Lisa Ling Shares Her Menopause Journey in "Coming Out" Party | The Drew Barrymore Show

[@lifeiswonderful2023]

Yes, more talks about menopause, please. I am 49 years old and crying everywhere. Also mourning the children I never had and my youth being over. Help.

[@hollylewis5302]

Guuurrrrl, start on some bioidentical (that's what we called them) hormones. The natural kind. There's no combatting it completely, but just try to address you symptoms as they come. I started with OTC herbs for hot flashes. My chiro finally put me on (wasn't cheap) Standard Process 100% organic supplements that finally helped me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now, what works for one might not work for the other, but talk to your doctors (homeopathic/Western) and gather as much info as you can. They can blood test your hormone levels. Start there. I'm a "Childless cat lady" minus the cat (right now). Couldn't have kids. Some of us were not meant to be bio mom's. Find other ways to let out that instinct, i.e. Teach, run a daycare, or just focus on living YOUR best life! You don't want kids at 49 anyway because you won't have the energy to keep up with them once MP hits! Hugs!

[@mirka]

Been there, try transdermal HRT, I did estrogen + progesteron + smalll dosage of testosteron. Brain fog disappeared , I stopped crying, felt so good was on it for 10 yrs (maximum allowed).

[@melissabugg5579]

My obgyn is a woman and I tried telling her I was going through perimenopause and she kept dismissing me saying I was way too young. It wasn’t until I actually stopped having a period a year later that she listened. Please talk about this more! ❤

[@beths8998]

My obgyn has been dismissing me as well saying I am too young. It is so incredibly frustrating.

[@melissapoole9726]

Mine literally googled my symptoms in front of me and told me it was all in my head 😞

[@NAIdonnawanna]

Happened to me too! Then last appointment and blood tests. Yup full blown you in menopause. Ya. No surprise. I’ve been trying to tell you that for years. Drs. Don’t listen. They short staffed. Same dr. 17 years! I know my body. Thanks for not helping. So frustrating.

[@sharoncarlson2942]

Can't tolerate Oprah, or Gail.....but I like Drew, menopause just sucks!

[@NZKiwi87]

That’s absolutely abysmal.

[@NS-lx4hx]

I was having hot flashes , insomnia, brain fog... I was going through perimenopause for sure..started creeping in at 38...got worse at 40.. but now I'm having a baby! Naturally! Im 42 going on 43 13 weeks pregnant tomorrow 🎉

[@Stopbeingshallow]

Congratulations 🎊 ❤❤❤

[@Themuseemporium]

Congratulations! 💝

[@agape13]

Happy for you 🙏✨💖

[@TexasGal.]

Congratulations!!

[@yegs22]

Good luck 🎉🎉

[@nancyk8153]

Lisa Ling needs to make a special on this topic.

[@VeggieChel]

Drew Barrymore doesn't get enough credit for being absolutely gorgeous.

[@nataries345t5]

I love this outfit on Drew 😊

[@JJ-kf4kc]

She does tho.

[@chelle3524]

RIGHT!!! She is luminous!

[@rose_quartz_loveandlight]

more talks about menopause please, we need the representation ❤

[@Sandraszendy]

In my 40s I started heavy bleeding. My gyn PA Istarted on birth control in 2011 to see if that would help me to sleep. Immediately I felt ostracized to share menopause experience. I moved and spoke with a new gyn. I'm a freak this hormone treatment did not work......

[@Iamanillusion1]

It's humiliatingly stupid

[@HH-gv8mx]

I’m 49 and it just hit me like a ton of bricks. No one warned me about this. Neither My mother Nor my grandmother admit to having gone through menopause, I feel totally alone and have no one to talk to about this isolating

[@AVintageNerd]

Post menopause is a real thing and it also needs to be spoken about bc women live with that for the rest of their lives.

[@azaleadu3334]

Finally I heard someone talking about Brain Fog linked to menopause. I have been searching the cause of my brain fog for years.

[@MsKylea]

Lisa is my all time favorite journalist. She was an anchor for channel one and Ive enjoyed her perspective every since.

[@Lucysil1970]

I love Lisa Ling!

[@TexasLyoness]

Whatever colors Drew has on here, the warm browns and the makeup to coordinate look absolutely fabulous on her. 🤎🧡

[@JulietParrottMerrell]

Within the last year, I’ve learned about Doula‘s for pregnancy and post birth care. But I think Doula’s for menopause and perimenopause would be of huge benefit to many women too.

[@christinao8877]

This!

[@Linda-z9s]

I went through menopause at 46 and researched everything and knew I didn't want synthetic hormones. Luckily my doctor was able to take my levels and prescribe bioidentical hormones and within 3 days I felt 25! Saved my life, I could sleep, no brain fog, no hot flashes and my skin and hair looked great. Now almost 20 years out, no longer need hormones, just low carb, exercise and supplements, and feel great.

[@Katepwe]

The symptomatic relief from hormones don’t typically happen within 3 days, it’s usually several weeks. Also, doctors only prescribe bio/body identical hormones and there’s no reason to ever stop taking them.

[@MsCloudcomputer]

​@Katepwe where can I get some? My Dr never mentioned them!

[@jackiegroden416]

@@MsCloudcomputerfind a menopause specialist

[@shannonsmith2642]

What supplements do you take?

[@lits3212]

Thank goodness Drew is talking about this. All through medical school I was so angry that gynecology stayed in the stone ages. Endocrinology with relation to female hormonal issues has stagnated. Hopefully these topics will bring female issue up front and center.

[@jaymiewright526]

Wonderful Doctors on the show today! Thank you all you wonderful women!

[@heatherhirschMD]

Thank you! We love Drew, Lisa and Valerie for opening up this discussion

[@NenasMund0]

Am 41 and when I turn 40 I felt the change hit me like a storm … the mental fog and anxiety was insane I was sent to a therapist I was tested for possible MS I was told I was depressed and I was told maybe I had cancer !!! It was scary but it was just premenopausal… knowing and working with it has been a life changer …

[@chowmarina008]

Both Valerie and Lisa look absolutely fab.

[@yogigirl100]

Same thing here. I had insomnia and anxiety for 5 years and they wanted to give me ssri, but thanks to other women, I was able to figure out it was perimenopause and then pushed hard for HRT, which sorted it out for me. It took too long to get help from the people who should know how to help us.

[@LeannePetrie-wf6lg]

I had my period for a year straight and it was horrible. The hot flashes and the brain fog was crazy. I wasted so much milk, when finding it in the cupboard, the next day or forgetting I had food in the oven, until I smelled something burning and how long it took me to make supper. It's very confusing going in circles, when I used to be very fast at cooking. I'm losing hair on my head but gaining that on my face. Not easy being a woman.. By the way, LOVE the show and Drew and LOVE Valerie : ) From Stratford, Ontario

[@moomoo0508]

Just reading "period for a year straight" has my jaw on the floor. That sounds beyond awful, I will remember you now whenever mine goes a bit long because of Peri as it does sometimes. God bless.

[@crh251]

I went through perimenopause for nine years. Once my period stopped, I continued on, but my sleep was still so erratic. I had tried pot gummies, melatonin, magnesium, etc. Nothing would keep me asleep. I’d wake up 7 to 10 times a night. That was my life for 13 years total. I couldn’t even function anymore. Even driving was worrisome for me. Finally I saw a menopause specialist that put me on BHRT (Body identical hormone therapy made from plants). I began to sleep all night long again in just a week. It’s been three years, and I’m so much better. Sleep is huge! I also noticed my joints aren’t as stiff as they were in perimenopause. Estrogen is our lube!

[@Dream7773]

What brand? Or how can I find a doctor to prescribe it?

[@jackiegomez6564]

Someone said to me that menopause “is all in your head” - that person is my ex-husband.

[@stepcollazo8134]

No vagina no opinion

[@solegonz762]

Serious Gaslighting. What's sooooo sad is that so many men echo that belief.

[@gayemarianesfox2405]

lol I see why he’s your ex

[@NZKiwi87]

🙌

[@DebbieDooo]

He sounds stupid.

