• Three people in a rural town in California have died this year from hantavirus, public health officials reported.
• The rare virus had killed actor Gene Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, in February. Hackman died a week later of heart disease with complications due to Alzheimer’s disease.
• Hantavirus is spread to people through droppings, urine, and saliva of infected rodents, mainly mice. It does not spread from person to person.

A rare virus that killed the wife of late actor Gene Hackman is linked to three deaths in the rural town of Mammoth Lakes, CA, state public health officials confirmed on April 3.

Hackman, 95, died of heart disease with complications due to Alzheimer’s disease about a week after his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65, died of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, the Associated Press reported. The partially mummified remains of the couple were found in their Santa Fe, NM, home on February 26.

Tom Boo, MD, a Mono County public health officer, called the situation in the rural town in the Eastern Sierra region “tragic and alarming” in a statement.

Hantavirus is a relatively rare virus that affects the lungs. People can become infected through the droppings, urine, or saliva of rodents, usually mice such as the deer mouse. The virus does not spread from person to person.

Michelle Harkins, MD, a pulmonologist with the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center in Albuquerque, said it most commonly, but not always, occurs in rural areas.

“Exposure usually happens when people are cleaning out old sheds or going into mouse-infested areas around their property,” she told Healthline. 

Sweeping up mouse droppings can cause the virus to become airborne, which people can then inhale, said Harkins. She has also seen patients who were exposed to the virus while working in the forest or on a construction site.

Deer mice are common in California’s Eastern Sierra region, but Boo said in the statement that their numbers are thought to be higher than typical this year. This could increase the risk of people being exposed to hantavirus.

While hantavirus can be potentially deadly, David Cutler, MD, a family medicine physician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, Calif., said it’s important to keep the risk of this virus in perspective.

“In the United States, where there’s generally good hygiene, and you don’t have a lot of people living in rural areas where rodent droppings are common, hantavirus is going to be very rare, but not impossible to contract,” he told Healthline.

Also, “there have been fewer than 1,000 cases of Hantavirus reported in the United States over the last 30 years,” he said. “In contrast, over 100,000 people die each year of viral infections that we can prevent, like COVID, flu and RSV.”

Cutler said it is just as important for healthcare workers, especially those who work in rural areas where hantavirus occurs, to be aware of this virus and its symptoms.

Symptoms of hantavirus

Cases of hantavirus are relatively rare, but they can be fatal. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that around one-third of people who develop lung-related symptoms die from the disease.

When the virus affects both the lungs and the cardiovascular system, about half of patients will die, said Harkins. In this phase, people can develop low blood pressure and fluid buildup in the lungs.

“Not everybody enters this cardiopulmonary phase, but a fair number do,” she said. “It can have a very rapid onset, and people can die within hours to a day or so without supportive care and monitoring.”

Early symptoms of hantavirus infection start to show one to eight weeks after exposure, said the CDC, and include:

• fatigue
• fever
• muscle aches

About half of people infected will also experience:

• headaches
• dizziness
• chills
• abdominal problems such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain

People may go on to develop respiratory symptoms such as:

• coughing
• shortness of breath
• tightness in the chest

Hantavirus cases appearing earlier than usual

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that most cases of hantavirus occur west of the Mississippi River. The highest number is in New Mexico, followed by Colorado, Arizona, and California.

In the Eastern High Sierras, hantavirus cases typically occur later in the spring and in the summer, said Boo. So “the occurrence of three cases in a short period has me worried, especially this early in the year,” he added.

The early appearance of cases this year may be, in part, due to climate change.

“We know that there’s a cycle,” said Harkins. “Mild winters and summer rainfalls can increase the vegetation and the mouse population. When there are more mice around, they are more likely to become infected and spread the virus among themselves.”

None of the people who died in Mammoth Lakes had appeared to have engaged in high-exposure activities such as cleaning poorly ventilated indoor areas or other buildings with a lot of mouse waste, Boo said. 

“Instead, these folks may have been exposed during normal daily activities, either in the home or the workplace,” he added.

Harkins said there are several things you can do to reduce your risk of exposure to hantavirus, such as:

• Rodent-proof your home by keeping doors and windows shut, sealing gaps in walls, and keeping outside wood piles away from the house.
• Air out enclosed areas for at least 30 minutes before entering if you see rodent droppings.
• Avoid vacuuming or sweeping rodent droppings, urine or nests, because this can cause the virus to become airborne.
• Spray droppings and contaminated areas with a disinfectant or 10% bleach solution and let it sit for five minutes before wiping the area.
• Wear gloves and an N-95 (or higher) mask while cleaning contaminated areas.

