We would have called this episode “What Fresh Hell is This?” but the title was already taken. But this title also works, because when we mention perimenopause to people, we often get that confused German Shepherd head tilt and “periwhatnow?” Given that this podcast is focused around perimenopause, we wanted to make sure listeners were clear on what perimenopause actually is. So what is it? If your periods are changing, if your moods are wonky, if every day something new happens, leaving you wondering “what fresh hell is this?” then it’s perimenopause. Truth is, there’s no blood test or hormone level that determines perimenopause. It’s a diagnosis based on clinical judgment. And frankly, we’re less interested in the diagnosis and far more interested in helping you get through it healthfully and happily.  All that said, we do want you to understand what’s happening in your body and how what’s happening can affect mood, sleep, energy, and so much more. What you’ll hear in this episode: [0:00] Understanding perimenopause and its phases [1:05] Pre-, peri-, and full menopause Definitions Diagnoses Blood tests [8:04] Surgical menopause [9:35] What your hormones are up to [17:25] Symptoms and challenges of Peri [20:04] My perimenopause is not your perimenopause [30:30] Treatment approaches [31:49] Peri’s potential impact on your quality of life   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