Perimenopause Explained: Weight, Bleeding, Gut Health & IUDs

Perimenopause is not simply the period before menopause, and it involves far more than hot flashes. It is a whole-body transition that can affect metabolism, blood sugar, gut health, weight, stress, energy, mood, and menstrual bleeding.

In this episode of Sip on This, Deirdre Haggerty speaks with Dr. Christina Enzmann, a board-certified gynecologist, certified menopause practitioner, and functional medicine physician.

The conversation becomes deeply personal as Deirdre discusses still menstruating at 58, undergoing an endometrial biopsy, and having an IUD inserted to control heavy bleeding. Dr. Enzmann explains the adjustment period following hormonal IUD insertion and how women may determine whether they have reached menopause when bleeding is no longer a reliable marker.

They also discuss:

• Why perimenopause is a neuroendocrine and metabolic transition

• Midlife weight gain and changes in insulin sensitivity

• Why eating too little and exercising too much can work against some women

• The connection between gut health, fiber, hormones, and long-term wellness

• Plant-forward nutrition and the importance of dietary variety

• Heavy menstrual bleeding and IUD adjustment

• FSH and estrogen testing when menstrual patterns change

• The roles of conventional and functional medicine

• Lifestyle changes that can support women throughout midlife

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Download Dr. Christina Enzmann’s free Midlife Health Reset Guide:

https://keap.page/czy746/midlife-health-reset-guide.html

Learn more about Dr. Christina Enzmann:

https://drchristinaenzmann.com/

This episode is intended for education and awareness and does not replace individualized medical care. Speak with your healthcare provider if you experience unusual or heavy bleeding or any symptoms that concern you.