No One Taught Us This: Perimenopause 101 (with Erin Brandt & Lurah Patrick)

Send us Fan MailWhat if the mood swings, night sweats, anxiety, and brain fog aren’t “just you”—but a totally normal phase no one taught you to expect? In this candid conversation, Erin Brandt (sex educator turned counseling intern) and Lurah Patrick (graduate counseling intern) name what perimenopause really is, how it shows up from the mid-30s onward, and why so many women get misdiagnosed or dismissed.We unpack:Perimenopause vs. menopause vs. post-menopause (clear definitions and timelines)Why labs can be inconclusive—and what to track insteadThe mental health angle: when symptoms mimic anxiety or depressionMedical advocacy that works when you’re not being heardHormone therapy, non-hormonal options, and informed choiceGrief, identity shifts, and the surprising upsides (freedom, community, “zero F’s” energy)Join the group: The Pause (Peri/Menopause Support)Eight weeks of education, symptom-tracking tools, and real community—led by Erin & Lurah. Start with a free, no-pressure consult.Explore all Her Time Therapy groupsShort on time or curious about other options? See what’s running now and find your fit.Work 1:1 with today’s guestsMeet Lurah Patrick & request a consultMeet Erin Brandt & request a consultResources mentionedMIDI Health (virtual midlife women’s care)Winona (telehealth menopause care)Support the showStay Connected + Support the ShowFollow us @HerTimeToTalk and @HerTimeTherapyVisit our website to connect with a therapist, subscribe to our newsletter, or learn more about feminist mental health counseling If this episode moved you, empowered you, or taught you something new—be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share with someone who needs to hear it.This is your time. Your story matters. Your voice is powerful. And your mental health is worth prioritizing.