Episode 50: Less Stress, More Strength: A Perimenopause Conversation

In this episode, we cover: On this episode of Positively Altered, Dr. Cindy welcomes wellness advocate and former real estate leader Nikko Papadakos. Nikko shares her raw and relatable journey through perimenopause—years marked by burnout, physical symptoms, and the haunting question, “What’s broken in me?” She opens up about how she reframed “brokenness” as an invitation to change, learned to manage stress, and built a healthier life through fitness, nutrition, and boundaries. With candor and humor, Nikko reminds women they’re not alone in this season—and that with awareness and small shifts, joy and resilience are possible again.

• (4:10) Everybody loves a train wreck!
• (9:00) Am I really broken?
• (13:00) Are women crazy or just going through perimenopause?
• (18:00) Empowering yourself to live a healthier lifestyle as we age gracefully.
• (23:00) Don’t sweat the small stuff.
• (25:00) Accomplishing a task to help reduce your level of stress.
• (27:00) Nikko’s Motto: “Be where your feet are!”
• (33:00) Rapid-fire Questions

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About Nikko Papadakos

Nikko built a very successful real estate career, yet her most successful year was the worst years of her life. She was navigating perimenopause and had never heard the word. Therefore, she had no idea how to support herself through that distinct biological transition; it led to burnout. She healed through that season with a fire in her belly to help other high-achieving women create joyful and sustainable success.

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