12: Demystifying Perimenopause with Zeina Maktabi

In this episode, I speak with Zeina Maktabi, a functional medicine practitioner and expert in gut health, hormone balance, and menopause. In her professional life, Zeina helps women navigate the perimenopause transition through nutrition and lifestyle interventions. 

 

In this episode, we dive into the difference between perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause. Zeina helps to define each phase, while also demystifying each and making recommendations to mitigate the uncomfortable symptoms that come with perimenopause. 

 

Hope you enjoy! 

 

Zeina’s Links: IG @upcloseandhealthy https://www.instagram.com/upcloseandhealthy/

https://upcloseandhealthy.com/

 

Alya’s Links:

Follow me on Instagram:@wholesome_practice https://www.instagram.com/wholesome_practice/?hl=en

Visit my website: https://alyaalhamad.com/

Episode Timestamps: 

(01:45) Intro

(06:06) The Symptoms of Perimenopause

(16.00) The Effects of Estrogen

(18:55) Advice to Women in Their 40s

20:39 Lifestyle Factors to Reduce Symptoms

(24:00) Gut Health and Nutrition

(30:00) Strength Training and its Benefits

(33:32) Detox

(37:02) Supplement Recommendations for Women

(40:34) Stress and the Role of Cortisol 

(46:30) The Risks of Ashwagandha Overuse

(48:33) Myth Busting

(51:37) Doctors to Speak to About Menopause

(54:11) Ways Women Can Test for Perimenopause

(1:00:21) Outro