Let’s talk: Perimenopause vs. Menopause

Hello and happy August! 🌻

I’m so overjoyed by how many of you have already joined this new Fempower Health space for perimenopause and menopause. I’ve received positive, enthusiastic responses from women telling me they’ve been waiting for something like this—a welcoming community and information “hub” for those of us in this wild, fascinating (and sometimes overwhelming) mid-life phase. 

There’s so much to come, and I’m so glad you’re here for it!

As we start rolling out these newsletters, you can expect a new email every other week (on Thursdays). 

For this edition, I’m so thrilled (!!) to bring back a VERY special and favored podcast guest… 😉

The Latest News in Menopausal Health 

Here’s what’s new and interesting in the world of menopause and perimenopause.

Bayer submits a New Drug Application for non-hormonal medication that treats hot flashes.

On August 1st, Bayer submitted a New Drug Application for elinzanetant, a new non-hormonal treatment for moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms (VMS)—or hot flashes—in menopausal women. Backed by positive results from OASIS trials, elinzanetant may significantly reduce hot flashes and improve sleep quality for women with VMS night sweats. Learn more about this interesting new treatment in the recent Bayer press release.

Women in their 30s are joining the #perimenopause conversation on social media.

Perimenopause is gaining widespread attention as women as young as 35 openly discuss their symptoms on TikTok’s #perimenopause hashtag. The perimenopause phase before menopause can last 10-15 years and involves symptoms like irregular periods, hot flashes, and lesser-known issues like bodily “electric shock” sensations and brain fog. More women are embracing this stage, sharing their experiences, and seeking a supportive community to relate to throughout this important health journey.

Is the “peri” phase of menopause more likely to cause depression?

A recent publication by the Journal of Affective Disorders reveals that in a study of more than 12,000 participants, women in perimenopause were 40% more likely to experience depression compared to premenopausal or postmenopausal women. The study highlights the need for depression screening and mental health support during this transitional phase.

Learn more about perimenopausal mood changes on the ACOG website. 

Pelvic pain during menopause?

Hormonal changes during menopause can cause pelvic pain and pelvic floor issues. Many women in this phase experience pain during sex, pelvic prolapse, or incontinence. The decrease in estrogen affects vaginal blood flow and lubrication, leading to dryness and discomfort (or even pain).

I recommend this podcast episode if you’re dealing with pelvic pain during menopause:

In case you missed it:

Our other new, dedicated newsletter for pelvic health focuses on managing pain. Subscribe to the Chronic Pelvic Pain community for tailored content that supports your health experience.