Perimenopause Depression & Anxiety: Hormone Shifts vs. Mental Health with Psychiatrist Dr. Allie Sharma

Welcome to MENO — your go-to for perimenopause, menopause, and everything in between. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Allie Sharma, a Cornell-trained psychiatrist and Co-founder of Being Health. Dr. Sharma's backstory includes working with trauma survivors in post-conflict countries like Afghanistan and marginalized populations in the South Bronx. Despite her elite training, she reveals she learned zero about menopause in medical school—a gap she now solves through an integrated mental health model that bridges the gap between hormones and the brain. IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVER: -The 40% Surge: Why the risk of depression can be 40% higher in perimenopause than premenopause. -Neurotransmitter 101: How estrogen directly impacts serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine metabolism. -The GABA Connection: Why progesterone acts as a natural "calming" hormone on the brain's GABA pathway. -The Truth About the Pill: Why standard birth control may not be the right solution for perimenopausal mood shifts. -Biohacking with Ketamine: How infusion therapy facilitates a "neuroplastic window" to treat resistant depression. -The SSRI Libido Myth: Navigating sexual side effects and finding alternative treatments like SNRIs or Wellbutrin. -Ancient Medicine, Modern Results: Why the WHO endorses acupuncture for treating depression. -CBT for Menopause: Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to manage the psychological distress of hot flashes. RESOURCES beinghealth.co Dr. Allie Sharma on IG @alliesharmamd @mentalhealthcoalition @beinghealthcare ABOUT MENO MENO is the definitive platform for menopause and perimenopause care — connecting women to trusted experts, solutions, and support https://joinmeno.com/ https://www.instagram.com/join.meno https://www.tiktok.com/@join.meno Follow our Founder/CEO on Instagram @jacquelinebuckingham Disclaimer: MENO is for general information and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine in any way. MENO does not constitute professional health care services or medical advice. No doctor/patient relationship is formed as a result of this podcast. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user's own risk. The content of MENO is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard getting medical advice for any such medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any conditions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices