NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. — While hot flashes and night sweats are the most recognized hallmarks of menopause, medical experts are working to shift the narrative, highlighting that the transition involves up to 70 distinct symptoms. This October, in recognition of Menopause Awareness Month, physicians are calling for an end to the silence and misinformation that has left countless women suffering needlessly.
Dr. Orr, a gynecologist and owner of the Charleston Women’s Wellness Center, notes that while society places a heavy emphasis on educating young women about the start of their menstrual cycles, there is a glaring lack of conversation regarding what happens when those cycles conclude.
“We spend a lot of time talking to young women when they’re about to start their menstrual cycles, but there’s never a conversation with women about what happens when those menstrual cycles go away,” Orr said.
The range of symptoms women may experience is vast and often unexpected. Beyond the typical temperature fluctuations, women frequently report persistent brain fog, anxiety, mood swings, changes in libido, and chronic musculoskeletal pain. For many, these symptoms are endured in silence, often mistaken for an unavoidable part of aging.
Patient Vanessa Lambright recalls feeling like she was simply trapped in a cycle of discomfort with no path to relief. “I had hot flashes, mood swings, didn’t sleep well,” Lambright said. “Anyone that I talked to—well, I hadn’t gotten any information about it before it happened. And I wasn’t told that there were things that could be done or treated.”
Many women have historically avoided hormone replacement therapy (HRT) due to fears stemming from a widely publicized, yet flawed, study that linked the treatment to cancer risks. However, Dr. Orr points out that modern medical data tells a different story. When initiated within a specific “window”—typically within the first 10 years of menopause—HRT can offer significant health benefits, including a potential reduction in the risks of cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease, and cardiovascular disease, which remains the leading cause of death for women.
For Lambright, who began treatment in her early 60s, the change has been life-altering. “It’s been about 11 months now since I’ve been having the treatment,” she said. “I feel great. I’m clearer. My mind is clearer. I’m able to focus better. I sleep well, and I have more energy.”
Dr. Orr emphasizes that menopause is not a disease, but a natural phase of life that deserves better medical support. With a variety of modern delivery methods—including patches, gels, sprays, and creams—treatment is more customizable than ever.
To further the conversation, Dr. Orr is partnering with Dr. Thaddeus John Bell to host a seminar titled “MENOPAUSE, MEN and Mid-Life: A Conversation.” The event, taking place on October 31 at 11 a.m., aims to explore how this life stage impacts not just women, but their spouses, families, and professional relationships.
Disclaimer: This content is auto-generated for informational purposes only.
Source: Read Original News
