Drgigikroll

Drgigikroll Women’s Healthcare at every stage of life.

11/07/2025

Let’s talk about something most women aren’t told about: va**nal estrogen

I call it skin care down there.

As we age and our estrogen declines it affects the tissue of the v***a, va**na, and bladder.

Lifetime use of va**nal estrogen can maintain sexual function, help avoid bladder infections, and overall help improve quality of life.

Vaginal estrogen is not systemic, meaning it does not increase the level of estrogen in your blood supply. It is safe for all women including breast cancer survivors. You do not need to be on progesterone if you are only on va**nal estrogen.

Unfortunately the FDA still has not removed the black box warning that was placed after the women’s health initiative study in 2002. Many advocates are fighting to have this removed as the data shows that it is inaccurate and untrue.

Has va**nal estrogen improved your life?

**nalestrogen **naldryness

11/04/2025

Confused about Hormone Therapy?

11/01/2025

What does a post showing travels throughout South Africa have to do with women’s health and menopause care?

I hope it shows all of the possibilities ahead. I hope it inspires curiosity to try new things. I hope it illustrates the vastness of opportunity and the beauty of wisdom and perspective.
I hope it shares my journey of exploring new horizons and getting out of my comfort zone.
I hope it stimulates a desire to learn new things.

For too long Menopause has been a taboo subject. Women in the midlife transition have grieved the loss of their youth, fertility, and vitality.

I want my own journey to be part of the dialogue reframing that. With priority to self-care – and I mean good nutrition, regular exercise and movement, prioritizing sleep, and in many cases, hormone therapy, one can feel great and have the freedoms that come with being comfortable in your own skin.

This is the time that we set boundaries. We realize that our time and energy is limited and we put it towards things that fill our cup. We can light new fires. We can pursue our passions. We can refine the joy that we had when we were young children.

I am returning more inspired than ever to help women feel great in their second chapter.

10/31/2025

How can the men in your life support you through your menopause journey?

I think it’s extremely important to have an open discussion with the men in your life about the symptoms and challenges of the midlife transition due to hormonal decline. If they ask how they can support you here is what I recommend:

1. LEARN
2. LISTEN
3. BE SUPPORTIVE
4. SHOW EMPATHY

Like anything in life when a couple goes through challenges together they come out stronger on the other side. Read books, listen to podcasts, ask about doctor appointments, and have open discussions with each other.

When hormones shift- this can affect both partners in the relationship. Men can play a vital role in supporting their partners through this transition. Share this post with someone who needs to hear it!
❤️

Our annual pumpkin decorating contest is back! For 16 years, our team has brought the fun, the laughs, and serious creat...
10/29/2025

Our annual pumpkin decorating contest is back! For 16 years, our team has brought the fun, the laughs, and serious creativity. Take a peek and vote for your favorite in the comments. 🎃🧡

Too often I see patients in perimenopause who have abnormal uterine bleeding.This means heavier periods, irregularity, i...
10/27/2025

Too often I see patients in perimenopause who have abnormal uterine bleeding.

This means heavier periods, irregularity, increase cramping, passing clots, increased inflammation, and suffering. This is not OK!

Many have seen a clinician and they have not been fully evaluated or given treatment options. I always recommend a detailed history, examination, and a pelvic ultrasound which can be extremely helpful. Once I have those items evaluated I recommend and offer treatment options that are appropriate for the patient.

Women with abnormal bleeding can have multiple symptoms including anemia- a decrease in iron. This can add to fatigue, difficulty concentrating, hair loss, shortness of breath, and overall not feeling well.

Have you had treatment for abnormal uterine bleeding during perimenopause? Leave a comment about what worked for you. Personally, I used a Mirina IUD during my 40s even though I had my tubes tied and did not need it for contraception. This kept me from bleeding and was one less symptom I had to contend with through my perimenopause era.

10/25/2025

I am so excited to share a new book about
PERIMENOPAUSE!

As I mentioned, I think it is one of the most misunderstood areas of hormonal change affecting women.

Many patients that come to see me are still having their periods and feel like they’re too young to be in menopause. And that’s true- they’re not in menopause, they are in perimenopause!

