It's Not JUST Menopause

Welcome to It's Not JUST Menopause—the no-BS guide to fixing stress, metabolism, and nutrition in midlife. I’m your host, Cindi Stickle, Functional Nutrition Practitioner and Certified Menopause Specialist. Each episode cuts through the confusion and breaks down what’s actually happening to your body during the menopause transition—and more importantly, how to fix it. Through my five-pillar approach and decades of experience, you’ll learn how to: Reignite a sluggish metabolism Reduce the impact of daily (and hidden) stress Use flexible nutrition to feel energized, clear-headed, and in control again No restrictive diets. No magic pills. Just real solutions for real women who are ready to feel like themselves again.

Ep. 115 You’re Not Failing Your Resolutions — Your Physiology Changed 12/29/2025

Ep. 115 You’re Not Failing Your Resolutions — Your Physiology Changed If New Year’s resolutions keep falling apart, especially in your 40s, it’s not because you lack discipline or motivation. It’s because your physiology doesn’t respond to pressure the same way it used to. In this episode, we break down why traditional resolutions backfire in perimenopause, how hormonal and stress-related changes affect your energy, metabolism, sleep, and motivation, and why “trying harder” often makes symptoms worse instead of better. This isn’t about willpower, restriction, or starting over in January. It’s about understanding how your cortisol, blood sugar, sleep, and stress response shift in perimenopause — and what your body actually needs now to feel steadier and more predictable. Whether you’re dealing with fatigue, afternoon crashes, bloating, stubborn weight changes, poor sleep, or that constant feeling of being “on edge,” this episode will help you understand why resolutions stopped working and what to focus on instead. ⭐ In this episode, you’ll learn: Why New Year’s resolutions fail more often in perimenopause How hormonal changes affect your response to stress, food, and exercise Why willpower-based approaches stop working in midlife How January pressure can worsen fatigue, bloating, and sleep issues What to focus on instead of resolutions if you want lasting results How stability and support help your physiology respond — not resist ⭐ Free Resource Mentioned Not sure what’s actually driving your symptoms right now? Take my free menopause quiz to identify your biggest hormone and stress patterns and your best place to start. 👉 ⭐ Get Personalized Support If you’re tired of guessing, pushing through, or being told everything is “normal,” book a Menopause Hormone Clarity Call. We’ll look at what’s really driving your symptoms and what will actually support your body. 👉 ⭐ Join the Community Come join us inside It’s Not Just Menopause: The No-BS Support Group for Women Who Want Real Answers — a supportive space for women who want practical, physiology-first guidance without shame, judgment, or extremes. 👉 /episode/index/show/96be35b3-2b36-4430-94af-b60181fb5ef2/id/39545620

EP. 114 | Why you crash at 2–4 PM (and how to stop it) 12/22/2025

EP. 114 | Why you crash at 2–4 PM (and how to stop it) If you hit a wall between 2 and 4 PM and suddenly feel foggy, irritable, snacky, or like you need coffee just to finish the day, this episode is for you. In perimenopause and menopause, that afternoon crash is rarely random. It’s often a blood sugar dip paired with a stress response, and midlife hormone shifts can make your body feel like it has less buffer. So the crash hits harder, cravings get louder, and your symptoms feel tougher to manage. Today, I’m breaking down what the afternoon crash really means, why it keeps happening even when you think you’re doing “all the right things,” and the simple STEADY reset that helps you stabilize energy without restriction or perfection. If you’ve been dealing with any of this, you’re in the right place: The 2–4 PM crash Afternoon fatigue that hits out of nowhere Brain fog later in the day Afternoon cravings (especially sugar or caffeine) Feeling wiped out but still “on edge” The stress + blood sugar pattern that keeps repeating In this episode, you’ll learn: Why the afternoon crash is not a motivation or discipline problem What your body is doing when energy drops hard in the afternoon Why perimenopause and menopause can make the crash feel more intense The 5 common patterns that trigger the 2 to 4 PM crash Why a “healthy lunch” still might not be stabilizing your energy Why long gaps between meals can spike your stress response What a bridge snack is and why it matters in midlife How the crash can spill into evening cravings and sleep issues The STEADY reset to stabilize energy and calm cravings without overhauls How to stop guessing and start responding to your fatigue with clarity If the afternoon crash were just about being tired, coffee would fix it. But persistent afternoon fatigue is often your body compensating. When you stabilize blood sugar and lower the daily stress load, energy becomes steadier, cravings calm down, and the second half of your day stops feeling like a grind. Download: The Nervous System Morning Reset If your energy feels fragile or unpredictable, your mornings matter more than you think. Get my free guide, The Nervous System Morning Reset, simple no-BS tools to start your day calm, grounded, and better supported hormonally. Download it here: If you want help identifying what’s driving your afternoon crash and what your body needs next, you can book a and get clarity on your next best steps. /episode/index/show/96be35b3-2b36-4430-94af-b60181fb5ef2/id/39501995

