Knowledge is power. Stay informed. Stay healthy.

In the years prior to menopause, women’s bodies naturally maintain moisture and lubrication in the vagina. The vaginal wall is hydrated and tissue lining is intact, making sex comfortable and pleasurable while providing an optimal environment for reproduction. As women approach menopause, estrogen production declines. This shift causes a reduction in blood flow to the vagina, leading to thin and dry vaginal tissue. In some cases the tissue depletes significantly, leaving the vagina prone to inflammation and persistent discomfort. Voila: Vaginal dryness!

Beauty articles tend to focus on the impact menopause has on skin, body and lifestyle. However, women in their 40s are no strangers to the changes happening to their hair, from greying and thinning to dryness and breakage. In this article, we explore the root causes and symptoms of aging hair along with a few tips and tricks to improve the quality and look of hair as we age.

Dr. Laurie Birkholz opened her Ms.Medicine concierge practice in west Michigan in April 2020 – right in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Birkholz anticipated an uphill battle to get established in such an uncertain climate, so she set a goal of enrolling 100 patients by the end of her first year in practice.

As we close out October, Menopause Month, we thought we’d answer some common questions about menopause.