Perimenopause is not the end of beauty, confidence or sexuality. It’s the beginning.

In this edition of Rebranding Menopause, host Ingrid Dodd speaks with OB/GYN and menopause specialist Dr. Stephanie McNally about the shifting conversation around hormone therapy in 2026. Honestly, the vagina has been underfunded, under-discussed, and wildly misunderstood. We’re changing that. Fresh, informed, and no longer accepting “just deal with it” as medical advice. The vagina called. She wants better information and a seat at the table. The important differences between types of estrogen, how many women have unknowingly been on hormone replacement through birth control, and what this means for perimenopause and menopause care today. A calm, informed discussion for women seeking clarity on symptoms, options, and long-term wellbeing. For educational purposes only. Please consult your physician for individualized medical advice. #Menopause #Perimenopause #HRT #WomensHealth TOPICS 1. “You’ve Already Been on HRT” — The birth control revelation 2. Black Box Warning is Old News — Current 2026 perspective 3. Different Kinds of Estrogen — Bioidentical vs synthetic explained 4. Ingrid Dodd’s personal perimenopause anxiety story 5. Local vaginal estrogen — practical applications 6. Timing and modern safety data 7. Sleep disruption and daily impact Timestamps: • 0:00 – Introduction and the “You’ve Already Been on HRT” revelation • 0:50 – Why the Black Box Warning is now considered old news • 2:15 – Understanding the different types of estrogen • 3:58 – How birth control relates to hormone replacement therapy • 6:57 – Perimenopause symptoms in real life • 7:19 – Contraception considerations in your 40s • 10:39 – Ingrid Dodd shares her anxiety and ER experience • 14:45 – The profound effect of sleep disruption • 15:52 – Local vaginal estrogen: uses and demonstration • 18:05 – Timing, benefits, and practical next steps