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The Period Party Podcast · EP. 301 · August 18, 2023

Exploring the Evolution of Periods, Menopause, and Pregnancy

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podcast guest

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Deena Emera, Ph.D., is an evolutionary geneticist, teacher, and the author of A Brief History of the Female Body: An Evolutionary Look at How and Why the Female Form Came to Be. She earned a bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley, a master’s degree from NYU, and a PhD from Yale. Deena is a scientist and writer-in-residence at the Buck Institute’s Center for Reproductive Longevity and Equality.

In this conversation, Deena and I discuss the evolutionary origins of menstruation, the evolutionary advantages and adaptations associated with menstruation, the evolutionary significance of menopause, the profound changes in maternal-fetal interactions, common myths about the female body, and so much more!

Episode Highlights

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Resources Mentioned

Fix Your Period

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions from this episode — and how Fix Your Period can help.

What is perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the hormonal transition phase leading up to menopause — typically beginning in the mid-to-late 40s, though it can start earlier. It's characterised by fluctuating and eventually declining estrogen and progesterone levels, leading to irregular cycles, hot flashes, sleep disruption, mood changes, and other symptoms. Perimenopause can last 4–10 years.
What are the first signs of perimenopause?
Early signs include cycle changes (shorter or longer cycles, skipped periods), worsening PMS, sleep disruption, new or increased anxiety, mood changes, brain fog, and — eventually — hot flashes and night sweats. Progesterone typically begins declining before estrogen, which is why PMS and sleep issues are often the first symptoms.
What drives perimenopausal symptoms?
Perimenopausal symptoms are driven primarily by the erratic fluctuation and eventual decline of estrogen and progesterone. Declining estrogen reduces insulin sensitivity, making blood sugar dysregulation more likely. Declining progesterone affects sleep, mood, and anxiety. The degree of symptom severity is influenced by underlying hormonal health going into the transition.
Is Fix Your Period right for women in perimenopause?
Absolutely. Fix Your Period's free assessment gives you personalised results based on your current symptoms. Fix Your Period Premium unlocks multiple perimenopause-specific protocols, Nicole's Period Pillars education, and Nicole.AI — all tailored to support women through this hormonal transition.
Does Fix Your Period cover HRT for perimenopause?
Yes. Fix Your Period Premium includes a Hormone Replacement Therapy protocol covering the options available, how to have informed conversations with your doctor, and what to consider when exploring HRT as part of your perimenopause support strategy.
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