January 2026 Newsletter
Hi friends- This month we are going to focus on Perimenopause and when it might make
sense to use Menopause Hormone Therapy versus Birth Control. As always, attached you
will also find a symptom checklist, things to consider for yourself and conversation
starters with your doctor as well as a trusted resource list to do a deeper dive yourself
This Month's Focus: Perimenopause (a.k.a. Hormonal Whiplash)
If your body feels unpredictable lately - you're not imagining it.
Perimenopause is a time of dramatic hormone swings.
Think of it like this: one month your estrogen tank is overfilled, the next it's running on empty. Ovulation becomes inconsistent, progesterone often drops first, and your nervous system feels every shift.
Common perimenopause symptoms
Irregular or heavier periods
Anxiety, irritability, low mood
Sleep issues (especially early-morning wakeups)
Brain fog, forgetfulness
Hot flashes & night sweats (yes, even with periods)
Headaches or worsening migraines
Joint aches, breast tenderness
Lower libido, vaginal dryness
"Why did my doctor offer birth control instead of HRT?"
This is very common - and not necessarily wrong. But it is often misunderstood.
The cliffnote difference:
Birth control = shuts down ovulation and overrides your cycle with higher-dose synthetic hormones
Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT/HRT) = supports your changing hormones with lower, more physiologic doses
This season of life is complex, and there's no universal roadmap. Where you are
in the transition, your symptoms, and your health history all matter.
Use this information as a guide, keep learning, and trust your intuition - because the
right choice looks different for every woman.
Wishing you all the best as you dive into this a bit more.
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