Perimenopause and the Highly Sensitive Mom (on Real Parenting for Sensitive Moms)

If you’ve been feeling more reactive, more forgetful, or like your “stress buffer” has disappeared — you’re not failing. In this episode of Real Parenting for Sensitive Moms, Ashley Basilio joins Leah Andreoni and Adrienne Bishop to break down what perimenopause really is, why it can hit highly sensitive moms especially hard, and what can actually help (without turning self-care into another full-time job).

Ashley shares both the science and the real-life experience — from brain fog and sensory overload to the surprising upsides of this transition, like stronger boundaries and clearer priorities.

🎙️ StrongHER Voices is the empowering podcast helping women navigate their StrongHER Era with clarity, confidence, and practical, expert‑backed support. 

Hosted by Ashley Basilio — certified menopause health coach, fitness professional, and women’s wellness advocate. 

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In this episode, we cover:

✅ What perimenopause actually is (and why menopause is technically just one day)
✅ Why symptoms vary so widely — and why it’s a “whole body takeover,” not just hot flashes
✅ How perimenopause impacts parenting: lowered patience, heightened stress response, faster emotional shifts
✅ Highly sensitive nervous systems + hormonal fluctuation: why overstimulation can feel relentless
✅ Brain fog and memory changes — and why it can feel scary (and what helps)
✅ Practical, realistic self-care: micro-resets, movement breaks, grounding, tapping, and sensory boundaries
✅ Why “doing less” is sometimes the most powerful form of self-care (simplifying, lowering expectations, reducing clutter)
✅ Hormone therapy basics, what to know, and why finding a menopause-informed provider matters
✅ Vaginal estrogen, bone health, and the long-term “why” behind getting support sooner rather than later
✅ The unexpected upsides of this season: clearer values, stronger boundaries, and more authenticity

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💗 Meet Leah Andreoni and Adrienne Bishop:
I’m honored to be featured on Leah and Adrienne’s podcast Real Parenting for Sensitive Moms for a meaningful conversation on perimenopause and the highly sensitive mom. Leah Andreoni is a licensed perinatal therapist and the founder of Rising Sun Therapy, and Adrienne Bishop is a parent coach and owner of Adrienne Bishop Coaching who supports sensitive parents with practical tools and grounded guidance. Together, they create such a safe, validating space for sensitive parents. 

📌 Connect with Leah Andreoni and Adrienne Bishop: 
https://www.risingsuntherapy.com/
https://www.adriennebishopcoaching.com/  
https://www.adriennebishopcoaching.com/podcast-real-parenting-for-sensitive-moms/  

Resources mentioned: 
The Menopause Society: https://menopause.org/  
The Menopause Brain: https://amzn.to/3ZBmw6J 

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⚠️ Disclaimer:
The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and should not replace consultation with your healthcare provider. Always talk with a qualified professional about your individual health needs before making changes to your diet, exercise, or treatment plan.