Perimenopause Unfiltered: Your Local Guide to Embracing the Change

This is your Women's Health Podcast podcast. Welcome to the Women’s Health Podcast. I’m your host, and today we’re facing something real, something every woman deserves to understand with clarity and confidence—perimenopause. This transitional stage can feel like an invisible hurdle, but it’s time we strip away the stigma and talk openly, because this is where empowerment starts. Perimenopause hits as those hormones start to fluctuate, usually in your forties but sometimes even earlier. Maybe you’ve noticed unpredictable periods, night sweats, or even mood swings that seem out of the blue. According to UCLA Health, these symptoms are common and can last anywhere from a few months to several years. Let’s get into what’s happening, why it matters, and what you can do to feel your strongest. To guide us through the science, I’m thrilled to introduce Dr. Maya Jenkins, a leading OBGYN from Cary OB/GYN, who specializes in perimenopausal care. Dr. Jenkins, we know hot flashes, sleep disruption, and even memory lapses can come as a surprise—what’s the first thing you wish every woman understood about perimenopause? Listeners, I’ll be asking Dr. Jenkins about the pros and cons of hormone replacement therapy, often abbreviated as HRT. Mayo Clinic reports that HRT is a frontline treatment for hot flashes and night sweats, but Dr. Jenkins, how do women know if HRT is the right path for them? Can you walk us through the process of weighing the risks, like the possible increased chance of stroke or blood clots, against the real benefits? Next, I want to address the increasing interest in non-hormonal options. Fezolinetant is one of the newer medications for hot flashes, and some antidepressants, like SSRIs, have shown benefit for mood and sleep disruptions. Dr. Jenkins, how do medications like these fit into a woman’s care plan, especially if she can’t or doesn’t want to use hormones? And we can’t skip the importance of lifestyle. UCLA Health highlights how powerful daily choices are: moderate exercise, strength training to protect bones, a whole-foods diet, and prioritizing sleep. Dr. Jenkins, what strategies do you recommend for women who want to manage perimenopause naturally or who are simply looking for ways to boost their well-being through this time? I’ll also be asking Dr. Jenkins to explain what symptoms might surprise women. For example, did you know joint pain or heart palpitations can also be part of perimenopause? I want to get her advice for women who might not recognize these changes as linked. Wrapping up, here are three key takeaways from today’s episode: First, perimenopause is a normal stage that every woman will face, and the symptoms are real—trust yourself if something feels off. Second, there are many safe, effective treatments—medical and natural—to help you feel your best. Third, this journey is individual. Working with knowledgeable providers like Dr. Jenkins means you can tailor your approach and truly advocate for your own This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.