“If you do happen to go into a shed and clean it out, or you’re getting out Christmas decorations and there’s a mouse nest in the box, watch your symptoms afterward and seek medical care if you start to have symptoms,” said Harkin. “But keep in mind that this can be delayed by one to eight weeks after the initial exposure.”

• The FDA has approved a new at-home test for two common sexually transmitted infections and a sexually transmitted disease.
• The test for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis produces results in 30 minutes.
• Experts say the kit allows people to test themselves for STDs in the privacy of their home.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved the first at-home test for three common sexually transmitted infections and diseases that can be purchased without a prescription.

The FDA marketing authorization has been granted to the Visby Medical Women’s Sexual Health Test for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis.

The test is designed for females with or without symptoms of these three infections. Results are delivered within 30 minutes.

Visby officials told Healthline they expect the new test to be available in a few months and will announce pricing then.

The Visby product is a single-use test that includes a collection kit (vaginal swab) and a powered testing device that communicates with the Visby Medical App. The app displays results when the test is complete.

FDA officials reported that in recent clinical studies the Visby at-home test correctly identified more than 98% of negative samples for the three STDs and more than 97% of positive samples.

The FDA reviewed the product under the agency’s De Novo premarket review pathway, which allows low-risk to moderate-risk devices to be approved quickly. This authorization also allows other devices to go through the FDA’s 510 (k) premarket notification process for quick approval by proving their similarity to the Visby product.

“This approval is not just a milestone for Visby Medical but marks a transformative moment in medical diagnostics,” said Adam de la Zerda, PhD, founder and chief executive officer of Visby Medical, in a press statement.

There are currently several at-home test kits available for use by men and women for syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis.

These tests are specific to these individual infections and involve collecting blood and/or urine samples. The products include the Visby Medical Sexual Health Test, which lacks the app that the new product contains.

At-home testing for STIs can improve treatment

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that there were 2.2 million cases of chlamydia and gonorrhea diagnosed in the United States in 2023.

The agency also noted that there were 2.6 million confirmed U.S. cases of trichomoniasis that year.

In its annual surveillance report released last year, the CDC also reported there were more than 200,000 cases of syphilis diagnosed in the U.S. in 2022, the highest number since 1950.

Experts say at-home tests are important because people with STIs need to seek medical treatment quickly. Antibiotics are effective in treating these infections, but untreated STIs may lead to serious health issues, including infertility.

They add that test accuracy is also important because a false negative result can delay treatment. A false positive result can lead to unnecessary treatments and a potential delay in correctly diagnosing another infection or disease.

“Home tests can give people information about their health from the privacy of their home. This can be particularly important for sexual health tests for which patients may experience fear or anxiety, possibly resulting in delayed diagnosis or treatment,” said Courtney Lias, PhD, the director of the Office of In Vitro Diagnostic Devices in the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health, in an FDA press release.

“Expanding access to tests for sexually transmitted infections is an important step toward earlier and increased diagnosis, which can result in increased treatment and reduced spread of infection.”

Lisa Valle, DO, OB-GYN and medical director of Oasis Women’s Sexual Function Center in Santa Monica, CA, said at-home kits have the ability to increase the number of people who test for STDs.

“More people are apt to test in the privacy of their homes,” Valle told Healthline.

She noted that increased testing can help reduce the spread of STDs and lead to earlier treatments.

She does caution, however, that a person can receive a positive result while alone in their home without anybody to talk to or counsel them.

“There are medical and emotional issues they could be dealing with without the help of a healthcare professional,” she said.

Valle added that there are potential issues for someone who receives a negative test result at home. They can be satisfied there isn’t anything wrong with them despite having symptoms and not getting tested for other illnesses or conditions.

What to know about chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis

A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is when a bacteria, virus, or parasite attacks the body. These infections, many times, don’t have symptoms.

Some — but not all — STIs can develop into a sexually transmitted disease (STD). These diseases do produce symptoms in many people.

All can be diagnosed with basic tests and treated with antibiotics.

Chlamydia is usually transmitted through oral, vaginal, or anal sex without a condom or other barrier protection.

