Perimenopause: the magical time of life when your emotions decide to go on an unpredictable rollercoaster ride, leaving you laughing, crying, and irrationally furious—all within the span of a single coffee break.

This is the first in a three-part series about your brain during perimenopause. In part one, OvaryActive hosts Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch dive deep into the murky waters of hormones, mood swings, and cognitive hiccups that make perimenopause feel like an elaborate prank. Good (?) news: you're definitely not alone in feeling like your brain is working against you.

The Docs are getting into the science behind perimenopause’s mind games. They discuss how neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine get caught in the hormonal crossfire, making mood change an unfortunate reality.

In more good news (and this really is good), the Docs also highlight the importance of understanding brain chemistry, recognizing symptoms, and—most importantly—knowing that treatment options exist. Hear about treatment avenues, including cognitive behavioral therapy, self-care strategies, and the importance of seeking help for intrusive thoughts.

If you’ve ever found yourself inexplicably rage-cleaning the kitchen or crying over a commercial, listen and share.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

[:44] Understanding mood changes in perimenopause

[3:08] Impact of external stressors

[8:04] Depression as a risk

[13:15] Brain chemistry and hormones

[19:24] Understanding hormones and mood

[21:41] Navigating treatment options

[26:10] Cognitive behavioral therapy

[28:36] Prioritizing self-care

[34:50] Addressing mental health concerns

Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube

Meet the Docs:

More information about Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su:

Gennev: www.gennev.com/clinician/dr-rebecca-dunsmoor-su

LinkedIn @rebecca-dunsmoor-su

More information about Dr. Amy Voedisch:

Stanford Medical Clinic: stanfordhealthcare.org/doctors/v/amy-voedisch.html

Ah, perimenopause, that magical time when your body decides to play metabolic musical chairs without telling you the rules. Suddenly your favorite jeans feel like they belong to someone else and the weight gain is like a surprise subscription box — you don’t remember signing up for it, but it keeps showing up!

In this episode of OvaryActive, the Docs are chatting with Stasi Kasianchuk, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), Exercise Physiologist, and Gennev’s Senior Director of Lifestyle Care. Stasi is on the show to talk all about the complexities of hormonal shifts and weight gain during perimenopause. She is going to help us decode what’s actually happening under the hood and why your metabolism seems to suddenly be running on a different operating system.

Drs. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su & Amy Voedisch, along with RDN Stasi, discuss the role of genetics, the importance of shifting health goals, and how to foster a better relationship with our ever-changing bodies.

The team are covering everything from the best exercise strategies for perimenopausal bodies to the power of protein, fiber, and a solid night’s sleep (yes, it’s possible). They also address myths about body types, discuss the rising rates of diabetes in this demographic, and stress the importance of self-care.

Listen (and share!) for practical tips, a reality check on diet culture, and some much-needed reassurance that you’re not alone on this hormonal rollercoaster.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

[0:55] Meet Stasi Kasianchuk

[5:28] Genetics & your health

[6:47] Hormones & weight changes

[16:18] Realistic expectations for weight management

[24:13] Making sense of exercise recommendations

[31:21] Nutrition in perimenopause

[34:23] Finding nutritional balance

[48:25] Addressing diabetes in perimenopausal women

Links & Resources:

https://www.gennev.com/clinician/stasi-kasianchuk

Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube

Meet the Docs:

More information about Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su:

Gennev: www.gennev.com/clinician/dr-rebecca-dunsmoor-su

LinkedIn @rebecca-dunsmoor-su

Perimenopause: the time in a woman’s life when her hormones decide to play an elaborate game of musical chairs, and her body is just along for the ride. As if hot flashes and brain fog weren’t enough, let’s talk about another under-discussed topic—sexual health.

In this episode the Docs are talking all about the complexities of intimacy, desire, and connection during perimenopause because, spoiler alert, sexual health doesn’t just disappear after 40 (or at least, it doesn’t have to).

Joining the conversation is Dr. Leah Millheiser, a sexual medicine expert who knows a thing or two about keeping the spark alive. Alongside hosts Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch, she addresses societal myths, the science behind libido, and why “just drink some wine and relax” is possibly the worst advice ever.

They explore the role of hormones, communication, and the importance of treating sexual health like any other part of well-being—because if we don’t ignore heart health, why ignore bedroom health?

From emotional intimacy to testosterone, vibrators, and even the role of Viagra in women’s sexual health, this episode covers it all. If you’ve ever wondered why desire sometimes feels like a fickle houseguest or why talking about sex with your doctor is more awkward than a middle school health class, this episode is for you.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

[3:17] The gift of good sex for Valentine Day

[6:14] Blazing a trail for female sexual medicine

[9:48] Female sexual is complex–sexual function & libido

[19:14] Communication & intimacy in relationships

[34:42] Desire mismatch & relationship goals

[40:`1] Treatment options for low libido

[52:53] Vibrators & clitoral stimulation ARE important

[56:46] Navigating sexual health conversations

Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube

Meet the Docs:

More information about Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su:

Gennev: www.gennev.com/clinician/dr-rebecca-dunsmoor-su

LinkedIn @rebecca-dunsmoor-su

More information about Dr. Amy Voedisch:

Stanford Medical Clinic: stanfordhealthcare.org/doctors/v/amy-voedisch.html