Perimenopause Symptoms: The Early Signs You May Not Recognize with Dr. Alicia Robbins
Your periods are still regular and your labs may even look “normal.” So why aren’t you sleeping? Why has your mood changed? And why do you suddenly feel like a different version of yourself?
In this episode of the As a Woman podcast, Dr. Natalie Crawford talks with Dr. Alicia Robbins, a board-certified OB/GYN, certified Menopause Society Practitioner, and founder of The Elm. They discuss why sleep and mood can change before hot flashes or irregular periods begin, how cycle tracking may reveal patterns, and how progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone are considered in individualized perimenopause care. They also explain the connection between fertility and perimenopause, what else should be ruled out, and how to advocate for better care when your symptoms are dismissed.
Perimenopause Symptoms: The Early Signs You May Not Recognize with Dr. Alicia Robbins
IN THIS EPISODE:
00:00 What Is Perimenopause and When Does It Start?
03:20 Why Dr. Alicia Robbins Changed Her Approach to Perimenopause
09:55 Perimenopause vs. Menopause: What’s the Difference?
11:23 Fertility and Perimenopause
12:22 How Do You Know if You’re in Perimenopause?
14:47 How to Track Perimenopause Symptoms
16:02 Hormone Therapy During Perimenopause
17:38 Symptoms of Low Progesterone
18:11 Hormone Therapy, Birth Control, and Pregnancy
20:17 Testosterone and Pregnancy
21:21 Testosterone for Women
23:43 Symptoms of Low Estrogen
25:12 When to Start Hormone Therapy
27:04 Estrogen Patches vs. Pills
27:40 Do You Need Hormone Testing for Perimenopause?
30:01 Is It Perimenopause or Something Else?
32:13 How to Advocate for Better Perimenopause Care
Guest Resources:
Website:https://www.theelmgreenwich.com/
Host Resources:
Order The Fertility Formula! https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book
Newsletter: nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter
Instagram: @nataliecrawfordmd
Youtube Channel: Natalie Crawford MD
Interested in becoming a patient?: Fora Fertility
Earn FREE CE/CME: Learn at Pinnacle App
This episode is brought to you by The Pinnacle Podcast Network.