The Truth About Hormones, Perimenopause, and Menopause with Dr. Kristin Markell | VEST Her Podcast
- Erika Lucas
- Jun 23
- 3 min read
“Perimenopause isn’t a decline—it’s a portal into the second half of life.” – Dr. Kristin Markell
The whispers about hormones, perimenopause, and menopause have remained frustratingly quiet for too long. Dr. Kristen Markell, a double-board certified OBGYN and certified menopause practitioner, breaks the silence with game-changing clarity in this essential conversation moderated by VEST Member Alison Anthony.
For decades, women experiencing brain fog, anxiety, fatigue, and mood changes during perimenopause have been dismissed or told to "just deal with it." Dr. Markell reveals the biological truth: these symptoms aren't character flaws but natural responses to dramatic hormonal fluctuations that can begin up to a decade before menopause. She expertly explains how progesterone typically declines first, while estrogen levels become erratic with extreme highs and lows—a process many healthcare providers themselves don't fully understand.
The consequences of this knowledge gap are serious. Women's highest risk of suicide attempts occurs between ages 45-49, coinciding precisely with perimenopause. Beyond mental health, these hormonal changes affect bone density, heart health, and cognitive function. Yet many women suffer silently, especially in professional settings where they fear being perceived as weak or incompetent if they acknowledge their symptoms.
Dr. Markell guides listeners through the confusing landscape of treatment options—from hormone replacement therapy and bioidenticals to supplements and lifestyle modifications. She emphasizes that finding the right provider is crucial, suggesting resources like the North American Menopause Society to locate certified practitioners. Most importantly, she frames perimenopause not as a decline but as "a portal into the second half of life"—an opportunity to refocus energy on what truly matters.
Whether you're in your 20s planning for future hormonal health, navigating perimenopause now, or supporting someone who is, this conversation provides the knowledge, validation, and practical guidance to transform how we approach this universal yet uniquely personal journey. Your hormones aren't just about symptoms—they're foundational to how you show up in every area of your life.
Chapters
0:00 Understanding Perimenopause and Menopause Basics
5:42 Why Hormonal Health Remains Taboo
11:48 Science Behind Hormonal Changes
21:40 Hormonal Health in Your 20s and 30s
28:19 Navigating Treatment Options and Confusion
36:31 Midlife as Opportunity: Building Long-Term Vitality
46:00 Finding the Right Medical Provider
51:16 The Risks of Ignoring Hormonal Health
Resources Shared
What Now? The Second Coming of Halle Berry (ep on menopause)
Your Pearls of Perimenopause (a free guide from Dr. Kristin Markell)
Guest Bios
Dr. Kristin Markell, MD, is a double board certified OB GYN with 20+ years of experience, specializing in hormonal health, including peri+menopausal health. She owns a concierge boutique practice in Arkansas, offering expert care in hormones, peri+menopause, sexual health, weight management, longevity and wellbeing coaching. As an ISSWSH member and certified Menopause practitioner (MSCP), she is passionate about education and promoting quality resources for women through her hormonal programs, speaking events, and as a medical consultant in women’s health and femtech.
Alison Anthony is the President and CEO of Tulsa Area United Way, where she has led the organization to raise nearly $200 million for community impact and innovative grantmaking to more than 160 regional nonprofit programs. An Oklahoma native and longtime advocate for social justice, Alison previously served as President of the Williams Foundation and brings a unique blend of corporate leadership and heartfelt purpose to her role. She holds a B.A. and M.A. in English and has continued a love of learning through many leadership opportunities, including the Harvard Talent Pipeline Development Program. Alison is a passionate champion for women’s leadership and the power of collaborative change.
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