Messy Midlife

ADHD or Perimenopause?

Send us Fan Mail Today we talk through the trending question - do I have ADHD or is this perimenopause? Two of us are officially diagnosed with ADHD, one is not. But the question comes up all the time. As Aliza shares her questions and Jenn and & Karen share their lived experience, we touch on: The changes in how we could cope with multiple competing tasks before and no longer can The ways that ADHD shows up differently in girls and women, and how shame plays a role in missed diagnoses The reality that there are things that can look like ADHD that aren't - that are hormonal or even immune/inflammation driven Hormones being protective against neuroinflammation and the role that plays in ADHD like presentations in perimenipause Time blindness and time optimism The continuum of presentation of ADHD The many other things that can present with focus. attention and memory, including trauma, chronic illness, and pain Food sensitivities and ADHD symptoms The difference between an inflammatory response and a wiring difference A biochemical overlap in the pathways related to pain and attention Chapters 00:00 Navigating Perimenopause and ADHD 02:40 Understanding the Intersection of Hormones and ADHD 05:31 Coping Mechanisms and Self-Reflection 08:23 The Role of Neuroinflammation 11:07 Time Perception and ADHD 14:05 The Dopamine Connection 16:44 Exploring ADHD Presentations in Women 19:30 The Impact of Chronic Illness on ADHD 22:04 Finding Solutions Beyond ADHD 24:57 The Importance of Professional Evaluation If our messy is your kind of messy, we would love for you to rate, review and follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. We would also love to know what is on your mind. If you were to join us, what would we be talking about? Email us at messymidlifepodcast@gmail.com or message us on Instagram or TikTok @messymidlifepodcast.

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Sexual Health As We Age with Pelvic PT Cindy Furey

Send us Fan Mail Today we have Cindy back for yet another important episode all about sexual health. We talk about: Hormone changes to tissue and structure of the genitals The importance of moisturizing our vagina (its as important as moisturizing our skin) The importance of early intervention to maintain flexibility of the vaginal canal/tissues and prevent atrophy The role of hormones in the health of vaginal tissue The fears many women have when it comes to using hormone support The ideal time to implement a vaginal care protocol, and some things you can do if you feel like you are behind on this The importance of understanding your arousal and sexual response languages The impact of stress on both sexual desire and pelvic floor function and some things you can do to help with it Ways outside of sex that you can tell if you have vaginal dryness (and the times you might think you have an infection but don't) How often you should have sex to maintain sexual health and pelvic floor integrity The changes in orgasm with perimenopause, the role orgasm plays in tissue and mental health, and the hope in improving it Cindy's favorite products: Bonafide: Revaree vaginal moisturizer Good Clean Love Intimate Rose Uqora Urinary Health The Pelvic People Find Cindy: Comprehensive Therapy Services, Inc. https://www.comprehensivetherapy.com Socials: @comprehensivetherapyservices Find other Pelvic PTS Episodes on hormone replacement: Hormone Replacement Therapy in Perimenopause & Menopause Non-Hormone Support in Perimenopause and Menopause Chapters 00:00 Understanding Sexual Health in Midlife 02:49 The Impact of Hormones on Sexual Function 05:28 The Importance of Early Intervention 08:07 Exploring Treatment Options for Sexual Health 11:06 Addressing Stigma and Fear Around Hormone Therapy 13:48 The Role of Communication in Sexual Relationships 16:31 The Connection Between Stress and Sexual Desire 19:09 Body Awareness and Sexual Health 22:08 The Importance of Foreplay and Arousal 24:44 Navigating Conversations About Sexual Health 31:43 Exploring Hormonal Support and Vaginal Health 36:10 Understanding Vaginal Dryness and Its Indicators 41:06 Maintaining Sexual Health and Frequency 45:21 The Role of Orgasm in Sexual Health 50:38 Hope for Improved Sexual Response 56:56 Final Thoughts on Sexual Health If our messy is your kind of messy, we would love for you to rate, review and follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. We would also love to know what is on your mind. If you were to join us, what would we be talking about? Email us at messymidlifepodcast@gmail.com or message us on Instagram or TikTok @messymidlifepodcast.

