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Hormones, Mental Health, and Healing: Understanding Perimenopause with Dr. Karinn Glover, MD, MPH

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Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGY0pN7nj4/6J3mPfEhspRcwpt8BrJjaA/edit?utm_content=DAGY0pN7nj4&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton. 

Episode Description: In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, host Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz sits down with Dr. Karinn Glover, a psychiatrist specializing in community mental health and the integration of physical and mental health care. Together, they explore the complex and often misunderstood topic of perimenopause. With personal anecdotes and professional expertise, Dr. Glover unpacks the physiological, psychological, and cultural aspects of this transitional life stage. Listeners will gain actionable insights into supporting clients or loved ones navigating this journey, along with strategies for clinicians to provide affirming and comprehensive care.

Course Objectives:

  • Define perimenopause, including its typical onset, duration, and symptoms.
  • Analyze the connections between hormonal changes and mental health, particularly with respect to anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline.
  • Recognize the influence of cultural, societal, and familial factors on the perimenopause experience, and apply culturally responsive interventions to improve therapeutic outcomes.

Key Topics Covered:

  • What is perimenopause? A breakdown of its onset, duration, and symptoms.
  • The role of hormonal fluctuations on mood, cognition, and overall mental health.
  • Exploring the underdiagnosis of perimenopause in psychiatric evaluations and its impact on treatment.
  • Societal and cultural narratives surrounding aging and perimenopause.
  • How perimenopause influences family dynamics, intimacy, and personal identity.
  • The importance of culturally responsive care for marginalized populations experiencing prolonged perimenopause.
  • Empowering patients through psychoeducation, pharmacological options, and interdisciplinary interventions like pelvic floor therapy.

Key Takeaways:

  • Perimenopause can last 2-10 years and is marked by hormonal changes that affect physical and mental health.
  • Symptoms like hot flashes, insomnia, and mood shifts are often dismissed or misdiagnosed, creating gaps in care.
  • Therapists play a critical role in bridging the gap by providing education, compassion, and tailored interventions.
  • Cultural factors significantly influence the perimenopause experience and require sensitivity in clinical practice.
  • Aging can be reframed as an empowering and liberating phase when clients are supported holistically.

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