5 essentials for your menopause toolkit with Dr. Mary Claire Haver & Dr. Sarah Berry

Learn how your body responds to food. Take our FREE quiz 👉 zoe.com/podcast
The menopause transition can bring unexpected challenges - the effects can significantly impact daily life and long-term health.
Dr. Mary Claire Haver is a board-certified gynaecologist and a menopause specialist. She's helped thousands of women in perimenopause and menopause to realise their health goals. In today’s episode, she joins Jonathan and ZOE's Chief Scientist Dr. Sarah Berry to shed light on what to expect during these life stages.
Sarah and Mary Claire describe practical strategies for managing symptoms, critical conversations to have with healthcare providers, and how to advocate for yourself effectively in medical settings.
Follow ZOE on Instagram: / zoe
Timecodes:
00:00 Introduction
01:22 Quickfire questions
05:53 There is a lack of menopause training in medical school
07:02 Most women are going into menopause blind
07:43 Why menopause symptoms vary
09:30 The hormonal ‘zone of chaos’
12:11 ZOE PREDICT data on menopause symptoms
13:36 How long do perimenopause symptoms last?
17:52 Perimenopause comes earlier than you think
18:34 Why hormone tests are worthless
20:53 The risk of chronic disease in menopause
24:53 Why does menopause increase hunger?
27:20 Your doctor may not be as supportive as you want them to be
28:39 Medicine and research is male-dominated
32:34 How to talk to your doctor about menopause
34:12 Pregnancy research - 10x more extensive than menopause research!
35:14 Mary Claire’s tool kit of strategies for menopause
36:34 What are the long-term health benefits of hormone replacement therapy?
38:36 Is HRT is safe for most women?
42:47 Brand new ZOE study results: diet and menopause
49:16 Top 3 tips to help with symptoms
54:34 What is ‘frozen shoulder’ and how can you treat it?
Mary Claire's new book: The New Menopause
www.amazon.co.uk/New-Menopaus...
Mentioned in today's episode:
The controversial history of hormone replacement therapy, from Medicina
Link: www.mdpi.com/1648-9144/55/9/602
Menopause Transition and Cardiovascular Disease Risk: Implications for Timing of Early Prevention: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association, from Circulation.
Link: www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.11...
Dr. Vonda Wright's website: www.drvondawright.com/
Have feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know here: gf6hx47iu5g.typeform.com/topi...
Episode transcripts are available here: zoe.com/learn/category/podcasts

[@tammycrumpacker4624]

I'm only 11 minutes into this video, and I am in tears about the lack of knowledge and the lack of caring by our medical professionals. I know this first hand. Women make up 50% of the population but are treated like we don't matter or matter as much. 😢

[@joinZOE]

It's important to talk about women's health. 💛

[@01jausten]

I wish I could say I knew all this already, as a nurse who’s worked in ob/gyn for years, had an Oestrogen dependent breast cancer and went through a speeded up menopause at 48 due to Tamoxifen, but so much of this has been a surprise to me as well. I’m now slowly getting past the sadness and I’m on to the rage part.

[@rhondajansenvanvuuren392]

The frustration is real. My Mirena was taken out this week. I have been prescribed Venlofaxine. No hormones allowed. I am also in tears.

[@susanp5393]

As life expectancy of our species is 40 years, our bodies is not designed to go through menopause.A woman should be able to reproduce till end of her life like other mammals, so menopause is not a natural condition. As now we live much longer than our bodies is designed for by nature, indeed we suffer the consequences of lack of hormons etc. Medicine can't do much about it. Homeopathy and naturopathy offer some help but even that is limited.

[@Gem_ini]

You’re so right. Massive change needed on a grand scale xx

[@mandyb6088]

I am a nurse, all those statements are so true! I wanted to scream. I had no training or education in menopause. I went from being a very healthy, international athelete, to someone who had extreme fatigue, muscle stiffness, brain fog, massive changes in blood lipids, raised CRP. I was trying to find out want was going on. My GP would start to treat me like a was a head case. He never once mentioned menopause. I kept saying I am putting on so much weight and I am not changing anything. My doctor spluttered and said that's not possible!!! Please keep doing this work, it is so important.

[@sylviasolder7389]

It's frustrating. I mentioned it to my GP if it was menopause, & he snapped at me and said:" don't be silly, you're still young" (50). You need to eat properly." I find now that it's no use talking to them because no matter what I say, they will ALWAYS not going to believe me. I always come out worse than I went in.😢😡

[@eog2133]

I definitely can relate 3 years in and out the doctors office and finally this last visit , I requested my hormones be tested and only for the doctor to say I was post menopausal 😢! Three years of headaches , bloodwork out of wack , inflammation , cholesterol issue! None recognized I was premenopausal, until this last visit I was very vocal about testing my hormones telling her about my hot flashes , fatigue , low libido etc.. the brain fog and fatigue was getting the best of me!! I was under performing at work due to the brain fog! I thought I had developed ADHD.. I’m so very grateful tho this last doctor was able to pinpoint and give me some answers and hopefully relief! I’ll continue to educate my self on this and help others around me recognize the symptoms….

