Lara Briden, an expert in perimenopause and menopause, discusses the challenges and misconceptions surrounding perimenopause. She covers topics such as hormone replacement therapy, the rewiring of the brain during this stage of life, and the importance of self-care. They also touch on the benefits of omega-3s, air purifiers, and sleep-related products. The discussion includes the stages of perimenopause, the role of progesterone, and common symptoms experienced. The podcast also explores the confusion and fear surrounding hormone therapy for women, emphasizing the importance of asking for specific brand names. Lastly, they discuss changing socializing habits, the challenges of prioritizing self-care, and express gratitude for Lara's work on women's health.
Perimenopause is a natural phase in a woman's life that can be managed through lifestyle changes and hormonal treatments if needed.
Prioritizing self-care and supporting the nervous system is crucial during perimenopause to promote overall well-being and brain health.
Hormonal treatments for perimenopause should be personalized based on individual symptoms and needs, starting with progesterone and potentially incorporating estrogen, while considering the lower risk compared to moderate alcohol intake.
Deep dives
Understanding Perimenopause as a Normal Life Stage
Perimenopause is a natural phase in a woman's life that signifies the transition to menopause. It is not a health condition or a disease process. Rather, it is a graduation into a new life stage. During perimenopause, hormonal changes occur, such as a drop in progesterone levels, leading to symptoms like heavier periods, breast pain, weight gain, and neurological symptoms. These symptoms can vary based on individual factors and genetics. It is important to recognize that perimenopause is a normal part of a woman's life and that the symptoms experienced during this phase can be managed through lifestyle changes and hormonal treatments if needed.
Managing Symptoms and Supporting the Nervous System
During perimenopause, it is crucial to prioritize self-care and support the nervous system. This can be achieved through various strategies, including reducing alcohol intake, regular exercise, spending time in nature, optimizing sleep, and incorporating stress-reducing activities. These strategies help stabilize the nervous system and promote overall well-being. Additionally, magnesium and taurine supplementation can be beneficial for managing symptoms, such as hot flashes and disturbed sleep. It is essential to remember that self-care during perimenopause is an investment in long-term brain health and overall quality of life.
Empowerment and Personalized Hormonal Treatments
When considering hormonal treatments for perimenopause, it is important to personalize the approach based on individual symptoms and needs. Starting with progesterone alone can be helpful in the early phases of perimenopause, while combining both estrogen and progesterone might be more suitable during later stages. It is recommended to start with lower doses and adjust as needed, based on symptom relief. However, it is crucial to work closely with a healthcare professional to find the right balance and dosage. It is empowering for women to have agency in their treatment decisions and to understand that hormonal treatments can effectively alleviate symptoms and support a smooth transition through perimenopause.
Hormone therapy safety and alternatives
Modern hormone therapy is considered safe and carries a lower risk of breast cancer compared to moderate alcohol intake. While there is a small risk associated with estrogen therapy, current hormone therapy options, such as body identical or biodentical hormones, are safer for the breasts and may even reduce the risk of breast cancer. Women with a history of breast cancer are still advised to avoid estrogen therapy, but for those experiencing symptoms like hot flushes and sleep disturbance, hormone therapy can be a valid option. It is not necessary for all women to take hormone therapy, and indications include severe symptoms, early menopause or surgical menopause, and osteoporosis.
Understanding menopause, its purpose, and hormone testing
Menopause is a natural phase of life and not an accident of living too long. It is believed to have evolutionary importance, enabling women to care for others after their reproductive years. Hormone therapy is not necessary for every woman, and the decision should be based on symptoms, such as sleep disturbance and hot flushes, that are not alleviated by other measures. There is no specific blood test for perimenopause, but testing can help rule out other medical issues. Waiting until after the final period to consider hormone therapy may result in missed opportunities for symptom relief. Hormone testing, including urinary hormone testing, may not provide reliable results due to the fluctuating levels of hormones. Temperature tracking can be helpful in identifying changes in the menstrual cycle and determining if perimenopause is occurring.
Have you been told that perimenopause and menopause are medical conditions?
Interested in ancestral research or heard myths like “women weren’t required after the child-rearing years and the problems exist because we’re living longer?”
Worried about hormone replacement and what to take and when?
Did you know that this is a time in your life when a rewiring of the brain is occurring?
Symptoms off the charts and want the biggest go-to changes that can be made to move the needle and have a smoother sailing transition?
Want to know why you’re so dang sensitive to everything all of a sudden (cue the glass of wine and zero sleep that night thanks to heart palpitations?
Lara Briden joins me on the show, author of the best-selling books Period Repair Manual, and Hormone Repair Manual, and women’s health naturopathic Dr for over 20 years, talks us through some of the trials, tribulations of the stages we move through in menopause, and speaks not only as a world-renowned doc on the subject, but as a woman saying “it’s great on the other side, don’t worry!”
It’s such an empowering hour on the subject and I hope you enjoy it. Alexx x
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