A Smarter Approach to Pelvic and Hormonal Health with Jenna Perkins

In this episode, Jenna Perkins, RN, WHNP-BC, a board-certified women’s health and gender-related nurse practitioner and founder of DiscovHER Health joins us for a discussion about the importance understanding of pelvic health, which includes both urinary, bladder and gynecological issues, especially during perimenopause and menopause, the growing role and responsibilities of that nurse practitioners (NP) and physician assistants (PA) have in patient care, and changes in estrogen during perimenopause and hormonal therapy options. Raised by her grandmother, a community healer, Jenna knew from a young age she would work in health care. Nursing became her path because of its focus on education and empowerment. After working in academic and corporate medicine, Jenna became disillusioned by the system’s inability to provide holistic care and opened her practice to help women overcome their most intimate health needs through education and care. Jenna urges women to give themselves grace—healing often begins with awareness and gentleness, not doing more. Jenna and Claire Discuss: Pelvic Floor 101: Jenna calls it the “seat of life.” The pelvic floor is essential for urination, defecation, intimacy, breathing, and even emotional regulation. Dysfunction in this area can impact—and be impacted by—multiple body systems. How to Have a Healthy Pelvic Health: Deep and intentional breathing is foundational, and well-hydration supports bladder health. When to Seek Help: Don’t wait until symptoms are severe. If you’re experiencing vaginal dryness or itchiness, urinary changes (i.e., frequency or incontinence), discomfort during intimacy, or emotional distress, it's time to consult a professional. Symptom Management with Hormonal and non-hormonal Therapy: Local estrogen (cream or vaginal insert) that works only where it is place and systemic estrogen (topical patch or oral pill) that work system-wide; and non-hormonal medications that help with just hot flashes, skin treatments, hair loss and other issues but they do not address the root-cause of decreasing estrogen levels. Knowledge is power. Claire and Jenna emphasize how essential it is for women to understand their options and advocate for care that supports their whole-body health. This is a must-listen conversation for anyone seeking holistic, compassionate, and science-based care during midlife and beyond. Connect with Jenna: Website: https://discovherhealth.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DiscovHERhealth Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/discovherhealth/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DiscovHERhealth/podcasts DiscoverHER Health FREE Resources: https://discovherhealth.com/discovher-health-resources/