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Metabolic and Body Composition Changes in Perimenopause: What’s Really Happening

    Home THE WELLNESS EMPORIUM Metabolic and Body Composition Changes in Perimenopause: What’s Really Happening

    Metabolic and Body Composition Changes in Perimenopause: What’s Really Happening

    By Naturopath Elisha | THE WELLNESS EMPORIUM | 0 comment | 14 July, 2025 | 0

    Are you frustrated by sudden weight gain, especially around your midsection, despite eating the same way you always have? The body composition changes during perimenopause can feel shocking and demoralising, but understanding what’s actually happening can help you respond more effectively.

    How Hormones Reshape Your Body

    During perimenopause, multiple hormonal shifts work together to change how your body stores fat and maintains muscle:

    Sex Hormone Decline: As oestrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate and eventually decline, fat distribution shifts from hips and thighs to your abdominal area. This visceral fat accumulation isn’t just cosmetic – it’s metabolically active and can impact your health.

    Cortisol’s Role: Chronic stress and poor sleep during perimenopause often elevate cortisol levels, promoting belly fat storage and breaking down precious muscle tissue.

    Insulin Changes: Many women develop insulin resistance during this time, making it harder for your body to process carbohydrates efficiently and leading to increased fat storage.

    Age-Related Muscle Loss: Starting in your 30s, you naturally lose 3-8% of muscle mass per decade. This process continues & potentially accelerates during perimenopause, reducing your overall metabolism and changing your body shape.

    The Truth About Metabolism and Menopause

    Contrary to popular belief, research shows that basal metabolism doesn’t actually slow down until around age 70, with the exception of certain illnesses such as diagnosed hypothyroidism. However, several factors during perimenopause can create the illusion of a slower metabolism and disrupt your energy balance throughout the day.

    Sleep Disruption Effects: Poor sleep elevates cortisol, interfering with hormones like ghrelin and leptin that control hunger and satiety. This leads to increased cravings and further muscle loss.

    Insulin Sensitivity Changes: Reduced insulin sensitivity can cause energy crashes and intense cravings, making it feel like your metabolism has stalled & driving the desire for high energy foods

    Decreased NEAT (Non-Exercise Activity): Fatigue, poor sleep, and drastic undereating attempts can reduce your spontaneous daily movement and total daily calorie burn.

    Reduced Formal Exercise: Joint pain, fatigue, hot flashes, unpredictable heavy periods, body image concerns, and mood challenges can all create barriers to regular physical activity.

    Ask Yourself These Important Questions

    What did I used to do that I don’t do now?

    • More spontaneous activity throughout the day
    • Less screen time and more active leisure
    • Different work environment (standing vs. sitting)
    • Regular planned exercise routines

    What do I do now that I never used to do?

    • New evening eating or drinking habits
    • More sedentary choices (driving instead of walking, more screen time)
    • Increased stress eating or emotional eating patterns

    Most importantly – WHY? Understanding the root causes – whether it’s lowered self-esteem, physical pain, or specific perimenopausal symptoms – is crucial for creating effective solutions.

    What You Can Do About It

    Support Strategies:

    • Prioritise protein intake to preserve muscle mass during this critical time
    • Focus on strength training to combat natural muscle loss
    • Address sleep quality to improve hormone balance
    • Manage stress through proven techniques like meditation or gentle movement
    • Consider working with healthcare providers who understand perimenopause

    Testing Options: Comprehensive hormone panels, insulin sensitivity testing, and thyroid function assessments can help identify specific imbalances affecting your metabolism and body composition. You can view our testing and consult packages here, or book a 1:1 with our Naturopath Elisha for a personalised recommendation based on your presenting symptoms.

    Remember, these changes are a normal part of the perimenopausal transition, not a personal failure. With the right approach and support, you can navigate these shifts while maintaining your health and confidence. 

    Written by Naturopath Elisha.

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    menopause, perimenopause, weight gain

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    When people talk about “detoxing,” it’s ofte When people talk about “detoxing,” it’s often tied to juice cleanses or expensive supplements. But your body already has a detox system — your liver. It works every day to filter out toxins and waste. The real question is: are you giving it the support it needs?

Your liver plays a key role in hormone balance, digestion, energy and overall wellbeing. But when it’s under stress from processed foods, alcohol, sugar or environmental toxins, its ability to do that job can slow down. Over time, that can affect your gut, skin, energy and more.

The good news? You can support your liver naturally — with real food.

