The Pause Life

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Thinking about keeping your IUD in perimenopause? Here’s why I would! If I had a progesterone-containing IUD that I was happy with, I’d leave it in for a few years—and here’s why: ➡️ 90% of women experience abnormal uterine bleeding in perimenopause. ➡️ A progesterone IUD can be a game-changer for managing heavy bleeding. ➡️ It helps stabilize the uterine lining, reducing the risk of anemia, fatigue, and unnecessary interventions. For many, it’s an effective, low-maintenance option that can make perimenopause easier—and who doesn’t want that? Drop your questions below! ⬇️ #menopause #perimenopause #drmaryclaire #thenewmenopause #hormones #IUD #womenshealth #midlife #heavymenstrualbleeding #knowyourbody

Reposting this spot-on video from @justbeingmelani —because YES, perimenopause really does affect multiple organ systems at the same time, and yes, it’s completely unfair that it happens while you’re raising teenagers. I hear you! One symptom she calls out? Itchy ears. How is it possible that your reproductive system can make your skin feel creepy-crawly and your ears itch? Here’s the medical context: Estrogen plays a crucial role in skin barrier function, hydration, and nerve sensitivity. As estrogen levels fluctuate and decline during perimenopause, the skin and mucous membranes (including the ears, eyes, and vaginal tissue) can become drier and more sensitive. This can lead to itching, tingling, and even that crawling sensation—a condition called formication. It’s frustrating, but you’re not imagining it. These symptoms are real, and they’re part of the complex web of perimenopause that deserves more recognition and understanding. If this resonates with you, you’re not alone, and there are strategies to help! Follow this page for real talk and science-backed menopause education—because you deserve to understand what’s happening in your body and how to feel your best. Let’s break the silence and take control of this transition together! #menopause #perimenopause #drmaryclaire #thenewmenopause #hormones #itchyskin #formication #womenshealth #midlife #knowyourbody

Oprah Menopause Revolution will air March 31st at 9pm central on ABC. @Oprah Daily @ABC #Perimenopause #TheNewPerimenopause #MenopauseMatters #Menopause #MaryClaireHaver

Four years ago, I posted this video about the ages of menopause and the timing of symptoms—and it went viral. So much has happened since then, but this still rings true. Menopause isn’t just hot flashes; it’s a transition that affects every part of your health. That’s why I created the Menopause Empowerment Guide—a FREE 14-page PDF packed with science-backed resources to help you understand your symptoms, take control of your health, and advocate for the care you deserve. Get your copy now! Link in bio. #menopause #perimenopause #drmaryclaire #thenewmenopause #hormonehealth #womenshealth #empowerment #knowyourbody

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🌿 Estradiol & Longevity: A Scientific Case for Hormone Replacement Therapy A groundbreaking study leveraging data from the UK Biobank (UKBB) has revealed a stark reality: while many prescription drugs are linked to higher mortality rates, a select few are associated with longer lifespans. Among them? Estradiol—a key hormone in menopause therapy that has long been debated, misunderstood, and underutilized. 🔬 What the Study Found Researchers analyzed the effects of multiple prescription medications on survival probability. As expected, many commonly prescribed drugs, including: ❌ Opioids (e.g., morphine) ❌ Diuretics (e.g., furosemide) ❌ Painkillers (e.g., paracetamol) ❌ Respiratory medications (e.g., tiotropium for COPD) were associated with increased mortality rates. However, 14 drugs were identified as having a protective effect—prolonging life compared to matched controls. Among these were: ✔️ Atorvastatin (a cholesterol-lowering statin) ✔️ Naproxen (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) ✔️ Sildenafil (a PDE5 inhibitor commonly known as Viagra) ✔️ Estradiol (a key estrogen in hormone therapy for menopause) 💡 Why Estradiol Matters for Longevity While cardiovascular benefits of statins and the vasoprotective effects of PDE5 inhibitors have been well-documented, estradiol’s link to lifespan extension adds to the growing body of evidence that menopause hormone therapy (MHT) is about more than just symptom relief. 1️⃣ Cardiovascular Protection: Estrogen has a vasodilatory, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-lowering effect—reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), the #1 killer of postmenopausal women. Research shows that women who initiate estradiol therapy early in menopause experience a reduced risk of CVD and improved vascular function. 2️⃣ Brain Health & Dementia Risk: Studies suggest estradiol plays a neuroprotective role, reducing Alzheimer’s disease risk and cognitive decline. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been associated with better memory, executive function, and delayed onset of neurodegenerative diseases—a potential reason why some women on estradiol show better survival outcomes. 3️⃣ Metabolic Benefits & Insulin Sensitivity: Menopause is associated with increased visceral fat, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome, all of which contribute to higher mortality risk. Estradiol helps regulate glucose metabolism, reduce fat accumulation, and improve insulin sensitivity, potentially reducing risks of diabetes, obesity-related conditions, and NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease). 4️⃣ Bone Health & Fracture Risk Reduction: Osteoporotic fractures—particularly hip fractures—are a leading cause of disability and premature death in older women. Estrogen therapy preserves bone mineral density (BMD) and dramatically reduces fracture risk, helping women maintain mobility and independence longer. ⚖️ What About the Risks? The conversation around estradiol and longevity is often overshadowed by concerns about breast cancer risk. However, recent research has challenged old fears, particularly when using bioidentical estradiol formulations with appropriate progesterone therapy. Many studies suggest that for most women, the benefits outweigh the risks, especially when therapy is started within 10 years of menopause. 🧠 A Paradigm Shift in Women’s Health For decades, menopause has been treated as a natural but inevitable decline, with HRT viewed as optional symptom management rather than a critical intervention for long-term health and longevity. This new study reinforces the idea that estradiol is more than a "menopause drug"—it is a key player in extending lifespan and protecting against chronic disease. 🔗 Time to Rethink the Standard Approach With studies like this challenging old assumptions, the question is clear: Are we overlooking one of the most powerful longevity interventions available to women? 💬 Let’s discuss!👇 #Menopause #HRT #greenscreen

