A trend I’m seeing among the women I treat is the desire to have more control over one’s body. Whatever your age or phase of life, women are faced with the moving targets of mood, focus, body temperature, hunger, sleep – all so variable and influenced by chemicals inside.
What I see is the struggle with not just lack of control but lack of consistent or clear information.
I’m a PhD educated scientist-practitioner who trained in medical centers … and I have had a difficult time finding a good source of information even for this Blog. Websites can provide misinformation from dubious sources. Books and podcasts are often selling an agenda or product. All the supplements and medications are obviously going to present themselves in the best light as the “miracle cure.”
And now at even the highest levels, medical guidance is sending more and more mixed signals. (And, not so long ago, there was the scary publication then retraction of a paper linking hormone replacement therapy to breast cancer risk!)
I see my role here as one to support and encourage and validate – you should be the “difficult patient!” Don’t leave the office of your provider without a prescription, answer or referral. You are the “scientist” at the helm of expedition – YOU!
Much of the behavioral medicine work with my patients is that of tracking symptoms, habits and patterns. Those are the best data. Not a stand alone, one time blood test. Not a diagnosis given off-handedly by an overwhelmed medical system often tainted by managed care influence.
I do a lot to discourage hypochondriasis, excessive rumination, and WebMD fixation. But, when something feels “off” and our tracking of symptoms shows it doesn’t go away – then you know you need outside intervention.
Advocate for yourself. Get a second opinion. Do your research, beyond Google and WebMD. Compare notes with your peer group. Change a variable and track its effect – meaning, start drinking less alcohol and more water, or start cutting processed foods, or start moving more – and see if things shift after this change.
Now, all our bodies change with age, stress, and life. And a woman’s body even more so. But changes from age 20 to 45 are not the same as distress, pain, constant discomfort and extreme mood shifts.
If you’re ready to find greater balance, healing, and self-understanding, I offer a space where you can feel seen, supported, and guided toward lasting change.
My integrative approach helps women not just manage life’s demands—but embrace their power, find peace within, and create the life they truly want to live.
Further reading:
“All in her head” by Comen
“The new menopause” by Haver
“Outlive” by Attia
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom” – Aristotle
