The mood swings, insomnia, skin changes, and feeling like a stranger in your own body? That could very well be perimenopause and it might hit sooner than you think! In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jessica Nazzaro, a board-certified OB-GYN and certified menopause specialist, to talk about what’s really going on during perimenopause and why so many women feel unprepared and unsupported. We dive into why so many doctors miss the signs, how to recognize the changes happening in your own body, and most importantly—how to stop feeling dismissed and start getting the care you deserve. If you’re in your 30s, 40s, or beyond and wondering why your body suddenly feels different, this conversation will help you connect the dots. And more importantly, it’ll show you that you're not alone.   Key Takeaways: Perimenopause can begin in your late 30s and last for years. It’s a hormonal transition marked by fluctuations—not something a lab test can neatly diagnose. Common early symptoms include disrupted sleep, mood swings, brain fog, skin changes, and feeling more sensitive to stress. The decline in estrogen isn’t just about hot flashes—it affects heart health, bone density, skin elasticity, metabolism, and even cognition. Your habits in your 30s and 40s (sleep, alcohol, stress, diet) start to catch up to you in this phase—and your skin is often one of the first places to show it. Lab tests can be normal, but you can still be in perimenopause. Symptoms and clinical context matter more than a single hormone panel. Getting informed and finding a provider trained in menopause care can dramatically change your quality of life. Feeling empowered starts with understanding your body. You deserve to feel good in your skin—at any age. You are not broken. You’re in a new phase. And there are real, science-backed ways to support yourself through it. Dr. Jessica Nazzaro (pronounced nuh-czar-oh) is a board-certified OB-GYN, menopause expert, and faith-forward wellness advocate.   Follow Dr. Nazzaro here: https://www.instagram.com/doctor_jnazz/?hl=en https://www.doctorjnazz.com/ Need an app? Click here to get $100 off at Vyten. If you’ve ever dreaded a shot or watched your kid have a meltdown before a blood draw, Thimble is for you. It’s a tiny patch that numbs the skin before any needle.Try Thimble with 20% off! Visit innerglowvitamins.com and use my code Dr.Mina for 10% off your order at checkout. 🎙️Want more expert skin advice without the overwhelm? Subscribe to The Skin Real Podcast wherever you listen, and visit www.theskinreal.com for dermatologist-backed tips to help you feel confident in your skin—at every age. Follow Dr. Mina here:-  https://instagram.com/drminaskin https://www.facebook.com/drminaskin https://www.youtube.com/@drminaskin https://www.linkedin.com/in/drminaskin/ Visit Dr. Mina at Baucom & Mina Derm SurgeryWebsite: atlantadermsurgery.comEmail: scheduling@atlantadermsurgery.comCall: (404) 844-0496Instagram: @baucomminamd Thanks for tuning in. And remember—real skin care is real simple when you know who to trust. Disclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.