Learn how menopause affects your body, including symptoms like joint pain and migraines. Dr. Mary Claire Haver shares solutions like specific foods and supplements. Don't suffer in silence; empower yourself with knowledge to improve your health and well-being
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Quick takeaways
Perimenopause brings diverse symptoms like joint pain and body odor, lasting 7-10 years.
Post-menopause, estrogen decline impacts bone density and overall health long-term.
Hormone replacement therapy can benefit women's heart health in early menopause stages.
Deep dives
Understanding Perimenopause and Menopause
Perimenopause is the phase before menopause characterized by changes like irregular periods, hot flashes, joint pain, gut challenges, and more, lasting around 7 to 10 years. Menopause itself is reached when a woman stops having periods for a year, signifying ovarian failure. Post-menopause, symptoms like hot flashes tend to improve over time, but long-term health impacts remain.
Impact of Estrogen Deficiency
Estrogen plays a crucial role in various bodily functions; its decline can lead to symptoms like joint pain, mental health changes, and more. Chronic inflammation due to estrogen loss affects the heart, lungs, bones, and even exacerbates conditions like asthma and autoimmune diseases. Preventing osteoporosis post-menopause requires understanding the lasting effects of estrogen deficiency on bone density and overall health.
Hormone Replacement Therapy and Candidates
Hormone replacement therapy is a potential option for managing menopausal symptoms, with few absolute contraindications like active breast cancer, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, or history of certain blood clot-related conditions. Even a history of breast cancer does not always exclude someone from hormone therapy, with nuanced discussions around risks and benefits being crucial considerations.
Comprehensive Menopause Care Toolkit
A comprehensive approach to menopause care includes addressing nutrition, exercise, stress management, sleep, and pharmacologic options like hormone therapy when suitable. Supplements may also play a role in managing symptoms. Understanding individual risk factors and engaging in detailed discussions can guide personalized care plans for women navigating menopause.
Women's Health: Hormone Replacement Therapy and Cardiovascular Disease
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for women in the first 10 years of menopause can lower their risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. Contrary to popular belief, primary prevention strategies like statins or aspirin have not been shown to reduce cardiovascular risk in women, only in men. The episode highlights the importance of considering HRT as a viable option for women's heart health, emphasizing the need for informed discussions and personalized risk-benefit assessments.
Nutritional Recommendations for Menopausal Women
The podcast discusses the significance of dietary fiber, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids for menopausal women's health. Fiber-rich foods like legumes, berries, and nuts support gut health and overall well-being. Magnesium supplements such as glycinate or threonate can aid in sleep and mood regulation. Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids found in fish or seeds are crucial for heart and brain health during menopause. Prioritizing these nutrients alongside vitamin D supplementation can enhance women's overall health and vitality.
Today's episode is a MUST listen. You won't believe what the latest research is saying about menopause. And you're likely not getting what you need to know from your doctor.
Did you know perimenopause can begin as early as your 30’s? Or that symptoms can include frozen shoulder, joint pain, ear ringing, migraines, and body odor?
Today, the #1 menopause doctor tells you everything she knows so you can stop guessing and KNOW how to stay healthy and feel amazing in your body.
Dr. Mary Claire Haver joins Mel on the podcast today. She is a board certified obstetrics and gynecology specialist, a certified menopause practitioner from the Menopause Society, and her latest book is The New Menopause. Her advice today will help you optimize your health, no matter what your age.
You've got symptoms; today's episode has solutions, like:
3 types of foods that will stop your bloating.
2 supplements that will help you sleep better.
1 exercise that will help you lose weight and improve your bone density.
Bookmark this episode and share it with every single woman in your life, because it’s time to change the paradigm: you do not have to live with symptoms that can be resolved and you do not have to suffer.
For more resources, including links to Dr. Haver’s latest book, her free Menopause Empowerment Guide, and reader recommended physicians, click here for the podcast episode page.