My story of a back injury and how I'm learning to live with it in my 40's. The plan this week was for Dave and I to follow-up from our last video, … Read the Post »
What we can do for Hormonal Changes: Life in our 40’s (and 50’s) with Dr. Dave
Dr. Dave is back to talk about what we can do for hormone changes in our 40’s (and 50’s.)
And….we’re back!
Thankfully, Dave is recovering from his man-cold, and kindly sat down with me to do another video. {Quick note: Have I mentioned that these are harder than I thought they’d be?} I think what makes these challenging is that I am very aware of the great variety of views and opinions people have on these (super-sensitive) topics, and it’s pretty much impossible to cover everything. Also, I am so eager to support and encourage every woman’s journey, so I want to tread lightly. But Dave…? Well, he’s a no-nonsense guy that doesn’t worry so much about hurting feelings as delivering the facts.
(and God knew we needed each other, right?)
Before I share the video, I truly want to thank you for all of the comments and emails we received after our last video. Seriously, your input, experiences, and questions are invaluable as we try to tackle this series!
I’ll share a few bullet points and links from the talk below the video–
- Dave is an MD, who focuses on “Evidence based medicine.” He refers to “gold standard.” research.
- Hormone replacement therapy was once widely used, until the Women’s Health Initiative found more risk than benefit overall in women taking hormone replacement therapy. In response to this, doctors backed off of prescribing hormone therapies.
- (Thankfully–) after further review, research has shown that not all hormone therapy has negative results. Most of the dangerous side affects from the WHI study were in particular groups of women, and those taking hormone replacement therapy for extended periods. Today hormone therapy is given in many cases, in careful doses, and typically for shorter periods of time. This has shown beneficial results.
- Alternative treatments, creams, or bioidenticals are options which many women find helpful, and Monica has friends who have found great help in naturopathic treatments.
- Eating copious amounts of soy products is unlikely to make a real difference in your symptoms.
- Dave reminds us of the placebo effect, and especially warns of those who market to vulnerable people for the sake of financial gain.
- It’s hard to be a woman. 🙂 But we can do this.
I hope this video offered a few things to ponder, or conversations to bring up with your own doctor. Most importantly, know that you are not alone and there is always help if you are suffering.
Here are a few related articles I found interesting:
- 10 Things Your Doctor Won’t Tell you about Hormone Therapy. (No offense, Dr. Dave. ;)) From Everyday Health
- Rethinking the use of Hormones to Ease Menopause Symptoms. From the NYTimes.
- For my natural health friends, here’s one from Wellness Mama: Vaginal Health, Menopause, and Hormones with Dr. Anna Cabeca. (this includes a podcast interview with a natural health doctor, but has lots of links in there for other related articles as well!)
Leave a comment!? If you’ve used any of the treatments mentioned in this video, (or anything not mentioned!) please feel free to share your experience in comments. Your comments might really help someone else!
Much aloha, and see you again soon!
Monica (and Dr. Dave)
