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When relationships collide with perimenopause, even the strongest partnerships can face unexpected challenges. Hormonal shifts don't just affect the woman experiencing them—they ripple through her closest relationships, often creating confusion, conflict, and emotional distance that neither partner fully understands. 

What makes this transition especially difficult is the silence surrounding it, many women don't recognize what's happening until they're already questioning their relationships and feeling disconnected, while partners struggle to recognize the person they've built a life with.

In this episode, I'm joined by my sister Neha Kumar, a licensed marriage and family therapist with years of experience helping couples through major life transitions. Neha explains how perimenopause affects emotional well-being, communication patterns, and intimate relationships. She also shares how partners can support each other through emotional shifts, when to seek professional help, and why education and preparation might be the relationship-saving tools you never knew you needed.

References

The School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Bauermeister

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Eastside Menopause & Metabolism

01:00 - Dr. Patil-Sisodia is joined by sister Neha Kumar, LMFT, who shares her journey to becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist helping women through hormonal transitions.

03:10 - Neha reveals many of her relationship therapy patients struggle with perimenopause, often shortly after postpartum recovery.

05:14 - How hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause affect a woman's emotional well-being and identity.

08:43 - Neha explains the common emotional and psychological challenges women face during constant hormonal transitions from childhood through menopause.

16:04 - Practical strategies for maintaining intimacy and managing emotional changes in relationships during menopause.

22:58 - Neha shares the biggest sources of conflict in marriages or partnerships she sees which are related to menopause.

26:27 -  How partners can better support each other through this transition even when they're not really fully aware of what's happening, and when to seek professional help.

33:55 - Neha offers her top piece of advice for couples navigating this life transition.

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As if menopause didn’t already bring enough changes, many women are surprised to discover that the hormonal rollercoaster doesn’t just impact reproductive health—it can also wreak havoc on your jaw. Research shows that fluctuating estrogen levels during menopause can contribute to TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders, which can cause jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, difficulty chewing or speaking, and even headaches or facial pain. These symptoms are often overlooked or dismissed, yet they can seriously affect your daily life.

In this episode, I’m joined by none other than my sister, Dr. Priya Mistry, a TMJ specialist with years of experience helping patients find relief from chronic pain. Dr. Mistry walks us through TMJ disorders, explaining how they are linked to menopause and sleep apnea. She shares the latest in TMJ treatment options, including how dentists can help with diagnosis and care, and how women can take charge of their jaw health during this stage of life.

References

Ep. 14: How to Sleep Better with Dr. Andrea Matsumura

Connect with Dr. Priya Mistry 

Website 

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“Unclenched” Podcast

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Eastside Menopause & Metabolism

Audio Stamps

02:10 - What TMJ is, common symptoms (beyond jaw clicking), and why headaches are often overlooked.

05:08 - How menopause-related hormonal shifts contribute to TMJ dysfunction and symptoms like jaw pain, headaches, and sleep apnea.

12:30 - The growing recognition of the connection between TMJ and sleep apnea, despite limited research on TMJ and menopause.

14:42 - Hidden TMJ symptoms, particularly during menopause, and the jaw-pelvic floor connection, highlighting the value of whole-body care.

20:21 - The influence of hormone changes (including low testosterone and gender-affirming hormone therapy) on TMJ issues.

21:53 - How TMJ pain impacts brain fog and fatigue, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to treatment.

27:42 - Women with autoimmune disorders often face more severe TMJ, with treatment taking over a year in some cases.

29:23 - Dr. Mistry's patient-centered treatment approach and the role of thorough patient history in managing TMJ.

34:28 - At-home TMJ relief tips and the benefits of disclusion time reduction (DTR) therapy for bite adjustments and pain relief.

38:14 - Dr. Mistry recommends seeing a TMJ dentist or ENT for facial pain and exploring treatment options beyond Botox.

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For many women in midlife, changes in sleep patterns, energy levels, and even weight can feel confusing and frustrating. What’s often overlooked is how menopause and modern life together disrupt our natural circadian rhythms—the internal clocks that regulate nearly every system in the body. 

