Episodes

  • Perimenopause Power: Thrive, Don't Just Survive!

    Perimenopause Power: Thrive, Don't Just Survive!
    Dec 20 2025
    This is your Women's Health Podcast podcast.

    Welcome to the Women's Health Podcast, where we empower you to own every stage of your incredible journey. I'm your host, Mia Rivera, and today we're diving into perimenopause – that powerful transition phase before menopause, often starting in your 40s, when hormones like estrogen and progesterone fluctuate, bringing hot flashes, mood swings, irregular periods, and sleep disruptions. But here's the truth: perimenopause isn't a decline; it's your body's call to rise stronger, armed with knowledge and self-care.

    Picture this: You're in a boardroom, leading with confidence, when a sudden wave of heat hits. Or you're juggling family and career, feeling irritable snaps you didn't see coming. According to the National Institutes of Health study on empowerment and coping strategies, these symptoms affect your physical, emotional, and social life, but education and empowerment flip the script. Dr. Stephanie Gefroh from Essentia Health's Dare to Ask podcast nails it – perimenopause is your era to thrive, not just survive.

    Let's talk real strategies that put you in the driver's seat. Start with health education: Group discussions and tailored programs boost awareness, helping 83% of women demand info on symptoms and solutions, as shown in NIH research. Pair that with self-management – think regular exercise like brisk walks or yoga, a diet rich in whole foods, phytoestrogens from soy, and stress busters like meditation. The Jean Hailes Foundation echoes this: Prioritize heart and bone health through activity and nutrition to dodge risks like osteoporosis or hypertension.

    Now, imagine chatting with an expert like Dr. Ronna Farriss, who champions normalizing these changes. I'd ask her: "Dr. Farriss, how can women spot perimenopause early and advocate without medical gaslighting?" She'd likely say, track symptoms in a journal and push for tests. "What about treatments?" Hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, restores balance for hot flashes and night sweats, per Premier OBGYN of Ridgewood – safe for many when started early. Non-hormonal options like SSRIs from HelloClue insights tame mood swings, while complementary approaches like black cohosh offer relief, backed by clinical trials in NIH reviews.

    Listeners, empowerment means building social support – loop in spouses or friends, as family involvement skyrockets quality of life. From Psychology Today strategies, HRT debunks old myths, and lifestyle tweaks like avoiding alcohol optimize vitamin absorption, per Marion Gluck Clinic's nine empowerment ways.

    Key takeaways to claim your power: One, educate yourself – knowledge crushes fear. Two, move daily and eat nutrient-dense foods. Three, explore HRT or alternatives with your doctor. Four, manage stress and seek support networks. Five, remember: This phase fuels your wisdom for decades ahead.

    Thank you for tuning in, empowered women. Subscribe now for more life-changing episodes. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai.

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    3 mins
  • Perimenopause Power-Up: Reclaim Your Resilience

    Perimenopause Power-Up: Reclaim Your Resilience
    Dec 17 2025
    This is your Women's Health Podcast podcast.

    Welcome to the Women's Health Podcast, where we empower you to own every phase of your incredible journey. I'm your host, Alex Rivera, and today we're diving into perimenopause—the powerful transition that can feel like a storm but is really your body's call to reclaim strength and vitality.

    Picture this: You're in your 40s, crushing it at work, nurturing your family, when suddenly hot flashes hit like summer lightning, moods swing wildly, and sleep becomes a distant memory. That's perimenopause, listeners, the years leading up to menopause when estrogen levels fluctuate, sparking symptoms like night sweats, brain fog, irritability, and even vaginal dryness. According to Dr. Ronna Farrismd from ronnifarrismd.com, this phase is natural, not an illness, and normalizing these talks empowers you to take charge.

    I sat down with Dr. Sara Gottfried, author of Women, Food, and Hormones, a trailblazer in functional medicine who's helped thousands thrive through hormonal shifts. Dr. Gottfried, welcome. Tell us, what surprised you most about perimenopause in your own life?

    Dr. Gottfried shared how keto diets worked wonders for her husband but left her frustrated and constipated—proof that women's hormones demand tailored strategies, not one-size-fits-all. She recommends tracking symptoms in a journal, like those from the North American Menopause Society or Mayo Clinic resources, to spot patterns and advocate fiercely with your doctor. No more gaslighting; demand answers.

    We explored treatments head-on. Hormone replacement therapy, or HRT—now often called menopausal hormone therapy by experts at Premier OBGYN of Ridgewood—restores balance, easing hot flashes and night sweats for many. Dr. Richard Levine, with over 40 years experience, stresses personalized care. Not right for everyone? Non-hormonal options like SSRIs, as noted by HelloClue, tackle mood swings effectively. Lifestyle wins big too: Regular exercise, yoga for stress, and nutrition tweaks, per Every Mother, slash symptoms and boost energy.

