Over 80% of women experience menopause symptoms, with vasomotor issues like hot flashes, night sweats, and palpitations being the most common. However, menopause can impact various organ systems in unexpected ways. 

Menopause is often associated with well-known vasomotor symptoms (VMS) like hot flashes and night sweats, but it encompasses a much wider range of issues.

Vasomotor symptoms (VMS), commonly known as hot flashes and night sweats, are the most frequent symptoms experienced during the menopause transition.

When we think of menopause symptoms, hot flashes and night sweats often dominate the conversation. Yet, the impact on brain health during this transition is equally crucial.

“For many years, women were just told it’s part of aging. Deal with it. And it was sort of a shroud of secrecy, what happens in perimenopause and menopause.” Menopause specialist, Patricia Handler from Northwestern Medicine, reviews common symptoms and explains why women don’t have to suffer in silence.

A good night’s sleep can have a big impact on your overall health, but can feel elusive during the menopause transition. Dr. Nishath Ali from the Menopause Center at the Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women shares tips for improving sleep during perimenopause and menopause.

A door has been opened in recent years surrounding the availability of information and discussion of menopause in the media and beyond. “I think that gives us a language and a permission to start having conversations with our friends, our family, our employers, our moms, about what's happening.” Dr. Karen Horst shares her perspective on the value of having open dialogue about menopause, including in the work place.

"Women must advocate for themselves…if you want to find help, it’s out there for you.” Essential advice for seeking menopause and #perimenopause care from Patricia Handler from Northwestern Medicine.

As women approach menopause, the ovaries gradually produce less of the hormones estrogen and progesterone, impacting various aspects of their lives. Unfortunately, heart health often takes a backseat in discussions about these changes.

What effect does the menopause transition have on the brain? Dr. Karen Horst, a reproductive psychiatrist from the Menopause Center at the Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women, notes groundbreaking studies exploring the brain's function during perimenopause and menopause.

Shifting hormones during the menopause transition can reshape your sex life. But, a fulfilling sexual journey is still yours to discover if you can understand the changes, embrace new possibilities, and navigate this chapter with practical tips and open communication with your partner and provider.

Menopause marks the day when an entire year has passed since your last menstrual cycle. However, the journey toward menopause is an extensive process spanning several years. In fact, it's a transition that typically lasts around a decade.⁠

What can YOU do to help improve symptoms like anxiety and depression during this phase of life? Menopause specialist and reproductive psychiatrist, Dr. Karen Horst, shares simple tips for balancing common mental health symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause, and improving brain health.

Why would an antidepressant be prescribed for hot flashes? Dr. Nishath Ali, a menopause specialist from the Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women, explains how SSRIs are used in menopause care and emphasizes the importance of collaborative care among doctors.

Don’t Put Me On Pause (DPOP) was founded, in part, due to our own personal search for perimenopause and menopause information, where we discovered a gap in credible information online. Based on what I’ve learned through my work at DPOP and beyond, I’d like to share my personal story.

Common symptoms during perimenopause and menopause include hot flashes and night sweats, but skin and hair changes can also occur during this time. According to research, about half of all women experience some degree of menopause-related hair loss or thinning, and up to 64% of women who visit menopause clinics report skin problems.

We virtually “sat down” with dietician Nigel Denby from Harley Street at Home Menopause to hear his inspiring take on the positive impact of a healthy lifestyle during the menopause transition.

“We sit down, and my job is to educate them, let them know that what they’re feeling is normal, that they are not broken.” Patricia Handler from Northwestern Medicine explains shared-decision making and important considerations when treating symptoms.

Could your mood swings be a symptom of the menopause transition? Dr. Karen Horst from the Menopause Center at the Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women explains potential causes of mood-related issues and when it may be time to seek a professional.

“Brain fog, forgetfulness, not being able to speak as spontaneously. There are very commonly reported symptoms in perimenopause.” Menopause expert, Dr. Nishath Ali from the Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women, talks about why theses cognitive issues may occur and shares advice that may help.