Ep.62: Perimenopause and Menopause: What You Need to Know with Dr. Kelly Casperson

We're thrilled to bring you this powerful and myth-busting conversation with Dr. Kelly Casperson, a board-certified urologist, author of You Are Not Broken, and host of the top-rated podcast of the same name. If you’ve ever felt confused, dismissed, or flat-out frustrated by the information (or lack thereof) around perimenopause and menopause, this episode is for you. Dr. Casperson breaks down the science with clarity and humor, helping us all better understand what’s really going on with our hormones—and why we don’t have to just "tough it out." We cover everything from early symptoms like brain fog and poor sleep to the misunderstood role of hormones like estrogen and testosterone. We also talk about how we as women can become better advocates for our health in a system that often leaves us behind.  Episode Highlights:  [4:38] - Debunking the myth that menopause only happens in your 50s—and how "average" doesn't mean "too young." [7:16] - Brain fog, sleep issues, and the importance of estrogen and testosterone for your mental clarity. [16:50] - The real story behind testosterone—what it does, why it's not “just for libido,” and how women actually produce more of it than estrogen. [21:33] - Pros, cons, and controversies of pellets vs. transdermal testosterone and how to advocate for safe, effective treatment. [29:00] - Why age-based hormone treatment guidelines are outdated and how to start thinking preventively about your health. [34:30] - Breast cancer survivors and hormones: navigating a complex and often misinformed landscape. [38:59] - Common myths around risk and how to challenge medical gatekeeping with knowledge and confidence. [42:44] - The fallout from the 2002 Women’s Health Initiative study and how misinformation persists decades later. [44:08] - Where to actually find a menopause-savvy provider who knows the full menu of treatment options. Links & Resources:Dr. Kelly Casperson's Website: https://kellycaspersonmd.com/ Book: You Are Not Broken: https://kellycaspersonmd.com/you-are-not-broken-book/ Upcoming Book: Menopause Moment (September 2025): Pre-Order Now: preorder Kelly's new book about Perimenopause: https://kellycaspersonmd.com/the-menopause-moment-book/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellycaspersonmd Podcast: You Are Not Broken: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/you-are-not-broken/id1495710329 Menopause Society Directory: https://menopause.org/  If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!Ever stayed quiet to keep the peace and felt yourself disappear? The Cost of Quiet is for anyone who avoids conflict and pays the price. Reclaim your voice, strengthen your relationships, and experience real peace. Order your copy and join the movement: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book🎙️ Love the podcast? Come talk about episodes with us inside The Midlife Chat. It’s a free, private community just for women at midlife who want to keep these conversations going. We’ve created this space for real talk, fresh resources, and honest connection—where you can share ideas and resources, ask questions, and get support from women navigating the same season.  Come join us—we’d love to have you!👉 Join The Midlife Chat here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/795863256460970/Order The Cost of Quiet now! Colette’s new book, The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations that Create Secure, Lasting Love, launched February 3rd. Order your copy today: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-bookRecognized by FeedSpot:Top 60 Couples Therapy Podcasts | Top 100 U.S. Mental Health Podcasts | Top 100 Relaxation Podcasts