When circadian rhythms fall out of sync, it doesn’t just affect sleep; it can also impact hormonal balance, mood, metabolic health, and even long-term disease risk. Yet most of us have no idea how much these hidden clocks influence our daily lives—or how to get them back on track.

In this episode, I’m joined by longtime friend and science journalist Lynne Peeples, author of The Inner Clock: Living in Sync with Our Circadian Rhythms. Lynne shares what inspired her to dive into the science of circadian rhythms, why menopause can further dampen our internal clocks, and the powerful strategies she uses to realign them. We also explore the emerging research on time-restricted eating, medication timing, and how small daily shifts can help improve sleep, mood, and overall health.

References

Center for Environmental Therapeutics

Connect with Lynne Peeples

The Inner Clock: Living in Sync with Our Circadian Rhythms by Lynne Peeples

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Eastside Menopause & Metabolism

00:40 - Dr. Patil-Sisodia welcomes longtime friend Lynne Peeples to discuss her new book, The Inner Clock, and the powerful impact of circadian rhythms on our health.

02:52 - Lynne shares what sparked her interest in circadian rhythms.

07:40 - We learn how the timing of certain medications can impact their effectiveness, with some showing better results when taken at specific times of day.

11:35 - Lynne explains that circadian rhythms involve multiple internal clocks, and our chronotype is based on how we respond to light and sleep patterns.

16:06 - Find out how shift work and modern life disrupt our circadian rhythms, affecting health and chronotype.

20:08 - How circadian science, particularly time-restricted eating, shows promise in improving metabolic health by aligning eating windows with natural body rhythms.

24:38 - Lynne explains how menopause dampens circadian rhythms, affecting hormones, sleep, and metabolic health.

28:04 - Lynne shares the strategies she uses to improve her circadian rhythms, including 3 key lifestyle adjustments that support better sleep and overall health.

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For many women, hair is more than just an appearance—it’s tied to identity, femininity, and confidence. Hair loss can be difficult to navigate, especially with hormonal changes from pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause. Many women, however, are left unsure of the cause and how to address it.

I’ve been there too—brushing off hair shedding as "just stress" until a dermatologist friend pointed out that it was actually female-pattern hair loss. It’s easy to overlook the signs, but ignoring the issue can end up making it worse.

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Nancy Echefu, a hair transplant surgeon, who breaks down the different types of hair loss, including scarring and non-scarring alopecia, and explains how to spot the signs early. She also provides a simple, actionable guide to help you start addressing hair loss before seeing a doctor—because awareness and early intervention are key. Tune in now to learn how you can start taking control of your hair health today.

References

Connect with Dr. Echefu

Website

Instagram

Facebook

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Eastside Menopause & Metabolism

01:35 - Dr. Echefu shares her background and expertise and what pushed her towards  pursuing her career in hair restoration. 

07:00 - Dr. Patil-Sisodia shares her own experience of hair shedding and hair loss.

08:33 - Dr. Echefu explains the two major classifications of hair loss: scarring and non-scarring alopecia.

13:18 - CCCA, a type of scarring alopecia, is identified through symptoms like itching and burning, with biopsies used to confirm a diagnosis when needed.

15:27 - We learn the difference between hair loss and hair shedding and how much hair shedding is considered normal.

21:45 - Dr. Echefu customizes treatment based on history, symptoms, and prior care, tracking progress over a year with in-office and at-home therapies.

26:48 - Dr. Echefu combines medical treatments with PRP, microneedling, or laser therapy, tailoring care to patient needs and referring to specialists when needed.

32:18 - Trichotillomania is often linked to anxiety. Even mild hair-pulling can cause hair loss, so awareness is key.

35:54 - Before seeing a doctor for hair loss, Dr. Echefu recommends simple hair care practices to track and assess your routine.

