Just a few short years ago, anyone with a uterus was hard-pressed to find accurate and evidence-based information on peri/menopause. And then, like pennies from heaven, it was all around us. Social media, talk shows, blogs, newspaper and magazine articles were finally giving us and our lived experiences the respect we deserved. While those of us at Maze have been diagnosing and treating women for years, we were thrilled to be joined by other providers and practices who began to prioritize this enormous transition in women’s lives. As a result, more and more women are being prescribed Hormone R ..read more

Last night, as I said goodnight to my almost-grown daughters, I noticed that each of their respective laptops rested directly on their respective laps. Hystero-Mamma kicked into high gear. “Girls – why aren’t you using pillows as a barrier between your computers and your ovaries? How many times do we have to review this? Don’t you want children? DO you want children? I mean, no pressure, of course. But, my loves, this is not a drill – YOUR EGGS ARE AT STAKE!!”.  As they “Okay, mom”-ed me, I got to thinking…are my concerns actually based on science? And if so, is that science even current ..read more

Search for a numbered list of menopause symptoms on the web and you’ll find that there’s no one definitive inventory. One site says there are 34, another one says 66 – the cataloging varies widely. Since menopause research is relatively new and medical training for treatment is practically non-existent – and because each woman’s experience is unique – experts index symptoms in different ways. However, there are two main categories no matter the source:  physiological and psycho-emotional. Today, we’re focusing on the latter.   Before we dig in, it’s important to note that while ..read more

Make no mistake: menopause can impact your sex life. Arousal and orgasm are like a delicate dance between your mind and body. And anything that messes with your libido can also mess with your ability to get in the mood and experience that mind-blowing climax. Understanding the Changes When menopause hits, it can bring along some not-so-fun changes. The blood flow to your nether regions might take a hit, making it a bit harder to get aroused and reach orgasm. It’s important to recognize these changes and explore ways to maintain intimacy and pleasure during this transformative stage. Menopause ..read more

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I would marry HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) if I could.   I was in my late 40s and experiencing hot flashes – nay – nuclear flashes, several times an hour, round the clock. As a result, I was absolutely miserable and irritable and I was losing hope fast.  My midwife immediately knew what was happening – I was in full-swing perimenopause and it was having it’s way with me. She tested my hormone levels and low and behold – my estrogen had peaced out for good. She gave me a prescription for hormone replacement and it was a game-changer ..read more

If you’re one of the 60%-80% of women worldwide who suffer from vasomotor symptoms (aka hot flashes and nights sweats), there may be a new medication available to you in the near future. It’s called Fezolinetant, and it’s especially notable because it’s non-hormonal. While we know that hormonal replacement therapy has been proven safe and effective for many women, we’re also aware that not everyone is an appropriate candidate, whether due to medical history or their own preferences. The makers of Fezolinetant have only recently announced that the FDA approved their application, so we’ve some t ..read more

Wondering why no one told you how menopause can be exhausting, perplexing and challenging, yet also transformative and enlightening – all at the same time?  Well, the truth is that menopause is not a one size fits all experience.  In fact, there are more than 34 symptoms of menopause that can pop up and creep in at different times and when you least expect it. Take our Quiz to find out your symptoms! And therefore, the treatment plan that will work best needs to be customized to the individual. There is obviously a TON to cover here when it comes to menopause management, but let’s st ..read more

Before we dive into one of the most hotly debated topics related to hormone therapy, its important to understand – what exactly is HRT?  During the menopausal transition, the production of two female hormones (estrogen and progesterone) begin to fluctuate and eventually decline.  HRT is the act of supplementing these hormones (one or both) to balance out what the body is no longer producing. Is HRT safe? Well, that is certainly a very important question and the answer is YES, for most women. Unfortunately, fear of risk (and an undereducated clinical workforce) keeps most women from b ..read more

“In a study by the Melpomene Institute for Women’s Health Research, they found that 52% of girls with a poor body image almost always compare their appearance to others.”  I recently read that Victoria’s Secret is saying goodbye to its “Angels” and will be rebranding. It’s high time we rebrand what is “sexy”. At Maze Women’s Health I see many women in our practice who are new moms, or experiencing perimenopause, or post menopause. They relate that they are having difficulty recognizing their bodies as their own, and have lost that “sexy feeling.” These body insecurities are holding them b ..read more

It’s one thing to be unfamiliar with menopause. Assuming you’ve heard the word, your mind likely conjures up all kinds of things, and probably none of them too flattering. Why the negativity? Because menopause – the very normal, physiological change most women experience (unless otherwise medically mediated) – can wreak all sorts of havoc as a result of shifting hormonal levels. And yet, despite the challenges and quality-of-life issues that menopause can trigger, women often find themselves with nowhere to turn. How is this possible? In a recent New York Times piece, “Why Modern Medicine Keep ..read more