In this episode of Dear Doula, I sit down with Jennifer Gularson, an expert in women's health, to discuss the realities of perimenopause and menopause, two life stages that are often shrouded in silence or misinformation. We dive into everything: from the symptoms most people don't realize are connected to hormone changes (like itchy ears and brain fog) to the concerning lack of conversations between healthcare providers and women about these natural transitions.
Jennifer shares vital insights on hormone replacement therapy, discussing barriers to access, and highlighting the ongoing shortage of estrogen patches that's leaving many women scrambling. We also explore practical tips for self-care in your 30s and 40s to improve long-term health, and touch on why advocating for better medical resources and breaking the stigma around menopause is so necessary.
If you're approaching midlife, supporting someone who is, or just want to be better informed about your health, this episode is full of advice and real-world solutions. Subscribe, rate, and let me know what questions you want answered next!
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• Podcast Instagram: @deardoulapodcast
• Questions or topic ideas: brandi@deardoulapodcast.com
Connect with Jennifer Gularson
Website:
https://ocfhealing.com/
https://www.yourbestlifewithjennifer.com/
Key takeaways
- Lack of menopause education and awareness
- Hormone replacement therapy: benefits and access
- Stigma and historical misconceptions about menopause
- Symptom diversity and atypical menopause signs
- Medication shortages and advocacy efforts
- Importance of lifestyle for symptom management
- Testing, baselines, and proactive health monitoring
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to menopause and why it matters
01:43 What every woman should know before menopause
03:06 How declining estrogen affects the body
04:50 The stigma and history of hormone therapy
06:05 The evolution of women's health conversations
07:39 Safety and benefits of hormone replacement therapy
12:29 Access and shortages of hormone medications
16:39 Advocacy and policy changes for women's health
22:43 Monitoring symptoms and lab tests
25:44 The link between menopause and brain health
42:20 The protective role of estrogen in women
43:40 Practical advice for women in midlife
