Podcast cover

Chaos to Calm

Sarah McLachlan
88 episodes   Last Updated: Apr 05, 25

As a woman over 40, you’re in the busiest phase of your life and probably starting to wonder WTH hormones?! Maybe you’ve figured out that these changing hormones are messing with your mood, metabolism and energy. You want to know, is it perimenopause and will it stay like this (or get worse)? Host Sarah the Perimenopause Naturopath helps you understand that this chaos doesn’t have to be your new normal, while teaching you how to master it in a healthy, sustainable and permanent way. Explore topics: like hormones, biochemistry and physiology (promise it won’t be boring!), along with what to do with food as medicine, nutrition, lifestyle and stress management. All interspersed with inspiring conversations with guests who share their insights and tips on how to live your best life in your 40s and beyond. You can make it to menopause without it ruining your life or relationships! Subscribe to Chaos to Calm on Apple, Spotify, Google, or wherever you listen to podcasts to make sure you don’t miss an episode! New episodes released every Sunday.

Episodes

You’ve been told your whole life that your period is meant to be awful.Painful. Messy. Something you just have to put up with.But what if that’s not true?Because just like your blood pressure or body temperature, your period is a vital sign — and when you know how to read it, you can actually use it to feel better, not just dread it coming each month.Key Takeaways:The signs that your period might be trying to tell you something — and how to start listening before things feel out of control.What a truly healthy cycle looks like (hint: it’s not what most of us were taught)Why things feel harder in your 40s — and how to support your body without overhauling your whole lifeSneak Peek:“Every cycle, every bleed, every single symptom — or lack of symptoms — it’s all feedback from your body. And when you know how to interpret it, you can stop just surviving your cycle… and actually be pleasantly surprised by its arrival.”If your period feels like it’s running the show — or like your body is doing things you don’t understand — this episode is for you.Listen to Episode 88 now and start changing your cycle to a “new normal.”Send us a question for the FAQs segment or your feedback, we’d love to hear from you. Find out more about Sarah, her services and the Freebies mentioned in this episode at https://www.ThePerimenopauseNaturopath.com.au The Perimenopause Decoder is the ultimate guide to understanding if perimenopause hormone fluctuations are behind your changing mood, metabolism and energy after 40, what phase of perimenopause you're in, and how much longer you may be on this roller coaster for. For more, follow on Instagram at @theperimenopausenaturopath. WORK WITH SARAH THE PERIMENOPAUSE NATUROPATH: PerimenoGO (because who wants to pause anyway?!) A self-guided program to help you reverse weight gain, boost energy, and reclaim your mood — without extreme diets or cutting carbs. Perfect for women who want a realistic plan that fits around kids, work, and actual life. The Chaos to Calm Method: A 1:1 personalised program for women who want a more personalised plan and support — especially if you’ve got 10kg+ to lose, other health issues, or feel like your body’s just stuck. Includes comprehensive blood testing and analysis, Metabolic Balance ...
Is this just how it’s going to be now?If you’ve started wondering whether you’ve missed your chance to feel good again - this one’s for you.Because no, you’re not too old. You’re not past it. And you haven’t left it too late.Key takeaways from this episode:Why all your effort (fasting, lifting, tracking protein) might not be working - and what to do insteadThe real reason your symptoms have built up over time (hint: your body’s not broken, it’s just not being supported the right way)What it means to stand at a “fork in the road” in perimenopause - and how to choose a path that supports your health for decades to comeThis episode will help you shift the way you see your body and this stage of life, and show you why now is actually the perfect time to make a change (even if you’ve tried everything before).Sneak peek:“Perimenopause is a fork in the road - literally and figuratively. What you do now? It matters. Not in a pressure-y, perfect way - but in a hopeful, you’ve got more control than you think way.”If you’ve been doing everything you were told to do and still feel flat, foggy, tired and like nothing’s working - press play on this one.It’s not too late. It’s just time for a new approach that works with your changing body.Listen now to hear what your body’s really asking for - and how to respond in a way that actually works.Links & resources mentioned in the episode:Book a free Clarity CallLearn more about Metabolic BalanceFollow Sarah on InstagramEpisode 46: Why ‘normal’ isn’t good enough for your health anymore.Send us a question for the FAQs segment or your feedback, we’d love to hear from you. Find out more about Sarah, her services and the Freebies mentioned in this episode at https://www.ThePerimenopauseNaturopath.com.au The Perimenopause Decoder is the ultimate guide to understanding if perimenopause hormone fluctuations are behind your changing mood, metabolism and energy after 40, what phase of perimenopause you're in, and how much longer you may be on this roller coaster for. For more, follow on Instagram at @theperimenopausenaturopath. WORK WITH SARAH THE PERIMENOPAUSE NATUROPATH: PerimenoGO (because who wants to pause anyway?!) A self-guided program to help you reverse weight gain, boost energy, and reclaim your mood — without extreme diets or cutting carbs. Perfect for women who want a realistic plan that fits around kids, work, and actual life. The Chaos to Calm Method: A 1:1 personalised program for women who want a more personalised plan and support — especially if you’ve got 10kg+ to lose, other health issues, or feel like your body’s just stuck. Includes comprehensive blood testing and analysis, Metabolic Balance ...
