Health Discovered
Health Discovered
WebMD
Perimenopause: Understanding the Emotional, Cognitive, and Physical Changes
29 minutes Posted Jan 22, 2026 at 2:00 pm.
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Show notes

Perimenopause is the natural transition leading into menopause, marked by erratic fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone. These unpredictable shifts can trigger emotional, cognitive, and physical changes – often years before menopause officially begins. We spoke with Megan Spence, PsyD, PMH-C, a licensed clinical psychologist, about the whole-body experience of perimenopause, including mood and memory changes, the structural and social factors that place some groups at higher risk, available hormonal and non-hormonal treatments, lifestyle strategies that may help, and when – and how – to ask for support. Your symptoms matter, and you deserve informed, compassionate care.

Credits

  • Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
  • Guest: Megan Spence, PsyD, PMH-C
  • Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
  • Show Notes: Lauren Summers

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