Ep. 113 | Why You’re Still Exhausted in Perimenopause—Even When You’re Resting More 12/15/2025

Ep. 113 | Why You’re Still Exhausted in Perimenopause—Even When You’re Resting More Why Rest Alone Isn’t Fixing Your Fatigue If you’re sleeping more, taking weekends off, or even slowing your schedule — and you’re still exhausted — this episode is for you. In perimenopause and menopause, fatigue isn’t always caused by doing too much or resting too little. Many women are already prioritizing sleep and downtime, yet their energy never fully returns. That’s because rest alone doesn’t address what’s actually draining energy beneath the surface. Today, I’m breaking down why sleep, weekends off, and even vacations often don’t fix deep fatigue in midlife — and what actually needs support before rest can feel restorative again. This episode is especially helpful if you’re searching for: menopause fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest why I’m still tired after sleeping in menopause chronic exhaustion in perimenopause why vacations don’t fix menopause fatigue fatigue and hormones in midlife root-cause fatigue support for women over 40 why pushing through makes menopause fatigue worse In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why fatigue in menopause feels different than it did earlier in life • The common assumption about rest that keeps women stuck and frustrated • Why sleep, weekends off, and time away don’t always restore energy • How hormonal shifts change the body’s ability to recover • Why caffeine, pushing harder, and overexercising often backfire • What it means when the body is conserving instead of restoring • What actually helps the body regain the capacity to feel energized again • How to stop guessing and start responding to fatigue with clarity If rest alone were the solution, you’d feel better by now. Persistent fatigue isn’t a lack of motivation, discipline, or effort. It’s information — a signal that something underneath needs support. When you address what’s actually draining your energy, rest starts working again. Sleep feels deeper. Time off feels refreshing. Energy becomes steadier instead of unpredictable. Download: The Nervous System Morning Reset If your energy feels fragile or unpredictable, your mornings matter more than you think. Get my free guide, The Nervous System Morning Reset — simple, no-BS tools to start your day calm, grounded, and better supported hormonally. Download it here: If you want help identifying what’s driving your fatigue and why rest isn’t touching it, you can book a and get clarity on what your body needs next. /episode/index/show/96be35b3-2b36-4430-94af-b60181fb5ef2/id/39400300

Ep. 112 | The Morning Routine Mistake That’s Wrecking Your Hormones (and What to Do Instead) 12/08/2025

