Perimenopause Power: Navigating Change with Dr. Elina Zeldina

This is your Women's Health Podcast podcast. Welcome to the Women's Health Podcast—the space where your well-being, experiences, and voice take center stage. I’m your host, and today we’re diving straight into a transition many women face but still don’t talk about openly enough: perimenopause. Now, whether the word makes you sigh, roll your eyes, or sparks curiosity, know this—perimenopause is a time of real power and change, not just challenge. Let’s get real about what’s happening. Perimenopause, often starting in your 40s but sometimes sooner, is the lead-up to menopause. It’s driven by shifting hormones, mainly fluctuating estrogen and progesterone, and can last anywhere from a few months to more than ten years. The symptoms? These can include irregular periods, hot flashes, sleep disturbances, mood swings, brain fog, and even changes in metabolism and libido. Every woman’s experience is different—some barely notice, while others feel their whole world shifting. Today, I’m inviting Dr. Elina Zeldina of Premier OBGYN of Ridgewood into our virtual studio. Dr. Zeldina is a leader in women’s health and passionate about empowering women during perimenopause. Here are the questions I’ll be asking her in our expert segment. First, what exactly happens to our hormones during perimenopause and what symptoms should women expect? Then, how can women distinguish between perimenopause and other health issues that sometimes mimic its symptoms? Next, we’ll talk about approaches to managing symptoms—what lifestyle changes or therapies are most effective? We’ll explore how hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, works, who it’s for, and what the latest research says about its safety. We’ll also cover non-hormonal options, whether that means medications or therapies like yoga, acupuncture, or cognitive behavioral strategies. Because empowerment is about options, I’ll also ask Dr. Zeldina how women can advocate for the care and information they need when seeing healthcare providers. Finally, I want to know what advice she’d offer women who feel isolated or unsupported during this transitional phase. As we reflect on what we’ve learned, here are some key takeaways. Perimenopause is a powerful part of women’s lives and should be met with knowledge, not fear. According to Dr. Haleema Sheikh at Marion Gluck Clinic, education about your hormones—and how to advocate for yourself—can make a huge difference. At clinics like Premier OBGYN of Ridgewood, comprehensive care means your journey and symptoms are listened to and addressed in ways that work for you. And let’s not forget: evidence-based therapies range from hormone replacement to lifestyle interventions like regular exercise, good nutrition, and mindfulness techniques. Community support, as found on platforms like Jean Hailes and Every Mother, reminds us no woman is ever alone on this journey. Thank you for tuning in to today’s episode of the Women’s Health Podcast. Remember to subscribe so you never miss an This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.