Some people who have chlamydia don’t have symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they can include:

• burning sensation during urination
• foul-smelling abnormal discharge from the vagina or penis
• unusual sores on or around the genitals
• rectal pain

Gonorrhea can affect anybody, but it is most common among teens and young adults between the ages of 15 and 24.

It is also transmitted through oral, vaginal, and anal unprotected sex.

Symptoms usually appear 2 to 30 days after exposure. They include:

• discoloration and swelling at the penis opening
• testicular swelling and pain
• watery, creamy, or green discharge from the vagina
• pain or burning while urinating

Trichomoniasis causes symptoms in only about 30% of people with the disease.

When symptoms do appear, they include:

• vaginal discharge that is watery, creamy, or green
• vaginal spotting or bleeding
• frequent urination

Valle said it is that important people get tested either at home or in a medical facility if they develop these symptoms.

She recommends that people get tested before and after they get involved with a new romantic partner.

“Overall, testing does help decrease the spread of these diseases,” she said.

• SNL’s Kenan Thompson opens up about living with GERD for the first time.
• The beloved actor and comedian says the digestive condition is no joke.
• After years of experiencing uncomfortable symptoms, Thompson found relief with medication.

As the longest-running cast member of the iconic variety show “Saturday Night Live,” Kenan Thompson knows how to make audiences laugh.

Now, for the first time, the actor and comedian is putting jokes aside to talk about something serious: gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a digestive condition in which stomach contents are pushed back into the esophagus. 

GERD can cause heartburn, frequent burping, discomfort, trouble swallowing, and other uncomfortable symptoms.

Thompson is one of about 60 million Americans living with this chronic condition.

“GERD is no joke. It’s uncomfortable,” Thompson told Healthline.

GERD symptoms are ‘no joke’

In his mid-30s, Thompson began experiencing intense heartburn that interfered with his sleep.

“It’s definitely given me restless rights, which is not helpful when you’re trying to perform and you’re already dealing with a lot of stress,” he said.

GERD has also impacted his vocal range during comedy skits.

“I’ve blown my voice out a lot easier than I thought I would just by singing a song or something and all the sudden I’m hoarse,” Thompson said.

Thompson said his symptoms were at their worst when his eating habits were at their worst. He pointed to soda and pizza as two culprits.

“I would have flareup moments and not really understand what was necessarily going on or just not putting two and two together that I was doing this to myself. I was kind of like ‘oh I guess that pizza was a little spicier than I recall or was paying attention to,’ not really kind of acknowledging my involvement in it,” he said.

In his early 40s, he was diagnosed with non-erosive GERD, which means the condition does not cause damage to the esophagus as it does with erosive GERD.

“GERD is diagnosed clinically by history with your physician,” Kavita Kongara, MD, gastroenterologist and chief of motility at Northside Hospital, told Healthline.

“If further testing is warranted, an upper endoscopy can determine the sub-type of GERD you may have, which includes non-erosive GERD, which impacts two out of three people, and erosive GERD.”

How is GERD managed?

After years of trying over-the-counter medication only to gain temporary relief, Thompson’s doctor prescribed him the medication Voquezna (vonoprazan).

“[Despite] using over-the-counter medications and prescription treatments like antacids, histamine-2 receptor antagonists, or proton pump inhibitors, some people with GERD continue to experience persistent, bothersome symptoms,” said Kongara.

So was the case for Thompson, who wanted a longer-term solution for his symptoms.

“It was almost like I couldn’t eat pizza without having a no-sleep night, and you can’t live like that. I got to eat my pizza; come on,” he said.

Today, his GERD is well-managed.

“I’m not so worried about those specific [food] triggers anymore,” he said. “I don’t eat them as often as I used to raise that acidic level [but] at the same time, I don’t necessarily worry if I do have an issue because now I have medicine so I know what to do and what not to do and if there is a slip up I have a safety net.”

To spread awareness about GERD, Thompson is sharing is story as part of the “GERD IS NO JOKE” campaign.

“If I can change one life, great, and if it’s more based on the following that I have, even better, but I definitely want to get the word out because if there are people that are suffering and they don’t have the information, it will definitely help me sleep at night to help another person,” he said.

Thompson also does not rule out the possibility of an SNL skit on GERD to gain more awareness about the condition.

“[Now] that I’m up on the radar talking about it… it might inspire a writer to write about it,” said Thompson. “You never know; I might just have to do the Weekend Update version of myself.”

