Navigating the Storm: Understanding and Managing Anxiety During Menopause

Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. While menopause brings about various physical and hormonal changes, it also introduces a range of emotional and mental shifts that can impact a woman's overall well-being. One such common challenge is anxiety, which can manifest in different forms and intensities. Continue reading to delve into the complexities of anxiety during menopause, exploring its causes, symptoms, and strategies for managing this often-overlooked aspect of the menopausal journey.

Understanding the Link Between Menopause and Anxiety:

Menopause is characterized by a decline in reproductive hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone. These hormonal fluctuations can have a profound impact on neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine, which play a crucial role in mood regulation. As a result, many women experience heightened levels of anxiety during this transitional phase.

Common Causes of Menopausal Anxiety:

1. Hormonal Changes: Estrogen, a hormone that influences mood and emotional well-being, decreases significantly during menopause. This hormonal shift can contribute to increased anxiety and mood swings.

2. Sleep Disruptions: Menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to fatigue and exacerbating feelings of anxiety.

3. Physical Changes: The physical changes associated with menopause, such as weight gain and changes in skin elasticity, can impact self-esteem and body image, triggering anxiety.

4. Life Transitions: Menopause often coincides with other life changes, such as children leaving home or career shifts. These transitions can contribute to feelings of uncertainty and anxiety.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Menopausal Anxiety:

1. Excessive Worry: Women experiencing menopausal anxiety may find themselves excessively worrying about everyday concerns or potential future events.

2. Irritability: Hormonal fluctuations can lead to mood swings and irritability, impacting relationships and daily interactions.

3. Physical Symptoms: Anxiety during menopause can manifest in physical symptoms such as muscle tension, headaches, and gastrointestinal discomfort.

4. Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns are common during menopause and can contribute to heightened anxiety levels.

Strategies for Managing Menopausal Anxiety:

1. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): HRT can help alleviate anxiety symptoms by stabilizing hormone levels. However, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional to weigh the risks and benefits.

2. Lifestyle Changes: Incorporating regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, and getting adequate sleep can positively impact both physical and mental well-being.

3. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga can help manage stress and anxiety.

4. Support Systems: Building a strong support network, whether through friends, family, or support groups, can provide emotional support and understanding during this challenging time.

5. Professional Counseling: Seeking the guidance of a mental health professional can offer valuable coping strategies and a safe space to discuss and process feelings of anxiety.

Navigating anxiety during menopause requires a holistic approach that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of this life stage. By understanding the connection between hormonal changes and mental health, women can empower themselves to manage anxiety and embrace the menopausal journey with resilience and grace. Remember, each woman's experience is unique, and seeking personalized support and information is crucial for a smoother transition through this life stage.

Evora Women’s Health offers a wide variety of services to help menopausal women with anxiety.

Learn more about Dr. Becky Lynn, Menopause specialist

Learn more about Dr. Erum Qazi, Psychiatrist

Learn more about mental health therapist Amanda Ratz

Colon Cancer in Women: Understanding the Risks and Empowering Prevention

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, it's time to share the challenges and considerations surrounding colon cancer in women. Let's learn more about the specific factors that impact women's risk of developing colon cancer and discuss guidance on proactive measures for prevention and early detection.

Colon Cancer in Women: Understanding the Risks:

While colon cancer affects both men and women, certain factors may predispose women to an increased risk of developing this disease. Understanding these factors is essential for early detection and intervention. Some key considerations include:

1. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Women are slightly more prone to conditions such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, which are inflammatory bowel diseases associated with an increased risk of colon cancer.

2. Obesity and Sedentary Lifestyle: Those who are overweight or lead sedentary lifestyles are at a higher risk of developing colon cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in regular physical activity can significantly reduce this risk.

3. Dietary Habits: Poor dietary choices, such as high consumption of red and processed meats, low intake of fiber-rich foods, and inadequate hydration, can contribute to an elevated risk of colon cancer.

Empowering Prevention and Early Detection:

Empowering women with knowledge and tools for prevention and early detection is crucial in the fight against colon cancer. Here are some proactive steps women can take to lower their risk and promote colon health:

1. Regular Screening: Screening tests, such as colonoscopies and/or Cologuard, are instrumental in detecting precancerous polyps or early-stage colon cancer. Discuss your screening options with a healthcare provider and adhere to recommended guidelines based on your individual risk factors and age.

2. Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Commiting to a balanced diet rich in fruits, veggies, and whole grains, while minimizing red and processed meats, can significantly reduce the risk of colon cancer. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, staying hydrated, and avoiding tobacco use are also essential lifestyle factors for prevention.

3. Know Your Family History: Women with a family history of colon cancer should undergo genetic counseling and screening at an earlier age to mitigate their risk.

Understanding the unique risk factors that affect women and taking proactive steps towards prevention and early detection of colon cancer can significantly reduce its impact on our lives. Take charge of your colon health today by talking with a physician to discuss your risks, symptoms, and schedule your colon cancer screening now.

Endometriosis 101: All You Need to Know About Endo

This month is Endometriosis Awareness Month if you have any questions or any comments please let us know by emailing us at info@evorawomen.com!

What is Endometriosis (endo)?

Endometriosis is when the patient has endometrium, which is the lining of the uterus, that is implanted in places that are not the lining of the uterus. Endometrial implants can often be found on the ovaries, bowel, and/or bladder.

What are common symptoms of Endometriosis?

Some of the common symptoms of endometriosis are really bad cramps, or dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain, and painful sex. These common symptoms would raise suspicion that someone has endometriosis, but endo is not diagnosable only on symptoms.

Does endometriosis effect fertility?

Not everyone with endometriosis will have infertility problems, but having endo does increase the likelihood that you would have trouble getting pregnant.

Want to learn more about endometriosis’ effect on fertility? Read this blog recommended by Dr. Becky Lynn.

How is Endometriosis Diagnosed?

The only way to actually diagnose endometriosis is with a laparoscopy, and a laparoscopy is a surgery where they use a little video camera and look inside the uterus. The surgeon is looking for what looks like endometriotic implants, and then confirm the diagnosis by removing those implants and sending them to pathology. Pathology will then tell the doctor if the implants are endometriosis.

Sometimes as endometrioma, which is a big cyst in the ovary that is full of endometriosis, can be seen on an ultrasound. An endometrioma has a characteristic look on an ultrasound that raises suspicion for endometriosis. Even with an endometrioma, endometriosis is not diagnosable on ultrasound.

What medical conditions travel with Endo?

A lot of times endometriosis travels with some other symptoms or conditions. It's very common for individuals with endo to also have painful bladder syndrome, or interstitial cystitis, irritable bowel syndrome, pelvic floor muscle spasm, vulvodynia, vaginismus, and anxiety and depression.

What treatments are there for Endo?

There are several treatment options for endo. Typically physicians will start with a birth control pill to suppress those implants and help with bad menstrual cramps, pelvic pain, and painful sex. Another option is the birth control ring or IUD, which work in a similar way to the birth control pill to lessen the pain related to endometriosis. Sometimes progesterone only birth controls, like depoprovera or nexplanon, can also suppress the endometriotic implants. Laparoscopy can be successful as a treatment. Laparoscopy is diagnostic, it can tell the doctor if the patients has endometriosis, but it can also be therapeutic in that during the laparoscopy the endometriotic implants can be removed.

Who should you see if you suspect you have endo?

If you suspect that you have endometriosis, you should see a physician, often a gynecologist or uro-gyn, who is well versed in taking care of individuals with endometriosis. Dr. Becky Lynn, board certified gynecologist and sexual counselor, sees many women with endometriosis in her practice to treat the side effects of endometriosis.

Learn more about getting treatment or pain relief of endometriosis today by scheduling a FREE 15 minute consultation to see if Dr. Lynn is the right physician for you!

Setting the Foundation for a Year of Well-being

As we jump into the New Year, it's the perfect time to reflect on our health and set the stage for a year of well-being. Making positive changes now can have a profound impact on your overall health and vitality throughout the coming months. Keep reading to explore practical and medically sound strategies to kickstart your journey towards a healthier and happier you in the year ahead.

Prioritize Nutrition:

A balanced and nutritious diet is the cornerstone of good health. Consider incorporating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats into your meals. Consult with a registered dietitian to create a personalized nutrition plan that aligns with your health goals. Remember, small, sustainable changes to your eating habits can yield significant long-term benefits.

Stay Hydrated:

Proper hydration is essential for various bodily functions, including digestion, circulation, and temperature regulation. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day, and more if you engage in physical activities. Water is calorie-free and plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health.

Establish a Regular Exercise Routine:

Physical activity is a key component of a healthy lifestyle. Whether it's walking, jogging, swimming, or yoga, find an exercise routine that you enjoy and can commit to regularly. Consult with a healthcare professional before starting a new fitness regimen, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions.

