Moment: Painful Sex & Shrinking Labia? What Menopause Really Does to Your Body ft Dr. Haver
In this episode, Dr. Mary Claire Haver breaks down the dramatic changes women experience during menopause, from thinning vaginal tissues to increased susceptibility to infections. She passionately explains how a lack of estrogen impacts overall health, including cardiovascular risks, and debunks myths surrounding hormone replacement therapy. Dr. Rena Malik adds that while men easily get testosterone treatments, women face significant hurdles in accessing menopause care. Both experts stress the importance of properly treating women in this crucial stage of life to improve their well-being and longevity.
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In this episode, Dr. Rena Malik, MD discusses the significant changes that the vulva undergoes during menopause with her guest, Dr. Mary Claire Haver. They explore the dramatic reduction in estrogen and testosterone levels and how this leads to tissue thinning, loss of collagen, and decreased mucus production in the vaginal area. These changes can result in discomfort, pain during sex, and increased susceptibility to infections. The conversation highlights the positive impact of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on mitigating these symptoms and improving women's overall health, despite the lingering misconceptions and stigmas surrounding its use.
Dr. Mary Claire Haver emphasizes the benefits of estrogen for heart health, cholesterol management, and even mental well-being. They address the flaws and public misconceptions stemming from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study, which significantly impacted the perception of HRT. The episode underscores the importance of educating both patients and clinicians about the safe and effective use of hormone therapy to improve the quality of life for women experiencing menopause. By advocating for better healthcare practices and raising awareness, Dr. Haver and Dr. Malik aim to empower women to seek the treatments they need
00:00 Menopause effects on vulva
01:32 Vaginal tissue changes
02:49 Testosterone and mood
03:08 Misconceptions about estrogen
06:48 Women's Health Initiative
12:33 SSRI use and alternatives
Don't forget to check out Dr. Haver
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The New Menopause Book - https://thepauselife.com/pages/the-new-menopause-book
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