By Ashley Slaughter, Founder of Sweat for Smiles, with insights from Amy Stein, DPT Founder of Beyond Basics Physical Therapy
At the recent Move With Heart event hosted by Ashley Slaughter with Sweat for Smiles at DanceBody Nomad, pelvic floor expert Amy Stein, DPT shared essential insights every woman should understand about hormonal health, pelvic function, and aging. Her message was clear: while many symptoms women experience during perimenopause and beyond are common, they are also highly treatable.
Perimenopause Can Start Earlier Than You Think
Perimenopause often begins 10 to 15 years before menopause, meaning hormonal shifts can start as early as a woman’s mid-30s to early 40s. These changes can affect energy, mood, muscle strength, sexual function, sleep, and pelvic health. Recognizing them early allows women to seek proper evaluation and proactive care.
Don’t Overlook Testosterone
While estrogen often gets the spotlight, testosterone is actually the most abundant hormone in women—and it naturally declines with age. Low testosterone can contribute to fatigue, reduced strength, and decreased libido. Dr. Stein recommends including testosterone testing as part of a comprehensive hormone panel to get a complete picture of overall hormonal health.
Sexual Dysfunction Is Treatable—Often Curable
Pain, decreased sensation, and changes in sexual function are common but highly treatable. Pelvic floor physical therapy, along with topical hormone therapy prescribed by a gynecologist, can often significantly improve or even resolve these symptoms. These interventions restore muscle function, circulation, and tissue health, helping women regain comfort and confidence.
Pelvic Pain Should Never Be Ignored
Abdominal or pelvic pain is often dismissed, but it should always be evaluated by a pelvic floor physical therapist. Pain may stem from muscle dysfunction, scar tissue, hormonal changes, alignment issues, or nerve irritation or perhaps previous abdomino-pelvic surgeries and / or childbirth—many of which are highly treatable with specialized care.
Knowledge Empowers Women to Take Control of Their Health
The pelvic floor plays a central role in core strength, bladder and bowel control, sexual function, and overall comfort. With proper hormone testing and expert pelvic floor care, women can maintain strength, vitality, and confidence at every stage of life.
Dr. Stein’s insights were part of Move With Heart, a wellness experience designed to educate and empower women with expert-backed tools for long-term health and well-being.
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About Amy Stein, DPT
Amy Stein, DPT, is the founder of Beyond Basics Physical Therapy, a leading pelvic floor physical therapy practice. She is also the founder of Wellness X Nature CBD and a recognized author and educator specializing in pelvic health, sexual function, and chronic pelvic pain. For more than two decades, Dr. Stein has helped women restore function, eliminate pain, and improve quality of life through specialized, evidence-based care.
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About Sweat for Smiles and Move With Heart
Sweat for Smiles, founded by Ashley Slaughter, creates wellness-driven experiences that bring women together through movement, education, and community. The Move With Heart event, hosted at DanceBody Nomad, combined a signature workout with an expert panel featuring leaders in women’s health, providing attendees with actionable insights to support their long-term physical and hormonal well-being.
For more expert insights, upcoming events, and wellness education, follow Sweat for Smiles on Instagram and sign up for the FIT It In newsletter to stay connected and empowered.