Last week I mentioned that I would give more information about cholesterol so this weeks blog is: Should I use statin drugs to lower my total cholesterol?
I get this question a lot.
Most people are told that they should know both of their cholesterol numbers (but they usually only know the total). Most doctors want the total cholesterol to be below 200 points. This is probably a much longer discussion so lets just get right to the conversation about statin drugs and cholesterol.
First let's address what statin drugs are? They are a classification of certain drugs used to block the absorption of dietary cholesterol by the liver. They block the fats from the food you eat. (If your triglycerides, another measurement of total fats in your body, are in the normal range then the reason your cholesterol is high is probably NOT dietary.)
I'm not saying that you shouldn't take statin drugs, that's between you and your doctor. But wouldn't you like to know a little more about why you're taking this type of drug for your health? What you are often not told is that most of your cholesterol is MADE by your liver and statins are made to block absorption of cholesterol in your liver.
Since your body needs cholesterol to make nerves and hormones, and cholesterol is metabolized in your liver, taking statin drugs makes your liver work harder. Why would you want your liver to work harder? I think this is a good question and other scientists think so too. Think of your liver like a fine automobile. The cleaner it is, the better it runs. Taking care of your liver, that is, keeping it clean so that it doesn't have to work so hard should be a top priority. A clean and well working liver works more effectively, which could mean less use of statin drugs.
There are several natural supplements that support and help metabolize the cholesterol that's hanging around, thereby lowering cholesterol levels and making your arteries happy. Everyone wins!!!!
Links
Monday, September 28, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
Memory Loss: Menopause or Something Else?
Last week I began a thread on the topic of memory loss in menopause. I mentioned that some physicians believe memory loss is due in part to insomnia, as well as stress and general aging. I believe these are factors and not necessarily the root cause. This week I address the more age advanced issue that many women are afraid may happen to them: Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease.
Last week I had two different clients, one in her early 80’s the other in her early 70’s, questioning me about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. One said that she saw a TV show on PBS about how the incidents of these two diagnoses are on the rise. She was very worried about the possible onset of either of these diseases.
One of the reasons dementia and Alzheimer’s is on the rise is the over use of cholesterol blocking agents, which I’ll address in Part 2 of this topic next week.
Just so you don’t think you are losing your mind some general memory loss does not mean you are headed for dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. These are very different conditions from the type of memory loss that women experience as a menopausal symptom.
So that begs the question: What does cause dementia and Alzheimer’s disease? Much of what I’m about to say is theory because quite frankly there is still a lot we do not know about what causes these diseases.
Basic physiology states that your brain cells need oxygen to function optimally. Oxygen is delivered by the blood and blood vessels. As you age your "pipes” or blood vessels start to lose their elasticity and "harden.” You know this happens because your blood pressure rises in response. The way you know this is you go to the doctor’s office and have our blood pressure taken. (Please be aware that there can be other reasons for your blood pressure to rise. This does not necessarily mean you need to be on blood pressure meds and this is not always a black and white situation. Please also remember this discussion is in the context of aging, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease).
Generally speaking, the Western approach to high blood pressure is almost always to take anti-hypertensive medications to bring down your blood pressure. Now, in fairness some of the drugs used will address the issue of blood vessel elasticity and some will not. You may now gather that hypertension or high blood pressure is actually a symptom and not a disease, although in Western medicine it is now characterized as a disease.
There are several herbs and vitamins that will address the issue of vessel repair. For a more detailed discussion about your personal health situation, you can call my office to schedule a consultation.
In the meantime, studies have shown that by doing brain challenges you keep the pathways open. Challenge yourself by finding number or word games that make you think in different ways and stimulate pathways that don't get worked as often. I also recommend reading books, newspapers and anything that is out of your comfort zone.
Finally, you always want to pay attention to how your mind, body and emotions are changing so you can address any issues early on.
