Perimenopause, T1D & Self Advocacy What Every Woman Needs to Know | Ep 161

What happens when perimenopause collides with type 1 diabetes (T1D)? For many women, the result is unpredictable blood sugar swings, intense brain fog, anxiety and feeling completely disconnected from their bodies. In this episode, Melissa sits down with Sascha Vrolijk, founder of Project M(e) and host of the Perimenopause Unfiltered podcast. Sascha shares her raw personal journey of navigating unexplained exhaustion and volatile blood sugars symptoms that eventually led her to leave a demanding career before realizing hormonal shifts were the root cause. Key Takeaways From This Episode: The T1D & Menopause Connection: How fluctuating estrogen and progesterone levels directly impact insulin sensitivity and blood sugar management. Spotting the Signs: Why symptoms like brain fog, anxiety and fatigue are frequently misdiagnosed or overlooked in women with diabetes. Medical Self-Advocacy: How to prepare for productive doctor appointments and find a healthcare provider who collaborates with you. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Demystifying common misconceptions about hormone therapy for type 1 diabetic women. The Emotional Toll: Navigating the identity shifts of midlife and why sharing our stories eliminates isolation. Whether you are noticing subtle changes in your menstrual cycle or battling unexplained blood sugar highs and lows, this conversation offers validation, clinical insights, and practical strategies. You aren't imagining it hormones matter. 🔗 Connect With Our Guest: Website: https://www.myproject-me.com/ Podcast: Perimenopause Unfiltered Join us as we navigate the journey of midlife with diabetes stronger, healthier and more empowered! 🔗 Resources & Links: 🌿 Abundant Health with Melissa →https://www.abundanthealthwithmelissa... 💊 Hormone Replacement & T1D Resources →https://abundant-health-with-melissa.... 🎤Group Coaching Circle 🎉 https://www.abundanthealthwithmelissa... 📲 Follow Melissa on Social Media: 📸 Instagram → / type1.in.midlife 💼 LinkedIn → / type1inmidlife 📌 Pinterest → / type1inmidlife ⚠️ Disclaimer: Nothing heard on the Type 1 in Midlife Podcast should substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before changing your diet, insulin dosages, or treatment plan. #Type1Diabetes #Perimenopause #T1D #MenopauseAndDiabetes #DiabetesManagement #WomensHealth #HormoneReplacementTherapy #InsulinSensitivity