Is Perimenopause Running the Show (and Not Letting You Read the Script)?

Let’s change that—starting today.


Perimenopause can feel like a full-time job no one trained you for. The mood swings. The fatigue. The 3AM anxiety spirals. Sound familiar?


You don’t have to do this alone—and you shouldn’t

have to piece it together from late-night Google searches. That’s why I created these free guides to help you cut through the chaos and start feeling like you again.


Grab one now and get real-life tools to support your hormones, energy, mood, and more.

What Even is Perimenopause?


Think of it like the winding (and sometimes bumpy) road leading up to menopause. It usually kicks off in your 40s—but for some women, it can start even earlier.


Hormone shifts during this time can cause symptoms like:

✅Hot flashes that hit out of nowhere

✅Mood swings that rival your teen years

✅Night sweats, brain fog, and libido plot twists

✅Irregular periods that love to keep you guessing


Sound familiar?


It can feel like your body’s rewriting the script without telling you—but here’s the thing:

You’re not broken. You’re transitioning. And it’s completely normal.

The key is having the right tools, support, and knowledge to navigate it with more clarity (and a lot less confusion).

Hi, I'm Kim

Holistic Nutritionist. Certified Menopause Coaching Specialist. Midlife truth-teller.

I’ve been where you are—confused, exhausted, and wondering if I was the only one Googling “why do I feel like a hormonal alien?” at 3AM.

Now, I help women in midlife ditch the guesswork and get real support for their hormones, health, and emotional well-being. My approach blends science-backed tools, mindset shifts, and plenty of permission to not have it all together!

This isn’t just about surviving perimenopause.

It’s about reclaiming your energy, your mood, your body—and your joy.

My Approach: Real Support, Real Women, Real Results


Let’s be real—midlife health advice often feels like it was written for 25-year-olds with zero hormone chaos and unlimited time. That’s not you. And it’s definitely not me.


Here’s what I believe:

✅You don’t need to “push through” or “just deal with it.”

✅Your symptoms aren’t in your head—they’re in your hormones.

✅Real change happens when we stop judging ourselves and start supporting ourselves (with food, movement, rest, and compassion).

As a Holistic Nutritionist and Menopause Coaching Specialist, I focus on science-backed strategies

blended with grace, humor, and zero shame. Whether you’re dealing with mood swings, fatigue, or a libido that ghosted you—there’s a way forward.


My work isn’t about perfection—it’s about giving your body what it needs and your mind the space to catch up.

From the Blog: Real Talk for Real Hormones


No fluff. No fear-mongering. Just science-backed advice, cheeky encouragement, and the kind of midlife support you actually want to read. Whether you're riding the emotional rollercoaster or wondering if brain fog is your new personality—I've got you.

Woman cupping her hands around her belly to represent gut health, digestion, and the connection between hormones and gut health during perimenopause

Gut Instincts: How Hormones Hijack Your Digestion in Perimenopause (and What You Can Do)

January 30, 20255 min read

Perimenopause Power Moves: 5 Simple Nutrition Shifts to Help You Feel Like Yourself Again!
Grab your free guide PLUS RECIPES today!
👉 Download Now!

Gut Instincts: How Hormones Hijack Your Digestion in Perimenopause (and What You Can Do)

"For women, the decline in estrogen during perimenopause and menopause instigates inflammation in many different organs, especially the gut lining. An unhealthy gut lining may develop small cracks or holes, allowing partially digested food, toxins, and other substances to penetrate the tissues beneath it. This triggers inflammation that can lead to problems in the digestive tract and beyond - even in the bones" - Mary Clare Haver, The Galveston Diet.

Perimenopause and GI Troubles: My Journey Through the Gut Maze

I never expected my gut to become such a battleground.

I’ve always been sensitive—not just emotionally, but physically. My digestive system has been like a hypersensitive car alarm, blaring over things that seemed harmless. Cheese? Instant mucus and a balloon belly. Gluten? Game over. My food freedom slowly disappeared.

But then perimenopause strutted in like a hormonal tornado—and my gut? It completely lost the plot. Bloating, cramps, bathroom roulette (constipation one day, diarrhea the next)—I felt like I couldn’t trust my own body anymore. I even had to break up with beans. Beans! The betrayal.

Why Does Perimenopause Wreak Havoc on Digestion?

Here’s the thing: your gut and hormones are like dance partners. But during perimenopause, estrogen keeps tripping over its own feet—and the whole routine falls apart.

The Hidden Hormonal Gut Link

Let’s break it down:

  • Estrogen & Digestive Flow
    Estrogen helps regulate colon motility. When it fluctuates? Your digestion goes rogue—sluggish one moment, racing the next.

