Is hormone therapy the cheat code to perimenopause? Perimenopause can be overwhelming. Mood swings, insomnia and hot flashes can make you feel like a completely different person. Hormone therapy is one way a lot of women are treating the symptoms. Life Kit’s Marielle Segarra talks with Dr. Mara Gordon of NPR’s Real Talk with a Doc column about the risks and benefits.

If sex is painful, you have options. There are lots of reasons women may experience pain during or after sex. Whether you've just given birth, are experiencing hormonal changes, or are under a lot of stress, you have options to address the pain. In this episode of Life Kit, reporter Andee Tagle talks to pelvic floor physical therapist Janelle Frederick about how to communicate with sex partners about it, when to see a doctor or physical therapist and what exercises you can try at home to relieve the pain.

Your perfectionism isn't a problem — if you know how to use it. Are you a 'Parisian perfectionist'? How about a 'messy perfectionist'? Psychotherapist Katherine Morgan Schafler believes there are 5 kinds of perfectionists in the world. Find out which one you are with our quiz.

5 exercises that can prevent (and relieve!) pregnancy pain. Hemorrhoids, leg cramps, sciatica — oh my! Alongside the joy of pregnancy often comes a parade of physical discomfort. Alleviate and prevent common aches with these exercises. 

The wall stretch exercise can be effective for pain relief and increasing blood flow to your feet, says podiatrist Ebonie Vincent. It's especially helpful if you suffer from plantar fasciitis.

How to do it: Stand up facing a wall. Then, wedge the toes of one foot against the wall, with the foot at about a 45-degree angle, keeping the heel on the ground. Place your hands on the wall for support if needed. Slowly begin to bend the knee of that elevated foot and bring your body forward until you feel a stretch in the back of your calf and the bottom of your foot.

Vincent suggests holding the stretch for 30 seconds, then repeating three times on each side, up to three times a day.