Menopause can be a surprising experience for a lot of women, in a lot of ways. However, being equipped with as much information as possible can help you approach this time of your life with confidence—not fear.
According to Dr. Diana Bitner, MD, MSCP, FACOG, Chief Medical Officer & Co-founder of true. Women's Health, many women think menopause is an event that is simply done once they reach it.
"Menopause changes the normal and the rules change—how to keep a healthy weight, how to maintain sleep, how to stay metabolically healthy, how to maintain sexuality, and how to optimize mental health," she explained.
Knowing there's much to learn, come along as we explore five things women should know about menopause.
1. TREATMENT OPTIONS EXIST AND MENOPAUSE HORMONE THERAPY (MHT) IS SAFER THAN MOST THINK.
Dr. Bitner explained that a 2003 WHI study on MHT was poorly described in the weeks after it was first published, causing fear and misinformation which has persisted for years.
"Since 2003, we've studied the results of the thousands of women who were studied in detail and have learned that MHT can be safely used as the first line treatment for most women," Dr. Bitner said. "The key is to individualize treatment, and for women who've had breast cancer or women who choose to not take MHT, there are other effective options such as NKT's (neurokinin therapies) including Veozah and soon-to-be-approved Elinzanetant, and serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as Paxil or Escitalopram."
2. EXPERIENCES WITH SYMPTOMS DIFFER.
While everyone's experience can be different, women deserve to know what to potentially expect.
"For some, it's night sweats out of seemingly nowhere. For others, it's feeling melancholy for no apparent reason or having newfound anxiety," Dr. Bitner explained. "Women are also surprised by weight gain, low libido, or painful sex. The main seven symptoms—hot flashes and night sweats, mood changes, sleep disturbance, bladder urgency and vaginal dryness, low energy, and weight gain—tend to worsen in the few years before and after the last menstrual period, or occur very suddenly after a surgery or menopause-inducing cancer treatment or surgery."
3. IF YOU FEEL INVISIBLE DURING THIS TIME, YOU'RE NOT ALONE.
"Good menopause care often takes time for good listening and education, which the current healthcare system does not support well, with visits often only lasting 12 minutes with a healthcare provider," Dr. Bitner said, noting how dismissive this can feel. She recommends advocating for 'goal-based care,' which puts a woman's goals at the forefront of any healthcare encounter or discussion of diagnosis and treatment options.
"For this to be adopted, more study is needed, and women need to know it is something they can demand. What they want for their lives and health is what matters."
4. THERE ARE THERAPEUTIC OPTIONS FOR LOW SEXUAL DESIRE.
"Both FDA-approved options are very effective and safe," Dr. Bitner shared. "One option is a pill taken every day called Addyi, and another is an on-demand tiny shot called Vyleesi. Insurance will cover these options for women in perimenopause, but not for women in menopause. While this is a challenge, the medications can be prescribed off label and are often priced within reach."
5. WHILE SOME THINGS MAY BE OUT OF YOUR CONTROL, THAT DOESN'T MEAN YOU'RE NOT STILL IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT.
"I want women to know that once they know their body is changing, it's time to start asking themselves what they want their future to look like and to get educated," Dr. Bitner said. "It's possible to predict their risk for physical, mental, and sexual health changes that will likely occur based on their genetics, family history, personal history, and pregnancy history. Once they have a glimpse into their future, there's time to choose lifestyle habits and potentially therapeutics which will get them to where they want to be. It's possible to have the menopause of your dreams!"
If you find yourself seeking answers for your own future and journey with menopause, advocate for yourself and have a discussion with a supportive medical provider.
Written by Sarah Suydam, Managing Editor for West Michigan Woman.
This article originally appeared in the Aug/Sept '25 issue of West Michigan Woman.
