What's Your Menopause Type? | Heather Hirsch, MD

In this clip from “The Menopause Talk,” Heather Hirsch, MD, describes the six types she identifies in an upcoming book she coauthored, Unlock Your Menopause Type. Watch the full class on menopause here: oprahdaily.com/menopause
Any content published by Oprah Daily is for informational purposes only and does not constitute
medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It should not be regarded as a substitute for professional guidance from your healthcare provider.
For more videos like this, check out OprahDaily.com + sign up to be a member for exclusive content and experiences! -
bit.ly/SubOprahDaily
- FOLLOW OPRAH DAILY -
/ oprahdaily
/ oprahdaily
/ oprahdaily

[@thenatster4383]

No one talks about the "thing' that happens to every woman! It needs to change. Thank you, ladies, for giving this topic its well-deserved attention!

[@d8bn]

What's the thing?

[@beckyc3127]

Apparently May is “menopause month”. Several shows have done episodes on this topic.

[@virginia6793]

Please post the rest of this show.

[@theresaparkhill2509]

As I type this statement, I have been up since 3:30 AM. Unable to go back to sleep. Love menopause.

[@Daydreamerr13]

I’m only 25 but I enjoy watching videos about this topic. Hate that it isn’t talked about as much as we discuss pregnancy, pms, etc

[@TeeGreen222]

I’m 61. I had a total hysterectomy about 16 years ago. Hysterectomy was the best day of my life as I suffered for decades with heavy periods, pain, migraines, anemia, horrible PMS and mood swings. I’ve never taken any HRT and I’ve never felt better. All my problems went out the window along with my uterus and ovaries and I wonder why I didn’t have the hysterectomy sooner. I had fibroids and enlarged uterus, however it wasn’t until the surgery that my endometriosis was discovered. It’s a mystery as to how and why we women are so vastly different. My heart goes out to those who are suffering ❤️

[@fl7357]

tina, thanks for this. did you experience any other hormonal symptoms and/or weight gain after your hysterectomy?

[@TeeGreen222]

@@fl7357 I did experience hot flashes for a very short time. I can’t remember now exactly how long, but it was only two or three months and they disappeared. Weight has been a problem my ENTIRE life, but no, I experienced no unusual weight gain after hysterectomy. It was such a monumental relief to be free of the migraines and horrible PMS (my husband used to say I had one good week out of a month - sad but probably true). Even the surgery itself (a traditional hysterectomy) was a piece of cake - the pain felt minimal compared to what I was accustomed to.

[@lesliematos6922]

I was not as lucky as you. I am 52 and had a full hysterectomy a year and half ago (2022). I have all the post menopause symptoms triple fold. I have done everything in the book and nothing really takes all my symptoms. I am about to gets pellets implants in two weeks, praying it works for me because I am at a point where my husband is going to divorce me and I am going to get fired from my job. I'm tired of being tired.

[@skateronblades]

More needs to be spoken and shared how with low Estrogen with menopause how thousands of women suffer from prolapsed uterus’s and bladders, their whole pelvic floors lose their tissue function. That was something that is not talked about !

[@Rachel11580]

I’m 66 and still menopauseing it’s a nightmare! Help!

[@joannebaker4925]

I've had them all. Full menopause and early onset started at 44. Still having symptoms such as hair loss, hot flashes, lack of sleep, memory loss, dry skin, bleeding of gums, weight gain of about 7 dress sizes at 56. It never ends. I've been tackling the weight issued for 18 months now with a personal trainer/ gym membership and figuring out my diet, I have only lost 7 lbs.

[@robyndismon394]

Keep journals about everything. Personalize one or more to your liking. Habit trackers are also very helpful especially with sleep, water consumption, movement throughout the day, breathing and meditation. Focus on activities that bring you unmitigated levels of joy and REEL in that feeling. Love yourself with the new changes and know that they are not punishment. If you choose to respond, I will happily share with you what steps I took to grow ALL of my hair back. And you can too!

