Don’t Settle for “It’s Your Hormones Honey!” – by Dr. Diane Meyer
Is Hormone Therapy Right For You? – by by Marilyn Mitchell, MD
Mental and Physical Health During Menopause – by by Marilyn Mitchell, MD
Staying Strong Through And After Menopause – by by Marilyn Mitchell, MD
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy – Is It Right For You? – by by Marilyn Mitchell, MD
The Wise Woman Transition: Midlife/Menopause as an Opportunity for Empowerment – by by Marilyn Mitchell, MD

Going from doctor to doctor and hearing “It’s your hormones honey,” made me want to scream!  As an educated person, degreed in Psychology and Dentistry, I knew there were answers I wasn’t getting.

The many doctors I consulted with were stymied, as my persistent and chronic symptoms were so varied.  Having no connection with one another, they did not know what to call my illness. Grappling with various labels, and unable to identify a cause, the symptoms were classified as idiopathic.

Sick and tired of living with a laundry list of debilitating chronic symptoms including mental confusion, irritability, short temper, memory loss, uncontrollable bursts of anger, tingling/numbness in my hands and feet, muscle spasms, rectum and vaginal pain which felt like a stabbing knife, carpel tunnel, sore throats, urinary infections, ulcerated esophagus, reflux, irritable bowel, acne, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, tremors, overwhelming fatigue, slurred speech, neck & shoulder pain, depression, anxiety attacks, low self esteem, hearing problems, blurred vision, headaches, heart palpitation, irregular menstruation and a miscarriage at 5-1/2 months while in my senior year of dental school.  WOW!!!!  Hormones?  I don’t think so!

I was a walking medical disaster, and I emphasize WAS.  At the suggestion of a friend I attended a seminar.  There, I learned that the myriad of symptoms I had been battling for years were most probably not of hormonal origin, but a direct result from occupational exposure to mercury from placing/removing silver-amalgam fillings, including the fillings in my own mouth.

Motivated to research the toxicity of mercury in silver/amalgam fillings, I discovered from many governmental agency such as the (ATSDR) Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry, (NIOSH) National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, the manufacturers of the silver-amalgam material safety data sheets, and other reliable sources, we found that that these fillings are a potential health risk.  Interesting, silver-amalgam fillings are classified as hazardous waste prior to placement in the body and hazardous waste after removal from the body.  I was in shock to learn that the mercury in these fillings are released in the form of a vapor.  I was taught the mercury is locked in and can not come out.  We know that mercury is a neurotoxin, but I wasn’t taught to what degree, or that my unborn/children I nursed could also be harmed by these vapors.

Here I was, I found out that I was misinformed about the fillings.  It was my wake-up call to question what I knew and see where that would lead me. The more I learned the more I realized that my health had been severely compromised by my own mercury amalgam filling and occupational exposure.  I knew enough from dental school and my research to know that upon removal of the mercury amalgam the amount of mercury exposure increases as it is drilled.  Thus, you are likely to receive a large exposure.  I sought out a dentist trained in minimizing this problem. Following removal of the fillings, I sought help from many physicians trained to treat people with mercury toxicity.  Having the fillings removed is just the beginning of a long road to recovery because the mercury had been absorbed into the body.

So I had begun a ten year journey of recovery with the realization that I had been mislead about something that I thought was helping people.  I took this increased awareness and began a quest for answers.  I used my scientific intellect to ravenously research ways to support the body.  I reached out to many other healers, and I used my spiritual intent to know that our bodies are self-healing.

It took five years of treatment, now nearly 9 years post removal, and I have regained my life.  The good news is people can improve their health with the help of doctors who learn how to diagnosis and treat the mysterious symptoms from chronic mercury poisoning/allergy.

After my own quest for health and all that I have heard and learned from my patients, I know with clarity the power we have to heal.  We just need to be pointed in the right direction and given awareness of our available tools.  I know that this can be a daunting task to people, especially if they are ill.  This is why I like to work with people to support and guide them on how they can start on their own journey.  With my medical background, research capability, and the wealth of information I have gathered through my healing journey, I feel I can give people the start they need to find their healing modalities as well as coach them through their quest for health.

