Menopause is something every woman will eventually experience, but the journey leading up to it can be confusing.What exactly is the difference between perimenopause and menopause? Why do hormones fluctuate so dramatically? What causes brain fog, sleep problems, mood changes and changes in body fat? And where does HRT fit into all of this?In this episode of The Balance Talk Show, we sit down with Professor Helena Teede for an evidence-based conversation about menopause, hormones and long-term health.From understanding the earliest signs of perimenopause to discussing hormone therapy, bone health, cardiovascular risk and the misinformation surrounding menopause online, this conversation aims to make a complicated topic easier to understand.In This Episode• What actually happens to the body during menopause• The difference between perimenopause and menopause• Why perimenopause can sometimes be more symptomatic• Common symptoms including brain fog, anxiety, sleep changes and hot flushes• Why fertility declines during perimenopause• How menopause can affect body shape and abdominal fat• What happens to insulin resistance during menopause• Who may benefit from hormone therapy• The difference between HRT during perimenopause and menopause• HRT options including patches, gels and tablets• Potential benefits and side effects of HRT• What we know about HRT and long-term health risks• How to protect your bones and cardiovascular health• The problem with menopause misinformation on social media• Why women should speak to their GP about symptoms and preventive health checksKey Takeaways:1. Perimenopause and menopause are not the same thing.Perimenopause is the transition towards menopause, when hormone levels can fluctuate significantly. Menopause occurs when periods have stopped for at least 12 months.2. Symptoms can be very different from woman to woman.Mood changes, sleep problems, brain fog, migraines, anxiety, fatigue and hot flushes can occur at different stages and with different intensity.3. Menopause is not only about symptoms.Hormonal changes can also affect body composition, bones and longer-term health risks.4. HRT isn't automatically right for everyone.Professor Teede explains that hormone therapy is an individual decision that should be discussed with a doctor, particularly when symptoms are significant or other health factors need to be considered.5. Healthy habits still matter.Exercise, nutrition, sleep, maintaining a healthy weight, adequate calcium and vitamin D, and not smoking remain important parts of long-term health.6. Be careful where you get your menopause information.The episode highlights the amount of misinformation surrounding supplements, alternative treatments and HRT, and encourages women to use reputable medical sources and speak with their healthcare professionals.About the Guest:Professor Helena Teede joins The Balance Talk Show for an in-depth conversation about menopause and women's health.Together, we explore what happens during perimenopause and menopause, how hormonal changes can affect physical and emotional wellbeing, and how women can make informed decisions about their health.A Note on HRT:This episode is an educational conversation and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. HRT is not suitable for everyone, and decisions about hormone therapy should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional. The episode itself specifically encourages women to speak with their GP before considering treatment.CONNECT WITH ALPA SONIGRA:Instagram: @alps.fitnessFOLLOW THE BALANCE TALK SHOW:Instagram: @thebalancetalkshowSubscribe to The Balance Talk Show for conversations around health, fitness, nutrition, wellbeing and women's health.https://youtu.be/I3HVooMvfck?si=fkOfR3lQJcKvQWY3

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