Best and worst foods for GERD

While clinical evidence is limited and sometimes inconsistent regarding the impact of foods on GERD, Anna Beery, registered dietitian nutritionist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, told Healthline many people find that certain foods trigger symptoms.

Eliminating trigger foods can, therefore, help minimize symptoms. Examples of reflux trigger foods include:

• acidic foods
• carbonated beverages
• coffee
• high fat foods
• peppermint
• chocolate
• alcohol
• canned foods

Beery added that other foods to avoid eating frequently include red meat, fried foods, sweets, and fast food.

“A great way to figure out which foods can be triggering would be keeping a food journal,” she told Healthline. “Writing down foods, quantities, and symptoms can help determine which foods may be triggering. Documenting meal timing, stress, and sleeping habits can be helpful as well.”

Regarding what to eat, Beery cited research suggesting that a primarily plant-based diet may improve GERD symptoms.

“This is not necessarily a vegan or vegetarian diet. This is a diet that is focused on eating more fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. Healthy, plant-based oils such as olive oil are recommended in moderation,” she said.

Because research also indicates that fiber may help decrease GERD symptoms, Beery suggested the Mediterranean diet.

“This diet is high in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds, olive oil, and seasoning with herbs and spices,” she said. “Each day, eat fruits and vegetables, whole grains and plant-based foods. Each week eat fish, poultry, beans, legumes, and eggs with [a] moderate amount of dairy.”

In addition to dietary modifications, Beery said eating five to six smaller meals per day can be beneficial, and that the timing of meals matters, too.

“Lying down less than two hours after eating can increase stomach acid production,” she said. “Avoid eating the largest meal at the end of the day.”

Other lifestyle habits like sleeping in a proper position with the head of bed raised can decrease acid backflow.

“Better sleep in general, may decrease GERD,” said Beery.

Additionally, because obesity is linked to increased symptoms of GERD, she said maintaining a healthy weight and increasing physical activity can help manage symptoms.

Overall, managing GERD is personalized and there is no one-size-fits-all.

“GERD can be complex with trigger foods differing and symptoms varying from person-to-person,” Beery said.

Why Am I Not Losing Weight? Weight loss can feel like a…

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• Amy Schumer recently shared she had quit Wegovy due to side effects like nausea.
• However, Schumer said she was “having a really good experience” with Mounjaro, such as improved menopause symptoms and libido.
• Experts say it’s common for people to have side effects with GLP-1s.
• If you can’t tolerate a GLP-1 drug, your doctor might recommend switching to a different weight loss medication.

Writer, actress, and stand-up comedian Amy Schumer recently took to Instagram to discuss her experiences with the GLP-1 drugs Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide).

While appearing to be driving through stop-and-go traffic, which she noted at one point was “completely unsafe,” Schumer said she wanted to “keep it a hundred” with her fans regarding her weight-loss journey.

After quipping that she’s “your favorite comedian with no top lip,” the star revealed on March 21 that she had used Wegovy three years prior but had experienced intolerable side effects.

“I was like puking, I couldn’t handle it,” she related.

Schumer then went on to describe how she had more recently used the telehealth provider Midi Health to receive hormone treatment for perimenopause as well as being prescribed Mounjaro for weight loss.

The actress added this combination of medications was working well for her.

“My symptoms of being in perimenopause have disappeared. My hair is fuller, my skin is better, I have more energy,” said Schumer.

“I want to get down more,” she added, referring to the positive effect on her libido. “So, yeah, that’s been great. Mounjaro’s been great,” Schumer said.

She further explained to viewers that Mounjaro is generally covered by insurance unless you have a diagnosis of diabetes or “severe obesity, which most of the Internet thinks I have.”

Schumer then closed out the video by saying she is “having a really good experience” and “wanted to keep it real,” adding that she liked Midi Health so much that she decided to invest in the company.

Why did Schumer do better on Mounjaro than Wegovy?

Meghan Garcia-Webb, MD, obesity medicine doctor at Weight Medicine MD, told Healthline it’s not uncommon for people to have significant side effects from one GLP-1 medication but not another.

“It is hard to predict who will be able to tolerate them and who won’t,” she said, “although people who already struggle with gastrointestinal health issues may find these medications make them worse.”

Garcia-Webb added that clinically, she does find that people often have fewer side effects on Mounjaro than on Wegovy. However, she said some research suggests the side effect profiles are similar.

