In this episode, Dr. Polly Watson is joined by functional medicine nurse practitioner Kate Willis to unpack the real reasons behind perimenopausal fatigue. Together, they explore how hormonal shifts, disrupted sleep, nutrient deficiencies, blood sugar imbalances, and chronic stress all converge to drain energy during midlife. Rather than accepting fatigue as “just part of aging,” Dr. Watson and Kate take a root-cause, whole-body approach. They discuss actionable strategies - from hormone testing and mitochondrial support to building muscle and managing stress - that help women reclaim their energy and vitality. Whether you're struggling with brain fog, burnout, or broken sleep, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and a clear roadmap to feel like yourself again.

Quotes

"Fatigue is one of the top complaints we hear from women in perimenopause - you’re not alone, and it’s not just in your head." - Kate Willis NP-C
"I remember putting on that estrogen patch and two days later thinking, 'She’s back.' It was like flipping a switch." - Dr. Polly Watson
"Listening to women is key - not just checking boxes or writing prescriptions. We have to ask what’s really going on beneath the fatigue." - Kate Willis NP-C

Resources

Kate Willis NP-C and Niki D’Agostino on Primal Trust for Nervous System Healing

Connect with Dr. Polly Watson and Kate Willis NP-C

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Perimenopause Fatigue: Energize and Feel Like Yourself Again