Pause & Learn: Peri-Post Menopause Explained
03/14/25 • 52 min
One day, you’re cruising along like usual, and the next... everything feels off. Your mood’s all over the place, sleep is a struggle, and let’s not even talk about the sudden weight changes. Sound familiar? In this episode, my daughter Amira joins me again as we unpack what’s really happening during perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause—when it starts, what to expect, and how to handle the rollercoaster of symptoms.
We’re getting real about everything from hormone therapy to natural ways to feel better, plus the surprising links between menopause, bone health, and heart health. And if your sex drive isn’t what it used to be, you’re not alone—we’ll talk about why that happens and what you can do about it. This conversation is all about getting answers to the questions so many of us have but don’t always talk about. If you’ve ever wondered, is this normal?—this episode is for you.
Also, if you’re feeling drained, moody, or just off, I have to tell you about Mighty Maca Plus. It’s my go-to for balancing hormones naturally, and so many women swear by it for better energy, mood, and fewer hot flashes. It’s easy, it works, and it’s made a real difference in my life too. Check it out at dranna.com/drinkmaca and see for yourself!
Key Timestamps:
[00:00:00] Introduction.
[00:02:48] Perimenopause timeline and symptoms.
[00:05:42] Weight gain during perimenopause.
[00:08:24] Feelings of anxiety in perimenopause.
[00:10:00] Sleep problems in perimenopause.
[00:11:21] Sex drive changes in perimenopause.
[00:12:24] Hormone therapy during perimenopause.
[00:14:27] Brain fog and memory issues in perimenopause.
[00:16:26] How do you know you’ve entered menopause?
[00:18:10] Persistent hot flashes and solutions.
[00:21:03] Weight gain in the midsection and insulin resistance.
[00:24:05] Vaginal health and aging.
[00:29:08] Menopause and bone health.
[00:32:06] Pros and cons of HRT.
[00:33:28] How long do menopause symptoms last?
[00:35:19] Heart health post-menopause.
[00:37:17] Losing your sex drive after menopause.
[00:39:07] Natural alternatives to hormone therapy.
[00:40:30] Mental health during post menopause.
[00:44:37] Supplements for optimal health.
[00:47:54] Improving your energy levels.
[00:49:08] Brain health and wellness risks.
Memorable Quotes:
"While menopause is natural and mandatory, suffering is optional." [00:04:31] – Dr. Anna Cabeca
"Vaginal health is necessary for life and really part of optimal health, because if that isn't healthy, then we're going to have some issues." [00:25:23] – Dr. Anna Cabeca
Links Mentioned:
Mighty Maca Plus: http://dranna.com/drinkmaca
Submit your questions to us through this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeAxR1oPFFM7hGaipAEwUCGhl8q79G8MawUxxXMaeuZX_c_WA/viewform
Connect with Dr. Anna Cabeca:
Website: https://drannacabeca.com/pages/show
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegirlfrienddoctor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegirlfrienddoctor
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drannacabeca
Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com
One day, you’re cruising along like usual, and the next... everything feels off. Your mood’s all over the place, sleep is a struggle, and let’s not even talk about the sudden weight changes. Sound familiar? In this episode, my daughter Amira joins me again as we unpack what’s really happening during perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause—when it starts, what to expect, and how to handle the rollercoaster of symptoms.
We’re getting real about everything from hormone therapy to natural ways to feel better, plus the surprising links between menopause, bone health, and heart health. And if your sex drive isn’t what it used to be, you’re not alone—we’ll talk about why that happens and what you can do about it. This conversation is all about getting answers to the questions so many of us have but don’t always talk about. If you’ve ever wondered, is this normal?—this episode is for you.
Also, if you’re feeling drained, moody, or just off, I have to tell you about Mighty Maca Plus. It’s my go-to for balancing hormones naturally, and so many women swear by it for better energy, mood, and fewer hot flashes. It’s easy, it works, and it’s made a real difference in my life too. Check it out at dranna.com/drinkmaca and see for yourself!
Key Timestamps:
[00:00:00] Introduction.
[00:02:48] Perimenopause timeline and symptoms.
[00:05:42] Weight gain during perimenopause.
[00:08:24] Feelings of anxiety in perimenopause.
[00:10:00] Sleep problems in perimenopause.
[00:11:21] Sex drive changes in perimenopause.
[00:12:24] Hormone therapy during perimenopause.
[00:14:27] Brain fog and memory issues in perimenopause.
[00:16:26] How do you know you’ve entered menopause?
[00:18:10] Persistent hot flashes and solutions.
[00:21:03] Weight gain in the midsection and insulin resistance.
[00:24:05] Vaginal health and aging.
[00:29:08] Menopause and bone health.
[00:32:06] Pros and cons of HRT.
[00:33:28] How long do menopause symptoms last?
[00:35:19] Heart health post-menopause.
[00:37:17] Losing your sex drive after menopause.
[00:39:07] Natural alternatives to hormone therapy.
[00:40:30] Mental health during post menopause.
[00:44:37] Supplements for optimal health.
[00:47:54] Improving your energy levels.
[00:49:08] Brain health and wellness risks.
