Advertise on podcast: You're Not Crazy! It's Perimenopause with Jenny Smith

Have you ever forgotten an important appointment, struggled to stay focused, or felt overwhelmed by things that used to come so easily? If you're in perimenopause, you may be wondering why you're suddenly feeling so scattered and forgetful. In this episode, Jenny welcomes executive function and wellness coach Krisler Bailey to talk about executive functioning and how perimenopause changes, along with the mental load of everyday life, can affect your ability to stay organized, manage your time, and get things done. Together, Jenny and Krisler share personal experiences and discuss the importance of finding systems that work for you, setting boundaries, asking for help, and learning to let go of some of the responsibilities we place on ourselves. You'll also walk away with practical ideas to help you be more focused, organized, and less overwhelmed. You don't have to do it all, and you certainly don't have to do it alone. The 14-Day Jumpstart: A Fall Reset is open for enrollment! We start Thursday, November 5th, 2026.  If you're ready to get back to the basics and start feeling better, this reset is for you! Over 14 days, we'll focus on simple nutrition habits to help you manage cravings, improve your energy, and feel more like yourself again. Learn more and sign up here! https://www.simplifiedlifestylecoaching.com/14dayjumpstart Connect with Krisler Bailey here:  Website: https://coachingwithkrisler.com/about/ Krisler’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachkrisler/ https://www.instagram.com/professorkrisler/ Download Krisler’s College Sleep Guide: https://coachingwithkrisler.kit.com/collegesleepguide Connect with Jenny here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennyaz_simple/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SimplifiedLifestyleCoaching Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The host is not acting as your medical provider. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical condition or health-related decisions.

Have you ever left a doctor's appointment feeling frustrated, dismissed, or like your concerns weren't taken seriously? Finding a healthcare provider who truly listens and understands what you're experiencing during perimenopause can feel overwhelming. In this episode, Jenny shares her personal experience finding doctors who were the right fit for her and why you may have more healthcare options than you realize. From conventional and functional medicine to naturopathic care, direct primary care, and paying out of pocket, Jenny breaks down the different options available and what to consider when choosing a provider. She also shares practical tips for finding a doctor who takes your concerns seriously, questions to ask before scheduling an appointment, and why advocating for yourself is so important.  Download the Protein Fix Guide here: https://www.simplifiedlifestylecoaching.com/protein-fix Connect with Jenny here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennyaz_simple/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SimplifiedLifestyleCoaching Resources Mentioned in this Episode The Menopause Society — Menopause education and practitioner searchFind an IFM Practitioner  — Functional medicine practitioner resourcesDPC Frontier — Information about direct primary careNational Center for Complementary and Integrative Health — Evidence-based information about complementary health approachesNeeds assessment of menopause education in United States obstetrics and gynecology residency training programs - research study mentioned in the episode Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The host is not acting as your medical provider. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical condition or health-related decisions.

Have you suddenly noticed you're running to the bathroom more often, leaking when you sneeze or exercise, experiencing painful sex, or dealing with changes down there that you never had before? In this episode, Jenny sits down with Doctor of Physical Therapy and pelvic health specialist Dr. Kirsten DesMarais to talk about the pelvic and urinary changes that can show up during perimenopause and why changing hormones may be playing a bigger role than you realize. Kirsten talks about what happens to the pelvic floor and vaginal tissues as estrogen changes, why symptoms like urinary urgency, bladder leaks, discomfort, and painful sex can begin or return during this season, and why women shouldn't simply accept these changes as part of getting older. Kirsten also shares how pelvic health physical therapy, strength training, movement, and working with the right provider can help women feel stronger and more confident as they move through perimenopause and beyond. The Hormone Reset Project is open for enrollment! We start October 8th, 2026 If anxiety, mood swings, fatigue, poor sleep, or just not feeling like yourself have become your new normal in perimenopause, I want to help.  Inside the Hormone Reset Project, I’ll walk you through the simple lifestyle habits that can help you feel better without overwhelming you with a million things to change. Enrollment is open now! Learn more at https://www.simplifiedlifestylecoaching.com/hrp Connect with Kirsten DesMarais here:  Website: https://empowerorthoandpelvichealth.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kirstendesmaraisdpt/ Connect with Jenny here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennyaz_simple/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SimplifiedLifestyleCoaching Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The host is not acting as your medical provider. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical condition or health-related decisions.