[@limepiper3650]

Get added sugar out of your life, it will make a huge difference.

[@r8chlletters]

Go get HRT and if you state you suffer sexual dysfunction and ask for it you can also get testosterone which is very helpful in muscle building, stamina and confidence. Im a happy recipient of full triad HRT and will be for the rest of my life. If you want treatment you have to push for it, don’t take no for an answer.

[@vedawattieram1974]

I am somewhat hesitant about HRT. It may not be the best for all women.

[@r8chlletters]

@@vedawattieram1974 whether or not a woman takes HRT has a lot to do with how bad her menopausal symptoms are but it’s important to note that HRT prevents/helps with many serious future health conditions like bone loss, heart disease, dementia and cancer to name only a few. Low motivation, brain fog, low confidence, depression and mood can be issues for women needing HRT and can act as a barrier to even seeking it out.

[@littlekentucky2294]

At age 40 I was in full menopause naturally, just stopped having periods, had weight gain, hot flashes, and menopausal insomnia, I’m 47 and it just seems to never end. I’m afraid to get hormones because I read it increases the chances of cancer. It kinda feels like you are damned if you do and damned if you don’t! But I’m so glad someone is talking about it. 😊❤

[@sambailie4773]

Get the HRT girl....I promise, it's a game changer....very little risk x

[@domajoh]

No one ever talks about this! GREAT INFO!! Thanks Oprah! 👏👏👏

[@audhdcreativity5899]

Thanks, I really need this info! I lost my mom over 20 years ago and am a solo mom of a 10 year old girl I had at 42. My anger and irritation is out of this world! I believe I was perimenopausal when I got pregnant and am very grateful I did, but I think it put me into sudden menopause. I never got a period again and have been suffering not realizing I may need HRT ♡ again, so much gratitude!

[@td4611]

I went through menopause and talked about it. I'm not sure who isn't talking about it but I certainly did. Glad it's over. I was hot as hell for 5 years. I kept my house like a meat locker. Nobody wanted to visit. 😀 Husband walked around 24/7 with a heavy coat, gloves and hat.

[@haute03]

LOL bless your heart! I'm glad you felt comfortable sharing your experience!

[@casperinsight3524]

Sharing this info is so helpful for women in different stages of life. Thank you for helping us understand what is happening and why. Looking forward to what we can do next

[@Starr_Gazerr]

100% We NEED Oprah! 🎯

[@r8chlletters]

No-we 100% need HRT.

[@a.leehilliard4716]

She is a fraud

[@101kiddiechick]

What it’s HRT?

[@NC-qc7wd]

My two sisters always trying to get help on the subject, both older than 60, thank you for this show as I'm always helping to find answers to their unknown symptoms.

[@lesliematos6922]

I just learned that all the back pain and body ache I am having are due to menopause.

[@uniquebellax]

Thank you so much for sharing this. I would love love to hear more about it and see the whole episode. It’s so informative and interesting. Please please 🙏🏻. Best regards from Germany 🇩🇪

[@harveysdtr]

We need More of this!!! We need to know what safe things to do.

[@ponderingCanuck]

I read an excellent book called The perimenopause solution. And this the title alone brings up an important topic. Menopause is once you have gone twelve months without a. And you don't know until you've been through it so it's kind of like hindsight. Perimenopause is the part where we experience the symptoms. And there are many symptoms, and all manifest differently for every woman. I don't like that they lumped ppl into "6 types". It just guarantees there's going to be a ton of exceptions. But at least they are talking about it.

[@cherisallen]

This is very helpful, because I'm currently going through early menopause.

[@emilyn7572]

Types: 1. Premature - occurs before 40-45 yrs old. 2.Sudden- caused by surgery, chemo, breast feeding etc 3. Full throttle - everything comes at you 4. Mind altering 5. Seemingly Neverending 6. Silent menopause - no obvious signs eg hot flushes etc but changes still occur due to hormonal shift.

