Published: September, 2023
Published: September, 2023
Featured Physician
Cathleen M. BrownHost
Dr. Cathleen Brown, Winona’s Medical Director and OB-GYN, spoke with Michele Henning Folan on Asking for a Friend Episode 69, “Telemedicine for Menopause: Online Hormone Therapy and Treatment Options.”
In this conversation, Dr. Brown discusses menopause symptoms, hormone therapy, telehealth care, and why women who feel dismissed or unsupported should continue seeking answers and care.
Podcast: Health, Fitness & Personal Growth Tips for Women in Midlife: Asking for a Friend
Episode: 69
Episode Title: Telemedicine for Menopause: Online Hormone Therapy and Treatment Options
Host: Michele Henning Folan
Guest: Dr. Cathleen Brown
Published Date: September 4, 2023
Episode Duration: 43 minutes
Format: Audio Interview
Main Topics: Hormone replacement therapy, menopause, telehealth care
Asking for a Friend is a podcast for midlife women seeking answers about health, fitness, wellness, and mental well-being. Hosted by Michele Folan, the show brings in experts and shares stories intended to help women take an active role in their health and happiness.
In this episode, Folan speaks with Dr. Brown about online menopause care, common symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, and treatment conversations women may have when symptoms begin affecting daily life.
In this episode of Asking for a Friend, Dr. Brown discusses why some women struggle to find local doctors who are comfortable discussing menopause hormone therapy. She explains how women can complete a health questionnaire, communicate with a physician, and receive treatment recommendations when appropriate, all over a secure telehealth platform.
The conversation also covers a wide range of menopause symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disruption, brain fog, mood changes, anxiety, vaginal dryness, low libido, joint pain, and less commonly discussed symptoms such as ringing in the ears or unusual skin sensations.
Telemedicine for menopause care
Online hormone therapy and physician review
Menopause and perimenopause symptoms
Hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep problems
Brain fog, anxiety, mood changes, and low libido
Vaginal dryness and pain with intercourse
Joint pain and skin changes during menopause
Hormone therapy options and delivery methods
Estrogen, progesterone, and DHEA
Why hormone testing is not always needed
How Winona’s online intake process works
Seeking another opinion when symptoms are dismissed
Dr. Brown explains that telehealth can help women who do not have access to a doctor experienced in menopause treatment. She describes an online treatment process that includes a health questionnaire, physician review, follow-up questions when needed, and treatment recommendations for eligible patients.
This conversation goes beyond hot flashes and night sweats. Dr. Brown covers sleep disruption, brain fog, anxiety, mood changes, joint pain, vaginal dryness, low libido, ringing in the ears, and changes in skin sensation.
Dr. Brown explains that menopause treatment conversations should involve a woman’s symptoms, medical history, medications, and personal health needs. She also discusses why hormone testing may not always be necessary before treatment decisions are made.
The episode covers different treatment formulations, including oral medications and transdermal options such as creams and patches. Dr. Brown emphasizes that the form of treatment should fit the individual patient’s medical needs and daily routine.
A central message in the episode is that women should feel heard when discussing menopausal symptoms that affect their quality of life. Dr. Brown encourages women to seek another opinion if they do not feel supported or understood by their doctor.
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Dr. Cathleen Brown is a menopause specialist and physician with Winona. She brings a physician’s perspective to menopause, perimenopause, hormone changes, symptom care, and treatment options during midlife.
At Winona, Dr. Brown helps women better understand symptoms, health history, hormone changes, and when physician-reviewed care may be appropriate.
Watch the full conversation with Dr. Cathleen M. Brown on
Asking for a Friend with Michele Henning Folan.
Winona helps women access menopause and perimenopause care from home. Start with a short health questionnaire, and a board-certified physician will review your symptoms, health history, and treatment options.
Dr. Cathleen Brown, Winona’s Medical Director and an OB-GYN, was featured in this episode of Asking for a Friend.
Dr. Brown appeared on Episode 69, “Telemedicine for Menopause: Online Hormone Therapy and Treatment Options.”
Dr. Brown discussed menopause symptoms, hormone therapy, telehealth care, hormone testing, and Winona's online process for physician-reviewed treatment options.
Asking for a Friend is hosted by Michele Henning Folan.
The episode is available on Apple Podcasts and on the show's Buzzsprout episode page.