[@tamarac7394]

Same stuff with me. Very active, healthy, then boom fatigue, muscle cramps, stiffness, brain fog, some hot flashes, vertigo with periods.

[@StephyGrowsWeed]

43:10 nutrition 46:59 plant rich diet 48:27 soy isoflavones 49:42 the 3 big things (more fiber, less added sugars, more muscle training)

[@Helen-jv9mq]

THANKS

[@milyabrams4]

I can honestly say that Dr Haver has changed my life. I have been struggling with perimenopause ( didn’t even know what that was ) now menopause and I came across a video in KZbin . I started watching her videos, I got her books, found a hormone specialist and I feel like I was born again. I learned nothing from my doctor or my OBGYN . When I first mentioned some of the symptoms I was told you are too young, I was already 47. Now I follow the Galveston diet, I changed my eating habits, I am taking the right supplements and I am on HRT. There is no reason to suffer! Thank you so much !!!! ❤

[@jbrinzable]

I came across menopause Barbie on KZbin last year. She is also a dr who went through it. Her channel opened my eyes to what was happening to me. My mum and aunts would not talk about it so I was on my own. I actually thought I was going crazy with the brain fog. So I educated myself and made a drs appt armed with a checklist of symptoms and research papers. My dr listened and I have been on hrt for 9mths now. Omg what a difference it has made to my life. I am still carrying extra pounds around my middle and the search for a remedy for that lead me to Dr Mary Clair. I cut out sugar and complex carbohydrates and increased my protein intake. I have lost about 5lbs on my one. Do I ordered the Galveston diet book, which only came yesterday. I have high hopes for the future now. And hope to be back in the size 10 cloths in that future. Best wishes to all you lovely ladies out there on your personal journeys back to yourself. And for all of you who have daughters please prepare them, I have mine. Love and blessings ❤

[@chi-chichou3807]

Good menopause DIY toolkit: 1. Mediterranean diet 2. probiotic, turmeric 3. soy isoflavones, isoflavones 4. 25-gram fiber in diet per day 5. limit the amount of added sugars to less than 25-gram per day 6. consistent resistance training, muscle training (strong muscle = strong bones) 7. wear a weighted west

[@cathysamuels4638]

I had 3 medical professionals dismiss my hot flashes, heart palpitations, frozen shoulder and hair loss! When I asked my GYN about MHT she told me I would get cancer!!!!! I am now 6 years post menopause and thankful I have found a new GYN, pelvic floor physical therapist, and these new resources! Thank you for the discussion!

[@cathysamuels4638]

They made me feel like I was nuts!!!

[@Petunia-fl9lu]

hopefully that six years hasn't cost you too much bone.

[@ShoppingEmail-dr1fs]

doctors who withhold hormone treatment 'in case' you get cancer are protecting themselves. the increase in numbers in study groups is because they have more mammograms, many are slow growing cancers and not fatal and but the numbers are LOW. patches and gels reduce clot risks and localised estrogen is safe even for breast cancer patients. its ridiculous how much you have to suffer! my first doctor had a beard and looked like a man, a feminist health centre for women is not where you want to go if you want a script lol.

[@lolakathol4109]

My aunt went through horrible menopause. Never understood, one minute she was nice, the next minute she was yelling, and screaming! I thought she was going crazy. It was never talked about, and still not talked about. So happy dr. Haver,is educating us. I have both of her books! And have shared the book with my daughter so she doesn’t have to suffer the way my aunt did, or the thousands of women out there! Thank you dr. Haver❤️

[@ysach.891]

Game changer ... after two years dealing with frozen shoulder and right after that hot flashes started, it was when I felt like my body was screaming " you have to move". I ended up joining the gym and now start my work out routine at 6am - two days strength training and 3 days moderate cardio (Monday to Fridays). After six weeks, my hot flashes went away. I do really hope they never come back!

[@user-es6ft5xg8h]

All these menopause symptoms are probably being diagnosed separately as anxiety, depression, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, dementia, etc, yet the root of the cause is low hormones. Every woman should have not only a family doctor but a gyne doctor who is knowledgeable about perimenopause and menopause to guide the patient thru these stages .

[@LYLISTO]

I have had all vertigo, joint pain, flushes, tinnitus, bloat, digestive, forgetfulness, dry skin. I feel twenty years older all of a sudden.

[@eugeniakyriakopoulou5212]

Finally!! Thank you ZOE for inviting Dr. Mary Claire Haver!

[@joinZOE]

You're so welcome!! 💛

[@grahambevan3873]

​@@joinZOE😊😅😮😢🎉😂l❤

[@MarthaM-xq6sv]

After my periods stopped I got sore knees, sore neck, muscle weakness and aches, terrible fatigue, frequent migraine. I thought there must be something seriously wrong with me and went to the doctor multiple times for tests etc. She never once suggested it was menopause - nor did other doctors in the practice. It probably was as these symptoms came on overnight and I have adjusted to them over the years.

[@janegibbs-cohen4837]

I had 2 frozen shoulders one after the other and never once was I asked if I was menopausal/ post menopausal. What a revelation.

