Perimenopause Explained: Dr. Mary Claire Haver on Hormones, Sleep, & Mental Health

Perimenopause can feel like losing control of your own body: the hot flashes, the sleepless nights, the brain fog, the sudden anxiety. In this powerful conversation, Tamsen sits down with leading OB/GYN and author of the upcoming book The New Perimenopause, Dr. Mary Claire Haver, to unpack what’s really happening during perimenopause and menopause, and what women can do to take control. In this episode, Dr. Haver breaks down everything you need to know about hormone therapy, vaginal estrogen, and testosterone for women, and how small changes in sleep, nutrition, and protein can improve libido, bone health, and even anxiety and depression. This episode is about understanding your body, not fighting it. Dr. Haver breaks down what most women are never told: Why sleep becomes harder and what actually helps How estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone work together The truth about hormone therapy and who it’s safe for What to do when your doctor dismisses your symptoms How protein, strength training, and supplements like magnesium make a real difference This conversation will leave you feeling seen, informed, and more in control of what’s happening in your body. Because perimenopause isn’t the end of something, it’s the beginning of understanding yourself in a whole new way. The Tamsen Show is nominated for a Signal Award! We would be so grateful if you would vote. Thank you so much for your support 🧡https://vote.signalaward.com/PublicVo... Learn How To Perimenopause with Tamsen’s free guide: https://www.tamsenfadal.com/how-to-pe... Want to learn how you can advocate for yourself in the doctor’s office or at work? Get Tamsen’s FREE Menopause Action Plan: https://www.tamsenfadal.com/map-menop... CONNECT WITH TAMSEN 🧡 The Tamsen Show on Instagram:   / thetamsenshow   🧡 Instagram:   / tamsenfadal   🧡 TikTok:   / tamsenfadal   CONNECT WITH DR. HAVER 🧡 Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmaryclair... 🧡 Visit her website: https://maryclairewellness.com/ 🧡 LEAVE A REVIEW If you enjoyed listening to the podcast, we'd love for you to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover the show: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast... Timestamp: 0:00 Intro 2:08 Preparing for Perimenopause: What to Do Before It Starts 3:05 Why You Can’t Sleep and What Actually Helps 5:36 The Best Sleep Tools & Supplements for Midlife Women 8:12 Anxiety, Depression & Hormones: What the Latest Research Shows 10:53 Nutrition in Perimenopause: How to Eat for Hormones, Bones & Energy 14:42 Libido in Midlife: How to Get It Back 18:04 The Truth About Hormone Pellets and Safer Options 25:10 Birth Control, Estradiol & The Estrogen Fear Myth 28:04 Who Can’t Take Hormone Therapy and Why It’s Safer Than You Think 32:34 Protecting Your Bones: Dr. Haver’s Top 3 Game-Changing Habits 34:41 Why Every Woman Needs Vaginal Estrogen 38:47 How to Talk to Your Doctor and Get the Care You Deserve 42:18 New Research & Legislation Changing Women’s Health This show is sponsored by Midi Health. Visit https://www.joinmidi.com/Tamsen today to book your personalized, insurance-covered virtual visit. Midi. The Care Women Deserve. About Tamsen Fadal: Tamsen is a journalist, NYT best-selling author, and menopause advocate with over 4M followers. As host of The Tamsen Show Podcast, she’s become a powerful voice in the menopause conversation. She is the creator and producer of The (M) Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause, a groundbreaking documentary calling for change in how we approach women’s health. Tamsen is also the author of the New York Times Bestseller How To Menopause, the ultimate guide to navigating midlife with confidence. From SXSW to Capitol Hill, Tamsen champions policies that break the stigma around menopause and empower women at work and beyond. After 30 years as a TV anchor, she now leads the charge in midlife health advocacy. Featured in Oprah Daily, The Today Show, NYT, and more. #perimenopause #menopause #drmaryclairehaver