Perimenopause, Brain Fog & Relationship Strain: What Every Woman (and Man) Needs to Know (Part 1)

From Relationship Renovation: Marriage Advice, Intimacy & Couples Communication EJ and Tarah Kerwin

So many women are silently struggling through perimenopause and menopause without realizing what’s actually happening to their bodies, brains, emotions, sleep, libido, and relationships.

In this deeply honest and validating conversation, we sit down with Dr. Arianna Sholes-Douglas — founder of Tula Wellness, author of The Menopause Myth, and host of the Stay Juicy Podcast — to unpack what perimenopause and menopause REALLY feel like beyond the social media jokes and hot flash stereotypes.

We talk about:

brain fog and memory fears
irritability and emotional overwhelm
sleep disruption and anxiety
libido changes
resentment and relationship strain
why so many women feel “dry,” disconnected, or unlike themselves
how hormonal shifts affect the nervous system and emotional regulation
why women are so often dismissed or misdiagnosed
the emotional and identity shifts happening underneath the surface

Tarah also shares vulnerably about her own experience navigating perimenopause, hormone replacement therapy, emotional reactivity, sleep struggles, and what finally helped her begin feeling like herself again.

This conversation is honest, emotional, educational, and incredibly important for both women AND partners trying to better understand what’s happening during this stage of life.

🎧 NEXT WEDNESDAY (Bonus Episode Part 2):

We take this conversation directly into relationships, intimacy, communication, emotional safety, and how couples can navigate perimenopause and menopause together instead of turning against each other.

If this episode resonates, make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss Part 2.

Connect with Dr. Arianna Sholes-Douglas:

Tula Wellness & Aesthetics

Stay Juicy Podcast

Author of The Menopause Myth