Perimenopause Symptoms: The Early Signs You May Not Recognize with Dr. Alicia Robbins

Your periods are still regular and your labs may even look “normal.” So why aren’t you sleeping? Why has your mood changed? And why do you suddenly feel like a different version of yourself? In this episode of the As a Woman podcast, Dr. Natalie Crawford talks with Dr. Alicia Robbins, a board-certified OB/GYN, certified Menopause Society Practitioner, and founder of The Elm. They discuss why sleep and mood can change before hot flashes or irregular periods begin, how cycle tracking may reveal patterns, and how progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone are considered in individualized perimenopause care. They also explain the connection between fertility and perimenopause, what else should be ruled out, and how to advocate for better care when your symptoms are dismissed. IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00 What Is Perimenopause and When Does It Start? 03:20 Why Dr. Alicia Robbins Changed Her Approach to Perimenopause 09:55 Perimenopause vs. Menopause: What’s the Difference? 11:23 Fertility and Perimenopause 12:22 How Do You Know if You’re in Perimenopause? 14:47 How to Track Perimenopause Symptoms 16:02 Hormone Therapy During Perimenopause 17:38 Symptoms of Low Progesterone 18:11 Hormone Therapy, Birth Control, and Pregnancy 20:17 Testosterone and Pregnancy 21:21 Testosterone for Women 23:43 Symptoms of Low Estrogen 25:12 When to Start Hormone Therapy 27:04 Estrogen Patches vs. Pills 27:40 Do You Need Hormone Testing for Perimenopause? 30:01 Is It Perimenopause or Something Else? 32:13 How to Advocate for Better Perimenopause Care GUEST RESOURCES: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aliciarobbinsmd/ Website: https://www.theelmgreenwich.com/ Podcast: https://www.draliciarobbins.com/podcast AS A WOMAN WITH DR. NATALIE CRAWFORD: YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLveZDgg3_HZ9m7Wy3C6Vvyrj_NtEOwj_l Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/as-a-woman/id1449553339 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/12IYOLH9liu60gk5D0bRPk HOST RESOURCES: Order The Fertility Formula: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book Newsletter: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliecrawfordmd YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NatalieCrawfordMD Become a patient: https://www.forafertility.com Earn FREE CE/CME: https://learnatpinnacle.com/education This episode is brought to you by The Pinnacle Podcast Network. ABOUT DR. NATALIE CRAWFORD: Natalie Crawford, MD, is a double board-certified OB/GYN and reproductive endocrinologist, co-founder of Fora Fertility, and author of The Fertility Formula. She helps women understand their hormones, fertility, and reproductive health so they can make informed decisions about their bodies. Disclaimer: Natalie Crawford, MD, is a doctor, but she is not your doctor. This content is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical care. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices