Summary of Ep. 264 Peri/Menopause are a Natural Function of Aging: See you later, Ovulator!:
The Everyday Wellness Podcast connects with Esther Blum, bestselling author and hormone expert, on various topics related to menopause and perimenopause. Esther discusses medical gaslighting, the misconception that weight gain is a normal part of aging, the role of andropause and menopause, and the changes women can expect during perimenopause and menopause. She also talks about the importance of gut health during menopause and the lab tests women should be asking their health providers for. Esther emphasizes the need for destigmatizing menopause and generating conversations around it. She believes that women can redefine their experience and have an active sex life even after menopause.
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Medical Gaslighting: Breaking Down the Stigma Around Women’s Health
As women age, they face a unique set of physical and hormonal changes that can often be misrepresented or ignored by medical professionals. This phenomenon is known as medical gaslighting, and it can prevent women from receiving the support and care they need to navigate the transition through menopause.
To shed light on this issue, we spoke with bestselling author Esther Blum about her work helping women balance hormones, lose weight, and treat the root cause of health struggles. Esther’s latest book, See Ya Later, Ovulator!, challenges the myths and assumptions commonly associated with menopause and sheds light on how women can redefine their experience and continue having a fulfilling sex life.
The Misinformation Around Aging and Weight Gain
One of the most common myths about menopause is that weight gain is a normal function of aging. However, as Esther points out, this is simply not true. In fact, the better your gut health, the smoother your transition through menopause will be.
When it comes to preventing weight gain, Esther emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy gut microbiome through a balanced, nutrient-dense diet that supports healthy digestion and hormone production.
The Role of Andropause and Menopause
Another common misconception is that menopause is simply the female version of andropause. While both men and women experience a decline in sex hormones as they age, the impact on women is often more profound and can cause significant symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and fatigue.
To avoid the pitfalls of medical gaslighting, Esther recommends advocating for yourself and seeking out a healthcare professional who has experience addressing menopause symptoms.
The Women’s Health Initiative
The Women’s Health Initiative was a landmark study conducted in the early 2000s aimed at determining the effects of hormone therapy on women’s health. However, the study was criticized for its narrow focus on synthetic hormone replacement therapy and its failure to account for the value of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.
As Esther explains, hormone replacement therapy can be a valuable tool for women going through menopause, but it needs to be personalized to each woman’s needs and symptoms.
Navigating Perimenopause and Menopause
During perimenopause and menopause, women can experience a wide range of physical changes and significant symptoms. Among these changes are shifts in the vaginal canal and pelvic floor that can lead to incontinence and painful sex.
To address these issues, Esther recommends seeking out a healthcare provider who is knowledgeable about women’s health and can offer proven therapies that support pelvic floor and vaginal health.
Advocacy and Testing
Another important aspect of navigating menopause is advocating for yourself and getting the necessary testing to identify and treat symptoms. This can include lab tests to evaluate hormones levels and screening for conditions like fatty liver and digestive problems.
One aspect to be mindful of is the impact of alcohol on the body, especially when taking hormone replacement therapy. As estrogen levels decline, our tolerance for alcohol also decreases, making it essential to monitor our intake carefully.
Overcoming Medical Gaslighting
By breaking down the myths and stigmas surrounding women’s health, we can empower women to take control of their bodies and wellbeing. Whether you are currently experiencing menopause or preparing for the transition, it’s time to take the first step and advocate for yourself with a healthcare professional who understands your unique needs and concerns.
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