Lifestyle Changes for Menopausal Women by Donna Hayek

PHYSIOLOGICAL CHANGES: occur with declining estrogen

  • Hot flashes/Night sweats
  • Decreased concentration
  • Memory loss
  • Heart palpitations/Increased cardiovascular disease
  • Sarcopenia
  • Weight gain
  • Osteopenia/Osteoporosis
  • Dyslipidemia
  • Dryness (skin/vaginal)
  • Depression

 

INTERVENTIONS

  • Hormone replacement therapy
  • Exercise
  • Nutrition
  • Supplements
  • Mind/Body (meditation/yoga)

 

SIX PILLARS OF LIFESTYLE MEDICINE

  • Whole food/Plant-based nutrition
  • Restorative sleep
  • Managing stress
  • Avoid excessive supplementation
  • Positive friendships
  • Healthy physical activity

 

SOLUTIONS: Physical activity

  • Lift heavy weights with less repetitions (increases muscle mass/decreases fat mass/lowers rate of osteoporosis)
  • Incorporate weight bearing exercises (squats/ overhead presses)
  • Incorporate high-velocity exercises (kettlebell swings/dumbbell push press/power clean and press/HIIT training)
  • Incorporate balance exercises (single-leg deadlifts/walking lunges/yoga)
  • Continue aerobic exercise (running, walking, biking, swimming) (improves sleep and decreases depression)

 

SOLUTIONS: Nutrition

  • Increase protein consumption (preserve & increase lean body mass) (1.2-2.2 gm/kg/day)
  • Increase fiber consumption (feel fuller longer, so decreases calories for weight loss) (25-35 gm/day)
  • Reduce processed foods (decreased dyslipidemia)
  • Consume a variety of foods (decreases vitamin & mineral deficiencies)
  • Creatine supplement (creatine monohydrate @ 5 mg/day) to increase muscle mass

 

SOCIAL SUPPORT GROUPS

  • Facebook groups
  • Podcasts