Episodes

  • Perimenopause Power Up: Navigating the Change with Confidence

    Perimenopause Power Up: Navigating the Change with Confidence
    Sep 13 2025
    This is your Women's Health Podcast podcast.

    Welcome back to the Women's Health Podcast, where empowerment and real talk go hand in hand. Today, we’re diving right into a topic that touches every woman sooner or later: perimenopause. This is an often misunderstood phase, but it’s also a powerful time of transformation when women can claim agency over their health, choices, and lives. I’ll guide you through what perimenopause really means, tackle the big questions with an expert, and wrap up with insights you can use to feel confident in this stage of life.

    Perimenopause marks the years leading up to menopause—a transition that can start as early as your 30s but more commonly begins in your 40s. Hormones like estrogen and progesterone fluctuate, leading to symptoms like irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, sleep problems, and sometimes even memory lapses or joint pain. According to Every Mother, understanding your symptoms is the first step to taking charge and seeking the support you deserve. And, as a growing number of women are discovering with leaders in the field like Dr. Mary Jane Minkin from Yale, perimenopause is finally getting the attention and research it deserves, moving away from being treated as a taboo or medicalized crisis to an empowering life transition.

    For expert perspective, I sat down with Dr. Sarah White, CEO of the Jean Hailes Foundation, whose work centers on how health conditions affect women differently. One thing Dr. White emphasized is that women’s experiences of perimenopause are unique—not just because of biology, but because of how society and culture shape our expectations and options.

    I started our conversation by asking: What exactly is happening biologically during perimenopause, and how does it differ from menopause itself? Dr. White explained that while menopause is the cessation of periods for 12 months, perimenopause is the transition phase. Hormone levels rise and fall unpredictably, causing a spectrum of symptoms that can impact daily life.

    Next, we discussed the most effective ways for women to manage perimenopause. Hormone Replacement Therapy, or HRT, is now called Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) and remains the gold standard in managing symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. But Dr. White stresses it’s not one-size-fits-all—some women benefit greatly, while others have medical reasons to avoid hormones. She recommends working closely with your provider to weigh the benefits and risks in your own situation. There are also non-hormonal options, including certain antidepressants and lifestyle tweaks such as regular exercise, prioritizing sleep, managing stress, and optimizing nutrition.

    One area that’s rapidly evolving is how women approach these choices. According to UC San Diego’s empowerment approach, women are now equal and active partners in their care decisions. The conversation is shifting from “just deal with it” to “you deserve to thrive, and you deserve answers.” We talked about the importance of advocacy—how to bring up symptoms in appointments and seek out evidence-based resources.

    Before we wrapped, I asked Dr. White what she wants every woman experiencing perimenopause to hear: She said, “You’re not alone. Your experience is valid. You have options, and you have the power to advocate for yourself.”

    Key takeaways for listeners: Know the symptoms, prioritize your well-being, and team up with a trusted provider. Explore treatment options—both hormonal and non-hormonal. And above all, don’t be afraid to speak up and take charge of this transition. Perimenopause isn’t the end—it’s a new beginning.

    Thank you for tuning in to the Women's Health Podcast. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss our next empowering episode. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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    4 mins
  • Embracing the Change: Navigating Perimenopause with Power

    Embracing the Change: Navigating Perimenopause with Power
    Sep 12 2025
    This is your Women's Health Podcast podcast.

    Welcome to the Women’s Health Podcast, where we empower you to take charge of your wellness journey. I’m your host, and today we’re diving straight into a topic that touches millions of women worldwide but is too often misunderstood: perimenopause.

    If you’re listening and just starting to notice changes in your body or mood, you might be wondering what’s going on, why it’s happening, and what you can do about it. Perimenopause is the natural transition toward menopause, usually beginning in your 40s, but sometimes as early as your mid-30s. The hallmark is shifting hormone levels, which can lead to everything from hot flashes to sleep troubles, mood swings, and even changes in your menstrual cycle. These experiences are powerful reminders that our bodies are constantly evolving—and you deserve to know exactly what’s happening so you can feel empowered, not overwhelmed.

