My Journey Through Perimenopause
Strategies for surviving the weight gain, brain fog, and anxiety of the menopause transition.
The Reality of the Transition
Every woman’s path is unique, but the statistics tell a story of a collective struggle. When I was crying on the couch or feeling terrified behind the wheel, I didn't realise that I was one of 3 million Australian women navigating this transition at the same time. You aren't alone, and your symptoms are real.
Why do we feel dismissed?
Most medical training spends very little time on the menopause transition. I experienced this when my own GP had to google my requests. We are often told our symptoms are just "stress" or "ageing," when they are actually measurable hormonal shifts.
Why the "menopause middle"?
As our estrogen levels drop, our bodies become less efficient at processing carbohydrates. This leads to insulin resistance, which tells the body to store fat specifically around the organs (visceral fat) rather than the hips. This is why a "healthy BMI" can be misleading if you are "skinny fat."
Why the brain fog and anxiety?
Our brains are loaded with estrogen receptors. When those levels fluctuate, it affects everything from our verbal memory to our "thermostat" and our mood. That sudden driving anxiety I felt wasn't a personality change—it was a biological response to shifting neuro-protection.
Why the long 4–8 year window?
Perimenopause is a slow "unwinding." It often starts with heavy, clotted periods and slightly shortened cycles, long before the hot flushes ever arrive. Because it's so gradual, we often ignore the whispers until our body begins to 'shout'.
How I help you navigate the menopause transition
I’m a Nationally Recognised Nutritionist and menopause coach, but more importantly, I am someone who has lived the "red flags" you might be experiencing right now. At 52, I know exactly what it feels like when your body stops responding to the old rules. I’ve dealt with the deep depression, the sudden driving anxiety, and the frustration of "menopause belly" that won't budge.
This stage of life is often clouded by stubborn belly fat, low energy, and symptoms that leave you feeling like a stranger to yourself. It can be incredibly overwhelming, and sometimes you just need someone who has done the research and lived the experience to point you in the right direction.
My role isn't to give you a restrictive diet — it is to help you build a strategy.
Targeted nutrition — Eating to reverse insulin resistance and reduce visceral fat without feeling deprived.
Metabolic clarity — Understanding how keto and intermittent fasting can clear the brain fog and stabilise your energy.
Simple strategies — Practical recipes and daily habits that make these changes feel sustainable and easy to follow.
Empowered advocacy — Helping you understand your blood work and hormones so you can have more informed conversations with your medical team.
I’m here to help you move from just surviving to truly understanding how to fuel this next chapter of your life.
Services to support your perimenopause journey
I offer personalised support to help you manage hormones, boost energy, and target visceral fat through a sustainable lifestyle strategy that actually works with your biology.
PERI NUTRITION
The perimenopause metabolism and energy plan
We focus on strategies like optimising protein intake and reducing the starchy carbohydrates that often lead to insulin resistance. Rather than focusing on what to "remove," we discover your ideal eating window and a food style that stabilises your energy and balances your hormones.
HEALTH COACHING
Clear the brain fog - personalised health coaching
I am here to genuinely listen and understand your perspective. We will explore your unique needs and a range of options to help you navigate the emotional shifts, stress, and brain fog that often come with this transition.
MENOPAUSE SUPPORT
Symptom relief - guided menopause nutrition
If you are feeling lost in a world of conflicting advice, you aren’t alone. I cut through the confusion to create a strategy that fits your schedule, focusing on effective symptom relief that helps you feel fuelled rather than deprived.
One-on-One Appointments
Dive deep into your unique journey with personalised guidance. An hour-long session is $80 - available by phone, Zoom, or face-to-face.
5-Session Package
Supercharge your progress and save 25% by booking a block of sessions.
Investment - $300 for five one-hour coaching sessions.
Support - Includes the added benefit of direct messaging support between sessions.
VIP Package
Elevate your experience with a two-hour VIP coaching session. These sessions can be customised to suit you - whether that is a refreshing walk while we talk, an educational "healthier choices" shopping trip, or a hands-on meal prep tutorial.
Investment - $120 for a two-hour custom session.
Why I could be the right coach for you
At 52, my mission is to share that knowledge and experience I have gained over the last 8 years. I help women move through perimenopause with a clear strategy, using nutrition and habits that actually work with our changing biology.
I realised that if I wanted to live a long, happy, and healthy life, I needed to look deeper into the science of food and metabolic health. I educated myself, successfully navigated the most difficult parts of my own transition, and experienced a true transformation.