Feeling like your body isn’t playing by the same rules anymore? You’re doing everything “right,” but the weight won’t budge, your energy is gone, and your mood is all over the place?Your Body Isn’t the Problem, Your Strategy IsFor decades, women have been told to eat less, exercise more, and just "push through" perimenopause. But that advice wasn’t designed for a body whose hormones are shifting. If your body isn’t responding the way it used to, it’s not failing you - it needs a different approach.Your body isn’t broken. It just has different needs now.If you don’t understand your hormones, and especially how they're changing, you’re going to keep wasting time, energy, and money on things that don’t work.But when you know what’s actually happening under the hood, everything changes!In this episode, I’ll show you why understanding your hormones is the missing piece, and how it changes everything for your weight, energy, and overall health.You’ll Learn:Why perimenopause isn’t a problem to fix, but a transition your body is going through.The reason your old health strategies aren’t working anymore, and what actually does.How understanding your hormones gives you back control, so you stop feeling stuck and start feeling good again.Sneak Peek:"Perimenopause isn’t the phase of hormone balance, it’s the phase of hormone change. And that’s why those old tricks, like cutting calories and doing more cardio, don’t just stop working, they actually backfire."Listen NowIf you’re tired of guessing, blaming yourself, or feeling like nothing is working, don’t waste another day stuck in frustration. Hit play now and learn how to work with your body, so you can start feeling like yourself again.Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:📌 Free training: Why You’re Gaining Weight After 40: 4 Hormone Shifts You Can’t Ignore📌 Chaos to Calm episode #47: Quick Fixes and Magic BulletsSend us a question for the FAQs segment or your feedback, we’d love to hear from you. Find out more about Sarah, her services and the Freebies mentioned in this episode at https://www.ThePerimenopauseNaturopath.com.au The Perimenopause Decoder is the ultimate guide to understanding if perimenopause hormone fluctuations are behind your changing mood, metabolism and energy after 40, what phase of perimenopause you're in, and how much longer you may be on this roller coaster for. For more, follow on Instagram at @theperimenopausenaturopath. WORK WITH SARAH THE PERIMENOPAUSE NATUROPATH: PerimenoGO (because who wants to pause anyway?!) A self-guided program to help you reverse weight gain, boost energy, and reclaim your mood — without extreme diets or cutting carbs. Perfect for women who want a realistic plan that fits around kids, work, and actual life. The Chaos to Calm Method: A 1:1 personalised program for women who want a more personalised plan and support — especially if you’ve got 10kg+ to lose, other health issues, or feel like your body’s just stuck. Includes comprehensive blood testing and analysis, Metabolic Balance ...
