Perimenopause to Menopause: Decoding the Differences

Episode 79

Published October 29, 2024

In this conversation, Dr. Jaclyn Smeaton and Esther Blum delve into the complexities of perimenopause and menopause, discussing the myriad symptoms women experience, the medical community's understanding of these transitions, and the importance of early intervention and personalized care.

Esther and Dr. Smeaton also explore:

• The physiological changes that occur during perimenopause and menopause
• The role of hormones like estrogen and progesterone
• How early intervention with hormones can optimize quality of life
• How lifestyle factors can impact women’s health during this time
• The importance of women advocating for themselves and seeking knowledgeable healthcare providers

Key Moments

00:00 Understanding Perimenopause: A Hidden Transition

03:12 Menopause vs. Perimenopause: Defining the Terms

06:07 The Diversity of Symptoms: Beyond Hot Flashes

08:56 The Medical Community's Knowledge Gap

12:03 Navigating Hormone Replacement Therapy

14:58 Physiological Changes: The Second Puberty

18:02 The Role of Estrogen and Progesterone

20:56 Factors Influencing Perimenopause Experiences

23:56 The Importance of Gut Health

27:13 Lifestyle Changes: Nutrition and Exercise

30:03 When to Seek Help: Recognizing Symptoms

33:07 Empowerment Through Knowledge and Support

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About our speaker

Esther Blum is an Integrative Dietitian and Menopause Expert. In the past 27 years she has helped thousands of women master menopause through nutrition, hormones and self-advocacy.

Esther is the bestselling author of See ya later, Ovulator ; Cavewomen Don’t Get Fat ; Eat, Drink and Be Gorgeous ; Secrets of Gorgeous ; and The Eat, Drink, and Be Gorgeous Project .

Widely respected as an industry expert, Esther was voted Best Nutritionist by Manhattan Magazine. She has appeared on Dr. Oz, the Today Show, ABC-TV, and Good Day NY. Esther is an in-demand authority frequently quoted in goop, Well + Good, Forbes, Time Magazine, The New York Post, The Los Angeles Times, In Style, Bazaar, Self, Fitness, Marie Claire, and Cosmo.

Esther received a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Nutrition from Simmons College in Boston and is a graduate of New York University, where she received her Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition. Esther is credentialed as a registered dietitian, a certified dietitian-nutritionist and a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS), the certification from the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists (BCNS). She is also a member of the American Dietetic Association, Dietitians in Functional Medicine, Nutritionists in Complementary Care, and the Connecticut Dietetic Association.

Show Notes

Learn more about Esther Blum and follow her on Instagram @gorgeousesther .

Check out Esther’s other DUTCH Podcast episode, Finding Comfort in the Menopause Metamorphosis , to hear more tips about transitioning into menopause.

Become a DUTCH Provider to learn more about how the DUTCH Test can help support your patients in the phases of perimenopause and menopause.

Please Note: The contents of this video are for educational and informational purposes only. The information is not to be interpreted as, or mistaken for, clinical advice. Please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider for medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.

Disclaimer: Special offer of 50% OFF first five kits is invalid 60 days after new provider registration.