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.

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