Navigating menopause is a complex and deeply personal journey and understanding when it’s the right time to seek care can make all the difference. We sat down with Linda Franco, Coral’s Director of Patient Care, to discuss when to seek help for menopause symptoms, what signals to look for, and how early intervention can lead to better health outcomes. With a background in nursing, psychology, nutrition and fitness, Linda brings over 13 years of experience in integrated healthcare, specializing in supporting women through pivotal life stages. With her expertise in patient-centered care and integrated approaches, Linda is passionate about empowering women to take control of their health during menopause and beyond.
Q1: What are some signals that women are entering menopause, and what are the most common signs they should seek professional care?
Every woman’s experience with menopause is different, but there are some common signals to watch for. Changes in your menstrual cycle, like periods becoming heavier, lighter, or more irregular, are often an early sign. Physical symptoms like itchy or dry skin, hair thinning, hot flashes, and night sweats can also appear.
Mental health changes are equally important to notice. Feeling unusually anxious, irritable, or even depressed might not just be stress—it could be tied to hormonal shifts. Many women describe feeling “off” or like they’re not themselves anymore, with small frustrations becoming overwhelming. If your partner or friends start asking, “Are you okay?” That could be another signal.
These symptoms can sneak up on you, and it’s easy to dismiss them as just part of life. But if they’re disrupting your day-to-day or making you feel less like yourself, it’s definitely worth seeking professional care.
Q2: How does seeking care early benefit women experiencing perimenopause or menopause?
Seeking help early is so important because it allows us to address symptoms when they’re still manageable. It’s kind of like pain management—you don’t wait until your pain is a 10 out of 10 to start treating it because, by then, it’s much harder to get relief. The same goes for menopause. If you start dealing with mild symptoms early, like occasional trouble sleeping, you can prevent them from escalating into full-blown insomnia or other long-term issues.
Early care also gives you access to the right treatments sooner, whether it’s hormone therapy, non-medication therapies, or even lifestyle changes like nutrition and exercise. For example, starting hormone therapy early means we can use a lower dosage, which reduces side effects and makes it more effective. And for some women, early intervention might mean they don’t even need medication—they can manage symptoms holistically by simply making lifestyle shifts. It’s all about taking charge before things spiral.
Q3: What are the risks of delaying care for menopause symptoms?
Delaying care can make things much harder to manage. When symptoms like hot flashes or night sweats are ignored, they often snowball. Disrupted sleep can lead to fatigue, mood swings, and even depression. Over time, this can affect your work, relationships, and overall quality of life.
There’s also a longer-term concern. Menopause comes with hormonal changes that can increase the risk of serious health conditions like diabetes, osteoporosis and heart disease – the leading cause of death in women. Declining estrogen levels during menopause can significantly impact heart health, raising the risk of heart attacks and strokes. If you wait too long, you lose the opportunity to address these risks early.
Building muscle mass, improving bone health, and managing cardiovascular risk are all things we can work on to prevent future complications. The sooner you start, the better your chances of staying healthy and improving your quality of life for the long term.
Q4: How can medical support help, and what kind of care and support does Coral provide?
At Coral, we believe that in order to deliver comprehensive care, we need to take a personalized and integrative approach. To do this, we offer continuous support and follow-ups from our dedicated care team, which includes healthcare providers and certified coaches. We utilize tailored care plans specifically designed to address menopausal symptoms. Unlike traditional clinics, your medical team and care coach collaborate seamlessly towards a shared goal: enhancing your quality of life. It all starts with a thorough health assessment, including testing to establish a comprehensive baseline of your health, and detailed questionnaires to capture your medical history, lifestyle, and goals. Our aim is to get a complete understanding of your well-being and rule out any other potential causes of your menopause-related symptoms
From there, one of our nurses will meet with you to review your results, assess your symptoms, and collaborate on a treatment plan that’s right for you. If medication or further testing is needed, we’ll guide you through those steps as well.
But what really sets us apart is our team-based approach. After you meet with our healthcare team, you will be assigned a certified coach who will be there to support you through the journey, motivate you and help you stay on track with your goals through regular follow-ups. With open communication through the Coral app, members can easily reach out to their coach via chat anytime or schedule a video call, ensuring they always feel supported and empowered throughout their journey. Your dedicated team will work together to provide seamless, ongoing support. Whether it’s managing symptoms like low libido or hot flashes, or adjusting your plan based on progress, we’re with you every step of the way. This collaborative care ensures every aspect of your health—physical, nutritional, social, mental, spiritual and emotional—is addressed. It also allows us to adapt your care plan as your symptoms evolve, ensuring your treatment grows with you throughout the menopause transition.
Q5: What advice do you have for women who are unsure if their symptoms warrant seeking medical help?
If you feel something is off, that’s enough reason to seek help. Women are the best experts on their own bodies. Whether it’s persistent fatigue, irritability, or physical symptoms like joint pain or night sweats, listen to your body. Women have been neglected for far too long and only you can be your best advocate, trust your instincts. Menopause is a natural stage of life, but that doesn’t mean you have to navigate it alone or feel less than your best.
Q6: As you know, at Coral we are on a mission to help women thrive. What helps you thrive?
I see thriving as creating space to take care of myself and staying connected to my loved ones. Embracing who I am has been key to staying grounded and aligned with my values. I’m someone who loves to create, teach, and help others, which can sometimes lead to a packed schedule. Yet, I always take a moment to remember my “why.” Why am I doing this? Is it still in line with who I am? These regular self-check-ins help me let go of what no longer serves me and welcome new opportunities that resonate more deeply.
In the past, I aimed to give 100% to everything all at once, but that approach only led to stress and disappointment. Now, I strive to make room for whatever needs my attention at any given moment. This allows me to shift my energy and focus toward specific goals, whether that means completing an exciting project at work or enjoying precious time with my loved ones. I pour my energy and focus into whatever is my main priority at that time.
Life has taught me to embrace imperfection. It’s okay not to be perfect at the gym, with my nutrition, at work, or in my relationships. I’m fortunate to have inspiring and creative people around me who share these values. We understand that we might not always have time to see each other, but when we do, we are fully present, and nothing else matters.
My loved ones are my rock; they accept me for who I am. They ground me every day. I also keep a reminder in my office: a picture of me surfing. It helps me appreciate life and brings back the feeling of being on the waves, where nothing else exists. I’ve always had a love for nature and water, and surfing reminds me that everything will be okay—that life is beautiful.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your doctor or healthcare provider to determine what is best for your individual health needs.