Dr. Heather Hirsh, the author, has done an excellent job explaining this hormonal transition. The book is easy to understand and divided into 3 parts:

Understanding your hormones
Identifying symptoms
Establishing treatment strategies

It is well referenced and evidence based.

If you don’t like to read a book, download the audio version.

As The Menopause Society wraps up their annual conference, there is clear data that women deserve support during this time, and that hormone therapy may not only alleviate symptoms, but reduce advancement and even prevent disease.

I appreciate all the scientists and educators prioritizing the midlife transition in women and the effect hormone change has on their health. There are now fantastic resources to improve education and understanding. As I always say “knowledge is power.” Dr. Mary Claire Haver will have a new book called “The New Perimenopause” coming out next year. Our resource list keeps growing- and that is great for everyone. I would recommend this book for all women in their mid 30s. Be prepared.

10/24/2025

After touring Victoria Falls yesterday, Doug and I visited the Maunga Village today, a small community of approximately 800 people. There is no electricity or plumbing. People go to the well to get water and cook using charcoal in outdoor stoves. The homes are made of wood termite clay which needs to be refurbished every year after the rains. Most have thatched roofs.

Today is Zambia Independence Day- obtained in 1964. Schools are closed and people are dressed in their finest- with bright colors, and music was playing. The atmosphere was celebratory.

Nonetheless Zambia is extremely poor with the average lifespan currently only 30 years old. The top five causes of death are:
1)HIV and AIDS
2) malaria
3) tuberculosis
4)infant and child mortality due to poverty,
6) other chronic disease causes.

Zambia is also a male dominated society. They still practice female ge***al mutilation in many villages. Girls are the first to be pulled from school, and may be married off at early ages.

The people of Maunga were quite welcoming. The chief and village have partnered with the African Bush Foundation- and they built a medical & maternity clinic as well as bringing solar power, star-link, computers, and food security to the children’s school.

I thought “what would it would be like to be the nurse running this clinic” - with limited resources: no epidurals, no blood transfusions, and none of the support that I am so accustomed to in the US. It was humbling and inspiring.

On the way and back- Mother Nature did not disappoint. This is Zambia. Thank you for stretching me. To find out more go to Africanbushcamps.org

10/22/2025

Top three pieces of advice as physicians we want our patients to know:

1. Keep up on your annual exams and preventative screening tests. Identify problems early to get the best outcomes.

2. Keep an updated list of your medical problems, medications, physician specialists, and any supplements you might take

3. Most importantly, remember that exercise is your best medicine. Move your body lift weights to prevent decline in muscle mass. Maintain flexibility and agility. This will help you avoid fragility and bone loss as well.

Dr. McConnaughey is seeing patients through a membership model with Edinger Enhance at our beautiful Newport Beach office. To schedule an appointment please call (714) 988 4209.

I am thrilled to be a panelist at this year’s UCI Women’s Health Summit, “Let’s Talk Menopause: Evidence, Equity, and Em...
10/20/2025

I am thrilled to be a panelist at this year’s UCI Women’s Health Summit, “Let’s Talk Menopause: Evidence, Equity, and Empowerment” featuring keynote speaker, Wen Shen, MD, MPH.

Menopause is finally being discussed as a public health priority. 51% of the population will go through this midlife transition of hormone decline. The impact has profound consequences on overall health outcomes as well as quality of life, yet access to supportive care remains a problem in our current medical system.

This event will allow us to have an engaging discussion as well as a forum to encourage solutions as we work collectively to improve the care of women throughout their lifespan.

Thank you for having me. It is an honor and I cannot wait!

10/18/2025

3 reasons I am celebrating world menopause day:

We are talking about it- this is no longer a taboo topic to be swept under the rug. This is a transition that affect 51% of the population and not only causes many symptoms for most women, but also creates serious health considerations.

We are raising awareness- helping not only women, but their husbands, boyfriends, colleagues, family and friends understand AND learn how to support them during this transition.

We are prioritizing our self: no room for the bu****it. Sleep is nonnegotiable. Exercise must happen and it requires building muscle. Nutrition is more important than ever, and we fuel our body with good nutrition, an anti-inflammatory diet- avoiding processed foods. And we prioritize what is important to us. Nurture relationships and find your sense of purpose.

so yes, I see it as a celebration. Happy world Menopause Day!

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