Menopause Isn’t What You Think. Redefining How Women Navigate the Change
When most people think about menopause, they envision fifty-something women with hot flashes. But the reality is that there is a lot more to this right of passage. For some, it begins well before the 50s, leaving many women feeling like they are going crazy. Limitations in public knowledge leave many women scratching their heads, wondering what is wrong with them and trying to push through, never realizing their symptoms are part of a natural process millions of women experience daily.
We sat down with OnePeak Medical’s White City Provider, Kelly Lueck, MSN, FNP-C, to discuss menopause in greater depth. We hope that by expanding the public’s understanding of it, fewer women will struggle and know that help is available.
Beyond Hot Flashes: Recognizing the Full Spectrum of Menopause Symptoms
While hot flashes are often the first thing that comes to mind, menopause presents a wide range of symptoms, including insomnia, fatigue, mood changes, weight gain, night sweats, hair loss, brittle nails, dry skin, joint pain, and low libido. Kelly explained how easily these symptoms, particularly anxiety and depression, are often misdiagnosed.
“Many women experiencing perimenopause and menopause are struggling with mental health challenges that are directly related to hormonal fluctuations,” Kelly explained. “They often get diagnosed with anxiety or depression, but the root cause is frequently overlooked.”
Kelly shared her own experience with perimenopause, initially attributing symptoms like hot flashes, insomnia, fatigue, depression, and anxiety to life stress.
“I thought it was just my life, stress at work and being go, go, go at home,” she recounted. “Like many women I treat, I thought I needed to push through and keep going.”
However, after reviewing her labs, she connected the dots between her symptoms and what her bloodwork showed. This a-ha moment was life-changing for Kelly, and she committed her life to helping others who were going through “the change.”
“Many women feel like they are going crazy because they are all over the place and can no longer balance their lives,” Kelly added.
They aren’t crazy. Many are just hormonally imbalanced.
The Hormone Connection: It’s More Than Just Estrogen
Kelly shared the critical roles of estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, DHEA, and cortisol in managing menopausal symptoms. Estrogen plays a key role in vasomotor symptoms like hot flashes, mood regulation, thinking, and cardiovascular health, and even impacts libido, muscle, and joint pain. Progesterone, often called the “happy hormone,” is a natural anti-inflammatory, antidiuretic, and crucial for sleep as it promotes relaxation. Testosterone contributes to libido, muscle and joint pain, and cardiovascular well-being. Cortisol, secreted by the adrenals, plays a role, too. It secretes DHEA, which is essential for muscle health.
“Once you hit menopause, many women experience muscle fatigue and muscle wasting,” Kelly explained. “When the adrenals are off, women can’t secrete enough DHEA, causing muscle wasting, which, if left unaddressed, continues to decline with age.”
But women are wonderfully unique, and the right recipe of hormones can vary greatly.
“It’s not just about estrogen,” Kelly stressed. “We need to consider the delicate balance of all these hormones and how they interact. The adrenal-thyroid-hormone triangle is a perfect example of this interconnectedness. Ignoring this interplay is a disservice to women. Western medicine often doesn’t look at hormones, but they are so important for mood balancing, anti-inflammatory effects, and weight management.”
A Personalized Approach: Treating the Patient, Not Just the Labs
At OnePeak Medical, we believe in treating the whole patient, not just focusing on lab results. Kelly echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of tailoring treatment to individual symptoms and medical history.
“Lab results are a valuable tool, but they don’t tell the whole story,” she explained. “We need to listen to our patients, understand their unique experiences, and create a personalized plan that addresses their specific needs.”
This personalized approach also extends to the duration of treatment. Kelly noted that treatment isn’t necessarily lifelong. It depends on how each individual responds and whether symptoms persist.
“It is not one size fits all,” she emphasized. “We’re not just treating symptoms, and we’re not just treating numbers of hormone levels.” She explained that while some women may experience relief after about ten years post-menopause and no longer need hormone replacement therapy (HRT), others may require continued support. “We look at the whole patient and treat empirically and symptomatically to ensure we’re smart and safe!”
Addressing Concerns about Hormone Replacement Therapy
Kelly addressed common concerns about HRT, including the increased clotting risk associated with estrogen. She emphasized the importance of combining estrogen with progesterone to mitigate this risk and noted that hormone therapy can actually reduce the risk of certain cancers. However, it is critically important to choose a healthcare provider that understands hormone balancing and the significance of looking at the complete picture when treating women going through menopause.
Breaking the Stigma: Empowering Women Through Education
Our conversation began and ended discussing the societal stigma surrounding mental health in women experiencing menopause. Too often, women are told to “push through” or dismiss their symptoms as simply “part of getting older.” Getting help for anxiety and depression is sadly still perceived as a weakness by some. But people who have come out the other side know that getting help is a superpower. You must be a strong person to ask for help. Kelly believes that education is key to breaking this stigma.
“These are real, physiological changes, not signs of weakness,” she emphasized. “By understanding the connection between hormonal imbalances and their symptoms, women can feel empowered to seek help and prioritize their well-being. It’s physiological, not psychological.”
OnePeak Medical: Your Partner in Menopause Management
At OnePeak Medical, we’re committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care for women navigating menopause. We offer personalized treatment plans that address the full spectrum of symptoms, including mental health concerns. We believe in empowering women with the knowledge and support they need to thrive during this transition. As Kelly stated, “Traditional medicine is not always focused on wellness, in my opinion.” At OnePeak Medical, we strive to change that.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of menopause, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced providers. We’re here to help you confidently navigate this journey and reclaim your well-being.