Hot flashes. Mood swings. And, no, nothing “smells like teen spirit” anymore. Generation X grew up, grew older, and now finds themselves facing menopause without a Judy Blume book to guide them through it.
But you don’t have to struggle through menopause symptoms alone.
“One of the defining traits of Generation X is resilience—the ability to embrace change and adapt. Menopause is one of those changes, and we are here to guide women toward healthy, confident aging,” says Stephanie D. Davis, MD, a board-certified OB-GYN and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner at Hoag. “This generation is more open to talking about symptoms and seeking treatment than previous generations. By embracing menopause, they are redefining it for themselves and for the women who come after them.”
Dr. Davis weighs in on some of Gen X’s most pressing questions when it comes to menopause.
What are the Most Pervasive Early Symptoms?
Most women know to expect commonly recognized symptoms such as hot flashes and mood swings. What often surprises women are symptoms like weight changes, sleep disruption, brain fog, and joint pain. Others may experience vaginal dryness, urinary urgency, hair thinning or dry skin. Emotional symptoms, including low mood, irritability, or loss of motivation, are also common and often go unrecognized.
“Fluctuations in hormones during the menopause transition can cause a wide variety of symptoms, and every woman’s experience is different,” Dr. Davis says. “Work with your doctor on a personalized strategy for managing symptoms that fit your goals and lifestyle. Menopause is inevitable, but suffering is not.”
How Do You Guide Women Whose Symptoms Were Dismissed in the past?
Finding the right healthcare partner early helps women stay healthy and confident as they age, but it’s never too late. Symptoms that may have been minimized or dismissed in the past can still be addressed effectively today.
Women are at increased risk for conditions like osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases after menopause—due in part to the loss of estrogen’s protective effects. Talking with your doctor now about your health and risks can help place you on a proactive path to wellness.
“It is important for women to keep up with health screenings throughout life, but in perimenopause this becomes even more critical,” Dr. Davis says. “Checking cholesterol, incorporating weight training and cardiovascular exercise, and focusing on anti-inflammatory nutrition all matter. A good physician partner will never be dismissive, if something doesn’t feel right, it’s worth looking into.”
Is Hormone Replacement Therapy Right for Me?
Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms, age, and other health considerations. Options including hormone therapy, non-hormonal medications, lifestyle changes, counseling and integrative approaches.
“Every woman is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer for menopausal symptoms,” Dr. Davis says. “For many healthy women under 60, or within 10 years of their final period, hormone therapy can be safe and effective. Working closely with your Hoag provider will help you find the best options for you.”
Is There Room for ‘Real Talk’ During My Medical Exam?
Menopause impacts sexual health, mood, sleep and even workplace performance. These psychosocial aspects matter as much as physical symptoms.
“At Hoag, our menopause team, including Menopause Society Certified Practitioners (MSCPs) address all aspects of midlife health. These providers are well versed with menopause care, and can provide personalized guidance on hormone therapy, nutrition, exercise, stress management and sleep hygiene,” Dr. Davis says. “We aim to support the whole woman and make this transition easier to manage.”
What Is One Thing You Wish More Doctors Knew About Menopause Care?
Doctors not up to date in menopause care may miss health risks that surface during this transition. For example, hormonal changes can accelerate rises in LDL cholesterol after menopause, increasing cardiovascular risk. The drop in estrogen can also contribute to rapid bone loss.
“What I wish more physicians understood is that these medical issues can be curbed or even prevented when addressed early,” Dr. Davis says. “If we only treat hot flashes and mood changes, we miss the broader health impacts like heart disease, bone loss, or even cognitive changes. That’s why addressing the whole woman is critical. Holistic, evidence-based care is the key to thriving in midlife and beyond.”
Learn more about women’s health services at Hoag.
