Hormones, sleep, nutrition… or something else entirely? When your body starts to feel “off,” it’s not always easy to pinpoint what’s actually going on, especially during perimenopause. In this episode, we are so excited to sit down with Dr. Mary Claire Haver; board-certified OB/GYN, Certified Culinary Medicine Specialist, Certified Menopause Provider, and the founder of The ‘Pause Wellness, a private medical practice that focuses on women in midlife. She is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The New Menopause and The Galveston Diet. In our conversation she breaks down what’s really happening in your body, how to recognize the signs of perimenopause, and what you can start doing today to feel better.

Key Topics Covered:

• How to tell if you’re in perimenopause vs. dealing with poor sleep or nutrition.
• Why there’s no definitive test for perimenopause.
• Early vs. late perimenopause and what to expect in each stage.
• Surprising symptoms like heart palpitations, lung changes, and asthma.
• The connection between hormones and sleep disruptions.
• Practical, free strategies to manage cognitive and physical symptoms.
• Why hormone testing isn’t always recommended.
• Barriers to accessing quality women’s healthcare.
• A positive perspective on life after menopause.

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

Get Your Copy of Dr. Mary Claire’s Book, The New Perimonopause: https://amzlink.to/az0qY10JJZQNx

Visit Dr. Mary Claire’s Website: https://thepauselife.com/

Follow Dr. Mary Claire on Socials:

TikTok: @drmaryclaire

Instagram: @drmaryclaire

Facebook: @drmaryclaire

YouTube: @maryclairehavermd8473

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HERSELF PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/herselfpodcast

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HERSELF INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/herselfpodcast

MEET AMY: http://instagram.com/ameskiefer

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This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to other women and feeling jealous, intimidated, or like you’re somehow behind. But what if you could shift that mindset and instead feel genuinely inspired by the success around you? In this episode, we share a recent real-life experience from a mastermind we attended with highly successful business owners and how it challenged us to see comparison differently. Instead of letting the “small fish in a big sea” feeling discourage us, we used it as proof of what’s possible. We talk about the mindset shift that helped us move from comparison to inspiration, why personal growth plays a huge role in that process, and how surrounding yourself with the right people can change the way you view your own potential.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What it felt like walking into a room full of highly successful entrepreneurs.
• The surprising common habits we noticed among women operating at a high level.
• Why taking care of your physical health often supports long-term success.
• The “highlight reel vs. inner life” trap and why it distorts how we see other people’s journeys.
• Questions to ask yourself when someone else's success triggers comparison.
• The hidden sacrifices and personal work that often sit behind visible success.
• Practical ways to shift from jealousy to curiosity and inspiration.
• Why your mindset about others’ success can either hold you back or move you forward.
• How getting support, such as a mindset coach, can help you break out of negative thought patterns.
• The powerful question to ask when a negative thought about someone else pops up.

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

BETTERHELP: 10% off first month at: http://betterhelp.com/herself

Let’s connect!

HERSELF INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/herselfpodcast

MEET AMY: http://instagram.com/ameskiefer

MEET ABBY: http://instagram.com/abbyrosegreen

This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

Mom guilt has shaped so many seasons of our motherhood journeys, but it does not hold the same power it once did. In this honest and reflective conversation, we look back on what used to weigh heavily on our hearts and compare it to the much shorter lists we carry today. From work-related guilt and feeling torn between responsibilities, to struggling to fully enjoy our kids while managing the chaos of daily life, we share the real-time challenges we are still navigating. We also open up about the pressure of meeting different needs within the same family and how growth, perspective, and practical shifts have helped us loosen guilt’s grip. Our hope is that hearing where we have been and how far we have come helps you peel back a layer of guilt in your own motherhood story.

Key Topics Covered:

• Amy’s early fears about bonding, attachment, and whether her firstborn would recognize her after returning to work.
• The internal struggle around justifying time with friends during the early years of motherhood.
• Abby’s vulnerable admission of questioning whether she was cut out for motherhood during a difficult phase.
• The specific work pressures that tend to trigger guilt in this current season.
• Navigating overlapping sports schedules and creating a fair system when multiple kids need to be in different places at once.
• Wanting meaningful one-on-one time with each child but feeling stretched thin.
• The emotional load of managing kids versus enjoying them.
• Parenting a spirited child whose needs require extra time and attention.
• Practical mindset shifts that have helped us move from shame toward self-compassion.

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

Listen to Episode 12. Mom Guilt: How We’re Working Through It: https://www.herselfpodcast.com/listen/12-mom-guilt-how-were-working-through-it

HERSELF PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/herselfpodcast

Let’s connect!

HERSELF INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/herselfpodcast

MEET AMY: http://instagram.com/ameskiefer

MEET ABBY: http://instagram.com/abbyrosegreen

This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.