Latest news with #StephanieFaubion
New York Times
6 days ago
- Health
- New York Times
Perimenopause Is Ruining My Sleep. What Can I Do?
Q: I'm a woman in my 40s and never seem to get a good night's sleep. How can I get some rest? Maybe you toss and turn before dozing off, or you wake at 3 a.m., drenched in sweat, and can't fall back asleep. These are common scenarios during perimenopause, the time of transition just before menopause when a woman's period becomes irregular and her estrogen levels start to dip. Perimenopause typically begins during a woman's 40s, and having trouble sleeping is 'probably the most distressing symptom,' said Dr. Karen Adams, director of the Program in Menopause and Healthy Aging at Stanford Medicine. But the good news, she added, is that perimenopause-related sleep issues are 'absolutely treatable.' Here is why they occur and how to mitigate them. Why perimenopause affects sleep Hormonal shifts during perimenopause (and later, during menopause) disrupt the body's ability to regulate temperature, causing hot flashes and night sweats that can interfere with sleep, Dr. Adams said. Anxiety and depression, which are also common during this stage, are big sleep sinkers, too, said Dr. Stephanie Faubion, director of the Mayo Clinic's Center for Women's Health in Jacksonville, Fla. Women usually have a lot going on during the perimenopause years, Dr. Faubion said, including caring for children or aging parents and addressing work pressures and lengthy to-do lists. These problems alone may keep them up at night, and not sleeping can compound the issues, creating a vicious cycle, she said. Add in perimenopausal hormone shifts, and it can be even more difficult to get some rest. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Could This Diet Help With Your Hot Flashes?
Hot flashes, night sweats and unexpected weight gain—for many women navigating menopause, these symptoms are more than just uncomfortable. They can be disruptive, frustrating and isolating. While hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and other medications are a go-to for some, new research suggests a powerful alternative: a vegan diet. And notably, it works even when processed foods are still on the plate. In a recent study conducted by The Menopause Society and published in the journal Menopause, experts researched how plant-based eating can benefit women in midlife. 'This study highlights the potential positive effects of a plant-based diet rich in soy, regardless of the level of processing, in terms of both hot flash and weight management,' Dr. Stephanie Faubion, medical director for the Menopause Society, said in a statement. More from Flow Space The Surprising Risk Factor for Alzheimer's All Menopausal Women Need to Know Ahead, learn more about how a vegan diet can help manage menopause symptoms and improve your overall health. According to Lisa Schultz, a certified nutritionist, personal trainer and weight loss expert, a vegan diet can support menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and weight gain. Vegan diets are effective because they exclude heavily saturated fats like red and processed meats, deli meats and dairy, which are known contributors to inflammation and are high in calories. Schultz explains that highly inflammatory foods can add to menopause symptoms. 'With that said, the quality of the diet definitely matters,' she adds. 'While even a processed vegan diet may offer some relief due to the absence of animal fats and the inclusion of soy, whole food-based vegan diets are more effective for symptom management and overall health.' Participants in the study were challenged to follow either a vegan diet supplemented with soybeans or an omnivorous diet, and both groups found success in mitigating hot flashes. Should soybeans be a topic of conversation when discussing options for soothing midlife symptoms? 'Soy deserves a redemption arc in the menopause conversation,' says Yaa Boakye, a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), personal trainer, nutrition consultant and body data practitioner. 'Despite years of unfounded fears, current research shows that traditional soy foods—think tempeh, tofu, edamame and miso—can be powerful allies during menopause.' Boakye also explains that isoflavones in soy (specifically genistein and daidzein) act as selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs). This means they can provide estrogenic effects where beneficial (such as reducing hot flashes) while blocking more potent estrogens where protective, like in breast tissue. But there is a crucial distinction when deciding what version of soy to implement into your diet: Whole soy foods versus isolated soy proteins and ultra-processed soy products. Traditional fermented soy (tempeh, miso, natto) offers enhanced bioavailability—your body can actually use more of the beneficial compounds. While 'soy protein isolates in bars and shakes lack the full spectrum of nutrients and may not provide the same benefits,' Boakye says. Schultz also argues that soy is incredibly beneficial for those experiencing menopause symptoms since it provides a source of protein, calcium and isoflavones without the added sugars, oils or preservatives. But it's not just the vegan aspect of the diet that makes it effective; it's that it's nutrient-dense and balanced. 'When combined with vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and starches, it's a well rounded diet,' Shultz explains. 