Ep. 115 - Karen Martel Talks Menopause Weight Loss
Jan 23, 2024
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Karen Martel, a Certified Hormone Specialist and Nutrition Coach, joins Dr. Fiona Lovely to discuss weight loss resistance during menopause. They explore misconceptions about menopause weight loss, educate women about perimenopause and menopause, and discuss overcoming hormonal imbalances. They also touch on cultural influences on food addiction, nourishing oneself during menopause, and the challenges women face during this time. Additionally, they delve into different forms of hormones used in menopause treatment and share stories of women taking birth control pills continuously.
Hormone replacement therapy with bioidentical hormones can improve overall health, reduce disease risk, and manage weight effectively during menopause.
Progesterone and estradiol play crucial roles in maintaining metabolic rate, insulin sensitivity, and weight management during menopause. Hormone replacement therapy can help mitigate these effects and support overall health.
Hormone replacement therapy should be personalized according to individual hormone needs. Transdermal delivery methods are generally recommended, and finding a knowledgeable healthcare provider is crucial for proper hormone management.
Deep dives
The Importance of Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hormone replacement therapy is crucial for women going through menopause and perimenopause. The decline in hormones during this time can lead to weight gain, insulin resistance, and other health issues. Estrogen plays a key role in maintaining insulin sensitivity and metabolic rate, so its loss can contribute to weight gain. By optimizing hormone levels, particularly through bioidentical hormones, women can improve their overall health, reduce the risk of diseases like diabetes and heart disease, and manage weight more effectively. Protein intake, regular exercise, and lifting heavy weights are also important in maintaining muscle mass and managing weight during this time.
The Importance of Progesterone and Estradiol
Progesterone is crucial for maintaining metabolic rate, thyroid function, and glucose sensitivity. As progesterone levels drop during perimenopause and menopause, women may become insulin resistant, leading to weight gain and other metabolic issues. Estradiol, another important hormone, helps to improve insulin sensitivity. Its decline can further contribute to weight gain and metabolic dysregulation. Hormone replacement therapy with bioidentical hormones like estradiol can help mitigate these effects, reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease, and support overall health.
The Need for Individualized Hormone Replacement
Every woman's hormone needs are different, and hormone replacement therapy should be personalized accordingly. Transdermal delivery methods, such as patches or creams, are generally recommended over oral administration for optimal effectiveness. Finding a knowledgeable healthcare provider who understands the complexities of hormone replacement therapy and can prescribe appropriate bioidentical hormones is crucial for managing weight and overall health during menopause.
Challenging Misconceptions and Seeking Proper Treatment
Misinformation and stigma surrounding hormone replacement therapy can prevent women from seeking the treatment they need. It is important to challenge misconceptions and advocate for proper hormone replacement therapy by consulting healthcare professionals who are well-versed in hormone management. This includes addressing concerns about breast cancer risk and understanding that the benefits of hormone replacement therapy can outweigh the risks when prescribed and monitored properly.
Understanding Individual Hormonal Sweet Spot
The optimal zone of progesterone differs for each person and is influenced by genetics. Some people are naturally more estrogenic, while others are more androgenic. It is important to analyze lab markers, such as FSH levels, and consider how an individual is feeling to determine the right hormone replacement therapy. Symptoms and personal experiences play a crucial role in identifying the correct balance of hormones. For example, estrogen levels may be in range, but someone experiencing symptoms of estrogen loss may still require hormone supplementation. The key is to personalize hormone replacement therapy based on lab results and individual well-being.
Different Delivery Forms for Hormone Replacement
The choice of delivery form for hormone replacement therapy depends on the specific hormone and individual needs. For instance, progesterone can be started from the age of 35 as it naturally decreases over time, but too much progesterone can lead to side effects like depression. Topical progesterone creams, when properly absorbed, provide a balance of acetabolites and actual progesterone. On the other hand, oral progesterone may cause sensitivity and gastrointestinal issues due to metabolites generated during digestion. Injectable testosterone is often considered the most effective form for raising testosterone levels and can be administered in weekly doses. Estrogen replacement can be achieved through patches, creams, or vaginal suppositories, and injectable estradiol is an option for those with absorption issues. The specific delivery form should be chosen based on individual requirements and preferences.
Dr. Fiona Lovely is a health and wellness expert with specialties in restorative endocrinology, functional neurology and functional medicine. Speaking to the topics of women's health around peri-menopause and menopause. Today, Dr. Lovely and Karen Martel, the host of "The Hormone Solution Podcast" are having a chat about weight loss resistance at midlife. Karen is a Certified Hormone Specialist and Nutrition Coach. The is a big, juicy episode packed full of goodies to help you on your perimenopause and menopause passage. Please listen, learn and share.
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