[@lindagardenlady]

Valerie is all things kind! ❤❤

[@jenniferwolfe5302]

Lisa Ling I have adored you for years and hope to see you more and more! ❤❤❤

[@anh1192]

Omg I love Dr. Heather Hirsch!! Been listening to her for years!

[@edlobato1251]

Seeing Lisa made my day!

[@paulclothinglots9266]

47 years old here🎉🎉🎉🎉 Thanks for the conversation

[@jessethepersiankitty2377]

It's fantastic Drew is talking about this very important subject. Really btavo. It's about time. I hope Australia starts doing the same. Menopause can be almost a non event of or some women but for others it can be an absolute living nightmare to experience.

[@AllegraLite]

Love this ladies! It hit me like a brick wall too and after losing everything I had at 45 following my divorce and literally walking away after 20 years of marriage and 5 daughters with just 2 suitcases of clothes and 1 thousand euros in the bank and then I also found myself faced with all of these menopausal symptoms that literally nobody ever talked about, it has taught me SO MUCH about feminine RESILIENCE! 💖

[@lisas2538]

Drew is kind, sweet and warm. She’s so pretty.

[@k.c.5666]

I've loved Lisa Ling since she was on Channnel 1 with the rest of the best!

[@AVintageNerd]

I watched in HS too on that!!

[@laurakobetich9809]

Me tooo❤

[@frannyfran7157]

I am 51 and going through menopause, weight gain, musculoskeletal arthritic body pain, Brain fog, dizzy, hot flashes yes it's been awful, it hit me like a freight train.

[@theresabrown1272]

Please be aware though that brain fog can be a serious symptom for many diseases as well. Sometimes when we focus on one thing we think everything can be attributed to that one thing . For example just off the top of my head brain fog can be from Lyme disease , fibromyalgia, medications , gut problems . My 28 year old son had a stomach issue and had terrible brain fog. He finally went to a naturopathic doctor ( after western medicine didn’t help) and once his gut was straightened out his stomach pain and brain fog went away . So please keep that in mind !

[@Asyd739]

I have the same question as Valerie Bertanelli. I’m feeling at an all time low mental health wise now that my periods stopped. 4 years in. I want to know it gets better and that I will be myself again.

[@noellerilleau6529]

Around 2002 women were taken OFF hormone replacement therapy after initial data showed a connection to breast cancer. We have been Estrogen deficient since then, now we learn that it is essential to brain health, good for fracture prevention and can help prevent recurrent UTIs.

[@Beafree1975]

This is so helpful. I'm 49 going through perimenopause. My mom did not tell me anything. If anything she says all she went through was her period going away. I remember her mood swings but she denies she ever had mood swings. I have to go elsewhere to find out what is going on with me and finding out about HRT, which again is something my mom says is a gimmick.

[@jenniferhansen3622]

I'm 47 and going through late stage perimenopause right now. So far the only symptom is that I haven't had a period in almost 6 months. I have 2 older sisters that never had any other symptoms either and neither did my mom.

[@ablessedmama4life]

Just another reason I love u Drew!! ❤❤Thank u so much for this 🙏🏼

[@lisaharrison8697]

Wow, Ozempic has worked great for Drew.

[@tanyaluck6552]

Drew is such a sweet soul

[@Stopbeingshallow]

This was great, thank you.

[@gretchengardner3538]

The perimenopause was next level. Who knew your body could heat up to 212 degrees after taking 2 steps. 🥵

[@LetsBHonest]

I am on keto/carnivore lifestyle and my menopausal symptoms went away. My belly is flat, lost weight, hot flashes gone, energy great, mood is normal... don't need any pills or therapy.

[@danitapowell2291]

I was suffering terribly from hot flashes and heart constriction in the middle of the night, like a sudden adrenaline rush. When I spoke with my doctor about it, his only solution was to put me on anti-depressants. I felt dismissed.