'Just like with everything, nothing should be overdone.' Start by adding one to two whole soy foods per day in place of processed meats like deli meat, bacon or sausage. From there, increase intake of fiber-rich vegetables, legumes and whole grains. According to Schultz, you should build meals with protein, complex carbs and some healthy fats. 'Gradually reduce highly processed vegan items and read labels carefully to prevent adding high sodium, oily condiments and processed snack foods,' she continues. 'A well-planned, plant-based diet during menopause is like hiring a multitasking assistant —it addresses multiple concerns simultaneously,' Boakye says. 'Plant-based diets can help reduce heart disease risk.' Plant compounds can improve also sleep architecture. 'Tryptophan from seeds and nuts are a precursor to the sleep hormone melatonin,' Boakye shares. Additionally, she notes that prebiotic fibers feed beneficial bacteria, which produce mood-regulating neurotransmitters, such as serotonin (which is 90% produced in the gut). 'B-vitamins from whole grains support cognitive function, especially B6, B12 and folate,' she adds. And stable blood sugar from complex carbs helps emotional regulation. Always work with a healthcare provider familiar with plant-based nutrition during menopause—ideally, a team including your doctor, a registered dietitian and possibly a menopause specialist. 'They can help you navigate potential drug-nutrient interactions, ensure you're meeting all nutritional needs and adjust recommendations based on your individual health markers,' Boakye notes.
Associated Press
04-06-2025
- General
- Associated Press
The Menopause Society to Launch NextGen Now Initiative to Transform Menopause Training
Anonymous donor provides $5 million to fund an innovative initiative that will improve midlife care CLEVELAND, June 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Despite affecting half the population, menopause remains one of the most overlooked and underserved areas in medicine. The Menopause Society believes women deserve better and aims to address this vast unmet need through the NextGen Now initiative. This $10 million comprehensive training program is designed to equip the current and the next generation of healthcare professionals with the knowledge, tools, and support needed to improve the care of midlife women. An anonymous grant of $5 million will launch the NextGen Now initiative this summer. Through the NextGen Now initiative, The Menopause Society is committed to reaching 25,000 healthcare professionals within the next 3 years. These professionals include women's health physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and trainees. Those involved in midlife women's health are expanding exponentially, yet most receive little to no guidance on menopause. 'We have long recognized that education on midlife women's health and the menopause transition has been woefully inadequate,' says Dr. Stephanie Faubion, medical director of The Menopause Society. 'The mission of our organization is to empower healthcare professionals to improve the health of women during the menopause transition and beyond. This includes providing the resources and knowledge they need to improve the health and quality of life of their patients.' The NextGen Now initiative will include development and implementation of curated and immersive training experiences for healthcare professionals, study materials, scholarships, and new position statements and consensus recommendations, among other resources. 'We are thrilled to have a benefactor who is as passionate about improving midlife women's health as we are and who is aligned with our commitment to providing evidence-based resources to help accomplish this,' says Dr. Claudio Soares, president of The Menopause Society. 'The NextGen Now initiative includes additional components, exploring the use of augmented and virtual reality. The Society is now seeking to secure $5 million in matching funding to support these innovative training methods.' To learn more about NextGen Now funding opportunities, contact Ms. Carolyn Develen ( [email protected] ), chief operating officer of The Menopause Society. The Menopause Society is dedicated to empowering healthcare professionals and providing them with the tools and resources to improve the health of women during the menopause transition and beyond. As the leading authority on menopause since 1989, the nonprofit, multidisciplinary organization serves as the independent, evidence-based resource for healthcare professionals, researchers, the media, and the public and leads the conversation about improving women's health and healthcare experiences. To learn more, visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE The Menopause Society
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The Menopause Society to Launch NextGen Now Initiative to Transform Menopause Training
