Menopause As A Metamorphosis: Navigating The Nervous System with Sally Garozzo

In this episode, I’m joined by clinical hypnotherapist Sally Garozzo to dive deep into why perimenopause can feel so overwhelming, especially when long-standing stress or past traumas come to the surface. Together we explore the idea that menopause isn’t just a hormonal shift, but a profound neurological and psychological transition, talking openly about the metamorphosis of this stage of life, the power of hypnotherapy to rewire our responses to stress, and why it is finally time to stop carrying everyone else’s expectations.  Sally Reveals Why trauma and chronic stress don't just affect our emotions. They physically alter the brain's threat detection system which can make menopausal symptoms like anxiety and insomnia feel much more intense. How during perimenopause, the drop in progesterone can leave the nervous system without its usual buffer, potentially leading to progesterone intolerance or heightened reactivity. Why menopause is an opportunity to shed a false identity or roles we played in the past to become more authentic and attuned to our own needs. How through tools like hypnotherapy and somatic awareness, it is possible to dial down a heightened alarm system and move from a state of constant activation to one of safety and regulation. BEST MOMENTS "Think of a caterpillar inside a cocoon turning to mush. I will emerge as a butterfly, but right now I'm going into that mushy stage and I really don't have very much capacity to do the things I used to do." "The call of menopause is to become more of ourselves" "I tend not to pathologise things. There's always a reason why we're experiencing burnout, insomnia, anxiety, or depression, and that's what I'm very curious about in my practice." "Self-care, self-care, self-care. Strip it all back. Say no, do the bare minimum, and ask for help." SHOW RESOURCES bit.ly/relaxationwithsally  www.sallygarozzo.com  HOST BIO Michelle is a highly respected Physiotherapist and Menopause Wellbeing Practitioner with over two decades of experience in the health and wellness industry. After experiencing seven years of debilitating symptoms herself before realising it was perimenopause, Michelle has since dedicated her career to helping other women navigate this transformative stage of life. Her personal journey fuels her passion for educating and empowering women, as well as training businesses and health professionals through her specialised menopause and wellbeing workshops.  A best-selling author and sought-after speaker, Michelle combines deep clinical expertise with relatable, real-world experience. Through her podcast, "Menopause - The Real Deal," she offers evidence-based guidance, authentic conversations, and practical strategies. Listeners trust Michelle for her empathetic understanding and her commitment to helping women thrive, making her a leading voice in the menopause space. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/michelle.kimp.9/ Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@michelle_rowlinson Linkedin www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-rowlinson-38330b21a Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@MenopauseTheRealDeal My Book: You, me conquering perimenopause & menopause https://amzn.eu/d/hCcbjag Website www.panaceapause.co.uk