7 Domains of Perimenopause
with Dr. Kirtly Jones and Dr. Katie Ward
7 Domains of Perimenopause
with Dr. Kirtly Jones and Dr. Katie Ward
A Closer Look at Perimenopause
Perimenopause—the transitional years leading up to menopause—is a time of significant biological, emotional, and social change. Often beginning in a woman’s 40s (and sometimes earlier), this phase is marked by shifting hormones, evolving health needs, and changing roles at work and at home. Despite how common it is, perimenopause is frequently misunderstood, under-discussed, and under-supported.
7 Domains of Perimenopause examines this life stage through seven essential aspects of well-being: physical, emotional, social, intellectual, financial, environmental, and spiritual health. Each episode focuses on one domain at a time, combining clinical expertise with lived experience to explore what is happening in the body and beyond. From symptom management to identity shifts, this series offers a comprehensive, grounded look at a transition that affects every dimension of a woman’s life.
Join us for this seven-episode journey—new conversations release weekly. Subscribe to 7 Domains of Women's Health wherever you get your podcasts to follow the full series.
The Episodes
E115: The Physical Domain of Perimenopause
In the physical domain of perimenopause, Kirtly Jones, MD, and Katie Ward, PhD, launch the 7 Domains of Perimenopause series by exploring what is actually happening in the body during these transitional years. From irregular periods, hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and changing metabolism to the often-misunderstood role of hormone fluctuations, they separate common myths from evidence-based medicine.
E116: The Emotional Domain of Perimenopause
In the emotional domain of perimenopause, Anna Nash, PhD, joins Kirtly Jones, MD, and Katie Ward, PhD, to examine the mood, mental health, and relationship changes that often accompany the transition to menopause. The conversation explores perimenopause within the broader context of a woman’s life—offering a thoughtful look at how women’s sense of self, relationships, and overall well-being evolve with age, experience, and changing priorities.
E117: The Social Domain of Perimenopause
In the social domain of perimenopause, Kirtly Jones, MD, and Katie Ward, PhD, are joined by Kristen Hawkes, PhD, distinguished professor of anthropology and pioneer of the grandmother hypothesis, to explore the evolutionary and social significance of menopause. At a time when many women are told to fear aging or mourn the end of fertility, they examine why post-reproductive women have long played a vital role in human communities, how older generations contribute to the health and success of families, and what this reveals about our deeply social nature.
E118: The Intellectual Domain of Perimenopause
In the intellectual domain of perimenopause, Kirtly Jones, MD, and Katie Ward, PhD, are joined by neurologist Christine Cliatt Brown, MD, to separate fact from fiction about the aging female brain. They discuss why cognitive changes are common during perimenopause, how brain fog differs from neurocognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s disease, and when memory concerns warrant further evaluation. The conversation also examines what current research tells us about hormones and brain health, the growing influence of misinformation surrounding perimenopause, and the evidence-based strategies women can adopt to support cognitive health throughout midlife and beyond.
E119: The Financial Domain of Perimenopause
In the financial domain of perimenopause, Kirtly Jones, MD, and Katie Ward, PhD, examine the business of perimenopause care through the lens of evidence-based medicine. They revisit the history of hormone therapy, unpack how past research continues to shape public perception, and explore why misinformation can become a profitable business model. The conversation also offers practical guidance for evaluating health claims and finding trustworthy, high-quality care without unnecessary costs.
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