Episode 41: Fresh Out of the Millennial Pause and Into Perimenopause

This week on Hump Day Hormones, we’re tackling a conversation that every millennial woman needs to hear: when the “millennial pause” meets perimenopause.

September is Perimenopause Awareness Month, and we’re digging into what it really means to enter this “zone of chaos” long before full menopause sets in. While menopause finally gets the recognition it deserves, perimenopause is still under-discussed, under-researched, and often dismissed—even though it can affect women as early as their 30s.

We’re joined by the amazing Jackie Piasta, DNP, MSN, WHNP, a nationally recognized expert in perimenopause and midlife health, with a massive social media presence dedicated to breaking the stigma and spreading real education. Jackie helps us unpack:

✨ Why perimenopause symptoms are often ignored or misdiagnosed

✨ The cultural myths around being “too young” for menopause

✨ How over half of women ages 30–35 already experience moderate to severe symptoms

✨ Why it’s critical to seek help before full menopause hits

Jackie also shares her own professional journey, from New Jersey to Vanderbilt to Little Rock to founding Monarch Health, a clinic dedicated to midlife and menopause care. With her blend of expertise and down-to-earth communication, she shows us why perimenopause is more than hot flashes—it’s a pivotal time to take charge of your long-term health and aging well.

Whether you’re a millennial just starting to feel the shifts or a provider trying to better understand this rollercoaster phase, this episode is full of insights, relatable laughs, and practical takeaways.