Vaginal dryness is one of the most common symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, but it is also one of the symptoms women talk about least. It can quietly turn everyday comfort, intimacy, and even a trip to the bathroom into sources of discomfort or anxiety. “I want women to know that vaginal dryness is not something they have to quietly Read More
It’s summertime, and you’re outside more. The days are long, and the sun is shining. Surely vitamin D deficiency isn’t something you need to worry about right now. Not necessarily. Vitamin D has earned the nickname the “sunshine vitamin” because our bodies can produce it when our skin is exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays from sunlight. But vitamin D Read More
Most of us grew up believing that good health comes down to one number: the number on the scale. But there’s a more important number most people never check — muscle mass. Losing muscle after 40 should be a woman’s first concern because maintaining healthy muscle as we age is one of the strongest predictors of long-term vitality, and it’s Read More
Many women come into the office describing a frustrating pattern of symptoms they can’t fully explain. “I crash every afternoon.”“I’m exhausted after eating.”“I crave sugar constantly.”“I feel tired no matter how much I sleep.” Often, they assume these symptoms are simply stress, aging, or a busy lifestyle. In many cases, however, insulin resistance may be playing a much larger role Read More
Chronic stress and cortisol imbalance are common causes of ongoing stress fatigue, and understanding this connection is the first step toward feeling better. If you feel tired all the time, even after a full night’s sleep, you are not alone. Many women begin to notice a kind of fatigue that feels different. Heavier. More persistent. Harder to explain. It’s not Read More
Many of our patients at North Texas Vitality describe a frustrating and sometimes concerning experience. They say, “I walk into a room and forget why I’m there. I can’t find the right words. I just don’t feel as sharp as I used to.” Their concern is that they may be experiencing early signs of dementia or cognitive decline. In many Read More
One of the most common concerns patients come to me with is, “Dr. Fliedner, why am I always tired?” While fatigue is often blamed on busy schedules or poor sleep, persistent exhaustion in women is frequently connected to hormonal fatigue. During perimenopause and menopause, shifting hormone levels can disrupt sleep, stress regulation, metabolism, and brain function. When these systems fall Read More
A Valentine’s Perspective on Love, Connection, and Hormonal Health Valentine’s Day often focuses on romance, flowers, and grand gestures. From a medical perspective, however, intimacy and connection have far more to do with how the body is functioning than with any single day on the calendar. As an OB-GYN with an emphasis on hormone therapy, I often remind patients that Read More
Every January, millions of people commit to New Year’s resolutions with the best intentions. They eat better, exercise more, and promise themselves that this year will be different. Yet for many, progress stalls within weeks, leaving them frustrated, exhausted, and blaming a lack of willpower. The truth is, New Year’s resolutions don’t fail because people lack discipline. They fail because Read More
As we head into Thanksgiving and the Christmas season, it is natural to hear more about “being thankful.” You may write a few cards, say grace over a holiday meal, and even feel a swell of gratitude when everyone is together. Then the to-do list takes over again. At North Texas Vitality, I talk with many women and men who Read More
