Perimenopause Is a Brain Event

In this segment of his YouTube talk, Dr. David Perlmutter argues that perimenopause should be understood primarily as a brain event rather than merely a hormonal transition. He explains that the dramatic drop in estrogen during perimenopause triggers the brain’s immune system to target and remove synapses, leading to cognitive issues many women experience. While he acknowledges the controversy around hormone replacement therapy (HRT), he advocates for a personalized approach: measuring blood hormone levels and supplementing with estradiol (E2) together with balanced natural progesterone to protect brain health. He emphasizes that this strategy, rather than a blanket endorsement of HRT, is intended to preserve neural connections during this vulnerable period.










