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Diagnosing Perimenopause: Practical Clarity in a Foggy Transition

In this episode of the MenopauseWize Podcast, Dr. Sukhpreet Patel is joined by Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz, a renowned OB-GYN, menopause expert, and advocate for women’s midlife health, to unpack one of the most overlooked and misunderstood stages of a woman’s life: perimenopause.

Despite affecting millions of women, perimenopause is still frequently missed, misdiagnosed, or dismissed. Many women are told their symptoms are due to stress, anxiety, aging, or lifestyle, often after being reassured that their blood tests are “normal.” In this conversation, Dr. Gilberg-Lenz explains why perimenopause is fundamentally a clinical diagnosis, not a lab diagnosis, and why relying on hormone levels alone can lead to delayed care and unnecessary suffering.

Together, we explore how fluctuating hormones drive a wide range of symptoms, from irregular periods and sleep disruption to mood changes, brain fog, weight shifts, and changes in sexual health. Dr. Gilberg-Lenz shares how clinicians can recognize perimenopause earlier, what questions truly matter in the consultation room, and how validating a woman’s experience is often the first and most powerful step in care.

This episode is essential listening for women who suspect they may be in perimenopause and for healthcare providers who want to diagnose earlier, listen better, and offer more effective, evidence-based support.

Key Topics Covered:

• What perimenopause really is and why it is so commonly missed
• Why blood tests often fail to diagnose perimenopause
• The wide and often unexpected symptoms of hormonal fluctuation
• How to take a symptom-based, clinical approach to diagnosis
• Common myths that delay care for midlife women
• When to start conversations about treatment and support
• Why early recognition can change a woman’s quality of life

This episode empowers women to trust their symptoms, ask better questions, and seek care that reflects the realities of midlife hormonal change.

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The information provided in all episodes of the MenopauseWize podcast, including content shared by Sukhpreet Patel or any guest or representative, is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice or a substitute for professional healthcare consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment decisions.

SheRise Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., MenopauseWize, Sukhpreet Patel, or any representative will not be held responsible or liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from the use or reliance on the information provided in this podcast. Listeners are encouraged to use the information at their own discretion and always seek advice from a licensed medical professional before making any healthcare decisions.