A Note from Jody
April is a month that celebrates women, community, and connection.
As I prepare for the Wichita Women’s Fair, I have been reflecting on how powerful it is when women gather to learn, ask questions, and support one another. So many of the conversations I have in my exam room begin with, “I did not realize this was connected,” or “No one explained that to me before.”
Education changes everything.
This month, we are focusing on two topics that frequently overlap in midlife but are often treated separately: mood changes in perimenopause and the importance of whole-person primary care.
This month’s newsletter focuses on:
- Women in their late 30s and 40s noticing mood changes
- Women feeling dismissed when they bring up emotional symptoms
- Busy caregivers who have postponed their own care
- Anyone wanting a more complete approach to midlife health
When hormones, lifestyle, and preventive care are considered together, better outcomes follow.
Clinic Corner
- KS Women’s Health Clinic will have Booth Number W-11 at the Wichita Women’s Fair April 24–26. If you are attending, please stop by. I will have educational materials, demonstrations, and time to answer your questions.
- I will have a pelvic model available so you can better understand how the muscles and structures of the pelvis work together. Many women have never been shown this, and it often helps connect symptoms to what is actually happening in the body.
- You will be able to see the newly designed Nella speculum, which is created with comfort and patient experience in mind and offers a very different experience compared to traditional exams.
- I will also have IUD and Nexplanon implant models available so you can see what these options actually look like, how they are placed, and ask questions in a relaxed, no-pressure setting.
- I continue seeing patients at Sakura Health and Wellness in the same location while expanding KS Women’s Health Clinic resources.
- Longer visits remain a priority because understanding the full picture of your health matters.
If you attend the fair, come introduce yourself. I always enjoy meeting readers in person.
Perimenopause and Mood Changes: It Is Not “Just Stress”
Many women in their late 30s and 40s begin noticing changes that feel subtle at first:
- Increased anxiety
- Irritability or mood swings
- Low motivation
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sleep disruption
Hormone fluctuations during perimenopause can significantly affect mood and emotional regulation. These changes are real, biological, and common. They are often dismissed as simply stress or normal age-related changes.
Estrogen and progesterone influence neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. When hormone levels fluctuate, mood often follows.
Jody’s Practical Tips
- Track mood symptoms alongside your menstrual cycle. Patterns can reveal hormone-related changes.
- Prioritize sleep and protein intake. Both support stable energy and mood.
- If mood symptoms are persistent or worsening, an evaluation is appropriate. Hormone therapy is one option, but not the only option.
You are not imagining it. And you do not have to navigate it alone.
Primary Care for Women: Looking at the Whole Picture
Mood symptoms, fatigue, weight changes, and brain fog are not always hormonal. They can also reflect thyroid changes, anemia, insulin resistance, vitamin deficiencies, or chronic stress.
This is why primary care matters.
A comprehensive visit should include:
- Review of symptoms and life stressors
- Appropriate lab evaluation when indicated
- Blood pressure and cardiovascular risk assessment
- Discussion of sleep, nutrition, and movement
Women often serve as caregivers and coordinators of everyone else’s health. In the process, their own care gets delayed.
Primary care for women should feel collaborative, thorough, and unrushed.
Wichita Women’s Fair Reminder
If you plan to attend the Wichita Women’s Fair April 24–26, please stop by our booth, W-11. You will be able to:
- Ask questions about perimenopause and menopause
- See demonstrations of IUD and Nexplanon devices
- Explore a pelvic model to better understand your anatomy
- See a more modern, patient-centered approach to exams using the Nella speculum
- Learn about first gynecologic visits for teens
- Pick up educational materials and resources
Creating a space where women can learn and ask questions without feeling rushed is something I care deeply about, and this is one way to bring that into the community.
Become a Patient or Stay Connected
If you are looking for longer visits, education-focused care, and a provider who takes time to listen, I would be honored to care for you.
Visit our Services page to book the service of your choice today.
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Disclaimer
This newsletter is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for personal medical concerns.