Memorable Quotes:
"While menopause is natural and mandatory, suffering is optional." [00:04:31] – Dr. Anna Cabeca
"Vaginal health is necessary for life and really part of optimal health, because if that isn't healthy, then we're going to have some issues." [00:25:23] – Dr. Anna Cabeca
Links Mentioned:
Mighty Maca Plus: http://dranna.com/drinkmaca
Submit your questions to us through this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeAxR1oPFFM7hGaipAEwUCGhl8q79G8MawUxxXMaeuZX_c_WA/viewform
Connect with Dr. Anna Cabeca:
Website: https://drannacabeca.com/pages/show
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegirlfrienddoctor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegirlfrienddoctor
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drannacabeca
Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com
Previous Episode
Breast Implant Illness? Explant? with Candice Barley
It’s wild how something that’s supposed to make you feel more confident can actually be the thing making you sick. Candice Barley learned this the hard way after struggling with years of unexplained symptoms—fatigue, gut issues, even liver problems—before realizing her breast implants were the culprit. Now, as a leading advocate for women with Breast Implant Illness (BII), she’s on a mission to educate and support others through their own healing journeys. She’s here to share what she wishes she knew sooner, from the hidden health risks to the life-changing decision to explant.
Candice has helped countless women through the explant process, from finding the right surgeons to navigating the emotional ups and downs. She’s the author of The Explant Book, a step-by-step guide to healing from BII, and the creator of the photo documentary Not As Advertised, which sheds light on the real impact of implants. We talk about the symptoms no one warns you about, why proper explant surgery matters, and how to reclaim your confidence—scars and all. Plus, she shares stories from women who’ve gone through it and come out feeling better than ever. If you’ve ever questioned whether your implants could be affecting your health, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.
Speaking of feeling better, I have to mention Mighty Maca Plus—it’s been a total game-changer for so many women struggling with low energy, mood swings, and hormone imbalances. It’s packed with over 30 superfoods and makes such a difference in how you feel every day. If you haven’t tried it yet, check it out at dranna.com/drinkmaca—because taking care of yourself should always come first.
Key Timestamps:
[00:00:00] Introduction.
[00:05:48] Breast implant illness journey.
[00:10:05] Implant-induced hormonal changes.
[00:12:44] Breast implant illness recovery.
[00:16:45] Explant journey and body image.
[00:22:18] Inner work after explant surgery.
[00:25:15] Partners' reactions to explant surgery.
[00:29:47] Breast implant inflammation symptoms.
[00:38:06] Breast implant capsules and its implications.
[00:40:26] Breast implants and detoxification.
[00:42:36] Implant removal considerations.
[00:46:12] Bacteria in breast implant capsules.
[00:49:52] Explant surgery techniques and safety.
[00:52:18] Deflation and Breast Implant Associated ALCL risks.
[00:56:39] Preparing for surgery.
[01:01:06] Recovery tips after surgery.
[01:06:00] Restoring gut to intuition after explant surgery.
[01:07:51] The Explant Book
Memorable Quotes:
"That's when I had profound changes in my health—to the point that I feel better now at almost 48 years old than I did even in my twenties because now I understand my genetics." [00:14:29] – Candice Barley
"Once I removed my breast implants, I became so in tune with my body. And this is the feedback I get from so many women is that gut to intuition that we naturally have is heightened or restored back to what it was meant to be." [01:06:22] – Candice Barley
Links Mentioned:
Mighty Maca Plus: http://dranna.com/drinkmaca
The Explant Book: https://www.amazon.com/Explant-Book-Personal-Advocacy-Handbook/dp/B0DK7DTXRG
Auro Wellness: https://aurowellness.com/
The DNA Company: https://thednacompany.com/
Connect with Candice Barley:
Website: https://www.olisticolife.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olisticolife/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@olisticolife
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@olisticolife
Connect with Dr. Anna Cabeca:
Website: https://drannacabeca.com/pages/show
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegirlfrienddoctor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegirlfrienddoctor
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drannacabeca
Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com
Next Episode
The Benefits and Story of Mighty Maca
Did you know ancient Peruvian warriors used Maca for strength and stamina? Turns out, they were onto something—this little root is a powerhouse for energy, mood, and hormone balance. Studies even show it can ease anxiety and depression in postmenopausal women, which is huge! But what really makes Maca so special, and how can it actually help you feel better every day?
I first discovered Maca during a rough time—infertility, early menopause, the whole rollercoaster. That journey led me to explore healing superfoods, and Maca completely changed the game for me. In this episode, I’m sharing exactly how it works, why it’s so good for energy, libido, and mood, and how I combined it with 30+ other powerhouse ingredients to create Mighty Maca Plus. Plus, you’ll hear stories from women who’ve seen incredible changes—because when your body gets what it needs, everything shifts.
So if you’re tired of feeling off—low energy, mood swings, those annoying hormone fluctuations—I get it. That’s exactly why I created Mighty Maca Plus, and I can’t wait for you to try it. Just mix it with water or toss it in a smoothie, and let your body do the rest. Check it out at dranna.com/drinkmaca and see what a difference it can make!
Key Timestamps:
[00:00:00] Introduction.
[00:01:52] Benefits of Mighty Maca Plus.
[00:04:50] Benefits of maca root.
[00:09:24] Mighty Maca Plus formulation journey.
[00:12:28] Superfoods and their benefits.
[00:16:48] Hormone balance and detoxification.
[00:19:50] Mighty Maca success stories.
Memorable Quotes:
"I just started combining these superfoods with no hope or ever foresight indication that I would be able to reverse these conditions, but it's exactly what I did." [00:08:59] – Dr. Anna Cabeca
"Your health is an important investment." [00:20:44] – Dr. Anna Cabeca
Links Mentioned:
Mighty Maca Plus: http://dranna.com/drinkmaca
Connect with Dr. Anna Cabeca:
Website: https://drannacabeca.com/pages/show
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegirlfrienddoctor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegirlfrienddoctor
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drannacabeca
Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com
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