Summary: <p>In this podcast episode, we discuss the often-unacknowledged transition of menopause and its effects on women. </p> <p>My guest, Monika Björn, hit perimenopause in her mid-40s and struggled to find relatable information for women in the middle of their careers. Monika decided to research and write a book about her journey, which included physical and mental symptoms such as joint pain, muscle aches, irregular heartbeats, difficulty sleeping, and anxiety, all commonly experienced by 80-95% of women during menopause. </p> <p>One of the critical topics Monika addresses is the 2002 Women's Health Initiative study, which needed to be revised and revised, leading to a decrease in the use of Hormonal Replacement Therapy (HRT). Monika emphasizes the critical window for HRT being ten years within menopause to prevent hardening of the arteries, and recent studies suggest HRT may also protect against Alzheimer's and Dementia if started when symptoms appear. In her book, Monika sheds light on the different types of HRT, including synthetic hormones, bioidentical hormones, and body-identical hormones. She explains why progesterone protects the uterus lining and prevents cancer.</p> <p>Monika encourages women in their 30s to prioritize their lifestyle, build muscle mass, and find stress relief techniques, and in their 40s to continue strength training but adjust intensity, duration, and frequency if necessary. Monika suggests keeping a diary to log symptoms and interventions and acknowledges the concern of rapid weight gain but cautions against trying to combat it with diet and exercise as it may make things worse. </p> <p>Finally, Monika acknowledges the frustration and identity crisis that women may experience during perimenopause but encourages them to know they will regain their full strength, speed, and ability. She stresses the importance of having knowledge and understanding during this time, as everything can be managed with a simple solution that can drastically improve one's experience over the arc of menopause. </p> <p>Takeaways:</p> <p>- Menopause is a transition that affects many women but often goes unacknowledged</p> <p>- 80-95% of women experience physical and mental symptoms during Menopause - HRT can prevent hardening of the arteries if started within ten years of Menopause </p> <p>- HRT may also protect against Alzheimer's and Dementia if started when symptoms appear </p> <p>- Different types of HRT include synthetic hormones, bioidentical hormones, and body-identical hormones </p> <p>- Progesterone is essential in protecting the uterus lining and preventing cancer </p> <p>- Women in their 30s should prioritize their life, build muscle mass, and find stress-relief techniques </p> <p>- Women in their 40s should continue strength training but adjust intensity, duration, and frequency if necessary </p> <p>- Keeping a diary to log symptoms and interventions can be helpful </p> <p>- Women may experience frustration and identity crises during perimenopause but can regain strength, speed, and ability.</p> <p><br></p> <p>https://www.instagram.com/monikabjorn</p> <p>https://www.instagram.com/starkgenomklimakteriet</p> <p>https://www.starkgenomklimakteriet.se/</p> --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/carlpaoli/message Support this podcast: <a href="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/carlpaoli/support" rel="payment">https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/carlpaoli/support</a>