[@pamthomassen283]

I had the same last year. Two frozen shoulders, I thought I would never be able to do my bra up again let alone pull my pants up or the basics like plugging in my seat belt..the struggle was real and pain was intense. I couldn’t sleep on either side and my already difficulty sleeping was compounded by the pain and not being able to find a pain free way to sleep. I spent a fortune on GP visits, Chiro, physio, pharmacy on pain meds and eventually sleeping tablets after two years of poor sleep. I had cortisone injections into my shoulders and let me tell you that is super painful 😢.Never ever did anyone of my health care practitioners ask me about my menopausal status. At 52-53 I was still having my period and had never had hot flushes until a few months ago which coincided with missing 2 periods. Everyone told me if you are still having your period you can’t have menopause. Even my gynae in Oct 2023, last year, suggested that I sounded depressed and that maybe she could write me a referal for someone to speak to after I told her all my symptoms. The Mel Robbins interview with Dr Haver was life changing for me. It all made so much sense. I have shared that pod cast with all my friends and will keep telling people to listen up because no one talks about menopause openly. I started on the patches last week and look forward to learning more through research & interviews like the Zoe one with Dr Haver. Thank you for sharing this information with us ladies.

[@Leo-mr1qz]

I went straight to MyAlloy in the U.S. My HMO here in California can barely detect the difference between a lung infection and allergies. It's SO very beurocratic. 😮 MyAlloy assed my symptoms, declared I was peri-menopausal, and off I went with supplemental estrodial and progesterone. 2 mo ths in, and I feel SO much better than before I began the treatment.

[@Chillman742]

My weighted vest is an 11 month old baby - had him at 45. 😊

[@trinablum7102]

😂😂

[@Rebecca-ib3yg]

I recently had a blood test done which flagged that my blood sugar was higher than it should be. I was shocked because I generally thought I had a healthy diet, but mostly because my diet hasn't changed and I'd always had healthy markers before. This podcast gives a very clear explanation for the reason. I am going through menopause and this is a major symptom. We really need to learn more and have better education around how we can make changes to prepare for these changes. The doctor I saw was not helpful, simply told me things I should not eat, without suggesting what I should eat instead. When another symptom is feeling hungry, this is doubly unhelpful. Thanks Zoe and keep up the great work.

[@JoyceWrightPierce]

Same here. I was told that I was prediabetic, elevated cholesterol and high blood pressure 😮All during menopause and post menopause🤔

[@rocioyanes6031]

I just got my tests the past week and glucose also had gone to the roof I was so nervous and sad and I just realizaed with this video that since i had an hysterectomy 4 months ago and the ovaries where removed as well this are the results. Not my cardiologist nor my gynecologist told me about these consequences and the cardiologist gave me 2 medicines to reduce these levels without taking into account my previous surgery. A real dissapoinment with health practitioners out there. I am in a very sad position since being in an underdeveloped country, I can only rely on talks like this that hopefully will give me some tools to use from.now.

[@valeriachierico3029]

I’m sooooooo grateful that finally we talk about menopause. I have all the symptoms, the worse are hot flashes, every half an hour or so, anytime of the day and night. It’s so constant that I can’t stand anymore.

[@MrsCSenk]

I’m sharing this episode with every woman I know! What also needs to be included in the conversation is how in the US, HRT treatment is cost-prohibitive to many women because it is not covered by insurance, therefore, not accessible if you’re not willing to pay out of pocket! Thank you for spreading education into the world! ❤

[@Petunia-fl9lu]

that's outrageous. seriously.

[@DaniElla-45MPs]

These conversations are so important for us women facing menopause! I was only 44 when my periods stopped. In my late 30s I was perimenopausal, but no doctor seemed to consider that. Somehow it was almost liberating when my periods became irregular. Doctors still said no way was I going through menopause, but I knew better. I am experiencing a plethora of symptoms, sleeping disorder, anxiety , weight gain and joint pain being the worst. Disrupted sleep makes it really hard to make all the good life style decisions since your energy level is so low . I am a mother of two teenagers , carer for a ill relative and we are to move to a new house soon. I am in survival mode but my doctor still wonders how I am too young to be in menopause.

[@hopegood9839]

Was surprised testosterone wasn’t mentioned. Women produce more testosterone than oestrogen in their ovaries but it’s rarely replaced in the UK. Yet a good level of testosterone helps increase and maintain muscle strength meaning we support our joints. Not to mention our libido

[@saskhiker3935]

I think the problem with testosterone in women is we know even less about estrogen. Also you can easily take too much testosterone and no testosterone treatment has been approved in women.

[@stephaniejohnson2455]

You can get it privately but it costs a fortune

[@anne-louisegoldie]

It's really appalling that menopausal women are so discrimated against. There was a testosterone patch approved and licensed for women in the UK around 2005-ish . The company stopped supplying it, perhaps because doctors didn't want to prescribe it? I've heard there's a new testosterone patch for women coming soon, next year or two. Fingers crossed 😊xx ​@@saskhiker3935

[@anne-louisegoldie]

Yes, it does so many beneficial things. As all the hormones do 💛

[@biquarius]

Naturopath’s can prescribe compounded bioidentical hormones including a testosterone cream. Your bloodwork should be recent in order for Doctors of Naturopathic medicine to review to compound exactly what you need. If you’re in the SF Bay Area, I HIGHLY recommend Dr. Victoria Hamman.

