671: Perimenopause Meets Chronic Illness: What Women Really Need to Heal Now with Dr. Jessica Drummond

Are you someone trying to manage perimenopause or menopause while ALSO dealing with frustrating chronic illness symptoms? In this episode, I’m joined by the brilliant Dr. Jessica Drummond—clinical nutritionist, physical therapist, and board-certified health coach—who has spent over 25 years helping women navigate the tangled intersection of hormones, immune health, and chronic illness. We dive into what to do when your perimenopause symptoms blur into post-viral syndromes, autoimmune flares, chronic fatigue, and more. Dr. Jessica shares how to discover when there’s something deeper going on—and how to uncover the real root causes of your symptoms. Plus, she offers practical, science-backed strategies to support your hormones, immune system, and energy levels, even if you’ve felt stuck for years. Tune in to feel empowered AND educated on your midlife symptoms! Jessica Drummond, DCN, CNS, PT, NBC-HWC Dr. Jessica Drummond is the founder and CEO of The Integrative Women’s Health Institute . She has 25 years of clinical experience as a licensed physical therapist, licensed clinical nutritionist, and board-certified health coach working with women who battle chronic pain, illnesses, and post-viral syndromes. Her integrative approach helps her patients overcome hormonal imbalances and chronic pain conditions. Dr. Drummond was educated at the University of Virginia, Emory University, Duke Integrative Medicine, and Maryland University of Integrative Health. IN THIS EPISODE Dr. Drummond’s journey with chronic illness in perimenopause How viral illnesses like COVID impact hormones, and particularly the health of middle-aged women How Dr. Drummond’s time in Europe impacted her health Distinguishing illness symptoms from perimenopause symptoms Non-negotiable habits for improving midlife health and energy How to prioritize yourself in perimenopause and menopause QUOTES “85% of women in perimenopause also have other chronic illnesses; endometriosis, autoimmune disease, pain syndromes, PCOS, chronic concussions, diabetes…” “I always say this is kind of the only time in life you get to slow down for a minute. I highly suggest hiring a coach… You probably never had this opportunity to lead from your desires.” “You're in perimenopause. You have a lot going on physiologically. You have a lot going on in your career, your parenting, but also your decisions aren't exactly your own. I feel like for me, they've always been integrated with at least my husband and my kids… so you also have to deepen your skillset of relationships, of listening, of prioritizing people's desires and needs.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Integrative Women’s Health Institute Website Dr. Jessica Drummond’s Free workshop for women's health and wellness professionals Integrative Women’s Health Institute on Instagram Pre-order my new book: The Perimenopause Revolution RELATED EPISODES 591: Post Viral Syndromes, Your Immune System, and Your Hormones in Midlife with Dr. Jessica Drummond #648: This Changes Everything: The Perimenopause Revolution Every Woman Needs Now #392: How to Live with a Chronic Illness and Ways to Bring Awareness to Endometriosis and Autoimmune Conditions with Jenneh Rishe #609: Non-Negotiable Advice I Would Give My Early Perimenopausal Self