# Ep 161 - Perimenopause and Type 1 Diabetes: The Symptoms Doctors Often Miss Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/type-1-in-midlife-perimenopause-menopause-type-1-diabetes-6369803/ep-161-perimenopause-and-type-1-diabetes-the-symptoms-doctors-often-miss Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/type-1-in-midlife-perimenopause-menopause-type-1-diabetes-6369803/ep-161-perimenopause-and-type-1-diabetes-the-symptoms-doctors-often-miss.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: 2026-06-08T11:00:00+00:00 Episode link: https://8a3e4cb9-6bb5-419e-af59-a9022a4482b0.libsyn.com/ep-161-perimenopause-and-type-1-diabetes-the-symptoms-doctors-often-miss Audio file: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/8a3e4cb9-6bb5-419e-af59-a9022a4482b0/T1IM_161_-_Sascha_Vrolijk.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-161-perimenopause-and-type-1-diabetes-the-symptoms-doctors-often-miss Duration seconds: 3416 ## Resource What happens when perimenopause collides with type 1 diabetes? For many women, the answer is confusion, frustration, and feeling like they're suddenly managing a completely different body. In this episode, Melissa sits down with Sascha Vrolijk, founder of Project M(e) and host of the Perimenopause Unfiltered podcast. Sascha shares her personal journey of experiencing brain fog, anxiety, exhaustion, and unpredictable blood sugars that ultimately led her to leave a demanding career before discovering that perimenopause was at the root of many of her symptoms. Together, they discuss: • The symptoms that made Sascha realize something wasn't right • Why so many women are unprepared for perimenopause • How hormonal changes can impact blood sugar management with type 1 diabetes • The emotional toll of feeling unlike yourself • Why self-advocacy matters in healthcare • How to prepare for productive conversations with your doctor • Common hormone therapy concerns and misconceptions • The importance of finding a provider who listens and collaborates • Why sharing our stories helps other women feel less alone Whether you're beginning to notice changes in your cycle, struggling with unexplained blood sugar swings, or simply wondering if hormones could be playing a role in how you feel, this conversation offers validation, practical insights, and encouragement. Remember: You're not imagining it. Hormones matter and understanding what's happening in your body is the first step toward feeling more confident and in control. Connect with Sascha Vrolijk Website https://www.myproject-me.com/ Podcast Perimenopause Unfiltered Connect with Melissa Slemp: Follow on: Instagram Tik Tok YouTube Linkedin Check out Melissa's website Purchase Melissa's book, Highs, Lows, & Hormones Connect with ot… ## Actions - request_transcript: `POST https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/type-1-in-midlife-perimenopause-menopause-type-1-diabetes-6369803/episodes/ep-161-perimenopause-and-type-1-diabetes-the-symptoms-doctors-often-miss/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-161-perimenopause-and-type-1-diabetes-the-symptoms-doctors-often-miss.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.