What (the F*ck) Is Perimenopause? | Hormones, Head Games & “So Many” Symptoms

6 snips

Aug 24, 2025

In this insightful discussion, Dr. Fatima Kahn, a women's health doctor and hormone expert, reveals perimenopause as a multi-organ syndrome impacting all bodily systems. A/Prof Caroline Gurvich, a clinical neuropsychologist, shares how fluctuating hormones influence memory and emotions, potentially mimicking cognitive decline. Topics include the myriad of unexpected symptoms, the importance of trauma-informed care, and the need for allyship in addressing perimenopause in marginalized communities. Self-care emerges as crucial for navigating this complex transition.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

INSIGHT

Perimenopause Is A Body‑Wide Unraveling

Perimenopause can be a decade-long, body-wide unraveling that reshapes mood, memory, sleep and identity.
Em Rusciano describes it as a full-body, full-brain existential detangling that often leads to feeling unrecognisable.

INSIGHT

Perimenopause Feels Like Reverse Puberty

Perimenopause is like reverse puberty with widespread brain rewiring triggered by subtle hormonal shifts.
Dr Kelly Teagle notes younger women are noticing and proactively seeking information earlier than past generations.

INSIGHT

Hormone Receptors Are Everywhere

Estrogen and progesterone receptors exist in nearly every tissue, so hormonal change affects the whole body.
A/Prof Nellie Torkamani emphasises it's not solely a reproductive issue but systemic.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

Think perimenopause is just hot flushes?

THINK. AGAIN.

In this episode, host Em Rusciano and a powerhouse lineup of doctors and experts unpack what’s really going on in your body… because, get this, there are hormone receptors every-f*cking-where! We’re talking body-wide chemical chaos, brain rewiring, and the weird, blindsiding symptoms that make you second-guess your own sanity.

It’s science-meets-storytelling with clarity, validation, and the occasional swear word to get you through - plus the truth about why this hormonal storm is not “just aging.”

The Voices You’ll Hear

A/Prof Nellie Torkamani | Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne, Endocrinologist at Austin Health, @nilou_far123

Dr Kelly Teagle | GP, Founder and Principal Clinician of WellFemme, @wellfemme

Dr Nicole Higgins | Practice Principal (Health on Central, Mackay), GP and former President of RACGP

Dr Alecia Macrow | GP, Founder Thrive Family Practice & Endo Untangled Podcast, @dr_alecia_macrow @thrive_family_practice @endo_untangled

Dr Fatima Kahn | Woman's Health Doctor & Hormone Expert, @drfatimakhan_

A/Prof Caroline Gurvich | Clinical Neuropsychologist, Associate Professor (Research), HER Centre Australia and Head of Cognition and Hormones Group, Monash University, @hercentreaustralia

Dr Hannah Chapman | PMDD & Perimenopause expert @dr_hannah_chapman

Professor Odette Best | Pro Vice-Chancellor (First Nations Strategy), University of Southern Queensland

Dr Kerryn Drysdale | Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW

Karni Liddell | Disability Advocate, Inclusive Employment Leader, Social Worker & Paralympian, @karniliddell

Rage Committee | ~1000 total legends in the thick of it

Resources, References & Rabbit Holes

Lifeline | 13 11 14 | Text 0477 13 11 14 (24/7) | lifeline.org.au

13 YARN | 13 92 76 | 13yarn.org.au Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service available 24/7

Suicide Call Back Service | 1300 659 467 | suicidecallbackservice.org.au

Beyond Blue | 1300 224 636 | beyondblue.org.au/forums

StandBy Support After Suicide | 1300 727 247

QLife | 1800 184 527 | qlife.org.au | LGBTIQ+ service available 3pm – midnight

A/Prof Carolion Gurvich Article | How hormones and the menstrual cycle can affect women with ADHD: Five common questions

Her Centre | Menopause Depression | Cognition and Hormones

WellFemme | Premature Ovarian Insufficiency Webinar | ADHD In the Menopausal Transition | Menopausal Treatments after Early Menopause or Cancer

Endo Untangled | Podcast

Jean Hailes | Medically Induced Menopause

Reminder

This episode of Rage Against the Vagine touches on themes of mental health and suicide. If it brings anything up for you, know you're not alone and support is always available. You can reach out to Lifeline on 13 11 14 any time.

This isn’t medical advice. It’s information, validation, and the conversations we wish we’d heard sooner. Everyone’s experience of perimenopause is different, so take what’s useful, leave the rest, and check in with your doctor or care team before making any changes.

NEXT: Ep 3 - Why (the F*ck) Didn’t Anyone Tell Us - drops Monday 1 September

Rage Against the Vagine is proudly brought to you by Wotif — it’s Aussie for travel.

To help you take ‘me time’, Wotif is offering listeners a 10% discount off select hotels. Enter promo code Listen10 at checkout when you book at wotif.com or on the Wotif app. See wotif.com/listen for t&cs.