Postpartum and Beyond: The Hormonal Link to Longevity and Future Wellness
Featuring Laura Rowan
With Lauren Zatezalo, OT student, and Melissa O'Neal, OTR/L
In this episode we talk with guest speaker Laura about how hormonal changes during pregnancy and postpartum are closely connected to perimenopause, highlighting that these phases are part of a continuous hormonal journey rather than isolated events. We discuss how hormone drops after birth can mirror perimenopause symptoms, and early experiences, such as high blood pressure, may predict future health patterns. By understanding these connections, individuals can take a proactive approach through lifestyle choices, body awareness, and early care to support long term wellness.
About Laura Rowan
Laura is an occupational therapist and a pelvic rehab specialist. She is the founder of Essential Pelvic Health, a rehabilitation practice located in Upstate New York specializing in an integrative, whole person approach to pelvic health.
What You Will Learn in This Episode
- Pregnancy, postpartum, and perimenopause are not isolated events. They are part of a continuous hormonal journey. After delivery, hormones shift back in a way that can look very similar to the perimenopause phase because both involve a decrease in hormone levels.
- Your pregnancy and postpartum experience can help predict what you might face in perimenopause. For example, if you have high blood pressure during pregnancy or postpartum, it is a good indicator you might deal with it again during perimenopause.
- Even if symptoms go away after baby comes out does not mean they are gone for good. Being proactive now and addressing concerns early can lead to a smoother transition into perimenopause later.
- Prehab, or pre rehabilitation, means you do not have to wait until you have a problem to care for your body. The more you can learn about your body when you feel good, the better you can handle when your body feels bad or painful.
- A hormonal tracking journal helps you gather data on what your body is doing, including bladder, bowels, breathing, and skin, so you can understand early signs of stress and advocate for yourself with your healthcare provider.
Show Notes and Resources
Essential Pelvic Health, Laura Rowan (essentialpelvichealth.com). Laura on Instagram (@essentialpelvichealth). Laura on YouTube (@EssentialPelvicHealth). Laura's podcast on Spotify (open.spotify.com/show/27VFGUfoj3XbVtXMZ8LbME). Free Resource Library and Hormone Wisdom Journal available at Essential Pelvic Health website. Meno-Cycle Breakers membership for breaking the cycle of being disconnected from your body.
From This Episode
Hormonal wisdom means understanding all the areas of your body and life that hormones affect and how you can set yourself up to nurture your body and feel good as you go throughout your life.
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