In honor of #WorldMenopauseDay, I reflect on the impactful and educational 3 days I spent at The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M) Women's Health Summit a few weeks ago. Here are some key takeaways that continue to fuel my passion for advocating for better women’s health and well-being.
The Gender Health Gap: Why Women Deserve Better Care
There is a staggering gender health gap in healthcare, with women living longer than men but spending 25% more of their lifetime in poor health. The reality is that women often experience gender bias and gaslighting when addressing health concerns, leading to delays in diagnosis and worse outcomes from the treatments they receive. It's time to address this disparity and empower women to take control of their health.
The Lack of Female Representation in Medical Research
Historically, women have been underrepresented in medical research. Until 1993, women were largely excluded from clinical trials, and even today, less than 1/3 of clinical trial participants are women. This lack of representation has contributed to a healthcare system that doesn’t fully understand or address the unique needs of women.
Women and Chronic Conditions: A Long Road Ahead
Women are disproportionately affected by chronic conditions, especially during the peri-menopause and menopause phases. These phases can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years, leaving women to navigate complex fluctuations in hormones, insulin resistance, metabolism, and immune function. Alarmingly, 80% of clinicians report feeling inadequately trained to support women through the menopause transition.
Empowering Women: Destigmatizing Menopause and Hormone Health
As we continue to destigmatize topics like aging, menopause, and hormonal health, we empower women to become change agents in advocating for their own longevity. A decline in estrogen during menopause is linked to numerous health issues, from sleep disturbances and fatigue to physical frailty and cognitive decline. Understanding these challenges is key to fostering better health outcomes for women as they age.
A Holistic Approach to Women's Health: Thriving into the Golden Years
To thrive in the golden years, a holistic approach is essential. Being proactive about protecting both our body and brain is the best strategy for aging well.
SLEEP 😴: Crucial for protecting cognitive health and supporting weight management and immunometabolism.
FITNESS 💪: Vital for maintaining muscle mass (the "currency" of aging) and reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease 🧠 and cardiovascular disease 🫀.
PROTEIN 🏋🏼: Supports hormone production and helps protect muscle mass.
GUT MICROBIOME 🦠: Plays a critical role in hormone regulation and the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are essential for mitochondrial health and reducing oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines.
STRESS MANAGEMENT 🧘🏼: Helps mitigate brain volume decline linked to cortisol and supports nervous system regulation.
The Women's Health Movement: A Bright Future
The women’s health movement is gaining traction, with progress being made in how we scientifically understand and address the unique needs of women.
This progress was clear at the Women's Health Summit, where leading experts, such as Felice Gersh, MD, Maddy Dychtwald, Sara Gottfried, James LaValle, Erika Schwartz, MD, Dr. Jennifer Pearlman MD CCFP NCMP FAARM ABAARM, Elisa Song, MD, and Fatima Cody Stanford, shared the latest medical research on women’s health, menopause, hormone health, and more!
How Probiotics Can Support Women's Health
As we explore the key factors that influence women’s health, it’s important not to overlook the role of the gut microbiome in supporting overall wellness. Probiotics for women are becoming increasingly recognized for their ability to support gut health, which in turn impacts immune function, hormonal balance, and even mood regulation.
Taking probiotics regularly may help regulate the gut-brain axis, enhance digestion, and reduce inflammation, all of which are critical for women navigating menopause and aging. By supporting a healthy microbiome, women can improve their resilience against the physical and emotional challenges of aging.
Take Charge of Your Health Today
It's time for women to take charge of their health and wellness, not just for today but for the years to come. By staying informed, advocating for better healthcare, and adopting a holistic approach to self-care, we can empower ourselves and future generations of women.
As we continue to learn and grow in our understanding of menopause, hormonal health, and aging, we’ll build a future where women’s health is prioritized and celebrated.