Expert Interviews

Nearly 40% of women in perimenopause feel misdiagnosed as clinicians fail to recognize the early stage of transition, treating anxiety over hormones while symptoms worsen.

Experts discuss the utility of the STOP-Bang questionnaire as a simple, sensitive screening tool for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in primary care, highlighting its strengths and limitations, the importance of clinical judgment in interpreting results, and the value of complementary tools such as the Epworth Sleepiness Scale in supporting a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to OSA diagnosis and management.

Experts discuss the widespread underdiagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), emphasizing its significant impact on quality of life and comorbid conditions, the critical role of primary care in early detection, the importance of family input in recognizing symptoms, and the need for proactive, multidisciplinary strategies to ensure timely diagnosis and effective management.

Clevenger, a professor of nursing at Emory University, shares practical strategies to manage agitation in Alzheimer disease, emphasizing that this symptom is treatable.

Panelists discuss how NK1 receptor antagonists show promise beyond VMS, suggesting wider therapeutic potential across neurological and systemic conditions.

Panelists discuss how NK receptor antagonists deliver fast symptom relief with strong safety profiles, improving adherence and clinical confidence in their use.

Nearly one-third of caregivers hesitate to discuss agitation in a patient with AD. Emory's Clevenger, shares why and how clinicians can proactively address this barrier.

Emory's Clevenger discusses the neurotransmitter dysregulation behind agitation in AD and why memory-focused care doesn't address behavioral symptoms.

Clevenger reviews survey findings behind the recent report "The Agitation Blindspot in Alzheimer’s Care."

Panelists discuss how elinzanetant offers a safe, effective nonhormonal option for managing VMS in women receiving endocrine therapy for breast cancer.

Panelists discuss how elinzanetant demonstrates strong efficacy and safety across trials, reinforcing neurokinin modulation as a viable core treatment for VMS.

Cochrane shares her own research findings on how clinician specialty shapes menopause care and highlights gaps in hormone therapy prescribing.

Panelists discuss how dual NK3/NK1 receptor antagonism may expand therapeutic benefits by targeting multiple neural pathways involved in VMS and mood regulation.

Panelists discuss how NK3 receptor antagonism through fezolinetant offers effective, rapid relief from VMS with a strong safety profile and nonhormonal benefits.

TMS: Harvard's Caroline Mitchell, MD, MPH, questions the direction of genitourinary syndrome research priorities and reflects on FDA's removal of HRT warnings.

Women increasingly seek evidence-based menopause care as awareness grows, yet many still suffer from untreated vasomotor symptoms.

Harvard's Caroline Mitchell, MD, MPH, explains how common OTC products can worsen vulvovaginal symptoms and the importance of a targeted history in GSM care.

Access, cost, and clinician awareness remain significant barriers to implementing supplemental breast screening, according to Plecha.

Breast imaging expert Donna M. Plecha, MD, explains the FDA's dense breast notification requirement and when to recommend supplemental MRI screening.

Mitchell highlights hormone therapy prescribing for primary care: treatment algorithms, vaginal estrogen safety, and when progestins aren't needed.

Panelists discuss how NK receptor antagonism provides a targeted, nonhormonal strategy that addresses the physiological root of vasomotor symptoms.

Panelists discuss how limited treatment options and systemic barriers underscore the urgent need for accessible, targeted therapies for vasomotor symptoms.

TMS 2025: Katrina Wugalter, MA, discusses research showing that age—not menopause stage—drives brain volume decline, and how lifestyle factors can help preserve brain health in midlife women.

TMS 2025: Regina Castaneda, MD, explains why reproductive stage is a critical variable in obesity and metabolic research.

TMS 2025: Dr Marla Shapiro doesn't start perimenopausal therapy without an answer to the most important question: "What is your most bothersome symptom?"

Panelists discuss how vasomotor symptoms undermine physical comfort, sleep, and long-term health, emphasizing integrative management to restore overall quality of life.

Panelists discuss how hormonal decline and KNDy neuron overactivation drive vasomotor symptoms and inform the development of targeted neurokinin receptor therapies.

Lisa Larkin, MD, discusses how elinzanetant may change menopause management for women who can’t use hormone therapy and what PCPs need to know.

"If you don't know where your keys are, that's fine." Shapiro's memorable analogy helps distinguish perimenopause brain fog from serious cognitive concerns.