Menopause News, Book Recommendations, and Life Updates
A little bit of this and that on this last day of October
October has been expectedly and unexpectedly busy.
On the exciting end of things: for the first time in 20 years I am driving a car that is NOT a minivan which feels like a huge midlife milestone! Also, I was able to fulfill my lifelong dream of taking the witness stand in a court case. You guys, I swore an oath to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth! And I was cross examined!!!
(Side note: Lest anyone think I’m making light of a tragic situation, the court case doesn’t involve any injury or trauma to any humans or animals. It is for a property dispute - truly the perfect setting for me to fulfill my dream. Next up on my weird little bucket list: cut a ceremonial ribbon.)
On the not-so-exciting end of things: I’ve been dealing with several broken appliances and replacing them has somehow turned into A Whole Thing. Also, an old injury flared up resulting in a lot of pain, multiple doctors visits, an MRI, frequent PT and terrible sleep. Ugh. And every weekend has been scheduled with something-or-other requiring our time and attention for the majority of the weekend. No rest for the weary indeed!
Needless to say, I’m tired. And my brain feels a bit all over the place.
So, this week’s newsletter is going to be a little of this, and a little of that. Because that’s what I’m capable of today.
Without further ado:
Let’s Talk About the Annual Menopause Society Meeting
Last week was the annual Menopause Society meeting and it’s been interesting to see the information - and misinformation - that has come out of this year’s meeting.
I’ve been enjoying updates from several trusted sources who attended. Dr. Jen Gunter has some great reels on her Instagram but the best updates are the ones on her Substack, The Vajenda. She truly has such a gift for explaining things and dispelling misinformation - I highly recommend subscribing. I also enjoyed science writer Selene Yeager’s updates via the Feisty Menopause Instagram and weekly newsletter.
The most notable piece of misinformation to watch out for:
A research abstract was presented at the meeting that reported a 60% reduction of heart attacks, stroke, and breast cancer for women who started estrogen in perimenopause. And a slight increase in heart attacks, stroke and breast cancer for those who started estrogen after reaching menopause. However, there are several problems with making this claim before the full paper is published. Dr. Gunter goes over all the details in this article.
Why should you care? Because I’ve already seen several social media posts from menopause influencers citing this abstract as evidence that all women should start MHT and start early, and the reality is that it is waaaaaaay too premature to be making those claims.
An Upcoming Book I’m Excited About
I am so excited for the book The Big M - which comes out this January. Here’s the description:
Lidia Yuknavitch teams up with 12 of today’s sharpest writers to change the way we think about menopause. Exploring a variety of themes from freedom and mortality, to sexuality and the patriarchy, The Big M is a kaleidoscope of unique perspectives on a universal experience, each writer navigating the profound changes in their bodies and lives in their own ways. Funny, insightful, subversive, and inspiring, The Big M aims to rebrand--and reinvent--our understanding of menopause.
A note for library users (like me) - The Big M is not coming up yet on my library website or Libby app. Hopefully it’ll be there soon. In the meantime, know that I’ve preordered it and will do a review on Hot & Bothered after it’s released.
Speaking of books …
I’d heard great things about The Correspondent by Virginia Evans, so when it finally came up on my Libby holds list, I was thrilled. And it was the perfect cozy read: well-written, sweet, funny and a little sad but also very hopeful.
Next up on my list is Catherine Newman’s latest release, Wreck. I love how Catherine wrote about menopause and midlife in Sandwich and am excited to dive into this follow up novel.
I’m Finally Seeing a Menopause Specialist!
After being waitlisted for 6 months, I finally have an appointment at a local menopause clinic (insert happy face!). However, the earliest appointment was four months from now (insert sad face). So, I went ahead and scheduled an appointment for the Spring along with a much earlier telehealth visit with an online clinic specializing in midlife women.
My current plan is to use telehealth until my local, in-person appointment in March but that is subject to change based on my telehealth experience. Of course, I’ll let you know about ALL of it. In the meantime, I really appreciated Dr. Gunter’s IG reel on how to save money on prescriptions when using a telehealth company for menopause care.
That’s it from me today. I’m off to go prep for a trip to Utah to spend time with my sister who just finished her fourth round of chemo. I’m packing comfy clothes and plan to spend my time snuggled up on the sofa with her while we watch all our favorite childhood movies. I hope your weekend is equally cozy.
xo, Rebecca
P.S. How to burn off all that Halloween candy.