Facing the perimenopause gauntlet can feel like an uphill battle, with symptoms that disrupt our daily grind and test our resilience. Our guest, Adrien Cotton, gets real with us about the struggles and victories she’s faced as a mom of twins and small business entrepreneur, and how she’s used her experience to empower and educate women through midlife and beyond. Adrien is a speaker, certified fitness and nutrition coach, menopause expert, and wellness coach. She's a mother of teenage twins and creator of the program MASTER Menopause Now! Adrien and I chat about perimenopause - when it typically starts, common symptoms that are present with it, what the different stages look like, and more. We also talk more about her Wellness Wheel approach that supports perimenopausal women trying to juggle allll the responsibilities for themselves and their families, building simple and sustainable wellness habits when you’re in your forties and beyond, and more.Even if you’re not yet in perimenopause or menopause, you will eventually be, and chances are, you know someone who already is. Adrien had SO much value to share in this episode, and I know it will be an incredible pep talk for you to listen to!Episode Recap: Adrien’s journey from her high-leverage professional careers into the health and fitness industry, and how that led her to work with women in menopause {3:34}When perimenopause begins, how long it typically lasts, and 4 common symptoms that present with perimenopause for most women {8:53}When you’re officially in menopause {11:40}Why you really can’t predict what perimenopause will look like for you {13:07}Adrien’s experience with having twins at age 40 + dealing with both perimenopause and postpartum depression at the same time {16:50}The three stages of perimenopause {18:56}Using the spokes of the Wellness Wheel to balance self-care + all of the other responsibilities in your life as a perimenopausal woman {20:08}Diet culture’s influence on women + the current healthcare system’s way to typically ‘treat’ patients {25:52}Understanding that what/how much you need to eat is unique to YOU + learning to add in food, instead of always taking away {30:13}Starting small with the Wellness Wheel spokes to build simple, sustainable habits {35:00}Reframing how you view the ‘it’ when it comes to exercise and fitting IT into your already full schedule {39:34}The power that comes from filling your bucket first {47:12}**Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is NOT meant to be taken as individual or medical advice. Please seek the advice of your physician or healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.Complete show notes (including all links and resources I mentioned in this episode): https://margaretpowell.com/podcast/episode29Connect with Adrien on Instagram @adrienmcottonLearn more about working with Adrien by visiting her website (share about discount code for listeners)Connect with me on Instagram @margaretannpowell and @fueledandfreenutritionFor questions or suggestions about the podcast, send us an email at fueledandfreepodcast@gmail.com