Is it true that you bleed continuously for a year before menopause? And does that mean you’re unable to have a healthy sex life during that time? These are myths that persist in many conversations about perimenopause—and today, we’re setting the record straight.

In this episode of The Modern Midlife Collective, Dr. Jillian Woodruff, a board-certified gynecologist and menopause expert, and Dr. Ade Akindipe, a functional medicine expert and nurse practitioner, address some of the most common misconceptions surrounding perimenopause, hormone fluctuations, and abnormal bleeding. They provide evidence-based insights into what is actually happening in your body as you approach menopause, explaining the role of estrogen and progesterone in these changes, and offering practical advice on treatment options.

If this episode has helped clarify your understanding of perimenopause, share it with someone who may benefit from this information. Be sure to leave a review and subscribe to stay informed—together, we’re empowering women with the knowledge they need to navigate midlife with confidence.

Highlights:

• Debunking the myth of a full year of bleeding before menopause
• The hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause and their impact on bleeding
• The role of fibroids and polyps in abnormal bleeding during perimenopause
• When to seek medical attention for abnormal bleeding
• Understanding the role of estrogen and progesterone in menstrual changes
• Exploring treatment options: Birth control, hysterectomy, and alternatives
• The physical and emotional effects of perimenopause and how to manage them
• Why it’s essential to advocate for your health—don’t simply “deal with it”

Get to know the doctors behind the insights of The Modern Midlife Collective Podcast:

Aderonke "Ade" Akindipe, DNP, MBA, APRN, FNP-C, is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner, hormone and obesity specialist, and expert in metabolic and longevity medicine. She is the founder and Medical Director of Rejuvenate Health and Wellness, where she has helped hundreds of women reclaim their health, overcome stubborn weight challenges, and unlock vibrant energy through her signature coaching platform, The Elevated Woman™. Blending cutting-edge innovation with a functional, root-cause approach, Dr. Akindipe is deeply committed to transforming midlife health. She is recognized as a trusted authority in women’s wellness and a passionate advocate for health equity. Beyond her clinical work, she serves as Co-Chair of the Health Committee for the Alaska Black Caucus, championing access to preventive care and wellness initiatives in underrepresented communities.

Jillian Woodruff, MD, FACOG, NCMP, is a board-certified gynecologist, surgeon, and nationally certified menopause provider specializing in general and cosmetic gynecologic surgery. As Chief Medical Officer of Modern Gynecology & Skin, she specializes in hormone therapy, sexual medicine, and aesthetic treatments to help women thrive.

She is the host of “Line One” on Alaska Public Media, an NPR-affiliated medical affairs radio show, and co-founder of The Women’s WELL Foundation, dedicated to women’s health education and access.

As the co-host of The Modern Midlife Collective, she brings expertise in hormones, sexual health, aesthetics, and holistic practices, teaching women to advocate for their health and well-being in midlife with confidence.

Passionate about global health, lifestyle medicine, and education, she enjoys traveling, humanitarian work, studying languages, and family life while empowering women to take charge of their health.