unPAUSED with Dr. Mary Claire Haver The Perimenopause Masterclass: Anxiety, Brain Fog, Broken Sleep, Weight Gain & GLP-1s
Mar 31, 2026
A clear primer on perimenopause as a distinct, years-long hormonal transition that often starts in the brain. Short explanations of why anxiety, brain fog, broken sleep, and unexplained weight gain show up even with “normal” bloodwork. Practical focus on rising cardiometabolic risk, muscle and bone loss, why single hormone tests mislead, and cautious discussion of GLP-1 medications.
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Personal Motivation From Family Dementia
- Dr Mary Claire Haver shares personal motivation: her mother and grandmother developed dementia and frailty, shaping her drive to change care.
- She contrasts that outcome with her current vitality at 57 and her commitment to prevention.
Use Symptom Scores And Targeted Labs
- Use symptom assessment and targeted labs to evaluate suspected perimenopause rather than relying solely on single hormone values.
- Dr Haver provides a Menopause Quiz and a lab resource guide to bring to clinicians or order independently.
Menopause Often Raises LDL And Metabolic Risk
- Lipids change across the menopause transition with LDL rising ~20% even without lifestyle change.
- Triglycerides can rise and HDL fall, increasing atherosclerotic and cardiometabolic risk.
