Navigating Perimenopause: Metabolic Health, Brain Fog & Belly Fat with Dr. Carrie Jones
Sep 30, 2024
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Dr. Carrie Jones, a leading expert in hormonal health and dubbed the “Queen of Hormones,” dives into the complexities of perimenopause and menopause. She highlights the importance of metabolic health and discusses brain fog, belly fat, and the shift from glucose to ketones for energy. Emphasizing lifestyle changes like intermittent fasting and strength training, she advocates for a personalized approach to health. The conversation also touches on the cultural shift in menopause education, empowering women to embrace their journey towards well-being and authenticity.
Prioritizing metabolic health is essential for women in perimenopause, as it helps alleviate symptoms like weight gain and cognitive decline.
Managing stress and improving sleep are crucial lifestyle factors that significantly influence hormonal balance during the menopause transition.
Emphasizing nutrition, particularly protein intake and fasting strategies, can optimize energy levels and support overall well-being during menopause.
Deep dives
The Importance of Metabolic Health in Menopause
Prioritizing metabolic health is crucial for women entering perimenopause and menopause, as poor metabolic health can complicate this natural transition. The discussion highlights how issues related to weight gain, energy levels, and cognitive function are strongly tied to metabolic stability. When hormonal changes begin in the 40s, maintaining a healthy metabolism can ease symptoms and improve overall well-being during menopause. Therefore, focusing on blood sugar regulation, nutrition, and exercise early in the perimenopausal journey can lead to smoother transitions and better health outcomes.
Navigating Hormonal Changes
The podcast addresses the common challenges women face during hormonal transitions, particularly how elevated stress levels and poor sleep affect menstrual cycles and overall health. As women approach menopause, fluctuating hormone levels can lead to symptoms such as mood swings, weight gain, and sleep disturbances. The conversation emphasizes recognizing the impact of lifestyle choices on hormonal balance, suggesting that stress management and sleep hygiene are significant factors to address. Understanding these hormonal shifts can empower women to take control of their health and make informed decisions about their lifestyles.
The Role of Nutrition and Fasting
Nutrition plays a pivotal role during menopause, particularly regarding the types of foods women consume and how they fuel their bodies. The podcast discusses incorporating more protein, fiber, and nutrient-dense foods to improve metabolic responses. It also explores the benefits of fasting, noting how it can assist in regulating blood sugar and supporting cognitive function. By adjusting dietary habits and employing fasting strategies, women can tap into better energy levels and empower their bodies through the menopausal transition.
Understanding Body Composition Changes
As women transition into menopause, changes in body composition are common, characterized by increased abdominal fat and altered fat distribution. This can be attributed to hormonal shifts, particularly the decline in estrogen levels, which influence where fat is stored in the body. The conversation reveals that women often experience frustration when their bodies change despite maintaining healthy habits and exercise routines. Recognizing these changes and adjusting lifestyle approaches can help minimize negative feelings and promote a more positive body image during this period.
Embracing the Post-Menopausal Journey
The discussion pivots to the potential positive outcomes of the post-menopausal years, where women can experience newfound confidence and authenticity. It suggests that with the removal of reproductive hormones, many women find clarity to express their true selves and set boundaries in their lives. Embracing aging and the changes that come with it encourages women to prioritize their health while also fostering self-love and acceptance. By envisioning a healthy and fulfilling future, women can navigate their menopause journey with more resilience and empowerment.
Dr. Carrie Jones returns for another insightful episode on perimenopause and menopause, focusing on hormonal shifts starting around age 35. She discusses metabolic health, the role of lifestyle changes, intermittent fasting, protein intake, strength training, and the importance of managing stress and sleep. Dr. Jones and Dr. Mindy explore how the brain begins to rely on ketones instead of glucose and advocate for a personalized approach to health amidst the information overload surrounding menopause. They also highlight the cultural shift towards better menopause education and the journey to self-authenticity and joy in post-menopausal years.
To view full show notes, more information on our guests, resources mentioned in the episode, discount codes, transcripts, and more, visit https://drmindypelz.com/ep255
Carrie Jones, ND, FABNE, MPH is an internationally recognized speaker, consultant, and educator on the topic of women's health and hormones with over 20 years in the industry. Dubbed the “Queen of Hormones,” Dr. Jones is a Naturopathic Physician who did her 2-year residency focused on women's health and endocrinology. She went on to get her Master of Public Health and was one of the first to become board certified through the American Board of Naturopathic Endocrinology. She was the first Medical Director for Precision Analytical (the DUTCH Test) and the first Head of Medical Education at Rupa Health. She co-hosts the highly popular show, the Root Cause Medicine Podcast, that has over 10 million downloads. She is the Clinical Expert for the Lifestyle Matrix Resource Center, was on Under Armour’s Human Performance Council, works with the new League One Volleyball (LOVB) organization and is an advisor to Metapause. Currently she is the Chief Medical Officer at NuEthix Formulations and Head of Medical Education at Metabolic Mentor University.