Perimenopause can feel like your body has flipped a switch overnight—weight gain, joint aches, brain fog, mood swings, gut issues, and “I just don’t feel like myself anymore.”

In this episode of On The Ascent: Health, Dr. Laura is joined by Dr. Aderonke “Ade” Akindipe, DNP, FNP-C, founder of Rejuvenate Health & Wellness in Anchorage, Alaska. After working grueling 12-hour shifts during the pandemic and being told her symptoms were “just stress,” Dr. Ade eventually discovered she was in perimenopause—and that changing how she approached hormones, labs, and nutrition completely transformed how she felt.

Together, Dr. Laura and Dr. Ade unpack:

• What perimenopause actually is and when it really starts

• Why so many women are dismissed with “your labs are normal”

• Key symptoms of perimenopause vs. thyroid issues, “adrenal fatigue,” or blood sugar problems

• How hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone affect mood, joints, sleep, and belly fat

• Why women can become more insulin resistant in midlife—and what to do about it

• How stress, caffeine, alcohol, and over-exercising impact cortisol and midlife weight

• The difference between “normal” lab ranges and optimal ranges for women 35+

• How hormone replacement, nutrition, and lifestyle work together (and why it’s never just one thing)

• The kind of support and “handholding” many women actually need to feel better, not just get more prescriptions

Dr. Ade also shares real stories from her practice—like the woman diagnosed with fibromyalgia who improved dramatically with testosterone support and better hormone balance.

Connect with Dr. Ade & Rejuvenate Health & Wellness

Website: rejuvenatehealthak.com
Instagram: @rejuvenate_health_wellness

On The Ascent: Health is produced by Ascent Health & Performance in Anchorage, Alaska — a clinic dedicated to helping people stay strong, active, and adventurous for life. Connect with Dr. Laura & Ascent Health & Performance

Website: https://ascentak.com/

Podcast : ascentak.com/podcast
Instagram: @ascenthealth_ak