By Chelsi Cacciatore 
Disclaimer: The information included below is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Menopause.
Growing up, this was a mysterious subject spoken about in hushed tones. When I approached this transition, I didn’t know what to expect.
It began during a dinner with old college friends. Suddenly, I was overcome by heat and nausea. I left early, missing time with friends I rarely see and the beer sampler I ordered. Driving back to the hotel, I realized I had my first major hot flash. This was just the start of unexpected changes.
In the following months, things escalated. Frequent hot flashes and sleepless nights left me exhausted. I tried supplements and adding another fan at night, but nothing helped me sleep. Though I ate well and got enough protein, I kept gaining weight around my middle. I also felt anxious and had trouble focusing.
As my symptoms persisted, it felt like a switch had flipped. My body seemed to fall apart piece by piece. I had joint pain and a persistent ache in my shoulder that led to rotator cuff surgery. While recovering, plantar fasciitis developed in both feet. Physical therapy was difficult, so I ignored the pain even though every step was painful.
Once my shoulder healed, I focused on my feet and saw a podiatrist, then an orthopedist when the pain didn’t lessen. I tried everything they suggested, including cortisone shots, but the pain persisted. I kept looking for a solution.
Just when it seemed nothing would help, everything changed: I started hormone replacement therapy.
Getting a prescription wasn’t easy. My gynecologist didn’t want to prescribe hormones, and my primary doctor listened but lacked the knowledge to do so. Despite exhaustion and pain, I kept going.
Eventually, after months of searching for a specialist and waiting for an appointment, I saw a new gynecologist. She truly listened and determined I was a good candidate for HRT. I was prescribed transdermal estrogen and progesterone pills. I felt hopeful and heard.
After starting HRT, changes happened quickly. Within a month, my plantar fasciitis disappeared after two years of foot pain. Soon after, my joint pain eased, hot flashes stopped, restful sleep returned, anxiety faded, and my mind cleared.
While my weight remains the same, I’ve learned to accept the changes that come with menopause and aging. My body now has more cushion, laugh lines, and limitations than in my 20s, 30s, or 40s. I’m also wiser and more comfortable in my skin. HRT has provided relief along with self-acceptance. I feel more empowered than ever.
Women deserve access to health care without barriers. The black box warning for HRT was removed in 2025, and experts acknowledged the studies were flawed. With the warnings gone, I’m hopeful the stigma fades, training for doctors improves, and women have better access to HRT.
By sharing my story, I hope to encourage more women to advocate for themselves, talk openly about menopause, and support one another.
by Linda Orleans 
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by Danielle Lyles 