Last week I had two different clients, one in her early 80’s the other in her early 70’s, questioning me about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. One said that she saw a TV show on PBS about how the incidents of these two diagnoses are on the rise. She was very worried about the possible onset of either of these diseases.
One of the reasons dementia and Alzheimer’s is on the rise is the over use of cholesterol blocking agents, which I’ll address in Part 2 of this topic next week.
Just so you don’t think you are losing your mind some general memory loss does not mean you are headed for dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. These are very different conditions from the type of memory loss that women experience as a menopausal symptom.
So that begs the question: What does cause dementia and Alzheimer’s disease? Much of what I’m about to say is theory because quite frankly there is still a lot we do not know about what causes these diseases.
Basic physiology states that your brain cells need oxygen to function optimally. Oxygen is delivered by the blood and blood vessels. As you age your "pipes” or blood vessels start to lose their elasticity and "harden.” You know this happens because your blood pressure rises in response. The way you know this is you go to the doctor’s office and have our blood pressure taken. (Please be aware that there can be other reasons for your blood pressure to rise. This does not necessarily mean you need to be on blood pressure meds and this is not always a black and white situation. Please also remember this discussion is in the context of aging, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease).
Generally speaking, the Western approach to high blood pressure is almost always to take anti-hypertensive medications to bring down your blood pressure. Now, in fairness some of the drugs used will address the issue of blood vessel elasticity and some will not. You may now gather that hypertension or high blood pressure is actually a symptom and not a disease, although in Western medicine it is now characterized as a disease.
There are several herbs and vitamins that will address the issue of vessel repair. For a more detailed discussion about your personal health situation, you can call my office to schedule a consultation.
In the meantime, studies have shown that by doing brain challenges you keep the pathways open. Challenge yourself by finding number or word games that make you think in different ways and stimulate pathways that don't get worked as often. I also recommend reading books, newspapers and anything that is out of your comfort zone.
Finally, you always want to pay attention to how your mind, body and emotions are changing so you can address any issues early on.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Of all the things I've lost recently, I miss my mind the most.
Or, why did I come into this room? I came in for something, I wish I could remember what it was.
We were visiting with some friends the other day and talking about health issues. We were all female and between the ages of early forties to mid to late 50's. One friend stated that when she visited her doctor he told her that the loss of memory was unrelated to her menopause experience. He thinks that the memory loss comes from insomnia. I believe that the memory dysfunction is aggravated by the insomnia but not necessarily the cause, as any menopausal woman will likely agree.
Memory loss can be very irritating. I remember when my mother started to go through this and we would finish her sentences for her. It was quite fun for us. Now, when it's done to me I'm not near as nice as my mother was. She was always a good sport about it. Better than I am.
There are herbal supplements on the market that are marketed as memory enhancers. I caution women in various stages of menopause about taking these supplements, especially Ginko. The reason is that Ginko can have a "hot" side; that is, it can cause "heat" in women. Any woman already experiencing hot flashes or night sweats will not want to aggravate them even more.
So what can you? Well, one thing you can do to help with memory loss is to challenge yourself by playing games. I do word games and number games to figure things out and to remember sequences. It’s a great start to keeping your mind active.
To quote from Fiddle on the Roof, "I don't remember growing older." Perhaps that's a blessing.
We were visiting with some friends the other day and talking about health issues. We were all female and between the ages of early forties to mid to late 50's. One friend stated that when she visited her doctor he told her that the loss of memory was unrelated to her menopause experience. He thinks that the memory loss comes from insomnia. I believe that the memory dysfunction is aggravated by the insomnia but not necessarily the cause, as any menopausal woman will likely agree.
Memory loss can be very irritating. I remember when my mother started to go through this and we would finish her sentences for her. It was quite fun for us. Now, when it's done to me I'm not near as nice as my mother was. She was always a good sport about it. Better than I am.
There are herbal supplements on the market that are marketed as memory enhancers. I caution women in various stages of menopause about taking these supplements, especially Ginko. The reason is that Ginko can have a "hot" side; that is, it can cause "heat" in women. Any woman already experiencing hot flashes or night sweats will not want to aggravate them even more.
