Podcast Summary: The Oprah Podcast
Episode: Oprah & Dr. Sharon Malone: Menopause Solutions for Millennials, Your Weight, Sleep, Mood & Intimacy
Release Date: May 27, 2025

Introduction

In this insightful episode of The Oprah Podcast, host Oprah Winfrey engages in a comprehensive discussion with renowned menopause expert, Dr. Sharon Malone. The conversation delves into the increasingly prevalent issue of menopause symptoms emerging in younger women, particularly millennials, and explores solutions for managing weight, sleep disturbances, mood swings, and intimacy challenges during this transitional phase.

Rising Early Menopause Symptoms Among Millennials

Oprah opens the dialogue by presenting alarming statistics: over 47 million women enter menopause each year, yet only 6% receive the necessary support. Moreover, new studies indicate that women as young as their early 30s are experiencing perimenopausal symptoms (Oprah [00:56]).

Dr. Sharon Malone attributes this early onset to factors such as increased stress, environmental influences, and exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals. She emphasizes the need for further research to understand why aging processes may be accelerating in modern times (Dr. Malone [02:30]).

Oprah underscores the importance of Dr. Malone's expertise, highlighting endorsements from influential figures like Michelle Obama. She encourages young women by sharing that menopause does not signify the end but rather a continuation of life with new opportunities and improved well-being (Oprah [03:03]).

Listener Questions and Expert Responses

Chandler’s Question: Differentiating Menopausal Symptoms from Normal Mood Swings

Chandler, a listener in her early 30s, expresses concern about distinguishing menopausal symptoms from typical emotional fluctuations. Dr. Malone clarifies that while both experiences share similar symptoms, perimenopausal symptoms are more persistent and occur without apparent external causes (Chandler [05:23]).

She advises that younger women experiencing these symptoms should consider other medical conditions like Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) before attributing them to menopause (Dr. Malone [07:05]).

Fallon’s Question: Endometriosis and Its Impact on Menopause Symptoms

Fallon, aged 35, shares her diagnosis of endometriosis and inquires about its influence on her menopausal journey. Dr. Malone explains that while endometriosis itself may not directly alter menopause onset, treatments for severe cases—such as Lupron shots or hysterectomies—can induce early menopause (Fallon [12:00]).

She highlights the importance of hormone therapy post-surgery to manage menopausal symptoms effectively (Dr. Malone [16:27]).

Sasha’s Question: Later Childbearing, Fibroids, and Menopause

Sasha raises concerns about the relationship between delayed childbirth, fibroids, and menopause, noting that fibroids are more common in Black women. Dr. Malone references studies showing that Black women tend to experience menopause earlier, with more severe and prolonged symptoms. She advises women to consider egg freezing as a proactive measure to preserve fertility (Sasha [17:13]; Dr. Malone [17:49]).

Trisha and Layla’s Questions: Weight Gain and Preparing for Menopause

Trisha, turning 50, discusses significant weight gain and frequent restroom visits, seeking advice on managing these symptoms. Dr. Malone explains that declining estrogen levels affect metabolism, leading to increased fat deposition and muscle loss, which exacerbate weight gain and fatigue (Trisha [32:02]; Dr. Malone [33:11]).

Layla, a college student, asks young women how to ease the transition into menopause. Dr. Malone emphasizes maintaining good health through diet and exercise and fostering empathy towards aging mothers experiencing menopause-related changes (Layla [35:51]; Dr. Malone [36:14]).

Impact of Perimenopause on Relationships: Conversation with Kim and Penn Holderness

Internet sensations Kim and Penn Holderness join the conversation to discuss how perimenopause is affecting their marriage. Kim humorously describes her mood swings by introducing a fictional character, "Perry Menopause," to represent her fluctuating emotions (Kim [22:43]).

Raymond, Kim's husband, shares his journey of understanding and empathizing with his wife’s experiences, highlighting the importance of communication and adjusting expectations within the marriage (Raymond [46:06]).

Dr. Malone offers practical advice for couples, suggesting hormone therapies like estrogen and testosterone treatments, as well as lifestyle adjustments to improve intimacy and sexual health (Dr. Malone [42:55]; [43:10]).

Final Advice and Empowerment

As the episode concludes, Dr. Malone delivers a powerful message encouraging women to take charge of their health and advocate for themselves. She reiterates that while menopause is inevitable, suffering is not, urging women to educate themselves and seek appropriate treatments to manage symptoms effectively (Dr. Malone [49:35]).

Oprah reinforces this message, promoting Dr. Malone's book, Grown Woman Talk, as an essential manual for navigating menopause with confidence and grace (Oprah [50:38]).

Notable Quotes

• Oprah Winfrey: "Every woman should have Grown Woman Talk." ([00:56])

• Dr. Sharon Malone: "Menopause is inevitable. Suffering is not." ([49:35])

• Kim Holderness: "We just decided, like, if I was in a rage, he's like, well, Perry maybe is gonna leave soon, so let's just say that person is Perry." ([22:49])

• Dr. Sharon Malone: "The healthier you are coming into it, the better you're going to weather this process." ([36:14])

• Raymond: "Once we began to realize what was happening and that this had nothing to do with me or with her, I wasn't the problem. Nikki wasn't the problem. The problem was the problem." ([47:25])

Conclusion

This episode of The Oprah Podcast provides valuable insights and practical solutions for millennials navigating the early onset of menopause symptoms. Through expert advice, personal anecdotes, and interactive discussions, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of menopause's impact on physical health, mental well-being, and personal relationships. Dr. Sharon Malone's expertise, combined with Oprah's empathetic hosting, offers a supportive guide for women seeking to manage menopause with knowledge and empowerment.

For more information, listeners are encouraged to read Dr. Malone's book, Grown Woman Talk, and subscribe to The Oprah Podcast for future episodes tackling essential life topics.