Dr. Denise Furness, a women's health expert, dives into the complexities of perimenopause with relatable insights. She discusses the surprising benefits of constant blood glucose monitoring and how diet can ease symptoms like hot flashes and panic attacks. The conversation also touches on the importance of quality sleep, highlighting magnesium's role in improving it. Denise shares her personal story navigating perimenopause, blending science with practical advice, making the discussion both informative and engaging.
The link between menopause and lifestyle choices is significant, as factors like diet and smoking can exacerbate symptoms such as hot flashes.
Monitoring blood glucose levels during perimenopause is crucial, as it helps individuals make informed dietary choices to support their overall health.
Prioritizing good sleep hygiene and considering magnesium supplementation can greatly improve sleep quality and alleviate various perimenopausal symptoms.
Deep dives
Understanding Perimenopause and Menopause
Perimenopause and menopause are influenced by both genetic factors and lifestyle choices. Women often experience their menstrual cycles and menopause at similar ages to their mothers, indicating a genetic component. However, factors such as diet, smoking, and overall lifestyle can significantly exacerbate symptoms like hot flashes. Stress can also lead to troubling symptoms, including panic attacks, which many may mistake for typical menopausal symptoms.
The Role of Diet and Lifestyle in Managing Symptoms
Diet and lifestyle modifications are crucial for women experiencing perimenopausal symptoms. Simple changes, such as adjusting one’s diet and incorporating regular exercise, can lead to significant improvements. For example, women who smoke are more likely to experience severe hot flashes, demonstrating the need for lifestyle changes. Implementing a three-step approach which focuses on diet, supplements, and, if necessary, hormone replacement therapy can successfully alleviate issues.
The Importance of Blood Glucose Monitoring
Monitoring blood glucose levels can be beneficial during perimenopause, as hormonal changes impact carbohydrate tolerance. Continuous glucose monitors provide real-time data on how foods and lifestyle impact glucose levels. This information can help individuals understand which foods may spike their blood sugar and affect overall health. By recognizing the connection between diet, cortisol levels, and glucose control, women can make informed dietary choices that support their well-being.
Strategies for Improving Sleep Quality
Sleep disturbances are a common issue among women going through perimenopause and can have a substantial impact on health. Prioritizing good sleep hygiene, such as reducing screen time before bed and maintaining a comfortable sleep environment, is essential. Furthermore, magnesium supplementation is recommended for improving sleep quality and alleviating some perimenopausal symptoms. Ensuring quality sleep can have a cascading effect on mood and cravings, leading to better overall health.
Balancing Health and Enjoyment
Achieving a balance between maintaining health and enjoying life is important for overall well-being. Stressing over dietary choices can lead to negative health outcomes, even when one is striving for a healthy lifestyle. It's essential to allow for flexibility in eating habits, such as enjoying a slice of cake without guilt. Emphasizing enjoyment of life while also making conscientious choices can lead to a healthier mindset and better long-term health outcomes.
I rarely say this but this episode was a bloody ripper (IMO) and not because of me (of course), but because the good Doc smashed it out of the park with relevant, super-interesting, easy-to-understand science. As she does. I think it's a conversation that some of you will share with friends. We chatted about why constant blood glucose monitoring can be a good idea, the whys and hows of health and fitness trackers (old school and new), the link between panic attacks, hot flushes (also called flashes) and perimenopause, the impact of consistently poor sleep on our overall health (it's dramatic), we get a mini-workshop on the different types of (and uses for) magnesium and Dr. Denise shares a fascinating personal account of her own navigation of perimenopause. Enjoy.
