Ep 135 : Cortisol, Perimenopause & the Fear-Mongering Around Belly Fat

Vikki uses this solo episode to push back on the viral “cortisol belly” narrative and separate real physiology from social media panic. She explains what cortisol actually does, why it should not be treated like the enemy and how stress, sleep, alcohol, food choices, and daily habits are often the real drivers behind weight and well-being changes in perimenopause.In this episode:Vikki explains why perimenopause content online has become overloaded with fear-based messaging, especially around cortisol, supplements, and belly fat.She shares her own timeline, saying she first noticed changes around age 47 to 48 and did not even know the term perimenopause existed back in 2020.She warns against people marketing themselves as menopause coaches without proper education or evidence-based training.She breaks down cortisol 101 and explains that cortisol is a normal hormone with a daily rhythm, not something to “detox” or eliminate.She clarifies that stress can contribute to visceral fat indirectly, but usually through behaviors like emotional eating, poor sleep, increased alcohol intake, and reduced movement.She distinguishes everyday stress from rare medical conditions like Cushing syndrome.She outlines the basics that actually help: sleep hygiene, daylight exposure, movement, strength training, balanced meals, protein, fiber, and less alcohol.She stresses that managing stress is more important than chasing a cortisol supplement.She gives practical examples of coping tools like box breathing, meditation, better boundaries, and saying no when needed.She encourages listeners in their 30s and 40s to build habits now so the transition into perimenopause feels more manageable later.Upcoming events and coaching opportunities with Vikki : Female Health & Fitness Summit - 6th September - Cork ⁠⁠⁠https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-female-health-fitness-summit-tickets-1991920195927?aff=oddtdtcreator⁠⁠⁠Coaching ⁠⁠⁠https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScU1_mQtC-e76D3tN-hnfXNJrEDII4OPbC9QFkETU2ovP4ycQ/viewform?usp=header⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/vikkicronincoaching/profilecard/?igsh=MWw1YnBhN3F5anplNg==⁠⁠⁠Website ⁠⁠⁠http://vikkicronincoaching.ie/⁠⁠⁠Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to rate, follow and share Your Mindset Matters with others.