Why your morning coffee is making perimenopause harderWhat if your morning coffee routine - the thing you rely on to wake up and get through the day - is actually working against you?It might be the reason you’re crashing by mid-afternoon, craving sugar, and feeling like you can’t get through the afternoon without more caffeine.Here’s what we cover in this episode:Why coffee first thing in the morning makes perimenopause symptoms worse - and how it affects your energy, cravings, and hormonesThe surprising way coffee messes with blood sugar and nutrient absorption - and why this matters if you’re struggling with fatigue, mood swings, or brain fogThe simple change to your coffee habit that helps stabilise your energy, reduce cravings, and support hormone balanceSneak Peek:“If you can’t function without coffee, we need to look at what’s really going on.”Your morning routine matters more than you think - and this tiny tweak could make a huge difference in how you feel.🎧 Hit play now to learn why coffee timing is everything, and what to do instead.Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode:Ep 9: Intermittent fasting Ep 59: Eat your way through perimenopauseSend us a question for the FAQs segment or your feedback, we’d love to hear from you. Find out more about Sarah, her services and the Freebies mentioned in this episode at https://www.ThePerimenopauseNaturopath.com.au The Perimenopause Decoder is the ultimate guide to understanding if perimenopause hormone fluctuations are behind your changing mood, metabolism and energy after 40, what phase of perimenopause you're in, and how much longer you may be on this roller coaster for. For more, follow on Instagram at @theperimenopausenaturopath. WORK WITH SARAH THE PERIMENOPAUSE NATUROPATH: PerimenoGO (because who wants to pause anyway?!) A self-guided program to help you reverse weight gain, boost energy, and reclaim your mood — without extreme diets or cutting carbs. Perfect for women who want a realistic plan that fits around kids, work, and actual life. The Chaos to Calm Method: A 1:1 personalised program for women who want a more personalised plan and support — especially if you’ve got 10kg+ to lose, other health issues, or feel like your body’s just stuck. Includes comprehensive blood testing and analysis, Metabolic Balance ...
Two hormone-ravaged brains under one roof? No one warned us about this!Perimenopause is hard enough on its own - now level it up by adding in a teenage daughter going through puberty, and suddenly, your house feels like a hormonal war zone. Mood swings, tears, interrupted sleep, emotional outbursts over things that make no sense… sound familiar?The good news? The same things that support your perimenopausal hormones can also support hers. And in this episode, I’m breaking down exactly how to make that happen.Key Takeaways:How to reduce the chaos in your house by supporting both your hormones and your daughter’s, without crazy diets, strict rules, or meal-time battles.The #1 food mistake that makes perimenopausal symptoms (and puberty mood swings) worse, and what to do instead to keep blood sugar and hormones stable.The truth about the “vegan trap” in puberty and perimenopause - why iron and calcium matter more than you think, and how to make sure you’re both getting enough.Sneak Peek:“Two hormone-ravaged brains in the one house, but only one of you gets the luxury of extra sleep. And spoiler… it’s not you.”If you’re feeling exhausted from riding this hormonal rollercoaster alongside your daughter, this episode is for you. You’ll walk away with simple, practical steps to support both of you - without overcomplicating meals, stressing over food, or adding another thing to your already full plate.Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode:PerimenoGO – My step-by-step food and lifestyle-based program to guide you to thrive in perimenopause (while still making meals that work for your whole family).Follow me on Instagram for more perimenopause insights and tips: @theperimenopausenaturopathEpisode 59: The Perimenopause DietEpisode 48: PhytoestrogensEpisode 56: Send us a question for the FAQs segment or your feedback, we’d love to hear from you. Find out more about Sarah, her services and the Freebies mentioned in this episode at https://www.ThePerimenopauseNaturopath.com.au The Perimenopause Decoder is the ultimate guide to understanding if perimenopause hormone fluctuations are behind your changing mood, metabolism and energy after 40, what phase of perimenopause you're in, and how much longer you may be on this roller coaster for. For more, follow on Instagram at @theperimenopausenaturopath. WORK WITH SARAH THE PERIMENOPAUSE NATUROPATH: PerimenoGO (because who wants to pause anyway?!) A self-guided program to help you reverse weight gain, boost energy, and reclaim your mood — without extreme diets or cutting carbs. Perfect for women who want a realistic plan that fits around kids, work, and actual life. The Chaos to Calm Method: A 1:1 personalised program for women who want a more personalised plan and support — especially if you’ve got 10kg+ to lose, other health issues, or feel like your body’s just stuck. Includes comprehensive blood testing and analysis, Metabolic Balance ...
