Trust your instincts. When you don't feel like yourself during perimenopause or menopause, that alone is reason enough to seek help. This powerful validation emerged as we reflected on our conversation with women's health expert Brooks Vaughn and shared our personal journeys through the hormonal maze of midlife.
Many women struggle for years with debilitating symptoms—from night sweats that destroy sleep to brain fog that makes you question your sanity—believing they simply need to "push through" this phase. We're here to tell you there's a better way. Through our own trials with seeking medical support, we discuss how the understanding of hormone replacement therapy has evolved dramatically since our mothers' generation, when many women abruptly stopped treatment based on studies that have since been reinterpreted.
The challenges women face in getting proper care often start with medical education itself. Most doctors receive minimal training about menopause—sometimes just a single chapter in medical school—leaving them ill-equipped to address the complex symphony of hormonal changes affecting everything from cardiovascular health to cognitive function. Add in the 10-minute appointment constraints of modern healthcare, and it's no wonder women feel dismissed when seeking help.
Whether you're considering hormone replacement therapy, exploring alternative treatments like acupuncture and specialized massage, or looking at dietary approaches, our conversation emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive strategy. Brooks' three-pronged approach addressing bloodwork, diet/supplements, and hormones offers a framework for women seeking relief. Most importantly, we underscore the value of sharing experiences and building community during this transformative time.
What symptoms are most challenging for you? What questions do you wish you could ask your doctor? Connect with us on social media or email theemptynestquest@gmail.com—we'll incorporate your questions into our upcoming interview focusing on menopause misconceptions and treatments that truly work.

We want to hear from you! Reach out to us on socials or at emptynestquestpod@gmail.com to share how our conversations are landing with you! xo-Melynda and Jennifer