Hormones' Impact on Puberty, Menstrual Cycles, and Mental Health | Episode 52 with Dr. Devan Szepanski

Dr. Devan Szepanski is a family medicine physician from NuWell Health, and she joins us to break down everything you need to know about hormones, puberty, periods, PMS, and PMDD. We unpack what happens hormonally during puberty in girls, define what puberty actually is, and explore the roles of key hormones like testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone in shaping mood and menstrual cycles. Dr. Szepanski shares how hormonal fluctuations cause symptoms like PMS, the difference between PMS and PMDD, and why understanding these changes is crucial for both teens and adults.We also dive into testing hormone imbalances, the pros and cons of saliva versus blood tests, and how supplements or hormone treatments can help. Together, we highlight the urgent need for better hormone education in medicine so providers can truly support their patients, and we discuss practical ways to help girls and women navigate these complex changes with more awareness and support.Join hosts Jessica Eisenstat, a Licensed Professional Counselor, and Dr. Lauren LaRose, a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, as they dive into raw and real conversations about all things kids. These two moms, who also happen to be mental health professionals, bring humor, debate, and a hefty dose of mom realness to every episode. From tackling children’s mental health to the daily chaos of parenting, nothing is off-limits.Follow The Little Brain CampaignInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelittlebraincampaign/Website: https://www.littlebraincampaign.com/