Rescue You From The Rollercoaster of Perimenopause

Send me a text if you liked this episode.Episode SummaryIn this session, Dr Kirstey introduces body literacy — the foundational skill that underpins every other pillar of the Vitality Clinic programme. She explains how to decode the body's symptom signals, understand hormonal rhythms across the menstrual cycle, and recognise the biochemical connections between food, stress, sleep, and how we feel. Using the four stages of competence framework, Dr Kirstey helps members identify where they are in developing this skill and how to begin building it through simple, consistent daily observation. Vitality Clinic members are guided to choose one signal to track and begin using their Vitality Clinic diaries as a personal body map.Keen to take a look yourself?https://workwith.thehollandclinic.com/the-vitality-clinic/Chapters0:00 — Introduction to Body LiteracyWhat body literacy is, why it matters, and why most women were never taught it.The Symptom Signal ReframeSymptoms as communication from the body, not failures or random events.The Five Parts of Body LiteracyRecognising signals, identifying patterns, understanding hormonal rhythms, seeing biochemical connections, and making informed decisions.Your Cycle as Your MapA walkthrough of the follicular, ovulatory, and luteal phases and how each shapes mood, energy, sleep, and metabolism daily.Body Literacy Without a CycleHow women with irregular or absent cycles can still track rhythms using weekly patterns.The Four Stages of CompetenceA framework for understanding where you are in learning body literacy and removing self-judgment from the process.How to Build Body Literacy PracticallyThe 90-second daily observation practice, choosing one signal to track, and using the Vitality Clinic diaries.Reflection Questions and Next StepsGuided questions to deepen self-inquiry and instructions for continuing inside the platform.Key InsightsSymptoms are signals, not failures. Every symptom — fatigue, brain fog, mood shifts, bloating, sleep disruption — is the body communicating something specific about its biochemistry, not evidence of a body breaking down.Body literacy is a skill, not an instinct. Most women were conditioned to override their body's signals rather than read them. This is a learned cultural pattern, not a personal failing, and it can be unlearned.The menstrual cycle is a daily map. The day of the cycle directly shapes mood, energy, sleep, metabolism, and food preferences. Once women begin tracking symptoms against their cycle day, the body becomes predictable rather than chaotic.Daily observation is the most powerful practice. Tracking even one signal — energy, sleep, mood, hunger — for 30 to 90 days builds a personalised record that no doctor, app, or algorithm can replicate. Authority over health begins with this record.Unconscious competence is the goal. The endpoint of body literacy is not a programme to follow but a way of living — where supporting yoSupport the showThe information shared in this podcast does not substitute working with your primary health care provider; it is general in nature and not considered personalised advice.Visit us online for more information or if you wish to work with Dr Holland.thehollandclinic.comFor your daily dose of women's health related info and ideas  on how to gracefully live through health and wellbeing transitions your body experiences, visit our Instagram instagram.com/thehollandclinic

Send me a text if you liked this episode.This is an episode about the stories we carry — and the moment we finally put them down.Dr Kirstey Holland shares why healing in perimenopause isn’t about doing more, but about releasing what’s been weighing you down. Through personal reflections on food addiction, shame, autoimmunity, and nervous system survival, she invites you into radical honesty, simplicity, and self-compassion.Your body is not against you. Your symptoms are not your identity. And your vitality is closer than you think.Support the showThe information shared in this podcast does not substitute working with your primary health care provider; it is general in nature and not considered personalised advice.Visit us online for more information or if you wish to work with Dr Holland.thehollandclinic.comFor your daily dose of women's health related info and ideas  on how to gracefully live through health and wellbeing transitions your body experiences, visit our Instagram instagram.com/thehollandclinic

