Women Who Thrive: Your Midlife Playbook

Menopause isn’t a sign that you’re broken—it’s a natural transition, just like adolescence. In this episode of the Peak Health Podcast, Dr. Ravi Gupta is joined by Dr. Harpreet Gujral, integrative nurse practitioner and women’s health expert, to demystify perimenopause and menopause.

From hot flashes and brain fog to mood swings and libido changes, we cover the top 10 questions women have about this life stage. Learn how hormones, lifestyle, and evidence-based treatments like hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and natural alternatives can help you thrive—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Whether you’re noticing subtle symptoms or looking for strategies to support your long-term health, this episode provides clarity, empowerment, and actionable guidance.

🔹 Who Should Listen:

• Women experiencing perimenopause or menopause symptoms

• Women considering hormone replacement therapy or natural alternatives

• Professionals balancing career, family, and self-care during midlife

• Anyone interested in understanding the science behind menopause and actionable ways to thrive

Suggested Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Introduction & why menopause matters

• 02:30 – Perimenopause vs. menopause explained

• 06:15 – Common symptoms and what to look for

• 12:00 – Long-term health risks of unmanaged menopause

• 18:30 – Lifestyle interventions & natural remedies (maca, flax seeds, black cohosh)

• 24:45 – Hormone replacement therapy: benefits, dosing, and safety

• 33:00 – Managing mood, sleep, libido, and cognitive changes

• 38:30 – Debunking WHI study misconceptions

• 42:15 – Personal empowerment and embracing this life transition

• 46:00 – Closing thoughts & encouragement for women

Clarification Note

To ensure accuracy and support informed decision-making, we’d like to clarify two brief moments from the conversation:

• At 25:25 – 25:27, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) was referred to as “the gold standard.” This was said in a general context, but it does not apply to women with a history of certain cancers.

• At 44:45 – 45:55, there is a reference that may imply HRT can be continued indefinitely.
  To clarify: According to the North American Menopause Society (NAMS), most women use HRT for 5–8 years, with longer use considered only on an individual basis in collaboration with a healthcare provider.

  NAMS guidance states:

  “There is no single ‘right’ time to stop hormone therapy. Women may choose lower doses or switch to non-pill forms. Decisions about duration should be made together with a healthcare professional. Longer-term use may be appropriate in cases of persistent symptoms such as hot flashes or night sweats, osteoporosis prevention, or improved quality of life. Because risks may increase with age and longer duration, ongoing reassessment with your clinician is essential.”

Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making treatment decisions.