Perimenopause Power Hour: Dr. Zeldina Decodes the Change

This is your Women's Health Podcast podcast. Welcome to the Women’s Health Podcast. Today, we’re diving into a chapter that every woman deserves to approach with strength, knowledge, and community: perimenopause. I’m thrilled you’re here, because while perimenopause is a natural transition, it’s one we rarely talk about openly—and that stops now. Let’s get right to the heart of the matter. Picture this: you’re in your early forties, maybe a little earlier or later, and something starts to shift. Your periods become unpredictable. Maybe you wake up drenched in sweat, even with the AC blasting. Mood swings, fatigue, trouble sleeping—these are just a few signs you could be entering perimenopause, the hormone-fueled lead-up to menopause. According to Every Mother, understanding perimenopause and its symptoms empowers women to advocate for themselves and seek support that fits their unique needs. Today, we have Dr. Elina Zeldina from Premier OBGYN of Ridgewood joining us to help break down those symptoms and what you can do about them. Dr. Zeldina, welcome to the Women’s Health Podcast. I want to get right to what our listeners crave most—answers. What exactly triggers perimenopause, and how can women distinguish between normal cycle changes and something that deserves their doctor's attention? For so many, symptoms go beyond hot flashes and irregular cycles. Can you shed light on the less obvious signs, like brain fog, anxiety, or joint aches, that women might not connect with perimenopause? For listeners who feel overwhelmed, what are the most effective ways you recommend managing symptoms right now? How do you weigh the pros and cons of hormone replacement therapy compared to non-hormonal treatments, like lifestyle changes, non-hormonal medications, or even alternative therapies such as acupuncture or yoga? There’s so much opinion out there—where should women start in their search for credible, personalized guidance? I know exercise and nutrition can be game-changers. Can you share practical, sustainable lifestyle tweaks for listeners—like what types of movement and which foods support hormonal balance or bone health best through this phase? The emotional toll can be just as tough. Many women feel isolated by the rollercoaster of symptoms, especially when conversations around hormones are hushed. How do you recommend women advocate for themselves—at the doctor’s office, at work, or even at home—if they’re met with skepticism or simply not feeling heard? As we wrap up, what’s your top advice for women entering or navigating perimenopause now? If there’s one habit, perspective, or resource you wish every listener could take up today, what would it be? Thank you, Dr. Zeldina, for your empowering insights. For everyone listening, here are some key takeaways: perimenopause is a normal, temporary phase, not an illness. There are effective tools—ranging from diet, exercise, mindfulness, and medical interventions—to help you feel your best. You des This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.