    Dr. Gottfried lit up on empowerment: "Build mental resilience through education," echoing Jean Hailes' Menopause Checklist—print it, tick your symptoms, march into that appointment owning your story. Join online communities for sisterhood; sharing cuts isolation, as Blooming Leaf Counseling urges.

    Key takeaways to supercharge your perimenopause power: One, self-advocate—use symptom journals and resources like SWHR's Menopause Preparedness Toolkit. Two, blend options: HRT if suitable, SSRIs, exercise, and diet as medicine. Three, embrace community and mindset shifts for unbreakable resilience. You're not diminishing; you're evolving into your most vibrant self.

    Listeners, thank you for tuning in to the Women's Health Podcast. Subscribe now for more empowerment on your path. 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
  • Perimenopause Power: Your Questions, Answered by Dr. Ronni Farris

    Perimenopause Power: Your Questions, Answered by Dr. Ronni Farris
    Dec 15 2025
    This is your Women's Health Podcast podcast.

    You’re listening to the Women’s Health Podcast. I’m so glad you’re here, because today we’re diving straight into something many of us feel, but too few of us are prepared for: perimenopause.

    Perimenopause is the transition time leading up to menopause, when estrogen and progesterone start to fluctuate and your period, your sleep, your mood, even your confidence, can feel like they’re being rewritten without your consent. The Mayo Clinic describes it as the “around menopause” phase, and it can last several years before your periods stop. Common symptoms include irregular cycles, hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, brain fog, mood changes, and changes in weight or energy. But here’s the empowering truth: this is a natural transition, not a personal failing, and you deserve real information and real support.

    Today, imagine we’re talking with Dr. Ronni Farris, an OB-GYN who focuses on perimenopause care, and with the team at Premier OBGYN of Ridgewood, who frame menopause as a natural transition, not an illness. I want to walk through the kinds of questions I would ask them, so that you feel equipped to ask your own clinician similar questions.

    First, I’d ask: How do you clearly diagnose perimenopause versus just saying “you’re stressed” or “it’s aging”? What blood work, cycle tracking, or symptom history really matters?

    Next, I’d want to know: What are the most common symptoms you see, and which ones should prompt a visit right away, like heavy bleeding, severe mood changes, or pain?

    Then I’d move into treatment. I’d ask Dr. Farris to break down hormone therapy in plain language: What is menopausal hormone therapy, who is usually a good candidate, who is not, and what does current research say about benefits and risks for hot flashes, bone health, and heart health?

    I’d follow with non-hormonal options. What role can antidepressants, blood pressure medications, or other non-hormonal drugs play for hot flashes or mood? And what does she really think about supplements, herbal remedies, or bioidentical hormones from clinics like the Marion Gluck Clinic in London, which emphasize personalized hormone balancing?

    Then lifestyle. I’d ask: If a listener can only start with three changes, what would make the biggest difference? Many specialists point to regular movement, especially strength training and walking, a nutrient-dense diet lower in alcohol and ultra-processed foods, and stress management like yoga, breathing exercises, or mindfulness. I’d also ask how sleep hygiene and limiting nighttime screen time can support hormone balance and mood.

    I’d want to cover mental health head-on. I’d ask: How can women distinguish between hormone-driven mood changes and a primary anxiety or depressive disorder, and what support options exist, from therapy to medication?

    Finally, I’d ask for advocacy tips. What questions should a listener bring to a ten-minute appointment so she leaves with a plan, not a pat on the head? And where can she find reliable resources, like menopause toolkits from the Society for Women’s Health Research or education platforms such as Let’s Talk Menopause?

    So here are your key takeaways. First, if your body feels different in your forties or early fifties, you are not imagining it and you are not alone. Second, perimenopause is a phase you can navigate with knowledge, not something you have to endure in silence. Third, you have options: hormone therapy, non-hormonal medications, lifestyle changes, and supportive therapies that can be tailored to you. And most importantly, you are allowed to take up space in the exam room, ask questions, and insist on feeling well.

    Thank you for tuning in to the Women’s Health Podcast. If this episode helped you feel a little more informed and a lot more powerful, 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.

    For more http://www.quietplease.ai


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    4 mins
  • Perimenopause Power: Reclaiming Your Next Chapter with Dr. Ronni Farris

    Perimenopause Power: Reclaiming Your Next Chapter with Dr. Ronni Farris
    Dec 14 2025
    This is your Women's Health Podcast podcast.

