Perimenopause Power-Up: Navigating the Change with Science & Grace

This is your Women's Health Podcast podcast. Welcome back to the Women’s Health Podcast. I’m your host, and today we’re bringing light, energy, and science to a chapter every woman deserves to understand and own—perimenopause. For too long, this natural transition has been whispered about, misdiagnosed, or simply ignored. Not today. We are stepping into the conversation, together. Perimenopause. Let’s say it out loud. For many women, these years—typically beginning in the 40s but sometimes even earlier—bring confusing changes. You might notice irregular periods, mood shifts that don’t feel like your usual self, sleep that eludes you, newly persistent hot flashes, or even joint pain. According to Dr. Patil at UCLA Health, these symptoms aren’t just “in your head”—they’re the real, lived effects of hormonal shifts as estrogen and progesterone decrease. But what’s empowering is that there are many ways to manage these symptoms and safeguard your long-term health. Today, I’m thrilled to welcome Dr. Patil, a women’s health specialist, to help us cut through the myths and talk about real solutions, from hormone therapy to lifestyle changes. Dr. Patil, thank you for joining us. Let’s get right into what every listener wants to know: What are the sneaky and most overlooked symptoms of perimenopause? How can women tell the difference between regular stress or aging and the actual start of the perimenopausal transition? So many women have heard about hormone therapy, but worry about its risks. Can you explain how hormone therapy works, and who it might be best suited for? Are there women who should absolutely avoid hormone therapy, and if so, why? For those who might not want or can’t use hormones, what are the best non-hormonal options? I’ve heard about medications like fezolinetant for hot flashes—how do these work, and are there potential side effects to know about? Beyond medication, what can women do in their daily lives to ease symptoms? For example, Dr. Patil,