Perimenopause, Menopause & Hormone Therapy with OB-GYN & Cancer Survivor Dr. Juyia

This week on the Get Healthy Tampa Bay Podcast, Dr. Kerry Reller sits down with Dr. Lauren Juyia, a board-certified OB-GYN and stage 4 colon cancer survivor, to have an honest and educational conversation about perimenopause, menopause, and hormone therapy. Dr. Juyia brings not only her clinical expertise, but also deep compassion, lived experience, and a refreshing approach to women's health.

Together, they explore the often confusing and under-discussed symptoms of perimenopause, clear up misconceptions around hormone therapy, and highlight how medical care for women in midlife can and should be better.

Key Takeaways:

1. Perimenopause starts earlier than you think.
Cycle changes like shorter intervals or heavier bleeding may begin in your late 30s or early 40s. If you’ve gone 12 months without a period, you’re officially in menopause.

2. Menopause symptoms go far beyond hot flashes.
Mood swings, sleep issues, anxiety, brain fog, joint pain, and more may all stem from estrogen decline—because estrogen receptors are found throughout the body.

3. Hormone therapy is safer than many believe.
Modern, FDA-approved hormone therapy—especially estradiol and natural progesterone—is low-risk and highly effective when used in the right candidates.

4. “Bioidentical” is mostly a marketing term.
Many FDA-approved hormone therapies are already bioidentical. Compounded hormones and pellets are rarely needed and not always well-studied or regulated.

5. Labs aren’t usually necessary.
Diagnosis is based on symptoms and cycle history. Hormone levels fluctuate too much in perimenopause to be reliably helpful.

6. Colon cancer can happen at any age.
Dr. Juyia shares her story of being diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer at age 37 with no family history. Her message: trust your symptoms and don’t wait to speak up.

7. Wellness visits aren’t always enough.
Insurance limitations can prevent deep conversations about menopause during a standard wellness visit. Be proactive in scheduling dedicated visits to discuss symptoms and treatment options.

Conclusion:

Perimenopause and menopause are natural parts of life—but they don’t have to be disruptive or confusing. With the right education and support, you can thrive in midlife. Whether you’re dealing with cycle changes, insomnia, mood shifts, or are simply curious about hormone therapy, Dr. Juyia reminds us that it’s okay to speak up and advocate for your health.

There are safe, effective options available—and every woman deserves to feel heard, supported, and empowered through this transition.

About Our Guest:

Dr. Lauren Juyia is a board-certified OB-GYN with over 10 years of experience and a passion for compassionate, evidence-based women's healthcare. She specializes in GYN-only care at Elite Women’s Care, with locations in Clearwater (soon to move to Tarpon Springs), Brooksville, and Wesley Chapel, Florida. A survivor of stage 4 colon cancer, she is also an advocate for early screening and cancer awareness. Online, she educates and empowers others through her Instagram @thebenigngyn.

Listen to the full episode on:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Stitcher | Google Podcasts | Pandora
🔗 Watch on YouTube