Is Your Doctor Actually Helping You Through Perimenopause—or Holding You Back?

Hello Warriors!

Welcome back to the ‘Pause Like a Warrior newsletter. This week we’re taking a deep dive into the confusion and gaslighting that often happens to women in perimenopause. Many women don’t realize that perimenopause can start as early as their mid to late 30s. Dr. Kim Einhorn sheds light on the wide range of symptoms that can arise during this transitional phase—many of which are frequently overlooked, misdiagnosed, or minimized. Our conversation also highlights the urgent need for a more individualized approach to menopause care, breaking away from the outdated “one-size-fits-all” model that often leaves women feeling dismissed, confused, and unsupported.

Why Your Doctor Might Not Be Addressing Your Menopause Symptoms and What to Do About It
with guest expert, Dr. Kim Einhorn

In episode 129, I sit down with Dr. Kim Einhorn, a board-certified OB-GYN and founder of the MP Collective, dedicated to the care of midlife women navigating perimenopause and menopause. Her innovative practice is the first of its kind in the Greater Philadelphia area and is focused on myriad services designed to support women in optimizing their health and longevity. Her approach to care is holistic, evidence-based, and empowering.

5 Mic-Drop Moments from Our Conversation

1. Perimenopause Is Often Misunderstood and Undiagnosed

Dr. Einhorn emphasizes that many women begin experiencing significant hormonal changes in their mid-to-late 30s, yet perimenopause is still widely misdiagnosed or overlooked by physicians. Symptoms like joint pain, fatigue, anxiety, and irregular periods are often dismissed unless classic signs like hot flashes are present. This leads to unmet needs and a sense of confusion among women seeking care.

2. Time Constraints in Traditional Healthcare Are Failing Women

She expresses deep frustration with the current healthcare model where 15-minute appointments are expected to address complex perimenopausal symptoms. She explains how doctors want to help, but systemic constraints don’t allow for the necessary depth of care. Her solution: create a concierge model practice where each patient gets the time and attention they truly need, often with 60-minute sessions.

3. A Holistic, Preventative Approach Is Essential for Midlife Women

Dr. Einhorn is committed to treating menopause through a whole-person lens, integrating medical care with nutrition, fitness, mental health, and community support. Her practice includes tools like body composition analysis, access to fitness training, and nutritional guidance. This proactive model shifts focus from “sick care” to true wellness and longevity planning.

4. Hormone Therapy Misconceptions Have Hindered Women’s Care

She explains how the misinterpretation of the 2002 Women's Health Initiative (WHI) data led to widespread fear of hormone therapy. As a result, generations of doctors were never trained in menopause care, and many women were left untreated or misinformed. Dr. Einhorn is now helping to reverse this trend through education and advocacy, including teaching Grand Rounds for other physicians.

5. Empowerment and Education Are Crucial for Navigating Midlife

A core theme of the interview is patient empowerment. Dr. Einhorn urges women to trust their instincts and seek second opinions if they feel unheard. She advocates for a collaborative, non-dictatorial doctor-patient relationship, and encourages women to prioritize their own wellness—including aspects like sexual health, self-care, and mental wellness that are often deprioritized.

Oprah's "The Menopause Revolution" Special Sparks National Conversation

Oprah Winfrey's recent special, The Menopause Revolution, featuring guests like Halle Berry and Naomi Watts, has ignited a nationwide discussion on menopause. The program delves into the challenges women face during menopause, including hot flashes, mood swings, and the lack of adequate medical support. By bringing these issues to the forefront, the special aims to destigmatize menopause and encourage open conversations about women's health. The show also highlights the importance of personalized care and the need for more research and resources dedicated to menopausal health.

Ready to Warrior Up?

Listen to the Full Episode: Suburban Warrior Podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

Thank you for reading—and remember, knowledge is power! If you’re experiencing symptoms, don’t ignore them. There is help (and hope) out there. Stay tuned for our next newsletter to keep transforming your mindset and rocking your inner warrior!