Perimenopausal-Brain Toolkit: Moving, Raging & Getting with Besties - Dr. Mariza Snyder
Nov 18, 2024
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Dr. Mariza Snyder, a functional practitioner and women’s hormone expert, shares her personal journey through perimenopause, highlighting the mental health challenges she faced, much like her mother before her. The conversation explores the importance of community support and friendships during this life transition. They discuss coping strategies like 'rage dancing' and the benefits of fasting for brain health. Dr. Mariza also advocates for better women's healthcare, emphasizing the necessity of holistic approaches and self-care to navigate these transformative years.
Recognizing that irritability and depression during perimenopause are often linked to hormonal changes is essential for mental health awareness.
The inadequacy of traditional medical approaches highlights the need for empathetic healthcare providers experienced in women's hormonal health.
Engaging in activities like walking and rage dancing can effectively manage the stress and emotional upheaval associated with perimenopause.
Deep dives
Navigating Perimenopause and Mental Health
The episode highlights the mental health challenges that women experience during perimenopause, emphasizing the importance of recognizing that many symptoms, such as irritability and depression, can be linked to hormonal changes. Dr. Marisa Snyder shares her personal experiences, encouraging listeners to differentiate between life stressors and hormonal influences on their mental health. She points out that eight out of ten symptoms of perimenopause are related to brain function, often leading to anxiety, mood swings, and cognitive difficulties. The discussion aims to normalize these experiences, reassuring women that feeling overwhelmed and irritable is common during this transitional phase.
Hormonal Awareness and Treatment Options
Understanding hormonal health is crucial in managing symptoms associated with perimenopause. The conversation delves into the inadequacies of traditional medical approaches that often prescribe medication without addressing hormonal imbalances. Dr. Snyder emphasizes that many women are offered antidepressants and hormonal birth control without exploring more integrative solutions. The importance of finding healthcare providers who are empathetic and experienced with women's hormonal health is stressed, encouraging women to seek doctors who engage in personal, meaningful conversations about their experiences.
The Role of Lifestyle in Hormonal Health
The episode discusses various lifestyle changes and practices that can alleviate the mental and physical symptoms of perimenopause. Activities like walking, rage dancing, and engaging in trauma release techniques are highlighted as effective methods for managing stress and emotional upheaval. Dr. Snyder mentions the significance of body awareness, stressing the need for women to listen to their bodies and honor their feelings as they navigate this transition. These strategies aim to empower women to take control of their health and well-being, shifting the narrative around menopause to include proactive self-care.
The Importance of Community and Friendship
Building and nurturing friendships is portrayed as essential for emotional support during the perimenopausal journey. Both speakers emphasize the value of connecting with like-minded women who can relate to shared experiences, providing a sense of belonging and understanding. This friendship support allows women to express their feelings and challenges openly, fostering a safe environment for emotional exploration. The episode encourages listeners to reach out, reconnect, and prioritize their friendships as a vital part of maintaining their mental health.
Redefining Health in the Context of Hormonal Change
Dr. Snyder defines health not merely in terms of physical metrics but through resilience, capacity, and emotional well-being. The speakers discuss how their experiences have shaped their perception of health, emphasizing the need for regular body check-ins and self-awareness. Recognizing when to pivot and adjust their lifestyles based on how they feel is presented as a key aspect of their health journey. This holistic approach underscores that health encompasses mental and emotional dimensions, particularly during significant life transitions like menopause.
Dr. Mariza Snyder joins us for a deeply personal conversation about perimenopause, its challenges, and coping mechanisms. The episode delves into Dr. Mariza’s journey with hormones, touching on the harrowing experiences of her mother and herself at a young age. From experiencing heavy periods and migraines to discovering the pitfalls of traditional medical recommendations, Dr. Mariza shares her frustration and desire for a better approach to women’s healthcare. This meaningful conversation underscores the value of supportive friendships and community, especially during this life transition.
To view full show notes, more information on our guests, resources mentioned in the episode, discount codes, transcripts, and more, visit https://drmindypelz.com/ep262
Dr. Mariza Snyder is a functional practitioner, women’s hormone expert and the author of eight books: The newest book, The Essential Oils Menopause Solution, focuses on solutions for women in perimenopause and menopause and the #1 National Bestselling book, The Essential Oils Hormone Solution, focuses on balancing women’s hormones naturally. Other bestselling books are: The Smart Mom’s Guide to Essential Oils and The DASH Diet Cookbook.