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This episode continues the series on the connection between hormones and chronic pain syndromes, with a focus on the relationship between fibromyalgia and menopause. It discusses whether screening for fibromyalgia should be considered for patients experiencing unexplained chronic fatigue around menopause, reviews various studies on hormone therapy and its impact on fibromyalgia symptoms, and examines the role of food, particularly a plant-based diet, in managing hot flashes. Key findings from these studies highlight mixed results on hormone therapy's effectiveness in alleviating fibromyalgia symptoms, but underscore the importance of sleep and diet in managing both menopause and fibromyalgia-related issues.

00:00 Introduction to Hormones and Chronic Pain
00:12 Fibromyalgia and Menopause: An Intriguing Connection
01:31 Screening for Fibromyalgia in Menopausal Women
03:48 Hormone Therapy and Fibromyalgia: Research Insights
08:09 Detailed Study on Hormone Therapy and Fibromyalgia
12:22 Impact of Hormone Therapy on Sleep and Quality of Life
22:21 The Role of Diet in Managing Hot Flashes
27:14 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Click here for the Fibromyalgia 101 link.

Click here to connect with Joy Lenz.

Support the show

When I started this podcast—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. You’re not alone. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 28+ years as an MD.

Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace personal medical advice.*

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions

Impact of Menstrual Cycle and Menopause on Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain nd introduction to a proposed new syndrome, the Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause.

This episode delves into the connection between hormones, fibromyalgia, and other chronic pain conditions like migraines and endometriosis, emphasizing the significant impact of a woman's menstrual cycle, perimenopause, and menopause on chronic pain. Various studies and polls on symptom severity during different menstrual phases and post-menopause are discussed. The crucial role of estrogen in maintaining musculoskeletal health is elaborated, along with the negative consequences of estrogen decline, such as increased inflammation, bone loss, muscle weakness, and osteoarthritis. The episode also covers the benefits and risks of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in alleviating these issues, touching on the historical trends and evolving practices in HRT usage. A comprehensive approach to managing menopause-related symptoms, including nutrition, exercise, and personalized medical advice, is encouraged. The episode concludes by highlighting upcoming discussions on studies involving hormone therapy for fibromyalgia patients.

00:00 Introduction to Fibromyalgia and Hormones
00:20 Impact of Menstrual Cycle on Chronic Pain
01:16 Fibromyalgia and Menopause
01:27 Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause
02:36 Estrogen's Role in Musculoskeletal Health
06:39 Managing Sarcopenia and Muscle Loss
08:41 Osteoporosis and Bone Health
13:58 Hormone Replacement Therapy Trends
17:15 Hormone Therapy Risks and Benefits
26:06 Hormone Therapy and Mental Health
28:32 Conclusion and Upcoming Topics

Click here for the Fibromyalgia 101 link.

Click here to connect with Joy Lenz.

Support the show

When I started this podcast—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. You’re not alone. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 28+ years as an MD.

Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace personal medical advice.*

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions

This episode dives into the complex relationship between migraines and hormonal changes, particularly focusing on estrogen. The discussion covers the prevalence of migraines, the distinction between migraines with and without aura, and the significant impact of reproductive hormones on migraine patterns, especially in women. Key topics include the discovery of the estrogen threshold, the influence of estrogen on neurotransmitter systems like serotonin and glutamate, and the potential of hormone-based treatments. The episode also examines the role of the trigeminal vascular system, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), and the impact of oral contraceptives on migraine frequency and intensity. Practical strategies for managing menstrual migraines and the importance of using headache diaries for accurate diagnosis are highlighted.

00:00 Introduction to Migraines
00:20 Types of Migraines and Auras
00:42 Sex Differences in Migraine Prevalence
00:59 Hormonal Influence on Migraines
01:53 Estrogen's Role in Menstrual Migraines
02:05 Historical Breakthroughs in Migraine Research
02:35 Estrogen Threshold and Migraine Triggers
04:10 Estrogen's Impact on Brain Function
07:29 Neurotransmitters and Migraine Pathways
11:15 Oxytocin and Migraine Prevention
13:20 Trigeminal Vascular System and Migraines
16:46 Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide and Inflammation
20:38 Oral Contraceptives and Migraine Management
24:59 The Importance of Headache Diaries
26:45 Conclusion and Future Research

Click here for the Fibromyalgia 101 link.

Click here to connect with Joy Lenz.

Support the show

When I started this podcast—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. You’re not alone. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 28+ years as an MD.

Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace personal medical advice.*