Blog
Motivation to Blog!
I was motivated to start a blog because I struggled with navigating perimenopause and menopause. Despite being a natural phase in every woman's life, I was woefully unprepared and lacked essential information. While I acknowledged my part in not seeking out knowledge sooner, I was also disheartened by the inadequate guidance from my doctor and the general silence on the topic. It often felt like my concerns were dismissed as "all in my head," making it easier for others to avoid the conversation. This lack of discourse and support around menopause is a disservice to all women, and it drove me to create a platform where we can openly discuss and share valuable insights, experiences, and advice.
"So, let's talk about it."
"I can support you on your journey with my experience and knowledge, and the best part is that I have your best interest at heart. Knowledge is a powerful tool and can be a great ally when dealing with perimenopause and menopause. I will provide the information, skills, and knowledge I have gained through my journey. Subscribe to my blogs today, and let's start the conversation."
Debra
"How Alcohol Affects Your Body: From Digestion to Long-Term Health Risks"
Before I begin writing my blogs, I review my journal to see what has caught my interest over the past month. This month, I started a liver detox program. While researching how the liver works, I realized that I knew very little about how alcohol is digested. As I sit down to write my latest blog post today, I've decided to research how our bodies process alcohol. I have never really dove into how this all works, which is attractive as my father died of alcohol poisoning and liver failure at the age of 58.
"Fluid Harmony: Lymphatic Drainage Strategies for Menopausal Wellness”
The lymphatic system, often considered the body's "waste management" system, is crucial in maintaining overall health and wellness. For women, particularly during menopause, understanding and supporting lymphatic drainage becomes even more critical.
“The Menopause-Hair Connection: Strategies for Preventing and Treating Hair Loss”
Understanding Women's Hair Loss: Causes and Solutions
While hair loss is often seen as a problem that mainly affects men, it's crucial to acknowledge that millions of women worldwide also face this issue. For women, hair is deeply connected to their identity, confidence, and self-esteem, making hair loss an emotionally taxing experience. By understanding the causes and exploring effective solutions, we can better empathize with and support women in managing this condition.
"Healthy Eating Habits for Vibrant Living: A Guide to Nourishing Your Body in Your Menopausal Journey"
Fuel your body, boost your energy levels, and prioritize longevity! This should be everyone's motto.
However, many people still need to acknowledge the importance of proper nutrition. In this post, I want to share the significant changes I have made to my approach to nutrition. Instead of following diets, I have shifted my focus towards a more holistic view of my nutritional lifestyle. I focus on fueling my body with “good” carbs, sugars, fats, and fiber. This change resulted in sustainable adjustments that improved my health. I lost 15.4 lbs, 3 points of visceral fat, and 4 inches off my waist; I have more energy, sleep better, and have maintained it.
As we navigate through life, especially during the transition of menopause, the importance of a balanced diet becomes increasingly evident. What we eat plays a significant role in managing menopausal symptoms and enhancing overall health. Understanding the value of "good" carbs, sugars, and fats is crucial in making informed dietary choices that support your body's needs.
"Thriving Through Menopause: Harnessing Physical and Emotional Strength for a Healthier Transition"
Menopause is a significant transition in a woman's life, marking the end of her reproductive years. This natural biological process often brings various physical and emotional challenges. Cultivating emotional and physical strength is essential to navigating this phase effectively.
“Stress and Menopause: Strategies to Ease the Transition and Improve Well-Being"
Understanding Stress: How It Can Damage the Body, Signs to Look For, and Strategies to Cope and Heal
In today's fast-paced world, stress has become an almost ubiquitous part of life. Whether it's due to work pressures, personal issues, or daily life's general hustle and bustle, everyone experiences stress at some point. While a bit of stress can be beneficial and help us stay alert and focused, chronic stress can take a significant toll on our physical and mental health. Understanding the impact of stress on the body, recognizing the signs, and knowing how to cope and heal are crucial for maintaining overall well-being.
“The Art of Happiness: Strategies for Cultivating Joy in Everyday Life"
Finding happiness can sometimes seem impossible in our fast-paced world, where stress and negativity lurk around every corner. However, happiness is not bestowed upon us; we must cultivate and practice it daily. By incorporating simple yet powerful habits into our daily lives, we can work towards achieving a sense of lasting joy and contentment.
"Finding Peace: Overcoming Anxiety in your Menopausal Journey."
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA), defines panic attacks as A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear that triggers severe physical reactions when there is no real danger or apparent cause. Those who experience anxiety attacks quickly learn that they can be highly unpleasant experiences. Even so, anxiety attacks and their symptoms can be successfully overcome with the correct information, help, and support.
Menopause is a significant transition in a woman's life, marking the end of her reproductive years. This natural process can bring about physical and emotional changes, including an increase in anxiety attacks. The hormonal changes during Menopause, particularly the decrease in estrogen and progesterone, can lead to mood swings, irritability, and anxiety. Understanding this connection can help women manage their symptoms more effectively.
