Menopause Confidential – with Dr. Tara Allmen, MD: 2BB 084

In this episode, we interview Dr. Tara Allmen, MD. who is the author of Menopause Confidential – a doctor reveals the secrets to thriving through midlife.

Coming to you from this time from the Bakersfield Botanical Gardens.

What is midlife?

Because women live into their mid-80’s (average life expectancy) midlife begins at the age of 40. If you’re 40 and beyond, it’s time to get information on what changes you can expect as you journey through peri-menopause, (starting in your 40’s) and head toward menopause, (average age 51) which never actually ends. Menopause begins with our last menstrual period until death do us part.

After menopause, we will spend over thirty-plus years as women without estrogen. That’s what “the change” is all about. Our ovaries have retired and are no longer making estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.

A hot flash on hot flashes

The average number of years women experience hot flashes is seven. However, many women will experience them for over twenty years. In some cases, their symptoms can be debilitating.

Peri-menopause – Still having periods but the body is changing and going rogue. Hot flashes, night sweats, brain fog, mood swings, weight gain, low libido, poor sleep, fatigue, etc.

Menopause – When the menstrual cycle has ceased for good.

The bigger picture

Even if you don’t experience menopausal symptoms, you still need to consider what life will be like without estrogen. It’s important to be aware of your heart health, cognitive health, and bone health as well as your health from head to toe. Women going through menopause will experience skin, hair, nails, and vision and fatigue level changes.  If you haven’t already, now is the time to make lifestyle changes to stay healthy and to maintain or lose weight. The process will also be much harder.

Dr. Allmen suggests that if you are a woman over 40, visit the website www.menopause.org for detailed information.

It’s time to get a new doctor

As a woman over 40, you need to graduate from your beloved obstetrician, because they will no longer be able to take you through your next journey. He or she won’t know the nuances of choices available for symptom relief, health protection, & disease prevention. On menopause.org, you can find credentialed experts like Dr. Allmen in your area. She practices in NYC.

Dr. Allmen is a gynecologist who specializes in women’s health over 40. She recommends that you find a gynecologist who focuses on women midlife and beyond.  Ask your insurance company for a list of GYN onlys.  Call each practice to see if women over 40 is the focus of their practice because GYN’s specialize in different aspects of women’s health (pregnancy, fertility, surgery, etc.)

Dr. Allmen’s book, “Menopause Confidential” will provide you with everything you need to know about menopause from head to toe.  She is just over 50 herself and going through menopause.

Her book will give you all the resources you need at the tip of your fingertips. She has studied the facts extensively and has made sure everything suggestion in the book is scientifically accurate.

Hormones and cardiovascular health

The number one killer of women is heart disease. Women must be especially careful about their health because up until menopause they’ve been taking care of everyone else.  (children, spouses, parents, pets, homes, etc.) Making lifestyle changes now will give you a better chance of being healthy and well when you are in your 80’s and beyond.

Priorities in midlife for heart, brain, & bone health

* Eat healthfully

* Maintain a healthy weight

* Exercise

Women over 40 must do a minimum of 30 minutes of aerobic exercise (as easy as brisk walking) at least 5 days a week....