Novo Nordisk states that common side effects with Wegovy include:

• nausea
• diarrhea
• vomiting
• constipation
• abdominal pain
• upset stomach
• headache
• tiredness
• dizziness
• bloating
• belching
• low blood sugar (if you have type 2 diabetes)
• gas
• stomach flu
• heartburn
• runny nose or sore throat

On the other hand, Eli Lilly lists nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, vomiting, constipation, indigestion, and abdominal pain as Mounjaro’s most common side effects.

Garcia-Webb said it also depends on how long people are able to wait for side effects to subside.

“Oftentimes, side effects are worse in the beginning and when titrating up on doses but then taper off,” she said.

“So if people are able to stick with it, they may find their symptoms decrease over time.”

However, sometimes the side effects are so severe that some people can’t tolerate them long enough to see them lessen, she said. It seems Schumer may have had that experience with Wegovy.

Coping with side effects of GLP-1 drugs

In addition to gradually titrating up, clinicians have suggested other strategies to help patients stick with their medication until they adjust to the side effects.

In a July 2021 article published in Postgraduate Medicine, the authors stated that smaller, more frequent meals can help ease digestive woes while taking GLP-1 medications.

The authors wrote that avoiding fatty or spicy foods could help combat nausea. They noted that sufficient water and fiber intake could help mitigate constipation.

The article further emphasized the importance of educating people about the potential for side effects, which could help manage expectations and make it easier to continue the medication until side effects begin to ease up.

What if a weight loss drug isn’t working for you?

Trista Best, MPH, RDN, LD, a registered dietitian with Balance One Supplements, said that if people are having difficulty with a particular weight loss drug, several options can be tried.

“If a medication isn’t effective, options include adjusting the dosage, switching to a different weight loss drug, or exploring alternative treatments such as metabolic testing, personalized nutrition plans, or behavioral therapy,” Best told Healthline.

Best noted that doctors could also recommend other GLP-1 drugs such as liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda) or even explore weight loss drugs that work through different mechanisms like phentermine, bupropion, or naltrexone.

Garcia-Webb added, however, that these alternative medications may not be as effective as GLP-1s. “[But] for some people, especially those who can’t tolerate the GI side effects, they may be a better fit,” she said.

Garcia-Webb said it’s also important to define what people mean when they say that their medication isn’t working for them.

“If it’s a question of side effects, many times lowering the dose, titrating up very slowly, and adding medications to help with the side effects can help quite a lot,” she said.

What Schumer’s experience highlights about weight loss drugs

Schumer’s different experiences with Wegovy and Mounjaro highlight the individualized nature of weight loss medications.

While GLP-1 drugs can be effective, tolerance varies widely, and finding the right fit may require adjustments or alternative treatments.

For those struggling with side effects, strategies like gradual dose increases, dietary modifications, and patient education can help.

As the landscape of obesity treatment continues to evolve, Schumer’s candid discussion reminds us that weight loss journeys are personal and that keeping it real can help others navigate their own paths.

Ricki Lake’s journey with hair loss is a story of resilience, vulnerability,…

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• Actor, director, and producer Elizabeth Banks shares how she prioritizes her health in her 50s.
• The “Hunger Games” actress is spreading awareness about preventing respiratory conditions like RSV, flu, and pneumococcal pneumonia.
• Banks shares her journey with healthy aging and how she’s navigated shingles and perimenopause.

Known for her iconic role in the “Hunger Games” franchise and Emmy-nominated part in “30 Rock,” actress Elizabeth Banks knows how to captivate an audience.

At 51, she’s using her platform to connect with Gen Xers about living healthily into their 50s.

A few years ago, before she turned 50, Banks contracted shingles, a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox. Shingles typically cause a painful, blistering rash.

“I was misdiagnosed at first because I was a little young to be getting shingles, or so I was told. My symptoms included the classic stuff like a one-sided rash and tingling at the top of my head. I couldn’t sleep and experienced other symptoms, including a burning sensation,” Banks told Healthline.

Shingles was the only medical issue that ever resulted in Banks missing work.

“Suddenly, I felt a little bit my age, and my sense of invincibility was shattered. I felt I needed to take better care of myself in all aspects,” said Banks.

“Shingles is often brought on by stress, and I felt like my body was less able to handle stress, which I’ve lived with forever. I like being stressed out. I like doing a lot of things. And suddenly, I felt like, ‘Oh, I must check myself and look after myself better.’”

