Dr. Mary Claire Haver, known as the “Queen of Menopause,” is a trusted source for women seeking evidence-based guidance on navigating the changes that come with menopause. Through her popular book, she aims to empower women with knowledge about their bodies during this transition and how to maintain health and vitality in midlife.
In a recent interactive Q&A session, Dr. Haver addressed a range of common questions surrounding menopause, from its impact on cholesterol levels to the safe use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and other treatments. She candidly shared insights on her own hormone replacement choices and more. You can catch the full conversation or explore some key highlights below.
Menopause is a singular event in a woman’s life, marking the one-year anniversary after her final menstrual period. Following this milestone, the body enters the post-menopausal phase, characterized by a decline in estrogen levels that affects various organ systems. The symptoms experienced before and after this point fall under pre- and post-menopause, indicating that menopausal symptoms extend beyond just hot flashes.
The musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause is a newly recognized condition that can cause body aches and joint discomfort due to the decline in estrogen and progesterone levels. Hormone therapy may offer relief for some women by reducing the risk of musculoskeletal issues like frozen shoulder and pain, although it’s not a universal solution.
When it comes to testosterone levels in women, the optimal range is typically between 40 and 70, with higher levels potentially causing imbalances. Misconceptions about testosterone dosing can lead to unnecessary risks and complications, highlighting the importance of understanding women’s endocrinology.
Contrary to common beliefs, hormone therapy can actually help lower cholesterol levels in women, with studies showing a decrease of around 12%. It’s essential to challenge outdated notions that suggest stopping hormone therapy due to high cholesterol, as menopause itself can lead to an increase in LDL cholesterol levels.
Menopause can also impact blood sugar levels, contributing to insulin resistance and a higher risk of metabolic syndrome. Understanding these changes is crucial, as menopausal transitions can potentially lead to significant metabolic differences even with similar lifestyle choices.
Dr. Haver’s expert insights shed light on the multifaceted effects of menopause on women’s health, emphasizing the importance of informed decision-making and personalized care during this transformative stage of life.
Can HRT and Tirzepatide be used together? We often recommend this combination in our clinic for eligible patients. Around 20 percent of our patients may be on a combination of HRT and GLP-1. What is your HRT regimen like? Personally, I use oral micronized progesterone at night, AndroGel for testosterone, an Estradiol patch on my lower abdomen, estriol face cream from Alloy Health, and vaginal estrogen cream for genitourinary health.
Does birth control help with menopause symptoms? The estrogen and progesterone in birth control pills, usually synthetic, can manage symptoms while you’re taking them, but you may experience symptoms on placebo days. At 54, contraception may not be necessary, and opting for body-identical forms is typically safer.
This conversation has been condensed and clarified.