So what can you? Well, one thing you can do to help with memory loss is to challenge yourself by playing games. I do word games and number games to figure things out and to remember sequences. It’s a great start to keeping your mind active.
To quote from Fiddle on the Roof, "I don't remember growing older." Perhaps that's a blessing.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Why should I seek advise from a health care professional when...
I have clients that say to me “I see many TV and Internet advertisements for products that will treat all of my menopausal symptoms. They say that my symptoms will disappear like magic if I just take THEIR product.” With all of these ads and their products out on the Internet, why should I seek advice and care from a professional when I can just buy the other stuff?
Well…you can try it. It might help. And it might not. Sometimes you need a combination of things to work together. And sometimes you need to take things in certain combinations for a short time and then change all together. Will the Internet tell you how what supplement to take when, how much and other supplements you should or should NOT combine their product with?
With menopause there is a "dance of the hormones" that occurs and you often need to vary when and how much to take to get to the balance point. This dance is dynamic…moving all the time.
I have this client. She has bought some of these products over the Internet and from ads in magazines. Now, she has a back room full of half full bottles of stuff that didn't work or made her worse than she did before, which can be dangerous. In the long run she wasted a lot of time and money because what she really needed were the custom formulas I helped her with. These are formulas that are designed just for her and her problems.
Sometimes at the beginning of the menopausal transition you can get by with over the counter remedies. As the journey deepens and lengthens how your symptoms are dealt with becomes much more complex and requires closer monitoring, sometimes you need subtle changes in your menopausal program on a weekly basis. You likely cannot get this over the Internet and definitely not from magazine ads.
Buying products that don't work isn't cost or time effective and more importantly you do not want to do harm that takes weeks or even months to undo. This is NOT my idea of a good investment in your health.
Well…you can try it. It might help. And it might not. Sometimes you need a combination of things to work together. And sometimes you need to take things in certain combinations for a short time and then change all together. Will the Internet tell you how what supplement to take when, how much and other supplements you should or should NOT combine their product with?
With menopause there is a "dance of the hormones" that occurs and you often need to vary when and how much to take to get to the balance point. This dance is dynamic…moving all the time.
I have this client. She has bought some of these products over the Internet and from ads in magazines. Now, she has a back room full of half full bottles of stuff that didn't work or made her worse than she did before, which can be dangerous. In the long run she wasted a lot of time and money because what she really needed were the custom formulas I helped her with. These are formulas that are designed just for her and her problems.
Sometimes at the beginning of the menopausal transition you can get by with over the counter remedies. As the journey deepens and lengthens how your symptoms are dealt with becomes much more complex and requires closer monitoring, sometimes you need subtle changes in your menopausal program on a weekly basis. You likely cannot get this over the Internet and definitely not from magazine ads.
Buying products that don't work isn't cost or time effective and more importantly you do not want to do harm that takes weeks or even months to undo. This is NOT my idea of a good investment in your health.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Why I haven't written lately?
I have been so upset over the misinformation about the health care crisis that I have done nothing but study and arm myself with info. Yes, it is confusing and there is a lot of information and some of it deliberately confusing.
In nurses training we were constantly instructed that the "patient was ALWAYS THE most important aspect of care". We always protected the patient. One of my favorite movies is a movie called "People Will Talk" with Cary Grant.... In it he plays a Doctor and one of my favorite lines is when he says "We make sick people well". That's what I thought we were doing in nurses training.
As I have gotten older and watched the profession that I love change I have not been happy with the changes. We are letting insurance companies dictate what we can and cannot do to help our patients. Good health doesn't seem to be a goal. Ten to fifteen minute visits are designed it seems so we don't get sicker. Insurance companies aren't the only ones. Hospital administrators used to be Doctors also, not just money makers. We MUST put the heart back into health care not just money.
