Podcast Summary
Menopause recognition: Despite being an experienced medical professional, Dr. Newson missed the signs of her own menopause due to their subtlety and societal taboo. Open conversations and increased awareness are crucial for early recognition and management.
Even medical professionals like Dr. Louise Newson can miss the signs of menopause despite their expertise. During a podcast episode, she shared her personal story of how she didn't recognize the symptoms despite being an experienced GP. She attributes this to the subtlety of menopause symptoms and the societal taboo around the topic. Additionally, she discussed the struggle many women face with weight gain during and after menopause, a topic she addressed in detail during episode 223 of the Doctor's Kitchen podcast. Dr. Newson's experience highlights the importance of open conversations about menopause and the need for increased awareness and education on the subject. It's a reminder that no one is immune to the subtle signs of menopause, and it's essential to prioritize our health and well-being at all stages of life.
Impact of menopause on overall health: Menopause affects women beyond hot flashes, impacting their overall health. Dr. Newson's personal journey led her to explore the biological effects of hormones and establish MenopauseDoctor.co to share her knowledge.
The menopause experience goes beyond just hot flashes and can significantly impact a woman's overall health. Dr. Louise Newson, a menopause specialist, shared her personal journey of discovering this fact over eight years ago. Before then, she would have prescribed hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to women experiencing menopause without fully understanding the range of symptoms they might face. However, after being inspired by scientific research and her own curiosity, she delved deeper into the biological effects of hormones, particularly inflammation. This led her to establish the MenopauseDoctor.co website to share her knowledge with a wider audience. Her own experience of feeling exhausted during menopause, despite having three children, further underscored the importance of addressing the various symptoms women face during this stage of life. Overall, Dr. Newson's story highlights the need for a more holistic approach to understanding and treating menopause.
Chronic health issues impact: Chronic health issues can cause a range of symptoms including fatigue, muscle/joint pain, difficulty with daily activities, night sweats, and emotional distress. These symptoms can significantly impact daily life and relationships.
The speaker was experiencing a range of symptoms, including fatigue, muscle and joint pain, difficulty with yoga practice, night sweats, and concerns about a potential recurrence of pancreatitis. These symptoms left her feeling cross, uninterested in things, and worried about her health. The night sweats, in particular, were distressing and disruptive to her sleep. The speaker's husband suggested that her symptoms could be related to a lymphoma, which also causes night sweats. The speaker expressed concern about this possibility, as she had a history of pancreatitis, which can affect hormone levels and lead to night sweats. Overall, the speaker's experience highlights the impact that chronic health issues can have on daily life, and the emotional and physical toll that such symptoms can take.
Healthcare communication: Effective communication between patients and healthcare providers is crucial for addressing health concerns and prioritizing care. Patients should advocate for their health and seek timely care, while healthcare professionals should prioritize empathy and understanding to build trust and foster open dialogue.
Catastrophizing about health concerns can be a common experience for both patients and healthcare professionals. The speaker, a doctor, shared her personal story of ignoring her own symptoms due to fear and uncertainty, which ultimately led to worsening health conditions. She acknowledged the challenges patients face in prioritizing and communicating their symptoms during limited appointment times, fearing they won't be taken seriously. This experience highlights the importance of open communication between patients and healthcare providers, as well as the need for patients to advocate for their health and seek timely care when necessary. Additionally, the use of social media platforms like Instagram can provide opportunities for patients to share their experiences, connect with others, and receive support and advice. Overall, the discussion underscores the significance of addressing the emotional and practical aspects of healthcare, and the importance of empathy, understanding, and effective communication in the healthcare system.
Menopause realizations: Everyday experiences can lead to significant realizations, such as recognizing menopause symptoms, which are essential for overall health and well-being.
Our experiences, even the seemingly mundane ones, can lead us to significant realizations. The speaker shares an instance where she was chopping an onion in the kitchen and had an argument with her teenage daughter about social media use. Feeling frustrated and angry, she put down the knife and had an epiphany – she had been experiencing menopause symptoms without realizing it. This realization led her to understand the importance of recognizing and addressing menopause symptoms, which she had been dismissing as mere mood swings. The experience also motivated her to work hard to help others access natural hormone replacement therapy. This anecdote underscores the importance of self-awareness and the potential for transformative insights in everyday life.
Mental health advocacy: Persistence and self-advocacy are crucial in accessing proper mental health treatment, even when faced with long wait times or initial lack of improvement. Staying informed and open-minded about alternative options can lead to noticeable improvements.
Accessing proper healthcare treatment can be a challenging process, especially when dealing with mental health issues and limited resources. The speaker's experience highlights the importance of persistence and advocating for one's needs, even when faced with long wait times or initial lack of improvement with prescribed treatments. Additionally, the speaker's willingness to explore alternative options, such as hormone therapy, demonstrates the importance of staying informed and open-minded in the pursuit of better health. Despite initial hesitations, the speaker's decision to try testosterone led to noticeable improvements. Overall, this experience underscores the importance of prioritizing one's health, advocating for oneself, and staying informed in order to receive effective treatment.
Access to HRT: Dr. Fenton's personal experience and advocacy emphasize the importance of equal access to HRT for all, regardless of demographics, and the need for more open discussions about its benefits for various health conditions.
Access to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) should be a choice for everyone who needs it, regardless of demographics. Dr. Fenton's personal experience with the transformative effects of HRT during menopause led her to advocate for equal access for all. She was surprised by the challenges she faced in obtaining the treatment despite being a doctor herself. HRT is an evidence-based medicine, yet it's been denied to many people. Dr. Fenton believes that everyone, including the younger generation, should be educated about HRT and its benefits. She emphasizes that it's not just a woman's issue, as nearly half of the population will be indirectly affected. Her 12-year-old daughter, who uses HRT for her migraines, even asked to be included in a podcast about menopause, highlighting the need for more open discussions about HRT.
Seeking help during menopause: Ignoring menopause symptoms or feeling embarrassed can lead to missed opportunities for improving quality of life. Seek help through books, podcasts, or healthcare professionals.
While it's important for people to recognize and talk about the menopause, it's equally important for them to take the next step and seek out appropriate help and treatment. The menopause is not just a few symptoms that will go away on their own, and ignoring it or being embarrassed about it can lead to missed opportunities for improving quality of life. With the increased awareness and conversation around the menopause, it's crucial that individuals take the necessary steps to find the right help for them. This can include reading books, listening to podcasts, or seeking advice from healthcare professionals. Don't let embarrassment or a lack of knowledge hold you back from taking charge of your health during the menopause. Remember, there is help available, and it's worth exploring your options to find what works best for you.