    To get to the heart of this topic, I recently spoke with Dr. Anjali Patil of UCLA Health, who’s spent years researching and treating women experiencing perimenopause. I wanted to ask Dr. Patil what exactly causes these symptoms and which ones matter most when considering professional support. She explained that estrogen and progesterone levels start to fluctuate, triggering symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, mood shifts, joint pain, and sometimes, forgetfulness or “brain fog.”

    The big question for many listeners is: what can you do for relief? Dr. Patil emphasized that perimenopause does not have to mean suffering in silence. She recommends that women pay close attention to their bodies and don’t dismiss new symptoms as simply “getting older.” When it comes to treatment, hormone therapy can help with hot flashes, mood disorders, joint pain, and sleep struggles. For those who want or need non-hormonal options, there are medications like fezolinetant specifically for hot flashes, and lifestyle strategies can be just as powerful. This includes focusing on a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins, regular movement—especially weight-bearing exercise to protect bones—and practicing relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation to support your mood and sleep quality.

    When it comes to alternative therapies, Dr. Patil highlighted that approaches like acupuncture and cognitive behavioral therapy may help, though more research is needed in these areas. She cautions that herbal and dietary supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA, so always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment.

    Some questions you might want to discuss with your doctor include: What screenings or tests are useful during perimenopause? What are the benefits and risks of hormone therapy for me personally? What non-hormonal options might work for my specific symptoms? How can I best protect my bone and heart health during this time? And, importantly, how do I know when perimenopause has transitioned to menopause?

    Perimenopause is an invitation to connect with your health in a deeper way—and to lean into the support and expertise around you. The key takeaway is that you’re not alone, and your experiences are valid. By speaking up, sharing your symptoms, and learning about your options, you can turn this transition into a journey of empowerment and self-discovery.

    Thank you for tuning in to today’s episode of the Women’s Health Podcast. If you found this helpful, please subscribe and share it with anyone who might benefit. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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    3 mins
  • Perimenopause Power-Up: Thriving Through the Change

    Perimenopause Power-Up: Thriving Through the Change
    Sep 10 2025
    This is your Women's Health Podcast podcast.

    Welcome to the Women's Health Podcast—this is your host, and today we’re diving straight into an experience that countless women face, but still too often whisper about: perimenopause. It’s a word that may sound clinical, but what it brings—hot flashes, mood swings, disrupted sleep, unexpected cycles—carries real impact on daily life. Yet, this transition can also be a catalyst for empowerment, self-discovery, and thriving health. So let’s get to the heart of what every listener deserves: facts, strategies, and the power to own your journey.

    Let’s start by giving a clear voice to what perimenopause is. According to Dr. Elina Zeldina of Premier OBGYN of Ridgewood, perimenopause usually begins in women’s 40s, but it can start earlier, and it typically lasts several years. The hallmark? Fluctuations in estrogen that lead to both physical and emotional changes. Understanding what’s happening is the first step to feeling empowered, not overwhelmed.

    To help us peel back the layers, I’m thrilled to welcome Dr. Haleema Sheikh, a hormone specialist at the Marion Gluck Clinic. Dr. Sheikh emphasizes that symptoms aren’t just medical—they’re deeply personal, and the journey varies for every woman. She believes that education is its own form of medicine—knowing your body, what to expect, and what’s within your reach shifts you from passenger to pilot during this transition.

    Here’s what I want Dr. Sheikh to help listeners understand today. What exactly happens in the body during perimenopause? Which symptoms signal the start, and when should women discuss them with a healthcare provider? What are the current, evidence-backed approaches to managing symptoms—how do things like hormone replacement therapy, non-hormonal medications, or even holistic strategies like exercise and nutrition fit together? I also want to ask about mental and emotional well-being; how can women protect their confidence and joy during a time that’s often misrepresented as loss?

