About this episode
In this episode of SHE MD Podcast, Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi and Mary Alice Haney are joined by psychiatrist Dr. Stacy Cohen to explore how hormones shape women’s emotional health across life stages. They dive into PMDD, postpartum mental health, perimenopause, and menopause, explaining these transitions as neurological and hormonal events rather than simple mood disorders.Dr. Cohen discusses how progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone affect mood, sleep, libido, and cognition, and why low-dose supplementation can be life-changing. The conversation also clarifies when medications like SSRIs are necessary, the risks of overprescribing without psychiatric follow-up, and how to safely taper or adjust treatments. Listeners learn practical strategies to optimize mental health through hormone therapy, supplements, lifestyle changes, and nervous system regulation.The episode also covers early recognition of perimenopausal changes, postpartum support, and how to advocate for individualized care. Listeners will walk away empowered to understand the role of hormones in emotional regulation, sleep, and relationships, and to seek the care that aligns with their unique needs.Subscribe to SHE MD Podcast for expert tips on PCOS, Endometriosis, fertility, and hormonal balance. Share with friends and visit SHE MD website and Ovii for research-backed resources, holistic health strategies, and expert guidance on women’s health and well-being.What You’ll Learn How progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone impact mood, sleep, and libido Strategies for using hormone therapy safely during perimenopause and menopause When SSRIs or other medications may be necessary and how to use them responsibly Lifestyle and supplement strategies to support mental health naturallyKey Timestamps00:00 Introduction and episode overview03:40 Explaining what PMDD is05:50 Signs to look out for to identify if you’re struggling with PMDD12:50 What the luteal phase us and why patients should be treated during that time24:20 The connection between the nervous system and hormones26:10 Postpartum depression and anxiety34:20 Appropriate use and follow-up of antidepressants41:00 Accessing therapy and psychiatric support for mental health47:40 How complicated perimenopause is57:00 Hormone therapy strategies for mood, sleep, and libido1:00:00 Lifestyle supports: supplements, exercise, and reducing caffeineKey Takeaways Hormones play a central role in women’s mental health across life stages Progesterone, estro
