Hormones play a powerful role in health from childhood to menopause — but many of us don’t learn what’s typical or when to seek help. 

In this informative episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Suzanne Allen and Dr. Annalise Caron welcome back Dr. Sophia Yen -board certified pediatrician and adolescent medicine specialist- to discuss the key milestones in hormonal health across a woman’s lifespan. From understanding the signs of early puberty in children and teens to the role nutrition plays in healthy development, this episode offers parents and caregivers a science-based guide to supporting their kids through crucial transitions.

Dr. Yen also shares surprising insights about how hormonal birth control — often associated with contraception — can play a powerful role in managing perimenopausal symptoms and the health benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) during menopause. The conversation sheds light on how hormones influence mood, bone health, and long-term wellbeing, and how informed medical choices can improve quality of life at every stage.

Together, they explore:

• When puberty typically starts and steps to take if you notice an early or late onset
• How to know when to consult a pediatrician or endocrinologist
• The link between nutrition and healthy hormonal development
• How birth control supports hormonal balance and long-term health
• Managing perimenopause and menopause with informed choices
• Breaking myths and stigma around female hormonal care

Here are some highlights from the episode:

00:00 – Science and Medicine Can Improve Life for People with a Uterus

02:19 – When Puberty Typically Begins for Girls and Boys

04:54 – Supporting Children Through Early Puberty

06:25 – When to See a Doctor If Puberty Hasn’t Started

08:14 – Puberty in the Age of Social Media: What Parents Should Know

12:14 – How to Talk to Kids About Weight Gain During Puberty

15:24 – Is Diet Soda Really a Problem?

18:07 – The Benefits of Sleeping & Turning Off Screens After 2 hours

20:32 – Helping Teens Build Healthier Eating Habits Without Shame

23:38 – Hormone Replacement Therapy: Is It Advisable?

26:22 – The Impact of Estrogen Decline on Women’s Health

33:21 – Learn More About Pandia Health

34:26 – Use of Birth control vs. HRT:  Perimenopause vs. Menopause

If you’ve ever wondered whether your child’s puberty timing is typical — or how to best support your own hormonal health through perimenopause — this episode provides practical, compassionate, and evidence-based insights every parent and woman can benefit from.

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