What if I told you that you’re not exhausted because you’re getting older.You’re exhausted because your body isn’t getting what it needs.Most women in perimenopause think they need more coffee, stricter diets, or harder workouts to fight fatigue, brain fog, and weight gain. But what if the real problem is how you’re fueling your body?After competing in a full-contact national box lacrosse championship at 50, playing against women half my age in 2-hour games, five days straight, in 30-36º heat, I saw firsthand how nutrition, hydration, and recovery can make or break your energy levels - no matter your age.Key Takeaways:✔ The biggest fueling mistakes most women in perimenopause make - and why they’re making you feel more exhausted, not better.✔ Why carbs are your friend, not your enemy (and how cutting them can actually backfire on your metabolism, sleep, and hormones).✔ How to eat, drink, and train smarter so you stop crashing mid-afternoon and start feeling strong again - without extreme diets or over-exercising.Sneak Peek: “Some of the younger women were struggling. They were exhausted halfway through because they weren’t eating enough, weren’t eating the right things, and weren’t recovering properly. And I see this all the time with women in perimenopause too.”Your body isn’t working against you - it just needs the right support.The way you fuel yourself directly affects how you feel every day. If you’re tired of crashing at 3 p.m., feeling sluggish no matter what you eat, or wondering why your workouts aren’t making a difference, this episode is for you.Listen now and start making the small shifts that lead to big results.Links & Resources Mentioned:📍 Blog post - The Perimenopause Diet📍 1:1 sessions now available – work with The Perimenopause Naturopath teamSend us a question for the FAQs segment or your feedback, we’d love to hear from you. Find out more about Sarah, her services and the Freebies mentioned in this episode at https://www.ThePerimenopauseNaturopath.com.au The Perimenopause Decoder is the ultimate guide to understanding if perimenopause hormone fluctuations are behind your changing mood, metabolism and energy after 40, what phase of perimenopause you're in, and how much longer you may be on this roller coaster for. For more, follow on Instagram at @theperimenopausenaturopath. WORK WITH SARAH THE PERIMENOPAUSE NATUROPATH: PerimenoGO (because who wants to pause anyway?!) A self-guided program to help you reverse weight gain, boost energy, and reclaim your mood — without extreme diets or cutting carbs. Perfect for women who want a realistic plan that fits around kids, work, and actual life. The Chaos to Calm Method: A 1:1 personalised program for women who want a more personalised plan and support — especially if you’ve got 10kg+ to lose, other health issues, or feel like your body’s just stuck. Includes comprehensive blood testing and analysis, Metabolic Balance ...
You’re doing everything “right” - eating well, exercising, taking the supplements, maybe even starting HRT - so why do you still feel exhausted, foggy, and stuck in a body that isn’t cooperating?If perimenopause has left you frustrated and wondering why nothing is working, chances are you’re making one of these three common mistakes.KEY TAKEAWAYS: Most women are given generic, one-size-fits-all advice when it comes to perimenopause. But here’s the truth - what worked in your 30s won’t work now. In this episode, I break down the biggest mistakes women make when trying to fix their perimenopause symptoms and what actually works instead.Here’s what you’ll learn:✔ Why HRT isn’t a magic fix: and how starting it at the wrong time can make symptoms worse, not better✔ The real reason you still feel awful: and the overlooked health factors (beyond estrogen) that could be driving your symptoms✔ Why DIY-ing your way through perimenopause is keeping you stuck: and how to finally get clarity on what your body actually needsIf you’ve been spinning your wheels, trying everything but still feeling awful, this episode will give you the clarity you need to move forward with confidence.SNEAK PEEK:“Trying to ‘balance your hormones’ in perimenopause is like chasing the end of a rainbow - it’s just not going to happen. Instead of focusing on balance, we need to focus on helping your body adapt to these changes.”If you’re tired of wasting time, money, and energy on things that don’t work, this episode will help you cut through the noise and focus on what actually makes a difference for your body in perimenopause.Send us a question for the FAQs segment or your feedback, we’d love to hear from you. Find out more about Sarah, her services and the Freebies mentioned in this episode at https://www.ThePerimenopauseNaturopath.com.au The Perimenopause Decoder is the ultimate guide to understanding if perimenopause hormone fluctuations are behind your changing mood, metabolism and energy after 40, what phase of perimenopause you're in, and how much longer you may be on this roller coaster for. For more, follow on Instagram at @theperimenopausenaturopath. WORK WITH SARAH THE PERIMENOPAUSE NATUROPATH: PerimenoGO (because who wants to pause anyway?!) A self-guided program to help you reverse weight gain, boost energy, and reclaim your mood — without extreme diets or cutting carbs. Perfect for women who want a realistic plan that fits around kids, work, and actual life. The Chaos to Calm Method: A 1:1 personalised program for women who want a more personalised plan and support — especially if you’ve got 10kg+ to lose, other health issues, or feel like your body’s just stuck. Includes comprehensive blood testing and analysis, Metabolic Balance ...
