What do you want to know about Perimenopause and Menopause?

When it comes to all the changes happening in our bodies as we approach perimenopause and menopause, we have way more questions than answers. From brain fog and fatigue to weight gains and hot flashes, this time of our life can be a barrel of laughs. Well, we have treat for you! This week, we found an expert to answer all of our questions. Alexis Dunne, MD MSCP is a board certified internal medicine physician who also runs a virtual menopause clinic. She is passionate about mid life woman's health and graciously guides us through all of our questions below. Not only is she helpful, but Alexis (aka Dr. Dunne, @dunnewithmenopause) also tells it like it is - when I asked her why she pursued the extra menopause specialization, she replied, "Because my kids are assholes and I needed a hobby!." See how her hobby and expertise shine a light on the complexities of menopause with so many answers.

Rebecca, Woman's Leadership Coach from @PleasantlyAggressive

Rebecca's Question: How should my diet change as I'm in the midst of perimenopause?

Alexis: Focus on fruits, veggies, lean protein, complex carbohydrates. Avoid processed foods. Avoid alcohol. The Mediterranean diet without the alcohol is what I recommend.

Ashley, Millennial Mom Nutrition Coach from @AshleyBreaksTheCycle

Ashley's Questions: How much of the weight gain women experience during menopause is related to hormones versus lifestyle factors like stress, sleep, movement, and nutrition?

Is weight loss actually possible during perimenopause or menopause, or is it a lost cause like some women are led to believe?

What changes can women make to support their metabolism during this phase- especially if they’ve been under-eating, yo-yo dieting, or overexercising in the past?

Alexis: If your weight gain is primarily in your abdomen, it's likely related to hormonal changes associated with perimenopause. Of course, stress, nutrition and movement all play a role as well. Weight loss IS possible but you must be rigorous and accept that your body may not "look" the same as it did 10 years ago.

Ali, Book Aficionado from @The BookClubCart

Ali's Question: Fatigue and brain fog! How do we help these symptoms or at least minimize them?

Alexis: Sleep is so important! Focus on a night time routine, no screens, only books at night. Consider taking a magnesium glycinate supplement. Start your day with activity and sun light. Try to avoid multitasking, focus on one thing at a time. Talk to your doctor or a Menopause Society Certified Provider about hormones :)

Emilee, Book Aficionado from @The BookClubCart

Emilee's Questions: If I want to dive deeper into my hormonal health; where do I start?

Do I need to have tests done and get supplements going or should I start where the internet tells me (i.e manage stress, weight train, better sleep)?

Alexis: In perimenopause, your hormones are all over the place so checking levels doesn't make much sense. We tend to treat clinically, if your symptoms fit, then trying hormones can help if you are a candidate. Sometimes, if your symptoms are severe, it's hard to "manage stress and weight train."

See a Menopause Society Certified Provider!

Kim, Home Connoisseur from @Reverie.and.Root & Founder of Spilling Goodness

Kim's Questions: Tell me more about hormone replacement therapy overall.

Night sweats - when does that end?!

What should we know that we likely don't know?

Alexis: Night sweats and hot flashes can last up to ten years if you are prone to get these in perimenopause/menopause. You all should know that menopause hormonal treatment are highly effective for perimenopause/menopausal symptoms and have been shown to prevent chronic diseases in women within 10 years of their last menstrual cycle (osteoporosis, diabetes, heart disease). They are largely safe for most women.

Jen, Bespoke Travel Designer from @GlobalonDemandTravel

Jen's Questions: Which is more important- cardio or strength training?

It is too late to get calcium in our bones?

What can we do to prevent bone and muscle loss?

How do we know what is perimenopause and what is just the normal mental distractions and complications from juggling the multiple moving parts at this stage of our lives?

Alexis: Strength training in terms of longevity and benefiting you in the long term. You reach peak bone mass in your early 20's. It's not too late to get enough calcium (best through your diet) and take a vitamin D3 supplement. Strength training is the best way to prevent bone and muscle loss. Perimenopause can definitely present as worsening focus, almost like ADHD. It's hard to tell but if you find yourself worse off now that you were in your early 40's in terms of attention, it could be perimenopause.

Find a Menopause Society Certified Provider by geography on their website.

Connect with Alexis Dunne, MD MSCP on instagram,

or call (630) 554-3456 and ask for Dr. Dunne's virtual menopause clinic.

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