Prioritize Sleep:

Quality sleep is fundamental to good health. Lack of sleep can negatively impact your immune system, cognitive function, and overall well-being. Establish a consistent sleep schedule, create a relaxing bedtime routine, and ensure your sleep environment is conducive to rest. Most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep each night.

Manage Stress:

Chronic stress can contribute to various health issues, including cardiovascular disease and compromised immune function. Incorporate stress-management techniques such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, or engaging in hobbies that bring you joy. If stress persists, consider seeking support from a mental health professional.

Schedule Preventive Health Check-ups:

Regular health check-ups are crucial for early detection and prevention of potential health issues. Schedule appointments for screenings, vaccinations, and routine examinations. Discuss your health goals with your healthcare provider to receive personalized advice tailored to your specific needs.

Quit Unhealthy Habits:

If you engage in unhealthy habits such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption, consider quitting or reducing these behaviors. Seek support from healthcare professionals, support groups, or counseling services to increase your chances of success.

By taking proactive steps to prioritize your health at the beginning of the year, you're laying a strong foundation for a year of well-being. Remember, these changes don't have to be drastic; small, sustainable adjustments can lead to significant improvements over time. Consult with healthcare professionals for personalized guidance on your journey to better health in the coming year. Here's to a happy and healthy New Year!

Gifts Everyone is Secretly Wanting!

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to spread joy than by finding the perfect gifts for your loved ones? Whether you're shopping for family, friends, or colleagues, here's a curated list of thoughtful holiday gift ideas that are sure to bring smiles and warmth to the festive season.

For the green smoothie lover:

BlendJet 2 makes smoothie-bar-quality beverages, silky-smooth protein shakes, top-shelf mixed drinks and creamy frozen lattes, plus milkshakes, slushies, baby food, dips, dressings, sauces, and so much more.

For the cooking expert:

Knife set or knife sharpening services from Bertarelli Co.- Continuing the growth and success built on the sharpest blades and friendliest service in the industry, the family business moved to 2649 Hampton Ave in 1992. Eleven years later, Bertarelli moved to 1927 Marconi on The Hill where the family continues to service restaurants, grocers, delis, industrial enterprises, and the general public. 

For the "I don't cook" person:

a cooking class at Fennel Cooking Studio- Fennel Cooking Studio offers different cooking classes every year. Their cooking classes are not only a great time, they’re meant to leave you with tangible cooking skills you can count on to impress your friends or make weekly meal prep more enjoyable.

For the green thumb:

an indoor herb garden-  Experience the benefits of having your own garden, no matter where you live. Grow 100% organic herbs, fruits, salads and flowers, free from GMOs and pesticides, fresher than any plants you'll find in stores. 

For the book lover:

Book of the Month- The book lover who’s always staying on top of the newest releases will adore a subscription to Book of the Month, a service that selects about five new books each month.

Gifts that Keep on Giving for Him

Gift-giving for guys can be a breeze! While a fresh supply of socks and underwear is sure to bring a smile, our gift guide is here to elevate your gesture and express your love for him in a way that goes above and beyond.

For the fashion forward guy:

The Normal Brand- We aren’t designers. We're brothers who make clothes. Headquartered in St. Louis. We make Normal clothes much better. We are dedicated to making the best product out there. We will always cater to you because we are you. We don't come with a designer agenda. We want Normal clothes to be better.

For the Foodie:

Omaha Steaks - A mouth-watering steak is the perfect gift for anyone who loves cooking or appreciates high-quality food; or both. Steak gifts are perfect for many occasions including Christmas, Father's Day, birthdays, anniversaries, or just saying thank you. When you give steak as a gift, you are giving the recipient more than delicious meat. You are truly giving them an experience. 

For the active guy:

Chiropractic or acupuncture with Dr. Brian at Evora- Say good bye to back and joint pain with either our chiropractic or acupuncture services by Dr. Brian Sylve. 

For the whisky/wine lover:

The Rackhouse- We strive to provide a unique, made from scratch modern American kitchen which utilizes a lot of local produce and meats, as well as an extensive wine and whiskey selection. We bring a casual approach to the business that will make everyone feel welcome, especially those new to wine or whiskey. 

For the cologne lover:

Nieman Marcus- Give the gift of a cologne sampler set to allow the guy in your life to easily switch up his scent throughout the year.