Perimenopause and Going Gluten-Free: Finding My Way Back to the Old Jilly

I miss the old Jilly sometimes.

And it makes me sad to think about. The footloose, fancy free version of me who could run on adrenaline, eat whatever she wanted, dream up ten new business ideas before lunch and still roll the windows down and sing at the top of her lungs on the way to dinner with girlfriends. But, I’ve realized over the past few years, that I’ve changed. I’m not that same Jilly anymore.

Somewhere between having babies in my late thirties, building multiple companies, navigating a pandemic, supporting a sick parent and turning 40… my body changed. I changed. Not in a dramatic, rock-bottom kind of way. Just slowly. Like my spark had quietly dimmed and I couldn’t figure out why.

And I didn’t see it coming.

Today I’m sharing what I’ve learned about perimenopause, Hashimoto’s disease, going gluten-free, and the small changes that have helped me feel clearer and calmer again, and how they’ve helped me come back to myself.

Where to even begin…

I Didn’t Feel Like Myself

After I had Annie at 39, something shifted. And I don’t mean in a sentimental “motherhood changed me” kind of way. I mean hormonally. Mentally. Physically.

From about 2022 to 2024, I started to feel like my capacity just… wasn’t there. This is coming from someone who used to have big, hairy, audacious goals. I wanted clothing lines. Furniture lines. Hotels. To build a foundation that changed the world. I genuinely felt like I could do anything.

And then suddenly, I didn’t.

I was foggy. Anxious. Restless. Short tempered. I didn’t feel like the best partner to Justin. I didn’t feel like the most patient mom. I didn’t want those huge goals anymore. I didn’t feel clear headed. I just felt… off.

And when you have motherhood, businesses, properties, a sick parent, all while grappling with the state of the world, and your own expectations piled on top of you, it’s really hard to pinpoint what’s actually wrong.

So what did I do?

I ate more pasta.
I ate more bread.
I drank more wine.
I stopped exercising.
I actually made fun of people who exercised.

And surprise surprise… I felt worse.

The Wake Up Call

One of the big turning points for me was at a retreat with Catherine Roscoe Barr. If I’m being honest, I thought it was going to be woo woo and not for me. I planned on leaving early. But somewhere in that experience, I caught a glimpse of myself and didn’t recognize who I was anymore. I looked puffy. Inflamed. Tired. Not like me. Where was the old Jilly? I felt desperate to get back to who I once was.

Throughout that following year, I met Jenn Pike, did Vanessa Grutman’s detox, ran a DUTCH test, and pushed for a full blood and thyroid panel. And let me just say this for anyone reading… when it comes to healthcare, you often have to advocate hard for yourself. Sometimes you have to pay out of pocket. Sometimes you have to push. That’s just the reality of it.

That’s when I found out I was in early perimenopause and had Hashimoto’s.

And here’s the thing. I’ve always been relatively healthy… I don’t get sick often. I’ve never had major health issues. So to learn that I had an autoimmune thyroid condition on top of entering perimenopause all the while running multiple businesses and raising two kids… it was a lot.

Doctors are incredible and I’m super grateful for mine. But sometimes I feel like they’re there to make sure you’re not dying. And I wasn’t dying, I just wasn’t thriving… And I wanted to feel like myself again. I dive a bit more into this part of my story in this blog, if you want to read more afterwards.

Going Gluten-Free

In February 2025, I stopped eating gluten. If you know me, you know how big of a deal that is for me… if you told me this even three years ago, I would’ve thought it was borderline impossible. I love sourdough. I love pasta. I love bread with butter more than I love most things LOL.

But within a matter of weeks, I noticed a massive difference. Within a couple of months, I dropped two to three pant sizes. And before anyone jumps to conclusions, this lifestyle change was not about being skinny. It was entirely inflammation. You can literally look at photos of me from that time period and see how inflamed my face was compared to now.

Having Hashimoto’s, keeping gluten in my diet clearly was not helping, so it was one of the first big changes I made. Also, just a warning, this next section is definitely TMI but we’re friends over here… so here we go.

