Eric Braverman MD on Menopause

Eric Braverman MD on Menopause

Part 6 of the Series: Aging and the \"Pauses of Life\"Menopause - The Decline in Estrogen, Progesterone, Testosterone, andMoreDid you know that once menopause begins, the rest of the \"pauses\" quicklyprogress, as the imbalances feed on each other? Consequently, your healthbreaks down. The roll down the hill goes faster and faster, especially if ourbrains aren't in good shape. The imbalances in the estrogen-progesterone ratiocan feel chaotic at best.

When estrogen production flags, the other \"pauses\" cascade. Loss of estrogencan create: changes in bone density, leading to osteopause; Heart pumpfailure, triggering cardiopause; Increased risk of breast cancer, triggeringimmunopause; Loss of memory and other cognitive deterioration, triggeringelectropause, and other \"pauses.\" You can find out more on the other pausesin other blogs (beginning October 2016).Be PreparedMost women are caught unaware by menopause. Despite scrupulous efforts tocounteract the combined effects of gravity and aging, her arms have probablybeen getting progressively flabbier since around age 30. In fact, the typicalwoman begins losing muscle mass starting around age 25, while weight beginsto climb. The unpleasant changes ahead are linked to shifting hormonal tideswithin the female aging body.

I often use the analogy of a boulder dropping into a still body of water todescribe how these changes affect everything from mood and concentration tomemory and quality of sleep. Imagine a boulder dropping into a calm, deepbody of water, representing your 22-year old self at peak reproduction health.There are ripples, slowly spreading out, heading inexorably for the distantshore. As they approach that shallow shoreline (representing you, at about age50) they gain strength and height, eventually crashing against the shore withtsunami force. The gentle swells and expanding ripples represent the years ofperimenopause between about 22 and 50. The devastation of the tsunamirepresents menopause hitting with full force.\"Freak Outs\" and Other Symptoms

Along with hot flashes, the following symptoms can be experienced duringmenopause:•Attention deficiencies•Bone weakness•Vaginal dryness•Failure to ovulate•Hair loss•Loss of libido•Mood swings (Freak-Outs)Abdominal weight gainBut why are increased body fat, loss of muscle tone, weight gain around themiddle, and \"freak-outs\" common occurrences during menopause?The fall of estrogen and progesterone cause a cascade of rising blood sugarsand lower mental activity. Women begin to feel both hungry and tired so often,they eat more junk food to stay alert and they exercise less. The good news isthat we now have the ability to give low dosages of natural hormones that willtransform not only the way you feel but the way you look.

GABA and serotonin agents can stop the \"freak-outs\" many women experienceas a result of declining estrogen levels. This occurs because you're losingprogesterone, the hormone that keeps you calm. Without progesterone, manywomen experience a general \"sinking\" feeling. With the right treatment, thisfeeling will go away.If your hot flashes and other symptoms are severe, you may need to let yourdoctor know - estrogen-containing products can be a most effective treatment.

Progesterone to the RescueProgesterone is a medical gift. It's a natural mood balancer, stress reliever, andbrain calmer, and it squashes cortisol (our stress hormone). It is a naturaldiuretic, antidepressant, antioxidant, and a precursor of cortisone andnecessary for survival.\"Battle\" StrategiesBy taking natural estrogen and other bioidentical supplements, you can turnback the clock. While there's no medication that will stop menopause fromoccuring, you can trick your brain into thinking it is 50 forever.The only way menopause can be successfully treated is by imitating the body'sown mechanisms, which means replacing the hormones that the bodynaturally has lost. By maintaining and increasing hormone levels, you canrestore your health and even reverse the symptoms that have been affectingyou. Natural hormones have been found to be capable of doing this withoutcausing negative side effects.You can also strengthen your overall health by supplementing with vitamin D.Typically I prescribe 5,000 units per day as a natural brain builder.

My Rainbow Diet will allow you to control your weight and stop the cascade ofillness associated with obesity. It's remarkable how carrying as little as 10 extrapounds can significantly affect your overall health. Keep your meals full ofcolorful fruits and vegetables, herbs and spices, lean proteins, and healthy fats.And discuss with your doctor about taking these code-breaking hormones:Hormonal Treatment Brain CodeActionProgesterone GABA, SerotoninTestosterone DopamineEstradiol (E2) AcetylcholineEstrone (E3) AcetylcholineDHEA Acetylcholine, DopaminePregnenolone GABA

By understanding the intricate neurochemical relationships among organs, thebrain, and the body's various systems, it is possible to marshal appropriatelines of defense against detrimental aging. These include lifestylemodifications, nutrition and supplement therapy, bioidentical hormonereplacement, and if needed, prescription medications to help women achieveoptimal health and minimize the ravages of \"normal aging.\"For more information or help, call us at PATH Medical to make an appointment.Early detection is always key towards better health.Author Bio:Eric Braverman MD is a Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa graduate ofBrandeis University and NYU Medical School, did brain research at HarvardMedical School, and trained at an affiliate of Yale Medical School. Dr.Braverman is acknowledged worldwide as an expert in brain-based diagnosisand treatment, and he lectures to and trains doctors in anti-aging medicine.