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Let's Talk About Poop, Baby

Send us Fan Mail In this episode we'll talk through all the "fun" changes that happen in our digestive function with hormone changes during perimenopause and menopause: The "normal" amount of bowel movements per day, and when to worry Factors influence bowel regularity Medications that can cause constipation Aging isn't just on the outside, we also experience aging in our internal organs How our lifetime habits that we learn as children can impact bowel function in adulthood Taking time to poop is also self care!!! Techniques to help our bowels function optimally and change leaned patterns The connection between pelvic bowl/floor health and bowel movements Best ways to prepare your digestive system to have bowel movements with ease Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Pelvic Health and Bowel Health 01:40 Understanding Bowel Health and Hormonal Impact 05:17 Normal Bowel Frequency and Dietary Considerations 08:49 The Connection Between Constipation and Bladder Health 12:38 Childhood Constipation and Its Long-Term Effects 16:16 Self-Care and the Importance of Regular Bowel Movements 19:23 Understanding Rectal Health and Complications 21:36 Breathing Techniques for Pelvic Health 25:06 Understanding Bowel Movements and Pelvic Floor Dynamics 29:08 Dietary Impacts on Bowel Health 35:24 Optimal Bowel Movement Practices 40:56 The Interconnection of Bowel and Urinary Health If our messy is your kind of messy, we would love for you to rate, review and follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. We would also love to know what is on your mind. If you were to join us, what would we be talking about? Email us at messymidlifepodcast@gmail.com or message us on Instagram or TikTok @messymidlifepodcast.

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Don't Pee in the Shower (And Other Things Nobody Told Us) w/ Pelvic PT Cindy Furey

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Jenn, Karen, and Aliza sit down with pelvic floor physical therapist Cindy Furey for the conversation we all wish we had decades ago. Cindy has a gift for making the complicated feel completely approachable, and yes, she will absolutely tell you to stop peeing in the shower and to quit going just in case! In this episode we cover: What the pelvic floor (bowl) actually is and why it does so much more than you think. The important role the pelvic bowl health plays in organ function, abdominal health, and joint stability, especially in hip and lower back comfort. Why normal urinary frequency is every two to five hours (yes, really). Tips on how to train your bladder to reach maximum capacity for optimal bladder health and uninterrupted sleep. How prompting little girls and boys to pee "just in case" may be accidentally teaching them to stop trusting their own bodies, and what that costs them in body awareness and agency as they grow up. The effects of carbonation and caffeine on bladder health and urinary frequency. The connection between your nervous system, fight or flight and your bladder. The link between TMJ clenching and pelvic floor tension. How chronic tension and the freeze stress response can shut down glandular function, leading to dryness, pain with insertion, and why it is not just a hormone problem. The 12 second rule: how long you should actually be peeing and what it means if you are done in five. Why hovering over the toilet is working against you. How de-estrogenization during perimenopause impacts pelvic organ function and floor health. Why letting go is sometimes how you gain control. The case for vaginal estradiol and personalized pelvic PT. The bottom line: Your pelvic floor is not broken. It just needs some attention, some education, and maybe a squatty potty. This is Part 1 of 4 with Cindy. Trust us, you will want to come back for the rest. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Pelvic Health Awareness 01:43 Understanding the Pelvic Floor 06:35 Bladder Health and Frequency 11:57 The Impact of Habits on Bladder Control 14:14 Peeing in the Shower: Myths and Facts 19:23 The Connection Between Pelvic Floor and Nervous System 20:19 Understanding the Pelvic Floor and Nervous System Connection 33:01 Exploring Bladder Health and Incontinence 45:22 Conclusion and Future Topics on Women's Health If our messy is your kind of messy, we would love for you to rate, review and follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. We would also love to know what is on your mind. If you were to join us, what would we be talking about? Email us at messymidlifepodcast@gmail.com or message us on Instagram or TikTok @messymidlifepodcast.

