Navigating the Change: Your Perimenopause Toolkit

This is your Women's Health Podcast podcast. Welcome to the Women’s Health Podcast. I’m your host, and today we’re jumping right into a topic that touches nearly every woman’s life—perimenopause. For many, this transition can feel like the start of an unknown journey, but my goal is to equip us all with knowledge, confidence, and the sense that we’re not alone. Perimenopause is the natural lead-up to menopause, usually beginning in your forties—though it can start earlier—and marked by changes in your menstrual cycle, hot flashes, sleep issues, mood swings, and more. According to Mayo Clinic, there’s no single sign or test that signals the start. It’s a gradual transition, and the experience is as unique as each of us. To help us navigate this chapter, I’m thrilled to bring on Dr. Maria Evans, a board-certified OB-GYN with over two decades of experience supporting women through all stages of life. Dr. Evans, thank you for joining us. Let’s get right to the heart of it. First, what exactly is perimenopause, and how does it differ from menopause? Can you talk us through some of the most common symptoms—especially those early signals that listeners might overlook? Next, we hear so much about hot flashes and night sweats, but perimenopause is also about changes in mood and cognition. What’s going on in our brains and bodies during this time, and why do some women experience anxiety or depression? Another big topic is treatment options. Mayo Clinic and Planned Parenthood both note that systemic estrogen therapy—pills, patches, gels—remains the most effective medical treatment for hot flashes and night sweats. But that’s not for everyone. Can you walk us through the pros and cons of hormone therapies, and who they’re best for? For listeners who prefer to avoid hormones, what non-hormonal therapies do you recommend? Dr. Evans, you’ve mentioned the value of SSRIs—antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors—for mood swings and even hot flashes. There’s also gabapentin and, as Right as Rain at UW Medicine reports, a new medication called fezolinetant, recently approved for hot flash relief by the FDA. How do these options compare, and what should listeners ask their doctors about before starting any of these therapies? We also know lifestyle changes matter. Good nutrition, regular movement, maintaining healthy sleep habits, and reducing caffeine can all help, though not every solution works for everyone. How can women build a personalized perimenopause toolkit that fits their symptoms and lifestyle? Finally, how do you recommend women advocate for themselves in healthcare settings, especially if they feel dismissed or misunderstood during this transition? Listeners, as we wrap up, here are a few key takeaways. Perimenopause is a natural part of a woman’s life, not a problem to be fixed but a transition to be navigated with information and support. You have options—from hormone therapies to non-hormonal medications and lifestyle This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.