Dr. Carolyn Moyers: Validating Perimenopause When Labs Don't Tell the Story

This conversation with Dr. Carolyn Moyers revealed how personal experience with perimenopause transformed her from a general OBGYN into a Menopause specialist. Her journey began when her youngest son pointed out she was getting "mean as she got older," leading her to recognize her own perimenopause symptoms and start estrogen therapy.

Dr. Moyers emphasized the critical importance of debunking perimenopause myths that continue to harm women. The most damaging myths include "it's all in your head," "your labs are normal so you're fine," "you're too young for perimenopause," and "hormone therapy just delays the inevitable." She stressed that perimenopause is a clinical diagnosis that can start in the early 30s and last 7-10 years before the final menstrual period.

The discussion highlighted the complexity of managing perimenopause versus menopause, with Dr. Moyers noting that perimenopause is actually more difficult to treat because of the "pesky period running around." She advocates strongly for the Mirena IUD, which reduces bleeding by 90% in the first six months, making hormone management much more straightforward.

A significant focus was placed on metabolic changes during the menopause transition, including the natural 0.6% annual decline in muscle mass. Dr. Moyers outlined a comprehensive approach including strength training, protein-rich diets, sleep prioritization, and stress management. She introduced the concept of "thought dumping" - an unedited journaling practice combined with identifying three daily wins and three goals for tomorrow.

Dr. Moyers shared her unique integration of osteopathic manipulation into menopause care, offering quarterly OMT sessions as part of her membership model. This hands-on approach helps balance the autonomic nervous system and addresses the physical manifestations of hormonal changes, particularly beneficial for pelvic pain and pregnancy-related discomfort.