Strong. Healthy. Empowered.
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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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 biological, psychological, social, and spiritual perspectives, she helps patients build resilience, strength, and lasting recovery.
Frustrated by the fragmentation of outpatient mental health care, Dr. Cohen founded The Moment, a collaborative community of leading professionals dedicated to truly integrative treatment.
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 responsiblyLifestyle and supplement strategies to support mental health naturally
Key Timestamps
00:00 Introduction and episode overview
15:30 Using progesterone and magnesium to improve sleep and mood
22:00 Hormone therapy options for libido, hot flashes, and brain fog
28:30 Managing early perimenopause with progesterone before estrogen
34:00 Low-dose testosterone supplementation in women
40:00 Appropriate use and follow-up of antidepressants
46:00 Accessing therapy and psychiatric support for mental health
50:00 Postpartum mental health and preparing support systems
52:30 Hormone therapy strategies for mood, sleep, and libido
55:00 Lifestyle supports: supplements, exercise, and reducing caffeine
56:30 Recognizing red flags and advocating for proper care
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
Links
Instagram: @themomenthealth
Instagram: @drstacycohen
Website: The Moment HealthCertified menopause providers: https://www.menopause.org/
