Mastering Menopause

Included here-in:

• Menopause overview  

• Hormone Replacement Therapy

• CBD use in Menopause

• General Recommendations

Menopause Overview

I receive enough questions from women regarding menopause that this topic deserves some space here. Deserving or not, this topic is a difficult one to address for a number of reasons. First of all, menopause has many facets and is heavily nuanced dependent on genetics (family history of breast cancer, for example), age (pre-, peri-, and post -menopausal), and personal medical history (a hysterectomy, for example). Secondly, menopause has been the unfortunate victim of erroneous and misleading studies over the years. And finally, symptoms vary widely and can include maladies not usually associated with what is considered “normal” for menopause.   

Menopause occurs when ovarian function in a woman begins to decline. The average age when this takes place in the U.S. is 52 but symptoms can start as early as 35. The basic physiology here is that the ovaries produce less estrogen and progesterone over time leading to changes throughout the body. Both hormones impact a lot more than just reproductive health and function; for example, estrogen has protective effects against cardiovascular disease. The brain, for another example, is an organ that thrives on estrogen (which explains some of the symptoms associated with menopause).

Classic symptoms of menopause are mood changes, hot flashes, vaginal thinning, and night sweats. Not so classic symptoms include depression, anxiety, joint pain, brain fog, insomnia, irritability, and exhaustion. Unfortunately, speaking of exhaustion, this is not an exhaustive list. Also unfortunately, many of these symptoms are blown off by health care providers or women are told, at least historically, to grit their teeth and try to get through it. Some women feel, either driven by religious or cultural mores, that as it is a “natural” cycle of life they must just grin and bear it.

One reason for myths and confusion surrounding menopause is due to the Women’s Health Initiative fiasco (a huge study comprised of 161,000 women that began in the 1990s). In short, they supposedly found that estrogen and progestin replacement therapy caused a significant increase in breast cancer, heart disease, and stroke. However, follow-up research found serious errors in the study and have rescinded those findings, stating critical methodological flaws as well as numerous confounding variables. Unfortunately, by the time corrective recommendations were made the use of hormone replacement therapy had dropped by 50%.

The Hormone Replacement Therapy Approach to Symptom Management

The big picture here is that many, if not most, women can benefit from hormone replacement therapy. A couple of points:

• For women with a uterus: I recommend a bio-identical estrogen cream (rubbed on forearms daily) along with a progesterone oral pill (prescription from your doctor).

• For women without a uterus (hysterectomy): estrogen cream only.

  
  

I highly recommend finding a doctor that either specializes in menopause or doing a little research yourself on what is best for you in your particular situation, considering your family and personal medical history.

Links for research:

Dr. Mary Claire Haver is one of the best-known and respected OB/GYN researcher/menopause specialists in America right now.

Link to article - Dr. Mary Claire Haver: A Comprehensive List of Perimenopause Symptoms: A Deep Dive with Expert Insights

Link to website - Mary Claire Wellness

Her book, The New Menopause, is available on Amazon.

CBD Use in Menopause

As many of you know, I have been interested in and spent a substantial amount of time researching the effects of CBD on metabolic function and dysfunction. An obvious question that I receive is if CBD can be used to alleviate menopausal symptoms. The answer is yes, for sure. Many women use CBD and swear by it. Of course, as usual, the official research on this is limited due to a paucity of controlled trials.

Green Compass, the company that I support and sell for, recently came out with a CBD product (product name: HER = made with full spectrum CBDA) that is directed at women’s health and menopausal support. All I can say is I believe it is well worth the try; see how it works for you. And yes, you can use it in conjunction with your estrogen and progesterone. You can also use together with other CBD products.

If you choose to try this product, I would like to hear from you. Does it help or not? Again, please give it time to work, a minimum of 2 to 3 months.

Link to HER - Green Compass

(Green Compass friend share code to save money: 535769)

General Recommendations

The best approach to menopause, first of all, is a direct and open approach. Find an OB/GYN that knows their stuff. Don’t feel awkward discussing issues, for example, such as loss of libido, a common menopause symptom. Secondly, as with most health care approaches, focus holistically (meaning a whole-body approach).  

Following are my general recommendations (recalling that I am not your healthcare provider, and all disclaimers apply):

• Start bio-identical estradiol – Bio-identical estradiol is an estrogen that is chemically identical to the body’s natural estrogen.

• Consider testosterone if needed – Yes, women have testosterone. If libido is low, get this checked. Many women benefit from taking testosterone.

• CBD HER – A nano-jelly based CBDA with natural menopause supporting supplements.

• There is solid research and a lot to be said for diet regulation and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

  • A low carb diet carries much benefit although this is difficult to maintain for most people. Instead, I recommend eating “clean.” Focus on whole, fresh foods and say no to ultra processed food and sugary drinks.

  • Daily exercise – anything is better than nothing. The experts recommend lifting weights and, before you close this in disgust, let me say this: it doesn’t have to be at a gym, it doesn't have to be difficult. Simply go to Walmart, buy two 10 lb. barbells and make it a part of your daily routine to do some weighted squats, for example, using the barbells.

  • Get enough fresh air and a daily brisk walk

  • Stay H2O hydrated – get enough water! 

• Vitamin D and magnesium – support overall health, calcium absorption, bone health.

• Creatine and collagen – to combat muscle loss that occurs as we age and during menopause in particular. (Mix both powders together with your morning smoothy or with juice, whatever works.)

Link to Green Compass collagen powder

Conclusion

Menopause can be a very trying time for women and can profoundly affect quality of life from many aspects. Yes, menopause is a natural process, but so is cancer. And menopause does not just affect the one suffering – in the end, it can affect and impact the family unit as well. The years that comprise the menopausal transition are precious: children are grown, grandchildren are present or on the way. Your wisdom, intuition, and support are valued and appreciated. It is well worth your time, and worth the investment, to do what you can to optimize your health during this phase.

I hope this helps.

Ben Friesen, MSN, FNP-BC

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