[@HighHeelKnight]

Lisa Ling was one of the main reasons why I started watching The View. 😍😍😍😍😍

[@stephanieohlhaver7716]

I'm so thankful for this conversation- I feel maniacal

[@jeanellesutton-yeomans497]

I went to the doctor with what I now know to be peri-menopause symotoms and he prescribed me highly addictive sleeping tablets. Thank God I got a second opinion from an informed health professional.

[@sheilamaxwell5303]

❤❤❤❤❤❤Love this conversation we need more

[@elaineder8914]

Menopause is no joke. Insomnia, chronic dry eye, weight gain, etc. I personally haven’t gained any weight because I do intermittent fasting and I take a tablespoon of ACV mixed in a tall glass of water before every meal to minimize any blood glucose spikes by 30%. Also eat more protein & less carbs & get in as much activity as you can like doing housework, walking for 20 minutes, bicycling as long as it’s low impact. I use Systane PF dry eye drops for my dry eye condition too.

[@jessinnieferreras1077]

The Menopause Brain by Dr. Lisa Mosconi is a good book to read about peri/menopause/post menopause.

[@crh251]

That’s an excellent book!

[@sallychocolate2766]

Thank you ladies 😢

[@CAEO416]

I didn’t realise I had been suffering from a low level, constant, state of anxiety, until I tried HRT for the first time. It felt like someone injected me with a happy drug.

[@gasparinha]

I'm so glad our generation is talking about this! It's nothing to be ashamed of. I will say that antidepressants really can help - in *addition* to addressing hormonal changes. Antidepressants aren't just for depression!

[@iluvjohnny08]

My only concern is weight gain, I have struggled my life with weight and already am over my normal weight because of this lovely change of life! So I wonder if some antidepressants don't affect weight gain

[@gasparinha]

@@iluvjohnny08 In the same boat: anecdotally, SSRIs make me gain weight, fast (30 pounds in 3 months - and I have PCOS, which makes it super difficult to lose that weight). I've had better luck with SNRIs and Wellbutrin as far as weight gain goes. This stuff is so person-specific, though!

[@annaolsson5441]

​​@@iluvjohnny08 Depends on which for me buspiron actavis in a very small dosage ie 2,5 mg morning and afternoon ( full depression dosage is 60 mg) was enough to give more energy and less brainfog, wellbutrin lowest dosage ( original not copies) might also help . As well as roughly 1800 mg epa from omega 3 to help with inflammatory processes in the body ( also helps against depression ) talk to your dr about it.

[@crunchybunnylady]

I'm looking forward to Drew getting over her brown suit phase.

[@Gisellej80]

I an in my 40's an started sweating but hoping its not menopause 😮. Valerie looks great

[@tmaffeo]

I started at 43 by the time I hit 50 I was done with my period I’m now 65 and I think I went through it pretty ok I do sweat profusely here and there 🌻🌻🌻

[@RedNicole22]

I started peri at 38, average age for menopause is 51, meaning no periods for 12+ months. Peri can last ten years.

[@JJ-kf4kc]

Look how NO ONE claps when she says " oprah & gayle*😂😂😂

[@ntrier]

That outfit is fire! Topic was much loved!!!!!

[@Kiwi91663]

I went to my OB/GYN at the age of 47, said I think I am starting to experience symptoms, he blew me off. Said that menopause starts at 51, I was too young, I am 61 now, and still fighting the fight. Brain fog is a huge problem. Don't get me started on hot flashes... and no one explains what that is... or how they feel... they were nothing like I thought they would be. I wilt in the heat and I live on the Gulf Coast of Texas... so I die just about daily...lol

[@deedee7780]

What an awful doctor. I am 41 and started to have symptoms 2 years ago. :(

[@brightwithspirit]

I'm 47 in Houston TX, now post menopausal, no estrogen or testosterone. It has been awful!!! Hot flashes all day long, incontinence, anxiety..... I started taking 4 tablespoons of fresh ground flaxseeds per day and I've seen a 90% improvement within 2 to 3 weeks. I highly suggest you try it. Make sure to buy whole flaxseeds and just grind enough for the week. Miracle. Life Changing!!

[@SusanM.]

