Perimenopause, Progesterone & Migraines: Dr. Carrie Jones on Hormones, Detox & Gut Health

Perimenopause isn’t subtle… and it definitely isn’t “just stress.”In this episode of The Midlife Realignment, Esther sits down with hormone expert Dr. Carrie Jones for a real, science-backed conversation about what actually happens to your body in perimenopause — and what helps.Dr. Jones shares her personal perimenopause journey, including brain fog, insomnia, phantom smells, and ocular migraines… and explains how she manages symptoms using progesterone, blood sugar support, targeted supplements, and daily tracking.This conversation goes far beyond “just take hormones” and dives into the why behind symptoms — from estrogen detox pathways to gut motility, ferritin, inflammation, and microbiome health.In this episode, we cover:Early and surprising signs of perimenopause (including memory lapses and migraines)Why progesterone can be a game-changer for sleep, PMS, and migrainesHow blood sugar drops can trigger migraines in midlifeWhat ocular migraines are and why hormones play a roleHow to use at-home hormone tracking tools like MiraThe difference between one-day lab testing vs daily hormone trendsWhen progesterone dosing needs to change in perimenopauseWhy hormone cycling after menopause is controversialPellets vs topical hormones vs injections… pros, cons, and real talkEstrogen detox explained simply (phase 1, 2, and 3)Why low ferritin is so common in midlife womenThe connection between gut health, thyroid function, and hormone balanceHow constipation, progesterone, and estrogen affect gut motilitySimple foods that support detox and the microbiome (broccoli sprouts, jicama, fermented foods)Why variety in your diet matters more than perfectionDaily grounding habits that support hormone health (journaling, sleep routines, community)This episode is packed with practical insights for women navigating perimenopause who want clarity, not chaos.Connect with Dr. Carrie Jones:https://drcarriejones.ck.page/labtestchecklistIG: @dr.carriejonesYoutube.com/@drcarriejonesConnect with EstherWebsite: estherblum.comInstagram: @gorgeousestherDisclaimer: This podcast is for education only and is not medical advice.