Let’s face it—perimenopause isn’t exactly known for its sparkling perks (unless you consider surprise hot flashes a “perk”). But what it does bring is a whole new relationship with your skincare routine.

In this episode of OvaryActive, the Docs are diving into the hormonal chaos that makes your skin suddenly act like a moody teenager again—and what you can actually do about it––without buying 47 different serums.

Joining the Docs is the fabulous Dr. Jessica Healy, who brings her expert insights and her sunscreen to explain the science (and nonsense) behind skincare. This trio of Docs is talking about everything from niacinamide to red light therapy, the truth about oral collagen, and yes, even the mysterious world of biotin and your brittle nails.

You’ll leave with practical tips, a little more science know-how, and maybe, just maybe, the willpower to finally toss that 10-step skincare routine you never really liked anyway.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

[:40] Meet Dr. Jessica Healy

[2:24] I’m wandering Sephora, send help!

[8:35] What SPF do I need?

[13:49] Is retinol beneficial?

[16:38] Is Vitamin C serum worth the price tag?

[19:34] Oh no, that made me turn red!

[24:33] Exploring topical estrogens

[27:11] To collagen or not to collagen?

[31:54] What’s trending?

[34:32] The wonders of red light therapy

[37:57] Let’s breakdown your day and night routine

[42:16] Don’t forget your nails!

Links:

dermspecpa.com

Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube

Meet the Docs:

More information about Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su:

Gennev: www.gennev.com/clinician/dr-rebecca-dunsmoor-su

LinkedIn @rebecca-dunsmoor-su

More information about Dr. Amy Voedisch:

Stanford Medical Clinic: stanfordhealthcare.org/doctors/v/amy-voedisch.html

Strap in and grab your magnesium and chamomile tea—this week we're battling Perimenopause’s sworn nemesis: a good night’s sleep.

Joining the Docs for the third part in the Your Brain on Peri series is the brilliant Dr. Meredith Broderick—triple-board certified in neurology, sleep medicine, and behavioral sleep medicine (basically, she’s the Swiss Army knife of slumber science).

Dr. Broderick brings her expertise on why perimenopausal sleep is often so elusive, how women are uniquely impacted by sleep disorders, and why sleep medicine isn’t just about popping a pill and hoping for the best. Heads up…your smart watch might be lying to you.

Basically, if you've ever stared at the ceiling at 3 a.m. wondering if it's you or your hormones—you’re in the right place. Share this episode with a tired friend, colleague, or sister!

What you’ll hear in this episode:

[0:41] Meet Meredith Broderick, MD: Sleep Medicine Expert

[1:28] Sleep med vs. behavioral sleep medicine

[3:05] Why is my body throwing 3 AM tantrums?

[6:55] The role of sleep studies and devices

[19:51] Circadian rhythms and why shift work = body betrayal

[24:18] Sleep quality & your waistline–the sleep-weight connection

[29:42] Sleep studies

[34:40] Pros and cons of CBTI (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia)

[40:30] Modern CPAP machines

[43:02] Final Thoughts on sleep and health

Connect with Meredith Broderick, MD:
soundsleepguru.com

Instagram | @sleepdoctormer

Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube

Meet the Docs:

More information about Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su:

Gennev: www.gennev.com/clinician/dr-rebecca-dunsmoor-su

LinkedIn @rebecca-dunsmoor-su

More information about Dr. Amy Voedisch:

Stanford Medical Clinic: stanfordhealthcare.org/doctors/v/amy-voedisch.html

Ever walked into a room and immediately forgotten why you’re there? Or found yourself staring at a to-do list like it’s written in an ancient language? You’re not alone.

In this episode of OvaryActive, Dr. Amy Voedisch and Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su tackle the maddening phenomenon of brain fog during perimenopause. Spoiler alert: It’s not just you, and no, you’re (probably) not losing your mind—just your estrogen.

In this enlightening and comforting conversation, the Docs explain down how hormonal fluctuations can scramble memory, multitasking skills, and general cognitive function. They also discuss the fine line between brain fog, ADHD, and the (sometimes overblown) fear of early dementia. The good news? Research—including the SWAN study—suggests that cognitive function typically rebounds after menopause, meaning there’s light at the end of this very foggy tunnel.

You might already be knee-deep in perimenopausal forgetfulness or just bracing for impact, but you’ll find this episode to be packed with science, strategies, and a reassuring dose of humor (because Dr. Voedisch is right there with us!). Don’t forget to share this episode with a friend, sister, colleague, or the woman in front of you at the grocery store who did NOT find everything she was looking for today.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

[0:27] Understanding cognition (brain fog) during perimenopause

[1:08] The impact of brain fog

[4:56] ADHD and cognitive changes

[8:03] Hormone changes and brain function

[15:38] Estrogen’s role in the brain

[20:37] Symptoms are interrelated

[23:29] Hormone therapy for cognitive function

[28:20] Dementia, hormones, and the brain

[35:09] Strategies for optimizing brain health

Resources:

lisamosconi.com

The Menopause Brain by Lisa Mosconi, PhD

swanstudy.org

Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube

Meet the Docs:

More information about Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su:

Gennev: www.gennev.com/clinician/dr-rebecca-dunsmoor-su

LinkedIn @rebecca-dunsmoor-su

More information about Dr. Amy Voedisch:

Stanford Medical Clinic: stanfordhealthcare.org/doctors/v/amy-voedisch.html