[@wendydelucca6918]

I am literally crying, all so true and maddening! It is time to change the status quo!

[@hp20-20]

I went to a cardiologist - a highly regarded individual (male) - with debilitating palpitations, my normal resting heart rate of 42 spiking to 195 for no apparent reason, making me feel sick, dizzy and weak. All sorts of tests and thousands of £ later, I was told he couldn’t see there was anything wrong with me. I was 49. Menopause was never mentioned.

[@lyndaannibal8990]

I have suffered with very intense hot flashes for almost 24 years, from perimenopause to post menopause. Since I have changed my diet to the Zoe recommended diet, lots of variety and fibre, my hot flashes have decreased. Also, I was told last September I had type 2 diabetes. In November 2023, I discovered Zoe and the glucose goddess. From that night on, I changed the order of how I ate and my entire life changed. My blood sugar went from 7 to 6.3 in less than five weeks, and three months later it is now 6. Now if I could just get rid of the hot flashes forever.

[@NiaLaLa_V]

I'm a junk food vegan but I end up high fiber because I LOVE beans and I am barely having hot flashes but all the other symptoms are kicking my ass. I haven't cried this much since I was 14. Thank science for all the women sharing information with us, I would be so lost without it.

[@ceciliacase3901]

I am listening to this and I’m thinking OMG why didn’t my Dr., tell me this? I have had so many symptoms, I have used over the counter supplements for the past 9.5 years brain fog , headaches, hot flashes, frozen shoulder, weight gain, no sleep maybe 3-4 hours if I’m lucky lack of energy, depression it just goes on and on… I was told that my frozen shoulder was arthritis, I’m just getting old. I fought back on that but after 3 years of pain, finally they listened. It made no sense that one shoulder to hurt so bad and after 2 years it went away and then the other arm started. I seriously thought I was losing my mind and my quality of life was mind. I finally went into my Dr and demanded a specialist. Now I’m finding out it might be too late, but my Dr is trying. Ladies fight to get seen by a doctor who specializes in hormones, this is your life.

[@Helen-jv9mq]

It’s not too late. Restoring your missing hormones improve health & prevent osteoporosis and heart disease for the rest of your life!

[@carriesmith7165]

I listened to what this doctor had to say about nutrition and exercise and just in the past week completely overhauled my diet and exercise and I already feel some relief. I have the occasional hot flush, was ravenously hungry, had ALOT of indigestion, bloating where I look 7mos pregnant after just a small meal, extreme fatigue where I would sleep all weekend and not accomplish a thing, alot of aches and pains, a migraine that went on day after day for months last year which I had really no choice but to continue working through at full time job, i don't think I have cold shoulder but I seem to have an inability to relax and breathe deep always very clenched and does cause me pain and discomfort in the right shoulder. I had just an absolutely wicked perimenopause nonstop bleeding for several years until finally got to a gyno actually about another issue and she straight away put me on an IUD and it gradually stopped the excessive flooding bleeding. That was the worst, again all while working full time. So much fun to be working having anxiety, hot flashes and gallons of blood flooding out of you. And yes not one person warned me of any of this other than the weight gain and inability to lose weight in menopause. Thanks to these people for giving us their knowledge on the topic, so grateful. Will continue watching for more information. Btw, for migraines I used to take Tylenol which just added to the fatigue, i found that using the peppermint oil rollerball on temples works very well as does having a peppermint oil diffuser in my office that runs all day, office smells like peppermint but it's a pleasant scent and coworkers do not mind at all.

[@pamkoakes]

Of all symptoms, hot flashes were the worst for me. Over 50 per day! Trouble sleeping was number 2. Love my estradiol patch. ❤

[@livechangechallenge]

Thank you for this video, it explains so much more than my go and research has found. I’m someone who HRT isn’t suitable for, could you do a follow-up video centred on nutritional changes that can help other women specifically in our situation. Many thanks, Adele

[@monicamead1884]

Thanks you, Jonathan, Dr. Sarah & Dr. Mary Claire for the information and a great interview!

[@soggymoggytravels]

Thank you for making the time for this topic.

[@HerbaceousSW]

thank you for this. this conversation has given me an understanding of some points that weren't clear to me.

[@raewise6345]

Yes, we do stop moving as much! Because our energy level has TANKED, it's a huge catch-22 and we are caught! Thank you so much💜 for spreading this information far and wide so that We can educate our physicians ☹️

[@karinalbero]

Thank you so much for this episode. Have hade post covid sympthoms and anxiety for a year (regular check ups with physicians and physiotherapist) but I now realize that some parts of it could be perimenopause as well.

[@czykma]

As always great podcast. Lots of great information. There is always something new that catches my attention. Thank you!