With so many supplements marketed to women in perimenopause, how do you know which ones are actually worth taking? In this episode, Jenny shares three of her personal favorite supplements, why she takes them, and some of the ways they may support women as they move through perimenopause. But supplements are exactly that—they’re meant to supplement the foundation, not replace it. Jenny also shares why food, sleep, movement, and managing stress still come first, what to consider before adding a new supplement, and why quality matters when choosing one. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed standing in the supplement aisle wondering what you actually need, this episode will help you know what to consider before filling your cart. Jenny personally uses Fullscript because it gives you access to high-quality, professional-grade supplements from brands I trust. If you’re located in the U.S., you can create a free Fullscript account through her link and receive 15% off your supplement orders. You can sign up and save 15% here: https://us.fullscript.com/s/slc/shop/plans/TXVsdGlQYXRpZW50UGxhbi0xNzQ5MzQ= Download the Protein Fix Guide here: https://www.simplifiedlifestylecoaching.com/protein-fix Connect with Jenny here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennyaz_simple/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SimplifiedLifestyleCoaching Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The host is not acting as your medical provider. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical condition or health-related decisions.

You’re eating healthy, so why are you still dealing with cravings, brain fog, low energy, irritability, or feeling hungry again just a couple of hours after eating? In this episode, Jenny shares three common nutrition mistakes she sees women making in perimenopause and why foods that seem “healthy” may not be giving your body what it needs to feel great. You’ll learn how the way you build and time your meals can affect your energy, mood, and cravings, along with simple ways to start paying attention to what may be missing from your meals. This isn’t about cutting out entire food groups, counting every calorie, or completely overhauling your diet. It’s about making a few intentional changes to better fuel and support your body in perimenopause. Join the From Chaos to Calm Masterclass on Thursday, October 1st, 2026. https://www.simplifiedlifestylecoaching.com/masterclass Grab the Free Protein Fix Guide: https://www.simplifiedlifestylecoaching.com/protein-fix Episode 24 about fiber after 40: https://www.simplifiedlifestylecoaching.com/episode-detail?id=6 Connect with Jenny here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennyaz_simple/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SimplifiedLifestyleCoaching Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The host is not acting as your medical provider. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical condition or health-related decisions.

If you’re a woman in your 40s or 50s, chances are you’ve heard completely conflicting information about hormone replacement therapy. Is HRT safe? Does it cause breast cancer? What are bioidentical hormones? And how do you know if hormone therapy might be right for you? In this episode, Jenny breaks down what happens to your hormones as you move through perimenopause and menopause, what HRT actually is, and some of the ways hormone therapy may help with symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, poor sleep, vaginal dryness, and more. Jenny also takes a closer look at the 2002 Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study that dramatically changed the conversation around hormone therapy and shares why she personally chose to use HRT after doing her own research and working with her healthcare providers. Most importantly, this episode isn’t about telling you whether you should or shouldn’t take hormones. It’s about helping you better understand your options, ask informed questions, and recognize that HRT is only one tool in a much bigger toolbox. Save your spot for the From Chaos to Calm Masterclass here:  https://www.simplifiedlifestylecoaching.com/masterclass Connect with Jenny here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennyaz_simple/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SimplifiedLifestyleCoaching Learn more at https://www.simplifiedlifestylecoaching.com/ Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The host is not acting as your medical provider. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical condition or health-related decisions.

Have you noticed that alcohol just doesn’t hit the same way it used to? Maybe a couple of glasses of wine now leave you wide awake at 2 a.m., sweating, exhausted, anxious, or wondering why you feel so terrible the next day. In this episode, Jenny explains why alcohol can affect women differently in perimenopause and how it may be contributing to symptoms like poor sleep, anxiety, mood swings, hot flashes, low energy, and cravings. Jenny also takes a closer look at why so many women reach for alcohol in the first place and how something that feels relaxing in the moment may leave you feeling worse later. She shares simple ways to become more intentional about drinking, what to try if you’re curious about cutting back, and how to better support your body when you do choose to drink.  Save your spot for the From Chaos to Calm Masterclass here:  https://www.simplifiedlifestylecoaching.com/masterclass Connect with Jenny here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennyaz_simple/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SimplifiedLifestyleCoaching Learn more at https://www.simplifiedlifestylecoaching.com/ Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The host is not acting as your medical provider. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical condition or health-related decisions.

