#16: Navigating menopause – answers, options, relief

What you’ll learn:Night sweats, hot flashes, brain fog, cognition issues, sleep disturbances, joint aches and pains. Sound familiar? They’re all symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. Most women experience one or more, but there is relief. In this episode, Dr. Erin Perucci, OB/GYN, provides insights into symptoms and treatment options and reveals some surprising truths. Tune in for practical tips to help you navigate your changing hormones and get back to feeling like yourself again. Featured guest:Erin Perucci, MD, MSCPObstetrics and GynecologyInova Women’s Services Key takeaways and chapter markers:Symptoms, night sweats to cognition issues  [1:47]How the Menopause Society governs science-based recommendations for care  [2:55]Assessing if you’re in perimenopause or menopause [5:37]Why some symptoms, like heart palpitations, get overlooked [8:00]Range of treatments, from lifestyle changes to newer medicine options [8:53]What you need to know about supplements [10:36]Nutrition and menopause [11:10]Debunking old hormone therapy myths [11:44]Different forms of hormone therapy, risks and benefits [15:16]HRT patients can see a 60-80% reduction in symptoms in first six weeks [16:41]When to seek care [17:17]FAQs:What is menopause?Menopause is the stage of life when a woman’s menstrual period has stopped permanently. Typically, after a menstrual period has not occurred for 12 consecutive months. This marks the end of her reproductive years. Perimenopause refers to the transitional phase leading up to menopause, during which hormonal changes occur and symptoms can start. How long does perimenopause last?Perimenopause can last for several years, typically four to eight, before menopause occurs. Is hormone replacement therapy (HRT) safe?HRT can be safe for many people. More recent research and newer types of HRT have led experts and the FDA to update their warnings. Like with any medication, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.  There are risks and benefits based on your age and other health factors, and it’s important to discuss your options with your doctor.