I recently listened to The New Menopause by Dr. Mary Claire Haver. A #1 New York Times Bestseller, it’s packed with everything we need to know to not just survive but thrive during perimenopause and menopause. From sagging skin and night sweats to brain fog, weakened bones, depression, and no sex drive, it provides a comprehensive A to Z toolkit of science-backed options for managing symptoms.
Dr. Haver Explains the Latest Research on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
One of the key highlights of the book is Dr. Haver’s discussion on hormone replacement therapy (HRT). She delves into the latest research, explaining both the benefits and risks of HRT. Dr. Haver provides practical advice on mitigating the risks associated with the natural drop in estrogen, addressing conditions such as diabetes, dementia, Alzheimer’s, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and weight gain.
Surprising Facts from The New Menopause
- Impact on Careers: This blew me away! 1 in 5 women leave their jobs during menopause due to menopausal symptoms especially decreased executive brain function. The hormonal changes can lead to brain fog, ADHD-like symptoms, and a significant loss of self-confidence.
- Collagen Loss: We lose 30% of the collagen in our skin during the first five years of menopause due to decreased estrogen levels. This rapid collagen loss accelerates sagging skin, wrinkles, and cellulite.
- Dr. Haver recommended Sparkle Wellness Hydrolyzed Collagen Powder Skin Boost Plus with Verisol Peptides to help maintain collagen and improve cellulite. I’ve been using collagen protein for years but this product with Verisol Peptides has shown improvement in cellulite as well. I’m using the unflavored powder and I add it to my morning coffee with no difference in taste. You can get it on Amazon here.
- Benefits of Early HRT: Women who start HRT within the first 10 years of menopause experience a lower all-cause mortality rate and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. This finding is encouraging and highlights the potential health benefits of early HRT intervention.
- Reevaluation of Cancer Risks: New research and previous flawed studies has led to the retraction of many earlier findings that linked HRT to increased heart disease and cancer risk. Dr. Haver explains the science behind this misinformation and the latest research so we can have educated open discussions with our ob/gyn.
- Osteoporosis: Estrogen helps to maintain bone health and prevent osteoporosis. As estrogen levels decline during menopause, we face an increased risk of osteoporosis due to accelerated bone density loss. Dr. Haver highlights how HRT can help mitigate this risk by maintaining estrogen levels.
- Lack of Menopause Education for Ob/Gyns: It was surprising to learn that many Ob/Gyns receive very little training about menopause care and no training on perimenopause during their medical education. Our trusted Ob/Gyn that brilliantly delivered our babies may not be fully knowledgeable on how to help us manage our peri/menopause symptoms because they’re not trained or required to.
Learn More
Check out Mel Robbins’ podcast with Dr. Haver or get the book here.
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