#272 Perimenopause: The Missing Conversation Every Woman Must Have with Dr Vignesh Devraj MD (Ay)

Menopause isn’t a sudden event; it’s a transition that begins 5-10 years earlier. In this episode, Dr. Vignesh Devraj explains what really happens during perimenopause and menopause, why symptoms like hot flashes, anxiety, and poor sleep feel unpredictable, and how your earlier lifestyle and menstrual health shape this phase. From an Ayurvedic perspective, menopause is a stage of depletion where resilience reduces, and the body becomes more sensitive. This episode also explores when Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) may help, the role of lifestyle changes and Panchakarma, and why preparing in your 30s and 40s can make the transition smoother. Episode Highlights Understanding perimenopause: the phase that begins 5–10 years earlier The concept of menopause as a “second puberty.” How lifestyle, stress, and menstrual history shape your menopausal experience The Ayurvedic perspective: menopause as a depletion and sensitivity phase Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): when it helps and when it may not be necessary The importance of preparing in your 30s and 40s for a smoother transition Panchakarma and lifestyle corrections as preventive tools Reframing menopause as a reset, not a decline Episode Timestamps 00:00 - 01:30: Why menopause still feels confusing 01:30 - 03:00: Menopause as a “second puberty.” 03:00 - 05:00: Why menopause happens biologically 05:00 - 06:00: Your menopause is a continuation of your past 06:00 - 10:00: Ayurveda on menopause & Hormone Replacement Therapy 10:00 - 11:30: Lifestyle changes and Panchakarma 11:30 - 12:30: Can menopause be delayed? About Dr Vignesh Devraj Dr Vignesh Devraj is a fourth-generation Ayurvedic physician and the founder of Sitaram Retreat, Kerala, a space for authentic healing. He is a committed practitioner and researcher of Panchakarma. If you are interested in doing a one-on-one Ayurvedic consultation with Dr Vignesh Devraj please find the details in this link: https://calendly.com/drvignesh/30-minute-session-with-dr-vignesh-devraj-md-ay-ist If you are economically challenged, please use the form provided to request a free Ayurvedic consultation here. (or copy paste this in your browser: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd29nHcrC1RssR-6WAqWCWQWKKJo7nGcEm8ITEl2-ErcnfVEg/viewform ) BALANCING THE MIGHTY VATA - ONLINE COURSE NOW AVAILABLE Vata is responsible for Prana - the life energy, the nervous system - the master panel of our body, and our emotions. In Ayurveda, it is mentioned that controlling Vata is the most difficult part of healing and recovery. Watch my practical inputs that can be integrated into our life at https://vigneshdevraj.com/balancing-the-mighty-vata/ For further information about Dr Vignesh Devraj, kindly visit www.vigneshdevraj.com and www.sitaramretreat.com Instagram - @sitarambeachretreat | @vigneshdevraj Twitter - @VigneshDevraj We truly hope you are enjoying our content. Leave your review and subscribe to the podcast, so you’ll never miss out on any new episodes. Thanks for your support. Disclaimer: - We strongly do not recommend using the content of these episodes as medical advice for any medical conditions.