Perimenopause doesn’t have to feel like the end of your fire. In Ayurveda, this stage of life is actually called your Golden Goddess era.

In this episode, Jessica talks with Heather Grzych, Ayurvedic doctor-level practitioner, bestselling author of The Ayurvedic Guide to Fertility, and former president of the National Ayurvedic Medical Association. Heather explains how Ayurveda sees midlife as a shift from the fiery stage of life into the air and space stage — a transition that brings both challenges and new possibilities.

We cover:

✔️How Ayurveda defines the stages of a woman’s life — from “juicy” childhood through the spaciousness of midlife

✔️Why perimenopause can feel like too much fire (hot flashes) or too much air and space (anxiety, dryness) — and how to rebalance

✔️Why oils are considered grounding and calming, and which ones are best for midlife women

✔️How disrupted sleep creates “ama” (toxic buildup) in the body, and gentle ways Ayurveda clears it

✔️How Ayurveda looks at food as qualities (warm, cooling, dry, oily) rather than calories — and what that means for hot flashes, mood, and metabolism

✔️Why routines, rituals, and steady movement like Pilates or yoga bring stability during this stage

✔️Why Ayurveda doesn’t hand out a single perimenopause protocol — because every woman’s transition looks different

Heather reminds us that this isn’t about powering through symptoms or finding the “one right supplement.” It’s about learning how your body is shifting, and working with it instead of against it — so you can move through perimenopause with more steadiness, clarity, and even a little goddess glow.

Connect with Heather:

heathergrzych.com

Wisdom of the Body podcast

Instagram

Get $75 off your first consultation (use code: BELONG)

CHAPTERS

00:00 Episode Intro

01:30 Listener Shout Out 🎉

03:09 What is Ayurveda?

07:29 Perimenopause through the Lens of Ayurveda

15:49 How to Treat Perimenopause Symptoms Using Ayurveda

27:54 Heather's Top Tip for Perimenopause

33:17 What Worked For Your Friend Might Not Work For You

34:18 Conclusion

35:01 Key Takeaways

I want to hear from you. Send me a text!

Let's stay in touch:
Join my email list and I will send you my three favorite protein-rich smoothie recipes!

Follow me on Instagram: @belongwellness
Check out my website: belongwellness.com

When Julie Parana had a hysterectomy at 42, she expected relief from years of pain—which she got. What she did not expect was the immediate launch into menopause a decade earlier than planned. Even with her ovaries intact, Julie found herself dealing with symptoms like brain fog, forgetfulness, and sleep struggles that were affecting her work. But, it wasn’t until the hot flashes showed up that she connected the dots.

In this episode, Julie shares how she pieced together the truth, why most doctors aren’t trained to recognize or treat menopause effectively, and how the experience inspired her to become The Menopause Occupational Therapist — helping women and employers navigate this transition with confidence.

We cover:

✔️How early menopause can happen after a hysterectomy—even when your ovaries are left intact

✔️The surprising gaps in menopause education for healthcare providers

✔️What to do when your menopause symptoms are affecting your work

✔️Why nervous system regulation is essential for symptom relief and long-term health

Connect with Julie:

➡️ themenopauseot.com

➡️ Instagram | YouTube

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction

01:24 Listener Shout Out

02:49 Julie's Menopause Story

07:51 Why Julie Educated Herself About Menopause

14:27 Julie's Advice for Those Having Surgery

19:54 Navigating Work During Menopause

24:07 How to Discuss Menopause with Your Boss

29:19 Supporting Women in the Workplace

36:51 What Julie Wishes Everyone Knew About Menopause

37:58 Key Takeaways

I want to hear from you. Send me a text!

Let's stay in touch:
Join my email list and I will send you my three favorite protein-rich smoothie recipes!

Follow me on Instagram: @belongwellness
Check out my website: belongwellness.com

In this episode, I’m joined by Heather Nelson to discuss her very personal story that sheds light on a topic that feels like a black box to many of us—surrogacy.

Heather is a mother, wife, business coach and podcaster who became a surrogate five years ago. Now at 43 and navigating perimenopause, she’s preparing to do it again.

Her story offers a rare, honest look at the emotional and logistical realities of surrogacy—from hormone shots to heart-expanding moments to what it means to grow a baby with the full intention of letting go.

In this episode, we cover:

✔️Why Heather became a surrogate (and why she’s doing it again)

✔️The extensive medical, emotional, and psychological screening process

✔️What makes a good match between surrogate and intended parents

✔️What it’s like to carry a baby that isn’t yours

✔️How she talks to her husband, kids and even strangers about surrogacy

✔️Postpartum recovery without a baby

✔️Compensation, contracts, and the questions everyone wants to ask

✔️Why the world needs more surrogates—and how to explore it

If you’re anything like me, Heather’s story will leave you both inspired and a little choked up.

Links and Resources:

➡️ Follow Heather on Instagram: @heathernelson.life

➡️ Listen to Heather’s podcast: Life Conversations with a Twist

➡️ Learn more about her coaching work at theconnectionhive.co

Like what you hear?

➕ Follow Belong Wellness for more super smart and slightly sassy midlife conversations that blend science, intuition, and zero BS.

⭐️ If this episode inspired you, please share it with a friend and leave a 5-star review!

Other Episodes You Might Enjoy 🎧:

• Your Body Isn’t the Problem—A Midlife Health Reframe
• Perimenopause (Jessica’s Version)

I want to hear from you. Send me a text!

Let's stay in touch:
Join my email list and I will send you my three favorite protein-rich smoothie recipes!

Follow me on Instagram: @belongwellness
Check out my website: belongwellness.com