035: Perimenopause: “You’re Not Too Young. You’re Not Imagining It.” with Jessica O'Sickey

Welcome to Exposing the Hidden Reality, a weekly conversation for women who are ready to ask better questions, challenge the narratives we’ve been handed, and reclaim agency over our lives, our work, and our bodies.

Today’s conversation is one so many women will recognize.

We’re joined by Jessica O’Sickey, a nurse practitioner with over a decade of experience in cardiothoracic intensive care, and a dual-certified Macro and Functional Nutrition Coach. Jess works with women 35 and over who are navigating perimenopause, weight changes, fatigue, and the deep frustration of being told everything looks “normal” when they know something isn’t right.

Jess’s own turning point came when she began experiencing extreme fatigue, heavier periods, loss of libido, brain fog, and emotional volatility. Despite her medical background, she was repeatedly dismissed. Told she was too young for perimenopause. Offered antidepressants she didn’t ask for. Advised that she was simply tired from having young children.

It wasn’t until she pursued functional hormone testing on her own that she finally received validation, clarity, and a path forward. That experience reshaped not only her health, but her entire professional mission.

In this conversation, we talk about what perimenopause actually looks like, why so many women are dismissed in clinical settings, how diet and lifestyle shifts can support hormonal health without restriction or extremes, and what it really means to advocate for yourself when the system isn’t listening.

This is a conversation about trusting your body, asking harder questions, and refusing to accept being minimized.

About Jessica O’Sickey
Jessica O’Sickey is a Nurse Practitioner and dual-certified Macro & Functional Nutrition Coach who helps women 35+ navigate perimenopause, lose weight, and feel like themselves again—without restriction or overwhelm. After losing 50 pounds in her 40s, she teaches women how to support their hormones, advocate for their health, and make simple, sustainable changes that actually help them feel better. She blends medical expertise with real-life mom practicality, making perimenopause and wellness feel empowering, not confusing.

Connect with Jessica:
Website: https://msha.ke/jessicaosickeycoaching
IG: @themacro_np
To schedule your Hormones vs. Habits Audit, email Jessica O'Sickey at jessicaosickeycoaching@gmail.com

About the PodcastExposing the Hidden Reality is a weekly gathering for women who are ready to get real, ask better questions, and push back against the biases and barriers that shape our lives, work, and leadership.

Here, we:
✨ Dive into bold conversations with brilliant women
✨ Spotlight untold stories and truths
✨ Challenge hidden systems and social norms
✨ Share practical insights—with a side of sass and sisterhood

This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a platform for our collective voice.

Have you lived through something that exposed hidden biases, reshaped how you lead, or changed the way you see yourself and the world?

Women and allies who are ready to speak truth, to name what's been silenced, and to spark change through authentic conversation are always invited to join us so we can hear your story. This is a platform for our collective and individual voices; where your voice matters and your experience can light the way for others navigating similar terrain.

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Connect with Annette Garsteck:
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Connect with Sandra Wint:
https://www.me-her-us.com

Photography of Sandra Wint + Annette Garsteck taken by Katie Garlock, Portrations