Ep. 96 | Why Nothing Works in Perimenopause: The "More" Trap Keeping You Stuck
You're doing everything "right"—eating clean, tracking macros, pushing through workouts, skipping wine—yet you still feel bloated, exhausted, and stuck in perimenopause or menopause?
Here's the truth: you're not failing. You're fried.
In this episode, I'm unpacking the toxic "more is better" mindset so many women bring into midlife. You'll discover how pushing harder silently sabotages your hormones, metabolism after 40, and nervous system—and why what used to work before simply doesn't work anymore in menopause.
What You'll Learn
✅ Why "more" (workouts, rules, restriction) equals more stress—not results in menopause
✅ How cortisol, blood sugar swings, and inflammation keep you stuck in survival mode
✅ The signs your nervous system is burned out—and how to reset
✅ What real healing looks like when you stop pushing and start listening
✅ Why safety (not stress) is the foundation for hormone support in midlife
Key Takeaways
Why the "more is better" mindset fails in menopause:
More workouts, stricter rules, and more restriction create more stress on your body
Your midlife body interprets "more" as a threat, not a solution
What worked in your 20s and 30s backfires in perimenopause and menopause
Pushing harder signals scarcity and danger to your nervous system
How "more" sabotages your hormones and metabolism:
Cortisol spikes from chronic stress and over-exercise wreck hormone balance
Blood sugar swings from under-eating or over-restricting drive weight gain in menopause
Inflammation from constant stress keeps your body in protection mode
Your metabolism after 40 slows down when your body feels unsafe
Signs your nervous system is burned out:
Waking up exhausted no matter how much you sleep
Feeling wired but tired, or unable to wind down at night
Brain fog, mood swings, and irritability
Weight that won't budge despite "doing everything right"
Constant cravings and energy crashes
What real healing looks like:
Stop pushing and start listening to what your body actually needs
Prioritize nervous system regulation before optimizing hormones
Create safety and stability through consistent, supportive habits
Support over stress—your body needs calm, not more pressure
Why safety is the foundation:
Hormone balance in menopause requires a regulated nervous system first
Your body can't heal when it's stuck in survival mode
Safety signals (adequate food, rest, gentle movement) allow your metabolism to respond
Real results come from consistency and support, not intensity and restriction
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 about The No-BS Menopause Method™
www.cindistickle.com
📱 Follow me on Instagram
@cindisticklenutrition
Perfect for: Women over 40 in perimenopause or menopause who are doing everything "right" but still feel bloated, exhausted, and stuck—and are ready to stop grinding harder and start healing smarter.
