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An ob-gyn’s six rules for sorting truth from false claims.

Menopause is having a moment. As an ob-gyn, I’m happy that more people are having more conversations about this phase of life.

But some people try to exploit the opportunity. Today, many books, videos, websites, social media accounts, and ads about menopause are from self-proclaimed experts, not evidence-based sources. Unfortunately, bad actors can spread incorrect information, confuse people, and even cause harm.

That’s why I want to empower women to think critically before they follow advice or open their wallets, especially when it comes to menopause and hormone therapy.

Here are my six go-to rules for evaluating menopause and perimenopause information online—and sorting truth from nonsense. As you read, keep this in mind: Be skeptical of any over-the-top promises or quick fixes. All health treatments come with benefits and risks, and there are no guarantees. Look for balanced recommendations.

More Information:
Read the full article from the ACOG.

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Understanding the risks and benefits of contraception. I have an IUD. I know many of you do too, because when the recent panic headlines about IUDs and breast cancer appeared, the reaction went to red alert. People were hearing about a new study that linked having an intrauterine device to higher rates of breast cancer. The DMs and inbox filled up, and people started asking me about it in person. At a book event, someone made a beeline for me and opened the conversation with Should I have my IUD out right now? I presume she did not mean literally right there. 

More Information:
Read the full article on ParentData.

Dr. Laura Erdman has been named Top Doctor by Baltimore Magazine. Each year, Baltimore Magazine names Greater Baltimore’s best physicians—in every specialty imaginable. This is the eighth time Dr. Erdman has been named one of Baltimore Magazine's Top Doctors.

Dr. Mary Ahern has joined Capital Women's Care as a provider. Dr. Ahern grew up in Sacramento, California. She received her B.S. in Molecular Environmental Biology from UC Berkeley and earned her M.D. in 2020 from Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University in Philadelphia. She went on to complete her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at University of Maryland in 2024. When not at work, Dr. Ahern enjoys traveling, hiking, and spending time with friends and family. Welcome Dr. Ahern!

The New York Times (3/4, Belluck) reports, “The first nonprescription birth control pill in the United States will be available in stores and online in the coming weeks at a price of $19.99 a month, the manufacturer, Perrigo Company, announced on Monday.” The drug, Opill, “which was approved for over-the-counter sale by the Food and Drug Administration last year, will be the most effective birth control method available without a prescription, research shows – more effective than condoms, spermicides and other nonprescription methods.”

The AP (3/4, Perrone) reports Perrigo “said Monday it has begun shipping the medication...to major retailers and pharmacies.” Opill “will also be sold online.” The medication’s “approval came despite some concerns by FDA scientists about the company’s results, including whether women with certain medical conditions would understand that they shouldn’t take the drug.” American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists President Verda Hicks, MD, FACOG, in a statement “said studies have shown that patients, including adolescents, can effectively screen themselves to use the pills.”

Patients should not take Opill in conjunction with any other hormonal contraceptive and should be sure they tell their physician that they are taking it.