  • Microbiome Mayhem
    Estrogen decline disrupts your gut bacteria—the same ones that impact everything from nutrient absorption to mood. Cue bloating, food sensitivity, and "Why do I feel off?" vibes.

  • Leaky Gut 101
    Lower estrogen = increased gut permeability. That means toxins and partially digested food can sneak into your bloodstream, sparking inflammation across your body (yes, even your bones).

Want to know more about how inflammation shows up all over your body during perimenopause (not just in your gut)? Head over to The Perimenopause Inflammation Storm to learn how those sneaky hormone shifts fan the flames—and what you can do to put out the fire.

How to Restore Gut Harmony (Without Losing Your Mind—or Your Favorite Foods)

1. Feed Your Gut the Right Fuel

Fiber = your gut’s BFF. It keeps things moving and nourishes your good bacteria. Think:

  • 🥬 Leafy greens, carrots, sweet potatoes

  • 🫐 Berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)

  • 🌰 Chia, flax, and walnuts

Gut-friendly gluten-free grains (because not all guts love wheat):

  • Quinoa: A complete protein and fiber-rich

  • Gluten-free oats: Gentle and stabilizing

  • Millet & amaranth: Easy to digest and anti-inflammatory

  • Brown rice: Comforting and nutrient-dense

I personally steer clear of the whole-wheat world—my gut votes no thanks.


2. Probiotics: Your Microbiome’s MVP

Consistency is key. Add:

  • 🥛 Greek yogurt or kefir (if dairy loves you back)

  • 🥬 Fermented veggies like sauerkraut and kimchi

  • 💊 Probiotic supplements (look for Lactobacillus rhamnosus or Bifidobacterium longum—great for women over 40)

Fun fact: probiotics aren’t just for poop health. They boost mood, help with calcium absorption, and can even help balance vaginal pH (fewer UTIs? Yes, please!).


3. Calm the Inflammation

Your gut’s crying out for soothing, not scolding. Here’s how:

  • Cut back on the big disruptors: 🚫 processed food, sugar, alcohol
    (I know, wine feels like therapy in a glass, but it’s often a gut saboteur in disguise.)

  • Add gut-healers like:
    🍲 Bone broth
    🧄 Turmeric
    🐟 Omega-3-rich fish (I’m talking salmon—not the ones with eyes staring at me. No thanks. I like my fish fillets, not friendships.)


4. Don’t Forget the Power of Hydration

Dehydration is a sneaky contributor to bloating and sluggish digestion. Aim for more water plus electrolytes—especially if you sweat a lot or drink caffeine.

💧 I love Vega Hydrate—it’s like a spa day for your insides, packed with electrolytes and vitamins. And yes, it helps with that "Why do I feel hungover when I didn’t even drink?" vibe.


Final Thoughts: Your Gut Isn’t Broken—It’s Just Begging for Balance

If perimenopause turned your digestion into a full-blown soap opera, I see you. You’re not imagining things. You’re not broken. And no, it’s not “just stress.”

Your gut is reacting to real, hormonal shifts—and it’s asking for support, not punishment.

The good news? You don’t need a 20-step elimination diet or a supplement graveyard to start feeling better. You just need to nourish the gut-brain-hormone connection with:

✨ Fiber-rich, whole foods
✨ Targeted probiotics
✨ Anti-inflammatory support
✨ Daily hydration and care

This isn’t magic—but it is life-changing.


💬 Let’s Talk About It

Have you noticed digestive drama during perimenopause? What helped? What didn’t? Drop a comment or share your gut story—I’m here for all of it.

Hormonally Yours,

Kimberlee Erin

🔥 Want to dive deeper into perimenopause health strategies? Make sure to grab my free guide PLUS RECIPES: Perimenopause Power Moves: 5 Simple Nutrition Shifts to Help You Feel Like Yourself Again!.

Just a heads-up: I’m a Certified Menopause Coaching Specialist and Holistic Nutritionist, and while I love sharing what’s worked for me and my clients, this blog is for informational purposes only. It’s not a substitute for medical advice. Always check in with your healthcare provider before starting new supplements, hormones, or treatments—especially since every woman’s perimenopause journey is different. You deserve personalized care that truly fits you.

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Meeting Kim was a turning point in my perimenopause journey. I was overwhelmed by the constant fatigue and emotional ups and downs. Kim’s holistic approach helped me understand what my body was going through. Her personalized nutrition plans and stress management techniques have been a lifesaver. I now feel more balanced and in control of my health. Kim's support has been nothing short of amazing.

- LIZ

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