Dr. Susan Davis, an endocrinologist and expert on sex hormones and aging, dives into the often bewildering journey of perimenopause. She discusses the physical and emotional symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and weight gain that many women grapple with. Personal stories highlight the challenges around hormone replacement therapy and the importance of self-care during this life transition. Listeners will find valuable insights into managing their health and advocating for their needs as they navigate this pivotal stage.
Perimenopause involves complex hormonal changes that lead to physical and emotional symptoms, making early recognition essential for effective management.
Hormone Replacement Therapy is a vital treatment option for alleviating symptoms of perimenopause, although women should also prioritize lifestyle modifications for overall health.
Deep dives
Understanding Perimenopause Symptoms
Perimenopause is a significant transitional phase where hormonal fluctuations lead to various symptoms that can be both emotional and physical. Common experiences during this time include hot flashes, night sweats, irritability, and profound changes in periods, with women often noticing heavy bleeding or irregular cycles. These symptoms arise due to the ovaries gradually depleting their eggs, causing hormone levels to fluctuate unpredictably, which can make diagnosis challenging. It's crucial to recognize these signs early and understand the body's responses to better manage the transition.
Navigating Treatment Options
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), now referred to as Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT), is identified as a crucial treatment for alleviating symptoms associated with perimenopause, despite some medical professionals' hesitance to prescribe it. Patients often report encountering misunderstandings or dismissive attitudes from their doctors regarding the severity of their symptoms, leading to a prolonged search for effective treatment. Alternatives exist, such as non-hormonal medications targeting specific symptoms like hot flashes, but they may not address the full spectrum of health concerns during perimenopause. Women should advocate for themselves, utilizing resources like the Practitioner Toolkit to facilitate productive discussions with healthcare providers.
Embracing Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle modifications play a crucial role in managing weight and overall health during perimenopause, addressing the changes that occur in body composition as estrogen levels decline. While MHT can alleviate some symptoms, maintaining a balanced diet and engaging in consistent exercise are vital for managing health throughout this period. Notably, incorporating impact exercises can significantly support bone health and counteract osteoporosis, which is a common concern as women age. Ultimately, taking proactive steps towards health can empower women to navigate perimenopause with confidence and grace.
Hot flashes. Night sweats. Aching joints. Sore boobs. Welcome to your body in perimenopause!
In episode one of this four-part series, Yumi Stynes speaks to women in the thick of perimenopause and battling physical symptoms. She also sits down with Dr Susan Davis, endocrinologist and world-leading expert on sex hormones and ageing to learn the best treatments for bothersome symptoms and how look after yourself in this stage of life. No sweat!
Essential listening if you're going through perimenopause right now, or for those wanting to know what's over the hormonal horizon.
This episode contains references to perimenopause, hot flashes, night sweats, HRT, Hormone Replacement Therapy, MHT, Menopausal Hormone Therapy, middle-age, women, hormones, vaginal dryness, ovarian retirement, estrogen, thermostat, sleep disruption, exercise, fitness, bone density.
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