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@They left us out. From 1977 to 1993, women were officially excluded from clinical research. The legacy of that decision is still hurting us today. We don’t have enough data on how medications, supplements, diseases—or menopause—affect women differently. That’s not just a gap. It’s a crisis. That’s why we need a Citizens Guide to Menopause Advocacy. We’re done being excluded. We’re done being ignored. Explore the guide—linked in our bio—and learn how to take action. Because menopause is not optional—and silence is not an option either. #menopause #perimenopause #drmaryclaire #thenewmenopause #includewomeninresearch #menopauseadvocacy

🚨 BREAKING: SCIENCE REVEALS THE TRUTH ABOUT MENOPAUSE & WEIGHT GAIN 🚨 For years, women have been misled—by influencers, personal trainers, and even their own doctors—into believing that menopausal weight gain and belly fat are a personal failure. But the latest research says otherwise. 📢 A new study published in Circulation Research (Ayesh et al., 2024) confirms that hormonal changes—not willpower—are driving weight gain and dangerous fat redistribution after menopause. 🔥 THE REALITY: ➡️ Estrogen decline = metabolic slowdown. Your body burns fewer calories, even at rest. ➡️ Fat shifts to the abdomen (visceral fat), increasing risks for heart disease, stroke, & diabetes. ➡️ Medications prescribed to women (antidepressants, β-blockers, insulin) accelerate weight gain. ➡️ Hypertension rates DOUBLE after menopause. ➡️ Heart failure risk surges within 5-6 years post-menopause. It’s NOT about willpower. It’s science. And yet, women are still being gaslit by a healthcare system that fails to recognize these biological realities. 🚀 WHAT YOU CAN DO: 💪 Strength training & protein to preserve lean mass 🥗 A diet that supports metabolic health (protein, fiber, healthy fats) 💊 Consider HRT—it’s more than symptom relief, it can protect long-term health 😴 Prioritize sleep & stress management—both impact metabolism 👩‍⚕️ Women deserve evidence-based solutions, not shame. If your doctor, trainer, or favorite influencer is telling you that menopause weight gain is just a matter of “eating less and moving more,” they are behind the science. 💬 Have you been made to feel like menopause weight gain is YOUR fault? Let’s discuss. ⬇️ #BreakingScience #MenopauseTruth #MetabolicHealth #MenopauseWeightGain #MenopauseAndScience #HormonalChanges #HealthyAging