More periods, more PMS, more pain?! I thought perimenopause was supposed to be about less…If you’ve been told that perimenopause means fewer periods, lower estrogen, and less of everything… think again. In the early and mid-stages of perimenopause, many women experience more - heavier periods, more PMS, more breast tenderness, more anxiety, more migraines, more bloating. And it’s all because of one thing: estrogen excess.Doctors often focus on hormone loss in perimenopause and menopause, but before hormones decline, they fluctuate wildly - sometimes reaching higher levels than ever before. If you’re wondering why your symptoms feel worse, not better, this episode will help you understand exactly what’s happening in your body.What you’ll learn:Why early perimenopause is often about too much estrogen, not too little. You’ll understand why your periods may be getting heavier and your PMS more intense, even if you’ve been told perimenopause is all about hormone decline.How progesterone is dropping faster than estrogen - leading to estrogen excess. We break down why this imbalance causes mood swings, anxiety, and why you might feel like a completely different person some days.Why waiting for hot flushes and skipped periods to “confirm” perimenopause is a mistake. Your body is already giving you signs - learn what they are and how to support yourself now.Sneak peek:“We’re told that perimenopause or menopause is all about the decline of hormones. But actually, very early, early, and mid-perimenopause are all about more. More symptoms, more irritation, more PMS, more period pain, more allergies, migraines, headaches - all of that sort of thing. It’s about more hormones, not less.”Your symptoms are real - and you don’t have to wait for your period to get irregular to do something about them.If you’ve been dismissed because you’re not having hot flushes, still getting your period regularly, told you’re too young for perimenopause, or feel like your body is working against you - this episode is for you.The sooner you understand what’s happening, the sooner you caSend us a question for the FAQs segment or your feedback, we’d love to hear from you. Find out more about Sarah, her services and the Freebies mentioned in this episode at https://www.ThePerimenopauseNaturopath.com.au The Perimenopause Decoder is the ultimate guide to understanding if perimenopause hormone fluctuations are behind your changing mood, metabolism and energy after 40, what phase of perimenopause you're in, and how much longer you may be on this roller coaster for. For more, follow on Instagram at @theperimenopausenaturopath. WORK WITH SARAH THE PERIMENOPAUSE NATUROPATH: PerimenoGO (because who wants to pause anyway?!) A self-guided program to help you reverse weight gain, boost energy, and reclaim your mood — without extreme diets or cutting carbs. Perfect for women who want a realistic plan that fits around kids, work, and actual life. The Chaos to Calm Method: A 1:1 personalised program for women who want a more personalised plan and support — especially if you’ve got 10kg+ to lose, other health issues, or feel like your body’s just stuck. Includes comprehensive blood testing and analysis, Metabolic Balance ...
