We often think of menopause as a hormone story, and it certainly is. But there’s another side of the equation that gets far less attention: your mitochondria, and more specifically, how they change as you enter perimenopause and get older. Mitochondria, which are tiny “energy factories” inside your cells, are intricately connected to hormone production, brain function, metabolic health, and …
Heavy periods in perimenopause are one of the most common (and frustrating) symptoms women face in their 40s and 50s. If you’ve noticed heavier bleeding, large clots, or sudden flooding during your period, you’re not alone. Perimenopause is a time of major hormonal shifts, and for many women, one of the most noticeable (and disruptive) changes is to their periods1, …
Hormonal changes during midlife, including perimenopause and menopause, usually cause more than just hot flashes and irregular cycles. For many women, this time can trigger what feels like a perimenopause anxiety disorder—sudden waves of worry, restless nights, and emotional unease. At least 40% to 50% of perimenopausal women1 report dealing with mental health challenges, such as mood swings and insomnia, …
If you’re a woman navigating both menopause and an autoimmune disease at the same time, you might have noticed your symptoms shifting in ways your doctor didn’t fully prepare you for. For example, unpredictable flare-ups, stubborn signs of inflammation, and hormonal chaos can all occur during this transitional phase and can feel like a storm no one warned you about. …
If you’re in your late 30s or 40s and feeling like your body and mood are shifting, you’re not imagining things. Perimenopause can be a confusing time—one that causes a lot of shifts in how you feel, even when your labs seem “normal.” And the question of when to take progesterone for perimenopause is a common one many women are …
There’s a common belief that menopause “cures” endometriosis. No more periods = no more pain, right? Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. While some women do experience symptom relief after menopause, others continue to struggle with endometriosis after menopause-related pain. In some cases, endo symptoms can even get worse during the menopausal transition. In this article, we’ll unpack what really …
If you’re in your 40s and suddenly waking up at 3 a.m.—wide-eyed, sweating, and wondering if something is seriously wrong with you—please know you’re not alone. Sleep disturbances are one of the most common and frustrating symptoms of perimenopause, affecting between 40-60% of menopausal women1, and they often show up even before your periods start changing. Despite how common perimenopause …
As women approach menopause, many changes occur in the body due to declining estrogen1 levels. One condition that often goes unrecognized or under-discussed is genitourinary syndrome of menopause (or GSM). This condition, which affects the vaginal and urinary tract tissues, can lead to discomfort and impact quality of life. If you’ve been experiencing changes in vaginal health, bladder function, or …
Leading up to and during menopause, women experience significant hormonal changes that can impact their cardiovascular health, including in unexpected ways. Hormones like estrogen are important for maintaining a healthy heart—but their decline during perimenopause and menopause can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. It’s common for women to experience symptoms like heart palpitations and changes in blood pressure during …