[@yvetteking7749]

What if you don't have premature menopause, but the only symptom is that you periods stopped?

[@lovestarlet2021]

I’m mind altering! Ohhh going through it right now.

[@helenannleeshung9028]

Thank you for this❤

[@sonyahall5080]

I’ve been going through pre - menopause since I got my tubes tied at age 30. In the middle of this lost all my hair due to alopecia, which went full on after a surgery. (Anesthesia) Now into full menopause at age 57…. The hot flashes, and the belly weight gain are my main symptoms..

[@jennifertong135]

I wish we could get more of the content… release it with commercials, we’ll watch!!!!

[@Victoria_Pinder]

Just bought this book and I hope this give me insight after giving birth in my 40s and my period never returned. I hate the new flat tire of fat I never had and no amount of exercise works it off

[@kiwanusyoung9114]

Thank yall

[@aleksandraalexander4506]

I went thru menopause with a friend going thru it same time, we both had intense emotional swings, intense conversations, her husband left the room when we got together, we would laugh, hot flashes during the middle of the nite, all of it was like a ride wild, I never thought this was abnormal but welcomed it. For me it lasted about a year. I did lose some hair but am glad to say it all grew back. What I’m trying to get across that this is normal all those intensities and hot flashes so don’t be afraid of it.

[@ezraesther620]

I wish we were thought this in high school

[@lbf1231]

Dr. Hirsch charges $825 for a 45-minute new patient visit. How does the average woman afford that? My insurance company won't cover it at all.

[@sambailie4773]

It's ridiculous isn't it....Ireland and the UK is the same...people getting very rich off meno women

[@JAO6771]

This is important. Please make this available for All; not just subscribers.

[@user-xn1wu9qh6d]

Please explain more about the "mood only" menopause and what can be done to help

[@r8chlletters]

HRT is the only thing that will actually help with menopause including mood and depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation and so on. Sadly most doctors quickly shuttle women into antidepressants which won’t work for a complete loss of naturally occurring hormones.

[@Maddie9185]

My main symptom was anxiety, something I had never really had before menopause. As soon as I got on HRT my mood lifted right away. I don’t care what anyone says, I’ve been on HRT since 2015 and I plant to continue with it.

[@r8chlletters]

@@Maddie9185 the current findings suggest that a woman whose quality of life is helped by HRT can remain on it for life

[@Mimi-fe2gm]

I wish there were some solutions mentioned.

[@Mimi-fe2gm]

@@virginia6793 thanks!

[@r8chlletters]

There is a fabulous solution and it works amazingly well. It’s called HRT.

[@Mimi-fe2gm]

@r8chelletters FYI: HRT is not for everyone. I have cancer in my family.

[@r8chlletters]

@@Mimi-fe2gm having cancer in your family has little to nothing to do whether or not you take HRT nowadays. There’s “cancer in my family” as well…and it has no bearing on whether I take HRT. In fact HRT prevents many serious health conditions including dementia, heart disease, bone loss and even (yes) cancer. HRT has other huge benefits as well, like allowing you to actually sleep, helping your brain function, keep you from committing suicide and just feel normal again. It is the single most helpful treatment I have ever encountered and worked in a matter of days to save my life. Menopause can be utterly debilitating for some of us and the truth is that the vast majority of women can take HRT and feel much much better for the rest of their lives. Absolutely worth the very minimal risks it poses to me. I will never be without it!

[@Mimi-fe2gm]

@@r8chlletters You are painfully misinformed, and have zero idea what youre talking about. You know nothing about my genetic predisposition. Educate yourself.

[@giselehampton4260]

My hot flashes started at twenty-six and still going on at 61 present

[@rudiannwildgoose-laing4629]

Every conversation I hear about perimenopause and menopause has been around weight gain and I experience weight loss and I'm have difficulty finding any substantial information on that.