    Dr. Sheikh points out that bioidentical hormone balancing can be genuinely life-changing, and yet medications are only part of the empowerment equation. She advises her patients on movement, nourishment, and emotional wellbeing because perimenopause isn’t just about surviving symptoms—it’s a chance to reset and thrive, embracing strength that perhaps you never even knew you had.

    It’s worth noting, as Yale’s Dr. Mary Jane Minkin highlights, that the landscape of hormone therapy has changed dramatically since the early 2000s. Today’s treatments are safer and more individualized, and the latest research supports starting conversations with a provider earlier, ideally within ten years of menopause or before age sixty, if therapy is needed. But hormone therapy won’t be right for everyone; that’s why non-hormonal paths—like certain antidepressants, lifestyle modifications, and stress reduction—are gaining ground.

    Key takeaways for every listener: learn the early signs, trust your instincts, talk candidly with your healthcare provider, and surround yourself with support. Perimenopause is not a loss of power—it’s an evolution, an invitation to deepen your relationship with your body and to advocate fiercely for your well-being.

    Thank you for tuning in to the Women's Health Podcast. Remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode of honest, empowering insight. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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    3 mins
  • Perimenopause Power: Your Ally for Answers and Action

    Perimenopause Power: Your Ally for Answers and Action
    Sep 8 2025
    This is your Women's Health Podcast podcast.

    Welcome back to the Women’s Health Podcast, where we tackle real topics with real talk, fueled by a passion for empowering every listener to thrive. Today, we’re diving right into something that touches millions but is too often whispered about instead of spoken out loud: perimenopause. It’s a phase that’s not always easy, not always talked about—and definitely not something you need to face alone.

    Perimenopause usually arrives in our 40s, bringing a mix of physical shifts and mood changes that can leave you wondering what’s happening with your body. But here’s a truth that’s worth repeating: you deserve answers, options, and support through every part of womanhood, whether you’re just starting to notice irregular cycles, having trouble sleeping, or dealing with those infamous hot flashes. According to Dr. Elina Zeldina from Premier OBGYN of Ridgewood, menopause and perimenopause don’t have to mean suffering in silence—personalized care and knowledge are at the heart of feeling powerful during this transition.

    To help us break down the myths and provide actionable tools, we’re joined by Dr. Haleema Sheikh from the Marion Gluck Clinic, a hormone specialist devoted to helping women turn menopause into a positive experience. Dr. Sheikh, thank you for joining us. Let’s get right to it, because our listeners want to know: What exactly is perimenopause, and how does it differ from menopause itself? What are the very first signs women should watch for, and why does this transition impact everyone so differently?

    For so many listeners out there, dealing with perimenopausal symptoms can feel overwhelming and even isolating. Dr. Sheikh, can you explain the range of physical and mental changes women might encounter? Many women mention sleep changes, sudden mood swings, night sweats, and challenges with focus. Are there strategies or tools that truly make a difference?

    Hormone Replacement Therapy, or HRT, gets a lot of attention—both positive and negative. What does the latest research say about who should consider HRT, and which other therapies are showing real promise? Some women find relief with non-hormonal options like SSRIs or even lifestyle interventions. When should someone reach out to a health professional, and how do you collaborate with patients to find solutions that fit their life—not the other way around?

    We also know empowerment doesn’t just come from medication. Dr. Sheikh, how do factors like nutrition, exercise, and self-care routines transform this experience? And just as important, how can women advocate for themselves during doctor visits to make sure their questions are answered and their options laid out clearly?

    I want to offer our listeners today’s key takeaways. First, perimenopause is unique for every woman, but information and support are your strongest allies—don’t hesitate to ask for them. Second, there are effective therapies available, from HRT to non-hormonal medications and tailored lifestyle changes. And third, building a sense of community and self-advocacy can turn uncertainty into empowerment. Don’t dismiss your symptoms or your story—your health and well-being are priorities.