Send me a text if you liked this episode.In this deeply personal episode, Dr Kirstey Holland shares the story that shaped her life, her nervous system, and her life’s work. Born in a nunnery in rural Africa, raised amidst beauty, danger, trauma, and deep connection to nature, Kirstey reflects on a childhood marked by instability, fear, and extraordinary resilience. She speaks candidly about early trauma, dysregulated nervous systems, chronic stress, insulin resistance, hormonal disruption, and how these experiences ultimately forged her path into medicine. This episode weaves together ancestry, trauma, biology, and healing—showing how the body holds the score, how regulation is possible at any age, and why women in perimenopause deserve better care, better explanations, and better outcomes. Kirstey shares the framework she now lives and teaches: Repair the gut. Rebalance hormones. Reclaim metabolism. And why true health is never just physical—it is always biological, psychological, and social. This is not just a story. It is a reclaiming. And an invitation for women to trust their bodies again. Support the showThe information shared in this podcast does not substitute working with your primary health care provider; it is general in nature and not considered personalised advice.Visit us online for more information or if you wish to work with Dr Holland.thehollandclinic.comFor your daily dose of women's health related info and ideas  on how to gracefully live through health and wellbeing transitions your body experiences, visit our Instagram instagram.com/thehollandclinic

Send me a text if you liked this episode.Today I  introduce you to my Heal-Seal-Repair Program.It's designed to address gut health and various related health issues.The program focuses on reducing gut inflammation through a structured Elimination Diet Schedule, identifying individual trigger foods, and categorising foods into five groups: ideal, reasonable, acceptable, foods to eat with caution, and foods to avoid. The program consists of a four-week detox phase and an eight-week reintroduction phase. Participants are encouraged to carefully monitor their body's reactions to foods reintroduced gradually. The program emphasises personalised dietary choices and provides flexibility in meal planning, aiming to promote overall health and well-being. I also touch on complementary protocols like intermittent fasting and ketogenic beverages and highlight the importance of consulting healthcare providers for comprehensive health assessments.Enjoy!00:00 Introduction to the Heal-Seal-Repair Program00:41 Understanding Gut Health and Inflammation01:46 The Elimination Diet Schedule04:39 The Five Food Categories08:38 Problematic Food Components13:17 The Detox and Reintroduction Phases17:37 Monitoring and Recording Reactions29:36 Flexibility and Personalization39:57 Conclusion and Next StepsSupport the showThe information shared in this podcast does not substitute working with your primary health care provider; it is general in nature and not considered personalised advice.Visit us online for more information or if you wish to work with Dr Holland.thehollandclinic.comFor your daily dose of women's health related info and ideas  on how to gracefully live through health and wellbeing transitions your body experiences, visit our Instagram instagram.com/thehollandclinic

Send me a text if you liked this episode.It's coming to the end of the year, Thanks Giving, Christmas, New Year celebrations, holiday seasons .... So: when is the best time to start a health program?In this episode, I share valuable insights on establishing an individualized roadmap for vitality and focusing on personal health. I discuss the importance of understanding one's unique biochemistry, debunking the idea of a one-size-fits-all diet. Allow me to highlight the significance of nourishing the body with nutrient-dense foods, making peace with what works for each individual.I also emphasise the role of self-care, balancing blood sugar, and optimizing hormones for long-term health.Support the showThe information shared in this podcast does not substitute working with your primary health care provider; it is general in nature and not considered personalised advice.Visit us online for more information or if you wish to work with Dr Holland.thehollandclinic.comFor your daily dose of women's health related info and ideas  on how to gracefully live through health and wellbeing transitions your body experiences, visit our Instagram instagram.com/thehollandclinic

Send me a text if you liked this episode.In this talk, I explore several dimensions of health beyond just the physical. Let me reflect on my background growing up in a violent household and how it affected my health-related behaviors. I want to highlighting the interconnection between our biological, psychological, and social aspects. Let me share what I know about emotional eating, body dysmorphia, addiction, stress,and inflammation of the brain and gut. I cannot over emphasise the significance of practicing mindful eating, establishing strong personal boundaries, and nurturing oneself. How do you achieve radical self-responsibility? Start with minor changes that lead to a healthier you and overall well-being.Support the showThe information shared in this podcast does not substitute working with your primary health care provider; it is general in nature and not considered personalised advice.Visit us online for more information or if you wish to work with Dr Holland.thehollandclinic.comFor your daily dose of women's health related info and ideas  on how to gracefully live through health and wellbeing transitions your body experiences, visit our Instagram instagram.com/thehollandclinic

