Ep. 404 Listener Q&A: GYN Concerns and Menopause Insights with Dr. Anna Cabeca
Oct 12, 2024
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Dr. Anna Cabeca, a physician specializing in women's health and menopause, offers expert insights on navigating perimenopause and menopause. She highlights that suffering during this stage is optional and explains key symptoms to watch for. The discussion covers bioidentical hormones, including the use of DHEA and testosterone therapies. Techniques for managing incontinence and exploring vaginal rejuvenation are also discussed, emphasizing proactive health strategies and the importance of personalized care in enhancing women's well-being.
Adopting a proactive strategy for managing perimenopause and menopause can significantly improve overall wellness and minimize suffering during this life stage.
Recognizing the early signs of perimenopause, such as irregular menstruation and mood swings, empowers women to take control of their health sooner.
A holistic approach involving diet, lifestyle modifications, and an understanding of insulin resistance is essential for achieving hormonal balance and alleviating symptoms.
Deep dives
Understanding Perimenopause and Menopause
Recognizing that menopause is a natural phase of life is crucial, and it's emphasized that suffering during this transition is not inevitable. There's an encouragement to adopt a proactive attitude towards managing symptoms rather than enduring them passively. Women are advised to refine their approach to health, focusing on balance and overall wellness during perimenopause and menopause. This period can be seen as a time of personal refinement, allowing women to embrace changes and adapt positively.
Identifying Symptoms in Early Perimenopause
Monitoring menstruation patterns is crucial for detecting early signs of perimenopause. Changes in period regularity, mood swings, and forgetfulness are key indicators that should prompt attention. Women are encouraged to become attuned to their bodies and recognize hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle that may signal the onset of perimenopause. Educating younger women about these changes can empower them to take charge of their health from an early age.
The Role of Bioidentical Hormones
Women often struggle to find medical professionals open to prescribing bioidentical hormones, especially before menopause. The conversation highlights that starting bioidentical hormones early can mitigate many symptoms associated with hormonal changes. A comprehensive approach involving diet, lifestyle modifications, and detoxification methods is advised before hormone supplementation is considered. The intent is to create a supportive foundation that enhances natural hormonal balance, rather than strictly relying on hormone replacement.
Insulin Resistance and Hormonal Health
The relationship between insulin resistance and hormonal health, particularly in women with PCOS, is explored. Many women experience weight gain, acne, and mood changes linked to insulin resistance, which is often overlooked in standard evaluations. Testing for insulin levels and glucose tolerance is vital, as understanding these factors can significantly impact hormonal balance and overall well-being. Encouraging dietary changes and lifestyle modifications helps to improve insulin sensitivity and alleviate related symptoms.
Incontinence and Treatment Options
The discussion covers various types of incontinence, such as stress and urge incontinence, along with effective treatment strategies. Strengthening pelvic floor muscles, maintaining a gut microbiome, and hormonal therapies can substantially improve symptoms. It's highlighted that many medications traditionally prescribed for incontinence may exacerbate other health issues, making a holistic approach paramount. Encouragement is given for ongoing dialogues about these conditions, aiming to dismantle stigma and improve women's health outcomes.
I am delighted to have my dear friend, Dr. Anna Cabeca, joining me for the fourth time today. She was with me before on episodes 94, 202, and 317.
Today, we dive into various questions from listeners about their GYN concerns, covering why suffering is optional in perimenopause and menopause and why we must refine ourselves during that life stage. We discuss the symptoms of perimenopause, explaining the best time to start using bioidentical hormones, issues with pellet therapy, especially testosterone, and various kinds of bioidentical hormones and vaginal estrogen. We also look at DHEA and testosterone therapies, symptoms to watch out for, sexual health, treatment therapy options for incontinence, and vaginal rejuvenation.
I know you will love this invaluable discussion with Dr Anna Cabeca.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:
How to navigate perimenopause and menopause proactively rather than reactively
What are the early signs of perimenopause?
Dr. Anna discusses her approach to starting bioidentical hormones
The importance of detoxification and gut health
Various types of hormone applications, including progesterone, pregnenolone, DHEA, testosterone, and estrogen
The importance of addressing the underlying cause of hormonal imbalances
What role do hormonal therapies play in maintaining vaginal health?
The limitations of certain incontinence medications
Dr. Anna introduces her Sexual CPR program
Dr. Anna shares her experience with vaginal rejuvenation procedures
Why we must only use personal care products containing clean, non-toxic ingredients
