If you've had sudden pain under your right ribs in your 40s, it may be perimenopause. Falling estrogen pushes more cholesterol into your bile, raising gallstone and gallbladder-attack risk. Cathy breaks down the estrogen-bile research, why HRT and rapid weight loss add risk, what a real attack feels like, and the small habits — steady weight, a little fat, more fiber — evidence actually supports. Sourced from PLOS ONE, Hepatology, JAMA, and NIDDK.

Breakouts in your 40s aren't in your head. As estrogen swings erratically through perimenopause while androgens hold steadier, oil glands shift into androgen-driven overdrive. Peer-reviewed research shows perimenopausal acne is common, often distinct from teenage acne, and generally improves after full menopause. This piece covers what diet studies actually support and which treatments — from dermocosmetics to spironolactone — have real evidence behind them.