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In this first Empower Your Menopause episode of 2026, James and Juli from Fabulous Beyond 40 sit down with award-winning anthropologist, writer and coach Veronica Kirin to unpack a powerful and often misunderstood midlife mix: stress, perimenopause and PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder).

When these three collide, things can feel overwhelming, confusing and downright brutal. Veronica brings a refreshingly human and science-grounded lens to what’s really going on, why so many women feel dismissed or misdiagnosed, and how to make sense of your symptoms without spiralling into self-blame.

Together, they explore how big life transitions, hormone shifts and chronic stress interact, why some women are more vulnerable to mood changes in midlife, and what it actually means to advocate for yourself in the healthcare system. You’ll also hear practical guidance on how to switch clinicians when you’re not being listened to, without guilt, awkwardness or burning bridges.

If you’ve ever thought “something isn’t right, but I don’t know how to explain it”, this episode will feel like a breath of fresh air.

As always, this podcast is for education and empowerment, not medical advice. If anything resonates, take it as a starting point for a conversation with your healthcare provider.

Stay in touch with Veronica

For more on Veronica's work, see https://veronicakirin.com/