The Hotflash inc podcast 184: Why self-connection matters most in perimenopause with Dr Leigha Saunders
Hosted by journalist and Hotflash inc founder Ann Marie McQueen, this episode features Dr Leigha Saunders, a naturopathic doctor, menopause specialist and mom of two whose own postpartum sleep struggles ignited a mission to help women reclaim their rest and balance.
From her sold-out “Woman Up” event to her candid insights on burnout, radical self-responsibility, and the real roots of fatigue, Leigha and Ann Marie dig into the science and soul of women’s health. They unpack why everything is suddenly labeled “perimenopause,” the hidden role of iron deficiency, and how stress, relationships and lost self-connection lie beneath so many midlife symptoms.
Sponsor shout-out
Thank you to our sponsor, Timeline Nutrition – makers of Mitopure™, the first clinically tested Urolithin A supplement that supports cellular energy and muscle strength. Visit www.timeline.com and use the code HOTFLASH for 20% off your first order.
Highlights
- Dr Leigha Saunders shares how her Woman Up event united over 100 women seeking health and happiness.
- Why “normal” bloodwork isn’t always optimal — and how the medical system continues to fail women.
- How midlife hormones lower our tolerance for stress and change the way we recover.
- Leigha’s own burnout and “dark night of the soul” — and how she turned it into a healing experience.
- Why perimenopause can sound like “I don’t feel like myself” — and what that really means.
- The danger of assuming every symptom is perimenopause — and what to test instead.
- Iron, B12, and protein deficiencies: the hidden causes behind fatigue and low mood.
- Why collaboration between medical and naturopathic doctors is the future of women’s health.
Where to find Dr Leigh
Website: leighasaundersnd.com
Instagram: @drleighasaundersnd
Host bio
This podcast is hosted by Ann Marie McQueen, journalist and founder of Hotflash Inc, the world’s only reader-supported, research-based platform covering all aspects of menopause and midlife. With more than 30 years in journalism, Ann Marie provides evidence-based content, expert interviews, and deeply personal conversations to help women around the world navigate this pivotal life stage.
Thank you for being here
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who might benefit — and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the show. For the latest research and real talk on perimenopause, menopause, and midlife straight to your inbox, subscribe to the Hotflash inc newsletter here.
Join the Hotflash inc perimenoposse:
Web: hotflashinc.com
Newsletter: Hotflash inc. on Substack
TikTok: @hotflashinc
Instagram: @hotflashinc
X: @hotflashinc
Episode website: Hotflashinc
Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | YouTube | Substack
See hotflashinc.com/privacy-policy for privacy information