Nathalie Lacombe: Episode 5

When Perimenopause Steals Your Sleep. Nathalie Lacombe shares her nearly 30-year journey in the fitness industry and the unexpected challenges that arrived during perimenopause. What began as persistent sleep disruption quickly spiraled into joint pain, brain fog, emotional exhaustion, and the unsettling feeling of not being herself.Through honest reflection and candid storytelling, Nathalie explores how hormonal chaos can quietly impact physical health, mental clarity, career confidence, and relationships. She shares the moment she realized she was drowning in symptoms, the importance of advocating for herself in the healthcare system, and how finding the right medical support helped her finally come up for air.This conversation also dives into the culture of the fitness industry, where women are often encouraged to push through symptoms, supplement endlessly, or simply “normalize” suffering. Nathalie reminds us that normal does not mean acceptable, and that asking questions, seeking solutions, and supporting one another are essential parts of navigating midlife well.TakeawaysSleep disruption can be one of the earliest and most disruptive symptoms of perimenopause.Hormonal changes can affect joint pain, mental clarity, emotional resilience, and energy levels.Many women experience the unsettling feeling of “not being themselves” during hormonal shifts.Self-advocacy with healthcare professionals is critical when symptoms begin to affect daily life.There is a difference between symptoms being common and them being acceptable.Supplements and lifestyle changes can help, but they are not always the first solution when someone is struggling.Hormonal health can impact career confidence, especially during peak professional years.Speaking openly about menopause helps reduce stigma in leadership spaces and workplaces.Collaboration and support among women are more powerful than competition or judgment.Finding humor and community can make the midlife journey far more manageable.Chapters00:00 The beginning of hormone chaos and the struggle with sleep00:30 Nathalie’s roots in the fitness industry01:00 From instructor to leadership in fitness education02:00 Advocating for hormone therapy and better care03:00 Understanding the chaos of perimenopause symptoms04:00 Brain fog, mood shifts, and the mental health impact05:00 Feeling like you are drowning in solutions06:00 Why normal symptoms should not be normalized07:00 Navigating supplements and wellness advice08:00 Finding the right healthcare professional09:00 Career challenges during menopause10:00 The stigma of menopause in leadership11:00 Why resources and conversations matter12:00 Ending judgment and competition among women13:00 Advocates, allies, and navigating midlife together