In this episode of SHE MD Podcast, Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi and Mary Alice Haney are joined by psychiatrist Dr. Stacy Cohen to explore how hormones shape women’s emotional health across life stages. They dive into PMDD, postpartum mental health, perimenopause, and menopause, explaining these transitions as neurological and hormonal events rather than simple mood disorders. Dr. Cohen discusses how progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone affect mood, sleep, libido, and cognition, and why low-dose supplementation can be life-changing. The conversation also clarifies when medications like SSRIs are necessary, the risks of overprescribing without psychiatric follow-up, and how to safely taper or adjust treatments. Listeners learn practical strategies to optimize mental health through hormone therapy, supplements, lifestyle changes, and nervous system regulation. The episode also covers early recognition of perimenopausal changes, postpartum support, and how to advocate for individualized care. Listeners will walk away empowered to understand the role of hormones in emotional regulation, sleep, and relationships, and to seek the care that aligns with their unique needs. Subscribe to SHE MD Podcast for expert tips on PCOS, Endometriosis, fertility, and hormonal balance. Share with friends and visit SHE MD website and Ovii for research-backed resources, holistic health strategies, and expert guidance on women’s health and well-being. What You’ll Learn How progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone impact mood, sleep, and libido Strategies for using hormone therapy safely during perimenopause and menopause When SSRIs or other medications may be necessary and how to use them responsibly Lifestyle and supplement strategies to support mental health naturally Key Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and episode overview 03:40 Explaining what PMDD is 05:50 Signs to look out for to identify if you’re struggling with PMDD 12:50 What the luteal phase us and why patients should be treated during that time 24:20 The connection between the nervous system and hormones 26:10 Postpartum depression and anxiety 34:20 Appropriate use and follow-up of antidepressants 41:00 Accessing therapy and psychiatric support for mental health 47:40 How complicated perimenopause is 57:00 Hormone therapy strategies for mood, sleep, and libido 1:00:00 Lifestyle supports: supplements, exercise, and reducing caffeine Key Takeaways Hormones play a central role in women’s mental health across life stages Progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone support mood, sleep, libido, and cognition SSRIs and antidepressants should be carefully monitored and not automatically lifelong Supplements, exercise, and lifestyle adjustments complement medical treatment Advocating for individualized care improves long-term emotional and physical well-being Guest Bio Stacy Cohen, MD is a double board-certified psychiatrist in General Psychiatry and Addiction Psychiatry. She completed her residency at the University of Chicago and Rush University where she served as Chief of Women’s Health and her fellowship at UCLA Medical Center. Drawing on her background as a surgeon, artist, and healer, Dr. Cohen integrates rigorous Western medical training with a whole-person approach. Her work focuses on “rewiring” the nervous system to align the physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual self. By targeting the subconscious and addressing mental health from biological, psychological, social, and spiritual perspectives, she helps patients build resilience, strength, and lasting recovery. Frustrated by the fragmentation of outpatient mental health care, Dr. Cohen founded The Moment, a collaborative community of leading professionals dedicated to truly integrative treatment. Links: Instagram: @themomenthealth Instagram: @drstacycohen Website: The Moment Health Certified menopause providers: https://www.menopause.org/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.