Dr. Sharon Marcanthony joins us on the Wire Talk podcast to talk about the changing hormones women experience throughout our lives. We’re asking Sharon your questions about menopause, sexual health, postpartum depression, and managing PMS. Sharon reminds us of the importance of having a comfortable relationship with our health care providers as well as how critical community is in helping us navigate the changing seasons of our lives (i.e. don’t menopause alone!)

Dr. Sharon Marcanthony’s practice

Birds on a Wire - Wayne County

North American Menopause Society

Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale

Question 1:  Karen, at the teen retreat this fall, you talked about how your hormones were going out at the same time that your daughter’s were coming in and how hard that was. I have never thought about that before! 

I’m in my mid 40s and I assume season of menopause is rapidly approaching for me, but what does that actually mean? Physical symptoms, emotional changes… I’m clueless! I feel like us moms need another “changes talk” from our moms around this age, but we don’t get one. What do I need to know about menopause?

Question 2:  Yeast infections....ick! I do get them and my teen daughter now does. How can we prevent them and what is your recommended treatment? Currently using anti-fungal cream, but looking for soothing/helpful home remedies too. Thanks! 

Question 3:  A friend of mine is going through a hard season of depression after weaning her toddler. I feel like I’ve heard about PPA/PPD in the months after giving birth, but I wasn’t aware that the same thing could happen after stopping breastfeeding. I’d love for more moms to be informed - can you talk about postpartum hormonal changes and what the warning signs are for postpartum depression and/or anxiety?

Question 4: How do diet/nutrition/exercise play into hormonal health? I know being underweight can make women’s periods stop, but does being overweight affect my menstrual cycle? Can I manage PMS better through better eating habits? I’d love to know more!

If you have a question about motherhood we want to hear it, so make sure you visit birdsonawiremoms.com/askkaren and tune in each week to see if we cover your question. You can also find on us on Instagram and Facebook, so follow us over there and send questions our way on social media as well.

Moms, we know your time is precious. Thank you for spending it with us. We hope you feel encouraged, equipped and most importantly—the peace of God. You can receive encouragement each week by tuning in to Wire Talk; so subscribe today and be sure you never miss an episode.