"Sleep Smarter: Essential Sleep Tips for Your 50s"
The Importance of Sleep: for Those in Their 50s and Menopause.
As I lay awake at 3:00 am, I ponder the importance of sleep. I contemplate why I am awake and how I can return to sleep. I consider different breathing techniques that can help me sleep. Is this due to Menopause? Why is my mind racing at 3 am? As we navigate through various stages of life, our bodies and minds have evolving needs. One constant, however, is the necessity of quality sleep. By the time we reach our 50s, ensuring adequate rest becomes more crucial than ever. Then, add Menopause to the mix, and you have a whole new set of issues.
"Harmonizing Hues: Exploring the Healing Power of Light Therapy"
Light is a critical factor in promoting overall health and well-being. The circadian rhythms of the body, which regulate sleep-wake cycles, hormone secretion, body temperature, and other physiological processes, are highly influenced by exposure to light. Natural daylight during the day and darkness at night can help synchronize our circadian rhythms and promote optimal sleep quality, energy levels, and overall health.
“Chasing Joy: Embarking on the Journey to Your Ultimate Happy Place”
It is Essential to Discover your Happy Place during the Menopause Journey.
"Beyond Reproduction: The Comprehensive Benefits of Estrogen Unveiled”
The use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) dates back to the 1960s and gained immense popularity in the 1990s. Clinical trials on HRT and chronic postmenopausal conditions were conducted in the USA in the late 1990s. However, the announcement of the first results of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) in 2002, which showed that HRT had more harmful than beneficial effects, led to a drop in its usage. The study's negative results received widespread publicity, causing panic among some users and new guidance. However, a reanalysis of the WHI trial was conducted in the following years, and recent studies have shown that the use of HRT in younger women or early postmenopausal women has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system, reducing coronary disease and all-cause mortality and helping overall symptoms of Menopause. Despite this, public opinion on HRT has not changed yet, leading to critical negative consequences for women's health and quality of life.
"Sweet Harmony: Nourishing Your Nutritional Well-being with Good Sugars"
The debate over sugar is one that I, along with everyone I know, have had. We view sugars differently depending on the latest fad or diet of the month. However, after studying this topic for a year and a half, and losing 12.5 lbs., I've realized that consuming good sugars is essential. We must strive to balance our diet with good sugars while eliminating harmful ones.
In this blog post, we'll explore the differences between good and harmful sugars and why some sugars can benefit your health.
"Healthy Eating Habits for Vibrant Living: A Guide to Nourishing Your Body in Your 50s"
Taking care of your body, boosting your energy levels, and promoting longevity should be everyone’s motto!
However, many people still need to acknowledge the importance of proper nutrition. In this post, I want to share the significant changes I have made to my approach to nutrition. Instead of following diets, I have shifted my focus towards a more holistic view of my nutritional lifestyle. This change resulted in sustainable adjustments that improved my health. I lost 10.2 lbs and 2 points of visceral fat a little over two months after committing to my health.
Boulder's Natural Beauty: My Happy Place And Hiking Haven."
When someone asks me about my happy place, I don't hesitate to answer: Boulder, Colorado. Nestled at the foothills of the majestic Rocky Mountains, Boulder is a charming city that offers an unparalleled blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, a vibrant community, and some fantastic restaurants. There's no greater joy for me than lacing up my hiking boots and hitting the trails in this enchanting paradise, where hiking becomes my ultimate high, and finishing the day off at one of my favorite restaurants.
"Beyond Stereotypes: Exploring Testosterone in Women - Advantages and Complications"
When we hear the word "testosterone," the image of a burly, muscular man might come to mind. However, testosterone isn't exclusive to men; it also plays a crucial role in women's health. Often considered a male hormone, testosterone is present in smaller quantities in women and serves various bodily functions.
“Radiant Skin at 50 and Beyond: A Menopausal Skincare Routine"
As women go through their menopause journey, their skin changes significantly due to hormonal shifts. This can result in various challenges and transformations, emphasizing the importance of establishing a comprehensive skincare regimen to maintain a healthy and glowing complexion. I experienced this when I turned 50 and noticed that my skin underwent significant changes. My previous routine was no longer effective, and my skin required extra attention and care to keep it looking its best.
"Estrogen's Influence: Tips on Navigating Vaginal Health Through Hormonal Changes"
“Estrogen’s Influence: Tips on Navigating Vaginal Health Through Hormonal Changes”
Estrogen plays a vital role in a woman's overall health, affecting not only reproductive function but also various aspects of her body. One area where estrogen's influence is particularly significant is vaginal health. As women age and experience menopause, which affects estrogen levels, the loss of this hormone can profoundly affect the vagina.
“Confidently Charting the Waters of Post-Menopause"
Entering post-menopause is often a significant milestone in a woman's life. While it may bring specific challenges, it's essential to understand that this phase can also be a time of empowerment, growth, and renewed well-being.