[@sallycorc2435]

I have had 2 frozen shoulders during peri menopause, about 5 years apart. I was never told it was related to pre menopausal symptoms. My GP advised me to rest the first time I had which was the worst advice and resulted in a severe frozen shoulder which meant I could barely lift my arm. The second time I was better informed so got better treatment and kept exercising. Really interesting to see it now linked as a symptom.

[@maggielo1133]

Huge thanks to the Dr and she is amazing.

[@delanahealey4862]

Started Menopause at aged 38. I am now 68 and suffering continuously throughout that time. I live in Western Australia, and the medical response is not good. I still feel different symptoms now, and if you need help from a specialist, you need plenty of money. I feel helpless. Thank you for this video.

[@wendymimes4786]

My main symptoms r dizziness,lightheaded,memory problems, hot flashes! Sore joints

[@SerenityHomeStyling]

I have the same symptoms you have... Dizziness is one of my main symptoms so I went on hrt snd my dizziness dissappear for a while then I had to use more hrt patches.

[@kerriemooney3498]

This is so informative. How sad that people are suffering because they don’t have access to this knowledge, and how wrong is it that the medical profession focus their data on males, which is not helpful to females in many ways. I’m 48 now, still having regular periods but started with sleep disturbance a few years ago, heavy bleeding and now frozen shoulder. It was Marie Claire who taught me that it was a symptom of perimenopause. But all the doctors I have seen have wanted to refute that. Although they have given me help (physio, steroid injection and I am now on HRT).

[@user-es6ft5xg8h]

Be careful with the steroid injections as it can lower bone density.

[@susanafelibertt8658]

Whole world woman needs this information specially doctors 😮 all lenguajes please

[@SamYoungnz]

Thank you so much for this podcast. It was very interesting. I was also wondering if Zoe is available in countries other than the UK and the USA? Or if there is an international roll-out plan?

[@elintakvam9606]

I absolutely love the zoe podcasts, I've learned so much from them! It's always a treat when a new episode comes. But Jonathan, when can a gal from Norway be a zoe member?

[@joinZOE]

Hopefully one day 🤞thanks for the support in the meantime!

[@anne-louisegoldie]

Food, sleep, movement, strength training, and HRT. Thank you 💛 Hopefully there will one day be a home testing kit for our hormones, like there is for blood sugar levels for diabetics. To see where our natural hormones are in perimenopause, and then to check if we're absorbing our HRT properly in post menopause. It's such an issue trying to get tested by the GP, so much better to do it ourselves at home as often as needed. Levels do matter, not just whether or not we're still getting symptoms of hot flushes. Especially for bone loss protection after menopause 😊xx

[@NiaLaLa_V]

I want home test kits for everything, including common cold types, especially since some of them can kill us so we need to know when to see a doctor and when to just stay home and rest.

[@dawnbrock7137]

Great interview! Very informative.

[@Anita-wh4vr]

Thank you. Great discussion. What often is not discussed are symptoms of estrogen dominance, which really are not fun at all either.

[@shroumfet3289]

The one video i was looking forward! I wish i could have been selected for the USA study because my doctors didn't even think about my hormonal changes . Of course I am clueless about what to expect but I recently came to conclusion that my problems/symptoms are perimenopause

[@joinZOE]

We hope you found this podcast useful 🙏

[@01havana]

I just learned that my frozen shoulder might have been due to menopause!!! Thanks to some recent surge in articles on the topic I now know that my high cholesterol which took me by surprise is due to menopause as well. Women need to swap notes on this topic more freely, and help each other out.

[@nancyross2897]

I’m a 60 year old female , at age 57 my cholesterol skyrocketed to 7.4 for no reason and I had chronic joint pain and my BP also skyrocketed.My physician put me on a cholesterol pill and two blood pressure pills, I had very bad side effects from these pills. This year I sought out a physician that practiced women’s health. I started hormone therapy and within 12 weeks my cholesterol dropped to 4.3 and I came off one of my two blood pressure pills.

[@anne-louisegoldie]

Yes, it's really shocking that there's no hesitation with the statins and BP meds, but how about addressing the underlying issues, the cliff drop in hormones? Glad you found a doctor who knows what women need 😊xx

[@Pamel6806]

That was amazing.

[@rowenab1750]

OMG I had frozen shoulder in each of my shoulders in peri-menopause. I had NO idea it was related!! It was so painful and took over a year to resolve for each one with therapy. This was the early days of over ten years of so many dreadful symptoms that I wished I would just die because I didn't want to be in this body anymore.

[@idaalmonte253]

Hot flashes and sleepiness nights are so draining 😢 I exercise but definitely have to make changes on my diet and get hormones therapy. I’am 56 and take zero meds, very healthy since birth but hot flashes are becoming way too often.

[@karenrader2160]

SAME

[@jackiesibblis3793]

Thank you Zoe🎉🎉🎉

[@katesylvester-kilroy7030]

Wonderfully impactful podcast. Thank you this will help so many women and I feel finally vindicated about my terrible frozen shoulders journeys lasting 5 years and I just knew it was hormone related and was just told I’m female and over 40. It was half a decade of preventable pain and virtually no sleep. I am so pleased things are changing through quality presentations such as this. Thank you

[@lindajones4849]

Sure, it's just being female and over 40. That's called PERIMENOPAUSE.

