{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"What You\u2019re Eating Is Making Menopause Worse | Andrea Donsky","description":"What if the brain fog, exhaustion, anxiety, bloating, hot flashes, sleep struggles, and weight gain you\u2019re experiencing in perimenopause aren\u2019t \u201cjust aging\u201d\u2026 but signs your body is asking for a completely different kind of nourishment? In this empowering episode of The Girlfriend Doctor Show, Dr. Anna Cabeca sits down with nutritionist, menopause educator, and 7X published menopause researcher Andrea Donsky for a deeply validating conversation about the real science behind menopause symptoms\u2014and what women can actually do to feel better. Andrea shares how her groundbreaking menopause research uncovered more than 103 symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause, with many of the most common symptoms linked to brain health, cognition, anxiety, mood, and sleep. Together, Dr. Anna and Andrea unpack why so many women feel dismissed by healthcare providers and how nutrition, digestion, blood sugar balance, sleep, stress reduction, and targeted supplementation can dramatically improve quality of life. Andrea also introduces her BALANCE Blueprint from her new book Nourishing Menopause, a practical framework for supporting hormones, metabolism, gut health, and energy through midlife and beyond. In this episode, you\u2019ll learn: Why blood sugar balance is critical during perimenopause and menopause The surprising connection between gut health, hormones, mood, and brain fog How digestion changes in menopause\u2014and why constipation, bloating, and inflammation increase Which foods and habits may worsen hot flashes, night sweats, and poor sleep The foundational supplements Andrea recommends for midlife women Why menopause symptoms are often misunderstood or dismissed by doctors How mindset, self-compassion, and education can transform the menopause experience If you\u2019ve ever felt like \u201csomething is wrong\u201d in your body but couldn\u2019t explain it, this conversation will help you feel seen, informed, and empowered with practical tools to support your Second Spring.   Key Timestamps: 00:01 \u2013 Why more women are finally talking openly about perimenopause Dr. Anna introduces the conversation around optimizing health during menopause and beyond. 01:52 \u2013 Andrea discovers there are over 100 menopause symptoms Andrea shares how her menopause research journey began and what surprised her most. 02:54 \u2013 The shocking link between menopause and mental health symptoms Discussion about anxiety, cognitive health, depression, and why women often feel \u201ccrazy\u201d during hormonal shifts. 05:47 \u2013 What Andrea\u2019s doctor visit survey revealed The heartbreaking reality of women being dismissed, unheard, and misdiagnosed during perimenopause. 10:56 \u2013 What women are still not being told about menopause Andrea explains why \u201cjust exercise more and lose weight\u201d is not enough. 13:40 \u2013 The BALANCE Blueprint for nourishing menopause Andrea breaks down her nutrition framework for supporting metabolism, hormones, gut health, and energy. 16:02 \u2013 Why blood sugar balance becomes essential in menopause Discussion on insulin resistance, PCOS, metabolism, and protein needs during midlife. 20:47 \u2013 How menopause changes digestion and gut health Andrea explains bloating, constipation, food sensitivities, inflammation, and the gut-brain connection. 26:58 \u2013 Nutrition strategies for better sleep and fewer hot flashes Why late-night eating, alcohol, chocolate, and blood sugar spikes may worsen symptoms. 32:56 \u2013 Andrea\u2019s foundational menopause supplements Magnesium, omega-3s, fiber, vitamin D, and why supplementation matters during hormonal shifts. 37:47 \u2013 Rapid-fire menopause wisdom and mindset shifts Andrea shares the habits, mindset changes, and self-care practices that transformed her own menopause journey. 42:27 \u2013 Where to find Andrea\u2019s book, resources, and menopause research Final thoughts on empowerment, pelvic health, and changing the menopause conversation together.   Memorable Quotes: \u201cWe found there are actually more than 103 symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause.\u201d \u2014 Andrea Donsky \u201cNine out of the top ten menopause symptoms are brain health, cognitive health, and mental health related.\u201d \u2014 Andrea Donsky \u201cYou are the CEO of your body.\u201d \u2014 Anna Cabeca \u201cWe cannot do what we did before. We have to relearn how to nourish ourselves in this phase of life.\u201d \u2014 Andrea Donsky \u201cYou can\u2019t heal a body you hate.\u201d \u2014 Anna Cabeca \u201cMenopause is a time of recalibration, not failure.\u201d \u2014 Andrea Donsky   Connect With Guest: Instagram: https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/andreadonsky TikTok: https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@andreadonsky LinkedIn: https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/andreadonsky\/ Website: https:\/\/wearemorphus.com Book: https:\/\/nourishingmenopausebook.com Podcast: Menopause Reimagined   Connect With Dr. Anna: Website: https:\/\/dranna.com Instagram: https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/thegirlfrienddoctor\/ YouTube: https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@thegirlfrienddoctor TikTok: https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@drannacabeca Facebook: https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thegirlfrienddoctor \ud83d\udca7 BIG NEWS: Dr. Anna's own intimate lubricant, Velv\u00e9, is launching soon!Be the first to know: www.shopvelve.com  ","author_name":"The Girlfriend Doctor w\/ Dr. Anna Cabeca","author_url":"https:\/\/drannacabeca.com\/pages\/show","html":"