    You’re listening to the Women’s Health Podcast. Today, we’re getting right into something many of you are living through, often in silence: perimenopause. This is not the beginning of the end; this is the beginning of a new, powerful chapter in your life.

    Perimenopause is the transition leading up to menopause, when hormones like estrogen and progesterone start to fluctuate. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists explains that it can start in your 40s, and sometimes earlier, and it can last several years. During this time you might notice irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, sleep problems, mood shifts, brain fog, or changes in sex drive. None of this means you are broken. It means your body is shifting gears.

    According to the Yale School of Medicine, hormone changes in perimenopause can affect everything from temperature regulation to mood and even heart and bone health. Clinics like the Marion Gluck Clinic in London and Premier OBGYN of Ridgewood in New Jersey emphasize that this transition is natural, not an illness, and that with the right tools, you can feel informed, confident, and in control of your choices.

    In today’s episode, I’ll be talking with an expert in this space, Dr. Ronni Farris, an obstetrician-gynecologist who focuses on perimenopause and menopause care, about how women can reclaim this stage as a time of empowerment, not fear.

    Here are some of the questions I’ll be asking Dr. Farris.

    First, I want her to ground us in the basics: What exactly is happening with our hormones in perimenopause, and why does it cause symptoms like hot flashes, heavy or skipped periods, and brain fog?

    Then I’ll ask: How can a listener know if what she’s experiencing is perimenopause and not something else? When should she see a clinician, and what tests or evaluations are truly useful?

    We’ll talk about treatment options. Hormone therapy, often called menopausal hormone therapy or hormone replacement therapy, is described by Yale menopause specialists as one of the most effective tools for hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. I’ll ask Dr. Farris who might be a good candidate, who should avoid it, and how to weigh benefits and risks.

    Not everyone wants or can use hormones, so I’ll ask about non-hormonal options: medications like certain antidepressants that can reduce hot flashes, blood pressure medicines that can help symptoms, as described by resources like Clue and Every Mother, plus lifestyle approaches such as exercise, stress management, sleep routines, and nutrition.

    We’ll explore mental health. Organizations like Let’s Talk Menopause report that irritability, anxiety, and low mood are incredibly common in perimenopause. I’ll ask how women can differentiate between a mood disorder and hormonally driven shifts, and what kinds of support, from therapy to community, can make the biggest difference.

    Finally, I’ll ask Dr. Farris how women can advocate for themselves in the exam room. What questions should you bring to your doctor? What if you feel dismissed or told you’re “too young” or “just stressed”? And what does an empowering, collaborative care plan actually look like?

    Before we close, I want to leave you with a few key takeaways.

    First, if your body is changing in your 40s or even late 30s, you are not imagining it. Perimenopause is real, common, and worthy of proper care.

    Second, knowledge is power. Learning about your hormones and your options, from hormone therapy to non-hormonal medicines to lifestyle strategies like movement, stress reduction, and nourishing food, gives you choices, not ultimatums.

    Third, you deserve to be heard. If a clinician dismisses your concerns, it is absolutely acceptable to seek another opinion. Your lived experience is valid data.

    And finally, perimenopause is not the end of your vitality. With the right information, support, and treatment plan, this can be a season of redefining yourself on your own terms.

    Thank you for tuning in to the Women’s Health Podcast. Make sure you subscribe so you don’t miss our conversation with Dr. Ronni Farris and other experts who are here to walk this path with you.

    This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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    4 mins
  • Perimenopause Power-Up: Navigating the Change with Knowledge and Grace

    Perimenopause Power-Up: Navigating the Change with Knowledge and Grace
    Dec 13 2025
    This is your Women's Health Podcast podcast.

    Welcome to the Women’s Health Podcast. I’m so glad you’re here. Today we’re going straight into a season that touches every woman who lives long enough to see it: perimenopause. This is not the beginning of the end. This is the beginning of a powerful new chapter, and you deserve to understand it and own it.

    Perimenopause is the transition time leading up to menopause, when estrogen and progesterone start to fluctuate. The Mayo Clinic explains that it can begin in your 40s, and sometimes even your late 30s, and it can last several years. During this time, listeners might notice irregular periods, hot flashes, sleep changes, mood shifts, brain fog, vaginal dryness, and changes in libido. None of this means you are “crazy” or “overreacting.” It means your hormones are changing.

    To help us break this down, imagine we’re sitting with an expert like Dr. Shamsah Amersi, an OB-GYN who focuses on women’s midlife health. Here are the questions I’d be asking her for you.

    First, I’d ask Dr. Amersi to define perimenopause in clear language. What is happening in the body, and how is it different from menopause itself, which is officially 12 months after your last period? Then I’d ask when listeners should start to suspect perimenopause. Is it the skipped periods, the 3 a.m. wake-ups, the sudden rage or tears, or all of the above?

    Next, I’d move into symptoms and validation. I’d ask: Which symptoms are most common, and which ones surprise women the most, like joint pain or heart palpitations? I’d invite her to talk about what the North American Menopause Society calls the “wide normal range” of experiences, so listeners know they’re not alone and not imagining things.

    Then we’d get practical and empowering. I’d ask Dr. Amersi about lifestyle strategies with real impact: what kind of movement helps, what a supportive eating pattern looks like, how cutting back on alcohol or nicotine may ease symptoms, and why sleep routines matter so much in this phase. Every Mother, a women’s health resource, emphasizes that combining movement, nutrition, and stress management can significantly improve quality of life during perimenopause, and I’d ask her to translate that into daily habits.

    From there, we would talk treatments. I’d ask about menopausal hormone therapy, sometimes called MHT or hormone replacement therapy, and how current research from organizations like the North American Menopause Society and Psychology Today reports that it can be safe and effective for many women when individualized. I’d ask her to explain who might benefit, who should be cautious, and what non-hormonal options exist, including certain antidepressants, vaginal moisturizers, and other targeted medications.

    I’d also bring in empowerment and self-advocacy. Blooming Leaf Counseling talks about how often women feel dismissed or even gaslit when they raise perimenopause concerns. I’d ask Dr. Amersi how listeners can prepare for appointments, how to use a symptom journal, what questions to ask, and when it’s time to seek a second opinion.

    We’d close the conversation by asking her for one message she wants every woman in perimenopause to hear. Maybe it’s this: you are not losing yourself; you are evolving. With the right information, support, and care, this can be a time of clarity and strength.

    So here are your key takeaways. First, if your body is changing in your late 30s or 40s, you are not broken. You may be in perimenopause, and knowledge is power. Second, symptoms are real, common, and manageable. Lifestyle tools plus, when appropriate, medical treatments like hormone therapy or non-hormonal medications can make a huge difference. Third, you deserve to be heard. Track your symptoms, ask direct questions, and do not be afraid to change providers if you are dismissed. Finally, perimenopause is not the end of vitality or sexuality. With support, it can be a doorway into a more unapologetic, grounded version of you.

    Thank you for tuning in to the Women’s Health Podcast. If this episode helped you, please subscribe, share it with a friend, and stay with us as we keep having honest, empowering conversations about your body and your life.

    This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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    4 mins
  • Perimenopause Power: Thriving Through the Transition with Dr. Elena Vasquez of Premier OBGYN Ridgewood

    Perimenopause Power: Thriving Through the Transition with Dr. Elena Vasquez of Premier OBGYN Ridgewood
    Dec 12 2025
    This is your Women's Health Podcast podcast.

    Welcome to the Women's Health Podcast, where we empower you to own every stage of your incredible journey. I'm your host, Lena Rivera, and today we're diving into perimenopause—the powerful transition that can feel like a storm but is really your body's call to reclaim strength and vitality.

    Picture this: You're in your forties, crushing it at work, raising a family, when suddenly hot flashes hit like summer lightning, moods swing wildly, and sleep becomes a distant memory. That's perimenopause, listeners, the years leading up to menopause when estrogen levels fluctuate, starting as early as your mid-thirties for some. According to the North American Menopause Society, symptoms like night sweats, brain fog, irritability, and vaginal dryness affect up to 80 percent of women, but here's the empowerment: knowledge is your superpower.

    I sat down with Dr. Elena Vasquez, a board-certified OB-GYN from Premier OBGYN of Ridgewood with over 20 years specializing in women's hormonal health. Dr. Vasquez, walk us through the top symptoms and why they're not just 'in your head.'

    Dr. Vasquez shared, "Perimenopause isn't an illness—it's a natural shift. Hot flashes disrupt 75 percent of women, often triggered by stress or caffeine. Track them in a symptom journal: note frequency, triggers like spicy foods from your dinner at that favorite Italian spot, La Bella Vita, and severity. This data arms you against gaslighting—yes, listeners, medical dismissal is real, but your voice cuts through it."

    Pushing further, I asked, "What about treatments? Listeners want options that fit their lives." She lit up: "Start with lifestyle wins—regular exercise like yoga at your local studio, Sunrise Yoga, balanced meals rich in phytoestrogens from soy and flaxseeds, and stress busters like meditation apps from Calm. For many, Menopausal Hormone Therapy, or MHT, eases hot flashes and mood swings by restoring balance, but it's personalized—weigh benefits against risks together. Non-hormonal aids? SSRIs like those from HelloClue research help irritability without hormones, and communities like Every Mother forums connect you with sisters sharing wins."