Send me a text if you liked this episode.Hello gorgeous,this episode was recorded in the spur of the moment, as I'm driving home from dropping my son to his cricket match.If you want to ditch the myriad of symptoms that derail your good days as you go through perimenopause, you need the right approach.There's a "hierarchy of healing" that allow you to fix the vast majority of uncomfortable symptoms and reduce the risk of chronic illness in the future.Your gut is the gateway to resolving so many issues you experience with your hair, skin, waistline, mood, energy, sleep!Fix your gut first, then tackle your hormones to avoid a yo-yo effect of symptoms returning time and time again.Learn to recognise how you trigger symptoms with lifestyle choices and nutrition.Then resolve the symptoms with the approach that works for you.Let me talk you through this in this episode.If you want, you can then reach out for your personalised journey through perimenopause.It can be a graceful journey for you!In best health,Dr Kirstey HollandSupport the showThe information shared in this podcast does not substitute working with your primary health care provider; it is general in nature and not considered personalised advice.Visit us online for more information or if you wish to work with Dr Holland.thehollandclinic.comFor your daily dose of women's health related info and ideas  on how to gracefully live through health and wellbeing transitions your body experiences, visit our Instagram instagram.com/thehollandclinic

Send me a text if you liked this episode.Good morning from the Holland Clinic, on a rainy but refreshing day in Melbourne. We understand the many complexities involved in your search for health and vitality, which can feel increasingly daunting as we grow older. Yet, rest assured that you are not alone on this journey; we are here to guide you every step of the way.Often, as a society, we look for a single magic bullet to solve our health problems, whether it's taking a pill for a headache or seeking the ultimate anti-aging cream. We latch onto the convenience of this 'one thing' that can miraculously fix our issues. This was highlighted during a recent consultation with a client who was questioning why a product marketed to her wasn't working as promised. Indeed, quick fixes can be enticing, but we've found that holistic healing is a more sustainable, long-term approach.We had another client recently who perfectly illustrates the importance of holistic health. She was prescribed body-identical hormones, crucial to the management of perimenopause symptoms. But the hormones weren't as effective as they could have been because she hadn't made the necessary lifestyle and dietary changes. This illustrates a crucial point: no single treatment or medication works in isolation.An important transition occurs in women's bodies around the age of 40, akin to a 'non-negotiable renovation'. Suddenly, the dietary and lifestyle habits that previously served us may no longer work. This is why we advocate for gut health, even referring to it as the 'foundation of the house'. Our gut has a profound influence on our hormonal system, acting as a linchpin in the communication network between our gut's microbiome and our body's cells.The hormones, estradiol and progesterone, are crucial for our bodies to function optimally. To initiate hormonal therapy, having a baseline is pivotal since it enables us to assess improvements and ensure safe detoxification. Then, we need to monitor other hormones including testosterone and DHEA. We can also observe how estrogen metabolizes to prevent going down the potentially dangerous Four Hydroxy pathway.Next, we need to examine your melatonin levels and your cortisol awakening response. Imbalances here are linked to burnout and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome which women in perimenopause often experience. Additionally, it's important to monitor your thyroid function and get ahead of any potential autoimmune disorders.To navigate your way from fertile years through perimenopause and into menopause successfully, it's crucial to understand and manage these complex hormonal changes properly. It is not just about enhancing your quality of life, but also preventing further health complications down the line.Ultimately, the Holland Clinic advocates for an holistic approach to health and vitality, with a focus on nutrition and lifestyle modifications. We believe in fasting, but in a supported, manageable way, and always with a focus on you feeling your best. It's not about quick fixes or fad diets. It's about making consistent lifestyle choices that you can sustain for the long tSupport the showThe information shared in this podcast does not substitute working with your primary health care provider; it is general in nature and not considered personalised advice.Visit us online for more information or if you wish to work with Dr Holland.thehollandclinic.comFor your daily dose of women's health related info and ideas  on how to gracefully live through health and wellbeing transitions your body experiences, visit our Instagram instagram.com/thehollandclinic