Ep. 112 | The Morning Routine Mistake That’s Wrecking Your Hormones (and What to Do Instead) If your mornings feel rushed, chaotic, or draining — or if you hit that “wired and tired” wall before noon — this episode is for you. In perimenopause and menopause, your morning cortisol pattern becomes more sensitive than ever. The first 10 minutes of your day play a massive role in how your hormones behave, how your nervous system responds, and how your metabolism performs for the rest of the day. Most women never learn this… which is why they feel stuck, exhausted, inflamed, or overwhelmed before the day even begins. Today, I’m breaking down the most common morning routine mistake I see in midlife women — and how a few simple shifts can help regulate stress, calm your system, and support steadier energy all day long. This episode is especially helpful if you’re searching for: menopause morning routine support how to regulate cortisol in menopause why mornings feel harder in perimenopause nervous system regulation for women over 40 morning habits that help menopause symptoms root-cause hormone support without dieting stress and hormone imbalance in menopause In this episode, you’ll learn: • The real reason your mornings feel so rushed or dysregulated in perimenopause and menopause • How your cortisol awakening response changes in midlife • The three most common mistakes women make in their morning routine that spike stress • Why coffee before minerals makes symptoms worse • How notifications, rushing, and chaos activate the fight-or-flight response • Why skipping breakfast keeps your hormones stuck in “survival mode” • A simple, no-BS CALM-first morning routine any woman can do — even on busy days • How to reset your nervous system in under 2 minutes If you want your hormones to feel steady… start with your mornings. Your morning is your hormonal reset button. When you support your nervous system first, everything else becomes easier — metabolism, mood, energy, cravings, and sleep. Download: The Nervous System Morning Reset Ready for calmer, steadier mornings that actually support your hormones? Get my free guide: The Nervous System Morning Reset — tiny tools to start your day grounded and regulate cortisol naturally. Download it here: About the Show It’s Not Just Menopause is the podcast for women who want real answers about midlife hormones, nervous system health, stress, metabolism, and root-cause solutions that actually work. Hosted by Cindi Stickle — Functional Nutrition Practitioner, Certified Menopause Specialist, and creator of The No-BS Menopause Method. /episode/index/show/96be35b3-2b36-4430-94af-b60181fb5ef2/id/39315225

Ep. 111 | Regulate, Rebuild, Reignite: The Framework That Helps Women Over 40 Feel Better Than Ever 12/01/2025

Ep. 111 | Regulate, Rebuild, Reignite: The Framework That Helps Women Over 40 Feel Better Than Ever In today’s episode, I’m breaking down the 3-phase framework that finally helps women over 40 understand why their bodies aren’t responding — and what actually changes things in perimenopause and menopause. You’ll hear why strategies that used to work — like eating less, pushing harder, or relying on sheer discipline — suddenly stop working in midlife… and why that has nothing to do with willpower and everything to do with physiology. And even more importantly — you’ll learn the root-cause sequence that helps your body feel safe enough to respond again. This is the exact framework I use with clients all over the country to help them calm their symptoms, rebuild their metabolism, and feel like themselves again. If you’ve been wondering why you’re doing “all the right things” but not seeing results, this episode will finally help you make sense of what’s happening. In this episode, we talk about: Why your old strategies stopped working over 40 How stress and dysregulation stall metabolism, energy, and weight What “regulation” actually looks like — and why it changes everything The difference between rebuilding at 40+ vs in your 20s and 30s Why you can’t out-diet or out-exercise nervous system overload What it means to reignite your energy, confidence, and consistency Real client wins using this exact 3-phase framework If you’re experiencing… fatigue that doesn’t match your effort weight gain or inches that feel “mysterious” bloating or inflammation wired-but-tired energy feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unlike yourself a body that feels unresponsive …this episode will give you the clarity you’ve been missing. Links Mentioned Menopause Hormone Clarity Call If today’s episode resonated and you’re ready for support, you can book a call /episode/index/show/96be35b3-2b36-4430-94af-b60181fb5ef2/id/39204720

Ep. 110 | When My Body Said ‘Enough’: The Origin of My Work 11/24/2025

Ep. 109 | The Surprising Missing Link to Feeling Amazing During Menopause 11/17/2025

