Episode 2: "Perimenopause: The Hot Mess Before the Main Event"

In this episode of Menopause HQ: Hot, Tired & Hormonal, Angela and Nurse Practitioner LaTalya take a deep dive into perimenopause, the hormonal transition that can last 8–10 years (or longer for women of color) before menopause officially begins. Many women are experiencing symptoms during this stage without realizing what’s actually happening in their bodies.Together, they break down what perimenopause really is, what’s happening hormonally with estrogen and progesterone, and why your lab work may still look “normal” even when you feel completely different.You’ll also hear about the common symptoms of perimenopause like hot flashes, night sweats, sleep problems, mood swings, brain fog, low libido, and weight changes — along with the lesser-known symptoms many women aren’t warned about, including dizziness, anxiety, heart palpitations, ringing in the ears, itchy skin, and sudden rage.Angela and LaTalya also talk openly about how perimenopause can affect relationships, parenting, emotional tolerance, and mental health, and why many women begin reevaluating how they want to spend the next stage of their lives.This conversation is honest, relatable, and packed with the kind of information many of us wish someone had explained years ago. If you’ve ever thought, “Why do I feel like a stranger in my own body?” — this episode is for you.Grab a cup of coffee, get comfortable, and join us for some real talk about the years leading up to menopause.About Us:Menopause HQ is a company dedicated tohelping women understand their bodies, advocate for themselves, and navigate perimenopause and post-menopause with confidence.  The podcast is co-hosted by Angela Black, MPH and LaTalya Louis, APRN, FNP-C.   LaTalyais an expert in women’s hormonal health.  New episodes drop weekly! Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding your individual health needs. Links: Podcast website (Get your Listener Starter Kit here):  https://www.themenopausehq.com/podcast New here? Start with a FREE Preview ofour  Menopause Symptom Tracker: https://www.themenopausehq.com  Shop Fun Menopause Merchandise:  https://www.themenopausehq.com/shop   The Final Flow Menopause and More:  https://www.thefinalflowmenopause.com Get a 6 Month Menopause Symptom Journal Tracker:  https://www.themenopausehq.com/journal Find a doctor in your area who is trained in menopausehere:  https://menopause.org  - Click on “patient education” Connect With Us: Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=menopause%20hq Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/menopause.hq/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@menopausehq?_r=1&_t=ZT-94ETTK72H8v Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/MenopauseHQ/ Support This Podcast:Producing this podcast requires time, research, editing, hosting fees, and ongoing educational resources. If this podcast is helping you understand your body, advocate for yourself, or just feel less alone, and you’d like to support the work we’re doing, you can contribute through: Zelle: [email protected] CashApp:  $menopausehq