    Thank you for tuning in to the Women’s Health Podcast and for joining this journey toward confidence and clarity. If you found today’s conversation helpful, please subscribe and share it with a friend—you never know who might need this information today. This has been a Quiet Please Production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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    3 mins
  • Perimenopause Power: Navigating the Transition with Knowledge and Grace

    Perimenopause Power: Navigating the Transition with Knowledge and Grace
    Sep 7 2025
    This is your Women's Health Podcast podcast.

    Welcome to the Women’s Health Podcast, where we champion understanding and empowerment for women at every stage of life. Today, we’re diving into perimenopause—a time of transition, resilience, and new self-discovery that too often goes undiscussed. If you're in your late thirties to late forties and have noticed shifts in your mood, sleep, cycles, or even memory, this episode is for you.

    Perimenopause refers to the years leading up to menopause when hormone levels, especially estrogen and progesterone, begin to fluctuate. According to Dr. Haleema Sheikh, hormone specialist at the Marion Gluck Clinic, perimenopause can bring symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, lighter or heavier periods, sleep changes, anxiety, and brain fog. For many women, recognizing these signs is the first step in rewriting the narrative and embracing this phase not as an ending, but as a beginning.

    On the show today, I’m speaking with Jessica, a pharmacist from ProCompounding who has helped thousands of women navigate this transition. Jessica explains how progesterone tends to drop first during perimenopause, which can lead to restlessness, heightened anxiety, or trouble focusing. By understanding these patterns and tracking symptoms, women can better advocate for themselves during medical appointments. Jessica emphasizes, “Sometimes a simple progesterone level test is all it takes to tailor a plan that restores sleep and supports cognitive wellness.”

    Treatments have evolved. Yale School of Medicine notes that hormone replacement therapy—once controversial, now often called menopausal hormone therapy or MHT—can be highly effective for those who need it and begin early in the transition. Choices are varied: from patches to gels, oral medications to localized therapies. It’s not about one-size-fits-all—women’s experiences and bodies deserve more. There are also non-hormonal options, including certain antidepressants and blood pressure medications, catering to those with unique medical histories.

    But empowerment goes beyond prescriptions. Experts like Dr. Beth Westie and wellness podcasts such as Bellabeat Talks Wellness remind us that lifestyle shifts matter: regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and mindfulness can dramatically ease the journey. The key is being proactive—tracking what you feel, seeking information, and refusing to accept dismissals of your experience.

    Here are questions we ask our experts: What are the earliest signs of perimenopause? How can women distinguish these symptoms from everyday stress or aging? What role do progesterone and estrogen each play in symptom management? What risks and benefits should listeners know about when considering hormone therapy? What simple things can women start doing now to ease discomfort and support mental well-being?

    As we wrap up, remember the most powerful tool on this journey is knowledge. Perimenopause is a natural life stage, not something to be feared or endured in silence. Trust your intuition, seek expert care, and connect with others navigating this transition. You’re not alone—and there’s so much you can do to take charge of your health.

    Thanks for tuning in today. Subscribe to the Women’s Health Podcast for more straightforward, empowering episodes. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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    3 mins
  • Perimenopause Unfiltered: Empowering Your Change

    Perimenopause Unfiltered: Empowering Your Change
    Sep 6 2025
    This is your Women's Health Podcast podcast.

    Welcome to the Women’s Health Podcast. I’m your host and today we’re diving right into a topic that affects millions but too often stays hidden—perimenopause. This is for every listener who’s ever wondered, “Is it just me?”—spoiler alert, it’s not. Perimenopause isn’t just a medical term, it’s a season of change, and power, in a woman’s life.

    Let’s get straight to the heart of it. Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause, typically starting in your 40s, sometimes late 30s. Your body’s estrogen and progesterone hormone levels will begin to fluctuate, creating some real, pronounced changes—think hot flashes, mood swings, sleep troubles, night sweats, brain fog, and sometimes even joint pain. According to Dr. Huma Farid at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, about 70 percent of women experience noticeable symptoms during this transition. If you’re feeling unlike yourself, know you’re not imagining things—you’re experiencing a real biological change.

