Navigating Menopause: Empowering Women Through Open Discussion

This informative and supportive lecture and discussion series is designed to educate and empower women and their support people about menopause—a natural phase in life that can often bring confusion, discomfort, and uncertainty. Led by Meaghan Lamothe, a Nurse Practitioner, this two-part series provides a comprehensive understanding of menopause, its physical, emotional, and psychological aspects, and how women can embrace and manage these changes with confidence.

This series aims to foster a sense of community, provide accurate information, and equip women with the knowledge and resources to navigate this transition in a healthy, empowered way. This program is open and welcome to all women; those who have not yet entered peri-menopause or menopause, those who are currently experiencing it, and those who are post-menopausal.

Materials provided in this program are sponsored by Anchored Women’s Health.

Session 1 – Understanding Menopause
Thursday, April 3, 2025 from 6 to 7:30 pm
Thankful Room

This first session will cover the following topics in a lecture-based format:

What’s happening in the peri-menopausal and menopausal body?

• A basic discussion of the mid-life female body
• Why menopause can cause so many symptoms system-wise
• How to recognize and treat menopausal symptoms
• Advocating for yourself in the provider’s office
• The challenge of diagnosis

How did we get here?

• Hormones and the complicated history of estrogen replacement therapy.
• What is the landscape now? Medically, culturally?
• What treatment options are available now?

What resources are available?

Session 2 – Menopause and Me
Thursday, April 10, 2025 from 6 to 7:30 pm
Thankful Room

This second session will be a discussion inviting participants to explore their own experiences with menopause. Below are some possible topics we will explore, but the discussion will be guided by the specific topics that participants are interested in.

• What has worked for you in your menopausal journey? What would you like to share with other people experiencing this time?
• Experiences at the provider’s office – how have you been helped? How haven’t you?
• Menopause and your mental health – how has menopause impacted your mood?
• Hot flashes – What are your experiences?
• Sex and menopause – How does menopause affect our sex lives, and what tips can help maintain our sexual health?
• Sleep and menopause – Why can’t I sleep?
• Bone health and menopause – How do I keep my bones healthy during and after menopause?

All participants will go home with swag bags containing an assortment of resources and goodies. We will also hold a raffle at the end of the second session with fun giveaways such as a Chillow Pillow!

Meaghan Lamothe is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner, caring for patients across the lifespan, from pediatrics through geriatrics. She began practicing in Maine, and now works in South East Alaska, predominantly with the Alaska Native population.  She is passionate about getting to know her patients in order to help them attain health and wellness.