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Experience the often-misunderstood journey through perimenopause and menopause. Dr. Ladan Hariri describes the confusing hormonal shifts, emotional challenges, and physical changes women navigate, offering insights into treatment and lifestyle adjustments.

Chapter Summary:00:00 Understanding Menopause and Perimenopause
04:28 Impact of Symptoms and Cultural Differences
08:59 Hot Flashes, Sleep, and Relationship Challenges
14:35 Brain Remodeling and Health Risks
20:00 Embracing the Journey of Womanhood
23:16 Treatment Options and Emerging Therapies
28:30 Diet, Environment, and Hormone Disruptors
32:20 Ancient Wisdom and Future Advocacy

Featured Quotes:

• “Menopause is the official time when your period hangs up its hat, officially retires.” — Dr. Hariri
• “If menopause is your final destination, perimenopause is the really, really, really unpredictable road trip to get there.” — Dr. Hariri
• “Women actually require 10 hours of uninterrupted sleep, compared to our male counterparts who do just fine with 7 to 8 hours.” — Dr. Hariri

Behind the Story:

The episode explores the complex realities of perimenopause and menopause, highlighting that perimenopause can start much earlier than commonly believed, impacting women from their early 40s. Dr. Hariri discusses cultural differences in managing these life stages and the broader societal factors, such as diet and environmental hormone disruptors, that contribute to early onset. The conversation also touches on the importance of prioritizing sleep and recognizing heart disease symptoms, which often present differently in women.