Perplexed by patients with normal exams but persistent symptoms like recurrent UTIs or palpitations? It could be menopause.

In this insightful episode of Succeed In Medicine podcast, host Dr. Bradley Block interviews Dr. Lauren Streicher. They explore commonly overlooked menopause symptoms beyond hot flashes: recurrent urinary tract infections tied to genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), palpitations as "hot flashes of the heart" (often sinus tachycardia without EKG changes), GI microbiome shifts causing nebulous digestive issues, xerostomia (dry mouth) linked to oral health risks, and skin/hair changes like alopecia.

Dr. Streicher emphasizes reassuring patients early, validating symptoms as hormonal, and tailoring treatments, vaginal estrogen, safe even for breast cancer patients, systemic hormones, or new non-hormonal NK3 receptor antagonists like fezolinetant. They discuss the SWAN study's findings on long-term risks from untreated hot flashes (e.g., cardiovascular disease, bone loss), the need to differentiate perimenopausal (temporary) vs. lifelong postmenopausal effects, and avoiding arbitrary hormone therapy stops after 5 years.

The conversation also touches on sexual health gaps in medicine, with tips for better history-taking and resources like Dr. Stryker's "Come Again" course. Listeners, clinicians and patients alike, will gain tools to address menopause holistically, improving quality of life and preventing complications.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

About the Show:

Succeed In Medicine covers patient interactions, burnout, career growth, personal finance, and more. If you're tired of dull medical lectures, tune in for real-world lessons we should have learned in med school!

About the Guest:

Dr. Lauren Streicher is a clinical professor of OB-GYN at Northwestern University and founding director of its Center for Sexual Medicine and Menopause. A certified menopause practitioner, she serves on the Menopause journal's editorial board, is a Kinsey Institute fellow, and authors bestsellers like "Sex Rx" and "Hot Flash Hell." She hosts "Inside Information" podcast and created "Come Again" audio series on postmenopausal sexuality.

Connect with Dr. Lauren Streicher:

Website: https://www.drstreicher.com

Email: [email protected] 

About the Host:

Dr. Bradley Block – Dr. Bradley Block is a board-certified otolaryngologist at ENT and Allergy Associates in Garden City, NY. He specializes in adult and pediatric ENT, with interests in sinusitis and obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Block also hosts Succeed In Medicine podcast, focusing on personal and professional development for physicians

Want to be a guest?

Email Brad at [email protected]  or visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to learn more!

Socials:

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@physiciansguide on Instagram and Twitter

This medical podcast is your physician mentor to fill the gaps in your medical education. We cover physician soft skills, charting, interpersonal skills, doctor finance, doctor mental health, medical decisions, physician parenting, physician executive skills, navigating your doctor career, and medical professional development. This is critical CME for physicians, but without the credits (yet). A proud founding member of the Doctor Podcast Network!

Visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to connect, dive deeper, and keep the conversation going. Let’s grow! 

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, financial, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.

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