Perimenopause After 35?! A Doctor Explains the Early Signs Women Miss

Are you experiencing unexplained fatigue, brain fog, mood swings, poor sleep, or changes in your menstrual cycle? Is it perimenopause, chronic stress, burnout—or something else entirely? For many ambitious women and mothers entering their late 30s and 40s, these changes can feel confusing and overwhelming. But understanding your body is one of the most powerful steps you can take toward protecting your long-term health. In this episode of Musings of a Geriatric Mama, host Kedna Amey, APRN, welcomes back board-certified family medicine physician Dr. Francheska Alcide (Dr. D) for an honest, insightful conversation about perimenopause, preventive healthcare, hormonal changes, and women's wellness after 35. Together, they explore why perimenopause symptoms are often overlooked, how burnout and chronic stress can overlap with hormonal symptoms, and why women must become proactive advocates for their health. In this episode, you'll learn: What perimenopause is and some of the early signs women may notice. How to recognize the overlap between hormonal changes, burnout, anxiety, and fatigue. Why sleep and stress management are essential parts of women's wellness. Which preventive health screenings and risk factors to discuss with your provider after 35 and 40. Why family medical history matters for breast cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and other health risks. How a history of preeclampsia may affect future cardiovascular health. Why symptoms such as fatigue and brain fog shouldn't automatically be blamed on hormones. How to advocate for yourself by scheduling a focused medical appointment. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Women's Health in Your 40s 02:14 Continuing Leadership and Wellness Journey 849:58:10 Are Women More Prepared for This Stage? 15111:05:05 What is Perimenopause? 16722:11:45 Symptoms and Diagnosis of Perimenopause 20305:31:53 Early Signs and Overlooked Symptoms 23944:25:15 Overlap with Other Conditions and Differentiation 30944:25:20 Burnout, Stress, and Hormonal Changes 33749:58:45 Sleep's Role in Recovery and Hormonal Balance 44694:25:54 Lifestyle Modifications and Prevention 53416:39:20 Family History and Risk Factors 62722:12:46 Screenings for Cancer and Heart Disease 74361:06:14 Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, and Blood Sugar 84555:33:04 Proactive Health and Self-Advocacy 1035277:46:34 Key Takeaways and Action Steps 1090277:46:37 Connecting with Dr. D and Final Thoughts 3 actionable takeaways from this conversation: Know your numbers. Understand your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and other health markers recommended by your provider. Schedule what you've been postponing. Make time for your preventive screenings, follow-up visits, and health appointments. Pay attention to patterns. Track changes in your menstrual cycle, mood, sleep, and energy so you can have more informed conversations with your healthcare provider. Whether you're approaching 40, navigating perimenopause, recovering from burnout, or simply ready to prioritize yourself after years of caring for everyone else, this conversation is your reminder that your health deserves a place at the top of your priority list. Connect with our guest: Dr. Francheska Alcide on Instagram at @franthemomdoc. Stay connected: Follow Musings of a Geriatric Mama on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more conversations about motherhood after 35, women's health, identity, ambition, and burnout recovery. Need a guide for burnout recovery? Download this guide https://k-amey-inspires.kit.com/1525d... And stay tuned for Part 2, where we explore perimenopause symptoms and how to navigate this transition in greater depth. Medical disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Discuss symptoms, screening schedules, and treatment decisions with your healthcare provider. Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: LEXQQAFQJSCM9TX0, RRLUYT0D7SUQBLXS