This episode of the UB Medicine Podcast explores perimenopause and menopause — an inevitable stage of life that affects half the population, yet remains widely misunderstood. Host Allison Brashear, MD, MBA, dean of the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, is joined by Sarah Berga, MD, professor and chair of obstetrics and gynecology, to bring clarity, context and science to a topic often shaped by confusion and myth.

Together, they discuss why menopause is not a single moment but part of a longer, highly individualized reproductive lifespan. The conversation unpacks common symptoms such as sleep disruption, mood changes, and brain fog, and explains how hormonal fluctuations, not just decline, drive many of these experiences. Dr. Berga also addresses longstanding misconceptions about hormone therapy, the lasting impact of the Women’s Health Initiative, and how evolving research is reshaping care.

Importantly, this episode highlights a critical gap in education and access: many women seek care from a range of providers who may not be fully trained in menopause management. The discussion underscores the need for better awareness across the health care system and encourages listeners to seek informed, personalized care.

With a focus on evidence-based medicine and patient empowerment, this episode offers practical insight for women navigating midlife health, and reinforces the importance of being informed, asking questions, and finding providers who are prepared to answer them.