This is your Women's Health Podcast podcast.
You are listening to the Women’s Health Podcast, and today we are getting straight into perimenopause: what it is, what’s happening in your body, and how you can take back the narrative of this transition.
Perimenopause is the stretch of time when your ovaries start winding down estrogen and progesterone production, usually in your 40s, but it can begin earlier or later. The North American Menopause Society explains that this can last several years as cycles become irregular before your final period. Common symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, heavier or lighter periods, sleep problems, mood changes, brain fog, vaginal dryness, and changes in libido. Mayo Clinic emphasizes that every woman’s experience is different, so if your journey doesn’t look like your sister’s or your best friend’s, that does not make it less real.
Today, imagine we’re talking with an expert like Dr. Mary Rosser, an obstetrician-gynecologist who often speaks about perimenopause. I might ask her, “What are the earliest signs you encourage women to watch for?” Then, “How do you distinguish normal hormone shifts from something that really needs investigation, like thyroid issues, fibroids, or anemia?” Because you deserve more than, “It’s just your age, deal with it.”
Next, I’d ask, “What are the most evidence-based treatments for hot flashes, sleep problems, and mood changes?” We would talk about menopausal hormone therapy, sometimes called hormone replacement therapy, which the North American Menopause Society and recent research say can be safe and effective for many women when started around the time of menopause, especially for moderate to severe symptoms, though it is not right for everyone and must be personalized. I would ask her to walk us through nonhormonal options too, like certain antidepressants, gabapentin, or blood pressure medicines that can reduce hot flashes, as highlighted by resources such as the Clue health app and major medical centers.
Then I’d pivot to lifestyle as a form of power. According to organizations like Jean Hailes for Women’s Health and the Marion Gluck Clinic, regular movement, strength training, a Mediterranean-style diet, cutting back on alcohol and smoking, and stress management practices like yoga, breathwork, or therapy can significantly ease symptoms and protect your heart and bones. I’d ask, “If a woman listening can only change one thing this month, what should it be?” and “What does a realistic, not perfect, week of self-care look like for a busy woman in perimenopause?”
We need to talk about medical gaslighting too. Blooming Leaf Counseling and many advocacy groups report that women’s concerns in perimenopause are often minimized. I’d ask, “What are three questions every woman should bring to her doctor to make sure she is heard?” and “When is it time to seek a second opinion or a menopause specialist?” Tools like a daily symptom journal, brought to an appointment, can turn vague complaints into data your clinician must address.
So here are your key takeaways. First, perimenopause is a normal, powerful transition, not a personal failure and not something you have to silently endure. Second, there are many valid options: hormone therapy, nonhormonal medications, and lifestyle shifts that can be combined and tailored to you. Third, you are the expert on your body. Track your symptoms, ask specific questions, and if you feel dismissed, you are allowed to say, “I’m not satisfied with that answer,” and seek another provider. Finally, you are not alone. From Let’s Talk Menopause to local support groups and online communities, there is a global sisterhood navigating this same season.
Thank you for tuning in to the Women’s Health Podcast. If this episode on perimenopause helped you feel even a little more informed and empowered, make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.
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