You Good, Hormones?

Episode 5: Perimenopause 101

Kelly Knox, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, FNP-C Season 1 Episode 5

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0:00 | 12:11

If you’ve ever been told “it’s just stress,” “maybe try an antidepressant,” or “you’re probably just aging” — this episode is for you.

In this most-requested episode of You Good, Hormones?, we’re diving deep into Perimenopause 101 — what it actually is, when it starts (spoiler: earlier than you think), and why so many women are misdiagnosed with everything from anxiety to ADHD instead of getting real answers about their hormones.

I’m breaking down:

  • What perimenopause feels like (beyond hot flashes)
  • When it really starts (hint: often before your doctor thinks it does)
  • 10 common conditions women are misdiagnosed with in perimenopause
  • The hormone + mental health connection
  • A powerful stat: Women prescribed HRT between ages 40–64 had a 47% lower suicide rate (2024 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Report)
  • How to track your symptoms and advocate for real support

This is the episode that finally makes it all click.

What you’ll learn:
The real signs of perimenopause (even if your period is still regular)
Why so many women are told it’s “just anxiety”
The role of estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol in mood, sleep, and cognition
What labs to ask for (and why symptoms still matter more)
How perimenopause affects mental health — and what we can do about it

Links & Resources:

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