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Moving from Obligatory to Optional

Send us Fan Mail Karen shares an experience she had where she had to make a very hard choice to say no to her father's deathbed wish regarding her supporting another family member. Her process of moving from guilt to love in this situation helped her see that it has far reaching impacts in all of her life. Some of the things we touch on: The shift from obligatory to optional in how we evaluate how we are spending our time and our emotional energy Navigating the emotions that can come up with letting go of these expectations, of ourselves and of our relationships The importance and difficulty of accepting "what is" in life How grief and relief can exist in the same space Being driven by guilt or doing something because of love - and the freedom and healing that can come from recognizing you have a choice Love is everything and it magnifies the healing of every choice we make Saying no when you are coming from a place of obligation is more loving than showing up with guilt or an empty tank That we don't always have to choose to be nice Moving from obligation to choice is relevant in the day to day and the big things in life Having to work through something over time doesn't always mean it is the wrong thing to do - it might not be hell yes or no There can be healing in the reflection time we spend thinking through something that challenges who we think we are or how we show up in the world - especially if you have competing values Values change over time, and sometimes our struggles help us see a shift in values We can always add "right now" to the difficult choices we have to make in recognition that things are always changing Chapters 00:00 Navigating Complex Emotions in Midlife 07:42 The Shift from Obligation to Choice 12:41 Understanding Values and Decision-Making 17:53 Evolving Values in the Sandwich Generation If our messy is your kind of messy, we would love for you to rate, review and follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. We would also love to know what is on your mind. If you were to join us, what would we be talking about? Email us at messymidlifepodcast@gmail.com or message us on Instagram or TikTok @messymidlifepodcast.

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Doing the Things We Struggle to Do For Ourselves

Send us Fan Mail We've talked together previously about blocks that stop us from doing what we know we need, in all areas of our lives. On this episode, we touch back on some of our struggles and Aliza shares some of the shifts she's experienced recently that have helped her move forward. We talk about: The fear that something we're counting on to help us won't really help How do we not lose hope? Being gentle with ourselves and not self-blaming How emotions, overwhelm, fear all play into our blocks - sometimes we can't handle even one more thing to do Blocks are not self-sabotage - there are legitimate and valid reasons for them The work that we do on ourselves and our belief systems doesn't always show up immediately with the results we want, but it's the foundation for allowing obstacles to clear - the layers that build on each other are the magic Change isn't linear, and we can fluctuate between the different stages of change We don't have to beat ourselves up about not making a change sooner...we can be proud of ourselves for the change happening when it did The relief that finally comes with acceptance Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Resistance in Self-Care 01:27 Understanding Personal Blocks to Health 04:19 Exploring Emotional Connections to Health Decisions 08:07 The Role of Self-Sabotage in Healing 10:34 The Journey of Letting Go and Moving Forward 13:04 Stages of Change in Personal Growth 15:51 Acceptance and Non-Attachment to Outcomes 19:02 Finding Freedom in Acceptance 26:44 Conclusion and Future Outlook If our messy is your kind of messy, we would love for you to rate, review and follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. We would also love to know what is on your mind. If you were to join us, what would we be talking about? Email us at messymidlifepodcast@gmail.com or message us on Instagram or TikTok @messymidlifepodcast.

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After the Surgery: Jenn's Healing Journey Insights on Endometriosis & Recovery

Send us Fan Mail The whole gang's back together again! Jenn returns from her surgery recovery and shares her recent experience with endometriosis surgery, recovery, and all of the emotional and physical implications. She reflects on the importance of community support, self-care, and trusting our intuition in navigating complex health decisions. Today, we touch on: Jenn’s decision to proceed with the hysterectomy and ovarian removal. The healing validation that comes from this surgery. Trusting that we are making the best decision that we can with the information that we have available at the time, regardless of the outcome. Navigating medication, hormonal changes & treatment options post-surgery. The sneaky nature of endometriosis. The emotional impact of losing reproductive organs. Coaching ourselves through the patience necessary for recovery from major abdominal surgery. The blessing that is community support during recovery and midlife. Leveraging health challenges to reset mindset, values, and clarity regarding meaningful priorities to shake up those old, automatic habits and patterns that no longer serve us. Practical tips for recovery, including the use of supportive accessories like hysterectomy pillows for comfort and as reminders to slow down. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates 01:35 Surgery Insights and Decisions 07:11 Pathology Report and Validation 10:24 Navigating Post-Surgery Emotions 15:14 Hormone Replacement Therapy Discussion 17:58 Understanding Lab Results Post-Surgery 20:44 Community Support and Personal Growth 30:00 Resetting Priorities and Values Resources & Links: Hysterectomy Pillow - https://a.co/d/0aKUvSHb If our messy is your kind of messy, we would love for you to rate, review and follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. We would also love to know what is on your mind. If you were to join us, what would we be talking about? Email us at messymidlifepodcast@gmail.com or message us on Instagram or TikTok @messymidlifepodcast.