[@JacquelineLP]

Same here!

[@goddessvalentinaofradiants3290]

I am now past a lot, I am just burning up on fire…horrible just horrible

[@vbiddy]

Menopause is part of life, yes! Everyone will experience it differently, true...but I would appreciate more uplifting posts, words of encouragement, overall positivity and useful guidance. I have been seeing my OB-GYN for 26 years and currently 43. The past 3-years I mentioned symptoms and felt unheard. I had to request for my hormones to be checked over the years. My levels are on the low-end and he still thinks everything is fine. His words, "as long as you get a period, your hormones are working fine".....LOL! For the past 4 months, I took a holistic approach and incorporated a detox chai (Dandelion leaf*, Nettle*, Plantain*, Cleavers*, Calendula*, Milk Thistle*, Peppermint*, Cinnamon*, Ginger*, Orange peel*, Fennel*, Coriander*, Star Anise*, Clove*, White Pepper*). Upped my protein and added Maca to my smoothies. I added beekeepersnaturals superfood honey and propolis throat spray. I noticed an improvement with my emotions, mental health and sleep . I have gotten better with supplements like D3/K2, Zinc, B complex and Magnesium to name a few and find mushroom masterblend and marine collagen are a good addition to my shakes. I also got a second opinion from another OB-GYN and she said to continue with the herbs and if symptoms change or if I feel I need added support from creams or pellets, that I can add that to my regimen. She suggested I have my hormones rechecked just to compare. However, she did state pellets can be a slippery slope, because of the expense, dose and long-term commitment. There is not a one size fits all. Women have to do what is best for their body.

[@irenezulu4437]

Change doctors sis. You don't need to be with a doctor that won't hear you. Ge the help you need.

[@Maddie9185]

Follow your instincts and be your first advocate and if needed change doctors.

[@AelionEntertainment]

Thanks for posting this info!!!

[@LifeOfAnEmpath]

I also got the "well you are headed towards menopause, you have to deal with it" opinion by my Dr. You are doing the right thing; taking control of your own body!

[@slacasta]

And when we have more then one type of menopause?

[@annacastillo1663]

What is menopause? I’m 57 and still have a period every month but last longer and it’s annoying 😢no one seems to talk about it

[@daretodatedifferently]

I’m 56, still getting monthly periods but lighter flow over 4 days, no real change- complete consistency.

[@chickenmama823]

Feeling dead inside sexually totally relate😂

[@mkfd4571]

Yup. Dryness is lovely, too, right?

[@ninjarokitBOB]

"Seemingly never ending," as I am 61 just beginning topical estrogen (premarin) and still experiencing hot flushes, night sweats, insomnia, low libido and brain fog. Could I safely add orals? estrogen?

[@r8chlletters]

Honey you need a higher dose. Doctors start everyone as low as possible, it’s up to you to push the boulder up the hill. Tell your doc it’s not working. They will increase your dose every 60-90 day visit based on your reporting alone. It took me a year to get to 2mg E, 200mg P, .50 T. They literally have to determine what the lowest dose is for you purely through anecdotal verbal reporting. Slapping on a low-dose patch isn’t necessary gonna fix things. You may need 4x what they are giving you, I certainly did! I’m about 80-90% improved on the highest available dose. I’d say don’t stop til you feel like your “normal self” once again. Good luck!

[@sburris65]

Ive been going through it about 7 years now. I kept waiting for the hot flashes. Have yet to have one. I has a hysterectomy 23 years ago so I couldn't base it no period. But I had rapid weight gain. I would literally go up a dress size about every month or so even though I had not changed my diet. I also had hormone brain. Im still struggling to loose the weight.

[@r8chlletters]

Full HRT including testosterone would help with weight but they won’t give it to you simply for weight. You’d have to state classic symptoms and to get the testosterone you’d have to indicate sexual dysfunction (no climax). You likely need a referral for a specialist if you are in the US. Testosterone for women is sadly still not fda approved despite being an important hormone even at a very low level that helps us build muscle and helps with motivation, mood and confidence.