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We’ve all done it—put off a doctor’s visit because we “feel fine”, life gets busy, or let’s be honest, scheduling an appointment feels like one more thing on an endless to-do list. I know I did. After having my son, I didn’t make it to a doctor for five years. But here’s the thing: many of the biggest health concerns for women don’t show up with obvious symptoms right away. By the time we feel something is wrong, it’s often been developing for years.

Routine screenings aren’t just another box to check; they’re a proactive way to catch issues early and protect your long-term health. In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Lindsay Ogle, a board-certified family medicine and obesity medicine physician, who helps me break down the key screenings women need at every stage of life. Tune in to find out why these screenings matter, how often to get them, and how to prioritize your health even when life feels overwhelming.

References

Connect with Dr. Lindsay Ogle:

Website: https://missourimetabolichealth.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.lindsayogle/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMV0X6U0JLZgRMiNwGtmpeg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lindsay.ogle.90/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr..lindsay.ogle?_t=8prC4VUQZ5i&_r=1 

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Eastside Menopause & Metabolism

00:42 - Dr. Lindsay Ogle shares her journey into family medicine, her passion for weight management, and what inspired her to establish her own metabolic health clinic.

04:45 - Why routine health screenings and wellness visits are so important for women.

06:03 - Key screenings by decade to support long-term health.

14:35 - Colonoscopy as the gold standard for screening, plus alternatives like Cologuard and FIT.

21:17 - Lung cancer screening guidelines, eligibility, and limitations for non-smokers.

22:45 - Routine screenings for blood pressure, mental health, substance use, and vaccines.

24:13 - Bone density screening recommendations.

26:04 - Screening for reproductive health.

28:24 - Screening for obesity-related risks.

33:45 - Ways women can advocate for their health by asking questions, seeking second opinions, and bringing support.

36:58 - The role doctors play in building trust, asking open-ended questions, and normalizing struggles.

39:20 - Limited healthcare access can make it hard for women to get the care they need.

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Menopause isn’t a blink-and-you-miss-it moment. It’s a major life shift that lasts much longer than most of us realize. For many women, perimenopause can span five to ten years, sometimes even longer. So why do so many of us wait until symptoms hit to pay attention? 

The reality is, the earlier you prepare, the more control you have over your experience. By taking a proactive approach, you can manage your health throughout this journey, instead of reacting when symptoms become overwhelming.

In this episode, I share 10 key strategies to help you approach perimenopause and menopause with confidence—from tracking symptoms and optimizing sleep to managing metabolic health and knowing when to seek treatment. Let’s dive into how to advocate for your health, reflect on your needs, and ensure you’re prepared to handle this life transition on your terms.

References

“The Menopause Menu” by Dr. Susan Baumgaertel

Ep. 14: How to Sleep Better with Dr. Andrea Matsumura

https://menopause.org/

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Eastside Menopause & Metabolism

00:41 - Dr. Patil-Sisodia explains menopause as a journey, not a destination, and introduces strategies to help women proactively prepare for perimenopause and menopause.

02:53 - Understanding your family health history is crucial, as genetics affect menopause risks like heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis.

04:35 - Tracking symptoms early helps understand how menopause affects mood, sleep, body composition, and more.

06:28 - Dr. Patil-Sisodia emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet, focusing on protein, fiber, hydration, and natural carbs during menopause.

08:37 - Regular exercise, combining strength training and cardio, helps adjust to menopause-related changes while preventing injury.

11:06 - Good sleep habits are essential; hormone therapy and sleep apnea testing may help if issues persist.

12:26 - Managing stress and mindset is key during menopause.

14:10 - Be proactive about your health to prepare for perimenopause and menopause.

15:37 - Managing metabolic health is vital, as hormonal shifts can lead to weight gain and insulin resistance.

18:45 - Non-hormonal treatments can be effective if lifestyle changes and hormone therapy aren't options.

19:40 - A recap of the ten key recommendations to prepare for perimenopause and menopause.