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Boundaries - the Importance of Internal Clarity

Send us Fan Mail Just Aliza and Karen today while Jenn is recovering from surgery. Today we needed to process setting boundaries that work for us. We touch on: People can't respect your boundaries if you don't set them for yourself The energetic impact of having clarity on your boundaries for yourself When we are clear on our boundaries, we no longer need to justify what we are asking for - we can simply ask Do we have to have an experience with an unstated boundary being crossed to get clarity Clarity allows us to show up in relationships and enforcing boundaries in executive mode rather than in survival or emotional mode (and executive mode is much more effective) Boundaries can become clear to you in real time while you are seeing it crossed Setting boundaries don't have to have judgment associated with them - what doesn't work for you might be desired by someone else How our flimsy boundaries are based on people pleasing and putting other people's comfort and desires ahead of ourselves The role of intuition and tending to our body and internal cues in gaining clarity in our boundaries The role of the resounding yes in understanding our boundaries Boundaries within ourselves about the expectations we have in relationship The sacred pause and its role in understanding boundaries Chapters 00:00 Setting Boundaries in Midlife 03:57 The Power of Personal Boundaries 09:24 Clarity and Communication in Relationships 16:19 The Good Girl Phenomenon 22:14 Finding Peace with Boundaries 25:44 Embracing the 'No' in Our Lives If our messy is your kind of messy, we would love for you to rate, review and follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. We would also love to know what is on your mind. If you were to join us, what would we be talking about? Email us at messymidlifepodcast@gmail.com or message us on Instagram or TikTok @messymidlifepodcast.

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Emotionally Prepping for Hysterectomy

Send us Fan Mail Jenn talks through her preparations for her upcoming hysterectomy and oopherectomy. We talk about: Our expectations of ourselves while healing How we relate to our health conditions and treatments/surgeries The positives that have come from having endometriosis Being OK with uncertainty going into surgery and coming out of it The surprising emotional impact of removing the uterus and ovaries compared to other surgeries Being able to bid farewell to a part of our bodies/selves that is no longer serving us, even if it was part of the best things in your life at one point Chapters 00:00 Facing Surgery: A Personal Journey 02:45 Emotional Reflections on Hysterectomy 04:49 Navigating Recovery and Expectations 07:38 The Psychological Impact of Surgery 10:17 Finding Positives in Adversity 13:00 The Importance of Language in Medical Choices 15:32 The Significance of the Uterus in Identity 18:25 Preparing for Change and New Beginnings If our messy is your kind of messy, we would love for you to rate, review and follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. We would also love to know what is on your mind. If you were to join us, what would we be talking about? Email us at messymidlifepodcast@gmail.com or message us on Instagram or TikTok @messymidlifepodcast.

