“Is it hot or is it just me?”It’s a question many women find themselves asking as they navigate perimenopause and menopause—often without fully understanding what’s happening to their bodies. Despite affecting every woman, perimenopause remains widely misunderstood, rarely discussed, and frequently misdiagnosed. That’s why we’re thrilled to welcome menopause advocate Carin Luna-Ostaseski, founder of Hot Or Just Me, a resource and community dedicated to helping women navigate this life stage with curated wellness solutions and tailored products that actually address perimenopause and menopause symptoms.Join Erin and Carin as they unpack the misunderstood and often-overlooked experience of perimenopause—and why, despite its challenges, this phase of life can be one of the most transformative and empowering. We discuss:Carin’s journey from creative director to whiskey entrepreneur to menopause advocate—proof that reinvention is possible at any ageUnpacking perimenopause, its symptoms and why its underdiagnosed by medical professionals (Visit menopause.org to access a list of certified practitioners specializing in perimenopause and menopause)How increasing your libido can positively impact your experience of perimenopauseDefining Andropause–or menopause for men– how to navigate conversations about hormonal changes with your partnerHow menopause can be a catalyst for career shifts, self-discovery, and owning your next chapterPractical solutions and must-try products to ease perimenopause and menopause symptomsThe power of community in normalizing conversations around aging, menopause, and beyondOUR GUEST: Carin Luna-Ostaseski is the founder of Hot or Just Me?, an online resource and shop dedicated to empowering women through perimenopause and menopause with trusted products, expert advice, and a supportive community. Her personal struggle with symptoms like hot flashes, brain fog, and insomnia inspired her mission to find solutions. A serial entrepreneur, Carin made history as the first American woman and Hispanic person to create a Scotch whisky, SIA Scotch Whisky, which gained recognition through a record-breaking Kickstarter campaign. She also founded the Entrepreneurial Spirit Fund, providing over $350,000 in grants to underserved entrepreneurs.Want more of Carin and her work? Check out https://hotorjustme.com/ and get 10% off your first purchase with code HOTTERFollow #HotOrJustMe on social media:Instagram: @hotorjustme Facebook: @hotorjustme TikTok: @hotorjustme Want more Hotter Than Ever? Subscribe to the Hotter Than Ever Substack to dive deeper. Find episode transcripts at www.hotterthaneverpod.com Follow us on:Instagram: @hotterthaneverpod TikTok: @hotterthaneverpod Youtube: @hotterthaneverpod Facebook: @hotterthaneverpod Follow Hotter Than Ever wherever you listen to podcasts - we’re on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more! That way you’ll never miss an episode. We’d love to hear what you think about the show - it helps us know what stories are resonating with you. DM us on Instagram and write us a review!Mentioned in this episode:Broad CollectiveLearn more about Broad Collective and our membership network for midlife women entrepreneurs at broadcollective.com. Apply to join Broad Collective at https://broad-collective-co.mn.co/landing