Ep. 95 | Chronic Inflammation in Menopause: The Silent Driver Behind Bloat, Brain Fog, and Burnout
Feeling puffy, foggy, or constantly on edge in perimenopause or menopause—and no one can explain why? You're not imagining it.
Chronic inflammation is one of the most overlooked root causes of midlife and menopause symptoms. It can drive bloating, fatigue, mood swings, skin flare-ups, joint pain, and even burnout—even when you're doing "everything right."
In this episode, I'm breaking down how inflammation impacts your hormones, gut, and nervous system in menopause—and what you can actually do about it.
What You'll Learn
✅ What inflammation really is—and why it ramps up in midlife
✅ The subtle signs of chronic inflammation in menopause (even if your labs look "normal")
✅ How blood sugar swings, toxins, gut health, and stress all connect to inflammation
✅ Simple, sustainable shifts to reduce inflammation without a major overhaul
✅ Why nervous system support is the missing piece for long-term hormone relief
Key Takeaways
What inflammation is and why it increases in menopause:
Inflammation is your body's natural immune response—but chronic inflammation is different
Declining estrogen in perimenopause and menopause increases inflammation throughout your body
Chronic inflammation drives bloating, brain fog, fatigue, joint pain, skin issues, and mood swings
Even "low-grade" inflammation can wreck how you feel day to day
Subtle signs of chronic inflammation:
Persistent bloating and digestive issues
Brain fog, memory problems, and trouble focusing
Fatigue that doesn't improve with rest
Mood swings, anxiety, and irritability
Skin flare-ups, rashes, or itchy skin
Joint pain or stiffness
Weight gain (especially around your midsection) that won't budge
Labs that look "normal" but you feel terrible
What drives inflammation in menopause:
Blood sugar swings and insulin resistance
Gut health issues like leaky gut, dysbiosis, and food sensitivities
Environmental toxins and endocrine disruptors
Chronic stress and cortisol dysregulation
Lack of sleep and poor sleep quality
Pro-inflammatory foods and eating patterns
How to reduce inflammation:
Stabilize blood sugar with balanced meals and consistent eating
Support gut health through fiber, fermented foods, and healing protocols
Reduce toxin exposure in food, personal care, and home products
Prioritize nervous system regulation and stress management
Improve sleep quality and consistency
Choose anti-inflammatory foods and reduce inflammatory triggers
Why nervous system support matters:
Chronic stress keeps inflammation levels high in perimenopause and menopause
A dysregulated nervous system signals danger to your immune system
Nervous system regulation must come first before inflammation can calm down
Safety signals allow your body to shift out of inflammatory mode
Resources Mentioned
📋 What's Really Behind Your Menopause Symptoms? Quiz
https://cindistickle.com/quiz
📞 Menopause Hormone Clarity Call
https://calendly.com/cindistickle/menopause-hormone-clarity-call
💬 Join My Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/nobsmenopause
🌐 Learn more
www.cindistickle.com
Perfect for: Women over 40 in perimenopause or menopause dealing with bloating, brain fog, fatigue, mood swings, skin issues, joint pain, and burnout—and ready to understand the root cause behind these symptoms.
