Thriving in Transition: Your Perimenopause Survival Kit

This is your Women's Health Podcast podcast. Welcome back to the Women’s Health Podcast, where every episode is dedicated to empowering you with knowledge for every chapter of your life. Today, we’re diving straight into a topic at the heart of women’s health and transformation: perimenopause. For many, it’s a season that’s shrouded in mystery and misinformation, yet nearly half the global population will experience it. Let’s bring it into the open and center women’s voices in the conversation. Perimenopause typically begins in a woman’s 40s, sometimes even earlier. It marks the transition toward menopause, and while the experiences are unique and personal, many common symptoms emerge — irregular periods, hot flashes, mood swings, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and changes in sleep or libido. These changes aren’t just medical—they affect your relationships, your work, your self-confidence, and your sense of well-being. Today, I’m so pleased to welcome Dr. Samantha Dunham from NYU’s Center for Midlife Health and Menopause. She’s a leading expert in menopause care—and a fierce advocate for women taking charge of their health journeys. Let’s get right to our interview. Dr. Dunham, thank you for joining us. First question—what exactly is perimenopause, and how can women recognize they’re experiencing it? Many listeners want to know: the physical symptoms get a lot of attention, but what about the emotional side? Can perimenopause impact mood, energy, or mental health—and how can women seek help? There’s a growing conversation about hormone therapy. What do women need to know in 2025? Who is it for, and what are the potential risks and benefits? What promising alternatives to hormones exist today for symptoms like hot flashes or sleep disruption? There’s been a lot of buzz about newer medications like fezolinetant and non-hormonal approaches—can you shed light on those options? How much do lifestyle choices—like diet, exercise, and stress management—impact perimenopausal symptoms? Are there specific recommendations for movement, nutrition, or mindfulness that can help? Sexual health is often overlooked in this chapter. How does perimenopause affect intimacy and vaginal health, and what solutions can restore comfort and confidence? Those are some of our top questions—thank you, Dr. Dunham, for sharing your expertise. Listeners, let’s recap some key takeaways from today’s conversation. First, perimenopause is a powerful biological process, and understanding it is an act of self-empowerment. Many options exist—from hormone therapy to new medicines like fezolinetant, to lifestyle shifts that make a real difference. Communication with your healthcare provider is vital; you deserve to be heard and supported. Don’t wait until symptoms interfere with your life—proactive conversations can lead to tailored solutions. Sexual health and self-image matter too—intimacy is part of a vibrant life at every age, and there are tools to restore comfort. Reme This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.