Ep. 109 | The Surprising Missing Link to Feeling Amazing During Menopause If the holidays leave you feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, bloated, or “on edge” every year — it’s not that you can’t handle stress anymore. It’s that your menopause nervous system can’t absorb pressure the same way it used to. In this episode, we break down why stress hits harder in midlife, how it impacts your hormones and metabolism, and what you can do right now to create the grounded, steady energy your body is craving before the holiday chaos begins. This isn't about perfection, routines, or pushing through. It’s about understanding how your cortisol, blood sugar, sleep, and nervous system all shift in menopause — and how creating calm first changes everything. Whether you’re dealing with cravings, mood swings, low energy, sleep disruptions, or that “always on” feeling, this is the episode that will help you find your footing again. ⭐ In this episode, you’ll learn: Why holiday stress feels heavier during perimenopause and menopause The real reason your nervous system becomes more sensitive in midlife How dysregulation leads to fatigue, cravings, bloating, and mood swings What “calm” actually means biologically (and why it must come first) Simple, realistic ways to regulate your system before the holidays How small daily shifts help your hormones respond — not rebel ⭐ Free Resource Mentioned Start your morning in a regulated state with my Nervous System Morning Reset — simple, effective habits to help your body feel calm, clear, and in control. 👉 ⭐ Get Personalized Support If you're tired of feeling dismissed, overwhelmed, or stuck in survival mode, book a Menopause Hormone Clarity Call. We’ll uncover what’s really driving your symptoms and the next steps that will finally work for your body. 👉 ⭐ Join the Community Come join us inside Menopause Made Easier: Real Relief & Support for Women 50+ — a community of women who are learning how to support their hormones with no shame, no judgment, and no BS. 👉 /episode/index/show/96be35b3-2b36-4430-94af-b60181fb5ef2/id/39046960

Ep. 108 | Cravings Aren’t About Willpower — They’re About Cortisol 11/10/2025

Ep. 107 | The Holiday Stress Trap: Why “Pushing Through” Backfires in Menopause 11/03/2025

Ep. 106 | The Only Way Menopause Results Actually Last 10/27/2025

Ep. 105 | You're Not Failing, You've Been Misled 10/20/2025

Ep. 104 | The Stress-Symptom Spiral: Why Relief Starts with Your Nervous System 10/13/2025

Ep. 103 | Menopause Isn't a Willpower Problem - Here's What's Really Going On 10/06/2025

Ep. 102 | Gaslighting With A Stethoscope: Why Midlife Women Deserve Better Menopause Care 09/29/2025

Ep. 102 | Gaslighting With A Stethoscope: Why Midlife Women Deserve Better Menopause Care 🎙️ Gaslighting with a Stethoscope: Why Midlife Women Deserve Better Menopause Care Episode 102 — It’s Not Just Menopause Podcast You’re not crazy. You’re not weak. And no — it’s not “just stress” or “just getting older.” If you’ve ever walked out of a doctor’s office feeling dismissed, misunderstood, or worse — gaslit — this episode is for you. In today’s no-BS conversation, I’m pulling back the curtain on how midlife women are routinely ignored, overmedicated, and sent home without real solutions during one of the most pivotal transitions of their lives: menopause. You’ll hear: 🔹 What “gaslighting with a stethoscope” really looks like — and why it’s so common 🔹 How standard menopause advice often causes more harm than help 🔹 The real root causes behind your fatigue, mood swings, bloating, and weight gain 🔹 Why nervous system support is the missing link in most hormone health plans 🔹 And what you can do to stop settling for surface-level care It’s time to stop blaming your body — and start demanding the right kind of support. Because you deserve answers that actually make sense for your hormones, your metabolism, and your stage of life. 🔍 Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 🎧 Take the Quiz: Find out what’s really driving your menopause symptoms. 👉 🎤 Join the Summit — Menopause Reimagined (Starts Oct 6): Root-cause relief for the symptoms no one warned you about. 👉 🎟️ Register for the FREE Workshop (Oct 27): It’s Not Just Hormones: Why Nothing’s Working in Menopause — And the 3 Things You Need Now 👉 📞 Book Your Hormone Reset Clarity Call: Get personalized, root-cause support from a certified menopause specialist. 👉 💬 Loved This Episode? Leave a review, share it with a friend, and make sure you’re subscribed so you never miss a real conversation about what it actually takes to thrive in midlife. 📍 It’s Not Just Menopause — finally, a podcast that puts YOU back in control of your hormones, your health, and your life. /episode/index/show/96be35b3-2b36-4430-94af-b60181fb5ef2/id/38376590

Ep. 101 | What Every Menopause Plan Leaves Out - And Why It’s the First Thing Your Body Actually Needs 09/22/2025