[@mkfd4571]

Girllll… I hear you. Me, too. I was saying to someone else on here: This is not your fault. Period (pardon the pun). If you are open to it and have decent insurance, there are phenomenal weight loss drugs out there. I’m on ozempic now (Yes, it works) and I’m taking a tiny dosage (.25 is smallest dose and I’m taking 6 clicks of it which is 1/3 of .25) I have lost 4 lbs so far (about 3 weeks)

[@d8bn]

I feel badly for so many women having such difficulty and wonder why it's so different. My sister and I have completely different experiences. We're half-sisters so maybe its genes. One of us hot flashes all day every day for years, the other one none.

[@Ane127]

Tell her to get a homeopath.

[@arlenehayles1892]

😮, Lord help us

[@TheRealSuzeeQ]

My wake up call was being woke from a Deep sleep at 2:30AM with my Heart Racing, scared me into anxiety which is probably why it lasted for over a half hour YES< it did.. I believe my heart beat was close to 300bpm. It could've been 250-275 at the minimum. ITS TERRIFYING. I was afraid to go to bed since that's where it happened and it did for months. But I thought about hormones and eventually it went away. SO SCARY.

[@b.k8051]

Wait, Oprah has a show online????? What is going on??? Can Oprah go back to her TV show??? Why did she leave??? We need Oprah!

[@SandraLovesRoses]

hell no we don't

[@tobehonest7541]

@@SandraLovesRoses is that why you visit her website? What a fool

[@RebeccaMarie-js3fp]

Idk about menopause yet but perimenopause is a nightmare.

[@kmckenney1311]

I'd love to see Drew talk to Dylan Mulvaney on her show about this since she is agreeing that he is a woman amd telling him how brave he is to be a woman

[@cookie_dough_hangover]

😂😂😂😂Good one!

[@Codydoggy]

But we know all of that 😮

[@catherinevanommeren]

Internal no Summers 😢

[@melanieroberts2221]

Had a hysterectomy at 32. Cancer. Haven't had any symptoms. 57 now

[@freddycarrick7711]

how is the 'gold standard' different from other types?

[@mjjveritas]

The so-called "Gold Standard" HRT, refers to evidence-based research on the HRT in question. In the UK, it would be the stardard HRT prescribed on the NHS (National Health Service) which is the free medical service in the UK, as opposed to bio-identical HRT or body identical HRT, which if you go privately (pay for it), patients can get. There seemingly isn't as much official medical peer-reviewed research on bio-identicals and body identical HRT, as there is on the so-called Gold Standard HRT. An example of the Gold Standard HRT is Evorel Conti patches, which contain two hormones, oestrogen and progesterone. You can see the leaflet online, which is the leaflet which is enclosed in the box of patches. The name of Evorel Conti may be licensed under a different name in other countries outside of the UK. These transdermal patches contain the minimum level of hormones which is required to prevent bone loss, dementia, and heart problems, over and above helping with the usual symptoms like hot flushes/flashes or dryness etc.

[@Coryraisa]

Thank goodness the only symptom I've had is hot flashes, which estrogen patches are fortunately mitigating. I wonder if Oprah had any symptoms with her menopause?

[@anandaadidevi2339]

She said she didn' sleep for two years -- insomnia.

[@jennieoh8543]

Also she had debilitating heart palpitations and went to 5 cardiologists, they could not find anything wrong with her heart!!! As soon as she started the gel they went away!!!! They are frightening and along with insomnia. Yikes!!! She thought she was dying every night when she was trying to fall asleep:*( There is a clip on this here on You Tube :*)@@anandaadidevi2339

[@mercelo6882]

Hard to believe you still don't know to look at Ayurvedic views or traditional indigenous ancient medicines such as Mexican medicine.... The approach to women things has been done a long time by those.

