Understanding Menopause as a Hormone Deficiency

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Dr. Louise Newson, a menopause specialist, shares her journey and passion for increasing awareness and knowledge of perimenopause and menopause. She discusses the importance of understanding menopause as a disease and hormone deficiency, challenging the stigma and misconceptions surrounding these terms. The conversation also highlights the alarming increase in alcohol and drug use among menopausal women as a coping mechanism for symptoms. Dr. Newson emphasizes the need for comprehensive care and access to safe hormone treatments to improve the quality of life for women experiencing menopause. The conversation between Louise Newson and Kelly Casperson, MD covers various topics related to menopause and hormone therapy. They discuss the importance of helping women feel better and the role of doctors in achieving this. They also delve into the impact of hormones on aging, frailty, and chronic diseases. The conversation highlights the significance of hormones in maintaining bone health, muscle strength, and overall independence in older age. They challenge the misconceptions and limitations surrounding hormone therapy, particularly in relation to heart disease. The conversation concludes with a discussion about Louise Newson's upcoming theater tour and the Balance App, which aims to provide women with information and support for their hormonal health.




Takeaways

• Menopause should be recognized as a disease and hormone deficiency, challenging the stigma and misconceptions surrounding these terms.
• There is an alarming increase in alcohol and drug use among menopausal women as a coping mechanism for symptoms.
• Comprehensive care and access to safe hormone treatments are essential to improve the quality of life for women experiencing menopause. The role of doctors is to help women feel the most like themselves that they can.
• Hormone therapy can play a crucial role in preventing frailty and maintaining independence in older age.
• Hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone, have anti-inflammatory effects and can improve heart health.
• The use of synthetic hormones, like conjugated equine estrogens, may have different effects compared to natural hormones.
• The Balance App provides women with information, support, and the ability to monitor their symptoms and make informed choices about their hormonal health.