Send me a text if you liked this episode.In this episode I discuss:- What is estrogen?- High estrogen or estrogen dominance? The signs of too much estrogen.- What causes estrogen dominance?- The importance of testing estrogen levels during perimenopause.- Basic treatment ideas for estrogen- 5 steps to naturally reduce excess estrogenEnjoy!In best health,Dr Kirstey HollandSupport the showThe information shared in this podcast does not substitute working with your primary health care provider; it is general in nature and not considered personalised advice.Visit us online for more information or if you wish to work with Dr Holland.thehollandclinic.comFor your daily dose of women's health related info and ideas  on how to gracefully live through health and wellbeing transitions your body experiences, visit our Instagram instagram.com/thehollandclinic

Send me a text if you liked this episode.In this longer episode I talk about how I approach the healing journey with my patients and clients.What is it like working with me, when all you want is ridding yourself of annoying, perhaps painful, perhaps embarrassing, perhaps super uncomfortable, perhaps life crushing physiological symptoms???Let's sit down.Support the showThe information shared in this podcast does not substitute working with your primary health care provider; it is general in nature and not considered personalised advice.Visit us online for more information or if you wish to work with Dr Holland.thehollandclinic.comFor your daily dose of women's health related info and ideas  on how to gracefully live through health and wellbeing transitions your body experiences, visit our Instagram instagram.com/thehollandclinic

Send me a text if you liked this episode. Topics for today:the vital connection between sleep and weight management,sleep and weight loss in pain, perimenopause and the power of supplements and lifestyle changes.Support the showThe information shared in this podcast does not substitute working with your primary health care provider; it is general in nature and not considered personalised advice.Visit us online for more information or if you wish to work with Dr Holland.thehollandclinic.comFor your daily dose of women's health related info and ideas  on how to gracefully live through health and wellbeing transitions your body experiences, visit our Instagram instagram.com/thehollandclinic

Send me a text if you liked this episode.In this chat that I originally posted on Insta, I am all fired up about the ways we can tackle and improve the symptoms of perimenopause.or example: I have been traumatised by diet culture.It doesn't have to be this way.Enjoy!Much Love Dr Kirstey HollandSupport the showThe information shared in this podcast does not substitute working with your primary health care provider; it is general in nature and not considered personalised advice.Visit us online for more information or if you wish to work with Dr Holland.thehollandclinic.comFor your daily dose of women's health related info and ideas  on how to gracefully live through health and wellbeing transitions your body experiences, visit our Instagram instagram.com/thehollandclinic

Send me a text if you liked this episode.We're going to discuss what is perimenopause. We're going to discuss, what are perimenopausal symptoms, could I potentially be in perimenopause? And then I've got a bit of sexy research for you at the end. I know that you think research can't be sexy, but wait, I'm gonna prove you wrong. Support the showThe information shared in this podcast does not substitute working with your primary health care provider; it is general in nature and not considered personalised advice.Visit us online for more information or if you wish to work with Dr Holland.thehollandclinic.comFor your daily dose of women's health related info and ideas  on how to gracefully live through health and wellbeing transitions your body experiences, visit our Instagram instagram.com/thehollandclinic

Send me a text if you liked this episode.Dr Holland is opening up her clinic to the world.This podcast is a recording of a live session from late November 2022, titled: "Rescuing You From The Rollercoaster Of Peri/Menopause".Dr Holland's approach to treating women for symptoms of peri/menopause starts with ensuring the gut health is restored, as it is so central to the human immune system and wellbeing.Listen to the tips & tricks offered, audience questions answered and how a treatment with The Holland Clinic will get women off the rollercoaster that is peri/menopause.Enjoy!Support the showThe information shared in this podcast does not substitute working with your primary health care provider; it is general in nature and not considered personalised advice.Visit us online for more information or if you wish to work with Dr Holland.thehollandclinic.comFor your daily dose of women's health related info and ideas  on how to gracefully live through health and wellbeing transitions your body experiences, visit our Instagram instagram.com/thehollandclinic