Thrive Through Perimenopause: Dr. Shahzadi Harper’s Expert Guide to Midlife Wellbeing

As women reach midlife, the challenges of perimenopause can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Dr. Shahzadi Harper, a leading GP and women’s health expert with over 25 years of experience, is on a mission to help women survive—and thrive—through this transformative phase of life. Founder of The Harper Clinic on Harley Street, Dr. Harper specializes in perimenopause care, offering a personalized blend of medical and holistic treatments. With her expertise in HRT, testosterone, GLP-1s, and weight management, she empowers women to take charge of their health, rejuvenate their confidence, and embrace midlife with vitality. It’s time to feel confident, sexy, and unstoppable—because perimenopause is not the end of the story; it’s just the beginning.

What inspired you to specialize in women’s midlife wellbeing and perimenopause care?

My journey into women’s midlife well-being was fueled by gender equality and a deep-seated passion for empowering women during pivotal transitions to be the healthiest and strongest versions of themselves. I witnessed firsthand how perimenopause can impact a woman—my mother has dementia, and I felt this was accelerated during this period of her life. My own perimenopause symptoms almost led me to give up my work as a GP. Working in my clinic, I have seen the transformative impact of personalized care in perimenopause management. Women are often thrown off course by their hormones, and I have witnessed the incredible change once they feel validated, heard, and have a plan of action. The potential to enhance quality of life, optimize health and longevity with HRT, testosterone treatment, supplements, and tailored lifestyle measures—alongside innovations like GLP-1 injections—inspired me to specialize in this field, ensuring that every woman feels supported, informed, and understood. My mission is for women to have informed choices and not have to wait for care.

For those unfamiliar, how would you define perimenopause, and how does it differ from menopause?

Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause, characterized by hormonal fluctuations that can lead to various symptoms, including irregular periods, hot flashes, and mood changes. Unlike menopause, which is defined as having occurred after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, perimenopause can last several years and varies greatly among women. Understanding this distinction is crucial for effective management and support, as perimenopause is often the harder stage for women to come to terms with and adjust to due to the number of symptoms and the accelerated aging process. Aging is not an easy process for women.

Your approach combines HRT, testosterone, GLP-1s, supplements, and lifestyle changes. How do you determine the right balance for each patient?

At The Harper Clinic, our approach is deeply personalized. We take a 360-degree view of a patient’s health history, symptoms, lifestyle factors, family history, weight history, and hormonal history to tailor our treatment plans. It’s about finding the right balance that resonates with each individual’s unique needs and fits into their home life, personal life, and work life. We want women to feel that this is doable, that they can achieve their health goals, and that they are fully supported throughout their journey.

You’re known for tackling sensitive issues like libido, vaginal dryness, and aging. Why is it important to address these openly?

Addressing sensitive issues openly is vital because these topics significantly impact a woman’s quality of life and overall well-being. By fostering an environment of open dialogue, we can destigmatize these experiences, empower women with knowledge, and guide them toward effective solutions. It’s about creating a safe space where no topic is off-limits and ensuring women feel valued and heard.

You’ve educated GPs on topics like menopause myths and HRT risks. What do you think are the biggest barriers to proper menopause care in the medical community?

One of the significant barriers to proper menopause care in the medical community is the prevalence of outdated myths and misconceptions surrounding HRT and menopause management. Many healthcare providers have not received adequate training on these topics, leading to a lack of confidence in discussing them. Menopause and perimenopause need to be seen as specialties in themselves. While menopause is a natural stage, it comes with many challenges, and many doctors downplay its impact. Midlife hormones, health, and metabolic health need to be managed differently than in one’s 20s and 30s. Additionally, forward-thinking GPs should consider the power of GLP-1s for more than just obesity management—they have potential benefits in metabolic health and midlife wellness.

What are the first steps you recommend to women who suspect they are entering perimenopause?

I encourage women who suspect they are entering perimenopause to educate themselves about the symptoms and changes they may experience. Reading my book, The Perimenopause Solution, provides valuable insights into why this stage of life occurs and what can be done. Keeping a journal to track symptoms can also be immensely helpful. Most importantly, I recommend being proactive and scheduling a consultation with a healthcare provider. Even if it’s not perimenopause, this is a pivotal point in a woman’s life where taking charge of her health is paramount as she enters the next stage of life.

What’s next for you and The Harper Clinic? Are there any new projects or initiatives you’re excited about?

We are continually evolving at The Harper Clinic, and I’d like to think we are progressive and ahead of the curve. I’m thrilled about our upcoming initiatives that integrate holistic and medical approaches to hormonal health. I call it the quadrangle of care, which includes hormones—oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone—alongside micro-dosing with GLP-1s, nutrition, and movement. I also promote the Power of 10, which includes small, manageable lifestyle changes such as:

10 minutes of power walking a day

10 minutes of micro tidying and organization a day

10 minutes of breathwork per day

10 minutes of weight training twice a week I’m also exploring group workshops for patients and healthcare providers to enhance their understanding of menopause management.

If you could give your younger self one piece of advice about women’s health, what would it be?

Just get on and do it. As women, we often hold ourselves back because we feel we have to be perfect before attempting anything. I delayed opening my clinic due to a lack of confidence and thinking everything had to be right before starting—but we’re always learning. Advocate for yourself. Prioritize your self-care and health. Most importantly, midlife can be an incredible new beginning, which we’re often not told when we are younger.

If you’d like to connect with Dr. Shahzadi Harper and her clinic to book a consultation or have her speak in your workplace, please email [email protected] and find her on Instagram @drshahzadiharper.