@@brightwithspiritcurious what flax seeds do for menopause? Also, what do you use to grind them up ?

[@deedee7780]

@@brightwithspirit Thanks for the advice. Also cutting out caffein and sugar is beneficial.

[@bellavita4048]

Hi I hope Drew reads this feedback as means for improvement. There is limited time with experts and barely any topics were covered and zero solutions. Instead of wasting time with long questions, try to get to the point quickly and ask more short questions and give the experts more time to answer. Wasting time to go hug them (this could have been done prior to filming) and talking excessively about peripheral items is not helpful. Focus and getting to the point and letting the experts give more details. Otherwise the show is fun to watch and good to see coverage of important, neglected topics.

[@hollylewis5302]

I agree. I was yelling GET TO THE POINT! And when no solutions were given, wasted time.

[@monicajackson1914]

Yup,HRT saved my life.💃

[@amandaplavan5121]

Thank you ❤

[@mdo5121]

I am fascinated with hot flashes thank you for sharing this ground breaking video.

[@cinnjotime3995]

lisa ling my hero

[@philyra2]

At least we're not getting institutionalized with "hysteria" anymore!

[@RedNicole22]

Just mentally drugged up these days. That was a really bad time in history.

[@ctgctg1]

Menopause is horrendous. Hot flashes made my whole body shake in agony. Although I knew what ‘hit’ me, I was prepared and took short term HRT to get me through the worst of it. Sleep was also a problem, but thankfully no brain fog. I only needed HRT just over a year and it was very,very low dose. After this, the hot flashes dissipated and I was fine to cope. I don’t miss having my period, as I always had horrible cramps and often passed out from excessive blood loss.

[@Katepwe]

HRT can and should be taken for life not only for the symptoms of menopause but for continuing brain, bone and heart health.

[@ms.t8313]

@@Katepweabsolutely Kate! Say it louder for the people in the back!

[@shirleysaunders628]

My experience with menopause was horrible....I was getting hot flashes,horrible mood swings,irregular periods,severe depression. I was 40. I asked my gp if I could be in the start of menopause. She told me I was to young. I was put on antidepressants and am still on them at 65. I would love to get off of them.

[@JJ-kf4kc]

Look how NO ONE claps when she says " oprah &. gayle*😂😂😂

[@beenfrank]

Respect

[@heathercruz8282]

🎉Lisa ling she is so great 🎉

[@deliahernandez4404]

Love the topic. I wish the doctors would touch a little more on HRT meds.

[@tiffanycurtis4794]

LISA IS SO PRETTY 😄

[@amym3169]

My period has been very light and inconsistent for several yrs now. I'm 46 now and I'm sure I'm going through perimenopause. But my GYN gave me the the option of taking BC pills to make it more consistent.

[@crh251]

You’re in perimenopause. Birth control is not the best choice in menopause because they use synthetic estrogen in the pills. I’d find someone more knowledgeable who knows about BHRT (Body identical hormone replacement therapy) made from plants.

[@MELZFANCLUB]

I realized I was in perimenopause watching Drew have hot flashes on her show. I was feeling exactly what she was describing

[@michele1491]

Soon to be 56 and my cycle finally started to be irregular over the last year. It’s want this to get moving.

[@shannonsmith2642]

How old were you when you started your period? I’m curious because I heard women have a period for about 40 yrs, then the change kicks in. I’m 51 and wondering how much time I have left.

[@michele1491]

@@shannonsmith2642 I was probably 14

[@shannonsmith2642]

@@michele1491 I was 12, probably about a year left.

[@0seve291]

Will they post the whole episode??? 😊

[@shaunamarie1053]

This is great information for women.

[@kpatty808]

More talk please 💙💙💙 also for women who can’t take HRT

[@51Saffron]

I started going through it at age 35.

[@nijiabutterfield7668]

I so appreciate this because I was told that maybe a low dose mood enhancer would help. Really!!! It's hormonal, for goodness sake. Brain fog, weight gain and cluster hot flashes...

[@danis.4239]

And a mood enhancer can possibly help. It's different for everyone. Depending on what's going on.

