The Doctor's Note

Waking up at 3 am wide awake and unable to fall back asleep is one of the most disruptive symptoms of perimenopause, and one of the most misunderstood. Estrogen and progesterone both play a direct role in regulating sleep hormones and body temperature. When they fluctuate, so does your ability to stay asleep. Dr. April Spencer, M.D., breaks down the hormonal science behind midlife sleep disruption and the habits that research supports.

Afternoon energy crashes, intense sugar cravings, and that 3pm slump aren't just about what you ate -  in perimenopause, they're often a sign that your blood sugar regulation is changing. Declining estrogen directly affects how your body responds to insulin, making glucose levels harder to stabilize. Dr. April Spencer, M.D. explains the hormonal root cause and the specific dietary and lifestyle habits that make a measurable difference.

The skin changes many women notice in their 40s - dryness, fine lines, a loss of that natural bounce - are often driven by one thing: estrogen. Research suggests women may lose up to 30% of their skin collagen in the first five years around menopause, and declining estrogen is a primary reason why. Dr. April Spencer, M.D. explains what's happening at a cellular level and the skincare and lifestyle strategies backed by science.

Drier skin, fine lines, and loss of elasticity in your 40s are  often linked to declining estrogen - not just aging. Dr. April Spencer explains the science behind perimenopause skin changes and how to protect your skin.

If you're gaining weight in your 40s despite eating well and staying active, it's not your fault - it's your hormones. Dr. April Spencer explains the metabolic shifts behind perimenopause weight gain and  what actually helps.

Perimenopause can affect everything from your weight and energy to  your skin, hair, and sleep. Dr. April Spencer, M.D. breaks down what's really happening in your body, and what you can do about it.