Is Your Nervous System Losing its Sh*t? F2F Goes on a Road Trip: Part 1

Send us Fan Mail In this on-the-road episode of Faded to Fabulous, Vicki Kirby (nurse practitioner and menopause specialist) and Kim Lovely (registered dietitian and certified life coach) explore midlife stress hormones and nervous system regulation, sharing how perimenopause/menopause can intensify feeling overstimulated, wired-but-tired, anxious, irritable, and unable to sleep. They break down the autonomic nervous system (sympathetic vs parasympathetic), why the goal is flexibility rather than constant relaxation, and how poor sleep can drive a vicious cycle of cravings, skipped workouts, and heightened cortisol patterns. They discuss practical basics like box breathing, nourishing meals, reducing late-night sugar, appropriate exercise intensity, and when menopause hormone therapy (especially progesterone for sleep and stabilizing estrogen) may help, while noting that persistent dysregulation may also involve mental health or unprocessed trauma. The episode includes a field trip to a Himalayan salt cave Bien Soigne in Salem, New Hampshire, where the owner, Kay Charron, explains respiratory and relaxation benefits and upcoming touchless wellness additions, and the hosts wrap by teasing a two-part series. 00:00 Road Trip Podcast Setup 00:28 Morning Routines and Supplements 02:38 Skincare and Hotworx Plans 03:23 Podcast Intro and Disclaimer 04:44 Birthday Yum and Catch Up 06:07 Midlife Stress Field Trips 08:15 Nervous System Basics 09:29 Why Midlife Feels Harder 11:56 Sleep and Dysregulation Cycle 13:43 Sleep Apnea Surprise 14:47 Cortisol Myths and Reality 16:22 Building Stress Resilience 19:47 Breathwork Box Breathing 22:20 Hormone Therapy and Mental Health 24:12 Rethinking Self Care 26:01 Pause Before Saying Yes 26:47 Cold Plunge Debate 27:17 Breathwork That Fits You 28:52 Adrenal Cocktail Myths 29:28 Magnesium and Menopause 30:35 Food Pillars for Calm 31:54 Blood Sugar and Sleep 32:52 Exercise for Dysregulation 33:12 Salt Cave Visit Begins 34:12 Why Regulation Matters 36:12 Salt Cave Health Benefits 38:14 Touchless Wellness Expansion 41:02 Magnesium in Himalayan Salt 43:38 Did the Salt Cave Help 44:46 Wrap Up and Part Two Bien Soign 350 North Broadway Salem, NH  03079 (603) 890-3244 https://biensoigne.com/ Support the show ✨ Join the Faded to Fabulous Community 💝 Support Our Mission! Click here 🖥️ Website: https://www.fadedtofabulous.biz 📲 Instagram: @fadedtofabulous 📘 Facebook: Faded to Fabulous 🎥 YouTube: Faded to Fabulous This podcast is intended to educate and support women, but it is not a substitute for medical advice. If you're experiencing health concerns, please consult your healthcare provider.