Ep. 101 | What Every Menopause Plan Leaves Out - And Why It’s the First Thing Your Body Actually Needs 🎙️ Episode 101 – What Every Menopause Plan Leaves Out And Why It’s the First Thing Your Body Actually Needs If you’re doing everything “right” but your menopause symptoms are still getting worse—not better—it’s time to look deeper. In this episode, Certified Menopause Specialist and Functional Nutrition Practitioner Cindi Stickle reveals the missing piece in most menopause protocols: nervous system regulation. Whether you’re dealing with weight gain, exhaustion, mood swings, or brain fog, this root-cause step is essential—and it’s the first thing your body actually needs to get out of survival mode. In this episode, you'll learn: Why your body isn’t the problem—your stress load is The #1 reason most hormone plans don’t work for women in midlife How hidden stress shows up in real-life moments (and how to spot it) What nervous system dysregulation actually looks like The critical first step to stop feeling stuck in your menopause journey If you’ve ever said “nothing is working,” this episode is for you. 🔍 Resources Mentioned in This Episode ✅ Take the Menopause Symptom Quiz What’s Really Driving Your Menopause Symptoms? Uncover your root cause in just a few minutes—and get personalized next steps. 👉 🎤 Join the Menopause Reimagined Summit – Starts October 6 Real relief for the symptoms no one warned you about. 10+ experts. 5 days. Zero BS. 👉 🎟 Reserve Your Spot for the Live Workshop – October 27 It’s Not Just Hormones! Why Nothing’s Working in Menopause – And the 3 Things You Need Now to stop waking up exhausted, snapping at your partner, and relying on caffeine just to function. 👉 🟡 Book a Hormone Reset Clarity Call Get personalized insight into what’s keeping your body stuck—and whether the No-BS Menopause Method™ is the right next step. 👉 💬 Loved this episode? Tag @cindisticklenutrition on Instagram and tell me what resonated most. And don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if this helped you! /episode/index/show/96be35b3-2b36-4430-94af-b60181fb5ef2/id/38286920

Ep. 100 | Stress, Menopause, and the Burnout Trap with Christy Nichol 09/15/2025

Ep. 100 | Stress, Menopause, and the Burnout Trap with Christy Nichol Stress, Menopause, and the Burnout Trap (with Christy Nichol) Are you stuck in survival mode during menopause? In this episode of It’s Not Just Menopause, I sit down with Christy Nichol, burnout recovery coach and stress expert, to unpack how stress impacts midlife women — and why it may be the hidden root cause of your toughest menopause symptoms. Why Stress Makes Menopause Symptoms Worse Chronic stress isn’t just “in your head.” It drives hormonal chaos that leaves women dealing with: Brain fog and memory struggles Weight that won’t budge no matter what you try Mood swings and anxiety Sleep that feels impossible to recover from Christy and I break down how cortisol and nervous system overload sabotage hormone balance, digestion, and energy. Burnout and the Menopause Journey We dive into the burnout trap many women fall into — pushing harder, ignoring symptoms, and blaming themselves when nothing works. Christy shares how nervous system dysregulation shows up in midlife and why healing requires more than “trying harder.” Real Relief Beyond Quick Fixes In this episode, you’ll learn: How to recognize the hidden signs of stress overload Why nervous system regulation is the first step to hormone healing Practical ways to create calm without overhauling your life The mindset shifts that help women move from survival mode to feeling like themselves again Resources Mentioned in This Episode 📘 Download Christy’s free guide: 🌐 Visit her website: 👥 Join her free Facebook group: 📱 Connect on and 🎤 Want real root-cause strategies for menopause? Don’t miss the — where I’ll be joined by 10 expert speakers (including Christy!) to give you answers beyond quick fixes. Connect With Me Hi, I’m Cindi Stickle, Functional Nutrition Practitioner and Certified Menopause Specialist. I help resilient, self-aware women regulate their hormones, rebuild their metabolism, and reignite their energy with my No-BS Menopause Method™. 👉 Take the free quiz: 👉 Book your free /episode/index/show/96be35b3-2b36-4430-94af-b60181fb5ef2/id/38149260