Episode Details

In this episode of SHE MD Podcast, Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi and Mary Alice Haney are joined by psychiatrist Dr. Stacy Cohen to explore how hormones shape women’s emotional health across life stages. They dive into PMDD, postpartum mental health, perimenopause, and menopause, explaining these transitions as neurological and hormonal events rather than simple mood disorders.

Dr. Cohen discusses how progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone affect mood, sleep, libido, and cognition, and why low-dose supplementation can be life-changing. The conversation also clarifies when medications like SSRIs are necessary, the risks of overprescribing without psychiatric follow-up, and how to safely taper or adjust treatments. Listeners learn practical strategies to optimize mental health through hormone therapy, supplements, lifestyle changes, and nervous system regulation.

The episode also covers early recognition of perimenopausal changes, postpartum support, and how to advocate for individualized care. Listeners will walk away empowered to understand the role of hormones in emotional regulation, sleep, and relationships, and to seek the care that aligns with their unique needs.

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What You’ll Learn

How progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone impact mood, sleep, and libido

Strategies for using hormone therapy safely during perimenopause and menopause

When SSRIs or other medications may be necessary and how to use them responsibly

Lifestyle and supplement strategies to support mental health naturally

Key Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and episode overview

03:40 Explaining what PMDD is

05:50 Signs to look out for to identify if you’re struggling with PMDD

12:50 What the luteal phase us and why patients should be treated during that time

24:20 The connection between the nervous system and hormones

26:10 Postpartum depression and anxiety

34:20 Appropriate use and follow-up of antidepressants

41:00 Accessing therapy and psychiatric support for mental health

47:40 How complicated perimenopause is

57:00 Hormone therapy strategies for mood, sleep, and libido

1:00:00 Lifestyle supports: supplements, exercise, and reducing caffeine

Key Takeaways

Hormones play a central role in women’s mental health across life stages

Progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone support mood, sleep, libido, and cognition

SSRIs and antidepressants should be carefully monitored and not automatically lifelong

Supplements, exercise, and lifestyle adjustments complement medical treatment

Advocating for individualized care improves long-term emotional and physical well-being

Guest Bio

Stacy Cohen, MD is a double board-certified psychiatrist in General Psychiatry and Addiction Psychiatry. She completed her residency at the University of Chicago and Rush University where she served as Chief of Women’s Health and her fellowship at UCLA Medical Center.

Drawing on her background as a surgeon, artist, and healer, Dr. Cohen integrates rigorous Western medical training with a whole-person approach. Her work focuses on “rewiring” the nervous system to align the physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual self. By targeting the subconscious and addressing mental health from biologica