I didn't leave the hospital because I wasn't making enough money but because the money I was making wasn't worth it. I got tired of fighting for what was right and good about our profession. And watching "others" get paid not to take care of patients but to invest money in places where it doesn't belong. You may not remember but Insurance companies never were set up to make a profit. They would pay the claim in a timely way because that money was yours. The hospitals were paid and tests were gotten, surgeries were done and even rides to the hospitals in ambulances were also paid all by insurance companies. NO Questions asked. Just Paid.
Now, the dance is submit a claim, get it sent back to you with questions that are clearly answered by the bill that is submitted. REPEAT until the patient dies or we just get too frustrated to deal with it any more. The money that you pay is their money not yours and you have to justify your NEED of it back. This is why most GOOD Doctors don't want ANYTHING to do with insurance. I'm personally still waiting for two claims that I submitted for two different clients and I have waited two and a half years for the money that I deserve.
My Kumu Huna once said that real fatigue comes from hard work or not getting paid enough for what you're doing. And there is another reason... fighting for something and never getting anywhere.... It begs the question what is insane? Doing the same thing over and over and wanting a different response.
I hope that this has brought questions to you and that you're now not afraid to ask them.
In nurses training we were constantly instructed that the "patient was ALWAYS THE most important aspect of care". We always protected the patient. One of my favorite movies is a movie called "People Will Talk" with Cary Grant.... In it he plays a Doctor and one of my favorite lines is when he says "We make sick people well". That's what I thought we were doing in nurses training.
As I have gotten older and watched the profession that I love change I have not been happy with the changes. We are letting insurance companies dictate what we can and cannot do to help our patients. Good health doesn't seem to be a goal. Ten to fifteen minute visits are designed it seems so we don't get sicker. Insurance companies aren't the only ones. Hospital administrators used to be Doctors also, not just money makers. We MUST put the heart back into health care not just money.
I didn't leave the hospital because I wasn't making enough money but because the money I was making wasn't worth it. I got tired of fighting for what was right and good about our profession. And watching "others" get paid not to take care of patients but to invest money in places where it doesn't belong. You may not remember but Insurance companies never were set up to make a profit. They would pay the claim in a timely way because that money was yours. The hospitals were paid and tests were gotten, surgeries were done and even rides to the hospitals in ambulances were also paid all by insurance companies. NO Questions asked. Just Paid.
Now, the dance is submit a claim, get it sent back to you with questions that are clearly answered by the bill that is submitted. REPEAT until the patient dies or we just get too frustrated to deal with it any more. The money that you pay is their money not yours and you have to justify your NEED of it back. This is why most GOOD Doctors don't want ANYTHING to do with insurance. I'm personally still waiting for two claims that I submitted for two different clients and I have waited two and a half years for the money that I deserve.
My Kumu Huna once said that real fatigue comes from hard work or not getting paid enough for what you're doing. And there is another reason... fighting for something and never getting anywhere.... It begs the question what is insane? Doing the same thing over and over and wanting a different response.
I hope that this has brought questions to you and that you're now not afraid to ask them.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Why do physicians focus on Estrogen?
Estrogen is an important hormone yet it isn't the only hormone that decreases as we age. Thyroid hormones, growth hormones, DHEA, and testosterone all decline with age.
However, research has determined that estrogen affects other areas of the body not just the reproductive areas. Estrogen plays an important role in the production and maintenance of bone and it has demonstrated a protective role in heart health. It also has a positive influence on behavior and moods.
The metabolism of estrogen within the body is a complex subject. The simplified version is that it starts with cholesterol (see, cholesterol is important). Most of the cholesterol in your body is actually produced in your liver. Having a clean, well functioning liver is a good place to start for proper metabolism of estrogen and general good health because your liver is the clearing house for toxins (this doesn't mean you go out and do a liver cleanse. That's a whole other topic).
Estrogen metabolism is also dependent on other factors such as proper cellular levels of vitamins E and folic acid. There is also another subset of estrogen known as Phytoestrogens which are natural hormones found in plants that have a somewhat similar action to those of human estrogen. These are found in significant levels in soy and flaxseed. They have been known to reduce the symptoms of low estrogen without increasing the risk of certain cancers. Because of the risk factors involved in increasing estrogen or taking hormone replacement therapy, it is important that you spend time discussing your choices with your health care professional. As always, my reminder to you is to NOT self-diagnose and/or self-prescribe.
However, research has determined that estrogen affects other areas of the body not just the reproductive areas. Estrogen plays an important role in the production and maintenance of bone and it has demonstrated a protective role in heart health. It also has a positive influence on behavior and moods.
The metabolism of estrogen within the body is a complex subject. The simplified version is that it starts with cholesterol (see, cholesterol is important). Most of the cholesterol in your body is actually produced in your liver. Having a clean, well functioning liver is a good place to start for proper metabolism of estrogen and general good health because your liver is the clearing house for toxins (this doesn't mean you go out and do a liver cleanse. That's a whole other topic).
Estrogen metabolism is also dependent on other factors such as proper cellular levels of vitamins E and folic acid. There is also another subset of estrogen known as Phytoestrogens which are natural hormones found in plants that have a somewhat similar action to those of human estrogen. These are found in significant levels in soy and flaxseed. They have been known to reduce the symptoms of low estrogen without increasing the risk of certain cancers. Because of the risk factors involved in increasing estrogen or taking hormone replacement therapy, it is important that you spend time discussing your choices with your health care professional. As always, my reminder to you is to NOT self-diagnose and/or self-prescribe.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
What are hormones?
The medical dictionary describes hormones as a chemical substance produced in the body which has a specific effect on the activity of a certain organ or organs. In other words, hormones can effect change in organs.
There are three major hormones that are produced by the ovaries. They are estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Each of these hormones feeds back to the brain in a feedback loop and can affect the emotions as well as the organs.
Testosterone is considered a male hormone but is still present in smaller amounts in women. It helps maintain sexual desire. It also helps reduce fat and builds and maintains muscle mass. Symptoms of low or deficient testosterone are: Weight gain, an increase in belly fat, muscle loss, fatigue, depression, loss of sexual desire, loss of shine in the hair, dryness of the skin and hair, lack of mental clarity and urinary incontinence.
Progesterone is mostly associated with PMS symptoms. It's mostly responsible for muscle relaxation and emotional control.
Estrogen deficiency comes with menopause. The symptoms include: weight gain, belly fat, hot flashes or flushes, dry skin, depression, dryness of the vagina and skin, insomnia, fatigue, irritability, heart disease, and osteoporosis.
Please note that I have not yet covered the symtoms for the excess of these hormones. The symptoms for excess and deficiency are so similar that diagnosis can be tricky - please see your health care practitioner for an accurate diagnosis. This is NOT the time to self-diagnose or self-prescribe based on a list of symtoms. We have several ways of determining which supplements are appropriate for you to take. Most often a lab test is needed. Balancing these three hormones is a great place to start on the path to feeling better.
There are three major hormones that are produced by the ovaries. They are estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Each of these hormones feeds back to the brain in a feedback loop and can affect the emotions as well as the organs.
Testosterone is considered a male hormone but is still present in smaller amounts in women. It helps maintain sexual desire. It also helps reduce fat and builds and maintains muscle mass. Symptoms of low or deficient testosterone are: Weight gain, an increase in belly fat, muscle loss, fatigue, depression, loss of sexual desire, loss of shine in the hair, dryness of the skin and hair, lack of mental clarity and urinary incontinence.
Progesterone is mostly associated with PMS symptoms. It's mostly responsible for muscle relaxation and emotional control.
Estrogen deficiency comes with menopause. The symptoms include: weight gain, belly fat, hot flashes or flushes, dry skin, depression, dryness of the vagina and skin, insomnia, fatigue, irritability, heart disease, and osteoporosis.
