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Author Lauren Tettenbaum on 'Millennial Menopause': raising awareness of perimenopause and mental health
Summary
Lauren Tettenbaum discussed her new book, Millennial Menopause, on the Paid Leave podcast, saying perimenopause can begin in the late 30s, last for years, and have major mental-health implications; she recommends baseline self-monitoring and peer supports.
Lauren Tettenbaum, a licensed clinical social worker and lawyer, said her book Millennial Menopause grew from reporting and interviews with experts and patients and aims to give readers practical guidance about perimenopause and midlife transitions.
Tettenbaum told host Nancy Barrow that she interviewed roughly four dozen experts while researching the book and structured chapters on mental health, media, and the roles of men in midlife care. She said she was surprised to learn that perimenopause often begins in the late 30s and early 40s and can last many years, with a broad range of symptoms that are under-recognized by medical and mental-health professionals.
“Once they did start hormone therapy, they felt tremendously better,” she said describing several women whose symptoms were reclassified as perimenopause after years of other treatments. She emphasized the need for awareness among clinicians and patients and recommended simple steps such as journaling and establishing a baseline for mood and physical symptoms so changes are recognized earlier.
Tettenbaum also described practical steps she takes with clients, including cognitive behavioral and feminist therapy approaches and facilitated support groups for parents returning to work. She framed the book as both a resource and a conversation starter to build community and reduce stigma.
The guest said the book was released in July and that she is planning follow-up work to expand community resources on women’s health. The episode focused on education and awareness rather than new clinical guidelines or regulatory changes.
