Hot Flashes, Hormones, and the Season Nobody Prepared Us For

EPISODE · Feb 1, 2026 · 56 MIN

Hot Flashes, Hormones, and the Season Nobody Prepared Us For

from A Therapist and Her Inner Circle · host Aven Barbosa

Perimenopause affects far more than menstrual cycles—it has a profound impact on mental health, emotional regulation, and overall well-being, especially for women in their late 30s and 40s.In this episode, we explore the often-overlooked connection between perimenopause and mental health, including rising rates of anxiety, depression, mood changes, sleep disruption, brain fog, and emotional overwhelm during the menopausal transition. This conversation covers:​How hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause affect mood and mental health​Common emotional symptoms women experience in their 30s and 40s​The intersection of hormones, life stress, identity shifts, and nervous system regulation​When to seek support and how holistic, integrative care can helpWhether you’re navigating perimenopause yourself, supporting a partner or loved one, or simply want to better understand women’s mental health in midlife, this episode offers validation, education, and a reminder that these experiences are real, common, and treatable.Friendly reminder: This episode is meant to inform, normalize, and spark conversation—not to replace therapy or medical advice. Everyone’s experience is different, so if you’re struggling or have concerns, please reach out to a qualified mental health or medical professional.As always, this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for therapy, medical care, or professional mental health treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship with me or any guests.The views expressed in this episode are our own and do not represent the positions of any affiliated organizations, employers, or licensing boards.If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact your local emergency services or dial or text 988 in the United States for immediate support.

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Hot Flashes, Hormones, and the Season Nobody Prepared Us For

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