Please note that I have not yet covered the symtoms for the excess of these hormones. The symptoms for excess and deficiency are so similar that diagnosis can be tricky - please see your health care practitioner for an accurate diagnosis. This is NOT the time to self-diagnose or self-prescribe based on a list of symtoms. We have several ways of determining which supplements are appropriate for you to take. Most often a lab test is needed. Balancing these three hormones is a great place to start on the path to feeling better.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Do I NEED Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Should I Take Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Most doctors will tell you yes. The school of thought is by taking a synthetic hormone you protect your body against heart disease and osteoporosis. It will also make their job easier because the belief is HRT will manage the symptoms associated with menopause.
But do you really NEED to take HRT? How did our fore mothers get through menopause before HRT? After all HRT has only been around for about 50 years. They did it why can't we?
I believe you can do it. You may change your ideas about health and learn some new things about how your body works, but you can do it. Don't be afraid because you do have choices. Do remember that as you go through this journey you are in motion and so are your hormones so symptoms may change month to month and even week to week. Still, these can be managed with knowledge and patience.
Most doctors will tell you yes. The school of thought is by taking a synthetic hormone you protect your body against heart disease and osteoporosis. It will also make their job easier because the belief is HRT will manage the symptoms associated with menopause.
But do you really NEED to take HRT? How did our fore mothers get through menopause before HRT? After all HRT has only been around for about 50 years. They did it why can't we?
I believe you can do it. You may change your ideas about health and learn some new things about how your body works, but you can do it. Don't be afraid because you do have choices. Do remember that as you go through this journey you are in motion and so are your hormones so symptoms may change month to month and even week to week. Still, these can be managed with knowledge and patience.
What should you do before going on HRT?
- If you are someone who wants a more natural approach to balancing your hormones, there are many options available. The key is working with a practitioner or ND (naturpathic doctor) to find what makes sense for you. This is not the time to get a recommendation from the supplement advisor at Whole Foods. There are just too many elements that need to be factored in before going on supplements or HRT. Your practitioner may even recommend hormonal testing (not the kind your MD does) to get a baseline mark for you.
- Ask your doctor the reasons why she wants you on HRT. Make sure it makes sense to you and that your doctor has a full picture of your family history and risk factors. There may be an interim step such as compounded HRT, which is generally prescribed by an ND.
In the weeks to come I will be covering more on HRT and the female body in relation to the hormones involved in the "change" known as menopause. I will be addressing many of the more common symptoms women experience as they progress through peri-menopause and menopause and how to handle them with grace
.Do I NEED Hormone Replacement Therapy?
This is a question most women ask at least once while going through menopause.
Most doctors will tell you yes. The school of thought is by taking a synthetic hormone you protect your body against heart disease and osteoporosis. It will also make their job easier because the belief is HRT will manage the symptoms associated with menopause.
But do you really NEED to take HRT? How did our foremothers get through menopause before HRT? After all HRT has only been around for about 50 years. They did it why can't we?
I believe you can do it. You may change your ideas about health and learn some new things about how your body works, but you can do it. Don't be afraid because you do have choices. Do remember that as you go through this journey you are in motion and so are your hormones so symptoms may change month to month and even week to week. Still, these can be managed with knowledge and patience.
In the weeks to come I will be covering the female body in relation to the hormones involved in the "change" known as menopause. I will be addressing many of the more common symptoms women experience as they progress through peri-menopause and menopause and how to handle them with grace.
Most doctors will tell you yes. The school of thought is by taking a synthetic hormone you protect your body against heart disease and osteoporosis. It will also make their job easier because the belief is HRT will manage the symptoms associated with menopause.
But do you really NEED to take HRT? How did our foremothers get through menopause before HRT? After all HRT has only been around for about 50 years. They did it why can't we?
I believe you can do it. You may change your ideas about health and learn some new things about how your body works, but you can do it. Don't be afraid because you do have choices. Do remember that as you go through this journey you are in motion and so are your hormones so symptoms may change month to month and even week to week. Still, these can be managed with knowledge and patience.