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For many women, poor sleep has almost become a normalized part of life—whether it’s pregnancy, menopause, managing family, or juggling careers—there always seems to be an excuse for why we’re not sleeping well. I know that when I was in my twenties, I could fall asleep anywhere, at any time. But as I’ve gotten older, sleep has certainly become more elusive. So how do we reclaim better sleep, especially as our bodies and lives change? And how much sleep do we really need to feel rested?

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Dr. Andrea Matsumura, a board-certified sleep medicine physician, who specializes in helping women navigate the unique sleep challenges of perimenopause and menopause. We dive into topics like how hormonal changes disrupt sleep, why sleep is crucial for our overall health, and, most importantly, how we can improve our sleep to thrive during this season of life. 

If you’re struggling with sleep during menopause, this episode is a must-listen for actionable tips to improve your sleep and overall well-being!

Connect with Dr. Matsumura:
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Cascadia Health

Audio Stamps
00:39 - Dr. Patil-Sisodia introduces her guest, Dr. Andrea Matsumura, a board-certified specialist in sleep and internal medicine, who focuses on sleep disorders affecting women in perimenopause and menopause. 

02:10 - Dr. Matsumura explains her shift from primary care to sleep medicine, driven by the critical role of sleep in managing chronic conditions.

04:07 - Dr. Matsumura explains her initial approach to evaluating sleep issues, focusing on bedtime routines, medical history, and sleep preparation in a tech-driven world.

06:49 - Dr. Matsumura shares her recommended number of hours of sleep for optimal health, noting that people who get less often rely on stimulants to compensate.

10:25 - We find out how perimenopause and menopause disrupt sleep, affecting hormones like cortisol and growth hormone, and learn the importance of sleep for overall health.

12:55 - We find out how declining estrogen affects sleep, and the importance of balancing estrogen and progesterone, along with addressing other factors like chronic insomnia, when treating sleep problems.

15:23 - Dr. Matsumura recommends cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) to address chronic sleep issues, focusing on managing sleep anxiety and stress.

18:17 - Dr. Matsumura stresses diagnosing the root cause of sleep issues and favors behavioral treatment over relying on medications.

22:15 - We learn factors that can cause sleep issues in menopause. While hormone therapy can help, behavioral changes may be needed if problems persist.

27:00 - Dr. Matsumura shares her sleep recommendations for setting up a good sleep routine, empha

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PCOS is so common, yet so commonly misunderstood. Despite affecting millions of women, its symptoms—and even its name—lead to confusion and delayed diagnoses. PCOS is often referred to as a "disease of exclusion," as it’s commonly diagnosed only after other conditions have been ruled out. This delay leaves many women struggling for years with symptoms like irregular periods, weight gain, and acne before receiving a proper diagnosis. Yet, early detection is critical, as PCOS is linked to serious comorbidities such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

In this episode, triple board-certified endocrinologist Dr. Sonia Hans pulls back the curtain on this misunderstood condition. From how PCOS is diagnosed to its relationship with metabolic syndrome, Dr. Hans explains why recognition and treatment shouldn’t wait. She highlights the revolutionary advancements in care, including GLP-1 medications, and explores how PCOS evolves during perimenopause and menopause.

If you’ve been searching for answers—or know someone who is—this conversation offers clarity, hope, and actionable steps to better understand and manage PCOS.

References
Find Dr. Sonia Hans at the following locations:
EvergreenHealth Diabetes & Endocrinology Care (for PCOS management)
EvergreenHealth Weight Loss & Bariatric Care

Audio Stamps

00:40 - Dr. Patil-Sisodia's guest, Dr. Sonia Hans, shares her background in endocrinology, obesity medicine, and metabolic health, detailing her journey into these fields and her passion for managing conditions like PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) and diabetes.

03:50 - Dr. Hans explains PCOS as a dysregulated female reproductive hormone system, leading to irregular periods and metabolic disruptions.

06:47 - Dr. Hans shares the red flags which indicate someone may have PCOS.

12:50 - Dr. Hans explains that PCOS and metabolic syndrome often occur together, with managing one condition helping to control the other.

