
Why the Holidays Hit Harder in Perimenopause + Menopause
The Founder's Series with Dr. Rebbecca HertelShow Notes
The holidays look magical on the outside — but for midlife women? They’re often metabolic chaos wrapped in twinkle lights. In this episode of The Founder Series, Dr. Rebbecca Hertel breaks down what actually happens inside your body during the busiest, most stressful season of the year — and why stress, sugar, alcohol, travel, and sleep disruption hit differently in perimenopause and menopause. If you’ve ever wondered why December feels like you’re unraveling (even when you’re “doing all the right things”), this episode gives you the biology behind the burnout — and a science-backed plan to protect your hormones, your mood, your sleep, and your sanity without giving up joy. We’ll go deep into: The Holiday Hormone Trap: cortisol spikes, insulin swings, melatonin suppression & estrogen chaos Why midlife entrepreneurs and high-achieving women feel this season more intensely How stress, sugar, wine, blue light & travel disrupt sleep, metabolism, gut health & emotional stability A step-by-step Holiday Hormone Plan to help you regulate more and unravel less The six simple habits (protein, movement, boundaries, sleep, breathwork & hydration) that reset your system fast This is your biology-based blueprint for December — because longevity isn’t built in January… it’s protected in December. Work With Dr. Rebbecca If you want personalized support for perimenopause, menopause, metabolism, hormones, sleep, and midlife care: 🌐 OsteopathicMidlifeHealth.com 📩 Book a consultation 📰 Join the Midlife Minute Newsletter 📱 Follow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook 🎧 Clinicians: Listen on Pinnacle for CME Support the Show 👍 Like 🔔 Subscribe ⭐ Rate & Review 📤 Share this episode with a friend who needs midlife science & sanity Your reviews help women find evidence-based support in a world that still underestimates midlife.
More from The Founder's Series with Dr. Rebbecca Hertel
Explore the neuroscience of brain fog, memory changes, and hearing issues during menopause, especially for women founders and leaders. Understand the physiological changes, research findings, and practical strategies to support brain health during this critical transition.
What does it really mean to redefine women’s health in midlife?
Why are so many doctors leaving traditional healthcare?
Dr. Amanda Townsend shares her journey from orthopedic physical therapy to pelvic health, highlighting the lack of education and awareness in women's health. She emphasizes the connection between pelvic health and orthopedics, advocating for orthopedic knowledge in pelvic health practice. Additionally, she discusses the importance of educating individuals about pelvic floor dysfunction and its impact on daily life. The conversation covers a range of topics including navigating neurodivergence in children and adults, transitioning from an insurance model to a cash-based model, balancing personal and professional growth, and the creation of Unbound Pelvis and Root and Rise Consulting. Dr. Amanda Townsend shares her personal and professional journey, health challenges, and the vision behind her clinical brand and consulting services.
In this episode, we break down the financial reality of being a doctor and why the public perception of physician income often misses the full picture. We unpack the hidden costs, overhead, and financial complexity physicians face, plus how the healthcare middleman model and insurance companies shape patient expectations and medical practice decisions.