http://blue.wellness.com/blog/20256/we-already-know-bio-identical-is-better-for-treating-menopause/beth-rosenshein
Dear SusanR,
Menopause happens for one reason, the ovaries have run out of eggs. The body does not prepare for it and there is no signal from the brain that causes this to happen. It is a matter of math. With a set number of eggs and usage every month eventually all of the eggs will be used.
Without help the ovaries will run out of eggs by about age 45-55. With help the ovaries will not run out of eggs until 70-80 years old or more. It sounds odd for a woman to have ovarian function into old age. However, having eggs does not guarantee fertility but it does guarantee ovarian hormones to keep a woman healthy for the duration of her lifetime. It also guarantees her a vastly improved quality of life.
Bio-identical hormones, when used properly and in the proper dosages, are only beneficial. When dosages are too high or too low there are side effects. It is unfortunate that doctors are not properly trained in their usage. So many women, their families and their careers would benefit!
Thanks,
Beth
“Making effective treatment for hypogonadism available to all women”
Posted by Beth Rosenshein
http://blue.wellness.com/blog/20256/we-already-know-bio-identical-is-better-for-treating-menopause/beth-rosenshein
I think menopause prevention is an impossibility but to slow it's onset is more conceivable. Furthermore, bioidentical hormone replacements are not "drugs" per say, as they mimic our natural hormones on a molecular level. They are not foreign to our physiology.
Posted by SusanR
http://blue.wellness.com/blog/20256/we-already-know-bio-identical-is-better-for-treating-menopause/beth-rosenshein
You are right that diet is very important in maintaining health. In fact, it has been shown that poor diet can lead to women experiencing ovarian failure (menopause) as early as 30 years of age. It has also been observed that many women are now experiencing ovarian failure at a later age than expected.
The later age of ovarian failure is likely due to our diet. It may also be because we weigh more. Increased weight means the ratio of our ovarian hormones changes somewhat and this change appears to slow the usage of the eggs in the ovary. Slower usage means the ovaries would last longer.
So, is there a special diet or exercise plan to stall ovarian failure? I would say a good, balanced diet, as well as adequate rest and not too much stress is in your favor. Exercising can also influence the ovarian hormone ratios for the better. However, to stall ovarian failure for years, diet and exercise alone would not be enough.
To actually postpone ovarian failure (menopause) you would have to have a very good diet, adequate rest and exercise, and the ovarian hormone ratios which would help the ovary work more efficiently and last longer. To maintain the necessary ovarian hormone ratios you would need to work with your doctor.
I agree with you that postponing ovarian failure for as long as possible would be a healthy thing to do.
Here are some links to studies on later onset of ovarian failure:
<url removed>
You can read more about how to work with your doctor at <url removed>.
Posted by Beth Rosenshein
http://blue.wellness.com/blog/20256/we-already-know-bio-identical-is-better-for-treating-menopause/beth-rosenshein
From <url removed>
wellness
n. The condition of good physical and mental health, especially when maintained by proper diet, exercise, and habits.
Given this website is about Wellness, not drugs, I have an interest in what you recommend in regards to Diet and Exercise for menopause prevention?
The medical community KNOWS diet is crutial for good health, prevention of diseases and organ failures, or people with Diabetes and heart patients for example would not be given special diets to follow.
Posted by Kathryn Hornbaker