Episode 85: Hormonal changes can start earlier than many women expect — sometimes in the 30s or early 40s — bringing shifts that deeply affect mental health. Perimenopause is a major hormonal transition that can influence emotional and cognition long before menstrual cycles stop. Anxiety, irritability, mood swings, headaches, and brain fog are common, yet these symptoms are frequently misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or overlooked. As a result, many women move through this phase without the support, language, or information they need. In this episode, we explore how hormonal changes affect mental health, identity, relationships, and daily life.
Host Debra Sloss, LMFT, is joined by two guests who bring both professional and lived experience. Helen Bennett, BACP, is a psychotherapist and hormone expert based in the UK who specializes in supporting clients through menopause and other hormonal transitions. Liz Ryan, a 43-year-old mother and landscape designer from Santa Cruz, entered perimenopause earlier than expected and found herself navigating powerful symptoms without much understanding or support. We also hear from Liz’s partner, Casey, about how they are experiencing this transition together and its impact on their relationship and family life.
Together, they share information and guidance — helping listeners to understand this transition more fully, seek support sooner, and feel less alone along the way.
Broadcasts: 12/7/25 & 12/8/25
Producer & Host: Debra Sloss, LMFT
Guests: Helen Bennett, BACP & Liz Ryan
Contributor: Casey Ryan
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Transcription. Read the full English transcript of this episode here:
English Transcription – Episode 85: When Hormones Shift
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State of Mind is an all-volunteer produced mental health and wellness podcast and radio show hosted by psychotherapist Debra Sloss. Through intimate, story-rich conversations with guests and experts, we explore the complexity of being human and how to live well. Learn more at stateofmindmedia.org. Produced with support from KSQD Community Radio.
🙏 SPECIAL THANKS
Audio Production: VJ Lukka & Youssef Hassanein
Volunteer Coordination: Evelyn Campbell
Story Coaching: Patrice Vecchione
Research: Melony Dominguez, Ramya Pondicherry & Sara Isenberg
Transcriptions: Tanmayi Kademani
Marketing Direction: Youssef Hassanein
Marketing: Nimalan Elanchelvan
Graphic Design: Priscilla Yee & Grishma Jain
Content Production: Austin Gautreau
Data Management: Loan Tran
Theme Music: Adrian Legg & Favored Nations Entertainment
RESOURCE LIST
*Indicates a Monterey Bay Area resource
Websites
The Daisy Network – A UK-based charity providing information, research, and support for women with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI). Their resources include a small book featuring case studies and stories of lived experience, ideal for those newly diagnosed.
Balance – Founded by Dr. Louise Newson, this website offers evidence-based guidance on menopause and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Includes a symptom-tracking app to support women through hormonal transitions.
British Menopause Society – Provides peer-reviewed research, professional training, and reliable resources about menopause. It’s a trusted source for both healthcare professionals and the general public.
International Menopause Society – A global organization dedicated to promoting knowledge, study, and expertise on all aspects of aging in women, including menopause. Their resources include research updates, educational materials, and clinical guidance.
North American Menopause Society / The Menopause Society – Offers evidence-based information on symptoms, hormone therapy, mental health, sexual health, and lifestyle strategies for patients and healthcare providers.
Midi Health – A telehealth platform specializing in perimenopause and menopause care, offering virtual consultations and educational resources.
The Pause Life – Resources and guidance from Dr. Marie Claire Haver on navigating perimenopause and menopause, including practical strategies, podcasts, and lifestyle tips.
*Santa Cruz Community Health Centers – Local clinics offering comprehensive health services and community support. Accessible care for perimenopause and overall women’s health, regardless of ability to pay.
*Santa Cruz Integrative Medicine – Led by Dr. Aimee Shunney, offers integrative care for perimenopause and menopause, combining medical, nutritional, and lifestyle approaches.
Books and Articles
How Does Menopause Affect Your Mental Health? by Vicki Larson, Greater Good Magazine – Explores the psychological and emotional effects of menopause and practical coping strategies.
Johns Hopkins Medicine: What is Perimenopause? – A clinically grounded overview explaining perimenopause, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and both medical and lifestyle-based treatment options.
Johns Hopkins Medicine: Introduction to Menopause – Provides an accessible overview of menopause, including its timing, common symptoms, treatment options, and lifestyle strategies for managing changes.
The Complete Guide to POI and Early Menopause by Mandy Leonhardt – Comprehensive guide covering diagnosis, hormonal treatments, nutrition, relationships, and strategies for emotional and physical well-being. Barnes & Noble
Counseling Support
*Family Service Agency (FSA) of the Central Coast – A long-time State of Mind underwriter, FSA offers low-cost and Medi-Cal/Medicare therapy for all ages, including sliding-scale options. Offices in Santa Cruz 📞 (831-423-9444 x200)
and Soquel 📞 (831-346-6767 x200)
*Shine a Light Counseling Center – Provides affordable individual, couples, family, and group therapy, including men’s groups, in Santa Cruz, Watsonville, and Monterey.
📞 831-996-1222
Contact Guests
*Liz Ryan – Landscape designer who experienced early perimenopause and shares her journey on this episode. Email: liz.m.ryan@gmail.com
* Indicates a Monterey Bay Area Resource
