Episode 42: Why Your Body Feels “Reactive” in Perimenopause

If you’re in perimenopause and suddenly feel inflamed, reactive, bloated, tired, or sensitive to foods that never bothered you before, this episode is for you.In this conversation, Michelle and Tabitha sit down with Dr. Atoosa Kourosh, a board-certified physician in pediatrics, allergy & immunology, and a leader in integrative medicine, to explain why midlife can feel like your body is turning against you — and what’s actually happening behind the scenes. Dr. Kourosh breaks down how hormonal shifts in perimenopause interact with the gut microbiome and immune system, leading to inflammation, autoimmunity, histamine issues, and “new” sensitivities in women who were previously healthy and resilient.This episode goes beyond “just hormones” to explain the root causes — and what a more complete, personalized approach can look like. In this episode, we cover:Why perimenopause often triggers inflammation, immune changes, and autoimmune flaresWhat “loss of immune tolerance” means — and why foods, stress, and the environment can suddenly feel overwhelmingHow gut microbiome disruption plays a central role in midlife symptomsThe connection between histamine intolerance, allergies, and perimenopauseWhy “just taking a Zyrtec” doesn’t address the root causeHow nutrigenomics (genetic testing) can personalize hormones, supplements, detox pathways, and even exerciseWhy some women feel worse on hormone therapy — and how genetics can explain itMold, toxins, antibiotics, and other hidden triggers that can amplify symptomsWhat to test before going gluten-free (including celiac screening)Simple, practical gut-supportive steps you can try now while you wait for answers If you’ve been told:“This is just part of aging”“Your labs are normal”“It’s stress”“Just push through it” This conversation will help you understand why your symptoms are real, why perimenopause can last 10–15 years, and why you don’t have to accept feeling miserable in this season of life. About today’s guest:Dr. Atoosa Kourosh, MD, MPH is a board-certified physician in pediatrics, allergy & immunology and the Chair of the Integrative Medicine Committee for the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. She specializes in whole-person, root-cause care — helping patients uncover how genetics, gut health, environment, and immune function intersect.She works with both adults and children, and is especially known for solving “diagnostic mysteries” when traditional approaches fall short. Learn more & connect:Website: doctoratoosa.comInstagram: @doctoratoosaX (Twitter): @allergyhealth  Questions or topic requests? Email Michelle to be part of the conversation!Email: [email protected] a free discovery call with Michelle: theinspiredwellnesscoach.comFollow Michelle on Instagram & Facebook: @TheInspiredWellnessCoach Check out my online supplement dispensary for 10% off quality supplement brands [email protected] Disclaimer: The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.