Menopause can feel confusing — but perimenopause can be even more frustrating because so many women are told, "You're fine," while they feel anything but fine. In this episode of Living Life Naturally, Lynne sits down with Denise Stegall — founder of Healthy Living with Denise, international best-selling author of Healthy Living, Happy Life, and widely known as the Menopause Mentor.

Denise shares what sparked her own deep dive into perimenopause support after experiencing unexplained symptoms in her late 30s — and why one of the most powerful first steps is also the simplest: track your symptoms. You'll learn how understanding hormone fluctuations can help you communicate more effectively with your provider, advocate for yourself, and make supportive changes without feeling overwhelmed.

This conversation also dives into the "midlife musts" Denise teaches women every day — including strength training, mobility and flexibility work, and why bone density and prevention matter so much after menopause. Denise brings a warm, no-nonsense voice to a topic that's often brushed aside — and helps reframe this season as one where you can get clear, get proactive, and feel more like yourself again.

In this episode, we cover:

Denise's story: symptoms at 37 and what led her into menopause wellness
What perimenopause really is (and why it's missed so often)
Why a simple symptom list changes your doctor conversations
Hormone basics: estrogen, progesterone, cortisol — and how they interact
Finding the right support: menopause-informed providers + holistic practitioners
Post-menopause prevention: bone density, muscle building, and heart health
Why strength + mobility matter so much in midlife
Supplement common sense: quality, reputable sourcing, and what to ask first
Denise's approach to nutrition, decisions, and personal accountability

Free Resource from Denise Stegall:

The Nervous System Reset (3-day reset) https://menopausementormn.com/nervous-system-reset

Connect with Denise:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MenopauseMentorMN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/menopausementormn/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@menopausementormn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/menopausementormn/

Connect with Lynne:

Website: https://holistic-healthandwellness.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/holistichealthandwellnessllc Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/energized.healthy.women Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynnewadsworth LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnewadsworth

If you want a gentle chat about next steps, schedule time with me here: https://calendly.com/lynnewadsworth/30min

Free Resources from Lynne:

5 Essential Steps for Flourishing in Menopause: https://holistic-healthandwellness.com/flourish-in-midlife/

Midlife Morning Menu (freebie): https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/8q1mf8y6z9mqhys39ep4r/Midlife-Morning-Menu.pdf

Did you enjoy the podcast?

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This episode is for education and inspiration and isn't medical advice. Always check with your healthcare provider for personal guidance.

LLN Episode #325: Perimenopause Problems? Start With This Simple Symptom List (with Denise Stegall)