiting for “someday”, and offering a powerful invitation to take back your time, energy, and mindset–starting now.

In this episode, I cover:

• Why overwhelm is often a choice–and how to change it
• The hidden cost of people-pleasing and lack of boundaries
• How social media might be draining your energy and self-worth
• Common mindset traps that sabotage long-term progress
• What it really means to choose progress over perfection
• A powerful metaphor that will shift how you spend your time

⏰Today’s the final day to join The Perimenopause Method – enrollment closes TONIGHT!

To connect with Claudia Petrilli: 

Instagram

Facebook

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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 CALL WITH CLAUDIA HERE

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!

Think perimenopause starts in your late 40s? Think again! Many women start experiencing subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) hormone shifts in their mid-30s. But doctors often dismiss these early symptoms. In this episode, Claudia breaks down why perimenopause begins earlier than you expect–and what you can do to start feeling better now.

We’re covering:

• Why perimenopause isn’t just about your period changing–it’s a whole-body shift
• The first signs of perimenopause (that most women overlook)
• Why conventional medicine ignores these early symptoms
• What’s actually happening in your body during this stage
• How to take back control so you don’t have to suffer through perimenopause

👉🏼Save Your Spot for Claudia’s FREE Masterclass on April 17th: 🔥 Energy, Mood & Metabolism: How to Fix the Top Perimenopause Struggles After 35! >>> RSVP HERE

To connect with Claudia Petrilli: 

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Website

👉🏼 BOOK A CLARITY CALL WITH CLAUDIA

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

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 week’s episode, Claudia addresses one of the BIGGEST frustrations women face–going to their OB/GYN for perimenopause help, only to realize they’re not as knowledgeable about hormones as we expect. Too often, doctors miss the full picture, leaving women dismissed and without real solutions.

We’re covering:

• Why your OB/GYN is great for pregnancy–but often clueless about perimenopause
• Why perimenopause isn’t just about estrogen and progesterone
• The common treatments doctors prescribe that don’t actually fix the root cause
• What you really need to do to start feeling better

👉🏼Save Your Spot for Claudia’s FREE Masterclass on April 17th: 🔥 Energy, Mood & Metabolism: How to Fix the Top Perimenopause Struggles After 35! >>> RSVP HERE 

Source: https://www.contemporaryobgyn.net/view/survey-shows-menopause-curriculums-lacking-in-residency-programs

To connect with Claudia Petrilli: 

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Website

👉🏼 BOOK A CLARITY CALL WITH CLAUDIA

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

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!