Defining Menopause and Perimenopause

This episode is part of The Best of Habits & Hustle, a series where I revisit some of the most impactful conversations we’ve shared.

In this one, I sit down with Dr. Mary Claire Haver to break down what’s happening during perimenopause and menopause and why so many women are left confused and guessing. We get into why estrogen matters far beyond hot flashes, how muscle loss and belly fat accelerate in midlife, and why strength training becomes non-negotiable as women age. 

She cuts through the fear and misinformation around hormone therapy, who it’s really for, and why women deserve better conversations with their doctors.She also shares a no-BS take on testosterone for women, GLP-1 medications, and why there are no shortcuts if you want to protect muscle, metabolism, and long-term health. 

Dr. Mary Claire Haver is a board-certified OB-GYN, Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The New Menopause, and founder of The ‘Pause Life. She’s become one of the most trusted voices helping women understand what midlife is actually asking of their bodies.

What We Discuss:

• (08:43) The difference between perimenopause and menopause

• (21:12) Why estrogen matters far beyond hot flashes

• (23:07) Muscle loss, belly fat, and metabolic changes in midlife

• (46:06) Why strength training is non-negotiable as women age

• (27:10) Hormone therapy myths and who it’s actually for

• (25:50) Testosterone for women and when it makes sense

• (38:27) Pellets, patches, and safer hormone options

• (52:04) GLP-1 medications and the risk of muscle loss

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Find more from Jen:

Website: www.jennifercohen.com

Instagram: @therealjencohen

Books: www.jennifercohen.com/books

Speaking: www.jennifercohen.com/speaking-engagement

Find more from Dr Mary Claire Haver:

Website: www.thepauselife.com

Instagram: @drmaryclaire

Tiktok: @drmaryclaire

Youtube: @drmaryclaire

Facebook: @drmaryclaire

Pinterest: @thepauselife