The Pause Life

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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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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

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

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

Did you know that cholesterol levels can rise with menopause? Hormonal changes can lead to increased LDL (bad cholesterol) and decreased HDL (good cholesterol), raising the risk of heart disease. But the good news? You can take action. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D can help support heart health and manage these changes—but many women in menopause struggle to get enough from food alone. That’s why we’ve formulated high-quality supplements to fill the nutritional gaps that matter most in menopause. Check them out at the link in bio and give your body the support it deserves! #menopause #perimenopause #drmaryclaire #thenewmenopause #cholesterol #hearthealth #omega3 #vitaminD #hormonhealth #womenswellness

**📢 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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😨 Anxiety & Menopause: The Missing Link If you’ve felt sudden, unexplained anxiety in your 40s or 50s—heart racing, mind spinning, feeling on edge for no reason—you’re not alone. Perimenopause is a high-risk time for anxiety, even in women who’ve never experienced it before. 🔬 Why? It’s All About Estrogen & The Brain. Estrogen isn’t just about reproduction—it’s a key player in brain function, regulating mood, stress response, and emotional stability. As estrogen fluctuates wildly during perimenopause, the brain struggles to adapt, leading to: ✅ Increased anxiety sensitivity—your body overreacts to stress. ✅ Serotonin & dopamine disruption—causing mood swings & panic-like symptoms. ✅ Lower GABA activity—reducing the brain’s ability to stay calm. ✅ Sleep disturbances & hot flashes—exacerbating feelings of unease. 📊 What Research Shows: 🔹 Anxiety is more common in perimenopause than in pre- or postmenopause. 🔹 Women closer to menopause experience heightened anxiety sensitivity. 🔹 Hormonal fluctuations create vulnerability to panic, worry, and depression. 🔹 Anxiety often coexists with sleep issues & vasomotor symptoms. 🔹 HRT can help—estrogen therapy has been shown to reduce anxiety in some women. 💡 The Takeaway: If you’re suddenly struggling with anxiety in midlife, it’s not just stress—it’s your brain reacting to hormonal chaos. You don’t have to just “push through” it. There are real solutions, from hormone therapy to targeted lifestyle interventions. 📖 Reference: Climacteric, 2025. DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2025.2470449 ✨ Have you noticed increased anxiety in perimenopause? Drop a 💙 if this resonates! #MenopauseMatters #Perimenopause #MenopauseAnxiety #HormonesAndMentalHealth #AnxietyAwareness #MenopauseSupport #WomensMentalHealth #MenopauseAndMood #HealthyAging

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The Menopause O-Wards are linked in the bio! #TheNewMenopause #MenopauseWellness #menopause #WomensHealth

Let me know in the comments. #menopause #perimenopause #thenewmenopause #drmaryclaire #womenover40

I didn’t fully understand why cholesterol increases across the menopause transition until just a few years ago—when I focused on menopause education, I was shocked. In my clinic, I saw a pattern: the vast majority of women experienced rising cholesterol levels without changes in diet or exercise. When I dug deeper, I learned that the passive physiology behind this wasn’t even discovered until 2014—and we’ve known since the 1990s that this shift happens independent of lifestyle. Women are owed centuries of research. It’s time we stop being an afterthought. #MenopauseMatters #HeartHealth #Cholesterol #WomensHealth

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🩸 Could This Be the First Blood Marker for Perimenopause? 🩸 We don’t have a definitive blood test to tell us when we’re in perimenopause… but new research suggests small dense LDL cholesterol (sdLDL-C) could be a key biomarker of the menopause transition. 🔬 What the Study Found: 📈 sdLDL-C levels rise progressively from premenopause to perimenopause and peak in postmenopause. ⚠️ This increase is independent of aging, meaning it’s linked directly to menopause—not just getting older. 💡 Higher sdLDL-C could signal that you’re in perimenopause, making it a potential screening tool for this often-misunderstood phase. 👩‍⚕️ Why This Matters: Right now, there’s no standard blood test to diagnose perimenopause. If sdLDL-C levels prove to be a consistent marker, it could help identify perimenopause earlier—a game-changer for proactive health decisions! 💡 What You Can Do: ✅ Ask your doctor about checking sdLDL-C as part of your lipid panel. ✅ Monitor other perimenopause symptoms—sleep changes, cycle irregularity, mood shifts, etc. ✅ Prioritize heart health now—nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle matter more than ever! Perimenopause is real, and science is finally catching up. Could sdLDL-C be the clue we’ve been looking for? 🤔💙 #P#PerimenopauseM#MenopauseTransitionM#MenopauseBiomarkerH#HeartHealthC#CholesterolMattersM#MetabolicHealthWomensHealth#greenscreen

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A Special Delivery & A Moment I’ll Never Forget ✨ Yes, I’m still in my pajamas—jet lag is real, and I slept until almost noon. But waking up to this? Completely unexpected and beyond special. This afternoon, I received the most beautiful flowers from Oprah as a thank-you for my work on the upcoming special, The Menopause Revolution, airing March 31. I had no idea this was coming, and I can’t tell you how much it means to feel seen, appreciated, and valued in this space. Thank you to @Floral Events Designer Houston for the incredible work and delivery!!! Menopause is finally getting the attention it deserves, and I’m honored to be part of this conversation. Big things are happening—don’t miss it! 💙 #TheMenopauseRevolution #Oprah #Menopause #Perimenopause #DrMaryClaire #TheNewMenopause #WomensHealth #FeelingGrateful