**📢 From *The New Menopause*: Menopause & Nerve Sensations** Have you ever felt **electric shocks, tingling, crawling skin, or burning sensations**? These symptoms, known as **dysesthesias and paresthesias**, are forms of **peripheral neuropathy**—and research suggests **hormonal changes during menopause may play a role**. ⚡ **What’s the connection?** Estrogen helps **protect and regenerate nerves**. As levels decline in menopause, this may lead to **nerve sensitivity, pain changes, and increased risk of peripheral neuropathy**. Studies suggest that **the longer a woman is postmenopausal, the greater the risk** of developing these sensations. 🔍 **What can you do?** If you experience these symptoms, **see your doctor**. Causes can range from **hormonal shifts to autoimmune conditions, nutrient deficiencies, or nerve compression**. The best treatment will depend on the underlying cause. 💊 **What about hormone therapy (MHT)?** While the link between **estrogen and nerve health** is becoming clearer, research is ongoing into whether **MHT can help alleviate these symptoms**. Have you experienced this? Let’s talk about it ⬇️ #TheNewMenopause #MenopauseMatters #HormoneHealth #PeripheralNeuropathy #NervePain #MenopauseAwareness #WomensHealth

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Want healthy, resilient skin in menopause? These are my top 3 science-backed skincare must-haves: ☀️ Sunscreen – Protects against UV damage, prevents premature aging, and reduces skin cancer risk. ✨ Tretinoin – A powerful retinoid that boosts collagen, smooths fine lines, and improves skin texture. ❤️ Topical estrogen – Supports skin thickness, hydration, and elasticity by addressing estrogen loss in menopause. Your skin changes with menopause, but you can keep it healthy! Learn more about how topical estrogen helps in my latest blog—link in bio. #Menopause #Perimenopause #DrMaryClaire #TheNewMenopause

Recipe: 3/4 cup of plain Greek yogurt, one scoop of protein powder, 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed, 2 tablespoons hemp seeds, 1 cup frozen berries.

They told us the cervix had little to no nerve endings—turns out, that was completely wrong. Modern science proves otherwise, yet women are still not routinely offered pain relief for invasive cervical procedures. This has got to stop. Women deserve better care, better pain management, and better respect for their experiences. It’s time to challenge outdated medical beliefs and demand change. Have you experienced this? Let’s talk about it. #TheNewMenopause #WomensHealth #DoBetterHealthcare #MedicalGaslighting #PainManagementMatters #CervicalHealth

Not all fat is created equal. Subcutaneous fat sits just under the skin, but visceral fat—the deeper, more dangerous fat around your organs—drives inflammation, insulin resistance, and increases your risk of heart disease and metabolic disorders. And in menopause, hormonal shifts make us more prone to storing it. But here’s the good news: You can take control. You don’t need to buy anything, and you don’t need extreme measures—just evidence-based strategies you can do at home. Join me for a 28-day challenge designed to help you naturally reduce visceral fat with simple, science-backed lifestyle changes. Visit the link in bio to learn more and start today! #menopause #perimenopause #drmaryclaire #thenewmenopause #visceralfat #bellyfat #hormonehealth #metabolichealth #nutritiontips #fiber #healthylifestyle

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🚨 10 Menopause Facts That Blew My Mind—Because No One Taught Me in Medical School. 🚨 I went through years of medical training, but menopause? Barely mentioned. Here are 10 facts I should have learned—because they change everything. 👉 Swipe through to see them all! 1️⃣ Estrogen loss impacts every organ system. It’s not just hot flashes—your brain, heart, bones, muscles, and metabolism all take a hit. 2️⃣ Women’s cholesterol levels spike after menopause. LDL increases, HDL drops, and cardiovascular risk skyrockets—yet most doctors don’t connect this to estrogen loss. 3️⃣ Menopause can shrink your brain. Studies show a measurable decline in brain volume, particularly in areas linked to memory and cognition. 4️⃣ Testosterone matters for women. It’s not just a “male hormone”—it plays a key role in energy, muscle mass, libido, and even mood. 5️⃣ HRT was unfairly villainized. The Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study misled an entire generation, and we’re still fighting the consequences. 6️⃣ Muscle loss accelerates after menopause. Without strength training, women can lose up to 30% of muscle mass, leading to frailty and osteoporosis. 7️⃣ Menopause affects gut health. Estrogen influences the gut microbiome, which is why digestion, bloating, and even food sensitivities can change. 8️⃣ Sleep disturbances aren’t just ‘getting older.’ Declining estrogen and progesterone disrupt sleep architecture, making quality rest harder to achieve. 9️⃣ Vaginal and bladder health decline rapidly without estrogen. Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) affects over 50% of postmenopausal women, yet most doctors fail to discuss treatment. 🔟 Menopause education in medical training is almost nonexistent. Despite its massive impact on health, doctors receive little to no formal education on menopause care. 🔥 Women deserve better. We deserve education, options, and real solutions. 🔹 Which of these surprised you the most? Drop a comment below! #menopause #perimenopause #drmaryclaire #menopause #perimenopause #thenewmenopause