Understanding Perimenopause & Menopause: A Holistic Guide to Thriving in Midlife

Written By Kylie Gatewood

Understanding Perimenopause & Menopause: A Holistic Guide to Thriving in Midlife

Featuring insights from Dr. Loretta Ferrell on the Winning the Week Podcast

For many women, the transition into perimenopause and menopause feels confusing, emotional, and physically exhausting. You’re juggling hot flashes, mood swings, sleep issues, gut changes, weight fluctuations, or feeling like your body is doing things you don’t recognize.

But the truth is:

You’re not falling apart—your body is shifting, and there are answers.

On this week’s episode of Winning the Week, Kylie Shannon and Shannon sit down with Dr. Loretta Ferrell to bring clarity, hope, and practical strategies for navigating this season with confidence. Whether you’re just starting to notice changes or you’re deep in the transition, this conversation is filled with faith-based wisdom and holistic insight to help you thrive.

What Really Happens During Perimenopause & Menopause?

Perimenopause can begin years before your cycle fully stops. Many women experience symptoms like:

  • Irregular periods

  • Increased anxiety or irritability

  • Difficulty sleeping

  • Weight gain around the midsection

  • Hot flashes or night sweats

  • Changes in libido

  • Brain fog

  • Mood fluctuations

Dr. Ferrell reminds us that these symptoms are signals, not failures. Your body is recalibrating—and with the right support, you can feel strong, balanced, and steady again.

The Gut–Hormone Connection

One of the most surprising topics in the episode is how deeply gut health affects women’s hormones. Your gut regulates inflammation, detoxification, mood chemicals, and even estrogen metabolism.

An imbalanced gut can contribute to:

  • Weight gain

  • Mood instability

  • Hot flashes

  • Sleep disturbances

  • Autoimmune flares

As Dr. Ferrell explains, “If your gut is inflamed, your hormones will be too.”

Recommended resource:

👉 Gut Feelings – Dr. Will Cole

https://amzn.to/3KkUBUp

Is Fasting Good for Women?

Women often respond differently to fasting than men. Hormones require sensitivity, timing, and rhythm.

Dr. Ferrell shares:

  • Fasting works best at certain times of your cycle

  • Over-fasting can spike stress hormones

  • Gentle intermittent fasting can support energy and metabolism when done right

Book mentioned:

👉 Fast Like a Girl

https://amzn.to/4i9JvxX

Sleep Hygiene Isn’t Optional—It’s Foundational

Sleep is one of the biggest challenges during perimenopause and menopause. From night sweats to racing thoughts, many women feel stuck in a cycle of exhaustion.

Dr. Ferrell breaks down simple changes that can help:

  • Turning off bright screens 1–2 hours before bed

  • Using a red-light night lamp

  • Practicing the 4-7-8 breathing technique

  • Supporting blood sugar in the evening

  • Reducing alcohol and sugar, which disrupt sleep cycles

Recommended:

👉 Red Night Light

https://amzn.to/4aapPYN

Faith + Functional Medicine: A Whole-Person Approach

One of the most beautiful themes in the conversation is how Dr. Ferrell weaves faith into healing. She discusses how spiritual alignment, emotional peace, and physical wellness all work together.

You are not a collection of symptoms.

You are a whole person—body, soul, and spirit.

Recommended Products & Books Mentioned in the Episode

Gut Feelings – Dr. Will Cole

👉 https://amzn.to/3KkUBUp

Fast Like a Girl

👉 https://amzn.to/4i9JvxX

Mighty Maca

👉 https://amzn.to/44lW5EH

The Hormone Fix – Dr. Anna Cabeca

👉 https://amzn.to/3LZvS8A

Red Night Light

👉 https://amzn.to/4aapPYN

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to “Survive” This Season

Perimenopause and menopause aren’t the end—they’re an evolution. With the right tools, knowledge, and support, you can step into this season with strength, clarity, and confidence.

This episode is a must-listen for every woman who wants to understand her body, protect her health, and embrace this phase with grace.

Kylie Gatewood