Not Your Mother's Menopause with Dr. Fiona Lovely
Ep. 110 - Perimenopause is Now!
Episode guests
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Quick takeaways
- Perimenopause is a significant and often underinformed stage in a woman's life that occurs before menopause, and it is characterized by hormonal fluctuations and various symptoms such as shorter menstrual cycles, heavy periods, mood changes, and cognitive impairments that should not be ignored or dismissed.
- Fluctuating estrogen levels and the gradual decline of progesterone and testosterone during perimenopause can have a profound impact on women's mental and cognitive well-being, leading to depressive moods and decreased dopamine and serotonin levels, highlighting the importance of hormone therapy and appropriate interventions to address these mood changes.
Deep dives
Understanding Perimenopause and Its Impact on Women's Health
Perimenopause is a significant and often underinformed stage in a woman's life that occurs before menopause. It can start as early as the late 30s and last for 10 years or more. During perimenopause, hormonal fluctuations occur, leading to various symptoms and changes in the body. One of the earliest signs is a shorter menstrual cycle. Other symptoms can include heavy periods, mood changes, anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairments like brain fog. These symptoms are normal and should not be ignored or dismissed. It's important to recognize and manage these symptoms through hormone therapy, lifestyle modifications, and potential psychiatric intervention. Baseline testing, tracking menstrual cycles, and stress management are essential tools for navigating perimenopause.