For years, Annalisa thought the anxiety, sleepless nights, and brain fog were just stress from COVID. But when she could barely function at work and felt like a stranger in her own body, she discovered the real culprit: perimenopause and menopause. We explore the profound mental health effects of this natural transition that affects nearly every woman, yet remains largely misunderstood.

Annalisa shares her five-year journey from feeling like she was "going crazy" to finding effective treatment through hormone therapy. Dr. Tara Iyer, medical director of the Menopause and Midlife Clinic at Brigham and Women's Hospital, explains the science behind why hormonal changes can trigger depression, anxiety, and cognitive issues - and what women can do about it.

If you or someone you love is navigating perimenopause or menopause, this episode offers both validation and hope. From the importance of self-advocacy to finding the right healthcare provider, we discuss practical steps for getting support during one of life's most challenging transitions.

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