Join me, Dr. Sarah Milken, in an honest and open conversation about the rollercoaster of perimenopause and menopause...finally learn the true definitions and differences between perimenopause and menopause and what we can do about it, in the second half of life with Dr. Shieva Ghofrany.  Dr. Shieva Ghofrany has been working as an OBGYN for over 21 years and herself has had multiple miscarriages, a weight loss surgery, both types of deliveries AND ovarian cancer… She is now the cofounder of Tribe Called V, a virtual platform that intends to disrupt women’s health teaching, by FINALLY breaking down ALL of the basics that affect women from their first periods through pregnancy and past menopause.  This crazy busy Connecticut OBGYN, through her huge IG platforms @biglovefiercejuju and @tribecalledv, has warmed the minds and hearts of so many women...teaching us what we need to know, but maybe didn’t know we should ask or were too embarrassed to ask... regarding all things vagina. It is Shieva’s DEEP belief that if she can “INCREASE women’s knowledge then she can DECREASE their anxiety” about their female health and bodies. Shieva is giving us the tools we need to become less anxious, less embarrassed, and more informed about perimenopause and menopausal symptoms and solutions in the second half of life.   We are going to dig deep into the details of Shieva’s journey into her second half of life. She discusses overcoming multiple miscarriages, surviving ovarian cancer, and her personal weight struggle. We chat many birth control options, hormone regulation, declining sex drive and normalizing perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms. Some highlights:  Perimenopausal symptoms can start 10 years before you start going through menopause Shieva discusses that it’s normal to feel anxious when experiencing perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms How Shieva’s experience with ovarian cancer shaped her practice today, by being a patient herself What happens to your estrogen levels when you go through menopause  How to know if you’re in menopause or perimenopause Why Shieva created “A Tribe Called V” Why she thinks it’s so important for women to be educated about vaginal health Golden Nuggets Parenting-It’s extremely important to teach your kids independence and resilience There is always life after trauma and even during trauma...silver linings In determining if you are in fact transitioning from perimenopuase to menopause, we have to look at bleeding levels (anything “more” requires some inquiry) Sometimes naming something alone just makes you feel better Don’t be embarrassed to talk about what’s going on with your menopausal symptoms There is a benefit to some women taking SSRI’s to balance mood when they are experiencing tremendous mood symptoms There is scientific data that can explain why our libido goes down Coconut oil is the best lubricant (not with condoms) Remember to get a pap smears frequently, some say every 3 years, every year covers your bases and you won’t forget Looking forward to connecting with you! Here are some options to chat further! To learn more about the golden nuggets we dug up in this episode, click on show notes. To make sure you don't miss future episodes of the podcast, subscribe, subscribe, subscribe. Follow me and DM me on Instagram or Facebook. Email me directly at sarah@theflexibleneurotic.com. This podcast, along with associated websites and social media materials, are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views expressed are that of Dr. Sarah Milken, and that of her guests, respectively. It is for informational purposes only. Please consult your healthcare professional for any further medical or psychological questions.