Perimenopause often begins in the late 30s or early 40s — earlier than many think. In this episode, Dr. Carrie Jones explains what those early years actually look like: the 3 a.m. wake-ups, the sudden irritability, the phantom smells that send women checking the kitchen for burning wires, or maybe itchy ears from low estrogen — and all the symptoms we’ve been trained to call “stress”.

She also breaks down which hormone tests are useful in this phase, why daily pattern-tracking can show what a single blood draw can’t, and what the WHI study did — and didn’t — prove about the safety of HRT. Dr. Carrie talks through the tools she relies on most, from magnesium and herbal supports to boundary-setting and getting the nervous system out of permanent alert mode.

You'll hear about:

• The age range when perimenopause typically begins (late 30s–40s)
• Why progesterone drops first — and how that affects sleep and mood
• Phantom smells, itchy ears, and other hormone-driven symptoms most women misinterpret
• Which tests actually help map hormonal patterns
• What the WHI study really found about HRT and breast cancer
• The lifestyle changes Carrie sees move the needle most
• How to track hormones without entering a cycle-tracking obsession
• The difference between true stress and hormone-driven stress symptoms

Follow Dr. Carrie Jones on Instagram.

This podcast is powered by Mira — a hormone health monitor that empowers women to track their hormones at home and make confident, informed decisions about their health and future.

Follow us on Instagram @mirafertility and visit miracare.com to learn more.

If this episode resonated with you, follow Mirror Talks wherever you listen to podcasts — and share it with someone who needs to hear Sylvia’s story. You can also join Mira’s community for more stories, resources, and guidance on your hormone health journey.

Hosted by Teo, a menstrual cycle coach helping women reconnect with their cycles, tune into their hormones, and live more in sync with their bodies.

Produced by Hatch Up podcasts.