Why Women Are Dismissed in Perimenopause (And How to Advocate for Yourself) with Dana Culp from Thrive Midlife Medicine

This week's episode steps into one of the most under-discussed chapters of a woman's life: perimenopause, the hormonal shift that arrives long before menopause, and that medicine has largely ignored.The first signs rarely come with a warning. Anxiety out of nowhere. Sleep that won't come. Brain fog. Weight changes. And a healthcare system that responds with dismissal.But this phase carries profound wisdom, and it deserves real, evidence-based care.Dana Culp, DNP, founded Thrive Midlife Medicine after visiting four providers and still not getting the care she needed, despite 25 years in healthcare herself. She knew women deserved better.In this episode, Riva and Dana cover what's really happening hormonally, why estrogen's fluctuations affect everything from mood to libido, and why symptoms in your 30s are valid. They bust the myth that hormone therapy causes cancer and talk about what to actually ask your provider.This is the conversation women have been waiting for.Connect with Dana Culp & Thrive Midlife Medicine:Not sure if what you're experiencing is perimenopause? Start here — Dana's perimenopause quiz takes just a few minutes and gives you real clarity: thrivemidlifemed.com/perimenopausequizWebsite: thrivemidlifemed.comInstagram: instagram.com/thrivemidlifemedFacebook: facebook.com/thrivemidlifemedLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/thrive-midlife-medicineSend us Fan Mail Our intro and outro song, Reclamation (Reborn), is an anthem of remembering.This song was created as a companion for the healing journey, especially for women reclaiming their voices, their rhythms, and their belonging in a world shaped by patriarchy.You’re invited to listen, feel, and let the music meet you wherever you are.Looking for support? Here's how to go deeper:Book a Somatic Assessment: Your 75-min 1:1 virtual session to explore what your body is holding and shape a personalized care plan. Book HereFree Trauma Recovery Mini-Course: A self-guided intro to trauma recovery and nervous system care. Download Here1:1 and Group Support: Virtual and in-person offerings. Learn MoreMeditations on Insight Timer: Guided practices for nervous system regulation. Listen HereWatch Reclamation: A music video and expressive arts project. Watch HereFollow on Instagram: @healingherstorypodcastSubscribe so you never miss an episode. Email [email protected] or DM @healingherstorypodcast on Instagram.