Have you ever thought, “I know what I should be doing, so why can’t I just do it?” In this episode, Jenny is joined by holistic energy healing practitioner and registered dietitian Karen Donaldson to explore why changing habits, emotional eating, cravings, and even the way we respond to stress isn’t always as simple as having more willpower. Karen shares how our past experiences, emotions, and deeply held beliefs may influence the way we think, feel, and behave, even when we consciously want to make a change. Jenny and Karen also explore the connection between emotions and the body, why certain patterns can feel so hard to break, and the healing modalities Karen uses with her clients, including EFT, Emotion Code, and muscle testing. If you’ve tried all the things but still find yourself falling back into the same patterns, or you’ve wondered if there might be something deeper keeping you stuck, then this conversation may give you an entirely different way of looking at change. Connect with Karen Donaldson here:  Website: https://karendonaldson.thinkific.com/ Connect with Jenny here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennyaz_simple/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SimplifiedLifestyleCoaching Get Jenny’s Free Protein Guide Here:  https://www.simplifiedlifestylecoaching.com/protein-fix Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The host is not acting as your medical provider. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical condition or health-related decisions.

Cholesterol can be confusing, especially when the numbers suddenly start creeping up during perimenopause even though you haven't changed the way you eat or live. In this episode, Jenny is joined by naturopathic doctor Dr. Joanna Barrette to help make sense of cholesterol, why it can change as estrogen declines, and why the numbers on a standard cholesterol panel may not tell the whole story. Jenny and Dr. Joanna discuss what women should understand about LDL, HDL, and triglycerides, additional cardiovascular markers worth knowing about, and why looking at the bigger picture of your health matters. They also explore the role of nutrition, blood sugar, inflammation, stress, and sleep in cardiovascular health. If you've ever gotten your cholesterol results back and wondered, “Okay, but what do these numbers actually mean?” this episode will help you better understand the questions to ask your doctor and what you can do to support your heart health as you age. Get Jenny’s Free Protein Guide Here:  https://www.simplifiedlifestylecoaching.com/protein-fix Dr. Joanna’s Free AFIB Root Cause Quiz https://www.healingleafhealthcenter.com/afib-root-cause-quiz Download Dr. Joanna’s Free Guide to Understanding Your Cardiovascular Labs: https://www.healingleafhealthcenter.com/FunctionalCardioLabs Connect with Dr. Joanna Barrette here:  Website: https://www.healingleafhealthcenter.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healing.leaf.health.center/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HealingLeafHealthCenter Connect with Jenny here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennyaz_simple/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SimplifiedLifestyleCoaching Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The host is not acting as your medical provider. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical condition or health-related decisions.

Have you spent many years taking care of everyone else that you've lost connection with yourself along the way? In this deeply personal episode, Jenny shares the story of her mom and reflects on what she now understands about the challenges women can face in midlife. Between raising children, caring for aging parents, managing careers and relationships, and navigating the changes of perimenopause, it's easy for our own needs, dreams, and interests to slowly get pushed aside. Jenny shares simple ways to begin reconnecting with yourself without adding another overwhelming task to your list. From finding just five intentional minutes a day to revisiting something you once loved, nurturing meaningful relationships, and learning to say no to things that drain you, this episode is an invitation to start making space for yourself again. If you've ever wondered, "Who am I outside of taking care of everyone else?" this conversation is for you. Connect with Jenny here:  Website: https://www.simplifiedlifestylecoaching.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennyaz_simple/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SimplifiedLifestyleCoaching TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jennyaz_simple Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The host is not acting as your medical provider. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical condition or health-related decisions.

Relationships can feel different during perimenopause, and it isn't just because of hormones. In this episode, Jenny is joined by love and relationship specialist Dr. Lyz to explore how stress, emotional changes, caregiving responsibilities, and shifting hormones can quietly impact connection, communication, intimacy, and even how we show up with the people we love. If you've been feeling more irritable, emotionally exhausted, disconnected from your partner, or wondering where the spark went, you're not alone. Dr. Lyz shares practical, encouraging ways to strengthen your relationship during this season of life. From understanding the different ways we give and receive love to navigating changes in intimacy and knowing when to seek additional support, this conversation offers hope and simple strategies to help you reconnect with your partner that don’t require elaborate date nights. Connect with Dr. Lyz here: Website: https://www.drlyz.com/ Download Dr. Lyz's free Fun Love Formula: https://www.drlyz.com/fun-love Follow Dr. Lyz on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_lyz/ Follow Dr. Lyz on TikTok: @Dr_Lyz Connect with Jenny here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennyaz_simple/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SimplifiedLifestyleCoaching TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jennyaz_simple Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The host is not acting as your medical provider. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical condition or health-related decisions.

