Introducing our Podcast, EmpowHER
In our latest episode of the EmpowHER Podcast, we talked about the importance of finding qualified healthcare providers who specialize in menopause and perimenopause, especially when it comes to searching for hormone therapy near me. One great tool to help you find these specialists is the American Menopause Society (NAMS) directory, which can connect you with certified menopause experts in your area.
Understanding Perimenopause and Menopause.
We kicked off our featured episode by emphasizing a crucial point: many women don’t realize that menopause symptoms can begin years before they actually stop getting their periods. Perimenopause can start in a woman’s 40s and may last up to ten years, leading to various hormonal fluctuations and symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disruption, and vaginal dryness. It’s a transitional phase that deserves more attention and understanding.
In the featured discussion, I shared insights from my journey as a Family Nurse Practitioner, noting the limited resources and support the medical community offers regarding menopause. This surprising gap highlights the importance of certification in menopause care to better serve patients and advocate for essential education on these topics.
Busting Myths About Menopause Symptoms
During the conversation, several common myths about menopause and hormone therapy were addressed. One myth is that hormone level tests are necessary to diagnose perimenopause. In reality, the diagnosis is based on a woman’s symptoms—such as hot flashes, night sweats, low libidio, fatigue, and mood changes—and clinical history, rather than lab results. Since hormone levels can fluctuate during this phase, tests likely will not provide an accurate picture.
The discussion also clarified that menopause symptoms go beyond just hot flashes and night sweats. Many women also experience sleep disruption, mood changes, and vaginal dryness. I emphasized that each woman’s experience is unique, and these varied symptoms deserve acknowledgment and effective management.
Hormone Therapy: Who Needs It?
Our discussion also explored the ins and outs of hormone therapy, examining when it’s appropriate to consider it and exploring alternatives for managing symptoms like sleep disruption and vaginal dryness.
We discussed the role of hormone therapy in managing menopause symptoms. A helpful “green light, yellow light, red light” system was introduced, which helps healthcare providers determine when it’s appropriate to consider hormone therapy. While certain symptoms—like low libido—might benefit from hormone therapy, personalizing each treatment plan is essential for achieving the best outcomes.
Addressing Vaginal Dryness
A common concern for many women during menopause is vaginal dryness. We covered effective treatment options, like vaginal estrogen therapy, clarifying that it is safe and effective despite some misconceptions about hormone therapies’ risks.
Additionally, the episode addressed the controversial Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study from 2004, which raised concerns regarding systemic hormone therapy. The guest reminded listeners that the study’s sample didn’t accurately reflect the typical menopausal population, and our understanding has grown significantly since then. Current guidelines indicate that, when initiated properly, hormone therapy is generally safe and effective for managing various menopause symptoms.
Finding Support and Resources: Accessing Menopause Specialist in Texas and beyond
In our latest episode, we talked about the importance of finding a menopause specialist in Texas and beyond who specialize in menopause and perimenopause. One great tool to help you find these specialists is the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) directory, which can connect you with certified menopause experts in your area.
Did you know that only about 30% of OBGYNs have formal training in menopause management? That’s why it’s so important to seek out someone who truly understands your unique needs. When you search for hormone therapy near me, remember to also check the NAMS directory to find a Certified Menopause Providers to give you the support and resources you need to manage your symptoms effectively.
New Segment on our Podcast: Shady or Safe?
In our upcoming episodes, we will included a segment called “Shady or Safe,” where we evaluate the standard of care for menopause and whether the treatment recommendations women receive are trustworthy or potentially misleading and dangerous.
This segment is meant to shine a light on various treatment options for managing menopause symptoms and stresses the importance of evidence-based care. With so much information (and misinformation) out there, it’s crucial for women to recognize which recommendations are valid and which could be harmful. If it's trending on social media or coming from an influencer, it may be all hype. We encourage our listeners to seek out certified menopause specialists who stay current on best practices for managing issues like hot flashes, night sweats, and other menopause symptoms. Our aim is to empower women to ask the right questions about their treatment options and to ensure they feel confident in the care they receive.
Final Thoughts
This featured episode offers an overview information about menopause, perimenopause, and hormone therapy. We could honeslty take for hours about it and still have more to cover!
Going forward we hope to empower our listeners to take charge of their health and encourage them to ask questions or seek support regarding common menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and sleep disruption.
For more enlightening discussions—including the upcoming new “Shady or Safe” segment—be sure to tune in to EmpowHER. We’re dedicated to exploring crucial women’s health topics together!
Thank you for joining us in this essential conversation, and stay tuned for more episodes as we continue to uplift and educate our communities on menopause, its symptoms, and safe, effective treatment options.
References
North American Menopause Society. (2022). NAMS Position Statement on Hormone Therapy. Retrieved from NAMS Website
North American Menopause Society. (2023). NAMS Position Statement on Menopause Care: 2023 Update. Retrieved from NAMS Website
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