Qualifications:
Certified Nutrition Coach with Food Matters Institute
Health & Wellness Coach - 11046NAT Certificate IV in Nutrition
Nationally Recognised Nutritionist with Nutrition Council Australia
Certificate IV in Training & Assessment
The experts who guide my approach
I don’t believe in guesswork. To ensure I’m providing the most effective strategy for your health, I stay deeply connected to the latest research from leading voices in hormonal health and longevity. My methods are built on the evidence-based work of these highly respected practitioners:
Dr. Mary Claire Haver
For her pioneering work on anti-inflammatory nutrition and its application to menopause weight loss. Her research is essential for understanding how to specifically target the stubborn visceral fat that appears during this stage of life.
Dr. Vonda Wright
For her expertise in longevity and the vital importance of strength training. As a leading Orthopaedic Surgeon, she provides the foundation for how we maintain bone density and muscle mass to stay strong as we age.
Dr. Kelly Casperson
For her work in normalising conversations around HRT, libido, and hormonal health. She is a vital resource for understanding the crucial link between our hormones and our overall sense of well-being.
Dr. Annette Bosworth (Dr Boz)
For her life-changing insights into metabolic health and the power of ketosis. Her work provides the framework I use to help women repair their brain health, stabilise energy, and reverse insulin resistance through the menopause transition.
SCHEDULE A FREE CALL
Choosing a health coach is a personal decision, and I want you to feel confident in your choice. This call gives you the opportunity to ask questions, share your concerns, and learn more about how my coaching services can align with your needs.
Trusted Perimenopause Coaching: Client Feedback
Perimenopause Nutrition FAQs
Find clear, evidence-based answers on perimenopause nutrition, symptom management, and what to expect from a certified health coach.
Weight gain - especially stubborn menopause belly fat - is very common due to fluctuating estrogen and changes in insulin sensitivity. The key is to stop focusing on traditional calorie-restriction diets and start optimising your metabolism. By making strategic changes to your protein intake and focusing on targeted carbohydrate reduction, we can reduce visceral fat and improve your hormonal balance.
Yes, absolutely. While nutrition isn't a cure-all, your diet has a powerful impact on temperature regulation. We use targeted strategies to manage the frequency and severity of symptoms by balancing blood sugar and reducing inflammatory triggers like refined sugar and alcohol.
Brain fog and low energy are often driven by unstable blood sugar and the metabolic shifts of perimenopause. To combat this, we focus on nourishing foods that provide sustained energy - specifically high-quality protein at every meal and nutrient-dense, low-starch vegetables. This approach fuels your brain without the "crash" that comes from traditional high-carb meals.
Supplements can be highly effective, but only when they are correctly targeted. Your needs are unique and depend on your symptoms, diet, and blood test results. We look at essential markers like magnesium, vitamin D, and B-vitamins to ensure you are only taking what your body actually requires to support sleep, mood, and bone density.
During this transition, your body becomes less efficient at processing carbohydrates, which often leads to fat storage and insulin resistance. A "normal" healthy diet often contains too many starches for this life stage. My strategy is tailored to your shifting hormones, focusing on higher protein ratios and strategic meal timing (like intermittent fasting) to help you regain control of your metabolism.
Our one-on-one sessions are a space for me to genuinely listen to your concerns. We will set achievable goals and craft personalised strategies that fit your actual life. It is about practical coaching that takes the guesswork out of your nutrition.
Think of this as a chance for us to connect and discuss your goals without any pressure. It’s a 15-minute window to explore whether my coaching style resonates with you and how I can help you find a path forward.
Scheduling is simple. Just reach out via the contact form below and we will arrange a time. I offer phone and Zoom sessions, or face-to-face appointments if you are located on the Sunshine Coast, QLD.
This is where your progress truly gains momentum. A package allows us to fine-tune your strategy over time and overcome obstacles as they arise.
Savings - You save 25% compared to booking individual sessions.
Direct messaging support - You gain the ability to message me directly between sessions for quick clarifications, ensuring you never feel alone on this journey.
If you want to take a deeper dive into your lifestyle changes, my 2-hour VIP sessions offer a more hands-on experience:
Walk and talk - We discuss your goals while getting some fresh air and movement outdoors.
Healthier choices shopping trip - A guided trip to the supermarket or farmers market to learn how to read labels and pick foods that align with your metabolic goals.
Meal prep tutorial - A hands-on session where we explore simple, low-carb meal prep strategies that fit into a busy schedule.
SCHEDULE A FREE CALL
Operating Hours
Weekdays after 4pm and most weekends
Follow us on instagram @healthywithmarion
The content provided on this website is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Reliance on any information provided by this website is solely at your own risk.