We hear a lot about protein in perimenopause, but what about fiber? In this episode, Jenny explains why fiber deserves just as much attention and how not getting enough could be affecting everything from blood sugar and cholesterol to cravings, constipation, gut health, and even estrogen metabolism. She also shares why so many women over 40 are falling short and how that may be impacting the way they feel every day. Jenny breaks down the difference between soluble and insoluble fiber, highlights some of the best high-fiber foods to add to your plate, and shares simple ways to increase your intake without overwhelming your digestive system. If you're eating enough protein but still struggling with cravings, bloating, or energy crashes, this episode may help you discover the missing piece. PubMed Study Mentioned in the episode: Dietary Fiber Is Inversely Associated With Depressive Symptoms in Premenopausal Women https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7218088/ My fiber recommendations on FullScript with 10% off: ​​https://us.fullscript.com/plans/slc-fiber-supplements Download the Protein Fix Guide here: https://www.simplifiedlifestylecoaching.com/protein-fix Connect with Jenny here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennyaz_simple/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SimplifiedLifestyleCoaching TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jennyaz_simple Affiliate Disclosure: If you order supplements through my Fullscript link, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my work! Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The host is not acting as your medical provider. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical condition or health-related decisions.

In this episode, Jenny sits down with retirement coach and money strategist Dalene Higgins to talk about a topic that doesn't get nearly enough attention in midlife: money and the impact it can have on your health and your relationship. Stress about retirement, savings, and financial security can weigh heavily on women during perimenopause, and Dalene shares practical guidance to help make planning for the future feel less overwhelming. She shares simple ways to take control of your finances, common retirement mistakes to avoid, and why it's never too late to start planning. Whether retirement feels decades away or just around the corner, this conversation will leave you feeling more confident and ready to take the next step toward your financial future. Dalene Higgins, Money Coach and Retirement Strategist: https://www.elevatefinances.us/ Dalene’s Private Retirement Ready Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/genxersretiregroup Get Dalene’s Free Retirement Calculator: https://www.elevatefinances.us/calculator Connect with Jenny here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennyaz_simple/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SimplifiedLifestyleCoaching TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jennyaz_simple Learn more at https://www.simplifiedlifestylecoaching.com/

You've heard it a hundred times: "Eat more protein." But if you're already eating protein and still struggling with sugar cravings, low energy, or feeling hungry all the time, you might not be getting enough. In this episode, Jenny explains why protein becomes even more important after 40, the common mistakes women make, and why there's a big difference between eating some protein and eating the right amount of protein. She also shares how protein affects your metabolism, muscle, blood sugar, and cravings, along with simple ways to increase it without overcomplicating your meals. If you've been wondering how much protein you actually need in perimenopause, and why it could be the missing piece to feeling satisfied, energized, and more in control around food, this episode is for you. Download the Protein Fix Guide here: https://www.simplifiedlifestylecoaching.com/protein-fix Connect with Jenny here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennyaz_simple/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SimplifiedLifestyleCoaching TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jennyaz_simple Equip Prime Protein -Use this link for 15% off first-time orders. http://www.equipfoods.com/simple Affiliate Disclosure: If you order Equip protein through my link, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my work! Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The host is not acting as your medical provider. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical condition or health-related decisions.

Jenny knows what it's like to constantly crave sugar. If you've ever wondered why you can eat healthy all day only to find yourself standing in the pantry at night reaching for something sweet, this episode is for you. Jenny shares the 8 most common reasons you're craving sugar and, more importantly, what you can do about each one so you can finally stop relying on willpower alone. Some of the reasons may surprise you. You'll walk away with practical, science-backed strategies to calm sugar cravings naturally, feel more in control around food, and build healthier habits that last. Download the Protein Fix Guide here: https://www.simplifiedlifestylecoaching.com/protein-fix Learn more about the 14-Day Jumpstart at https://www.simplifiedlifestylecoaching.com/14dayjumpstart Connect with Jenny here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennyaz_simple/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SimplifiedLifestyleCoaching TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jennyaz_simple Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The host is not acting as your medical provider. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical condition or health-related decisions.