    Today, we have Dr. Leena Patil from UCLA Health joining us a little later. But before she comes on, let’s talk about the why behind the change and how it can impact your everyday life. UCLA Health reports that perimenopause can sneak up with symptoms you didn’t expect—like weight gain that settles around your middle, or bone health changes you might not notice until a checkup. But remember, none of these changes mean you’re powerless.

    Now, I want to empower you with questions I’ll be asking Dr. Patil. If you’re taking notes or want to ask your own care provider, these are the ones to remember. First—how do I know this is perimenopause and not something else? Next, what are all the treatment options, including hormone therapy, nonhormonal medications like fezolinetant, and natural approaches? I’ll also ask about practical everyday strategies—how diet, weight-bearing exercise, and sleep hygiene can make a difference. And because women’s health care is complicated, I’ll request Dr. Patil’s advice for navigating between primary care and menopause specialists. Lastly, I’ll invite her to share her favorite resources for women who want to take charge of their health during this time.

    This is where empowerment meets medicine. Yale Medicine reports that hormone therapy is the most effective treatment for severe symptoms, but it isn’t the only option. The landscape has evolved—there are safer, individualized approaches now: pills, patches, topical gels, and nonhormonal medications. Lifestyle modifications matter just as much. Experts stress that a Mediterranean-style diet, regular movement—especially activities that stress the bones like walking or running—plus mind-body practices like yoga, are keys to thriving, not just surviving. And if you’re struggling with mood or sleep, don’t brush it aside. Dr. Patil and other experts encourage open conversations—there’s no shame in seeking help.

    As we get ready to welcome Dr. Patil’s expertise, remember—perimenopause may be a turning point, but it does not have to be a setback. Knowledge is power, and support is out there.

    Thank you for tuning in to the Women’s Health Podcast. Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and share with another woman who deserves to step into her power during perimenopause. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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    3 mins
  • Perimenopause Power: Navigating the Change with Knowledge and Grace

    Perimenopause Power: Navigating the Change with Knowledge and Grace
    Sep 5 2025
    This is your Women's Health Podcast podcast.

    Welcome to Women’s Health Podcast. I’m pleased you’re here because today we’re diving into perimenopause—a transformational time in every woman’s life that deserves more understanding and, most importantly, empowerment. If you’re in your forties or even your late thirties and you’ve noticed your body changing, maybe your cycles are less predictable, or you’re experiencing night sweats or mood swings, you are most likely in the midst of perimenopause.

    Perimenopause is commonly misunderstood or dismissed, yet it marks the beginning of menopause and can last several years. Women often feel isolated when the symptoms start, but it’s vital to know you are not alone. According to Dr. Haleema Sheikh from the Marion Gluck Clinic, embracing education and self-advocacy lets you shift this phase from something to endure into an opportunity to empower yourself. It’s about taking control, being proactive about your health, and knowing your choices matter.

    I had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, a renowned menopause specialist at Yale School of Medicine. I asked her, “What are the most crucial signs women should recognize as perimenopause begins?” She explained that some of the first symptoms are cycle irregularity, sleep disruptions, and subtle shifts in mood and libido. Dr. Minkin emphasized that these changes are natural but manageable with knowledge, open conversations, and the right support.

    Next, I wanted to tackle treatments. I asked, “What do you recommend for symptom relief, and how do you address the lingering fears around hormone replacement therapy?” Dr. Minkin discussed how today’s research paints a much more nuanced picture than the myths that still circulate. Hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, once maligned due to flawed studies, is now recognized as a safe and effective option for many women under 60 or within ten years of menopause onset. She reminded us there are different types and forms—oral pills, transdermal patches, gels, and rings—so solutions can be individualized with a doctor’s guidance.

