You're Not Crazy! It's Perimenopause with Jenny Smith

#27: Why Does Cholesterol Go Up in Perimenopause? What Women Need to Know with Dr. Joanna Barrette

August 25, 2026·49 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Cholesterol can be confusing, especially when the numbers suddenly start creeping up during perimenopause even though you haven't changed the way you eat or live. In this episode, Jenny is joined by naturopathic doctor Dr. Joanna Barrette to help make sense of cholesterol, why it can change as estrogen declines, and why the numbers on a standard cholesterol panel may not tell the whole story.Jenny and Dr. Joanna discuss what women should understand about LDL, HDL, and triglycerides, additional cardiovascular markers worth knowing about, and why looking at the bigger picture of your health matters. They also explore the role of nutrition, blood sugar, inflammation, stress, and sleep in cardiovascular health. If you've ever gotten your cholesterol results back and wondered, “Okay, but what do these numbers actually mean?” this episode will help you better understand the questions to ask your doctor and what you can do to support your heart health as you age.Get Jenny’s Free Protein Guide Here: https://www.simplifiedlifestylecoaching.com/protein-fixDr. Joanna’s Free AFIB Root Cause Quizhttps://www.healingleafhealthcenter.com/afib-root-cause-quizDownload Dr. Joanna’s Free Guide to Understanding Your Cardiovascular Labs: https://www.healingleafhealthcenter.com/FunctionalCardioLabsConnect with Dr. Joanna Barrette here: Website: https://www.healingleafhealthcenter.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healing.leaf.health.center/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HealingLeafHealthCenterConnect with Jenny here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennyaz_simple/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SimplifiedLifestyleCoachingDisclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The host is not acting as your medical provider. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical condition or health-related decisions.

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