The #1 Menopause Doctor: Stop Suffering Now | Dr. Mary Claire Haver
Added: Mar 22, 2024
In this podcast episode, Mel Robbins interviews Dr. Mary Claire Haver, a board-certified Obstetrics and Gynecology specialist, a certified menopause practitioner, and a certified culinary medicine specialist. She is the founder of the Mary Claire Wellness Clinic, dedicated to menopausal patient care. Dr. Haver is passionate about educating women on menopause and hormone health because of the lack of information and understanding in the medical community.Key takeaways
Menopause is a natural process characterized by a decline in estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels, leading to various symptoms like hot flashes, weight gain, and mood changes.
Estrogen plays a crucial role in regulating inflammation in the body, and a decline in estrogen levels during menopause can lead to increased inflammation and symptoms like joint pain and swelling.
Education is key in improving menopause care, as many healthcare professionals lack training in hormone health, leading to a gap in understanding and treatment options for women.
Perimenopause is the transitional phase before menopause, marked by symptoms like irregular periods, hot flashes, and joint pain as estrogen levels begin to decline.
Strength training and resistance exercises are essential for women during menopause to improve bone and muscle health, emphasizing the importance of overall well-being during this life stage.
Menopause and Hormone Changes
Menopause is a natural process that occurs in women as they age. It is characterized by a decline in estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels. Estrogen plays a crucial role in the body, affecting every organ system. As women age, their ovaries stop producing sex hormones, leading to symptoms such as hot flashes, weight gain, mood changes, joint pain, and more.
Estrogen plays a role in regulating serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain, which can impact mood and mental health. Women may experience symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive difficulties due to hormonal changes during menopause. Hormone fluctuations can also contribute to conditions like ADHD and migraines.
Inflammation and Hormones
Estrogen is an anti-inflammatory hormone that helps regulate the body's inflammatory response. A decline in estrogen levels can lead to increased inflammation, which may manifest as symptoms like joint pain, swelling, and other inflammatory conditions.
Importance of Education
Dr. Haver emphasizes the importance of educating healthcare professionals about menopause and hormone health. Many medical professionals lack training in menopause care, leading to a gap in understanding and treatment options for women experiencing hormonal changes. By raising awareness and providing comprehensive education, women can receive better support and care during menopause.
Perimenopause
Dr. Haver defines perimenopause as the period 7 to 10 years before menopause when women may experience irregular periods, hot flashes, joint pain, gut issues, and other symptoms. This phase marks the transition to menopause as the ovaries begin to produce less estrogen.
Menopause
Menopause is officially reached when a woman has gone a full year without a menstrual period. At this point, the ovaries have stopped releasing eggs, and estrogen levels have significantly decreased. Women in menopause may continue to experience symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and vaginal dryness.
Postmenopause
Postmenopause is the phase following menopause where estrogen levels remain low. Women in this stage are at increased risk for conditions like osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and genital urinary issues. While the body still produces small amounts of estrogen from sources like fat cells, it is significantly lower than premenopausal levels.
Impact of Estrogen
Estrogen plays a crucial role in women's health, affecting various bodily functions such as bone density, heart health, and vaginal lubrication. The decline in estrogen during menopause can lead to a range of symptoms and health concerns.
Treatment Options
Dr. Haver discusses various treatment options for managing menopausal symptoms, including hormone replacement therapy, nutrition, exercise, stress reduction, and supplements. Hormone therapy can be beneficial for women experiencing severe symptoms and can help alleviate issues like vaginal dryness, hot flashes, and bone density loss. It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most suitable treatment approach based on individual needs and medical history.
Menopause and Cardiovascular Health
Dr. Haver explains that menopause is a critical time for women's cardiovascular health, as the risk of cardiovascular disease increases dramatically during this period. She highlights the benefits of hormone therapy in the first 10 years of menopause, as estrogen is protective and can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. Dr. Haver dispels myths surrounding hormone replacement therapy and emphasizes the importance of considering it as a primary prevention strategy for cardiovascular health in menopausal women.
Nutritional Supplements and Menopause
Dr. Haver recommends focusing on getting nutrients from food sources and supplementing only when necessary. She highlights the importance of fiber, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D in supporting overall health during menopause. She explains the benefits of each supplement and how they can help address common symptoms and health concerns associated with menopause.
Exercise and Menopause
Dr. Haver emphasizes the importance of strength training and resistance exercises for women during menopause. She encourages women to focus on building muscle strength rather than just aiming for a thin physique. By incorporating weight training into their exercise routine, women can improve bone and muscle health, which is crucial for overall well-being during menopause.
Sleep and Menopause
Sleep disturbances are common during menopause, and Dr. Haver discusses the role of hormones like progesterone in promoting better sleep. She advises women to prioritize sleep hygiene, avoid blue light exposure before bed, and consider using progesterone supplements to improve sleep quality. By addressing sleep issues, women can enhance their overall health and well-being during menopause.
Alcohol and Menopause
Dr. Haver highlights the impact of alcohol on menopausal women, noting that tolerance may decrease and sleep disturbances may increase with alcohol consumption. She advises women to be mindful of their alcohol intake and its effects on sleep and overall health during menopause.
Finding a Menopause Specialist
Dr. Haver acknowledges the challenges women face in finding healthcare providers who are knowledgeable about menopause. She recommends seeking out certified menopause specialists through organizations like the Menopause Society or exploring telemedicine options that focus on menopausal care. By finding a healthcare provider who understands menopause, women can receive personalized care and support tailored to their specific needs.
Empowerment and Support
In conclusion, Dr. Haver encourages women to seek support, share their experiences, and educate others about menopause. She emphasizes the power of women coming together to normalize menopause and optimize their health during this life stage. By empowering themselves with knowledge and seeking out appropriate care, women can navigate menopause with confidence and improve their overall quality of life.
