When Perimenopause And Postpartum Overlap with Dr. Shosh Bennett
Fourth Trimester Podcast Episode 155: When Perimenopause And Postpartum Overlap with Dr. Shosh Bennett
According to the CDC, women are having babies later in life. “First births for older mothers increased, with a 12.6% rise for those aged 30 to 34 and a 25% increase for mothers aged 35 and older.”
The continuing trend of delayed motherhood, plus cases of early perimenopause, means more moms may be experiencing perimenopause during their postpartum recovery period.
With very similar symptoms between perimenopause and postpartum, how can a person tell what is happening or even know what to do about it?
On this episode, Dr Shosh explains symptoms, mental health impact, and evidence-based support.
After two life-threatening bouts of postpartum illness, Dr. Shoshana Bennett helped pioneer the field of maternal mental health in the U.S. She founded Postpartum Assistance for Mothers in 1987, became president of California’s state organization Postpartum Health Alliance, and then served as President of Postpartum Support International.
Dr. Shosh is the author of Children of the Depressed,Postpartum Depression for Dummies, Pregnant on Prozac, and is co-author of Beyond the Blues: Understanding and Treating Prenatal and Postpartum Depression & Anxiety.
She created the first app for postpartum depression, and is an executive producer of the documentary, Dark Side of The Full Moon. Dr. Shosh co-founded the Parental Action Institute, and as a perinatal psychologist she has helped over 20,000 new moms and dads around the world through private consultations, conferences, webinars, and support groups.
“The symptoms of postpartum recovery and perimenopause can overlap, and that overlap can be incredibly confusing. Without the right questions, it’s easy to miss what’s really happening.”
Full Show Notes
1. Defining perimenopause vs. postpartum — [00:04:45]
2. Postpartum hormone drop and perimenopause — [00:06:02]
3. Overlapping symptoms and red flags — [00:10:53]
4. Testing: thyroid, FSH, estradiol — [00:12:37]
5. Duration, onset, and age trends — [00:17:02]
6. Sleep, mood, hot flashes management — [00:20:25]
7. Partner support and communication — [00:29:30]
8. Actionable testing-to-treatment path — [00:32:11]
9. Natural sleep aids and light tools — [00:34:28]
10. Talk therapy and “what-if” steps — [00:40:29]
11. Nutrition strategy for stability — [00:57:06]
12. Full assessment before medication — [01:00:26]
13. Don’t suffer in silence message — [01:04:00]
The content provided in this article(s) is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or other professional advice. Neither Sarah Trott nor Fourth Trimester Media Group LLC are liable for claims arising from the use of or reliance on information contained in this article.
