Sugar cravings hitting harder than they used to? In perimenopause, falling estrogen lowers serotonin and raises ghrelin — your hunger hormone — while blood sugar swings and poor sleep pile on top. This isn't a willpower problem; it's measurable hormonal chemistry, backed by real studies from Maturitas, Biological Psychiatry, and the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Cathy breaks down exactly why the 3pm craving hits, when it might be more than a craving, and what protei

Phytoestrogens — from soy, flaxseed, and red clover — are among the most debated tools in perimenopause. A 2025 meta-analysis found soy isoflavones significantly improved mood, palpitations, and headaches, though hot flush effects were less consistent. Flaxseed lignans showed benefit in a randomised trial. Whether they work depends on your gut bacteria. Here's the honest evidence — including the breast cancer safety question most articles dodge.