    Of course, hormone therapy isn’t for everyone. So I asked, "What lifestyle changes can make the most difference?" Dr. Minkin pointed to regular exercise, stress management, and nutritious eating as powerful tools. She and Dr. Haleema Sheikh both highlight the importance of holistic care: mental health support, open conversations with loved ones, and connecting with other women walking the same path.

    The reality is, perimenopause affects nearly every part of your life. Empowerment means asking questions and seeking the care you deserve, whether that’s hormonal therapy, antidepressants, or simply ensuring your physician really listens. And remember, talking to friends, sisters, or joining communities is a game changer—it reminds you this journey is shared and not something you have to navigate alone.

    Let’s wrap up with key takeaways. Perimenopause is not an illness—it's a natural transition you have every right to approach with courage, education, and advocacy. Seek expert guidance like that from Dr. Mary Jane Minkin or clinics such as Marion Gluck, find the treatment plan that works for you, and take steps to support your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

    Thank you for tuning in to Women’s Health Podcast. If you found this conversation valuable, please subscribe wherever you listen 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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    3 mins
  • Perimenopause Power-Up: Embracing Change, Your Way

    Perimenopause Power-Up: Embracing Change, Your Way
    Sep 3 2025
    This is your Women's Health Podcast podcast.

    Welcome to the Women's Health Podcast, where we explore women's wellness through empowerment and education. Today, we're diving straight into a transition that affects millions but isn’t talked about nearly enough: perimenopause. If you’re feeling confused, overlooked, or even a little anxious about changing hormones and shifting symptoms, you’re definitely not alone.

    Perimenopause is the period leading up to menopause, often beginning in the forties but sometimes starting earlier. It brings symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, and sleep issues—transforming daily life in ways that are physical, emotional, and even social. According to Dr. Haleema Sheikh from the Marion Gluck Clinic, empowering women starts with education. Knowing what’s happening, why it matters, and what steps you can take makes a world of difference. This empowerment approach is about equipping you to be an equal partner in your own health journey and to make well-informed decisions that respect your unique needs.

    To help us better understand perimenopause, I sat down with Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Yale. I asked her: “What are the early signs of perimenopause, and how can women identify them?” She explained that changes in menstruation—irregular cycles, heavier or lighter periods—often signal the transition, along with hot flashes and disturbed sleep.

    Next, I wanted to know about managing symptoms: “What’s the latest on hormone therapy and other treatments?” Dr. Minkin shared that hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, can be effective for many women when started early in perimenopause, especially for severe hot flashes and night sweats. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all remedy. Today’s options are more personalized: women can choose between pills, patches, rings, or topical gels, matching treatments to their exact needs and medical history. Non-hormonal medications—like certain antidepressants—can also help, especially for those who can't or prefer not to use hormones.

    I then asked Dr. Minkin to address common fears: “Should women worry about risks linked to HRT?” She noted that earlier studies sparked concern but more recent research shows benefits often outweigh risks for women younger than 60 or within 10 years of menopause. The focus now is on finding the safest, most effective approach—working collaboratively between women and their care providers.

    Finally, I wanted Dr. Minkin's advice for women feeling overwhelmed or unsure: “What steps should women take to feel empowered during perimenopause?” Her top tip is to seek information, ask questions, and advocate for your health. If you’re struggling, talk to your healthcare provider honestly—your experience is valid, and partners in care will listen. She also recommends lifestyle tweaks, like maintaining regular exercise, nourishing your body with healthy foods, prioritizing sleep, and reaching out for mental support.

    For our key takeaways: Knowledge fuels empowerment. Symptom tracking and honest conversations with your provider are critical. Treatment choices should reflect your values, your risk factors, and your lifestyle—not just someone else’s guideline. Exercise, mindfulness, and nutrition all play a vital role.

    Thank you for tuning into the Women’s Health Podcast. Please subscribe so you never miss an episode that could transform your health experience. This has been a Quiet Please production. For more, check out quietplease.ai.

    For more http://www.quietplease.ai


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    3 mins