posted 15th November 2024
Have you ever felt like your body isn't listening to what your mind wants? Imagine waking up feeling like the best version of yourself, every single day! It's not as far out of reach as you might think. Let's start with the story of how I launched my business and met Lindsey Lester, 'The Hormone Pharmacist' whose expertise has been instrumental in shaping our holistic approach to hormone health.
Setting up Life Begins at Menopause has been similar to herding cats on steroids. It has also been a labour of love - labour because I have to wear ALL the hats in building a business from the ground up, and love because seeing women overcome their health challenges when they've had nowhere else to turn is one of the best gifts I could imagine.
After diving deep into nutrition, gaining a qualification in coaching and mastering the intricacies of bio-resonance scanning, something was still missing. I knew all about the holistic approach and the impact it can have on a woman's journey as she hits her 40s and her hormones start to take centre stage but it wasn't until I met the wonderful Lindsey Lester 'The Hormone Pharmacist', with her warm smile and wicked sense of humour, that I realised what (and who) that missing piece was!
Lindsey and I first connected after I sent her a random message on Instagram asking for a chat. I had been an admirer of her work from afar - her niche in supporting menopausal women and her expertise in pharmaceuticals. After our initial conversation, it became clear that we complemented each other's work perfectly. While Lindsey focuses on the traditional HRT side of things, bringing extensive experience and a compassionate approach to menopause care, I explore the other side with a holistic approach using nutrition as therapy.
What unites us, though, is our ability to laugh at ourselves, at each other, and at the often perplexing landscape we navigate. It's clear to both of us that this field needs demystifying, actionable knowledge, and definitely needs a sense of humour! So, we've decided to join forces once again to bring you a blog that should hopefully prove a brilliant starting point for navigating the complexities of midlife! Put the kettle on, grab a pen and paper and enjoy 10 minutes to yourself to hopefully get inspired.
Lindsey's insights on HRT and Its nuances
While Lindsey believes HRT is a crucial treatment for many experiencing hormone imbalances, she acknowledges that it doesn't always work perfectly for everyone. "HRT can be a pivotal part of your treatment, but it's not always a magic bullet," she explains. It's crucial to have realistic expectations and understand that the effects of HRT can vary widely based on factors like age, body chemistry and how long you've been on the therapy. Symptom improvements can usually be noticed within the first few months, but this varies.
Lindsey gently suggests that if progress seems slow, consider meticulously tracking your physical and emotional changes. Even subtle improvements are a sign of progress.
Considering other health factors
If significant changes aren't noted after around 3 months on HRT, it is advisable to discuss your experience with your healthcare provider. Adjustments in dosage or exploring alternative formulations such as patches, pills, or gels might be needed. "Each option has different absorption rates and effects, so finding the right method is key," Lindsey advises.
Sometimes, other health issues can interfere with the effectiveness of HRT. An underactive or overactive thyroid, mental health issues like anxiety or depression, and even body weight can impact hormone levels and overall treatment efficacy.
Lindsey has pretty much seen it all when it comes to navigating menopause. Here's one journey she recalls that really brings all of this home:
"Four years ago, a patient came under my care. She had been struggling severely with menopausal symptoms - so much so that daily life felt almost unmanageable for her. When I first met her, she was barely functioning, overwhelmed by the physical and emotional toll. Together, we worked closely, adjusting her hormone replacement therapy (HRT) every three months while she made steady improvements. Over time, the work started to pay off and she regained her ability to enjoy life, resumed running her business, optimised her precious sleep, cared for her family and found moments of real joy again.
Even now, she likes to check in with me regularly, as the memory of those difficult days left her understandably cautious. When she reached a stable, healthy place, I reassured her that we could extend her visits beyond the original three-month schedule. Her journey is a powerful reminder of how resilient we can be with the right support."
My approach - a natural path to optimising hormones
Moving beyond HRT, my focus is on enhancing hormonal balance through diet, lifestyle and mindset adjustments, employing my favourite approach of 'bio-hacking' (the art of optimising your body and mind using science, technology and a pinch of experimentation).
I integrate nutrient-dense whole foods, manage stress effectively and encourage gentle, restorative exercises that significantly aid hormonal health. Sometimes, by simply creating a supportive environment for my clients, I see them come out of their shells and start to thrive.
This worked really well recently for one of my clients who I'll refer to as Claire. Claire came into my office with patches in her scalp. She had been to the doctor who wanted to prescribe medication for her hair loss. There was no guarantee the meds would work and carried with them potential side effects.
After running the bio resonance scan, we soon realised her stress hormones were on the floor and her body was effectively running on empty. The nutrients her body desperately needed were being drained from other resources in her body e.g. her scalp.
I started her on a protocol where we got the motility of her gut functioning efficiently (with the help of SunGold Kiwis), focused on replenishing her adrenal glands by balancing her blood sugar and introduced targeted supplements and implemented relaxing and restorative time in her day.
As the months went on, she slowly started to build herself back up again - her bowel movements became more regular, she didn't have the afternoon dip she'd previously experienced and her hair started to grow back! It was truly magical to watch - a tailored approach which paid off after the client threw herself into the protocol.
Connecting diet, mood and menopause
As we delve deeper into the holistic approach, it's crucial to spotlight the pivotal role of diet in managing symptoms. What we eat not only fuels our bodies, but profoundly influences our hormones and emotional health during this phase.
To get you started, below are some of my favourite tips:
- Nutrient-Dense Diets: Foods like cruciferous vegetables help regulate hormones, while omega-3 fats reduce inflammation and can help balance mood swings.
- Protein and Menopause: Starting meals with protein is crucial because it stabilises blood sugar levels supporting overall energy and mood.
- Gentle, Restorative Exercises: Practices like yoga, Pilates or Tai Chi reduce stress without overtaxing the body, promoting a sense of calm and control.
- Optimising Sleep: Good sleep is essential for detoxifying the brain, repairing the body, and maintaining hormonal rhythms.
- Supplements and Hormone Health: Vitamin D and magnesium are essential for bone health and herbal adaptogens like ashwagandha can support adrenal health. NB: Always check that these supplements do not interact with your HRT.
Final thoughts: A tailored approach
The value of personalised health plans based on individual health assessments, including hormone testing, cannot be overstated and is crucial for sustainable changes.
Remember, both Lindsey and I are here to support you, whether you're exploring HRT options or interested in a holistic approach to your hormonal health. Please reach out to see how we can help lighten your load and ensure your midlife years are both healthy and vibrant. Most importantly, be kind to yourself and know that there is support out there.
For more advice or to contact Lindsey directly about HRT through Avicenna Menopause Clinic or email me Stefanie@Lbam.uk for a chat or with any questions.