[@Laughter17]

Being a woman in menopause all these shows only touch the surface very superficial…HRT talk to your Doctor! Save your existence 😊 insurance pays for Viagra and Doctors tell their men patients about it, I have a husband, trust me they don’t have to ask, and that is not a medical necessity! Having heart palpitations, loosing bone mass, sweating profoundly, not being able to sleep is a medical situation…and HRT helps with all of these…I refuse to live the next decades uncomfortable in my own body…if men refuse to live without an erection we can demand that we don’t want to live with the deliberating symptoms of menopause…women ask for what you need!

[@Shelleytg8gb]

Having a hot flash is akin to setting your internal body temperature on broil 🥵

[@r.g.5922]

Perimenopause for years. It affected just about everything. Now full blown menopause my sleep is extremely affected. I started HRT like 6 months ago. It has helped with the hot flashes. But I need help for my sleep.

[@successfulperson3304]

HRT AND sleep medication is needed

[@beatpirate8]

i think im heading there. but i dont feel im depressed. i feel im just foggy and i am forgetful. im just surprised by my body changes when im healthy and sized up 2 numbers !

[@latonyacalvey3631]

My 40’s has been miserable physically, I was so overwhelmed with going to OBGYNs and got no help at all. I try to find things to help myself, but it’s a struggle sometimes. I often wonder what do other women do.

[@RedNicole22]

I feel your frustration and pain. I only found something to help me in 2023, and it has been so helpful, but too late, I’m nearing the end of peri, almost ten years in. I take Dr Christopher’s hormonal changease and BHRT. I eat low carb, and try to eliminate sugar as much as possible, I increased my protein intake as well. Wish you well, it’s a nightmare and a long one at that.

[@Ms.coconut928]

❤❤❤ thank you 🙏

[@JJ-kf4kc]

Valleri sooooo clasy❤

[@jayleenmendoza]

Word! I can totally relate!

[@boldmover]

I remember that Oprah said it was her trainer, Bob Greene, who told her she might be going through menopause. After she told him what was happening to her. Her 9 Doctors could not figure it out.

[@jennieoh8543]

And she is on hrt gel!!! At 70 she is doing well!!!

[@marlenegabrielacontrerasga5929]

Drew hermosa!

[@tinakinzer1664]

I need to see the full episode where can I watch it?

[@janetta98]

Ozempic over the hiatus, I see. Drew is slimmer.

[@mariaruiz8820]

How do we stop the suffering? I’m 53 and I’m experiencing rough physical things. I wish there was a solution. Is HRT recommended?

[@africangirl189]

Can't wait

[@jessicarox85]

What a fun idea; menopause coming out party

[@user-qc3sz1ui9j]

Surgical menopause on anti estrogen treatment for cancer, it's a daily struggle.

[@debbienyarko]

The things that should actually be taught in school!

[@Ka-Neter]

I got my menopause in my mid 40’s 🙄

[@zulemaalonzo256]

Going throgh it now!! No Appetite!!

[@feedingofftherails3650]

I had brain fog, dizziness, weight gain. Hot flashes were annoying but manageable. The dizziness was the worst because I was cautious about walking in the city. I was afraid I would get hit by a car! I didn't and was never going to take HRT because it's a natural process. Your skin will get drier, your eye sight will diminish as if a switch was flipped. Two months after I got my last period, I needed to start wearing readers. My bones suffered and for about 3-6 months I fell a lot. It stopped but it was scary.

[@danis.4239]

Thank you for saying all this. The dizziness, will i get vertigo but it seems to be worse this year and the stuff about dry skin and eyesight stuff makes sense.

[@GroomsmanBuilder]

Oh please Menopause is a walk in the park

[@thedudleysdownunderhomeste4158]

for years I wanted to find women to talk to about menpause. I didnt know anyone who would talk to me.

[@crh251]

Read the book Estrogen Matters, watch Dr. Mary Claire Haver on KZbin, start talking to close girlfriends, etc. There’s more and more people discussing it now.

[@crystalslattery1712]

48 and definitely am sure in perimenopause