In this episode, Michele sits down with Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch, co-authors of Estrogen Interrupted: A Guide to Surviving and Thriving in Perimenopause, to unpack the often-overlooked realities of perimenopause.
They explain how the 2–10-year transition before menopause can trigger unpredictable hormonal changes that lead to hot flashes, brain fog, mood swings, sleep disruptions, anxiety, and other challenging symptoms, while discussing why so many women struggle to find informed healthcare providers.
The conversation explores the connection between perimenopause and mental health, the case for rebranding birth control, to manage symptoms and prevent pregnancy, what women should know about testosterone therapy—including its benefits, limitations, and permanent side effects—and where to find qualified menopause specialists. Packed with evidence-based insights and practical advice, this episode is essential listening for anyone seeking reliable information on perimenopause, menopause, hormone health, and women's wellness.
key topics:
- Welcome To Her Starring Role and this Perimenopause Deep Dive (00:07)
- Why Estrogen Interrupted Was Written (04:12)
- Mental Load, Dismissal, and Superwoman Expectations (06:37)
- We Believe Women and Medicine's Blind Spot (09:07)
- What Perimenopause Actually is (13:01)
- Why Perimenopause is Hard To Diagnose (17:10)
- Suicide Risk and The Perfect Storm Years (19:09)
- How to Find Quality Menopause Care (24:00)
- Birth Control Rebrand as Ovulation Suppression (29:12)
- Testosterone Truths and Dangers (46:18)
RESOURCES + BOOKS MENTIONED:
GUEST INFORMATION
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*The Good Life with Michele Lamoureux podcast and content provided by Michele Lamoureux is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It does NOT constitute medical, mental health, professional, personal, or any kind of advice or serve as a substitute for such advice. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. Always consult a qualified healthcare or trusted provider for any decisions regarding your health and wellbeing. This episode may contain affiliate links.
