Have you ever felt like you’re drinking for “medicinal purposes” to get through your monthly menstrual cycle and perimenopause symptoms?  I’m 48 and the first time I had a hot flash I texted my girlfriends to ask “Oh my god, is this what a hot flash feels like? It sucks!” Perimenopause is sometimes described as a "reverse puberty" which is about as fun as it sounds, except unlike puberty, it can last up to 10 years!  Between mood swings, cramps, hot flashes, headaches, brain fog, feeling physically uncomfortable, sad and unmotivated, hormonal changes in perimenopause can fuel your desire to drink.  Mood swings are no joke. And the estrogen fluctuations that come with perimenopause can make your emotions all over the place.  Hot flashes and night sweats can leave you feeling drained and tired. Our brains are going through some serious changes, too. Hormonal fluctuations can mess with our dopamine levels, making us crave alcohol more than usual. So if reaching for alcohol is your go-to coping mechanism, you’re in perimenopause or on your cycle and you want to drink to numb out, have compassion for yourself. But the solution is not to drink a toxic substance that can make your symptoms worse and further deplete your body.  Bria Gadd, an integrative nutritionist and holistic health coach who hosts The Period Whisperer Podcast and specializes in female hormones, is here to talk about perimenopause and teach us how to navigate our monthly menstrual cycles without drinking to numb the symptoms. 3 Ways I Can Support You In Drinking Less + Living More Join The Sobriety Starter Kit, the only sober coaching course designed specifically for busy women. My proven, step-by-step sober coaching program will teach you exactly how to stop drinking — and how to make it the best decision of your life. Save your seat in my FREE MASTERCLASS, 5 Secrets To Successfully Take a Break From Drinking  Grab the Free 30-Day Guide To Quitting Drinking, 30 Tips For Your First Month Alcohol-Free. Connect with me for free sober coaching tips, updates + videos on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and TikTok @hellosomedaysober. Connect with Casey McGuire Davidson To find out more about Casey and her coaching programs, head over to www.hellosomedaycoaching.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices