Perimenopause: Navigating Hormones and Sleep with Dr. Laurie Alpert

Have you ever found yourself wide awake at 3 a.m., wrestling with anxiety and night sweats? Or, maybe you walked into a room with a purpose and completely forgot why you’re there? It could be the beginning of the transition to menopause. In this episode of Phase to Phase, Dr. Anne Hussain is joined by fellow Naturopathic Doctor and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, Dr. Laurie Alpert. They explore the complexities of perimenopause and menopause, highlighting the often-overlooked symptoms that accompany this time when hormone changes, chronological aging, and the stresses of life are all happening simultaneously, leaving you wondering what "normal" is. They discuss various aspects of health management during perimenopause, focusing on hormone therapy, lifestyle modifications like nutrition and exercise, and the importance of collaborative care so you can feel more like yourself now and set yourself up for the future.  Takeaways Perimenopause is a significant transition with hormone change that affects many aspects of health and life, and it can present with a spectrum of signs and symptoms.  Menopause is defined as one day, marking the twelve-month anniversary of your final period ever. After this, you’re considered post-menopause.  Insomnia is a common concern in perimenopause that can affect energy, mood, appetite, weight, and memory! Difficulty falling asleep and waking up frequently can be due to hot flashes, night sweats, frequent urination, and even sleep apnea.  Tracking menstrual cycles and symptoms can provide valuable insights for healthcare providers  Lifestyle modifications, like working on stress, sleep, exercise, nutrition, and avoiding alcohol, can significantly improve quality of life during this transition including your metabolic health, breast cancer risk, bone health, and sleep.  Regular health screenings are crucial during midlife to monitor changes, and this may or may not include hormone testing. Hormone therapy is a primary treatment for menopausal symptoms but not the only option. There are supplements, herbs, counselling, acupuncture, and more that we can use with or without estrogen and progesterone therapy.  There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to perimenopausal hormone change. Collaborative care that centres you and your experience is where it’s at! More About Dr. Laurie Alpert, ND Dr. Laurie Alpert is a Naturopathic Doctor and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner with expertise in supporting women through perimenopause.  Combining conventional standards of care with evidence-based integrative therapies, she provides strategic and collaborative healthcare to help you make the most of this transition. In addition to providing one-on-one clinical care to Ontario residents, she facilitates a Clinical Menopause Mentorship program for integrative medical professionals, and has designed a DIY 8 week Perimenopause Sleep Solutions experience to support the unique needs for sleep recovery during this significant lifestage.  Work with Dr. Laurie Follow Dr. Laurie on Instagram Perimenopause Sleep Solutions Menopause Practitioner Circle Connect with Dr. Anne Hussain, ND: ⁠⁠⁠https://phasetophase.ca/ ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://annehussain.com/  (00:00) Understanding Perimenopause and Menopause (02:36) Defining Menopause Terminology (05:40) Common Symptoms and Changes During Perimenopause (09:11) The Impact of Sleep on Health (15:18) The Role of Caffeine and Alcohol (19:09) Tracking Symptoms and Seeking Help (24:56) Essential Health Screenings During Midlife (27:22) Understanding Hormone Testing (28:18) Lifestyle Modifications for Better Health (31:14) The Importance of Nutrition and Hydration (33:05) Exercise and Its Impact on Sleep (37:23) Addressing Sleep Disruptions (42:44) Collaborative Care and Evolving Perspectives on Health Care Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices