Podcast appearances and mentions of mary jane minkin

In today's show, we’re answering more of your sex questions! This is our third dive into some of the questions that have come through our listener voicemail. I'm going to answer three of them that I thought were super interesting. Our first question is about whether libido is genetically determined, so we'll look at what the science says about the degree to which genetics control our sexual desire. The second question deals with a male listener who has difficulty reaching orgasm, so we'll talk about tips for managing that. Finally, a listener asked about how to boost sexual desire in post-menopausal women, so we'll explore what you need to know about that with an assist from Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, a practicing gynecologist and a North American Menopause Society Certified Clinician. Dr. Minkin was a previous guest on episode 334: How To Have a Happy Vagina. If you have questions you'd like to have answered on the show, you can send me a podcast voicemail of your own at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology. You can do it from your computer or from your phone, so keep sending those questions in! *** Thank you to our sponsors!  Xersizer is the world's only FDA regulated hydropump and it provides a discreet and effective way to exercise an area of the body that’s neglected in the gym. To learn more and get a 20% discount off of your purchase, visit xersizer.com/SAP. *** Want to learn more about Sex and Psychology? Click here for previous articles or follow the blog on Facebook, Twitter, or Reddit to receive updates. You can also follow Dr. Lehmiller on YouTube and Instagram. Listen and stream all episodes on Apple, Spotify, Google, or Amazon. Subscribe to automatically receive new episodes and please rate and review the podcast! Credits: Precision Podcasting (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.

Many women don't know what they really need to know about maintaining good vaginal health, which leads some of them to turn to products and practices that might do more harm than good. So in today’s show, we’re going to discuss how to have a happy and healthy vagina. Specifically, we’ll explore how your lifestyle impacts your vaginal health, how to maintain the proper pH balance for your vagina, tips for dealing with vaginal dryness, what you need to know about feminine hygiene products, and more. My guest today is Mary Jane Minkin, a practicing gynecologist and a North American Menopause Society Certified Clinician. She has taught at Yale School of Medicine for more than 41 years, and is a clinical professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences. Some of the specific topics we discuss include: What are some common lifestyle factors that can impact vaginal health? How would someone know if their vaginal pH balance was out of whack? How do vaginal hygiene products impact vaginal health? What causes vaginal dryness, and what are some practical ways of dealing with this for both younger and older women? How do you choose the contraceptive that’s right for you and your body? You can check out Dr. Minkin’s website to learn more about her work. Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology. *** Thank you to our sponsors!  Passionate about building a career in sexuality? Check out the Sexual Health Alliance. With SHA, you’ll connect with world-class experts and join an engaged community of sexuality professionals from around the world. Visit SexualHealthAlliance.com and start building the sexuality career of your dreams today. The Kinsey Institute at Indiana University has been a trusted source for scientific knowledge and research on critical issues in sexuality, gender, and reproduction for over 75 years. Learn about more research and upcoming events at kinseyinstitute.org or look for them on social media @kinseyinstitute. *** Want to learn more about Sex and Psychology? Click here for previous articles or follow the blog on Facebook, Twitter, or Reddit to receive updates. You can also follow Dr. Lehmiller on YouTube and Instagram. Listen and stream all episodes on Apple, Spotify, Google, or Amazon. Subscribe to automatically receive new episodes and please rate and review the podcast! Credits: Precision Podcasting (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.

Megyn Kelly brings listeners and viewers a deep dive on women's sexual health, with Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, OBGYN and clinical professor at Yale School of Medicine, and expert on the issue. They discuss women's libido issues, the difference between desire and arousal, how medical conditions could affect sexual drive, how relationships could affect a woman's libido, why women don't talk about their sexual health enough, the medical options to increase women's libido, how testosterone works for women, how various medications could decrease libido in women and men, the effect of antidepressants on women's sexual desire, how age affects libido, how the birth control pill can affect women's libido, causes of pain during sex, challenges related to orgasm, HPV vaccine, sexual health after vaginal births, the benefits of kegel exercises and "pelvic floor physical therapy," when to know when you are in menopause and notable treatments for symptoms, the “erratic period” and how to regulate it, and more.Find out more: http://madameovary.com Follow The Megyn Kelly Show on all social platforms: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/MegynKellyTwitter: http://Twitter.com/MegynKellyShowInstagram: http://Instagram.com/MegynKellyShowFacebook: http://Facebook.com/MegynKellyShow Find out more information at: https://www.devilmaycaremedia.com/megynkellyshow

In this episode, I sit down with menopause maven Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, a clinical professor of Ob-Gyn at Yale University, to discuss articles published in the most recent edition of Menopause: The Journal of the North American Menopause Society. We discuss the following 5 articles*:  Treating where it hurts—a randomized comparative trial of vestibule estradiol for postmenopausal dyspareunia Goetsch MF, Garg B, Lillemon J, Clark AL. Treating where it hurts-a randomized comparative trial of vestibule estradiol for postmenopausal dyspareunia. Menopause. 2023 May 1;30(5):467-475. doi: 10.1097/GME.0000000000002162. Epub 2023 Feb 14. PMID: 36787525. The association between hormone therapy and the risk of lung cancer in postmenopausal women: a 16-year nationwide population-based study Wu CC, Chung CH, Tzeng NS, Wu MJ, Tsao CH, Wu TH, Chien WC, Chen HC. The association between hormone therapy and the risk of lung cancer in postmenopausal women: a 16-year nationwide population-based study. Menopause. 2023 May 1;30(5):521-528. doi: 10.1097/GME.0000000000002165. Epub 2023 Feb 27. PMID: 36854166. Effects of menopausal hormone therapy on the risk of ovarian cancer: Yuk JS, Kim M. Effects of menopausal hormone therapy on the risk of ovarian cancer: Health Insurance Database in South Korea-based cohort study. Menopause. 2023 May 1;30(5):490-496. doi: 10.1097/GME.0000000000002176. Epub 2023 Apr 4. PMID: 37022299. Diagnosis, causes, and treatment of dyspareunia in postmenopausal women Streicher LF. Diagnosis, causes, and treatment of dyspareunia in postmenopausal women. Menopause. 2023 Jun 1;30(6):635-649. doi: 10.1097/GME.0000000000002179. Epub 2023 Apr 11. PMID: 37040586. Menopause hormone therapy and urinary symptoms: a systematic review Christmas MM, Iyer S, Daisy C, Maristany S, Letko J, Hickey M. Menopause hormone therapy and urinary symptoms: a systematic review. Menopause. 2023 Jun 1;30(6):672-685. doi: 10.1097/GME.0000000000002187. Epub 2023 May 16. PMID: 37192832. *Please note: I have provided links to the articles, but they are behind a paywall, meaning you will only see a summary.  Mary Jane Minkin MD Website: madameovary.com Mary Jane Minkin, MD, is a clinical professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences at the Yale University School of Medicine, and has been in private practice in New Haven (CT) for more than 40 years. Dr. Minkin is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology, and she practices at Yale-New Haven Hospital. She earned her medical degree from Yale Medical School and her undergraduate degree from Brown University. She did her internship and residency at Yale-New Haven Hospital, the former in internal medicine, the latter in obstetrics and gynecology. She is a fellow of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (FACOG) and has been a North American Menopause Society Certified Menopause Practitioner (NCMP) since 2002. Dr. Minkin has been Director of the Sexuality, Intimacy and Menopause clinic in the Division of Gynecological Oncology, in the Smilow cancer center at Yale New Haven Hospital since 2008. She has also been Director of the Yale Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (YOGS) since its inception in 2006. Other episodes that address these topics: Episode 5: Vaginal Estrogen- Rings, Creams, and Other Things Episode 11: Vaginal Estrogen is Not Poison Episode 27:  Using Vaginal Estrogen but Sex Still Hurts Like Hell  Episode 44 A Deep Dive into RECURRENT UTI Episode 74 Ospemifene- A Pill a Day to Keep Dryness Away  Lauren Streicher, MD is a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, and the founding medical director of the Northwestern Medicine Center for Sexual Medicine and Menopause. She is a certified menopause practitioner of the North American Menopause Society.  Sign up to receive DR. STREICHER'S FREE NEWSLETTER Dr. Streicher is the medical correspondent for Chicago's top-rated news program, the WGN Morning News, and has been seen on The Today Show, Good Morning America, The Oprah Winfrey Show, CNN, NPR, Dr. Radio, Nightline, Fox and Friends, The Steve Harvey Show, CBS This Morning, ABC News Now, NBCNightlyNews,20/20, and World News Tonight. She is an expert source for many magazines and serves on the medical advisory board of The Kinsey Institute, Self Magazine, and Prevention Magazine. She writes a regular column for The Ethel by AARP and Prevention Magazine.  Subscribe and Follow Dr. Streicher on  DrStreicher.com Instagram @DrStreich Twitter @DrStreicher Facebook  @DrStreicher YouTube  DrStreicherTV Books by Lauren Streicher, MD  Slip Sliding Away: Turning Back the Clock on Your Vagina-A gynecologist's guide to eliminating post-menopause dryness and pain Hot Flash Hell: A Gynecologist's Guide to Turning Down the Heat Sex Rx- Hormones, Health, and Your Best Sex Ever The Essential Guide to Hysterectomy

This time Rachel meets with Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, practicing gynecologist, with a special interest in menopause. Both will talk about cognition, mood and sleep during the menopause transition. All three topics are discussed and talk about a lot in our perry sisterhood. Dr. Minkin is a North American Menopause Society Certified Menopause Clinician. She is also the co director of the Sexuality, Intimacy and Menopause for cancer survivors program at the Smilow Cancer Center. Dr. Minkin has taught at Yale University School of Medicine for over 41 years, and is a clinical professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences. She has been recognized by Connecticut Magazine as a "Top Doc" in the state. We also advise to go to her website, MadameOvary.com, which has several videos and podcasts about menopause and many written articles as well. Download our free perry app to join the sisterhood and meet other perimenopause warriors, because perimenopause is so much easier when you are not alone. Do you have any questions for our next menopause expert guests? You can leave a voice message here and we will make sure to share your question! Disclaimer: This podcast is not medical advice, does not take the place of medical advice from your physician, and is not intended to treat or cure any disease. Patients should see a qualified medical provider for assessment and treatment. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/perryapp/message

Bonus Episode: A Calm Menopause with Dr. Pauline MakiDr. Pauline Maki, Professor of Psychiatry, Psychology and Obstetrics & Gynecology, joins this season's final bonus episode with host Dr. Mary Jane Minkin to talk about managing the emotional symptoms related to menopause, how to reduce stress and help have a “calm” menopause. The experts unpack how estrogen can affect brain function and mood. The conversation covers how common menopausal symptoms and experiences, including brain fog, stress, hot flashes and disturbed sleep, are related to overall mental health. Dr. Maki and Dr. Minkin also discuss disparities in women's health and how socioeconomic status and race can affect women's brain health in midlife. Methods to help reduce stress are detailed to give listeners actionable ways to improve their mental health.About Dr. Pauline Maki:Dr. Pauline Maki is Professor of Psychiatry, Psychology and Obstetrics & Gynecology and Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). Dr. Maki received her Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota and postdoctoral training at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the National Institute on Aging. For the past 25 years, she has led a program of NIH-funded research on women, cognition, mood and dementia, with a particular focus on the menopause. Dr. Maki is Past President of the North American Menopause Society (NAMS), Current Trustee of the International Menopause Society, Chair of the Society for Women's Health Research Interdisciplinary Network on Alzheimer's Disease, and Immediate Past Head of the Neurocognitive Working Group of the Women's Interagency HIV Study. She won the 2018 Woman in Science Award from the American Medical Women's Association and the Thomas B. Clarkson Outstanding Clinical and Basic Science Research Award from the NAMS (Healthywomen.org).menopause: unmuted is designed to raise awareness, encourage communication, and share information. It is not designed to provide medical advice or promote or recommend any treatment option.

Join this podcast discussion with menopause expert Dr. Mary Jane Minkin of Yale University School of Medicine. Dr. Minkin reviews all the individualized options for menopausal management, including hormonal and nonhormonal for women, health clinicians and other allied healthvwho want to find the most helpful option for their patients with a particular focus in cancer survivors. After listening to this podcast, please visit menopauselearning.com to claim your free accreditation.Support the showDon't miss another episode, subscribe to our FREE Speaking of Women's Health Podcast!Do you have a women's health question that you want answered by Dr. Thacker? Send us a message on Instagram with your question and you might just hear it on the next Speaking of Women's Health Podcast episode. (And while you're there, follow us!)

Sex psychologist Dr. Laurie Mintz joins the series host Dr. Mary Jane Minkin to discuss the joys and challenges of maintaining a healthy sex life during menopause. Dr. Mintz helps address some common questions and misconceptions around sex and menopause, talking about desire, comfort, and communication. This episode explores how women can work to reframe what sex and intimacy mean to them in midlife. Dr. Mintz believes sexual health and wellness are integral components of self-care and overall health and she provides practical information  that may help women enjoy sex during midlife. About Dr. Laurie Mintz:Dr. Laurie Mintz is an author, therapist, professor, and speaker whose life's work has been committed to helping people live more authentic, meaningful, joyful—and sexually satisfying—lives through the art and science of psychology. Dr. Mintz has published over 50 research articles in academic journals and six chapters in academic books. She has received numerous professional and teaching awards. She is the author of two popular press books—both written with the aim of empowering women sexually: Becoming Cliterate: Why Orgasm Equality Matters and How to Get It (HarperOne, 2017) and A Tired Woman's Guide to Passionate Sex: Reclaim Your Desire and Reignite Your Relationship (Adams Media, 2009). For over 30 years, Dr. Mintz has also maintained a small private practice, working with both individuals and couples on general and sexual issues.menopause: unmuted is designed to raise awareness, encourage communication, and share information. It is not designed to provide medical advice or promote or recommend any treatment option.Useful Links:Dr. Mintz's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlauriemintz/Dr. Mintz's Website: https://www.drlauriemintz.com/

In this bonus episode, host Dr. Mary Jane Minkin sits down with online strength coach Susan Niebergall to talk about fitness, particularly strength training, and how it helps support women in midlife. Susan explains ways in which strength and resistance training can help improve muscle mass and bone density and why this is particularly important for women during perimenopause and menopause. She highlights her holistic approach to fitness, “our priority should be leading a functional life for as long as we can” and shares practical guidance for women to begin implementing strength training into their fitness routine, including while at-home. Dr. Minkin and Susan also chat about their own personal fitness journeys and finding confidence in the gym in midlife.About Susan Niebergall:Susan is a personal trainer and online strength coach with a background of over three decades in education. She shares practical guidance, tips, and demonstrations on fitness and weight training to her sizable online audience (@susanniebergallfitness) and also offers personalized coaching plans. She is also the author of Fit At Any Age: It's Never Too Late and hosts her own podcast, Strong and Lean at Any Age. At 62 years of age, Susan is passionate about inspiring other women in midlife to get fit, often promoting her motto: “it's never too late.”menopause: unmuted is designed to raise awareness, encourage communication, and share information. It is not designed to provide medical advice or promote or recommend any treatment option.Useful Links:Susan's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susanniebergallfitness/Susan's Website: https://susanniebergallfitness.com/

In the first of our new bonus episodes, host Dr. Mary Jane Minkin is joined by Registered Dietitian and Naturopathic Doctor Dr. Jenn Salib Huber to discuss diet and nutrition during the menopausal transition. Jenn shares her extensive knowledge of how diet interacts with body weight and shape, and bone and cardiovascular health. The conversation also explores the deeply complex relationship between food and women's bodies, and how women can help heal this relationship during midlife. Jenn tells us, “We need to shift our frame of reference and move away from the idea that we should only have one body shape and size for the rest of our life.” Jenn also shares her love for food and packing her recipes with healthful ingredients that feed the soul, such as her favorite autumn go-to dinner, Tortilla Soup: Jenn's Tortilla Soup Recipe: Ingredients:1 Tbsp of olive oil1 medium onion, diced2 cloves of garlic, diced1 red pepper, diced1 can of black beans1 can of kidney beans1 cup of corn kernels (canned or frozen)2-3 chicken breasts4 cups of chicken broth1 can of diced tomatoes 1.5 Tbsp of taco seasoning (1 sachet)½ tsp of smoked paprika (optional) Toppings: tortilla chips, avocado, cilantro, sour cream, jalapenos, green onion, etc. Directions:Add olive oil to pan and sauté onions, garlic and red pepper until soft. Add chicken breasts, broth, diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, black beans, kidney beans and corn to pan. Simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until chicken is cooked. Shred chicken breasts with 2 forks, remove from heat and serve with toppings! Notes: This is a perfect soup to throw in a slow cooker on a busy day! It also freezes well, so make more and save for a busy week! If using a slow cooker, cook for 4 hours on high. About Dr. Jenn Salib Huber:Jenn is a Canadian Registered Dietitian and Naturopathic Doctor with a mission to help women thrive in midlife. With over 20 years of experience in the field of health and nutrition, she educates and inspires women to be informed about food choices, harness the practice of intuitive eating, and regain confidence throughout the menopausal transition. Jenn arms her audience with information through her platform on Instagram (@menopause.nutritionist) and her podcast (The Midlife Feast). Disclaimer:menopause: unmuted is designed to raise awareness, encourage communication, and share information. It is not designed to provide medical advice or promote or recommend any treatment option.Useful Links:Jenn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/menopause.nutritionist/Jenn's Website: https://www.jennsalibhuber.ca/ 

EP. 112 - IS IT HOT IN HERE? Why you're feeling the heat during menopause plus information and resources for October World Menopause Awareness Month with Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, OB/GYN and Clinical Professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences at the Yale University School of Medicine. *Please subscribe and rate our show! #womenshealth #menopause #health

9/8/22 - Dr. Mary Jane Minkin OBGYN by The Lisa Wexler Show

Lisa chats with  Dr. Mary Jane Minkin about women's health. Photo: iStock / Getty Images Plus Chinnapong

Sexual problems and dysfunctions are commonly encountered by gynecologic oncologists, dealing both with cancer patients and patients with complex benign conditions. We are offering a two-part series, brought to you by gynecologist Mary Jane Minkin, who discusses these issues. In the first talk, Dr. Minkin talks about the diagnosis of sexual problems routinely encountered by gynecologic oncologists, and in the second talk she discusses therapies for these sexual problems, and advice on referral for patients who need further interventions. Dr. Minkin is the Co-Director of the Sexuality, Intimacy and Menopause Clinic for Cancer Survivors at the Smilow Cancer Center, Yale-New Haven Hospital, and Clinical Professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at Yale Medical School.SGO thanks Dr. Mary Jane Minkin for her generosity in providing this education. Sound engineered and produced by Betheon Whyte on behalf of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology.

Sexual problems and dysfunctions are commonly encountered by gynecologic oncologists, dealing both with cancer patients and patients with complex benign conditions. We are offering a two-part series, brought to you by gynecologist Mary Jane Minkin, who discusses these issues. In the first talk, Dr. Minkin talks about the diagnosis of sexual problems routinely encountered by gynecologic oncologists, and in the second talk she discusses therapies for these sexual problems, and advice on referral for patients who need further interventions. Dr. Minkin is the Co-Director of the Sexuality, Intimacy and Menopause Clinic for Cancer Survivors at the Smilow Cancer Center, Yale-New Haven Hospital, and Clinical Professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at Yale Medical School.SGO thanks Dr. Mary Jane Minkin for her generosity in providing this education. Sound engineered and produced by Betheon Whyte on behalf of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology.

View the video with slide deck on SGO ConnectEd! SGO thanks Dr. Mary Jane Minkin for her generosity in providing this education. 

Join OB/GYN Dr. Mary Jane Minkin in this 3-part series on management of menopause symptoms with HRT in benign patients. 

Join OB/GYN Dr. Mary Jane Minkin in this 3-part series on management of menopause symptoms with HRT in benign patients. 

Join OB/GYN Dr. Mary Jane Minkin in this 3-part series on management of menopause symptoms with HRT in benign patients. 

Half of the population spends 1/3 to 1/2 of their lives after menopause, so why is it so rarely discussed in the open? That's about to change. In this episode, we're breaking through the stigma and bringing menopause and mid-life to the forefront. We'll be talking in detail about this important stage of life and why many women find the transition so challenging. Get educated on the menopause experience, including symptoms, myths and health tips for mid-life, as well as steps that women can take to ensure their health keeps pace with their aspirations.We chat with Dr. Mary Jane Minkin – host of the Menopause: Unmuted Podcast – to help us navigate this important topic.The opinions expressed are the opinions of the individuals recorded and not the opinions of Viatris. Menopause: Unmuted Podcast: https://www.pfizer.com/news/features/podcasts/menopause-unmuted

Hello to all of you and thank you so much for downloading the podcast, we hope you're enjoying listening to the stories from all the women in season 1 and 2. I'm here with some exciting news, we are looking for more menopause stories to share. For season 3 we want to share a different perspective.We want to talk about what it's like to be the partner, friend or family member of a woman experiencing menopause. And we're looking for people to share their stories. We're looking for people to talk honestly about what it's like to be on the outside looking in. Did you know they were going through menopause? Did they talk to you? How did it feel from your perspective? How did it affect your relationship? Could you help? Did you help? How did you support her or maybe you didn't?  What you wish you'd have known.  What would you tell someone else who has a family member, partner, or colleague going through menopause?If you're interested in finding out more go to bit.ly/menopauseunmuted3, or you can go to the episode notes and click the link.We're looking forward to hearing your story.Until then, keep talking.Goodbye for now,Dr Mary Jane Minkin

The final episode of Season 2 brings different healthcare professional perspectives on menopause. Series host, Dr Mary Jane Minkin, is joined by women's health nurse practitioner, Dr Shelagh Larson, and behavioural psychologist, Dr Sheryl Kingsberg. In a lively conversation, the three women's health experts delve deeper into the breadth of symptoms and experiences shared by the women in Season 2, normalizing and contextualizing all the while encouraging women to speak up about their symptoms.  menopause: unmuted is designed to raise awareness, encourage communication, and share information. It is not designed to provide medical advice or promote or recommend any treatment option.Linkshttps://www.menopauseunmuted.comhttps://www.pfizer.com/health-wellness/diseases-conditions/menopause 

Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, OB/GYN, of Yale University, joins to discuss female fertility and why some women today have a difficult time getting pregnant. And since it takes two to tango, we also discuss some about male fertility. Check out her podcast, Lady Parts! @culitvatewellnesspodcast Always brought to you by Peoples Rx, Austin's Favorite Pharmacy, now with new online shopping options!

Most women are familiar with the more common symptoms of menopause, like hot flashes, sleepless nights and mood swings, but it is so much more than that. It changes everything, often in surprising ways. Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, a women’s health expert, joins us for a deep dive on how menopause affects women, head to toe, inside and out, in ways that most women don’t even think about.

GGs! It's time to talk about breasts again! This week I'm talking with world-renowned OB-GYN Dr. Mary Jane Minkin about all things breast health, including how that cup of coffee or sweet tea can make your breast feel discomfort at times.

"However, you experience menopause, it's so important to remember you're not alone." In the the final episode of season one, Dr Mary Jane Minkin shares some of her story highlights.menopause: unmuted is designed to raise awareness, encourage communication, and share information. It is not designed to provide medical advice or promote or recommend any treatment option.Linkshttp://menopauseunmuted.comhttps://www.pfizer.com/health-wellness/diseases-conditions/menopause

What's the deal with perimenopause?Menopause ends the female reproduction window. Perimenopause is like adult puberty, the transition from regular menstrual cycles to one year without periods. Perimenopause is tough to define. Symptoms can occur for three to five years or longer. Menopause occurs when the ovaries have fully retired. Heavy or light periods, irregular bleeding, vaginal dryness, hot flashes and night sweats may pop up as the ovaries wind down their work. Until the ovaries shut down completely, it's going to be a bumpy ride. Progesterone may be prescribed by your provider to even things out. Some over the counter products like black cohosh may provide some relief from symptoms. Listen as Dr. Mary Jane Minkin joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss what to expect from perimenopause.

What happens when you enter menopause?Women of a certain age go through a transition from child-bearing possibilities to menopause. Menopause is declared when one has gone a full year without a period. Menstrual irregularity is common, but when related to perimenopause it kicks in between age 35 and 60. Hot flashes, night sweats and sleeping disturbances are normal American female complaints during perimenopause. If it's been a year since your last period and you experience vaginal bleeding, contact your gynecologist. Make sure you feel comfortable with your health care provider so you can discuss your menopausal concerns openly. Listen as Dr. Mary Jane Minkin joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss what to expect when you reach menopause.

What's the deal with perimenopause?Menopause ends the female reproduction window. Perimenopause is like adult puberty, the transition from regular menstrual cycles to one year without periods. Perimenopause is tough to define. Symptoms can occur for three to five years or longer. Menopause occurs when the ovaries have fully retired. Heavy or light periods, irregular bleeding, vaginal dryness, hot flashes and night sweats may pop up as the ovaries wind down their work. Until the ovaries shut down completely, it's going to be a bumpy ride. Progesterone may be prescribed by your provider to even things out. Some over the counter products like black cohosh may provide some relief from symptoms. Listen as Dr. Mary Jane Minkin joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss what to expect from perimenopause.

Did you maybe just get pregnant but you aren't sure?It happened. You had unprotected sex. When should you get a pregnancy test? Ovulation occurs around 14 days before your next menstrual period. You may ovulate a little early or a little late, so be sure to use protection if you don't want to get pregnant. A pregnancy test can be taken before your expected period. The First Response brand is reliable six days before your potential missed period. If you get a positive result, you can retest in two or three days. If you have a negative test but think you may be pregnant, retest in a few days. You can take morning-after contraception if you have an accident. No prescription is required and there is no age restriction. It's effective within three days. For those who aren't ready for a pregnancy, there are many birth control options available. Speak with your provider to find what's right for you. Listen as Dr. Mary Jane Minkin joins Melanie Cole, MS, to help you know when you should take a pregnancy test.

Guest: Mary Jane Minkin, MD Host: Susan Dolan, RN, JD Join Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the Yale University School of Medicine, as she offers a 101 on the reinterpretation of the Woman's Health Initiative findings.