Forever35 Podcast Episode 331: The Truth About Perimenopause with Dr. Arianna Sholes-Douglas
Release Date: December 2, 2024
Introduction
In Episode 331 of Forever35, hosts Dorie Shafrir and Elise Hu delve deep into the intricacies of perimenopause with their distinguished guest, Dr. Arianna Sholes-Douglas. This episode, part of a themed series on midlife and menopause, offers listeners a comprehensive understanding of perimenopause, debunking myths, and providing actionable advice for navigating this significant life transition.
Guest Introduction: Dr. Arianna Sholes-Douglas
Dr. Arianna Sholes-Douglas is a seasoned obstetrician-gynecologist with over two decades of experience in high-risk obstetrics. She is the author of The Menopause Myth and the founder of Tula Wellness, where she emphasizes integrative women's health and fosters healing partnerships between patients and physicians.
Notable Quote:
"If I'm a gynecologist, I'm supposed to be trained, which I was not and most gynecologists are not."
— Dr. Arianna Sholes-Douglas [19:08]
Main Discussion
1. The Menopause Myth and Its Origins
Dr. Sholes-Douglas recounts her personal journey through perimenopause in her late 30s, which was devoid of adequate preparation and understanding despite her medical background. This gap in knowledge inspired her to author The Menopause Myth, aiming to fill the void of information available to women.
Notable Quote:
"If I'm a gynecologist, I'm supposed to be trained, which I was not and most gynecologists are not... there's a serious void of information that women had."
— Dr. Arianna Sholes-Douglas [19:08]
2. Education Gaps in Medical Training
A significant portion of the discussion highlights the insufficiency of menopause education in medical curricula. Dr. Sholes-Douglas cites studies revealing that less than 2% of residency programs dedicate time to menopause education, often limiting it to a mere two hours.
Notable Quote:
"Less than 2% of any curriculum. I mean, we're talking less than... it's two hours."
— Dr. Arianna Sholes-Douglas [20:42]
This lack of training has broader implications, leading to many gynecologists being ill-equipped to address perimenopause symptoms effectively. Consequently, patients often face dismissive attitudes or lack of proper treatment when seeking help.
3. The Role of Social Media in Raising Awareness
Elise Hu observes a positive shift in the awareness and discussion surrounding perimenopause, attributing it partly to the influence of social media. Dr. Sholes-Douglas agrees, noting that online platforms have empowered women with information and connected them to knowledgeable healthcare providers.
Notable Quote:
"It's a huge shift... there are providers who... are giving some really good information to people and they're getting empowered."
— Dr. Arianna Sholes-Douglas [22:56]
4. Navigating Conversations with Healthcare Providers
Listeners often struggle with how to approach their doctors about perimenopause. Dr. Sholes-Douglas advises focusing on symptoms rather than lab results, as hormonal levels fluctuate and may not provide clear diagnostic information.
Notable Quote:
"It's not about the labs, it's about the symptoms... if you have insomnia, irritability, you have brain fog, night sweats, like, like I don't need labs to determine that you're perimenopausal."
— Dr. Arianna Sholes-Douglas [23:57]
She emphasizes the importance of being prepared and empowered during medical consultations, encouraging women to seek providers trained specifically in menopause care through resources like Menopause.org.
5. Listener Questions and Expert Responses
a. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Timing and Considerations
A listener inquires about the optimal time to start HRT, especially concerning family history of breast cancer. Dr. Sholes-Douglas clarifies that hormone therapy should commence when symptomatic, rather than preemptively, and addresses concerns related to breast cancer risk.
Notable Quote:
"Your family history of breast cancer has nothing to do. We've already pretty much established that estrogen doesn't cause the breast cancer."
— Dr. Arianna Sholes-Douglas [38:11]
She reassures that the risk associated with HRT is minimal compared to the benefits, such as bone health, and encourages women to consider HRT based on individual health profiles and symptoms.
b. Lesser-Known Perimenopause Symptoms
Beyond common symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats, Dr. Sholes-Douglas highlights lesser-discussed manifestations of perimenopause, including burning mouth syndrome, musculoskeletal pains, anxiety, depression, and even ADHD-like symptoms.
Notable Quote:
"Joint pain is actually more prevalent for the population than hot flashes. It's one of the most frequently recorded symptoms of perimenopause."
— Dr. Arianna Sholes-Douglas [32:53]
c. Estrogen Face Creams
A listener asks about the safety and efficacy of estrogen face creams. Dr. Sholes-Douglas affirms their safety, explaining that topical application on the face results in minimal systemic absorption, making them a viable option for symptom relief without significant risks.
Notable Quote:
"The way the skin that we're putting it on doesn't really absorb as well. And so we're not getting so much of the systemic impact of it."
— Dr. Arianna Sholes-Douglas [37:00]
Positive Aspects of Perimenopause
Shifting focus from challenges, Dr. Sholes-Douglas and the hosts explore the empowering aspects of perimenopause. She describes this phase as a time of personal growth and self-discovery, where women can embrace their true selves free from societal expectations.
Notable Quote:
"This is an opportunity for you to explore and transform and in my opinion, to step into who you really came here to be."
— Dr. Arianna Sholes-Douglas [40:28]
Intention Zone: Gratitude and Self-Care Practices
The latter part of the episode transitions into the hosts and guest sharing their personal intentions and gratitude practices. Dr. Sholes-Douglas emphasizes the importance of gratitude in maintaining mental well-being, especially during significant life transitions.
Notable Quote:
"I am trying to be less grouchy to the kids and be more grateful for them and have more like mother-daughter time."
— Dr. Arianna Sholes-Douglas [44:09]
Conclusion and Resources
Dr. Sholes-Douglas concludes by directing listeners to her resources for further information:
- Instagram: @DoctorAriana
- Podcast: Stay Juicy
- Book: The Menopause Myth (available on Amazon)
Moreover, hosts Dorie Shafrir and Elise Hu express their gratitude towards their Patreon supporters, acknowledging the community that sustains their mission to educate and empower women in midlife.
Additional Resources Mentioned:
-
Menopause Society: Menopause.org – Find trained providers specializing in menopause care.
-
Stay Juicy Podcast: Dr. Sholes-Douglas's podcast focusing on empowering women through midlife transitions.
Connect with Forever35:
- Website: forever35podcast.com
- Instagram: @forever35podcast
- Patreon: patreon.com/forever35
- Newsletter: forever35podcast.com/newsletter
- Contact: Call or text at 781-591-0390 or email at forever35podcast@gmail.com
This episode serves as a vital resource for women navigating perimenopause, offering expert insights, personal anecdotes, and practical advice to foster a healthier and more informed midlife experience.