What do I actually know about menopause?

Julie Debenedictis is a local writer, traveler, and lifelong learner. She is from Massachusetts and recently started talking to Maggie about her mid-life experience. When beginning her writing process about menopause, she kepy circing back to perhaps this most basic - and very critical - question! Julies article explores her own experience and also incorporates some questions and answers with Maggie Powers, NP from Luna Hormone Health.

What do I actually know about menopause? 

My (Julie) response to this question was “very little.” By the time I asked my mother about her experience, menopause was a distant memory. In my case, menopause was induced by a medical procedure (also referred to as surgical menopause). I was startled to learn about potential symptoms beyond the so-called “hot flashes” but, at that point, there was no turning back. Surgery was the recommended treatment plan for my particular situation. It felt like the time I had ridden a rollercoaster at the top of the New York-New York Hotel in Las Vegas with my best friend beside me. Once we were strapped in and the coaster started to roll toward the first dramatic drop, there was no turning back; all we could do was hope for the best.  

One aim of Luna Hormone Health is to educate. Menopause is an inevitable evolution in a woman’s life and we want you, dear reader, to be prepared. If you’re in the same boat (or coaster) as I was and feel pretty clueless about menopause, consider Luna Hormone Health one of your resources for learning more. 

Now for some fundamental questions… 

To explain menopause and what triggers the symptoms we might experience, I’ve asked Maggie to give us the lowdown.

Can you explain what exactly is happening in women’s bodies during perimenopause and menopause? 

MP: Perimenopause is a 5-10 year phase of erratic hormone decline before a woman's ovaries stop producing estrogen. This phase of hormone decline is generally rather erratic meaning there are times where someone will have fewer symptoms and times where they will have sometimes overwhelming symptoms. Menopause is when a woman has had no menstrual cycle for 1 year. Once a woman has reached menopause she will be in menopause for the rest of her life. 

What symptoms can hormone decline lead to? 

MP: The natural process of estrogen and progesterone decline also brings with it an increase in risks for cardiovascular events (stroke and heart attack), cognitive risks (Alzheimer's disease and dementia), and bone loss (osteoporosis and osteopenia). Treating hormone decline allows women to manage their symptoms, protect their long term health, and optimize their quality of life as they age.  

How would you recommend women prepare for menopause? 

MP: Perimenopause and menopause are times of dramatic hormonal and neurologic changes that can impact mental health, physical health, relationships, and more! That does not mean there are no resources or support to help you grow and thrive during mid-life. The things I would recommend that are the most helpful during this time are the following:

1. Educate yourself as early as possible! Read books, listen to podcasts, and find a healthcare provider that is able to support you in mid-life! 

2. Build community - learn with friends, make new connections that are supportive and understanding of mid-life health and changes. 

3. Consider HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) as part of your treatment. The overwhelming majority of women are candidates for HRT which is the most effective and comprehensive treatment for mid-life symptoms. 

4. Learn about non-hormonal interventions to support your mid-life health:

5. Mental health support to guide you through the major emotional and neurologic changes happening during the menopause transition

6. Exercise that supports bone health and muscle mass

7. Develop nutrition habits that supports your muscles and changing metabolism

8. Protect sleep habits that foster better quality rest 

Our aim at Luna Hormone Health is to help you prepare for and navigate your menopause journey. Join us for our first gathering of the season where we will address some of your burning questions and build community in the process!

Hot and Unbothered - a Mid-life Women's Gathering

APRIL 30, 2025

TIME 6-8pm - open house format. Stop in anytime!

LOCATION Kraftea Kombucha, 3 Brussels Street (Behind Acoustic Java Cafe)