So many women are being told that perimenopause is all about hormones. But what if the real driver of your symptoms is something else entirely? Gemma Benad has lived through anxiety, heart palpitations, panic attacks, and crushing fatigue, only to discover that what looked like a hormone problem was actually burnout.

We talk about why women are more disconnected and stressed than ever, how this fuels weight gain, mood swings, and fatigue, and why we’ve been sold HRT as the one-size-fits-all solution. Gemma shares how safety, nervous system health, and small lifestyle shifts can completely change this experience. This conversation is about helping you feel supported, connected, and in charge of your choices as you move through perimenopause.

Key Takeaways

Perimenopause Isn’t a Disease – It’s a transition, and with the right information, it can be powerful.

Burnout is the Hidden Root – Stress and disconnection are showing up as the symptoms we blame on hormones.

Your Body is Speaking – What we call symptoms are really messages that help guide us back into alignment.

Safety Changes Everything – When the nervous system feels safe, weight, energy, and mood begin to shift.

Lifestyle is Medicine – Protein, fat, movement, rest, and nervous system care are non-negotiables.

Informed Choice is Key – Whether you choose HRT or not, it should come from empowerment, not fear.

Where to Find Our Guest

Gemma Benad’s Website: https://stan.store/gemmabenad

Links & Resources

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Right now, get $100 off (on top of their sale) with code NATK. Low EMF, Aussie-made, expert-approved 👉 https://nooksaunas.com.au

📷 Connect with Me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/natkringoudis

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Many women are told that hormone replacement therapy is the solution, but it is rarely that straightforward. I’ve got Dr. Wendy Warner with me today, and I am very excited to jump into women’s health and hormones. Dr. Warner is a functional medicine gynecologist and hormone expert who brings decades of experience to this important conversation.

She shares her journey from conventional gynecology into functional and integrative medicine, blending herbal medicine, lifestyle strategies, and root-cause healing. Together we unpack the overwhelming and often conflicting advice around HRT, perimenopause, and menopause, as well as the frustration of unexplainable symptoms and the gaps women face when they are only offered prescriptions instead of support. This conversation is about empowering women with real information so you can feel confident navigating hormone changes, reducing confusion, and building a foundation for long-term health.

Key Takeaways

HRT is Not a Magic Fix – Hormone replacement therapy can help, but it is not the single answer to every symptom of menopause or perimenopause.

Lifestyle is the Foundation – Stress, sleep, blood sugar, and nervous system health must be addressed first for real hormonal balance.

Perimenopause Myths – Many women blame every symptom on perimenopause, but often these issues are linked to stress or lifestyle factors.

Confusion Around Hormones – Conflicting advice leaves women feeling overwhelmed, which is why clear education and personalized care are essential.

Genetics Matter – How your body metabolizes hormones can change how HRT works, making functional testing and personalization important.

Menopause as Rebirth – Menopause is a natural transition, not a disease. With the right support, it can be a time of growth and renewed energy.

Where to Find Our Guest

Dr. Wendy Warner’s Website: https://www.wendywarnermd.com/

Dr. Wendy Warner on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendywarnermd/

Dr. Wendy Warner on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendywarnermd/

Links & Resources

🎁 Nook Sauna Sale: Extra $100 Off for Better Sleep & Recovery

Sauna-curious? I’m obsessed with Nook Saunas — better sleep, less stress, glowing skin.

Right now, get $100 off (on top of their sale) with code NATK. Low EMF, Aussie-made, expert-approved 👉 https://nooksaunas.com.au

📷 Connect with Me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/natkringoudis

🌿 Join NK x The Membership – Your Wellness Sanctuary!

Created by me to help women reclaim their body wisdom with expert support, exclusive resources, and a like-minded community.

✨ What’s Inside?
✔ Early access to new Masterclasses & Challenges
✔ Unlimited access to 20+ Masterclasses & 25+ free ebooks
✔ VIP perks—events, expert Q&As & private community
✔ 20% off practitioner-grade supplements
✔ Direct access to Nat via live Q&As & Facebook chat

💖 Join today & take charge of your health!
👉 Sign Up Now: https://natkringoudis.thrivecart.com/the-membership-x-nat-kringoudis/

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes on self-care, healing, and empowerment!

What happens when the unthinkable is your childhood reality? I sat down with Jessica Ella, a women’s trauma expert, speaker, and author, who shares her story of surviving abuse and how she turned her pain into purpose. Jessica talks about her own healing, the courage it took to finally speak up, and the work she now does to support women in finding their own power.

This is an honest and brave conversation. Jessica explains how trauma shows up in the body, why healing the nervous system is such an important part of recovery, and how trauma bonds can keep people feeling stuck. Most of all, she shows us what becomes possible when we choose to heal and live free.

If this conversation brings up difficult feelings for you, please reach out for support. In Australia, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au. If you’re listening from somewhere else, please connect with a trusted support service in your local area.

Key Takeaways

The Reality of Abuse – 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 5 boys are sexually abused in childhood, mostly by people they know.

Generational Cycles – Abuse and trauma often continue through families, until someone chooses to break it.

The Trauma Bond – These strong attachments can feel like love but keep survivors connected to harm.

Healing in Layers – Somatic work, subconscious reprogramming, and nervous system repair all matter in recovery.

Speaking Out Brings Power – Sharing her story publicly was a turning point in Jessica’s healing.

Taking the First Step – Beginning the process is hard, but it leads to freedom and a new way forward.

Where to Find Our Guest

Jessica Ella’s Website: https://www.jessicaella.com.au/

Jessica Ella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjessicaella/

Secret or Surprise: https://www.secretorsurprise.com.au/

Links & Resources

🎁 Nook Sauna Sale: Extra $100 Off for Better Sleep & Recovery

Sauna-curious? I’m obsessed with Nook Saunas — better sleep, less stress, glowing skin.

Right now, get $100 off (on top of their sale) with code NATK. Low EMF, Aussie-made, expert-approved 👉 https://nooksaunas.com.au

📷 Connect with Me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/natkringoudis

🌿 Join NK x The Membership – Your Wellness Sanctuary!

Created by me to help women reclaim their body wisdom with expert support, exclusive resources, and a like-minded community.

✨ What’s Inside?
✔ Early access to new Masterclasses & Challenges
✔ Unlimited access to 20+ Masterclasses & 25+ free ebooks
✔ VIP perks—events, expert Q&As & private community
✔ 20% off practitioner-grade supplements
✔ Direct access to Nat via live Q&As & Facebook chat

💖 Join today & take charge of your health!
👉 Sign Up Now: https://natkringoudis.thrivecart.com/the-membership-x-nat-kringoudis/

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes on self-care, healing, and empowerment!