The Difference Between Perimenopause and Menopause and Why it Matters | Dr. Jerilynn Prior

Fempower Health: The Perimenopause and Menopause Channel

Learn about the difference between perimenopause and menopause as Dr. Jerilynn Prior explains the symptoms, hormone management, and care that women need to be aware of.

Episode Summary

In this episode of Fempower Health, host Georgie Kovacs interviews Dr. Jerilynn Prior about perimenopause. Dr. Jerilynn Prior is a professor of endocrinology at the University of British Columbia with over 40 years of research in women's health and hormones. She shares facts women need to know about perimenopause vs. menopause, explains the fluctuating perimenopause hormone levels, and emphasizes the proper care women deserve during this significant life phase.

Key Discussion Points:

• The differences between perimenopause and menopause
• Why perimenopausal women experience high and erratic estrogen levels
• The importance of tracking progesterone levels to manage perimenopausal symptoms
• How perimenopause itself can cause heavy menstrual flow
• The role of stress hormones in exacerbating perimenopausal symptoms
• Practical tips for women to advocate for themselves during perimenopause
• The significance of emotional and physiological transitions during perimenopause

“We must differentiate between these two phases [menopause and perimenopause] if we're going to deliver proper care and be accurate scientists.” - Dr Jerilynn Prior

Related to this episode:

• Resources on Perimenopause and Menopause
• Review the TRELOAR (Now TREMIN) Study which is referenced when discussing the patterns of menstrual cycles during perimenopause​​
• Learn more about progesterone dosing
• Learn more about vaginal estrogen cream vs. tablet
• Learn about hot flashes and demographics
• Learn about stress and hot flashes
• Learn more about the Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research (CeMCOR)
• Follow CeMCOR on Instagram and Facebook
• Learn more about Dr. Jerilynn Prior

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Fempower Health Guest Bio

Jerilynn C. Prior is a 45+ year University of British Columbia Endocrinology physician, scientist and teacher. An award-winning Clinician-Scientist, she is known for her innovative concepts that value estrogen-progesterone balance and have the potential to improve and even transform the understanding and treatment of women’s reproductive-related issues. She founded the UBC Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research, CeMCOR, in 2002 and launched its informative website in 2003. Prior is an internationally recognized thought-leader on menstrual cycles, ovulation, PCOS, perimenopause, menopause, and osteoporosis prevention with over 300 highly cited publications. Dr. Prior grew up in Alaskan fishing villages, got an honors MD from Boston University (in 1969) and became Canadian (in 1983) due to her belief in universal health care.

**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.**