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Menopause is often associated with well-known vasomotor symptoms (VMS) like hot flashes and night sweats, but it encompasses a much wider range of issues.
Vasomotor symptoms (VMS), commonly known as hot flashes and night sweats, are the most frequent symptoms experienced during the menopause transition.
When we think of menopause symptoms, hot flashes and night sweats often dominate the conversation. Yet, the impact on brain health during this transition is equally crucial.
“For many years, women were just told it’s part of aging. Deal with it. And it was sort of a shroud of secrecy, what happens in perimenopause and menopause.” Menopause specialist, Patricia Handler from Northwestern Medicine, reviews common symptoms and explains why women don’t have to suffer in silence.
A good night’s sleep can have a big impact on your overall health, but can feel elusive during the menopause transition. Dr. Nishath Ali from the Menopause Center at the Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women shares tips for improving sleep during perimenopause and menopause.
Shifting hormones during the menopause transition can reshape your sex life. But, a fulfilling sexual journey is still yours to discover if you can understand the changes, embrace new possibilities, and navigate this chapter with practical tips and open communication with your partner and provider.
Why would an antidepressant be prescribed for hot flashes? Dr. Nishath Ali, a menopause specialist from the Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women, explains how SSRIs are used in menopause care and emphasizes the importance of collaborative care among doctors.
“We sit down, and my job is to educate them, let them know that what they’re feeling is normal, that they are not broken.” Patricia Handler from Northwestern Medicine explains shared-decision making and important considerations when treating symptoms.
“There are certain estrogens that are naturally occurring that are produced in our bodies by our ovaries. And those are estrone, estradiol, estriol, estetrol.” Menopause expert, Dr. Nishath Ali, defines bioidentical hormones.
There is no shortage of online claims suggesting supplements can treat the symptoms of the menopause transition. But is there evidence to support their use? Dr. Karen Horst from the Menopause Center at the Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women shares expert advice.
As a dietitian and perimenopausal woman, I find myself scrutinizing my food choices more closely than ever before. Diet significantly influences the experience of menopause and overall well-being. Let’s explore particular foods and nutrients to support us through the menopausal transition.
Over 80% of women experience menopause symptoms, with vasomotor issues like hot flashes, night sweats, and palpitations being the most common. However, menopause can impact various organ systems in unexpected ways.