Triggers, Traps & Tantrums: What’s Making Your Symptoms Worse?

Triggers, Traps & Tantrums: What’s Making Your Symptoms Worse?

Posted on July 23, 2025

Ever feel like your symptoms have a flair for drama?
Like one minute you’re fine and the next you’re ready to cry, punch a wall, or set fire to your bra? That’s not just random chaos — that’s a triggered response.

And no, I’m not talking about Twitter-style triggering.
I’m talking about real, science-backed, body-based lifestyle triggers that poke your hormones like an angry bear — and then act shocked when the bear loses her mind.

Let’s break it down. 🔍

🚨 What Exactly Is a Menopause Trigger?

A trigger is anything that pokes your already-fluctuating hormones and says,
“Wanna fight?” 😬

When estrogen, progesterone, and the rest of your hormonal dream team start shifting, your body becomes way more sensitive to outside influences.
Even the things you used to handle like a champ — caffeine, wine, skipping lunch — can now throw you into a full-body meltdown.

🔥 Top 5 Menopause Triggers (a.k.a. The Usual Suspects)

1. ☕ Caffeine – Perky, Then Perspiring

That morning pick-me-up? It’s also a cortisol spike waiting to happen.
Hot flashes, anxiety, and heart palpitations love to RSVP to that party.

2. 🍷 Alcohol – Hot Flash in a Glass

Alcohol dilates blood vessels (hi, flushing!), disrupts estrogen clearance, and wrecks your sleep. You’re basically sipping on symptom fuel.

3. 🍬 Sugar – The Sweet Saboteur

Sugar spikes insulin, worsens brain fog, and fans the flames of inflammation.
Spoiler alert: Hormonal belly fat isn’t just about calories — it’s about chemistry.

4. 😫 Stress – Cortisol’s Playground

Stress ramps up cortisol and sends your other hormones scrambling.
Your body thinks it’s surviving a tiger attack, not replying to emails.

5. 💻 Sleep Disruption – Circadian Rebellion

Poor sleep raises cortisol, lowers progesterone, and messes with your metabolism.
Also, why does 3 a.m. always feel like existential crisis o’clock?


😩 “So It’s All My Fault?”

Absolutely not!
This isn’t about blame — it’s about awareness.
Your body isn’t broken — it’s trying to adapt to a whole new hormonal environment, and it needs a little support (not judgment).


🔄 What to Do Instead (Without Giving Up All Joy in Life)
  • Try half-caf instead of full-blown rocket fuel
  • Swap wine for herbal mocktails during the week
  • Add more protein + fiber to balance sugar cravings
  • Build in micro-moments of calm (your nervous system is listening)
  • Prioritize a consistent bedtime over scrolling rabbit holes
💬 Ready to Track Your Triggers?

Inside my course, “You’re Not Crazy- You’re in Hormonal Chaos!” you’ll learn how to map your symptoms, uncover patterns, and finally stop guessing what’s making you feel off.
Let’s get clarity, comfort, and confidence— starting now!

With sass and science,
LaVaughn, Your Cheeky_Geeky Meno Coach

Say Hello

Got questions? Hot flashes? A sudden urge to throw your bra at the moon? I’m here for all of it.

Whether you’re curious about the course, coaching, or workshops, or just want to say- HEY! Don’t be shy. 

Let’s connect, laugh a little, and start getting you clarity, comfort, and confidence!

P.S. No spam. No bots. Just the real responses from LaVaughn- your Cheeky_Geeky Meno Coach.