Anonymous donor provides $5 million to fund an innovative initiative that will improve midlife care CLEVELAND, June 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Despite affecting half the population, menopause remains one of the most overlooked and underserved areas in medicine. The Menopause Society believes women deserve better and aims to address this vast unmet need through the NextGen Now initiative. This $10 million comprehensive training program is designed to equip the current and the next generation of healthcare professionals with the knowledge, tools, and support needed to improve the care of midlife women. An anonymous grant of $5 million will launch the NextGen Now initiative this summer. Through the NextGen Now initiative, The Menopause Society is committed to reaching 25,000 healthcare professionals within the next 3 years. These professionals include women's health physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and trainees. Those involved in midlife women's health are expanding exponentially, yet most receive little to no guidance on menopause. "We have long recognized that education on midlife women's health and the menopause transition has been woefully inadequate," says Dr. Stephanie Faubion, medical director of The Menopause Society. "The mission of our organization is to empower healthcare professionals to improve the health of women during the menopause transition and beyond. This includes providing the resources and knowledge they need to improve the health and quality of life of their patients." The NextGen Now initiative will include development and implementation of curated and immersive training experiences for healthcare professionals, study materials, scholarships, and new position statements and consensus recommendations, among other resources. "We are thrilled to have a benefactor who is as passionate about improving midlife women's health as we are and who is aligned with our commitment to providing evidence-based resources to help accomplish this," says Dr. Claudio Soares, president of The Menopause Society. "The NextGen Now initiative includes additional components, exploring the use of augmented and virtual reality. The Society is now seeking to secure $5 million in matching funding to support these innovative training methods." To learn more about NextGen Now funding opportunities, contact Ms. Carolyn Develen (carolyn@ chief operating officer of The Menopause Society. The Menopause Society is dedicated to empowering healthcare professionals and providing them with the tools and resources to improve the health of women during the menopause transition and beyond. As the leading authority on menopause since 1989, the nonprofit, multidisciplinary organization serves as the independent, evidence-based resource for healthcare professionals, researchers, the media, and the public and leads the conversation about improving women's health and healthcare experiences. To learn more, visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE The Menopause Society
Newsweek
30-05-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
This Diet May Ease Menopause Symptoms, New Study Suggests
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A new study has found that a low-fat vegan diet—regardless of how processed the food is—can significantly reduce hot flashes and promote weight loss. The research, conducted by The Menopause Society and published in the journal Menopause, explored how plant-based eating can benefit women in midlife. "This study highlights the potential positive effects of a plant-based diet rich in soy, regardless of the level of processing, in terms of both hot flash and weight management," Dr. Stephanie Faubion, medical director for The Menopause Society, said in a statement. "Given these and the other known benefits in terms of lowering heart disease and cancer risk, women in midlife should consider leaning into a plant-based diet." A stock image of a vegan burger with avocado. A stock image of a vegan burger with avocado. Getty Images The study followed existing data that found a plant-based diet can reduce hot flashes, in part by aiding with weight loss. But with many plant-based foods being highly-processed, the Ohio-based society wanted to find out whether the type of food consumed, be it vegan, ultra-processed or animal-based, affected hot flash severity. Participants in the trial were randomly assigned to follow either a low-fat vegan diet supplemented with soybeans or an omnivorous diet under supervision. Both groups reported similar levels of hot flash frequency and severity at the outset. Over a 12-week period, those in the vegan group reported a 92 percent reduction in severe hot flashes. Their average weight loss was 3.6 kilograms, compared to a negligible 0.2 kilogram change in the omnivorous control group. Significantly, the benefits in the vegan group remained consistent whether their food was minimally processed or highly processed, indicating that the critical factor was the source of the food—plant-based versus animal-based—rather than the degree of processing. The findings challenge traditional views that all processed foods are detrimental to health, at least within the context of a vegan diet. For alternative ways to manage hot flashes, Newsweek spoke with Tonie Reincke, M.D., a Texas-based specialist in interventional radiology who has experienced hot flashes firsthand. "Speaking not only as a physician, but also as a woman who has experienced hot flashes, several things that I found helpful to reduce these include layering my clothing to quickly cool down, carrying a portable fan, and drinking ice water throughout the day," Reincke said. "Herbal supplements such as black cohosh and primrose oil may help some women, though results can vary, and hormone replacement therapy is an option under medical supervision." Do you have a tip on a science story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about menopause? Let us know via science@ Reference Kahleova, H., Znayenko-Miller, T., Jayaraman, A., Motoa, G., Chiavaroli, L., Holubkov, R., & Barnard, N. D. (2025). Processed foods in the context of a vegan diet, and changes in body weight and severe hot flashes in postmenopausal women: A secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial. Menopause.