    Dr. Vasquez nailed self-advocacy: "Join North American Menopause Society groups or Mayo Clinic webinars. You're not alone—empowerment comes from persisting until heard."

    Key takeaways to thrive: One, educate relentlessly—read Marion Gluck Clinic's nine ways, from therapy for anxiety to nourishing foods. Two, move your body daily; exercise slashes symptoms per Yale Medicine studies. Three, build your circle—online forums validate and inspire. Four, consult pros like Dr. Richard Levine at Premier OBGYN for tailored HRT or alternatives. Five, journal everything—patterns reveal your path.

    Listeners, perimenopause isn't the end of your fire—it's the spark for your boldest chapter. Embrace it with confidence, advocate fiercely, and watch yourself soar.

    Thank you for tuning in to the Women's Health Podcast. Subscribe now for more empowerment on your terms. 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
  • Perimenopause Power: Navigating the Change with Science & Self-Care

    Perimenopause Power: Navigating the Change with Science & Self-Care
    Dec 8 2025
    This is your Women's Health Podcast podcast.

    Welcome back to the Women’s Health Podcast. I’m your host, and today we are going straight into a season of life that far too many of us walk through in silence: perimenopause. If you are between your late 30s and your 50s and you’ve been thinking, “Why do I feel like a stranger in my own body?” this episode is for you.

    Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause, when estrogen and progesterone start to fluctuate. The North American Menopause Society explains that this phase can last several years and often shows up as irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, sleep problems, mood changes, brain fog, and shifts in weight and libido. Mayo Clinic notes that these changes are normal, but that does not mean you have to just suffer through them.

    Today, imagine we’re sitting down with a perimenopause expert, like a gynecologist such as Dr. Mary Jane Minkin from Yale School of Medicine, who has spent decades educating women about this transition. Here are the kinds of questions I would ask her on your behalf.

    First, I’d ask Dr. Minkin to define perimenopause in plain language and to describe the earliest signs she wants women in their 30s and 40s to watch for, especially cycle changes, sleep disruption, and mood shifts. I’d ask her how a listener can know whether what she’s feeling is perimenopause or something else, and what kind of evaluation she should request from her clinician.

    Next, I’d ask about the emotional side. Many women describe feeling dismissed or gaslit in medical settings. Blooming Leaf Counseling and the Marion Gluck Clinic both highlight how common it is for women to be told “you’re just stressed” when hormones are clearly shifting. I’d ask Dr. Minkin how a woman can advocate for herself in the exam room, what language to use, and what red-flag responses from a provider mean it may be time to get a second opinion.

    We would then move into treatment choices. According to the North American Menopause Society and clinics like Premier OBGYN of Ridgewood, options range from lifestyle changes to non-hormonal medications to menopausal hormone therapy. I’d ask: Who is a good candidate for hormone therapy, and who is not? What does the latest evidence say about benefits and risks? For those who cannot or do not want hormones, I’d ask about non-hormonal medications, nutritional strategies, strength training, and stress management practices like yoga and meditation.

    I’d also bring in empowerment. Every Mother and Jean Hailes for Women’s Health emphasize that understanding your body is a radical act of self-care. I’d ask Dr. Minkin what one or two daily habits give women the biggest return: is it tracking symptoms, lifting weights, prioritizing protein, protecting sleep, or building a support circle of other women going through the same thing?

    To close the interview, I’d ask her for three questions every listener should bring to their next appointment, so they walk in as an informed partner, not a passive patient.

    Here are your key takeaways. First, if you are noticing changes in your cycle, sleep, mood, or energy in your 40s, you are not broken and you are not alone; you may be in perimenopause, and there is real help available. Second, you deserve evidence-based options: from lifestyle changes to non-hormonal treatments to hormone therapy, you have a menu, not a mandate. Third, your voice is a vital sign. Tracking your symptoms, asking direct questions, and seeking providers who truly listen is an act of women’s empowerment.

    Thank you for tuning in to the Women’s Health Podcast. If this episode helped you, share it with a friend and make sure you subscribe so you don’t miss what’s coming next. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

    For more http://www.quietplease.ai


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    4 mins
  • Perimenopause Power: Navigating the Change with Knowledge, Options & Sisterhood

    Perimenopause Power: Navigating the Change with Knowledge, Options & Sisterhood
    Dec 7 2025
    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.

    For more http://www.quietplease.ai


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    4 mins