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The "Flaming" Sandwich Generation

Send us Fan Mail We have had a lot of requests to talk about the sandwich generation - where we are raising kids and helping or caring for aging parents. We talk about: The guilt and shame that comes with trying to navigate multiple things that are essentially competing personal values Navigating things as a solo parent or only child The role in community and the ways relationships change over time and as new challenges arise The things outside of our control that impact our friendships, including things with our kids and their personalities and needs How we prioritize community and connection and how that impacts the difficulty in the messy middle of the sandwich generation How the way we feel mentally and physically and the ways it impacts relationships and community, for better or worse The choices we have to make to avoid burnout but still try to have a full and fulfilling life The way "flares" of the sandwich can trigger deep trauma and deplete you further when people are counting on you the most The importance of connected knowing The competition between our lifelong messages to be selfless and the fact that we do actually have a self that deserves attention Book referenced: Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily and Amelia Nagoski Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Sandwich Generation and Its Relevance 01:55 Personal Stories: Weekend Overload and Emotional Toll 03:41 Defining the Sandwich Generation: Responsibilities and Challenges 06:12 Financial Concerns and Future Uncertainties 08:52 The Role of Community and Support Networks 12:39 Changing Dynamics of Friendships and Social Support 16:07 Juggling Multiple Responsibilities and Burnout 19:35 The Flare of Stress and Unresolved Childhood Issues 23:35 The Importance of Connected Knowing and Empathy 27:01 Supporting Each Other: Practical Acts of Kindness 31:38 The Myth of Selflessness and Self-Care Challenges 33:47 Finding Meaning and Growth in the Sandwich Experience If our messy is your kind of messy, we would love for you to rate, review and follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. We would also love to know what is on your mind. If you were to join us, what would we be talking about? Email us at messymidlifepodcast@gmail.com or message us on Instagram or TikTok @messymidlifepodcast.

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Why Can't I Just Do _____?

Send us Fan Mail Do you ever struggle to do even the simplest things that you know are good for you? Even when you already did the hard part? Do you ever wonder how to have the hard conversations with people you love when you see them doing the same thing? Today we talk: Stages of change and how being in messy midlife impacts our ability to move through them How we show up in relationships and how we lovingly talk about hard things The importance of talking about the hard things before we are in crisis The importance of trusting and loving friendships that are a safe container to talk about shame Where "I'm not trying to hurt your feelings, but..." and starting at a solution or absolute belongs in loving and difficult conversations Chapters 00:00 Welcome and Setting the Stage 01:29 Navigating Personal Health as Doctors 05:20 The Challenge of Self-Care 10:20 The Psychology of Change and Healing 12:08 Honesty in Friendships and Relationships 19:00 Navigating Difficult Conversations 22:21 The Role of Friends in Relationships 24:44 Openness to Change and Acceptance 27:01 The Impact of Shame on Relationships 31:05 Creating Safe Spaces for Conversations 34:30 Curiosity as a Tool for Connection 40:03 Stages of Change and Personal Growth If our messy is your kind of messy, we would love for you to rate, review and follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. We would also love to know what is on your mind. If you were to join us, what would we be talking about? Email us at messymidlifepodcast@gmail.com or message us on Instagram or TikTok @messymidlifepodcast.

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Obstacles and Openness to Thriving

Send us Fan Mail Karen shares an epiphany she had with a patient recently. Her patient was doing really well but then the things that had been working just stopped, seemingly out of nowhere. They had to work together to find the obstacles to healing so that she could start improving again. This made use think about how often this is true in perimenopause, and the ways that we can even become our own obstacle to thriving. Some questions arose that we realized we need to ask ourselves: What do we use to sense our worth or to see ourselves as valuable? What are our unspoken agreements with ourselves? What ways do the unspoken agreements end up draining you, and maybe even making physical symptoms worse? How can we take power back - empower ourselves - by breaking these unspoken agreements with ourselves? We talk through some of our own answers to these questions and how this is showing up in our lives. Saying it loud is powerful, and we invite you to join us. Chapters 00:00 Integrative Care in Midlife Health 05:25 Navigating Hormonal Changes and Empowerment If our messy is your kind of messy, we would love for you to rate, review and follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. We would also love to know what is on your mind. If you were to join us, what would we be talking about? Email us at messymidlifepodcast@gmail.com or message us on Instagram or TikTok @messymidlifepodcast.

