284. Rethinking Menopause, Hormones and HRT with Kristin Johnson and Maria Claps of Wise and Well
Sep 26, 2024
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In this engaging discussion, Kristin Johnson, a holistic nutrition expert, and Maria Claps, an FDN practitioner, share insights from their book, 'The Great Menopause Myth.' They explore the challenges of menopause, including hormone loss and weight management, and stress the importance of personalized approaches to HRT. The duo emphasizes self-advocacy and critical thinking when navigating health decisions. Laugh along as they delve into misconceptions about diet and lifestyle during midlife, highlighting the significance of community support in this transitional phase.
Many women must advocate for themselves in menopause due to gaps in healthcare professionals' knowledge and preparedness.
Achieving menopause wellness relies on fundamental health practices like protein intake, exercise, and quality sleep over quick fixes.
The Great Menopause Myth encourages a transformative view of menopause, promoting empowerment and personalized care over traditional medical models.
Deep dives
Limitations of Medical Advice on Menopause
Healthcare professionals often lack comprehensive knowledge about menopause due to constraints imposed by medical societies, FDA regulations, and pharmaceutical interests. As a result, many women find their OBGYNs are unprepared to offer relevant menopause advice. This gap in expertise means that women may need to take a more proactive role in understanding menopause and navigating their healthcare options. Learning to opt out of conventional wisdom offers potential pathways for better management of menopause symptoms.
The Importance of Foundations in Menopause Wellness
Achieving a balanced state during menopause requires a return to fundamental health practices rather than reliance on quick fixes or trendy interventions. Key factors include ensuring adequate protein intake, maintaining regular physical activity, and prioritizing quality sleep. The discussion emphasizes the need to understand these foundations, as they are essential to navigating the transition rather than becoming overwhelmed by excessive information. Building a strong foundation allows for more effective fine-tuning of health strategies later on.
Understanding the Great Menopause Myth
The book 'The Great Menopause Myth' challenges conventional beliefs about menopause, advocating for a broader perspective that includes both symptom management and long-term health effects. Rather than viewing menopause purely as a period of decline, the authors encourage women to see this stage as an opportunity for empowerment and healthy aging. The discussion encompasses various factors, such as the nuances of HRT and the importance of maintaining overall health during and after menopause. Ultimately, this informative approach aims to debunk myths and foster a realistic view toward aging.
Navigating Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
The approach to HRT needs clarity, as traditional methods may fail to address women's specific hormonal needs. The authors advocate for more personalized, physiologic dosing that mimics the body’s natural hormonal cycles instead of the standard low-dose therapies often prescribed. They highlight that many women are not receiving the necessary benefits from common treatment regimens and stress the importance of individualized care. Understanding options in HRT can empower women to make informed choices while considering both benefits and potential risks.
Empowerment through Community and Self-Advocacy
The conversation emphasizes the critical role of support systems and self-advocacy in women's health journey, particularly during menopause. Connecting with other women who share similar experiences fosters a sense of belonging and collective empowerment. Additionally, the authors encourage women to take an active role in their health discussions, prioritizing informed decision-making over blind trust in traditional medical authority. As the menopause conversation evolves, it’s important for women to remain engaged, informed, and assertive in seeking the best care tailored to their individual needs.
I’ve shared on the show before that starting menopause radically changed my body. And we’ve talked about how hard it is to find smart, supportive, and true information about health, hormones, and HRT in midlife.
But now there is finally a book that shares everything I wish I knew five years ago! And I’m thrilled to talk about it with the authors today.
How to prepare yourself for HRT & manage your expectations
Why you might need a new doctor in mid-life
Weight loss during menopause
The relationship between stress & weight gain
Why “you have to pick your hormones or your alcohol”
The importance of critical thinking & self-advocacy
Why you probably don’t need to be on DIM
More about our guests: Maria, an FDN practitioner, and Kristin, an NTP Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition, are plainspoken friends and practitioners who share a passion for women's health, especially women's health at midlife. They are the authors of the widely acclaimed book "The Great Menopause Myth", a comprehensive, science based, yet easy to read guide for women who want their best chances at healthy longevity. As both are themselves menopausal, they've refined the art and science of thriving as a midlife woman based on both clinical and personal experience. They combine individualized nutrition and lifestyle changes tailored to midlife women's needs with mindset coaching, lab testing and hormone replacement therapy education to help women thrive so that they can stop or prevent their health from spinning out of control.