#143 - Part 2: Why Ovulation & Luteal Phase Symptoms Ramp Up & What To Do About It

Your body is not failing you. It may simply be asking for a different kind of support. In this episode, Louise Valentine, a leading expert for perimenopausal active women and runners, and Jen continue their conversation on hormonal shifts during ovulation and the luteal phase. They explain why female runners may experience temporary weight gain, bloating, constipation, pelvic discomfort, hot flashes, disrupted sleep, lower HRV, mood changes, and harder workouts during certain parts of the menstrual cycle. Listeners will learn why hydration, electrolytes, carbohydrates, recovery, and smart training adjustments can make a meaningful difference. Rather than trying every strategy at once, Louise recommends choosing one to three actions based on your most disruptive symptoms. The conversation also explores the emotional side of perimenopause. Louise and Jen share simple ways to improve mood, enjoy running again, and avoid taking stress out on partners or children. Sometimes the most powerful action is slowing down, turning on uplifting music, changing the workout, or pausing to reconnect with someone you love. The key message is simple: understand your cycle, support your body, and adjust your goals to fit your current season. RESOURCES + LINKS Learn more & apply to join our new Podcast Insiders membership here: https://www.breakingthroughwellness.com/podcastinsiders Learn & level up with my free nutrition guide & award-winning 1:1 Badass Breakthrough Academy to thrive through perimenopause with less stress: https://www.breakingthroughwellness.com Learn, laugh & level up with a Breaking Through Wellness masterclass here. Check out my FullScript here where you can see my curated favorite supplement picks, by topic, to address your concerns & save 25% off! A small portion of EACH sale goes back to support BTW. Thank you! Take advantage of our podcast listener discount & save 20% off Kion’s science-backed clean products. Code "LOUISE" saves on all future orders: https://www.getkion.com/pages/maximizing Episode Highlights: (0:00) Intro (2:56) Part two and choosing personalized action steps (7:35) Hormonal surges, inflammation, and physique changes (10:14) Bloating, constipation, pelvic floor symptoms, and cramping (12:38) Hydration, electrolytes, body temperature, and hot flashes (14:24) HRV changes and adjusting training intensity (16:47) Choosing between performance, fat loss, and recovery goals (18:59) Supporting mental health during difficult cycle phases (20:04) Using music to improve runs and mood (23:52) How perimenopause symptoms affect the whole family (26:27) Reconnecting with your partner instead of reacting (29:05) Creating a shared wellness lifestyle at home (35:05) Starting with one to three practical strategies (37:08) Estrogen, hydration, and female endurance performance (38:45) Outro Tune in weekly to "Maximizing Hormones, Physique, and Running Through Perimenopause" for our simple female-specific science-based revolution. Let's unlock our best with less stress! I'd love to connect! Email 💬 support@breakingthroughwellness.com Please note if you want to be a podcast guest, there is a fee and interview process. This is safe space and curated Community exclusively for women who love to feel, look and run our best without B.S. noise, endless pills, extreme diets or misleading fads.