Perimenopause, hormone health, and why community starts with self care

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MANSFIELD — For many women, the journey through perimenopause and menopause can feel confusing, isolating, and misunderstood. But according to Dr. Melissa McRae, founder of Vitality Natural Wellness in Mansfield, it doesn’t have to be.

Dr. McRae joins co-hosts Maddie Penwell and Brittany Schock for a new episode of the Better Together podcast, diving deep into the hormonal shifts that affect women’s bodies, brains, and relationships — and how that affects the communities around them.

“Eighty percent of women feel undervalued and marginalized in menopause,” McRae said. “We don’t talk about it. It hasn’t been studied. And yet it impacts nearly half our lives.”

What is perimenopause — and why don’t we talk about it?

Perimenopause refers to the transitional years leading up to menopause, a phase that can begin as early as a woman’s mid-30s. Symptoms range from sleep disruption and anxiety to memory issues, mood swings, and changes in heart rate.

According to McRae, these symptoms are often misdiagnosed or overlooked. Many women are prescribed antidepressants, sleep aids, or hormonal birth control before anyone considers the possibility of perimenopause.

“Most women see at least three providers before they find someone who connects the dots,” McRae said.

McRae warns that the consequences of untreated hormonal shifts extend beyond personal health. One in 10 women will leave their job due to menopause symptoms — what she calls the “quiet exit.”

The episode also explores how gut health influences hormone regulation, mood, and cognition. Dr. McRae encourages women to view wellness holistically — focusing not just on one symptom, but on how the entire body functions as a system.

It’s not about fixing one thing. It’s about choosing small, consistent actions — drinking more water, eating more vegetables, getting sleep — and letting those habits compound.

The conversation ends where Better Together always returns — to the idea of community. Whether it’s venting to a friend, advocating for yourself in a doctor’s office, or learning how to support someone else, the episode encourages listeners to take wellness seriously for themselves, and for the people around them.