Episode #28: Hormones, Pilates and Healing from the Inside Out with Sarah Reed

In this episode of Perijenopause, I'm joined by Sarah Reed, a Functional Health Practitioner, to talk about why navigating perimenopause doesn't have to be overwhelming. Sarah specializes in hormone balance and gut health, and she shares a refreshingly simple approach to helping women feel better by focusing on the foundations—supporting the nervous system, healing the gut, building community, and learning to work with your body instead of against it. We also dive into the role of Pilates during perimenopause, how to spot credible health and fitness guidance in a world full of misinformation, and why self-love and personalized care are essential pieces of long-term wellness. Whether you're just beginning your perimenopause journey or looking for a fresh perspective, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways and encouragement. About Our Guest:Sarah Reed is a Functional Health Practitioner with more than 20 years of experience coaching women in fitness, nutrition, mindset, and overall wellness. She is a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner (FDN-P) and a Microbiome Clinical Science Practitioner (MCS-P), specializing in hormone balance and gut health repair. Sarah also teaches the comprehensive Classical Pilates Method at Soul Wellness Studio in Greencastle, Pennsylvania, helping women build strength, resilience, and confidence through intentional movement. In This Episode We Talk About: Why hormone fluctuations affect so much more than your menstrual cycle The connection between stress, the nervous system, and hormone health Why gut health plays such an important role in overall wellness The importance of individualized fitness and nutrition during perimenopause How Pilates can support strength, mobility, and longevity What to look for—and what to avoid—when choosing a Pilates instructor or fitness professional Why community is one of the most powerful tools women have during perimenopause Connect with Sarah: Soul Wellness Studio: ⁠https://soulwellnessstudio.com⁠ Instagram: ⁠  / excelevate.academy⁠   Facebook: ⁠  / ⁠   YouTube: ⁠   / @excelevate.academy   Website: ⁠https://excelevatehealth.com/⁠ If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another woman who could benefit from this conversation. Your support helps us continue reaching women who are looking for answers, encouragement, and a community that truly understands what they're going through. 💜 Join The Perijenopause Community on Facebook: ⁠  / perijenopausecommunity⁠   Connect with Jenna Destefano: Instagram: ⁠  / ⁠   Facebook: ⁠  / jennabrookedestefano⁠   Email: ⁠perijenopause@gmail.com⁠ Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your health, medications, nutrition, supplements, or exercise routine. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host.