The MenoHealth blog
Evidence-based guides to perimenopause and menopause, written to be read.
Menopause symptomsPerimenopause Mood Swings: A Survival Guide
Perimenopause mood swings hit hardest in late perimenopause. SWAN data show elevated depression risk. What helps: HRT, SSRIs, CBT, sleep, and proactive care.
By Karla F. Loken, DO, FACOOG· 13 min read
Living wellBest Foods for Menopause: An Evidence-Based Guide
The best foods for menopause, by the evidence: Mediterranean and DASH patterns, protein adequacy, calcium, vitamin D, whole-soy foods, and what to limit.
By Karla F. Loken, DO, FACOOG· 12 min read
Menopause symptomsCan Menopause Cause Depression? Understanding the Hormone-Mood Link
Can menopause cause depression? SWAN data say yes. Who’s at risk, what’s driving the hormone-mood link, and what actually works — therapy, SSRIs/SNRIs, HRT.
By Karla F. Loken, DO, FACOOG· 13 min read
Menopause symptomsMenopause and Anxiety: Why You Feel On Edge and How to Cope
Menopause anxiety: why it surges in perimenopause, when it’s worst, and what actually helps — from CBT and exercise to SSRIs, SNRIs, and hormone therapy.
By Karla F. Loken, DO, FACOOG· 14 min read
Menopause symptomsMenopause Insomnia: Why You Can’t Sleep and What to Do
Menopause insomnia: why sleep falls apart in perimenopause, what SWAN data show, and what actually works — from CBT-I to hormone and non-hormonal treatment.
By Karla F. Loken, DO, FACOOG· 13 min read
Treatments and optionsHRT Benefits: What Hormone Therapy Actually Does for You
HRT benefits, clearly explained: hot flashes, GSM, bone, cardiovascular, and mood. What the WHI 18-year follow-up, ELITE, KEEPS, and DOPS actually showed.
By Karla F. Loken, DO, FACOOG· 16 min read
Menopause symptomsMenopause Night Sweats: Causes and Effective Solutions
Menopause night sweats: what causes them, how long they last, and what actually works. Lifestyle, behavioral, non-hormonal, and hormonal options compared.
By Karla F. Loken, DO, FACOOG· 14 min read
Treatments and optionsMedication for Hot Flashes: SSRIs, SNRIs, Gabapentin, and More
Medication for hot flashes: SSRIs, SNRIs, gabapentin, oxybutynin, clonidine, and fezolinetant. What works, what each does, and when each is preferred.
By Karla F. Loken, DO, FACOOG· 15 min read
Treatments and optionsHow to Stop Hot Flashes: Evidence-Based Strategies
How to stop hot flashes, evidence-based: HRT, fezolinetant, SSRIs/SNRIs, gabapentin, CBT, and lifestyle — what works, for whom, and how to decide.
By Karla F. Loken, DO, FACOOG· 16 min read
Living wellThe Menopause Diet: What to Eat and What to Avoid
The evidence-supported menopause diet is Mediterranean-style with higher protein, calcium and vitamin D adequacy, and lower alcohol. The full framework.
By Karla F. Loken, DO, FACOOG· 16 min read
Understanding menopausePerimenopause vs. Menopause: Understanding the Key Differences
Perimenopause vs. menopause: one is a phase, the other is a date. The clinical difference, what it means for treatment, and where postmenopause fits.
By Karla F. Loken, DO, FACOOG· 14 min read
Understanding menopauseWhat Age Does Perimenopause Start? Understanding the Transition
Perimenopause typically starts between 40 and 44, but a meaningful minority begin earlier. What sets the timing, the early signs, and when to seek care.
By Karla F. Loken, DO, FACOOG· 16 min read