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Let's Wine About It: Perimenopause to Menopause panel discussion

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/09/22 .. perimenopause-to-menopause-panel-discussion.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Monday, September 22nd 2025 at 16:22 GMT by Southern Minn
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“Let’s Wine About It”: A Community Panel Demystifies the Journey from Perimenopause to Menopause

In the early months of 2024, the heart of Owatonna welcomed a vibrant gathering that married science, storytelling, and a splash of wine. The “Let’s Wine About It: Perimenopause to Menopause Panel Discussion” took place at the Owatonna Community Center on Thursday, March 14, and drew more than 90 attendees—including women, partners, and curious friends—seeking a clearer understanding of the hormonal transition that shapes half of the world’s adult population.

A Relaxed, “Wine‑Ready” Atmosphere

The organizers, the Owatonna Peoples Press and the local Chapter of the American Association of Women’s Health, deliberately chose a casual setting to ease the stigma that often surrounds menopause. A table of organic red and white wines was placed on the back of the stage, accompanied by a modest selection of cheese and crackers. While the wine was meant to lighten the mood, it was also a nod to a growing body of evidence that moderate consumption—especially of red wine—can provide cardiovascular and mood benefits for many women in the post‑menopausal years. (For those interested in the science, the panelists cited the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition’s 2022 review on alcohol and menopausal health.)

Meet the Panelists

Topics Covered

1. Understanding the Timeline
   Dr. Morales guided participants through the stages of perimenopause, menopause, and post‑menopause. The “timeline” is often misunderstood; some women experience symptoms for as little as two years, while others may have a decade‑long transition. A common point of confusion was the terminology: “late perimenopause” can still be a time of significant hormone swings even after menstruation stops.

2. Symptom Spectrum
   Beyond the notorious hot flashes and night sweats, the panel highlighted mood swings, sleep disturbances, urinary incontinence, and decreased libido. A live poll revealed that 68 % of attendees identified anxiety and insomnia as their biggest challenges—issues that are frequently under‑reported.

3. Treatment Options
   HRT remains the gold standard for symptom relief, but the panel stressed that it is not a one‑size‑fits‑all solution. Dr. Morales mentioned the “bioidentical hormone” trend—a popular alternative that lacks FDA oversight. The panelists unanimously advocated for a “start low, go slow” approach and the importance of periodic reassessment. They also discussed non‑hormonal options: SSRIs, gabapentin, and lifestyle interventions.

4. Lifestyle Modifications
   Diet, exercise, sleep hygiene, and stress management are cornerstones of menopausal care. Shannon Lee and Michele Kim demonstrated how simple changes—such as a daily 30‑minute walk, a bedtime ritual, and a balanced plate—can dramatically reduce symptom severity.

5. Community Resources
   Janelle Brooks shared local support groups, the Women’s Health and Wellness Center’s free “Menopause 101” workshops, and the upcoming annual “Menopause Health Fair” at the City Library. The panel also referenced the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) guidelines (link: https://www.acog.org) for clinicians and patients.

Wine‑and‑Words Take‑Home Messages

The panel’s name—“Let’s Wine About It”—was a clever play on words that also served a practical purpose: it created a safe space for women to share stories without fear of judgment. By encouraging open dialogue, the event demystified menopause, shifting the narrative from a “problem to be fixed” to a “transition to be navigated.”

Key Lessons for Attendees:

• Know Your Baseline: Keep a symptom diary and track hormonal fluctuations.
• Speak Up: Talk to your provider about every symptom, even if it seems trivial.
• Explore All Options: Evaluate HRT and non‑hormonal therapies together with your healthcare team.
• Prioritize Self‑Care: Integrate nutrition, movement, and mindfulness into daily life.
• Leverage Community: Join support groups or educational workshops for peer insight.

Looking Ahead

The Owatonna community plans to build on this momentum. The event organizers announced a “Menopause & Wellness” follow‑up series, featuring a deeper dive into specific topics such as sleep disorders, cardiovascular risk, and the psychosocial impact of menopause. Future sessions will be offered both in-person and virtually to accommodate residents throughout southern Minnesota.

For more information about the panel, the “Let’s Wine About It” event, and upcoming resources, readers can visit the Owatonna Peoples Press website or contact the Community Center’s outreach office.

In the words of Dr. Morales at the panel’s closing remarks: “Menopause is a natural phase of life, not a medical emergency. By staying informed, connecting with our community, and embracing evidence‑based care, we can turn what many see as a crisis into an opportunity for renewed health and empowerment.”