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Non-Hormone Support in Perimenopause and Menopause

Send us Fan Mail Not everyone can use (or wants to use) hormone replacement therapy. Today we talk about some of the options to look at and considerations. We talk about The Women's Health Initiative, research in general, and what it means for you and your health The importance of not just taking something off the shelf or that you learned about from social media influences in this precarious time of health transition Natural support to help manage symptoms such as hot flashes, vascular integrity, sleep Medication support for symptom management Reasons why antidepressants sometimes actually help hot flashes Things to consider about how medications and herbs or supplements can work that could cause issues The role of strength training in testosterone production in women The lifestyle shifts that are helpful, and necessary to feel our best The value of doing less but better, especially in midlife The importance of acceptance and embracing a new chapter, rather than trying to make everything feel like it did before Where to find someone that has expertise to guide you through all of this so you can live your best life, at this stage in life Chapters 00:00 Understanding HRT and Its Alternatives 08:43 Exploring Non-HRT Options for Symptom Management 19:34 Addressing Lifestyle Changes and Their Impact 29:25 Navigating the Transition: Embracing New Chapters If our messy is your kind of messy, we would love for you to rate, review and follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. We would also love to know what is on your mind. If you were to join us, what would we be talking about? Email us at messymidlifepodcast@gmail.com or message us on Instagram or TikTok @messymidlifepodcast.

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Hormone Replacement Therapy in Perimenopause & Menopause

Send us Fan Mail Today we talk through some of the things you are likely considering to help you feel better. None of this is medical advice - always consult with your healthcare provider before starting anything, even supplements that you can purchase without a prescription. Things we cover: The difference between standard hormone replacement therapy and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy The importance of progesterone even if you no longer have a uterus (because it does more for us than just protect the uterus) Testosterone in BHRT, things to consider, and some of the controversy you might see around it Breast cancer risk in HRT The actual goal of HRT in easing through perimenopause Some consideration for determining how long you might need to be on HRT, and things to consider when it is time to wean off Our thoughts on a better, more accurate term to describe what we are actually doing with HRT because the term is really confusing and misleading Accessibility of BHRT compared to HRT HRT tidbits for consideration in the highly sensitive population Chapters 00:00 Understanding Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) 04:26 Bioidentical vs. Conventional Hormones 11:07 Breast Cancer Risk and Hormone Therapy 20:48 Accessibility and Affordability of Hormone Treatments If our messy is your kind of messy, we would love for you to rate, review and follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. We would also love to know what is on your mind. If you were to join us, what would we be talking about? Email us at messymidlifepodcast@gmail.com or message us on Instagram or TikTok @messymidlifepodcast.

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Hormone Testing in Perimenopause

Send us Fan Mail Today we answer the most common questions about hormone testing, and the questions you need to get answered but might not know to ask. We talk about: Where in your cycle testing will be most reliable, and what to do when you don't have a regular cycle. Why there is value in getting tested before starting any hormone therapy, even when you don't have a period. The importance of working with a hormone literate doctor that can order and interpret the labs from a perspective of optimal vs optimal, rather than disease vs within normal limits. Whether liver function, blood sugar, cholesterol, and other markers should be monitored more closely or frequently as hormones that impact them start to change. Testing that isn't standard that should be to help take clear and correct preventative action for things like osteoporosis and heart disease. The uses and value of blood vs. saliva vs. urine testing for hormones. Chapters 00:00 Understanding Hormones and Testing Basics 05:14 Navigating Perimenopause and Hormonal Changes 10:33 The Importance of Comprehensive Testing 15:58 Evaluating Hormone Testing Methods 26:31 Addressing Hormonal Imbalances and Treatment Options If our messy is your kind of messy, we would love for you to rate, review and follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. We would also love to know what is on your mind. If you were to join us, what would we be talking about? Email us at messymidlifepodcast@gmail.com or message us on Instagram or TikTok @messymidlifepodcast.

