What Perimenopause Does to Your Skin, Mood & Confidence — with Celebrity Makeup Artist Sandra Goelz

Rebranding Menopause: It's Time To DIVE INTO The raw realities of perimenopause. Are you ready to ditch the outdated stereotypes and dive headfirst into the real, raw, and often hilarious realities of perimenopause and menopause? Then you're in the right place! In a recent podcast episode, host, Ingrid Dodd along with guests Sandra and Jessica, tackled everything from hormone therapy myths to the unexpected horrors of heavy bleeding and hair loss. Get ready to laugh, learn, and maybe even shed a tear (or two) as we unpack this often-taboo topic. Perimenopause vs. Menopause: What's the Difference? (00:01:00) Perimenopause is often described as chaos, a rollercoaster of unpredictable symptoms. Menopause, on the other hand, is more of a "new normal" as your body adjusts. One host humorously compared her perimenopause experience to "The Exorcist," highlighting the intense and sometimes frightening changes women can experience. The HRT Revolution: Debunking Myths and Saving Marriages (00:02:00) The conversation quickly turned to Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), with the hosts celebrating the FDA's removal of the black box warning. One host even joked that it could "save marriages," alluding to the intense mood swings and irritability that can accompany hormonal shifts. The biggest myth? That putting hormones back into your body will kill you. Even smart, educated women are often wary of HRT, but the truth is, it can be a game-changer. Beyond Hot Flashes: The Sneaky Symptoms of Perimenopause (00:05:00) Hot flashes are just the tip of the iceberg. The hosts discussed a range of lesser-known symptoms, including: •UTIs •Brain fog •Weight gain •Heavy menstrual flow One guest shared a shocking (and hilarious) story of experiencing a "blood scene" during a makeup class, highlighting the unpredictability and intensity of heavy bleeding during perimenopause. The Heavy Flow Horror Show (00:07:00) Heavy bleeding can be a "big red sign" that perimenopause is in full swing. One guest recounted a mortifying experience at a conference where she had to abruptly leave a presentation due to excessive bleeding. Tampons became useless, and the sheer volume of blood led to low iron, low energy, and even hair thinning. Night Sweats and Secret Keeping (00:12:00) Night sweats are another common symptom, and many women, including one of the hosts, initially hid them from their partners. Why? Pride, perhaps, or a reluctance to confront the realities of menopause. Rebranding Menopause: It's Not a Dirty Word (00:14:00) The hosts expressed their dislike for the words "perimenopause" and "menopause," feeling they sound "old." This led to the podcast's name, "Rebranding Menopause," emphasizing the need to change the narrative and embrace this stage of life. HRT: Finding the Right Approach (00:17:00) The discussion delved into the specifics of HRT, including different methods of delivery (patches, creams, pellets) and the importance of finding a doctor who is knowledgeable and willing to listen. Starting slowly, with low doses of estrogen and progesterone, and addressing one symptom at a time, was emphasized as a key to success. Hair Loss: A Traumatic Experience (00:28:00) Hair loss emerged as a particularly sensitive topic, with one guest describing it as "traumatizing." She recounted a harrowing experience of losing handfuls of hair after a bout of illness, eventually being diagnosed with telogen effluvium. Wigs and Toppers: Embracing the Faux (00:33:00) The conversation took a lighter turn as the hosts discussed wigs and toppers as solutions for hair loss. They challenged the taboo surrounding wigs and encouraged women to embrace them as a fun and empowering way to change up their look. The Allure of Online Shopping (00:42:00) A brief but relatable detour into the world of online shopping, with the hosts confessing their love for Amazon and TikTok Shop. The convenience of having packages delivered daily was a shared guilty pleasure. The Truth About HRT: Separating Fact from Fiction (00:47:00) The podcast circled back to HRT, highlighting the FDA's removal of black box warnings and the growing body of research supporting its benefits. Estrogen, in particular, was hailed as a vital medication for women's health, with the potential to reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, breast cancer, and even dementia. The Power of Sharing and Connecting (00:52:00) The episode concluded with a powerful message of connection and support. By sharing their experiences, the hosts and guests hoped to empower other women to feel less alone and more informed about perimenopause and menopause. Final Thoughts This podcast episode was a refreshing and informative deep dive into the realities of perimenopause and menopause. It's a must-listen for any woman navigating these hormonal shifts, offering a blend of humor, honesty, and practical advice.