In the weeks to come I will be covering the female body in relation to the hormones involved in the "change" known as menopause. I will be addressing many of the more common symptoms women experience as they progress through peri-menopause and menopause and how to handle them with grace.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Peri-Menopause: A Weighty Issue
I was thrown into early menopause according to my family history and during this time gained a substantial amount of weight. Early on I didn't really understand how or why this happened since I really didn't change my diet or exercise program. In addition, I gained a lot of weight pretty quickly. I was always slightly heavy but never obese. Now, according to Western medical standards, I'm obese. Does this sound at all like what you've experienced?
As time went by and I got farther along in peri-menopause I was able to drop 40-45 pounds but I still maintain in excess of 50 stubborn pounds. The good news is based on research and case studies it has been determined that this excess weight will drop once I have stopped all menstrual activity.
I've been very frustrated with the stance that many physicians have taken with this issue. Western medicine does not fully understand why women gain weight during this turbulent time of in a woman's life. The most they will say is that we don't need as many calories and our lives become more sedentary as we age. I see this as too simplified and it doesn't explain many of my experiences or frustrations.
One explanation for the weight gain and specifically the addition of FAT is the body's protective nature. In its constant endeavor to endure, the body begins to "sense" a change coming. During this time the ovaries, the body's major source of estrogen, begin to fail or slow down the production of estrogen and other female hormones. In response the body begins to protect this estrogen by stock-piling it into the FAT cells for use later. The extra fat tissue thus becomes an extra endocrine gland, one of the many sources of estrogen metabolism and an important one at that.
Think of it this way: You have a lot of money and want to spread the wealth to a few different checking accounts and a savings account. As one of the checking accounts gets low your automatic transfer kicks in from your savings account to help replenish and maintain financial "health" in your checking account. Your body does something similar; by beefing up its fat stores it is insuring your body will always be prepared which could explain why just increasing exercise and decreasing calories doesn't seem to work very well.
For women who experience this storage syndrome the question is how do you spend what's in your checking account (your current fat stores) without having your savings account (your new little extra endocrine gland) continually transfer over fat? The answer is complex because every woman's physiology is different and it may sometimes be a case of trial and error until the right solution is found. We must also keep in mind that our hormones fluctuate much more often as we progress through peri-menopause, which means a solution that worked last month may not work this month.
Chris Kahl, R.N. is a co-founder of NewLogic Solutions Alternative Health & Wellness, www.newlogicsolutions.com. NewLogic Solutions is a blend of cutting edge approaches to wellness and the ancient healing solutions practiced for thousands of years. Chris has over 25 years of training and education as a registered nurse. Additionally, Chris is has been trained in TCM, she is a gifted CranioSacral Therapist, a practitioner of Acutonics Sound Healing, highly knowledgeable in Western and Eastern herbal medicine and homeopathy. Chris is also a Huna Practitioner and Alakai`i (teacher).
As time went by and I got farther along in peri-menopause I was able to drop 40-45 pounds but I still maintain in excess of 50 stubborn pounds. The good news is based on research and case studies it has been determined that this excess weight will drop once I have stopped all menstrual activity.
I've been very frustrated with the stance that many physicians have taken with this issue. Western medicine does not fully understand why women gain weight during this turbulent time of in a woman's life. The most they will say is that we don't need as many calories and our lives become more sedentary as we age. I see this as too simplified and it doesn't explain many of my experiences or frustrations.
One explanation for the weight gain and specifically the addition of FAT is the body's protective nature. In its constant endeavor to endure, the body begins to "sense" a change coming. During this time the ovaries, the body's major source of estrogen, begin to fail or slow down the production of estrogen and other female hormones. In response the body begins to protect this estrogen by stock-piling it into the FAT cells for use later. The extra fat tissue thus becomes an extra endocrine gland, one of the many sources of estrogen metabolism and an important one at that.
