4.4 - MENOPAUSE 2026: What's Changed, What Hasn't and What You Need To Know Today to Thrive

One year ago, Dr. Omolayo Famuyide sat down with me to talk about why menopause is not the same for all of us. In the menoverse, a year is an eternity. Since then, the U.S. FDA has stripped most of the 20 year old black box warning off hormone therapy, a major new review has weighed in on hormones and dementia, Health Canada has authorized a new nonhormonal option for hot flashes, and social media has served up a fresh wave of miracle cures and scare stories.

So Dr. Famuyide is back for Menopause 2026: a clear, evidence based reset on what menopause actually is, what the science now says, and what it still doesn't. We go myth by myth, from "hormones cause cancer" to "hormones prevent dementia," and we tackle the question too many doctors still can't answer: why do women of colour often go through menopause earlier, longer and harder, and why are they still less likely to be treated?

If you're 40 or over, love someone who is, or treat women who are, this is your refresher course.

In this episode we cover

What menopause and perimenopause really are, and why most women are in the transition years before they realize it What has changed in the last year: the FDA label change, what it means (and doesn't mean) for Canadian women, and new non-hormonal treatments What hasn't changed: who is a good candidate for hormone therapy and why timing still matters True or false: can hormone therapy prevent heart disease or dementia? The misinformation still bamboozling women on social media, in supplement aisles and, yes, sometimes in the doctor's office Menopause in women of colour: earlier onset, longer lasting hot flashes, higher heart disease risk, and the research and care gaps behind it How to walk into your next appointment prepared, and why this stage can be your power up, not your power down

About Dr. Omolayo Famuyide

Dr. Omolayo Famuyide is a menopause doctor practicing in Winnipeg, Manitoba and one of the few menopause specialists in Canada who understands no two people will through this transition the same way. She first joined the podcast for Episode 61, "Why Menopause Is Not the Same for All of Us."

Find her on Instagram at @layocentre and @dr.famuyidemd, and at layocentre.com.

Listen, watch and join us

New audio episodes drop every Thursday. Full video episodes live on Substack, where paid subscribers also get Substack Live aftershows and first access to Aging Powerfully LIVE events. Find it here.

If this episode helped you, share it with one woman who needs it. That's how we change the conversation.

This episode is for education and information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Talk to your own health care provider about your health.

Tech and Audio producer: Drew Garner