Perimenopause Power: Navigating the Change with Dr. Stephanie Gefroh

This is your Women's Health Podcast podcast. Welcome to the Women's Health Podcast. Today, we’re diving straight into perimenopause—a phase in every woman’s life that’s powerful, transformative, and so often misunderstood. I’m your host, and if you’re in your 40s, maybe late 30s, or just unsure about the changes happening in your body, this episode is absolutely for you. Perimenopause is more than just a warm-up act for menopause. The experts like Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, host of the Menopause: Unmuted podcast, remind us that perimenopause can bring some serious shifts—most women experience irregular periods, hot flashes, sleep disruptions, mood changes, and even changes in sexual health and energy. If you’ve ever felt like your body is rewriting all the rules, you are not alone. Hundreds of thousands of women each year find themselves in this stage, often without enough guidance or support. That’s why I’m thrilled to welcome our guest today, Dr. Stephanie Gefroh, from Essentia Health’s “Dare to Ask” podcast, particularly the episode titled "In My Perimenopause Era." Dr. Gefroh has made it her mission to meet women exactly where they’re at—with real talk about hormone changes, mental and emotional health, and what we can do to take control of our well-being. Dr. Gefroh, I want to start with the biggest misconception. So many women feel blindsided by perimenopause. Why do you think we’re still not talking about this stage enough? Let’s get practical. For a listener who’s starting to notice symptoms—say, unpredictable cycles, night sweats, moodiness—what’s the first step she should take? There’s a lot of shame and secrecy around changes in sexual health and libido. How do you empower your patients to advocate for themselves and their pleasure during this time? We also know perimenopause can bring mental health challenges—mood swings, anxiety, sometimes depression. What tools do you recommend for women to help manage their mental health during this transition? Heart and bone health risks go up after menopause, but perimenopause is a critical window. What should listeners be thinking about in terms of nutrition, exercise, and preventive screening? Some experts, like Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, talk about hormone therapy and non-hormonal options. How do you help women decide what’s best for them? And finally, what positive changes have you seen in your patients as they embrace this new chapter? What message do you want women to carry with them? As we wrap up, it’s clear that perimenopause is not just something to “get through.” It’s a chance to reclaim your voice, look after your body in new ways, and embrace your power at midlife. Remember, no question is off limits, and no experience is too small to matter. Start by talking with your healthcare provider, but also talk to your friends, your sisters, anyone you trust. This community is here for you. Thanks for tuning in to the Women's Health Podcast. If you found value in today’s conversation, be This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.