The MenoHealth blog
Evidence-based guides to perimenopause and menopause, written to be read.
Understanding menopauseHow Long Does Menopause Last?
The complete, evidence-based timeline — and why most women are told it’s shorter than it is
By Karla F. Loken, DO, FACOOG· 22 min read
Treatments and optionsIs HRT Safe? What 20+ Years of Research Actually Shows
Is HRT safe? The 2002 WHI scare has been substantially revised by 20+ years of data. Current evidence on safety, timing, and who should consider hormone therapy.
By Karla F. Loken, DO, FACOOG· 24 min read
Living wellSex After Menopause: How Intimacy Changes and How to Thrive
Sex after menopause changes for most women, but the specific changes are treatable. Evidence-based guide to GSM, desire, and how to thrive in intimacy.
By Karla F. Loken, DO, FACOOG· 18 min read
Menopause symptomsHow Long Do Hot Flashes Last? The Surprising Truth
How long do hot flashes last? SWAN data show a median 7.4 years, with 4.5 years after the final period. The surprising truth and what it means for treatment.
By Karla F. Loken, DO, FACOOG· 15 min read
Treatments and optionsBioidentical Hormones vs. Traditional HRT: The Honest Answer
Bioidentical hormones vs. traditional HRT: FDA-approved estradiol is bioidentical. Compounded BHRT is not the same. The honest answer, by the evidence.
By Karla F. Loken, DO, FACOOG· 19 min read
Menopause symptomsMenopause Weight Gain: Why It Happens and What Actually Helps
Menopause weight gain isn’t just about hormones. SWAN data show body composition shifts that need a different approach. What actually works, evidence-based.
By Karla F. Loken, DO, FACOOG· 21 min read
Menopause symptomsWhat Causes Hot Flashes? The Science Behind Vasomotor Symptoms
What causes hot flashes? Loss of estrogen activates KNDy neurons in the hypothalamus, narrowing your thermoneutral zone. The full science, explained.
By Karla F. Loken, DO, FACOOG· 21 min read
Treatments and optionsHRT Explained: Types, Benefits, and What to Know
What is HRT? A clinician-reviewed guide to types, routes, progestogen options, timing hypothesis, benefits, risks, and who should consider hormone therapy.
By Karla F. Loken, DO, FACOOG· 21 min read
Understanding menopausePerimenopause Symptoms: The Complete Guide
Perimenopause symptoms span vasomotor, sleep, mood, cognitive, body, sexual, and metabolic categories. A clinician-reviewed complete guide with what helps.
By Karla F. Loken, DO, FACOOG· 21 min read
Treatments and optionsMagnesium for Menopause: Does It Really Help?
Magnesium for menopause: what the trial evidence actually shows for hot flashes, sleep, mood, and bone. Honest review of forms, dosing, and where it fits.
By Karla F. Loken, DO, FACOOG· 12 min read
Menopause symptomsMenopause Memory Loss: What’s Normal and When to Seek Help
Menopause memory loss is real, common, and almost always temporary. SWAN data show cognitive symptoms recover in postmenopause. What helps and when to act.
By Karla F. Loken, DO, FACOOG· 12 min read
Menopause symptomsHot Flash Triggers: How to Identify and Manage Yours
Hot flash triggers — alcohol, heat, stress, spicy food, caffeine — push a narrowed thermoneutral zone over the edge. How to identify and manage yours.
By Karla F. Loken, DO, FACOOG· 12 min read
From the Library
Clinician-reviewed explainers for members. Start any one to see a preview.
Deep divesMembersWorking Through Menopause
A short MenoHealth video on Working Through Menopause.
By MenoHealth Editorial Team
Deep divesMembersWeight and Metabolism
A short MenoHealth video on Weight and Metabolism.
By MenoHealth Editorial Team
Symptom explainersMembersUnderstanding Hormones
A short MenoHealth video on Understanding Hormones.
By MenoHealth Editorial Team
Deep divesMembersPelvic Floor Health
A short MenoHealth video on Pelvic Floor Health.
By MenoHealth Editorial Team