Certain wholefoods contain compounds that help your liver function better. Leafy greens and bitter vegetables can support phase two detox pathways. Garlic, beetroot and turmeric help stimulate bile flow and reduce inflammation. Fibre supports your gut and helps eliminate waste. Even lemon in warm water can support digestion first thing in the morning.

It’s not about extremes — just small, daily choices that help lighten the load on your liver and support your long-term health.

A few simple tips:
✔ Eat more greens, especially rocket, spinach or kale
✔ Limit alcohol and processed foods
✔ Stay hydrated with filtered water
✔ Include healthy fats like avocado and olive oil
✔ Make room for rest, movement and gut support

Looking for tailored support on low tox living or gentle detox strategies?

📞 Contact or call us on (07) 5535 2474
💻 Or book online today with our Naturopaths.

#lowtoxlife #liverhealth #detoxnaturally #lowtoxliving #gutliverconnection #lowtoxhome #naturaldetox #consciousliving #wholefoodnutrition #chemicalfreehome #liverfriendlyfoods #simplewellness #healthybodyhealthymind #lowtoxnutrition #lowtoxsupport #nontoxicliving
    Lots of mainstream beauty products contain chemica Lots of mainstream beauty products contain chemicals like parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrance, and SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate). These are widely used because they:
* Preserve products (so they last longer on shelves)
* Make scents stick
* Help products foam or spread easily.

The problem? 🚫 These chemicals can act as Endocrine disruptors = mimic, block, or interfere with your hormones—the body’s messengers that regulate things like mood, energy, metabolism, fertility, and stress response.

* Parabens mimic estrogen, throwing off hormone balance.
* Phthalates can interfere with reproductive hormones and have been linked to fertility issues.
* Fragrance (a catch-all term that can hide hundreds of chemicals) often contains hormone-disrupting compounds.

Since your skin is highly absorbent, these chemicals don’t just sit on the surface. They enter your bloodstream, adding to your body’s “toxic load.” Over time, these can impact your:�- Hormones (PMS, fertility, thyroid)�- Skin (acne, eczema, irritation)�- Gut health�- Mood & energy

You don’t need to throw out your whole cabinet overnight—low-tox living is all about progress, not perfection.
✨ Start with your daily essentials (lotion, sunscreen, deodorant).
✨ Look for simple, clean ingredients.
✨ Each small swap lowers your toxic load and supports your hormones, skin, and overall wellbeing.

Small changes → big impact 💛
📞 Call us on (07) 5535 2474 or
🌿 Book your consultation today and start your low-tox journey.
    Ever flipped over your skincare or cleaning produc Ever flipped over your skincare or cleaning product and felt overwhelmed by the ingredients list?

Many everyday products contain chemicals that sound technical but can quietly impact your health over time — especially when used daily. Some are linked to hormone disruption, skin irritation, or long-term environmental damage. And the tricky part? These ingredients aren’t always easy to spot.

Here are 10 common ones to look for when reading labels:
🔍 Parabens – Methylparaben, butylparaben etc. Often used as preservatives, but may affect hormone balance
🔍 Phthalates – Often hidden under “fragrance” or labelled as DEP, DBP, DMP
🔍 Formaldehyde-releasers – Like DMDM hydantoin and Quaternium-15. These are slow-release preservatives
🔍 Triclosan – Still found in some hand sanitisers and toothpaste
🔍 Oxybenzone (BP-3) – A sunscreen chemical linked to endocrine disruption
🔍 PFAS – “Forever chemicals” used for water resistance in cosmetics and cleaning sprays
🔍 SLS/SLES – Sodium lauryl sulfate, harsh surfactants that can irritate skin
🔍 Benzalkonium chloride – Used in disinfectants and some facial wipes
🔍 Propylene glycol – May trigger contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals
🔍 Methylisothiazolinone – Preservative found in baby wipes and shampoos; linked to allergic reactions

Low tox living doesn’t mean throwing everything out at once. It means being more informed about what you’re bringing into your home and onto your skin.

If you’re not sure where to begin, our Naturopaths can guide you through the process and help with simple product swaps that make a real difference.

📞 Contact or call us on (07) 5535 2474
💻 Or book online today to speak with our team about your low tox goals.

#lowtoxlife #lowtoxliving #nontoxicliving #chemicalfreehome #labelreading #guthealthsupport #simplewellness #naturalalternatives #ecoawareliving #consciouschoices #lowtoxhome #cleanlivingtips #parabenfree #pfasfree #fragrancefree
    Your gut microbiome is designed to thrive on plant Your gut microbiome is designed to thrive on plant diversity 🌿 

The good bacteria inside your gut feed on prebiotic fibers—found in many plant foods—which they ferment into short-chain fatty acids that lower inflammation, fuel your gut lining, and strengthen immunity.

