# Ep 145 - Non-Hormonal Options for Perimenopause & Menopause: What Actually Helps (and What Doesn't) Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/type-1-in-midlife-perimenopause-menopause-type-1-diabetes-6369803/ep-145-non-hormonal-options-for-perimenopause-menopause-what-actually-helps-and-what-doesn-t Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/type-1-in-midlife-perimenopause-menopause-type-1-diabetes-6369803/ep-145-non-hormonal-options-for-perimenopause-menopause-what-actually-helps-and-what-doesn-t.md Podcast: [Type 1 In Midlife: Perimenopause, Menopause & Type 1 Diabetes](https://stenobird.com/podcast/type-1-in-midlife-perimenopause-menopause-type-1-diabetes-6369803) Published: 2026-02-16T12:00:00+00:00 Episode link: https://8a3e4cb9-6bb5-419e-af59-a9022a4482b0.libsyn.com/ep-145-non-hormonal-options-for-perimenopause-menopause-what-actually-helps-and-what-doesnt Audio file: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/8a3e4cb9-6bb5-419e-af59-a9022a4482b0/T1IM_145_-_Melissa_Slemp_solo.mp3?dest-id=4006335 Processing state: not_requested JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/type-1-in-midlife-perimenopause-menopause-type-1-diabetes-6369803/episodes/ep-145-non-hormonal-options-for-perimenopause-menopause-what-actually-helps-and-what-doesn-t Duration seconds: 1752 ## Resource Are there natural or non-hormonal options for managing perimenopause and menopause symptoms— especially if you're living with type 1 diabetes ? This is one of the most common questions I hear from women, and in this solo episode, I'm breaking it down with honesty and realistic expectations. We'll talk about what non-hormonal options can support, where they fall short, and why the goal isn't perfection—but steadiness. I share my own experience navigating perimenopause, plus what I've seen work (and not work) with the women I coach. In this episode, we cover: When non-hormonal options may make sense Prescription options that don't include estrogen or progesterone Why sleep, stress regulation, strength training, and nutrition matter no matter what Herbs and supplements like magnesium, omega-3s, Vitex, black cohosh, and maca—who they may help and who should be cautious Why "natural" doesn't always mean safe or predictable How your hormonal stage changes what works I also share why I believe lifestyle support is the foundation—whether you eventually choose hormone therapy, non-hormonal options, or a mix of both. As always, this episode is educational and based on lived experience. Take what you learn here back to your healthcare provider and decide what's right for your body. 🎧 Mentioned in this episode: I'm proud to spotlight Diabetes Sisters , a nonprofit offering education, peer support, and community for women living with diabetes. Visit diabetessisters.org to join—it's free and a wonderful resource. 👉 Want deeper support? Learn more about my Type 1 in Midlife Coaching Circle , where we meet weekly and focus on one area of health each month to support hormones, blood sugar, and long-term wellbeing. https://www.abundanthealthwithmelissa.com/joingroupcoaching2026 If you e… ## Actions - request_transcript: `POST https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/type-1-in-midlife-perimenopause-menopause-type-1-diabetes-6369803/episodes/ep-145-non-hormonal-options-for-perimenopause-menopause-what-actually-helps-and-what-doesn-t/transcription-requests` — Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode. - read_markdown: `GET https://stenobird.com/podcast/type-1-in-midlife-perimenopause-menopause-type-1-diabetes-6369803/ep-145-non-hormonal-options-for-perimenopause-menopause-what-actually-helps-and-what-doesn-t.md` — Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource. A page view does not enqueue transcription. Agents should invoke `request_transcript` explicitly when they need this episode processed. ## Transcript Full transcripts are not published on public pages unless there is a clear rights basis.