Episode 6: Perimenopause vs Menopause — What’s the Difference (and Why It Matters)

If you’ve been told “your labs are normal” but you feel exhausted, anxious, overstimulated, or unlike yourself — this episode is for you.

In this episode, Jen breaks down the real differences between perimenopause and menopause, why most women feel their worst before periods stop, and how a functional medicine approach can bring clarity during this confusing season.

This is not about doing more — it’s about understanding what your body needs now.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• The key differences between perimenopause and menopause
  

• Why perimenopause often feels harder than menopause
  

• Common midlife symptoms that are not “just stress” or aging
  

• How estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, and thyroid hormones interact
  

• Why standard blood tests often miss the full picture
  

• How stress and under-fueling impact hormones after 35
  

• Functional testing options from an FDN-P perspective
  

• Why one-size-fits-all hormone advice doesn’t work
  

• What support actually looks like in midlife
  

  Functional Testing Discussed:

• DUTCH Hormone Test – hormone patterns, cortisol rhythm, estrogen metabolism
  

• Comprehensive Thyroid Panel – Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, antibodies
  

• GI-MAP Stool Test – gut health, inflammation, estrogen detox support
  

• Blood sugar and nutrient markers – foundational for hormone balance
  

Perimenopause isn’t a failure of your body — it’s a transition that requires different support. When we stop guessing and start listening, symptoms make sense — and healing becomes possible.

If you’re tired of guessing and want a plan built for your body, this is the work I do with my 1:1 clients.

Learn more about working together: www.youniquebalancehc.comSchedule a call with Jen: https://l.bttr.to/Y9HOt

In this episode, Jen walks you through what it means to be a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner and how FDN-Ps can serve YOU! She also explains the process of working with her and why testing and coaching are both vital pieces of the health puzzle.

For more information on Jen and YBHC, follow along on IG @youniquebalancehc

Check out the YBHC website at: www.youniquebalancehch.com

How the gut influences your hormones, mood, and immune system — and what to do about it

Tune in to hear how your symptoms may be gut related and what to do about it!

Ready to take the next step with your gut healing? Schedule a call with Jen: https://l.bttr.to/Y9HOt

Learn more about YBHC at:

www.youniquebalancehc.com

Follow along on IG: @youniquebalancehc