If you can’t tolerate plant foods or prebiotic fibers, it’s often a sign of dysbiosis (imbalanced gut bacteria) or poor digestion—not something to ignore. Cutting foods out might bring temporary relief, but long-term it starves your beneficial microbes, weakens gut resilience, and disrupts balance.

Prebiotics (the fuel) + probiotics (the good bacteria) work together to keep your gut strong, resilient, and diverse. Without enough fiber, probiotics can’t do their job effectively.

Here are 5 great examples of foods with high quality fiber & prebiotic source: 
- Bananas (especially slightly green) → contain resistant starch + prebiotics
- Oats & barley → contain beta-glucans that lower cholesterol and support gut health
- Garlic, onions & leeks → feed good bacteria, also antimicrobial against “bad” bugs
- Flaxseeds & chia seeds → fiber + omega-3s for gut and hormone health
- Dandelion greens & leafy veg → diverse fibers that support microbial diversity
And many more… 

With the right testing and care, we can uncover the “why” and support your microbiome back into balance. 
📞 Call us on (07) 5535 2474 or
🌿 Book your consultation today and start your low-tox journey
    You might not always think about your gut unless s You might not always think about your gut unless something’s gone wrong. But your gut is doing more than just digesting food — it’s a key part of your immune system, hormone balance, energy levels and even mood.

The gut is home to trillions of bacteria that make up your microbiome. These microbes help break down food, create nutrients, and protect your body from the inside out. But everyday exposure to environmental toxins can throw this balance off.

Things like pesticides, plastics, synthetic fragrances, and certain medications can damage your gut lining, reduce beneficial bacteria, and create inflammation. Over time, this can lead to symptoms like bloating, fatigue, brain fog, skin flare-ups and poor digestion.

This imbalance is called dysbiosis, and it’s becoming more common. The good news is that small, low tox changes can make a real difference.

Start with your food: choose whole, unprocessed meals, eat more plant fibres, and include fermented options like sauerkraut or kefir. Use natural cleaning products like vinegar, lemon and bicarb soda. Filter your water and store food in glass instead of plastic. It’s about lightening the load your gut deals with every day.

You don’t need to do it all at once. Begin with one or two swaps that feel manageable and build from there. If you’re feeling unsure where to start, we’re here to help.

📞 Contact or call us on (07) 5535 2474
💻 Or book online today to chat with our Naturopaths about low tox living and gut support.

#lowtoxlife #guthealth #lowtoxhome #guthealing #toxinsandguthealth #chemicalfreehome #guthealthaustralia #bloatingrelief #microbiomehealth #consciousliving #simplewellness #holistichealthaustralia #nontoxicliving #guthealthsupport #cleanlivingtips #naturalchoices #wellnesstips #filteryourwater
    Looking for a serene space to grow your wellness o Looking for a serene space to grow your wellness or healthcare practice?
Our beautiful Burleigh Heads clinic has a  room available for hire — the perfect home for practitioners who value calm, connection and community.

What’s included:
* Electricity + wifi included
* Access to shared kitchen, bathroom + waiting area (supplies all provided to maintain these areas)
* Full access to your clinic room/ clinic space, you choose your hours, no restrictions.
* Cross-referral opportunities within our established multi-modality team
Our space would suit dietitians, counsellors, massage or beauty therapists, energy healers, IV OR injectable nurses, physiotherapists and more.
📍 Located upstairs on James Street, Burleigh Heads
💰 $430 + GST per week
If you’re ready to take the next step in your business and join a like-minded community of health professionals, we’d love to hear from you!
💌 Send us a DM or visit thewellnessemporium.com.au to learn more.

#BurleighHeads #GoldCoastWellness #ClinicRoomHire #WellnessSpace #HolisticHealth #GoldCoastPractitioners #AlliedHealth #WellnessCommunity #Naturopathy #Psychology #Counselling #BurleighHeadsLife
    Pollutants from cars, trucks, and buses release ga Pollutants from cars, trucks, and buses release gases that inflame your lungs. Gas stoves add more indoor nitrogen oxides, while cigarette smoke brings in over 70 carcinogens, including benzene and cadmium. 🚬 

Constant exposure doesn’t just affect breathing — it wears down immunity and fuels chronic conditions.

