My journey through perimenopause into menopause left me feeling confused and frustrated, especially since I couldn’t find a doctor who could help me understand my symptoms. I now know unfortunately many medical professionals aren’t trained about menopause and its symptoms – just that it’s part of getting older for women. In fact, the North American Menopause Society reports that 90% of medical doctors have not received training on how to support women in menopause. This lack of knowledge often leaves women struggling to get the care we need from our doctors and OB/GYNs.
As a new generation of menopausal women, we have access to resources and opportunities that our mothers and grandmothers could only dream of. And, as a result, menopause is finally getting the attention it deserves from mainstream media and medical institutions.
But even with increased awareness, it can still be difficult to navigate this journey, especially since many doctors have not kept up with the latest research and treatments. As we seek the best care, it’s important to be aware of what we are up against. Here are some key things to keep in mind as you pursue the treatment you deserve.
Understanding the Impact of Menopause on Body Weight – We don’t just need to “eat less and move more.”
Many healthcare professionals don’t fully understand the underlying causes of weight changes during menopause and are in disbelief when we say it seems to happen overnight. Yet research shows that when it comes to body composition, women can lose 10% of their muscle mass during perimenopause alone. As lean mass declines, fat mass can double a trend that continues until two years after they officially hit menopause
In addition to these changes, other factors such as blood sugar imbalances, cortisol, insulin resistance, and sleep disturbances affect weight during menopause. Drastically cutting calories is not the solution, as this can lead to muscle and bone loss – which can be detrimental in later years. All the while our bodies will hold onto fat to protect us!
Instead, we need to focus on building muscle adequate nutrition, protein, and fiber. If your doctor isn’t talking to you about these things or suggests that it is as simple as “eating less and moving more” please consider getting a second opinion.
Our symptoms are more than hot flashes and night sweats.
While vasomotor symptoms (VMS) like hot flashes and night sweats tend to get the most attention when it comes to menopause, they’re not the only troublesome symptoms for us. In fact, many women experience other hormone-driven symptoms including achy joints and muscles, anxiety and/or depression, loss of motivation, sleep disruptions, and more, which can be overlooked or misdiagnosed. Unfortunately, primary care settings, including OB/GYNs, often lack proper training in menopause care, leading to missed opportunities for treatment.
This is particularly concerning since the average time spent with a healthcare provider is only 17 minutes. Having a list of your symptoms and concerns, as well as thoughts on treatments to explore, will help you maximize this time. Consider bringing along a symptom checklist like this one from letstalkmenopause.org This way you can better ensure your symptoms are accurately diagnosed and you receive the care you need.
Misconceptions Surrounding Hormonal Changes and Menopause Stages
It’s a common misunderstanding that symptoms of menopause correspond with hormone levels or menopause stages. In fact, experts have only recently acknowledged that the menopause transition can last up to 14 years. Furthermore, research has shown that women in the “late reproductive stage” of their lives may experience symptoms similar to perimenopause, despite their regular menstrual cycles. These changes can occur before the expected age of 50 years, leading to confusion among women and their healthcare providers.
While doctors can test hormone levels to determine a woman’s menopause stage, including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)and estradiol, these levels may not reflect a woman’s actual experience. Hormone levels in the blood or saliva can be inconsistent during perimenopause, and do not accurately reflect hormone levels in the tissues or symptomatology. As such, it is important to understand that perimenopause is diagnosed clinically based on symptoms, rather than laboratory tests.
Despite the fact that perimenopause is often the period in which women experience the most discomfort some doctors don’t understand the importance of diet and lifestyle changes and are also reluctant to treat perimenopausal women with hormones if that is what she wants. For the best care, find a doctor who listens to your symptoms and is willing to treat them.
Mindset Matters
The way you think about menopause can greatly affect your experience and symptoms. Research suggests women who have a positive outlook and attitude towards menopause may encounter fewer symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats compared to those with negative attitudes. However, it’s important to note that a challenging experience may alter your mindset. This is why having access to menopause education and support matters!
Finding a healthcare provider and support team play a big role in shaping your menopause mindset. If your provider disregards your symptoms and simply attributes them to aging, it may be challenging to maintain a positive attitude. It’s important to surround yourself with a supportive and empowering team who understand that menopause is a significant event in life, and there are ways to be healthy, active, and vibrant during this time.
Don’t try to manage your midlife health alone; reach out for support. If you think health coaching isn’t right for you, don’t worry – I have a variety of other resources and ideas that might be better suited to help. Let’s chat! Reserve a spot on my calendar and let’s figure out a plan together.