[@SandraLovesRoses]

because Oprah will shill for the medical complex that's why she's a celebrity she doesn't give a damn she will lie for money and these people eat it up it's ridiculous - certain sections of medical lie lie lie this is one of them

[@SandraLovesRoses]

Ayurvedic is the way at the same time menopause is not a condition to treat these women are terrible in my eyes

[@tatianag.k.3226]

I found this subject really interesting , but I prefer to hear this discussion from normal women and not from the privileged ones, since the can afford any expensive treatment to avoid most side effects of the menopause. I doubt that any of them really knows what it means to go though menopause.

[@tjj5337]

Bleeding gums are from eating sugar..

[@sambailie4773]

Not always

[@marciawellman8668]

Miserable - that is my type.

[@AbderrahimAnasse-qn3nq]

Ces histoires de me ramener une fille aubar qui soit disant ressemble à ma femme et elle fait certains de ces gestes avec quelque ressemblances physiques et la chanteuse se met devant elle et je dois comprendre que c'est elle le Soleil On joue à la devinette et on redevient enfants j' ai l' impression que vous n' avez pas beaucoup joué en tant qu' enfants.Loi par contre Al hamdolillAl j' ai joué à tout .C' est pour cela dès mon jeune âge ; j'étais déjà prêt à attaquer la vie adulte

[@empresszoe9351]

How funny men talking about their menopause.

[@ForeverYoung-fc3eo]

Do trans women experience menopause too? Asking for a friend 😂

[@cookie_dough_hangover]

We should ask Drew..

[@r8chlletters]

Pushing books etc what a sad merchandising machine she is wasting our time on. Disappointing.

[@Ane127]

Get a homeopath.

[@cookie_dough_hangover]

Oh that's right. Do you have any experience with that? Please share.

[@SkySpiritPhotography]

I'm 53 and I went through menopause 3 years ago. I had a few hot flashes and no other issues. I think women have problems with menopause because they are obsessed with it. It's really about your mind and not allowing it to wreak havoc on your body. Try forgetting about it - you'll feel better.

[@amandagibson838]

Really

[@mkfd4571]

Dear Heart, I’m sure you mean well, but while you are reminding us about our minds, perhaps you should work on your heart and the part that provides empathy. I had cancer at 44 and went into full surgical menopause. Hot flashes are the least of my worries. I used to regularly work out and enjoyed my life. I now have neuropathy and rheumatoid arthritis and gained 40 lbs in four months. It’s in my head? Maybe you can come over and remind my head why my legs and arms won’t work on certain mornings. I meditate every morning and do tai-chi. Unfortunately, it ain’t working as an effective pain blocker. I sincerely believe you speak in earnest, but if you were holding a tray of drinks in your hands in front of me I’d knock them over. All joking aside, I wish you well, and am glad your experience with menopause has not been hard. I feel I have aged 25 years in the past two years. So, please do not gaslight me and anyone else by saying that our minds are not focused enough on happy thoughts. This is real.

[@raaziabanks2552]

These views in today’s day and age….

[@cateivy9747]

What a ridiculous reply

[@LifeOfAnEmpath]

Ummm no. I've had a heck of a time with perimenopause, I've gained 20 pounds with no effort, hot flashes, fatigue and low libido. It's not my mind and I have chosen to start HRT. Everyone is different and everyone has a choice to do something...or not to.

[@crystalbluebutterfly]

I wonder what my type is. It’s been a pretty chill menopause for me. I’m now 49, and I think I started peri-menopause a few years ago. It’s been about a full year since last period, at this point. No hot flashes. Not feeling dead inside. Still feeling sexual.

[@4leafclover258]

Yours would be the Lucky one 😉

[@cookie_dough_hangover]

I felt like that until last year. The best year of my life and then, boom, it hit me like a tractor. It's horrible.