That’s why low-tox living is more than just a lifestyle choice — it’s a protective step for your body. 🛡️
Here's what you can do - Simple shifts like:
✔️ Use HEPA filters
✔️ Add indoor plants
✔️ Filter your water
✔️ Swap plastic bottles for glass or stainless steel

Our holistic practitioners guide you through changes like these, alongside evidence-based care, to help you feel lighter and healthier.

📞 Call us on (07) 5535 2474 or
🌿 Book your consultation today and start your low-tox journey.
    You don’t need an entire shelf of specialty spra You don’t need an entire shelf of specialty sprays to keep your home clean. In fact, some of the most effective and low tox cleaning options are probably already in your pantry.

Many commercial cleaning products contain synthetic fragrances, harsh chemicals and preservatives that can linger in the air, irritate sensitive skin or affect indoor air quality. Over time, constant exposure can contribute to headaches, hormone disruption, and even impact gut health through the skin–gut connection.

Low tox cleaning is simply about swapping out products that add to your chemical load for ones that support a healthier home environment. It doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive.

A few basics go a long way:
🍋 Lemon for degreasing and freshening
🥄 Bicarb soda for scrubbing and odours
🍶 White vinegar for disinfecting and cutting through grime
🧴 Castile soap for general surface cleaning
🌿 Citrus peels or herbs for a natural scent boost

You can combine these to make your own all-purpose sprays, bathroom cleaners or surface scrubs. You’ll know exactly what you’re using and avoid bringing unnecessary synthetic chemicals into your space.

And one small but important note — consider swapping out microfibre cloths. They’re made from plastic and shed microplastics in the wash. Cotton cloths or repurposed towels do the job without contributing to pollution.

Starting with a few simple swaps can make a big difference in how your home feels — and how your body responds.

📞 Call us on (07) 5535 2474
💻 Or book online today to chat with our team about creating a low tox space that works for you.

#lowtoxlife #naturalcleaning #lowtoxhome #chemicalfreehome #bicarbsoda #vinegarcleaning #castilesoap #nontoxiccleaning #greenhome #ecofriendlyliving #sustainablehome #naturalalternatives #simplewellness #consciouschoices #guthealthsupport #cleanhomecleanmind #homewellness #nonastystuff #lowtoxliving
    Perimenopause and menopause can feel like a “per Perimenopause and menopause can feel like a “perfect storm” — hormones shifting, life stress piling up, and your gut feeling the effects. 🌪️

Stress doesn’t just live in your head… it shows up in your gut, sleep, mood, and even hot flashes.

✨ The good news? Simple practices like breathing, meditation, yoga, or walking can calm your nervous system and support your gut. Stress management isn’t optional here — it’s essential. 💛

#PerimenopauseSupport
#MenopauseWellness
#GutHealthMatters
#HormoneHealth
#MenopauseJourney
#PerimenopauseRelief
#GutHealing

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    • HOME
    • SERVICES
      • CLINICAL NATUROPATHY
      • PSYCHOLOGY & COUNSELLING
        • ANXIETY
        • DEPRESSION
        • OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER (OCD)
        • PTSD
        • STRESS
        • INTENSIVE SHORT TERM DYNAMIC PSYCHOTHERAPY
        • DIALECTICAL BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY (DBT)
        • EYE MOVEMENT DESENSITISATION AND REPROCESSING (EMDR)
        • WORKCOVER
      • PERIMENOPAUSE WELLNESS PACKAGE
      • EXECUTIVE WELLNESS PROGRAM
      • FUNCTIONAL TESTING
        • GUT HEALTH TESTING
        • ALLERGIES, INTOLERANCES & SENSITIVITIES
        • HORMONE TESTING
        • VAGINAL MICROBIOME TESTING
      • MEAL PLANS (EBOOKS)
      • WORKPLACE WELLNESS & EVENT SPEAKING
      • HEALTHCARE NETWORKING EVENTS
      • GIFT VOUCHERS
    • FEES & APPOINTMENTS
    • CONDITIONS WE TREAT
    • ABOUT
      • MEET NATUROPATH CHAE
      • MEET NATUROPATH ELISHA
      • MEET NATUROPATH ERIKA
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      • MEET PSYCHOLOGIST NADINE
      • MEET PSYCHOLOGIST ELEANOR
      • MEET MENTAL HEALTH THERAPIST IAN
      • MEET OUR ADMIN
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      • BLOG
      • Clinic Room Hire
      • JOIN THE TEAM
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