ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Perimenopause isn't just a physical transition. It can have a profound impact on a woman's mental health, relationships, work, and overall quality of life. In this episode of The Positive Pause®, host Claire Gill welcomes Ashanda Saint Jean, MD, FACOG, to explore the connection between hormonal changes and mental well-being, the disparities women face in accessing menopause care, and why treating the whole woman is essential to navigating midlife. Dr. Saint Jean shares how her extensive work in maternal health has shaped her approach to menopause, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive care throughout every stage of a woman's life.
Dr. Saint Jean is a board-certified obstetrician gynecologist (OBGYN), educator, and nationally recognized maternal health advocate. She serves as an Associate Professor at New York Medical College and is Co-Chair of the New York City Maternal Mortality Review Committee. In addition, she is member of NMF’s Medical Advisory Committee (MAC) as well as a clinician and advisory board member at the Seleni Institute. Throughout her career, Dr. Saint Jean has championed health equity, maternal mental health, reproductive justice, and menopause education, working to improve outcomes for women and families through compassionate, patient-centered care, education, and community engagement. Over the past two decades, she has dedicated her career to providing quality healthcare to underrepresented minority women in urban New York City and rural upstate New York. Her commitment to excellence in healthcare delivery is rooted in a patient-centered approach that encompasses comprehensive care, mental health, and addressing social determinants of health.
Key Points
- The connection between perimenopause and mental health: Hormonal fluctuations, sleep disturbances, mood changes, anxiety, and brain fog can significantly affect emotional well-being. These symptoms shouldn't be dismissed as simply part of aging.
- Recognizing disparities in menopause care: Research shows that Black women often experience longer-lasting menopausal symptoms; cultural awareness, representation in research, and individualized care are essential to addressing these differences.
- Making mental health screenings part of menopause care: Just as mental health screenings are incorporated into prenatal and postpartum visits, midlife women deserve routine emotional and psychological check-ins.
- Breaking the silence around symptoms: Many women suffer for years without discussing their experiences with a healthcare provider. Simple questions about hot flashes, sleep, mood, and menstrual changes can open the door to meaningful conversations and earlier support.
- Empowering women through personalized care: There's no single approach to managing menopause. Women need to advocate for themselves, explore evidence-based treatment options, and work with providers who listen, respect their preferences, and address both physical and mental health.
Perimenopause is a unique journey, but no woman should have to navigate it alone. By normalizing conversations about menopause, integrating mental health into routine care, and ensuring women feel heard and supported, healthcare providers can help make this transition a healthier and more empowering experience. As Dr. Saint Jean emphasizes, caring for women means looking beyond individual symptoms and treating the whole person.
Connect with Dr. Saint Jean:
- Website: https://seleni.org/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashandastjeanmd/
- Instagram:
Resources:
- In celebration of Seleni Institute’s new Perimenopause and Menopause Mental Health curriculum, explore Seleni’s full library of professional mental health courses and use code MIND30 to receive 30% off any Seleni Institute course.
