Perimenopause Power: Your Journey, Your Way with Dr. Miller

This is your Women's Health Podcast podcast. Welcome to the Women’s Health Podcast, where empowerment meets evidence, and we talk about the issues shaping women’s lives and health. I’m thrilled you’re joining me today for a conversation that is real, timely, and vital: perimenopause. Whether you’re noticing changes in your own body or supporting someone who is, this episode is for you. Perimenopause isn’t just a phase—it’s a transition that can begin in your 40s or even late 30s, and often lasts several years. You might notice irregular periods, hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep problems. According to New England Gynecology & Surgical Services, these shifts signal your body preparing for menopause and they can show up in countless ways—heavy periods, joint pain, headaches, and more. Today, I’m sitting down with Dr. Miller, a gynecologist whose groundbreaking work at Franciscan Health is modernizing how we understand and support perimenopausal women. Dr. Miller, let’s start with the basics. What exactly is happening hormonally during perimenopause, and why do symptoms show up so differently for each woman? So many listeners ask, “Are my symptoms normal?” Dr. Miller, how do you advise women to track and make sense of their experiences? When is it time to talk to a healthcare provider? We know the treatment landscape has changed. Hormone therapy used to be controversial, but new studies reveal it can be safer than previously thought when started during perimenopause. Dr. Miller, can you discuss the benefits and risks of hormone therapy, and how you tailor your recommendations to each woman’s needs? Let’s talk about non-hormonal options. Some women use low-dose antidepressants, not just for mood but also for hot flashes. There’s Fezolinetant—an innovative non-hormonal medication that helps regulate body temperature. Dr. Miller, what can listeners expect from these new medications? Are there any lifestyle changes that really make a difference? Another big concern is heavy or erratic bleeding. Many don’t realize options range from hormonal birth control pills and IUDs to procedures like endometrial ablation. Dr. Miller, how do you approach this with your patients, and what questions should women ask their gynecologist? While medicine is powerful, community matters too. Dr. Miller, what are one or two empowering steps listeners can take today to approach perimenopause with confidence? Before we wrap up, here are a few key takeaways: Perimenopause is natural and different for everyone. Treatments—from hormone therapy to non-hormonal medications and procedures—can be tailored by your healthcare provider. Monitoring your symptoms, prioritizing sleep, nutrition, and exercise, and building support make this transition more manageable. Most importantly, you are not alone, and you have options. Thank you for tuning in today and for being part of the Women’s Health Podcast community. Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss our next episode. Thi This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.