[@susanp5393]

I still have hot flushes very often every day even at the age of 68. I have a whole food plant based diet since years, and most of my meals are even raw to ensure that the glycemic load of my meal stays low. I also do not eat wheat. The higher the glycemic load, the more intense the hot flushes after eating. I experienced hot flushes the first time the month my periods stopped at the age of 52. My mother suffered hot flushes till she died at the age of 86. Some of my friends however never experienced hot flushes so it depends on the person.

[@joinZOE]

Thank you for sharing your story with us.

[@hazeldellis]

My mum also still gets hot flushes, she 86! She never had HRT but definitely suffered, but maybe not as much as I suffer!!

[@anned6913]

I very much sympathise, I am in the same situation at 69, though I can't tie any hot flush to any particular food. To read the comments here that some people have suffered up to 87 gives me no hope. I had hoped that the 10 years so far suffered would see an end to it.

[@NiaLaLa_V]

I'm stumped too. I'm one of the junk food vegans and I am barely getting hot flashes. I do eat a ton of beans so I get fiber above average levels but I only eat tofu sometimes and I don't drink soymilk or eat edamame. Maybe the hot flashes is in our genetics more than we know.

[@susanp5393]

​@NiaLaLa_V Some women suffer hot flashes, not all of course, and some have hot flashes for a short period at the beginning of menopause only. ​Food is not certainly the cause but can trigger this condition in some individuals, also hot humid climate/weather is a terrible trigger for this condition.

[@sarahb4330]

There's so much great info in this, thank you - but why oh why given the multiple times it was emphasised that we need to get away from the idea that hot flashes are the main symptom of menopause is the thumbnail focused on hot flashes - I nearly didn't watch it!

[@phylliskagimoto6207]

I wish scientists would include eastern diets in their research because the Mediterranean diet only addresses half the world’s population. There must be reasons Japan has one of the longest life expectancies and doesn’t even have a word for menopause.

[@4everyoung24]

They do have a Japanese word for it. And there is some research and they suspect it from isoflavones in soy. They do have menopause. Maybe their obvious symptoms are less (hot flashes) and maybe they would express trouble with symptoms less because of culture differences. I don’t know. But I would like to see some studies done for sure, especially on all symptoms of menopause.

[@constanzaocampo5910]

When is Zoe coming to Mexico as a part of the population research group? How can I be of help? Thank you so very much for all the invaluable information you share.

[@lisettef7947]

I noticed that if I eat red meat and/or lots of dairy, that's an instant trigger for sleeplessness and hot flashes. I now only eat them on occasion. I try to stay away from food that my body struggles to digest.

[@amypatterson-bocchi2514]

This is fabulous. In a year’s time can you also include Dr Lisa Mosconi on your panel?

[@roberte1962]

No mention of depression in peri meno & post menopause. Nor the role of Testosterone in women’s health & wellbeing. Please cover all bases.

[@cuaya73]

😊

[@cuaya73]

😊

[@cuaya73]

😊😊😊

[@cuaya73]

😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@cuaya73]

😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@sue3519]

my IBS got worse with peri menopause. i am now more cautious about sugar coffee and junk foods.

[@MajorekKatarzyna]

Amazing information. Any chance you could enable subtitles in Polish? I would love to be able to share this with my mum.

[@asr9217]

Brilliant video ... for those not used to weighted vests or have back problems 5% bodyweight maybe easier and build up to 10%

[@user-nz8jx6bx1g]

My blood pressure went through the roof a few months into starting the combi patches and I felt constantly tired and low in mood. The only positive was a reduction in hot flashes. I would say it was a total disaster, and only after discontinuing the patches did I feel like myself again. This is something rarely talked about on these shows: many women react badly to progesterone, cannot process it, and it actually makes their symptoms worse.

[@hopegood9839]

Were you advised you could have the coil and then have oestrogen only patches or gel?

[@kathy4180]

Agreed. Felt dreadful and tried variations. The pendulum will swing the other way in a couple of years.

[@veronicaroberts-williams3878]

Was it bio-identical progesterone. Probably make a difference

[@WendySalima]

Truth! Wild yam cream helps so much more than ingesting progesterone for me. Pill or birth control made my moods absolutely nuts.

[@jt8142]

Oral Micronized Progesterone and Transdermal Estradiol work wonders for me at 60 yrs old (and menopausal 10+ years)

[@nancypedrick5596]

After experiencing my hot flashes along with an anxiety attacks, it became just way too much for me- along with migraines (I had migraines as a kid going into adolescence and now coming out) I started on BIHR for 10 years and I stopped at 10 bc little did I know that I was growing 3 wonderfully large fibroids on the top of my uterus and two more- one on each side. It’s been a nightmare- adding on the passing of loved ones, Covid and loosing a job. My mind is a complete mess.