She learned that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the shingles vaccine for those 50 and older.

“There is a shingles-specific vaccine that is offered when you turn 50, or after you turn 19 if you are immunocompromised. It’s important to vaccinate against shingles to keep you safe and healthy,” Jen Brull, MD, president of the Board of Directors at the American Academy of Family Physicians, told Healthline.

While Banks said she always follows her doctor’s recommendations for vaccinations, she has become more diligent about staying up to date on vaccinations, including the flu shot, since experiencing shingles.

She recently partnered with Pfizer to spread awareness about respiratory vaccinations for flu, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and pneumococcal pneumonia. Visitors to VaxAssist.com can schedule a vaccination appointment and learn more about each vaccine.

“Staying on top of preventive health as we age is critical — it can make the difference between catching something early or dealing with a challenging diagnosis later in life once a condition has progressed,” said Brull.

Brull noted preventive services include vaccinations, cancer screenings like mammograms and colonoscopies, bloodwork, annual wellness exams and tests, and guidance on lifestyle factors like nutrition, exercise, and mental healthcare. 

“No matter your age, having a baseline is important. Think of all the things that happen when you get a regular checkup — that’s preventive care,” Brull said.

Healthline recently spoke with Banks to learn more about the importance of midlife vaccinations and how she prioritizes her health in her 50s.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity and length.

What should Gen Xers know about prioritizing their health?

Banks: I think Gen X is in a precarious spot because we have more access to information about our health and longevity than ever before, but we are also dealing with a lot.

For many of us, we’ve got young kids or teenagers in the house. We’ve got aging parents that we’re dealing with. We’ve got jobs which we’ve worked hard for. I feel like all those stress levels can often make our health not a priority because we have so much else going on.

My real advice is just a reminder to Gen X to look out for themselves too and take care of their health so that they can be there for their families, young and old, and continue excelling in their careers without getting sick.

How have you taken care of your health in your 50s?

Banks: I started by looking at my daily habits, particularly my diet and sleep. I’m also experiencing perimenopause, which all Gen X women are going through or are going to go through. That has brought changes in my body that I have to pay attention to.

I do a better job with my diet. I do a better job with exercise. I do a better job prioritizing walking. I do a better job getting enough sleep and lowering stress.

On top of that, I am getting vaccinated and keeping up with preventative health measures. I get my mammograms and my colonoscopies, all the fun stuff.

I came to realize that when you’re 50 or older, you’re more than six times greater risk of contracting pneumococcal pneumonia. Knowing that made me realize there’s a real midlife moment where we have to start paying a little bit better attention so that we can be around as long as possible.

How do you feel about experiencing perimenopause?

Banks: Perimenopause is happening to me, and menopause is just around the corner. I wish it was coming sooner, to be honest. I’d like to be through this patch of it.

I found that I had to pay closer attention to minor changes. I didn’t feel like myself, and so it was a bit of a wake-up call.

There will be some physical changes happening, and you’re not going to be the same. I ask, “What does that look like going forward?” I loved the opportunity it gave me to analyze my life and prioritize my health.

What to know about menopause

Menopause is a phase in which menstruation is absent for 12 months. The average age of onset for females is in the early 50s, though it can occur earlier or later.

“Menopause is a gradual process that can take several years and can have physical and emotional impacts,” said Brull.

Perimenopause, meanwhile, is a transitory phase before menopause that can last for a decade or more. This phase is typically when the classic menopausal symptoms begin.

Brull said healthy habits that can help women through the process include:

• moving your body regularly
• eating a healthy diet
• avoiding alcohol
• staying up to date on vaccinations and preventive care

“Some people find that cutting back on alcohol and caffeine helps manage the sleep changes that come with menopause. Others find that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the best way to manage their symptoms,” said Brull.

“There is no one-size-fits-all approach, but keeping healthy habits [is] a great way to ensure you’re doing what is in your control to stay well.”

If you notice that your periods become less regular, you feel more tired, experience hot flashes, or feel pain during intercourse, reach out to your doctor.

In addition to medical care, Brull said hearing other women’s experiences like Banks’ and maintaining a strong social community during menopause is impactful.  

“Identifying others in your life who have gone through menopause or are currently experiencing it can help make the experience less isolating,” she said. “If needed, your family doctor can help you find an online or local support group to join.”