Dr. Kimberly Turner and Jessie Kates came together to share their expertise on women’s health at our annual CoverGirl’s Brunch menopause panel this past April. The panel was every bit as entertaining as it was informative, as the women discussed traditional and holistic ways to manage and thrive during a life transition that every woman will face: perimenopause and menopause. Dr. Turner, a board-certified OB-GYN and women’s health advocate with over 30 years of experience, is the perfect person to share advice on how to manage menopause and advocate for yourself in the doctor’s office.

Dr. Turner grew up in Columbia, Maryland, and graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park, and Duke University School of Medicine. “I chose to be an OB-GYN because it married my love of babies and being in the operating room. I wanted to help women, and Black women in particular,” said Turner. After many years in medicine, Dr. Turner, now semi-retired, works as a telehealth provider.

While Dr. Turner understands the value of a holistic approach to menopause, she warns against following internet advice, and untested lifestyle tips from influencers. “As a provider, it can be difficult to combat misinformation in the office. Many influencers are just trying to make money by selling you a supplement or product. Sometimes they give dangerous advice. What works for an influencer might not work for everyone.” However, she approaches each patient with empathy and understanding. "If you are experiencing perimenopause symptoms that I can't validate with a test, I choose to believe you and offer you a treatment." She acknowledged that some physicians may need more encouragement to believe their patients and take action to address their discomfort.

Here are Dr. Turner’s recommendations for managing various aspects of perimenopause and menopause.

●      Establish a good sleep routine and set the thermostat to a low temperature at night.

●      Practice better nutrition. Avoiding triggers like alcohol can help with hot flashes.

●      Embrace regular exercise, especially weight-bearing exercises, for bone health.

●      Consider hormone therapy. Ask your provider about the benefits and risks.

●      Regular sex helps your vagina stay healthy. Seek help from a clinical provider if you are experiencing any problems with your vaginal health.

●      Menopause can impact your mental health. Ask your provider for resources, and don’t be afraid to talk to a psychologist.

●      For holistic and lifestyle solutions, certified menopause coaches can be helpful.

Dr. Turner says that if your doctor dismisses your valid health concerns, first remember that doctors are only human and that they have only 15 minutes of office time to help you. Second, if something is really wrong, persist until you have the answers. However, if your doctor consistently dismisses you, it may be time to find a new provider.

With that in mind, here are some ways to advocate for yourself in the doctor’s office

●      If there isn’t enough time to tackle all of your issues, schedule a follow-up appointment.

●      Ask if there are other doctors in the practice who specialize in menopause, or explore the National Association of Menopause Specialists to find a doctor who meets your needs.

●      If you aren’t receiving good care from your doctor, find a provider who listens and validates your concerns.

●      If you need help with lifestyle changes, consider a holistic practitioner like Jessie Kates.