Ask Me About My Estrogen

Brain Fog

In this episode of Ask Me About My Estrogen, Charlotte and Megan tackle one of perimenopause's most frustrating and underestimated symptoms: brain fog. They push back hard on the clinical definition — arguing that "brain fog" wildly undersells what women are actually experiencing — and dig into the real neuroscience behind it. From estrogen's role as a brain hormone to MRI studies showing changes in how the brain uses glucose, they explain why cognitive struggles during perimenopause are biological, not imaginary. They address the fear many women quietly carry — is this early dementia? — and offer a clear-eyed way to think about the difference. The conversation gets honest about how brain fog collides with the mental load women already carry, how it quietly erodes confidence at exactly the moment many women are hitting their professional stride, and why generic advice like "just sleep more" and "reduce stress" falls spectacularly short. Charlotte and Megan round out the episode with real, practical micro-strategies and a candid conversation about what is — and isn't — within our control, including a discussion of HRT as a legitimate option worth exploring with a knowledgeable provider.

Vaginal Symptoms in Perimenopause

Irregular bleeding, nonstop bleeding, vaginal dryness, itching, painful sex — perimenopause can bring a wave of symptoms no one warned us about. In this episode, we break down how declining estrogen affects vaginal and urinary health, what Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) really means, and why these changes impact intimacy, libido, and confidence.
We share our personal experiences with IUDs, oral birth control, vaginal estrogen, lubrication, and navigating hard conversations with partners and providers. No shame. No whispering. Just real talk about vaginal health in midlife.

OB/GYN Answers Your Biggest Perimenopause Questions (Hot Flashes, Mood, HRT)

This week on Ask Me About My Estrogen, Megan and Charlotte sit down with board-certified OB/GYN Dr. Williams to talk all things perimenopause — no fluff, no fear-mongering, just real answers.
From “How do I know I’m in perimenopause?” to “Is weight gain inevitable?” and “Are hormones actually safe?” — we’re diving into the questions women are asking in group chats and Google at 2 a.m. Dr. Williams separates fact from fiction, breaks down the truth about bloodwork, birth control, and hormone therapy, and explains what’s really happening when your body starts to feel unfamiliar.
We also tackle the emotional side of this transition — the symptoms women blame on themselves, what often gets dismissed, and what OB/GYNs wish more patients understood. Plus, an honest conversation about how to advocate for yourself at your next appointment so you leave feeling heard, not brushed off.
If you’ve ever been told your labs are “normal” but you don’t feel normal — this episode is for you.

Bonus Valentine's Day Episode

Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romance — it’s about relationships, including the one you have with your body. In this episode, we talk hormones, intimacy, body image, and how perimenopause and menopause can shift the way we experience love, confidence, and connection. Honest, relatable, and a little spicy — just the way we like it.

HRT in Perimenopause: Risks, Benefits & What Your Doctor May Not Explain

Episode 3: Hormone Replacement & Medications
Is there a perfect hormone cocktail? Unfortunately—no. And that’s exactly what we’re talking about.
In this episode, Megan and Charlotte break down hormone replacement therapy (HRT), medications, and why treatment during perimenopause and menopause is often symptom-driven, not one-size-fits-all. From estrogen patches and progesterone to testosterone, SSRIs, vaginal estrogen, and more, we normalize why many women need multiple medications—and ongoing adjustments—to feel better.
We share our personal HRT journeys, missed and irregular periods, brain fog, hot flashes, and the reality of trial and error. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, dismissed, or frustrated with hormone treatment, this episode is for you.
 

Menopause Belly: Why It Shows Up (And Why It’s Not Your Fault)

Menopause Belly: Why It Shows Up (and Why It’s Not Your Fault)
It feels like it happened overnight: the sudden midsection weight gain that shows up uninvited, settles right below your high-rise waistband, and refuses to leave. Add it to the growing list of perimenopause hits—hot flashes, mood swings, exhaustion, brain fog—and yeah… this one stings.
In this episode, Megan and Charlotte get real about the so-called “menopause belly” (spoiler: the name is misleading). We break down what’s actually happening in your body during perimenopause, why weight gain is so common during this phase (which can last 7–10 years 😳), and why fat suddenly shifts to the midsection—even when your eating and movement haven’t changed.
Music by FreeMusicForVideo from Pixabay

Is This Perimenopause or Am I Losing It? — Episode 1

In the premiere episode, hosts Megan and Charlotte introduce themselves and share candid stories about experiencing perimenopause — from rage and sleeplessness to hot flashes and unexpected hair growth — while reassuring listeners that they’re not alone.
They outline the podcast’s mission to mix personal stories, listener questions, and expert guests to offer practical strategies, emotional validation, and community support for navigating hormonal changes.
 
Music by FreeMusicForVideo from Pixabay