If you grew up in the 80s or 90s, you probably remember the fat-free craze. SnackWell’s cookies? Fat-free frozen yogurt? Margarine tubs the size of your head? We were told fat was the enemy, and the only way to stay slim and “healthy” was to avoid it like the plague.

Most women are taught that menopause is simply the day their ovaries “quit” and you stop making sex hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.

But here’s the truth: menopause is not a full stop — it’s a handoff.

When your ovaries “retire”, they’re supposed to pass the hormone baton to your adrenal glands. And how well that transition goes often determines whether you experience menopause as a gentle shift or as a brick wall.

For decades, women have been told that sugar—and fruit in particular—should be avoided if they want to lose weight. I used to believe it too. I thought sugar was “poison” and that eating fruit would contribute to fat gain.

If you’ve ever Googled “essential oils for hormones,” you know the internet is full of claims and confusion. Women in perimenopause and menopause are asking:
Can essential oils balance hormones?
Which oils help with hot flashes, mood, or sleep?
Are they even safe?

Hitting your 40s can feel like your body is suddenly playing by a whole new set of rules. What used to work — cutting calories, skipping meals, doing more cardio — now leaves you tired, stressed, and stuck.

Intermittent fasting is everywhere. It’s promoted as a “miracle” for weight loss, longevity, and better health. But when it comes to women—especially those in their 30s, 40s, and 50s—fasting might be doing more harm than good.

Are you approaching or into perimenopause and noting that your body isn’t responding to your regular exercise? Perhaps you hit a plateau in your physical goals or you’re holding onto extra weight around the middle. Whatever your frustration, it’s important to recognize that what may have worked in your 20s is not doing you any favours as your hormones shift.