16:49 - Dr. Hans highlights the challenges young women face with body image and weight, stressing the importance of empowering them with knowledge and options for managing PCOS and metabolic disease.

21:02 - Dr. Hans discusses treatments for PCOS, including birth control, spironolactone, insulin sensitizers, and GLP-1 receptor agonists, alongside lifestyle changes like nutrition and exercise.

30:00 - We learn how PCOS transitions in perimenopause, including metabolic changes and increased visceral fat, and how GLP-1s help manage these symptoms and improve health outcomes.

35:35 - Dr. Hans shares what to look out for when hormonal imbalances arise, urging women to seek help if they notice changes in energy, sleep, or weight.

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In the first installment of The Endocrine Series, we explored insulin resistance, a condition where your body struggles to use insulin effectively, often worsened by hormonal shifts during perimenopause. Now, we turn our attention to prediabetes—a stage where blood sugar levels are elevated but not yet high enough for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. While prediabetes increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, it doesn’t have to be inevitable. Early intervention is key.

In this episode, we’ll discuss how simple lifestyle changes—like adjusting your diet and exercise—can reverse prediabetes, regulate blood sugar, and lower health risks. We'll also cover medical treatments, including anti-obesity medications and hormone replacement therapy, to further support metabolic health. Listen in for practical tips on managing prediabetes and preventing the progression to type 2 diabetes.

References
“I Love Lucy” chocolate factory clip

Ep. 11: Understanding Insulin Resistance During Perimenopause

Audio Stamps
00:40 - Dr. Patil-Sisodia reminds us about insulin resistance and how rising blood sugar levels indicate whether someone is in the prediabetes range, as they begin to exceed normal thresholds.

01:56 - Another indicator of prediabetes is the hemoglobin A1C test, which measures average blood sugar over three months and signals prediabetes when levels are between 5.7% and 6.4%.

03:05 - Excessive carbohydrate intake and reliance on packaged meals high in refined sugars stress the pancreas and contribute to insulin resistance.

04:35 -  Lack of physical activity contributes to pancreatic stress and insulin resistance, as sedentary lifestyles lead to muscle atrophy, weight gain, and changes in body composition.

05:55 - Dr. Patil-Sisodia uses an analogy from “I Love Lucy” to demonstrate how the pancreas operates in hyperdrive in prediabetes, producing excessive insulin to manage blood sugar levels.

07:15 - We hear practical ways to slow down the pancreas's assembly line by adapting diet and fitness habits.

10:58 - Dr. Patil-Sisodia emphasizes the importance of discussing metabolic medications and hormone replacement therapy with your primary care provider to address prediabetes.

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Struggling with stubborn pounds around your midsection, despite sticking to a healthy diet and regular exercise, is a frustrating reality for many women as they enter perimenopause and menopause. Hormonal shifts—particularly a decline in estrogen—can trigger insulin resistance, making it harder to lose weight, control blood sugar levels, and maintain muscle mass.

In this episode, the first of my Endocrine Series, we dive into what insulin resistance is, how decreasing estrogen during perimenopause worsens it, and the key steps you can take to monitor and manage it effectively. Tune in for practical tips to help you work with your healthcare providers and take charge of managing insulin resistance, weight changes, and overall metabolic health during perimenopause and beyond.

Audio Stamps
00:49 - Dr. Patil-Sisodia explains insulin resistance, detailing the pancreas's role and the two primary ways it can malfunction.

02:26 - We learn about autoimmune attacks, where malfunctioning white blood cells target beta cells in the pancreas, reducing insulin production and causing type 1 diabetes.

03:30 - We discover how changes in body composition and increased visceral fat can impair beta cell function, raising insulin demand and contributing to insulin resistance.

06:48 - Dr. Patil-Sisodia highlights how decreasing estrogen during perimenopause worsens insulin resistance, making blood sugar control more difficult for women with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

08:07 - We hear key steps to monitor insulin resistance, including tracking body changes, screening for diabetes risk, and discussing treatment options with healthcare providers.

Thanks for listening. Find more info about Reset Recharge on the website or Instagram.