Episode 343: Progesterone Left the Chat: What Happens to Your Brain and Body in Perimenopause with Chelsea Blackbird

Perimenopause is more than hot flashes and irregular periods. In this episode, host Erin Kerry sits down with Christian nutritionist Chelsea Blackbird to discuss the surprising physical, emotional, and mental changes women experience during midlife hormone shifts. Together they explore the connection between progesterone, estrogen, histamine, anxiety, sleep, trauma, autoimmune conditions, and nervous system health. They also discuss hormone replacement therapy (HRT), natural support options like evening primrose oil, vitex, and maca, and why foundational habits such as sunlight, sleep, stress regulation, and nutrition matter more than ever during this season. If you've ever thought, "I don't feel like myself anymore," this conversation will help you understand why—and what you can do to support your body through the transition. Key Topics: - What perimenopause actually is - Why women often feel "off" before cycles become irregular - Progesterone decline and estrogen dominance - Histamine, hives, food sensitivities, and hormone fluctuations - Trauma resurfacing during midlife - Anxiety, self-doubt, and neurotransmitter changes - HRT: benefits, limitations, and common misconceptions - Evening primrose oil, vitex, and maca - Testosterone and female motivation, focus, and libido - Autoimmune flares during perimenopause - The role of sunlight in hormone regulation - Nervous system resilience and adrenal health - Sleep and circadian rhythms - Faith-based stewardship of health 
Links Mentioned: Knead Your Cure Conference: https://www.kneadyourcure.com/ Chelsea’s website: https://www.thechristiannutritionist.com/ The School of Christian Health and Nutrition: https://go.thechristiannutritionist.com/christiannutritionschool Join Erin’s monthly mailing list to get health tips and fresh meal plans and recipes every month: https://mailchi.mp/adde1b3a4af3/monthlysparksignup Order Erin’s new book, Live Beyond Your Label, at erinbkerry.com/upcomingbook/