Think of it this way: You have a lot of money and want to spread the wealth to a few different checking accounts and a savings account. As one of the checking accounts gets low your automatic transfer kicks in from your savings account to help replenish and maintain financial "health" in your checking account. Your body does something similar; by beefing up its fat stores it is insuring your body will always be prepared which could explain why just increasing exercise and decreasing calories doesn't seem to work very well.
For women who experience this storage syndrome the question is how do you spend what's in your checking account (your current fat stores) without having your savings account (your new little extra endocrine gland) continually transfer over fat? The answer is complex because every woman's physiology is different and it may sometimes be a case of trial and error until the right solution is found. We must also keep in mind that our hormones fluctuate much more often as we progress through peri-menopause, which means a solution that worked last month may not work this month.
Chris Kahl, R.N. is a co-founder of NewLogic Solutions Alternative Health & Wellness, www.newlogicsolutions.com. NewLogic Solutions is a blend of cutting edge approaches to wellness and the ancient healing solutions practiced for thousands of years. Chris has over 25 years of training and education as a registered nurse. Additionally, Chris is has been trained in TCM, she is a gifted CranioSacral Therapist, a practitioner of Acutonics Sound Healing, highly knowledgeable in Western and Eastern herbal medicine and homeopathy. Chris is also a Huna Practitioner and Alakai`i (teacher).
Monday, July 6, 2009
3 Keys to Dealing with Peri-Menopause
There is so much mis-information out there about what happens to a woman's body as she enters the new phase in her life known as peri-menopause (PM) and eventually menopause (MP). I remember when I turned 40 I received a book called Menopaws as a gag gift. I was so hurt and insulted that I never even opened up the book. Now, 12 years later and having gone without my period for 8 months most physicians will tell you I'm officially in menopause.
I wish I still had that book because I could use a few laughs about what has transpired over the past 12 years as I made the transition into menopause.
Luckily for me my partner, Chris Kahl, is an R.N. and an expert in women's health. She has been an R.N. for over 25 years. In addition, she is well trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), herbology and various other natural approaches and let me tell you that all these perspectives are important. It is having a well-trained and well educated healthcare practitioner that will make getting through this long and sometimes challenging life change easier.
Here are my three keys for dealing with peri-menopause:
Key #1: It's your body. If you are in touch with what's "normal" for you then you'll know when it's time to consult a healthcare professional if you are experiencing something out of your range of normal. Listen to your body. Notice what's different and DO stay calm. One thing is for sure, when going through peri-menopause, many bodily issues that seemed normal in the past may suddenly become “abnormal.” Stay calm.
Key #2: Educate yourself just enough to understand that you are not going crazy. There is an old saying “you have just enough knowledge to make yourself dangerous.” Learning about your body is important. Going to the Internet to self-diagnose and self-treat is dangerous. I’m pretty knowledgeable about my body, but I’m not objective and I’m not an expert in vitamins, over the counter supplements and herbs. That advice needs to come from an expert who can evaluate your individual physiology and needs.
Key #3: Find a superb practitioner who listens to you, encourages you to listen to your body, understands traditional allopathic medicine and can give you natural options to good health. There is a time and place for the benefits of traditional allopathic medicine and yet this option can be very limiting (often confined to synthetic hormone replacement therapy) or nothing at all. Explore other healthcare practitioners. Acupuncturists are considered primary care physicians and can often treat peri-menopausal issues successfully, however most of them are not trained to understand traditional allopathic medicine so you may have to find an open minded allopathic physician to work with you if you choose this path.
- Ask for referrals to a healthcare provider from friends, neighbors or co-workers who have experienced what you are going through.
- Do NOT think that what works for your friend is what you should go out and buy from the local health food store. Everyone’s physiology is different and you should be treated as an individual.
- Self-treating can often be a waste of money and time and in some cases lead to dire results.
- Invest in your health and you’ll reap the rewards
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