[@marinastepanovic]

She is so goooood❤

[@Aliciaskinsecret]

I never got hot flashes or the typical symptoms. I tried biological hormone pills and if they didn’t work, I could just stop. I’m 43 and they have helped me a-lot in the two months I’ve been on them. I don’t eat foods with preservatives I barely eat out and I do not eat fast food.. and low alcohol consumption. We all pick different journeys, but I had breast implants. I fully removed them almost a year ago. I can tell you they caused a lot of issues in my body and I’m not sure if all of it will recover or not. I’ve also been exposed to mold multiple times and I’m very sensitive to it. Lots of things can disrupt your hormones. I don’t know if taking hormone replacement can work for somebody if they’re living in mold though. Most likely it would be better to have it than not but a lot of the symptoms they talk about are similar to if you have mold in your home or work (or even breast implants or root canals)

[@sue3519]

when i was young i suffered from hormonal imbalance and gynocologiests always wanted to get me to get pregnant now that i am menopausal no one wants to help me with the symptoms. they say: live with it! Thank god i found help from outside my country with an HRT clinic. They should have helped me with my hormones instead of forcing me to get pregnant 😡 something that never materialised

[@llprice2000]

I had a frozen shoulder that came on quickly. A physical therapist gave me a pain prescription and a set of exercises to do at home after the first episode. It was able to beat it down in about a month. I kept the exercise instructions and tools to stop the second shoulder from seizing up once it started there.

[@zwiersae]

Can you describe what kind of excercises you did?

[@asr9217]

Fantastic video ....If you are newbie to weighted vest perhaps start lower than 10% body weight and work up to it unless you are used to lifting weights.

[@hazeldellis]

Yes i had tinnitus, until i started hrt and it disappeared! Now battling against muscle loss, so have added testosterone to the mix, so far i feel a difference in energy levels, and brain fog is reducing finally. So i really feel that we need ALL hormones to try to rebalance

[@myviews2u772]

Were you prescribed testosterone? Which country are you from? Thanks.

[@hazeldellis]

I'm in Spain , Europe. My private HRT doctor, who is British (I am British) told me to buy testosterone over the counter in the pharmacy in Spain, due to muscle loss issues. With doing weights it seems to be working

[@anned6913]

When I hear things like 70% of people show improvement after following such and such guidelines, I agree that this should be celebrated. But I always think of the 30% who had no improvement. What becomes of them ?

[@janeravesi4326]

I enjoyed this podcast but I really would like more specific information about diet...just saying fibre is not enough. What does 25g equal etc Are you coming to Australia???

[@missyjackson6731]

What are your thoughts on carnivore diet/way of life?

[@user-ih8yb8lc9s]

I’m 63 and too go to a Urologist too get estrogen & progesterone I have severe osteoarthritis in my Hip I been asking for HTR no doctor would help me they all said the same thing you’re already in menopause you don’t need it my Health declined from 55 too 63 And I eat a clean diet I still got osteoarthritis I went 2 years with no diagnosis from my groin pain until finally when I went too a surgeon I don’t want a hip replacement that’s not going too solve the root cause ,,, in 1 week of HRT I’m doing better❤ Women have been lied too for over 20 years ,,,, recent study shows and has been redacted 10 million women on HRT had less dieseses

[@the_dog_goddess]

So, as a woman, now in POST menopausal status and like you said having NO 'Heads Up,' "Hey this is what is Going to Happen to you and this is What you can DO now to make it easier" ... like most every woman I have talked to- especially in the past 20 years, I now KNOW what I CAN DO, what should have happened, what types of medical providers to look for and what NOT to, things that happen with Medical/health insurance, etc. I would like to HELP with this Menopause Education on a LARGE Scale effort and want to know, besides just talking about it when or if it comes up in conversation- HOW can I actually Help on a Larger scale? I see all of a sudden a rise in people 'saying/claiming' to BE menopause experts or coaches and charging for 'so called certifications on Menopause', but with all I've read and heard in person like at your Book Signings, educational talks, etc., How is this even possible? Only 4% of the Female Population is even on HRT/MRT or even KNOW about it, and Western Medicine Doctors have less than 5 HOURS of Education on the Subject of Menopause, how is it possible that people are saying they can 'certify' you as a Certified Menopause Coach or Counselor, etc.? How are 'they' even qualified to do so?..... I want to help and on a large scale because our FUTURE Generations NEED TO KNOW what they should expect for this entire rest of their lives. I had NO idea even though I am very well educated, well read, well travelled, intelligent, articulate, lead a healthy active athletic holistic lifestyle, etc. I was completely Blindsided. - I want to help but I don't want to be someone with fake qualifications like buying one of these so called Menopause Coach courses. If youre NOT a Medical Practitioner with a Medical Degree or Certification, how do we women who want to help on a large scale help you share this all important message on Menopause?

[@Lexulous123]

Thanks for this! My mum’s going through menopause now, but is adamant against HRT. She thinks it’s going to give her cancer. I’ve been trying a few natural remedies to help and a couple of things that worked well are standardized hot-water Tongkat Ali root extract and some occasional ashwagandha. She takes the Tongkat Ali daily and it appears to be helping with her joint pain and hot flashes a lot. On it she seems more mobile and active too, which is amazing cause she’s been feeling super fatigued since the big M hit. She uses the ashwagandha when she’s feeling stressed or low and I think that’s helped a lot too.

