Ep #123: NIH Research for Menopause with Dr. Annina Burns

In this episode, Andrea Donsky, nutritionist, Menopause Researcher, Educator, and co-founder of Morphus, talks with Dr. Annina Burns from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) regarding menopause research. Andrea describes her experience at the Menopause Society's Annual Conference in September, where she presented posters on the Morphus research surveys that will be featured in the journal Menopause in December. She found Dr. Burns' panel discussion at the event impressive. She wanted to explore how research at the NIH is conducted and how they focus on women's health, perimenopause, and menopause.Key Topics Discussed:NIH's Role and Research:The NIH is the largest biomedical research funder globally, with a $50 billion annual budget.It supports extramural (external) and intramural (internal) research.In FY23, NIH spent $56 million on menopause-related research across 14 institutes.Types of Research ConductedVarious types of research include clinical trials, surveys, and intervention studies focusing on different health conditions.Specific areas of focus include brain health during menopause and the impact of menopausal symptoms on chronic disease risks like diabetes and heart disease.Lifestyle and Nutrition InsightsDr. Burns emphasizes the importance of lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise in managing menopausal symptoms.The Mediterranean diet is highlighted for its benefits on brain health, heart health, and diabetes prevention.Resistance training is crucial for maintaining muscle mass and bone health during menopause.Research Gaps and Future DirectionsThere is a need for longitudinal studies to understand the long-term health trajectory of women entering menopause.More research is needed on conditions like PCOS and their impact during menopause.Conclusion:The episode underscores the importance of comprehensive menopause research to improve women's health outcomes.Visit https://www.womenshealth.gov/menopause to learn more.Surveys https://wearemorphus.com/pages/research-surveysMorphus Omega 3-T https://bit.ly/3rpSFjCMorphus Magnesium https://bit.ly/43Agse2 Send us Fan Mail ======Morphus: Menopause Reimagined💊 Shop Morphus Supplements: https://wearemorphus.com/collections/all📖 Order "Nourishing Menopause: Powerful Nutrition & Lifestyle Strategies to Feel Your Best." (Simon & Schuster, May 5, 2026)Amazon Canada: https://amzn.to/4xaREJK Amazon US: https://amzn.to/4rFj7jk 📰 As seen in USA Today: https://bit.ly/43nrMwO  ✅ Fill out our surveys: https://bit.ly/4jcVuLh🦋 SUBSCRIBE to our list: https://bit.ly/3VdDA0VFOLLOW US: TikTok @andreadonsky & @wearemorphusInstagram: @wearemorphus | @andreadonskyFacebook: /wearemorphusDISCLAIMER: This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider. This podcast contains affiliate links; Morphus may earn a commission. Thank you for your support.