Courtesy Photo Dr. Kristine Spicer, pharmacist and owner of LeFave Pharmacy and Compounding, is seen leading a workshop at JJs Steak and Pizza House two years ago. Spicer will be a panelist in the upcoming Menopause: It’s a Movement event in November.

ALPENA — Dr. Kristine Spicer, pharmacist and owner of LeFave Pharmacy and Compounding, says educating women early on about menopause, mid-life care, and hormone therapy helps prepare them for what to expect.

Spicer is one of several panelists that will attend Menopause: It’s a Movement at Art in Loft at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 6.

Spicer explained that the Alpena event is part of a statewide event hosted by the Michigan Women’s Commission that Governor Whitmer started to make Michigan a leader in women’s mid-life care. Spicer also explained that the event is meant to educate attendees and offer resources that patients can go to so they can learn about mid-life care, as well.

According to Spicer, she specializes in women’s health, menopause care, and hormone education. She is certified in Personalized Medicine-Endocrinology through the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine. Spicer said that she is passionate about using her expertise to fill gaps in women’s understanding of menopause, mid-life care, and hormonal conditions.

“Education for mid-life care is extremely important,” Spicer said. “Providers are not properly educated to address mid-life care.”

Spicer added that women historically have been “led down the wrong path” as it came to mid-life care and dealing with menopausal symptoms. She explained that an effective strategy in managing menopause is education.

“The more you understand what is going on the more you will be prepared. There is a lot of bias, a lot of fear, and a lot of misinformation,” Spicer said, in regards to menopause and hormone treatment.

Spicer said that it is never too early for women to start educating themselves about menopause. That way, women can “take back control” of their health and “learn how to thrive after menopause with the right support and understanding.”

“Women often wait till it is too late to learn about menopause,” Spicer said. “Learning what to expect makes the whole process easier.”

Spicer said her goal in attending the event is to “empower women through education.”

“Women deserve to be heard and understood,” Spicer added.

She said she also hopes that women leave the event with an understanding between the facts and myths surrounding mid-life care.

Spicer explained that the event is for women of all ages, though she recommends women 30 and over attend. Those interested in attending should contact Spicer via email at drspicer@lefavepharmacy.com.

The event is free to attend. Across the Board catering will provide refreshments and Save Your Fork will provide desserts.