Think eating well means cooking one meal for your family and something different for yourself? That’s a recipe for burnout.If you’ve ever found yourself making one meal for your family and something completely different for yourself, just so you can eat “healthy,” this episode is going to change the way you think about food.KEY TAKEAWAYS •How to make one meal work for everyone - without being a short-order cook, without food battles, and without feeling like you’re eating salads on your own, 24/7 and missing out on yummy meals.•How I handle picky eaters and sensory preferences (including what’s worked in my neurodivergent household).•How to set up simple food systems - from meal planning to getting kids in the kitchen - so that dinner time feels easier, not harder.SNEAK PEEK:“There’s this idea that if you want to eat well - to support your hormones, balance blood sugar, and avoid creeping weight gain - you end up eating salads alone while your kids get their usual spag bol. That’s NOT how I do things.”Eating well in perimenopause should fit into your life - not take it over. In this episode, I’m walking you through exactly how I make this work for my family (without stress or extra effort) and how you can do the same.Hit play now to learn how you can eat in a way that supports your hormones, energy, and metabolism - without making separate meals or spending hours in the kitchen.LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:•The Perimenopause Diet Episode•Phytoestrogens Episode•Soy Episode•Episode with Jessica Donovan•Join PerimenoGO → (Includes my Feeding Your Family guide as a bonus!)•Send us a question for the FAQs segment or your feedback, we’d love to hear from you. Find out more about Sarah, her services and the Freebies mentioned in this episode at https://www.ThePerimenopauseNaturopath.com.au The Perimenopause Decoder is the ultimate guide to understanding if perimenopause hormone fluctuations are behind your changing mood, metabolism and energy after 40, what phase of perimenopause you're in, and how much longer you may be on this roller coaster for. For more, follow on Instagram at @theperimenopausenaturopath. WORK WITH SARAH THE PERIMENOPAUSE NATUROPATH: PerimenoGO (because who wants to pause anyway?!) A self-guided program to help you reverse weight gain, boost energy, and reclaim your mood — without extreme diets or cutting carbs. Perfect for women who want a realistic plan that fits around kids, work, and actual life. The Chaos to Calm Method: A 1:1 personalised program for women who want a more personalised plan and support — especially if you’ve got 10kg+ to lose, other health issues, or feel like your body’s just stuck. Includes comprehensive blood testing and analysis, Metabolic Balance ...
Wait… phantom smells are a perimenopause symptom?!If you’ve ever found yourself Googling, “Is this perimenopause or am I losing my mind?” You’re not alone.Hot flushes and mood swings get all the attention, but what about the bizarre symptoms no one warns you about? The phantom smells that only you can smell, the itchy ears that make you feel like a dog with fleas, the skin-crawling sensation that makes you want to jump out of your own body?In this episode, Sarah, The Perimenopause Naturopath is breaking down the weirdest perimenopause symptoms and explains:Why these odd symptoms happen (hint: it has to do with receptors on every single cell of your body).Why your symptoms come and go unpredictably.What you can do to help your body adapt so these symptoms don’t take over your life.You don’t have to just put up with this. There’s a way to support your body through the perimenopause rollercoaster, and it starts here.SNEAK PEEK: “I hear this all the time from my clients, and I bet you’re Googling it too: ‘Is XX symptom part of perimenopause, or am I losing my mind?’ And I want you to know that you’re probably not losing your mind. There are many weird and wonderful symptoms that come up from perimenopause.”If you’ve been dealing with bizarre, unexplained symptoms in your 40s or 50s and wondering what the heck is actually happening in your body, this episode is for you.Hit play and let’s make sense of what’s happening in your body.Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode:Watch my free training: Why you’re gaining weight after 40: the 4 hormone shifts you can’t ignore Ep74: Improve your sleep Ep 54: How do I detox my liver?Send us a question for the FAQs segment or your feedback, we’d love to hear from you. Find out more about Sarah, her services and the Freebies mentioned in this episode at https://www.ThePerimenopauseNaturopath.com.au The Perimenopause Decoder is the ultimate guide to understanding if perimenopause hormone fluctuations are behind your changing mood, metabolism and energy after 40, what phase of perimenopause you're in, and how much longer you may be on this roller coaster for. For more, follow on Instagram at @theperimenopausenaturopath. WORK WITH SARAH THE PERIMENOPAUSE NATUROPATH: PerimenoGO (because who wants to pause anyway?!) A self-guided program to help you reverse weight gain, boost energy, and reclaim your mood — without extreme diets or cutting carbs. Perfect for women who want a realistic plan that fits around kids, work, and actual life. The Chaos to Calm Method: A 1:1 personalised program for women who want a more personalised plan and support — especially if you’ve got 10kg+ to lose, other health issues, or feel like your body’s just stuck. Includes comprehensive blood testing and analysis, Metabolic Balance ...