Hormones play a powerful role in health from childhood to menopause — but many of us don’t learn what’s typical or when to seek help.
In this informative episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Suzanne Allen and Dr. Annalise Caron welcome back Dr. Sophia Yen -board certified pediatrician and adolescent medicine specialist- to discuss the key milestones in hormonal health across a woman’s lifespan. From understanding the signs of early puberty in children and teens to the role nutrition plays in healthy development, this episode offers parents and caregivers a science-based guide to supporting their kids through crucial transitions.
Dr. Yen also shares surprising insights about how hormonal birth control — often associated with contraception — can play a powerful role in managing perimenopausal symptoms and the health benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) during menopause. The conversation sheds light on how hormones influence mood, bone health, and long-term wellbeing, and how informed medical choices can improve quality of life at every stage.
Together, they explore:
Here are some highlights from the episode:
00:00 – Science and Medicine Can Improve Life for People with a Uterus
02:19 – When Puberty Typically Begins for Girls and Boys
04:54 – Supporting Children Through Early Puberty
06:25 – When to See a Doctor If Puberty Hasn’t Started
08:14 – Puberty in the Age of Social Media: What Parents Should Know
12:14 – How to Talk to Kids About Weight Gain During Puberty
15:24 – Is Diet Soda Really a Problem?
18:07 – The Benefits of Sleeping & Turning Off Screens After 2 hours
20:32 – Helping Teens Build Healthier Eating Habits Without Shame
23:38 – Hormone Replacement Therapy: Is It Advisable?
26:22 – The Impact of Estrogen Decline on Women’s Health
33:21 – Learn More About Pandia Health
34:26 – Use of Birth control vs. HRT: Perimenopause vs. Menopause
If you’ve ever wondered whether your child’s puberty timing is typical — or how to best support your own hormonal health through perimenopause — this episode provides practical, compassionate, and evidence-based insights every parent and woman can benefit from.
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