[@jt8142]

Estrogen does not cause cancer. Buy Dr Haver’s book, “The New Menopause” for the latest info on this topic, and share it with your mum. 😊

[@VeganFriendlyNutritionist]

Fantastic content and guests. Great questions and info. Thank you for caring so much as a male host Jonathan.

[@Beclee1211]

I’m curious if anyone has ever experienced perimenopause symptoms that mimicked pregnancy symptoms (all the symptoms!) including no period following pretty regular cycle, and along with a rise in beta hcg level (and not been pregnant)?

[@earthcarmusic]

You mention LDL as bad cholesterol. Do you distinguish between normal "buoyant" LDL and small-dense LDL? Maybe you discussed it in another episode - is there a good paper on this?

[@dawnmorants4180]

My dad referred to it as “the change” when my mom went through Menopause!

[@jimhollyjarrad2221]

Would be interested to know about menopause and PCOS as well as there seems to be little research done. Symptoms are very similar in PCOS to menopause.

[@user-kw8uo6mg2t]

The Women's Health Initiative also did not differentiate between the effect of Premarin (conjugated from mare urine) vs. Estradiol (bioidentical).

[@NB-lx6gz]

I'll send this to my mother

[@joinZOE]

Hoping she finds it helpful! 🤞

[@mellD.7988]

Here 6y of chaotic arythmia, especially after eating high carbs but mostly all day, many trips to A&E, tiredness for no apparent reason, forgetfulness, and all the psychological consequences. NO hot flush. NO idea of doctors why all these symptoms, and when they tell you it cannot be perimenopause because it doesn't have typical symptoms, you go crazy (and go again to A&E fearing you have a heart attack). Medical training is sooo behind, I lost trust completely.

[@gad6347]

Yes, I suffer from frozen shoulder. I'm on HRT. I tried physical therapy but still suffering from frozen shoulder.

[@sylviaburnside8226]

Brilliant podcast. Would love to know if omega 7 sea buckthorn helps mitigate dryness and also ‘sticky’ blood

[@jacquelinearcher1158]

Check out “A Vogel “ Eileen Talks Menopause she covers so much more in her weekly videos on it ,I’m sure she’s mentioned this .

[@oskarjohn]

It would be useful to have transparency around payment to US MDs in terms of income/licen to practice as MD/money from big pharma by prescribing HRT and also greater transparency around associated risks of cancer of the breast and womb.

[@Sarah-hh2mn]

Since I been in menopause I have had 3 anaphylaxis reactions to foods have eaten all my life. Had one today also and I'm guessing peanuts Could this be related to hormone changes

[@afterbabel]

can periodic skin rashes be a symptom of perimenopause?

[@SallyBurton-dv3wn]

Has anyone looked at the Hadza women? How are they experiencing menopause? What can we learn from them?

[@janohara6995]

I still have hot flushes after 20 years. Even after starting HRT two years ago I had respite but they have gradually returned. I also had frozen shoulder in peri menopause - didn't realis the connection until this podcast. Interestingly I had another episode of frozen shoulder when I started the HRT again did not realise the connection

[@dinasalazar1552]

I m 58 after 8 years in menopause ; I just saw a Dr she prescribed Estradiol 10 MCG vaginal once a day for 14 days then one tablet twice a week ; also Tolterodine Tartrate 1MG tablets - Why I m getting mild colics like menstruation pain after taking these? It has been 8 days: my husband said to wait .

[@m.taylor]

If a person already has osteoporosis, is it safe to wear a weighted vest?

[@bolorjamsran8892]

A very informative video thanks, I am having a joint paint during my menopause and I am having HRT. The symptom is not getting better with the HRT. Unfortunately, the frozen shoulder was only discussed

[@hopegood9839]

Perhaps you need a higher dose of

[@kathy4180]

That’s interesting- I think it has limited benefits for some people

[@flower7022]

Thanks for this information! . I would have liked to know a little more about the negatives of using estrogen. My doctor just said hang in there and don't take any estrogen it causes cancer. Also would the part that briefly mention vibration and weighted vests for bone health. Was that a vibration plate? 😊

[@jt8142]

Your doctor is wrong. Estrogen does not cause cancer. Buy Dr Haver’s book, “The New Menopause” for the latest info on this topic

[@ktjomeyers]

I love the idea of exercise snacking!

[@trinablum7102]

I must have missed that bit, what does that mean?

[@BabyGirl-bh9gs]

True statement

[@honifit]

I've had arguments with 3 doctors (one was female) refuting what I am experiencing in my own body. Ask this question 'who is the worlds best expert on your body'?

[@princesscharlott1983]

Sorry to ask - I’m 41 have past 5/6 months I just feel hot all the time. Never used to feel like this, used to always be cold. Now I can’t get down to a t shirt quick enough. I hear about hot flashes/flushes - has anyone ever had feeling of almost always being too hot all the time? Thank you x I seem to get no clarity from the GP why I am feeling the way I do with the changes I am feeling