Faithful in the Fire: Stephanie Shaw on Perimenopause, Nutrition, and Trusting God in Midlife

In this episode of Healed. Whole. Called., Wendy Melrose welcomes Stephanie Shaw, host of Hello Hot Flash and producer of the limited series podcast Christian Women and Menopause, for a grounded and grace-filled conversation about a season of life many women experience—but few feel prepared for. Stephanie’s journey into this work was not theoretical. It was personal. In 2017, while on a business trip in New Orleans, she experienced a sudden onset of alarming symptoms—numbness, shaking, rapid heartbeat, tingling, insomnia, phantom smells, and more. What followed was a two-year search for answers that included visits to 18 doctors and two world-renowned medical facilities. Despite extensive testing, she received little clarity. During that time, Stephanie found herself largely confined to home outside of work, managing more than 40 symptoms commonly associated with perimenopause. In the absence of medical answers, she leaned more deeply into the Word of God. Like King Hezekiah turning his face to the wall in prayer (2 Kings 20), she sought the Lord with intentionality, asking not only for healing but for understanding. She began to recognize that this season was not simply hormonal—it was transitional. A spiritual invitation into deeper dependence, discernment, and surrender. Alongside prayer and Scripture, Stephanie pursued practical wisdom. A naturopathic evaluation revealed significant nutrient deficiencies, prompting her to rebuild her health through targeted supplementation and a complete nutritional reset. She adjusted her macronutrient balance, increased protein, embraced healthy fats, prioritized nutrient-dense carbohydrates, and reduced sugar and processed foods. What she discovered was profound: during midlife, the body requires thoughtful nourishment, not restriction. In many cases, eating more of the right foods and exercising wisely—not excessively—supports hormonal balance and metabolic stability. Stephanie speaks candidly about stress, cortisol, sugar dependence, and the compounding effects of lifestyle choices during perimenopause. She emphasizes that no two women experience this transition the same way. What works for one body may not work for another. The key is awareness—listening to physical cues, seeking appropriate medical testing, and prayerfully discerning what adjustments are needed. One particularly helpful clarification she offers is this: menopause itself is technically one day—the one-year anniversary of a woman’s final menstrual cycle. The broader struggle many women describe is perimenopause, a season that can span years and often coincides with other life transitions such as career shifts, empty nesting, or caregiving responsibilities. Recognizing that this is a layered season—physical, emotional, and spiritual—allows women to approach it with compassion rather than shame. Through her coaching and podcast platforms, Stephanie integrates faith and health intentionally. She believes women cannot fully navigate this stage apart from God’s guidance. Scripture addresses anxiety, depression, healing, and bodily care throughout its pages. By helping women see themselves in those stories, she reminds them they are not alone in their struggle—and they are not disqualified from purpose in midlife. This episode is for the woman who feels confused by her symptoms, frustrated by shifting weight or brain fog, or spiritually discouraged by changes she did not expect. It is a reminder that midlife is not decline—it is transition. And when surrendered to God, it can become a season of refinement, strength, and renewed calling. Your body is not betraying you. It is speaking. And God is not absent in this season—He is inviting you deeper. How to Connect With the Guest Website: https://hellohotflash.com Podcast: Hello Hot Flash (available on major podcast platforms) Limited Series Podcast: Christian Women and Menopause Social Media:https://linkedin.com/in/stephanielynnshaw For additional resources, podcast episodes, and coaching information, visit: HelloHotFlash.com If you’re carrying a story or testimony and sense a quiet stirring to do something more with it, but you’re unsure what that next step should be, I’ve created a resource to help you discern that.The Story Discernment Guide is a reflective guide designed to help you pause, pray, and gain clarity around the story you’re stewarding — before you write, publish, or share it publicly.You can explore the Story Discernment Guide at storycalling.info.Your story is not an accident.You are healed.You are whole.You are called — and stewarding your story well matters.