Sky Women's Health

Mood changes during the menopause transition aren’t “all in your head.” They’re the result of a powerful mix of biology, life stress, and shifting identity. In this episode, Dr. Carolyn Moyers sits down with the therapists at Verve Well Counseling to unpack how hormonal fluctuations, sleep disruption, and the psychological weight of midlife all intersect — and how to find balance again. Together, they explore what the data says about depression in the menopause transition, why women are particularly vulnerable during this time, and how therapy and medical care can work hand in hand for better outcomes. 🧠 What We Cover How hormone fluctuations during the menopause transition affect the brain and mood The role of sleep, vasomotor symptoms, and neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA Common life stressors of midlife: aging parents, relationship changes, caregiving, and career pressures What the research tells us about depression risk in perimenopause and menopause Practical, evidence-based tools for managing mood changes — from CBT and mindfulness to hormone therapy and lifestyle shifts How therapy and gynecology can partner to support whole-woman care 🔬 Key Takeaways The menopause transition increases the risk of depression by about 40% compared with premenopausal years. Hormonal fluctuations — not simply “low estrogen” — can affect serotonin, GABA, and circadian rhythms, influencing mood and sleep. Vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes, night sweats) and poor sleep are strongly associated with worsening mood — treating these can improve overall well-being. Life-stage stressors — caregiving, relationship shifts, and identity changes — add layers of emotional load that deserve validation and support. Combining therapy, medical care, and lifestyle interventions yields the best outcomes. You don’t have to “tough it out.” https://vervewell.org [https://vervewell.org] https://www.youtube.com/@VervewellCounselingPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@VervewellCounselingPodcast] 🔗 Connect with Dr. Carolyn Moyers 📸 Instagram: @drcarolynmoyers, @skywomenshealth 🎥 YouTube: @drcarolynmoyers 🌐 Website: www.skywomenshealth.com [https://www.skywomenshealth.com]

In this episode, Dr. Carolyn Moyers joins Andy from TIMM Medical to talk about the real-life challenges women face with sexual desire and intimacy during perimenopause and menopause—and how partners can be supportive through it all. At TIMM Medical, they support and empower men with effective, non-surgical solutions designed to aid sexual performance—because they believe in helping couples put the spark back in their sex life. We cover: How hormonal, physical, and emotional changes affect desire Why intimacy isn’t just about sex—and how partners can show love in everyday ways How to approach intimacy changes as a team instead of a “her” problem What role a partner can play in medical care or therapy Practical, pressure-free ways to stay connected If you’ve ever wondered how to help your partner understand what you’re going through—or you’re a man who wants to show up better for the woman you love—this is a must-listen. 🌐 Learn more about TIMM Medical: https://www.timmmedical.com [https://www.timmmedical.com]

In this episode of the Sky Women’s Health Podcast, Dr. Carolyn Moyers is joined by Dr. Stephanie Knuppenburg, a family medicine physician, founder of Eden by WHOLEBODY MD, to break down the myths and realities of perimenopause. 👉 Why so many women are misdiagnosed (and told they’re “too young”) 👉 The surprising symptoms no one talks about—like frozen shoulder, tinnitus, and new allergies 👉 How hormone shifts in midlife affect your heart, bones, and metabolism 👉 The role of hormone therapy, strength training, and lifestyle in managing symptoms 👉 Why women need to advocate for themselves and push for earlier screening like bone density scans Perimenopause can last up to a decade, but it doesn’t have to derail your life. Tune in to learn how to recognize the signs, explore treatment options, and thrive through this transition. Connect with Dr. Stephanie Knuppenburg: 📸 Instagram: @wholebodymd 🌐 Website: https://www.wholebody-md.com [https://www.wholebody-md.com] Connect with Dr. Carolyn Moyers: 📸 Instagram: @drcarolynmoyers 🎥 YouTube: @drcarolynmoyers 🌐 Website: www.skywomenshealth.com [https://www.skywomenshealth.com]

Sleep is one of the first things to shift in midlife—and it’s often overlooked in women’s health. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Maria Paula Guzman, a triple board-certified physician in Sleep Medicine, Obesity Medicine, and Internal Medicine, and founder of DreamLife Medicine & Wellness, to explore how perimenopause impacts women’s sleep and overall health. Dr. Guzman shares her expertise on the mind-body connection, why hormonal changes in midlife disrupt sleep, and what women can do to reclaim restorative rest. Together, we dive into the links between sleep, weight, and long-term health, and highlight the importance of compassionate, whole-person care. We discuss: Why women’s sleep health is uniquely impacted during perimenopause and menopause The physiology of sleep disruption and hormonal changes in midlife Insomnia prevalence and why CBT-I (cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia) is preferred over medications The underdiagnosis of sleep apnea in women—and why it matters Advances in sleep testing, including more accessible at-home options New treatments on the horizon, including Zepbound and an oral medication by Apnimed (pending FDA approval) The powerful connection between sleep and weight health ✨ If you’ve been struggling with sleep during perimenopause—or wondering how better rest could transform your health—this episode is for you. 🔗 Connect with Dr. Maria Paula Guzman 🌐 Website: dreamlifemedical.com [https://dreamlifemedical.com] 📸 Instagram: @dreamlifemedical 🔗 Connect with Dr. Carolyn Moyers 📸 Instagram: @drcarolynmoyers 🎥 YouTube: @drcarolynmoyers 🌐 Website: www.skywomenshealth.com [https://www.skywomenshealth.com]

Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder (PGAD) is a rare and often misunderstood condition that involves unwanted, persistent genital sensations that don’t resolve with one or more orgasms. Left untreated, PGAD can deeply affect mental health, body wellness, and quality of life. On this episode of Sky Women’s Health Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Sameena Rahman, founder of the GYN and Sexual Medicine Collective and host of Gyno Girl Presents: SEX, DRUGS & HORMONES, to explore: How PGAD is defined and diagnosed The workup for underlying causes Multidisciplinary treatment options How sexual wellness, hormones, and mental health intersect Dr. Sameena Rahman: 📸 Instagram: @GYNOGIRL 🎥 YouTube GYNOGIRL 🌐 Website: https://www.thegsmcollective.com [https://www.thegsmcollective.com] Podcast: Gyno Girl Presents: Sex, Drugs & Hormones Connect with Dr. Carolyn Moyers: 📸 Instagram: @drcarolynmoyers 🎥 YouTube: @drcarolynmoyers 🌐 Website: www.skywomenshealth.com [https://www.skywomenshealth.com]