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Hormones 101

Send us Fan Mail By listener request! Aliza takes us back to the basics with the role different hormones play in our health both before and during perimenopause. This chat is full of good foundations for conversations you are having with healthcare providers, and sets the stage for more details in upcoming episodes all about hormone replacement therapy and non-hormone support options. Things to take note of: Hormones have a MUCH bigger role than your menstrual cycle. Estrogen plays a role in sleep, blood sugar regulation, cholesterol, temperature regulation, sleep, memory, arterial elasticity, and more. There are three forms of estrogen in our body and not all are created equal. Progesterone also impacts sleep, cholesterol, mood, and more. Estrogen is more dominant or building, while progesterone is more inhibiting or calming. Books mentioned: Do Less by Kate Northrup Wild Power by Alexandra Pope and Sjanie Hugo Wurlitzer Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Hormones and Perimenopause 02:42 Understanding Estrogen: Types and Functions 05:35 The Role of Progesterone in Women's Health 08:19 The Interplay of Hormones During the Menstrual Cycle 10:49 Navigating Hormonal Changes in Perimenopause 19:43 Understanding Hormonal Fluctuations 23:31 The Role of Testosterone in Women's Health 27:06 Cycle Tracking and Life Planning 36:56 Navigating Perimenopause and Hormonal Changes If our messy is your kind of messy, we would love for you to rate, review and follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. We would also love to know what is on your mind. If you were to join us, what would we be talking about? Email us at messymidlifepodcast@gmail.com or message us on Instagram or TikTok @messymidlifepodcast.

Perimenopause in HSPs (part 3) - Relationships and Self-actualization/Purpose

Send us Fan Mail Embodiment! Realignment! Transformation! Karen's favorite thing to talk about - ever. Perimenopause is our chance to reclaim ourselves, especially as an HSP. Some key takeaways: Intuition lives in our bodies. When we retreat into our minds and our cognitive world, we are disconnecting from our intuition. This is especially relevant in perimenopause for both HSPs and non-HSPs because of how poorly understood perimenopause is. It is even more relevant for HSPs who have likely been told that their experiences aren't real for their whole lives and who have learned to retreat inward when the outer world said they were too much. Perimenopause is a shift away from being driven by hormones to literally create and provide for a community. It allows our minds and our bodies to return to ourselves. Our work in perimenopause is to realign with our body and to our inner truth. There is a purpose in the sensitivities you as an HSP have, and perimenopause provides a clear time of transition that allows discovery and a closer and deeper connection with that purpose. Perimenopause can be a time where the limits for an HSP living in a non-HSP world have been pushed to the limit, and change to connect more with yourself and your needs become non-negotiable. The book Jenn couldn't remember: The Power of When by Michael Breus, PhD Chapters 00:00 Introduction to HSPs and Perimenopause 02:50 The Impact of Perimenopause on Highly Sensitive People 05:39 Reclaiming Identity and Purpose in Midlife 08:24 The Good Girl Syndrome and Societal Expectations 10:57 The Role of Highly Sensitive People in Society 13:41 Navigating Relationships During Perimenopause 16:31 Transformation and Self-Actualization in Midlife 18:37 Embracing Change and Learning in the Transition 21:11 Conclusion and Reflections on the Journey If our messy is your kind of messy, we would love for you to rate, review and follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. We would also love to know what is on your mind. If you were to join us, what would we be talking about? Email us at messymidlifepodcast@gmail.com or message us on Instagram or TikTok @messymidlifepodcast.

