Menopause Awareness Month on FOX 5 DC: Your Symptoms Are Real (and So Is The Patch Problem)
For Menopause Awareness Month, I joined the FOX 5 Morning team for a Health Watch segment on what women need to know about perimenopause, menopause and hormone health, plus the estradiol patch shortage that so many of my patients are living through right now. Watch the full segment on FOX 5 DC.
Live TV goes by fast, so here's what we covered, with a little more room to breathe.
The Biggest Misconception: Menopause Is One Day
I've been treating women with these symptoms for over 15 years, and I still see women every day whose symptoms are dismissed or never treated as a hormone issue.
Menopause is technically one day. Perimenopause, the stretch leading up to it, can last up to 10 years. Many women assume symptoms only begin when their periods stop, but perimenopause can start years earlier and show up as changes in sleep, mood, energy, cycles, weight distribution or brain fog.
You don't have to simply "push through," and it's not all in your head. There are evidence-informed options and supportive lifestyle strategies to discuss with a qualified provider.
Start With the Foundations
A few basics make a real difference during this transition:
Prioritize protein and strength training to preserve muscle.
Aim for consistent sleep.
Manage stress.
Build balanced meals that support steady blood sugar and metabolic health.
These habits aren't a replacement for medical care, but they can meaningfully support your energy, mood, bone health and overall well-being.
Evidence-Based Care vs. Wellness Trends
The menopause space is crowded, and not every viral supplement or wellness trend is backed by strong evidence. Look for guidance that considers your individual symptoms, health history, risks and goals, and work with a qualified healthcare provider rather than relying on one-size-fits-all advice online.
If you're weighing hormone therapy, my post Estrogen, Progesterone and Testosterone: Rethinking HRT Safety in Midlife is a good place to start.
Why the Estradiol Patch Shortage Matters
For women who have been prescribed estradiol patches, inconsistent access is stressful and disruptive. Women are calling pharmacy after pharmacy, going without their dose, or being switched to different strengths, brands or forms of estrogen just to stay on treatment.
That's why I created The Patch Problem: to document the real-world impact of the shortage and call for greater transparency and a more reliable supply. Women should not have to search from pharmacy to pharmacy for medication their provider has prescribed.
Here's how you can help:
Tell us what happened with the 2-minute anonymous survey, whether you're a patient or a provider.
Share it with one woman you know who uses an estrogen patch.
My Takeaway for Menopause Awareness Month
Your symptoms are real, your questions are valid, and you deserve clear information and access to appropriate care.
Menopause is a major health transition, not a personal failure, and not something you need to navigate alone.
Thank you to FOX 5 DC for continuing to make room for women's health on morning TV. You can find all of my TV segments and podcast conversations on my In the Press page.
Ready to talk about your own symptoms? Learn how to work with me, in person in Rockville, MD or virtually.
This post is for general education and isn't medical advice. Talk with your own clinician before starting or changing any treatment.
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