Have you ever woken up at 3am, heart racing, mind spinning with everything you’ve ever said or done… only to spend the next day exhausted, craving sugar, and wondering why you just can’t get it together?

Here’s what I want you to know:

You’re not imagining it. And you’re certainly not alone.

In this episode of Before the Salad, Julia Tyrer — The Menopause Guide — unpacks cortisol chaos: what happens when your stress hormones go haywire in midlife and menopause.

Together, we’ll explore:

• What cortisol really is and why it matters so much in menopause
• How hormonal shifts make your body more sensitive to stress
• Why weight gain, anxiety, cravings, and brain fog aren’t moral failings — they’re messages
• The hidden habits that quietly keep cortisol levels high
• Gentle, practical ways to calm your stress hormones — not through restriction or force, but through kindness, nourishment, and safety

Here’s the truth:

Calm isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity.

Creating moments of calm in your day isn’t self-indulgent — it’s an act of courage, a choice to honour your body, and a way to protect your future health.

🌿 Before the Salad Action: Choose one small thing today that tells your nervous system, “You’re safe here.” Maybe it’s five slow breaths. Maybe it’s stepping outside with your tea. Maybe it’s saying no without guilt.

💛 If this episode speaks to your heart, share it with a friend who feels overwhelmed right now. Because we are braver, stronger, and kinder together.

✨ Ready for deeper support? Sign up to Julia’s free mini class Before the Salad: What Every Woman Needs to Know About Energy, Hormones, and Feeling Good Again. Link in the show notes.

And remember, lovely — healing starts Before the Salad.

Thanks for listening to Before the Salad. If today’s episode resonated with you, I’d love it if you’d follow the show, leave a review, or share it with a friend who needs to hear this.

This is just the beginning — we’re diving deeper into what it really means to feel good again, from the inside out.

• Want more support between episodes? Join my email list for weekly tips and honest conversations about midlife, hormones, and healing.

👉 Ready to feel strong, clear, and calm again? Register for my free mini class here: [link]

Until next time, be kind to yourself. You’re not alone — and you’re not broken.