Perimenopause in HSPs (part 2) - Lab testing, Medications, and Hormones

Send us Fan Mail Jenn & Karen are back again to dive even deeper into perimenopause and the highly sensitive person. Some top takeaways: The importance of magnesium and sodium in highly sensitive people, before and during perimenopause, especially when it comes to detoxification/removal of hormones, anxiety, sleep, and more. The impact of medications on nutrient status in the body, and the smaller window HSPs have for deficiencies. Gut and bowel function is impacted by both perimenopause and being an HSP. There are many symptoms of perimenopause that highly sensitive people have already sought help for, that Karen has not seen get worse in perimenopause because they are already supported. HSPs can have a strong or even paradoxical reaction to hormones, even at a low dose. HSPs often need lower doses of medications but might need higher doses of others. It is important to work with a provider who understand the needs of HSPs and is willing to pay attention to your response to any intervention. HSPs will likely start feeling symptoms long before anything outside of normal range will show up on lab tests. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Highly Sensitive People and Perimenopause 02:37 Understanding Hormonal Changes and Their Impact 05:24 Symptoms of Perimenopause in Highly Sensitive People 09:02 Nutritional Needs and Considerations 12:36 The Role of Magnesium and Vitamin C 14:29 Bowel Health and Its Connection to Sensitivity 17:18 Detoxification and Hormonal Balance 21:33 Mental Health Symptoms in Perimenopause 24:35 Sleep Changes and Sensitivity 26:24 Hormonal Changes and Sleep Disruption 27:28 The Role of Progesterone in Mood Regulation 28:01 Medication Sensitivity in Highly Sensitive People 29:50 Trial and Error in Medication Dosing 30:44 Listening to Your Body's Needs 32:25 Nutrient Depletion and Sensitivity 34:37 Embodiment and Disconnection 35:17 Complex Interplay of Hormones and Medications 41:23 Joint Pain and Hormonal Changes 44:16 Detoxification and Skin Changes 47:48 Lab Testing and Hormonal Changes If our messy is your kind of messy, we would love for you to rate, review and follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. We would also love to know what is on your mind. If you were to join us, what would we be talking about? Email us at messymidlifepodcast@gmail.com or message us on Instagram or TikTok @messymidlifepodcast.

Perimenopause in Highly Sensitive People (part 1)

Send us Fan Mail We dive into Karen's professional expertise and personal lived experience to talk about being a highly sensitive person in perimenopause. In this episode we talk about what a highly sensitive person actually is, from a neurological and medical perspective. We also talk about the lived experience of being a highly sensitive person. We get a bit geeky about the overlap of stress hormones and sex hormones (especially progesterone), the overlap between higher needs for certain nutrients and the meds that can deplete those same nutrients. Some important takeaways: High sensitivity is present in many species beyond humans and has an evolutionary explanation. Sensitivity isn't just about emotions or pain. It is about how a person is wired, how they process sensory information, and how their body works. There are different nutrition and medical needs that a highly sensitive person has compared to less sensitive people. You can be an extroverted high sensation seeking person and still be highly sensitive. Progesterone plays a more critical role in the wellbeing of the HSP. Highly sensitive women can be more likely to have early perimenopause symptoms and more likely to experience fertility challenges. The impact of trauma on the HSP. You can be an HSP without realizing you are. Chapters 00:00 Navigating Midlife Challenges 02:33 Understanding ADHD and HSP 05:25 Defining Highly Sensitive People 07:50 The Impact of Sensitivity on Health 10:13 Nutrition and Sensitivity 11:51 Sensitivity and Emotional Perception 14:19 The Intersection of Sensitivity and ADHD 16:59 Hormonal Influences on Sensitivity 19:49 Physiological Differences in HSPs 21:41 Understanding Sensitivity and Health 22:49 Hormonal Changes in Highly Sensitive People 25:57 The Impact of Sensitivity on Midlife 26:59 Exploring Sensitivity Suppression 30:50 The Warrior Gene and Sensitivity 36:59 Looking Ahead: Sensitivity in Perimenopause If our messy is your kind of messy, we would love for you to rate, review and follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. We would also love to know what is on your mind. If you were to join us, what would we be talking about? Email us at messymidlifepodcast@gmail.com or message us on Instagram or TikTok @messymidlifepodcast.

A Deeper Dive on Rage

Send us Fan Mail We revisit rage today, because our last episode had us feeling a lot of it. We talk about our understanding of what it actually is, how it serves us, and how we got here in the first place. 00:00 Exploring Sacred Rage 02:51 The Balance of Emotions 05:30 Rage as a Secondary Emotion 08:08 Generational Perspectives on Rage 10:54 The Role of Helplessness in Anger 13:33 Paving the Way for Future Generations 16:15 Expressing Emotions Freely 19:05 The Complexity of Rage and Other Emotions If our messy is your kind of messy, we would love for you to rate, review and follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. We would also love to know what is on your mind. If you were to join us, what would we be talking about? Email us at messymidlifepodcast@gmail.com or message us on Instagram or TikTok @messymidlifepodcast.