53: Andrea Donsky: Phantom Smells, Fatigue, and the Weird Symptoms of Perimenopause

When it comes to menopause symptoms, the first thing that comes to mind is hot flashes. But did you know it didn't make it to the top 10 most common symptoms of menopause based on Andrea Donsky's research and surveys? In fact, 9 out of the top 10 are brain and mental health related, think fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, and memory lapses, and most women have been brushing them off as "just life." In this episode of Hello Hormones, I sit down with my friend Andrea Donsky, Registered Holistic Nutritionist, 7-time published menopause researcher, and author of the upcoming book Nourishing Menopause, to break down her groundbreaking research, the strange symptoms that keep getting dismissed, and the nutrition blueprint that ties it all together. If you have ever felt like your body suddenly stopped making sense, this is the conversation that finally connects the dots. What's Discussed: (00:00) How Andrea's research uncovered 103+ perimenopause symptoms (02:19) The top 10 symptoms and why 9 of them are brain-related (05:46) Fatigue is number one and most women are blaming themselves (07:49) Phantom smells, electric shocks, and the symptoms nobody believes (11:08) Why stress hits differently in perimenopause (14:05) The SAFE nervous system response and why humor actually helps (17:17) Gut health, digestion, and what changes when hormones shift (20:18) The reframe: how long do your symptoms actually last? (21:09) Weight gain, visceral fat, and why it is not your fault (27:12) How one bad night of sleep messes with hunger and blood sugar (32:40) The biggest nutrition mistake women are making right now (38:56) How much protein you actually need (the simple formula) (41:40) Gut health in perimenopause and why bloating is not just food (46:41) The BALANCE blueprint for eating in this phase of life (49:04) Supplements that actually matter: the four non-negotiables (54:31) Rapid fire: soy, intermittent fasting, and protein in everything   Thank you to my sponsors! Timeline Nutrition: Support your cells and how you age with Mitopure® Gummies from Timeline. Visit timeline.com/DRCARRIE and save up to 39% OFF your Mitopure® Gummies.  Cozy Earth: Head to cozyearth.com and use my code DRJONES for 20% OFF. And if they ask how you found them in the survey, tell them Dr. Jones sent you.   ✍️ FREE GUIDES: Top 7 Perimenopause Myths You Need to Stop Believing ASAP: www.drcarriejones.com/myths Hormones 101 Cheat Sheet: www.drcarriejones.kit.com/hormones101    The Perimenopause & Menopause Labs Test Checklist: www.drcarriejones.kit.com/labtestchecklist   The Symptoms of The Perimenopausal Transition (WTF…) Ebook: www.drcarriejones.kit.com/perimenopausesymptom   Which Stage of Perimenopause Am I In? Ebook: www.drcarriejones.kit.com/stagesofperimenopause   Find more from Dr. Carrie Jones: Website: www.drcarriejones.com Newsletter: www.drcarriejones.kit.com/newsletter Instagram: @dr.carriejones Facebook: @drcarriejones TikTok: @drcarriejones YouTube: @drcarriejones Pinterest: @drcarriejones Find more from Andrea Donsky: Website: https://andreadonsky.com/ Instagram: @andreadonsky Facebook: Andrea Donsky TikTok: @andreadonsky X: @AndreaDonsky Podcast: Menopause Reimagined with Andrea Donsky Nourishing Menopause book: www.amazon.com/ NourishingMenopause Find more from Andrea's community: Morphus website: https://wearemorphus.com/ Morphus Instagram: @wearemorphus Morphus YouTube: @wearemorphus Morphus X: @WeAreMorphus Disclaimer: Information provided on this channel is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product. Do not use the information provided on this channel for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal o