10. Brain Fog, Anxiety & Heavy Periods: The Perimenopause Conversation Every Woman Needs with Catherine O'Keeffe
The Wellness ScriptShow Notes
In this week’s episode of The Wellness Script, I’m joined by Catherine O’Keeffe, menopause coach, speaker, and founder of Wellness Warrior, for an honest, empowering conversation on perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause. We talk about Catherine’s own experience of navigating brain fog, heavy periods, anxiety, and hormonal change while working in a high-pressure career, and how that journey led her to become one of Ireland’s leading voices in menopause education. This episode covers what perimenopause actually is, how symptoms can show up differently for every woman, the role of movement and lifestyle, vaginal dryness, sleep, weight changes, mindset, emotional wellbeing, and why learning to advocate for yourself is so important. Whether you’re in the thick of this chapter, approaching it, or simply want to better understand the women in your life, this is a practical and reassuring conversation full of perspective and support.
Show notes In this episode, I’m joined by Catherine O’Keeffe, also known as The Wellness Warrior and one of Ireland’s leading menopause coaches. We discuss: Catherine’s personal journey into menopause advocacy
What perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause actually mean
Why so many women still feel unprepared for this stage of life
Early symptoms of perimenopause and how they can show up
Brain fog, anxiety, confidence loss, and the psychological side of menopause
Heavy periods and the importance of getting symptoms checked
Why movement is one of the most powerful tools for long-term health
The role of strength training, cardiovascular exercise, and brain health
Vaginal dryness and why we need to talk about it more openly
Sleep disruption and why it can have a knock-on effect on everything else
Weight changes in menopause and approaching them with more compassion
Body image, identity, and the emotional shifts that can happen in midlife
Therapy, counselling, and emotional support during menopause
The importance of good GP support and understanding your blood work
HRT, lifestyle measures, and building your own “menopause toolkit”
Why being proactive can help women feel more empowered through this transition
If you enjoyed this episode, please follow or subscribe to The Wellness Script, leave a rating and review, and share it with someone who would benefit from hearing this conversation. Catherine O’Keeffe / Wellness Warrior — Catherine’s website, talks, resources: https://www.wellnesswarrior.ie/ Catherine's book, All You Need to Know About Menopause: https://obrien.ie/all-you-need-to-know-about-menopause
HSE Menopause Overview — a solid Irish starting point for symptoms, timelines, and what menopause/perimenopause mean.: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/menopause/
HSE Menopause Treatment + HRT — useful if listeners want an evidence-based overview of treatment options, including HRT: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/menopause/menopause-treatment/
HSE Drugs Payment Scheme / Free HRT — especially worth including for Irish listeners, as free HRT is available on prescription through participating pharmacies for people with a medical card or DPS card: https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/health/health-services/reproductive-health/free-hormone-replacement-therapy-hrt-scheme/
Women’s Health Concern factsheets — patient-friendly menopause resources from the patient arm of the British Menopause Society.: https://www.womens-health-concern.org/
Daisy Network — a very good support resource for anyone affected by premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) or early menopause.: https://daisynetwork.org/
Menopause in the Workplace (Women’s Health Concern): https://www.womens-health-concern.org/help-and-advice/menopause-in-the-workplace/
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