How Those Christmas Cookies Are Wreaking Havoc on Your Perimenopause (and What to Do About It)
Ah, the holidays—the most wonderful time of the year (so I’ve heard—I’m usually too stressed out to notice), filled with twinkling lights, festive music, and... cookies. So. Many. Cookies. While they’re delicious and nostalgic, those sugary little bombs might be doing more than adding to your holiday cheer—they could also be adding fuel to the fire of your perimenopause symptoms.
Yep, those innocent looking little gingerbread men? (Not so innocent in my house, I tend to make them anatomically correct. Photos not included). BUT—they are sneaky little inflammation grenades. Let me explain.
Inflammation: The Grinch Stealing Your Wellness
If you’re in perimenopause, you’ve probably noticed that things in your body don’t feel quite the same anymore. Maybe it’s the weight gain that won’t budge, the joint pain that wasn’t invited to your holiday party, or the mood swings that make even the Christmas tree want to hide. You begin to think that Mommie Dearest was just misunderstood.
Here’s the deal: when your hormones start fluctuating and declining (thank you, estrogen), your body becomes more vulnerable to inflammation. If you think this is happening at 50—NO MA’AM—try as early as the late 30’s. And guess what exacerbates inflammation? Sugar, refined carbs, and processed foods—which just happen to be the main ingredients in holiday treats.
The vicious cycle looks something like this:
Hormones decline → inflammation increases.
Inflammation worsens perimenopause symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and weight gain (ie: your husband wonders why you’ve suddenly become mean AND dumb).
Inflammation accelerates aging and raises your risk of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease (news flash: this is no bueno).
You eat more cookies to feel better (spoiler: it doesn’t work).
But despair not! You can enjoy the holidays and take care of yourself.
How to Break the Cycle (Without Saying No to Every Cookie)
1. Go Easy on the Sugar
You don’t have to ban cookies entirely (I’m not a monster—my God—I was a CHUNK just a few short years ago), but balance them with anti-inflammatory foods. Think roasted veggies, healthy fats, and lean proteins. Give this girl a steak (Lord knows with how out of control our periods get in this phase—we could use the iron).
2. Move That Body
Before you Netflix and chill with another round of Home Alone, go for a walk, do some yoga, or hit the gym. Movement reduces inflammation and boosts your mood. But can we have a discussion? WHY is The Family Stone not at the very top of every gal’s Christmas Movie List? IT IS INCOMPARABLE, GIRLS. I’m sorry, I can’t debate that. It is what it is. So. Hit the gym and THEN hit the couch. You’ll thank me for both.
3. Sleep Is Non-Negotiable
Late-night gift wrapping and holiday parties are fun (if you’re an extrovert—which I am not), but skimping on sleep makes inflammation worse. Treat yourself to a good night’s rest—it’s free and works wonders. Until you wake up at 2am and you’re trying to remember if you ordered gift #58948 with express shipping and OH MY GOD IT MIGHT NOT GET HERE.
If you’re not sleeping because you’re untreated in perimenopause—-I know a gal ;)
4. Manage Holiday Stress
Stress and perimenopause are already BFFs, so adding holiday chaos doesn’t help. Take a breather, sip some tea, and remember—it’s okay to say no to the 12th Secret Santa invite. If I test your cortisol level in January and it’s through the roof—I’ll know you didn’t listen to me. Also, I’m sure mine will be too so I’ll probably give you a pass.
5. Get Serious About Hormone Optimization
Optimizing your hormones with evidence-based treatments, like bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, can work wonders for taming inflammation and making you feel like yourself again. Don’t be afraid of hormones—the media lied to us in 2001 and your OB/GYN and PCP are probably untrained in them. Some of us are out here doing the Lord’s perimenopause work (ie: studying until our dry perimenopausal eyes blur). We’ve GOT YOU.
Why Bliss Vitality Is Your Perimenopause BFF
At Bliss Vitality, I specialize in helping women tackle the root causes of their perimenopause symptoms—not just covering them up. We’ll take a deep dive into your hormone levels, micronutrient status, and lifestyle to create a personalized plan that works for you. It’s actually fun. It’s also literally my favorite thing besides watching football and ignoring humanity with a good book or true crime documentary.
You’ll be amazed how much better you can feel by addressing inflammation, optimizing hormones, and focusing on your overall health. It’s not magic—it’s science (and a lot of care). If you’re ready to go from Melancholy to MILF, I’m a DM or an appointment away.
Ready to Feel Like Yourself Again?
This holiday season, give yourself the gift of wellness. You can still enjoy a cookie (or two, just not 26), but let’s make 2025 the year you take back control of your health. Schedule your consultation today, and together, we’ll make perimenopause one less thing you have to stress about.
P.S. Don’t let those cookies be the boss of you. You deserve to feel amazing—cookies or not. 🎄