I used to go to the bathroom three to four times a day. Every day. It was never solid, like a broken soft serve machine. I thought that was just my normal. I thought that was why I was always so tiny! Once I started progesterone, thyroid medication, and cut gluten, everything regulated. Now I only go once a day. Sometimes twice, which is normal and healthy. It was like my body finally calmed down.

Now, this does not mean everyone should cut out gluten, that’s not what I’m saying. I think in my case, with Hashimoto’s, it made sense. And honestly, gluten-free options have come a long way! Barilla and Catelli both make great gluten-free pasta. I barely notice the difference. There are amazing gluten-free sourdoughs now, and local bakeries are doing it so well. I’ll sometimes grab a loaf from Two Donkeys and it’s incredible!

If I’m craving toast, I load it up with tomato, basil, cheese, fresh cracked pepper. You don’t even think about the bread at that point. For my carb sources, I lean on rice and potatoes, and I go heavy on the protein. If the kids are having regular cookies, I’ll have an Unreal bar and call it a day. Simple shifts like that.

It’s not perfect. It’s just realistic.

What’s Actually Helping Me

This is my personal experience. I’m not a healthcare professional, so please lean on yours, but here’s what’s been supporting me.

Protein First Thing

If I start my day with coffee, I feel anxious almost immediately. So now I try to start with a ginger shot and protein. Sometimes it’s a protein drink. Sometimes it’s hard boiled eggs I prepped ahead of time. Sometimes it’s the kids’ leftover turkey sausage… it’s not glamorous but I make it work.

When I get around 25 to 30 grams of protein in the morning, my mental clarity is dramatically better for the rest of the day. This is a non-negotiable part of my routine.

Water and Electrolytes

I never used to, but I drink so much water now. No matter where I go, my water bottle is not far away LOL. I add electrolytes, greens powders and other supplements, because they help sustain my hydration and energy. Again… this is just what works for me!

Supplements and Medication

In the morning I take my thyroid medication and a multivitamin. I’ve been taking Happy Mammoth Hormone Harmony for about two years now. I pay for it myself, this is not sponsored. My functional practitioner supports me staying on it, but please contact your healthcare provider before starting any new supplements or vitamins!

At night, I have my biggest vitamin “cocktail”, which is progesterone, Nutrafol, magnesium glycinate, and omegas. If I’m especially anxious, I’ll take a gentle sleep aid, not every night, just when I need it.

Do I still bounce between Leo’s bed, Annie’s bed, and have our animals waking me up most nights? Yes. Am I the queen of perfect sleep? Absolutely not. But I’m trying my best okay?!

More on our nighttime routine here!

Moving My Body

I work out twice a week. That’s it! A personal training session with my trainer Jenn and my favourite power fusion class. The rest of the time I’m honestly just… moving. Cleaning. Cooking. Organizing. Putzing. I’m a busy bee and that’s just my nature! I’m not chasing perfection, I’m just doing what I can.

If You’re in Your 40s and Feeling Out of Control

You are not crazy.

You are not a failure.

Perimenopause is real. Thyroid disease is incredibly common in women (this could also be an ENTIRE blog in itself). Add in motherhood, entrepreneurship, and the world we’re living in… and it’s a lot.

Even after all of these lifestyle shifts and changes, do I feel exactly like the old Jilly who was footloose and fancy free, rolling the windows down and singing at the top of her lungs on the way to a party?

No.

And I miss her sometimes.

But I do feel clearer than I did from 2022 to 2024. I feel more patient. I feel happier. I feel like I understand my body more. I still have emotional roller coaster days. I still worry about the future. I still have days where I’m short tempered.

But I’m not inflamed. My brain isn’t as foggy. I feel HEALTHY again… and that feels like progress.

If you’re in this season of life too, I see you. Tell me how you’re feeling. What’s working for you? What have you tried? I intentionally didn’t link any products or brands in this blog, but if you have any questions about specific products I love, please leave a comment and I’ll share it with you!

You’re not alone in this… and sometimes just knowing that makes all the difference.

xo

Jilly