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Maybe you’ve noticed you don’t feel like yourself anymore. The brain fog, mood swings, weight gain and exhaustion creep in slowly, and most women never realize these symptoms can start as early as their late 30s. Too often, they’re dismissed as stress, depression, or just part of getting older. But they’re not, they’re signs of perimenopause.
Dr. Mary Claire Haver, leading OB/GYN, bestselling author of The New Menopause and the upcoming book The New Perimenopause, joins me to explain what’s really happening in this overlooked stage of life and why it matters for every woman’s long-term health.
They talk about:
- Why so many women miss the early signs of perimenopause
- The science behind hormonal chaos and how it impacts your brain, heart, bones, and metabolism
- The real cost of being told to “tough it out,” from osteoporosis to dementia
- Which symptoms to watch for (beyond hot flashes) and why blood tests often don’t give answers
- The tools and mindset shifts that help you feel like yourself again
If you’ve ever felt “off” and wondered if it’s you, stress, or something deeper, this conversation will give you answers, validation, and a way forward.
Want more support in perimenopause? Get Tamsen’s FREE guide
00:00 Intro
02:23 Dr. Mary Claire Haver’s Journey to Menopause Medicine
05:41 What Perimenopause Really Is (and How It Differs From Menopause)
08:34 The “Zone of Chaos” and Why Hormones Go Haywire in Midlife
10:26 Why There’s So Little Research on Perimenopause
14:09 How Young Can Perimenopause Start?
15:18 The Greene Climacteric Scale: A Tool to Spot Symptoms
18:19 Why Blood, Saliva, or Urine Tests Don’t Diagnose Perimenopause
23:18 Why Doctors Still Aren’t Trained to Recognize Perimenopause
26:25 Perimenopause, Motherhood, and Feeling Like You’re “Not Yourself”
29:44 Brain Fog, Anxiety, and ADHD-Like Symptoms Explained
32:12 Antidepressants vs. Hormone Therapy in Perimenopause
34:24 The Most Common Symptom of All: “I Don’t Feel Like Myself”
37:40 The Real Cost of Being Dismissed in Perimenopause
39:13 Silent Bone Loss: Why Osteoporosis Starts Before Menopause
41:36 Heavy Periods, Joint Pain, Palpitations & Other Physical Changes
44:00 Belly Fat in Perimenopause: Why It Happens Without Lifestyle Changes
46:19 Eating Disorders, PCOS & Endometriosis in Perimenopause
49:21 Perimenopause and Sexual Health: Desire, Pain & Treatment Options
Watch the Full Episode Here: https://www.youtube.com/@TamsenFadalTV
Get my new book, How To Menopause, Take Charge of Your Health, Reclaim Your Life and Feel Even Better Than Before 💖 https://www.tamsenfadal.com/how-to-menopause
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Medical Disclaimer:
The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns or treatment options. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Tamsen Show.
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I’m an Emmy Award-winning journalist, filmmaker, author, speaker, certified integrative nutrition coach, and passionate menopause advocate.
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Every episode of The Tamsen Show is here to help you navigate every stage of life with confidence. From career pivots to menopause, relationships to reinvention, Tamsen tackles the conversations women actually need, with real talk from experts, wellness advice and no filters.
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