It is my wish that you don’t settle for less.  You need to believe in yourself, your instincts, do your homework and don’t accept being sick without questioning what the cause might be.  Below I have attached a list of symptoms that will help you in your journey!  Don’t settle for “it’s all in your head or it’s your hormones honey!!!”


SYMPTOMS OF MERCURY POISONING

Top

As women approach middle age they are faced with many health related decisions. One of the biggest decisions a woman has to make is whether to use hormone therapy and choosing the hormone therapy that is right for her.


Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a direct way to treat the symptoms that occur in menopause. Symptoms that disrupt our life both day and night are the direct result of a drop of hormones.


There are a large variety of hormone therapies available. The choice to use hormone therapy, and the type and dosing that is right for you, should be made with your practitioner.


Benefits of taking hormone therapy include:
- Alleviation of symptoms of menopause
- Improved bone density
- Less wrinkles – (skin collagen thickens)
- Improved cholesterol

Decreased risk of:
- Ovarian cancer
- Uterine cancer
- Colon cancer

Prevention of:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Heart disease.


There are some women that should not take hormone therapy. It is not appropriate for women with newly diagnosed breast cancer, active liver disease, and untreated endometrial cancer or during treatments for blood clots.


Side effects sometimes occur but often resolve with a simple adjustment of dose or timing of the medication.

Side effects include:
- Bloating
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Breast tenderness
- Bleeding
- Skin changes


Note: Weight gain has often been blamed on HRT, BUT it is actually a phenomenon of menopause whether you are taking hormone replacement or not.
Hormones are offered in two ways:
- Pharmaceutical (plant, animal, synthetic sources)
- Compounded by a pharmacist (usually bio-identical and plant sourced)


Bio-identical hormones are hormones that chemically match the hormones made by our own bodies. They are usually plant-derived.


Many women claim that bio-identical hormones are more compatible with their bodies and give them more peace of mind.


With the many choices that are available, how do you decide what to do?


First become informed about the options. Next, consider carefully what your goals are in taking hormones or other treatments. Be sure to consider what feels right for you, and any concerns that you have.


Then partner with a trusted physician or practitioner to support you in developing your treatment.
It is important to feel right about the program you have chosen. The message you give your body will then be a positive and nurturing one.


Marilyn Mitchell, M.D.
Director of Integrated Healing
WOMANCARE PC


www.WomanCarePC.com
www.HealingSpaceLLC.com

Top

Midlife and menopause changes are unique because they are often profound and so unexpected. As healthy adult women, we do not expect to have such disruption in our physical, mental, and emotional bodies. Some women feel like they are “not themselves” as they experience sleep disruption, hot flashes, labile emotions and personality changes. From a purely physiologic standpoint, the ovaries are beginning to decrease their functions of producing hormones and ovulating. This transition is rarely smooth. From an energetic standpoint, a woman experiences major shifts in the auric field, energy templates, and chakra systems that support the body. It is difficult to imagine empowerment when there is so much disruption going on.


How do we listen or even consider empowerment when there are changes happening on so many levels? The first step is to acknowledge that this is a time of great change and learning. The old patterns of daily living, thinking, and coping may be outmoded at this time. Gentleness with yourself is important. Next, develop a plan for moving through this transition with grace. Be flexible with your plan.


Guidelines for an empowerment plan through midlife/menopause:
Physical: First, get as comfortable as you can. It is difficult to think about any other aspects of transition when you are having symptoms, and are perhaps sleep deprived.
1) A holistic practitioner can help with remedies for sleep, hot flashes, mental clarity and other symptoms. These may include dietary changes, supplements, herbals, acupuncture, and natural bioidentical hormones.
2) Include exercise in your daily routine, especially an activity like yoga, tai chi or stretching for developing and maintaining strength, flexibility and inner connection and mindfulness.
3) Re-evaluate your diet and supplements to be sure you are supporting yourself nutritionally, as our needs change during this transition.


Spiritual/Energetic: Strengthen your connection to inner wisdom. Evaluate your choices about life and health based on this inner guidance.
1) Take time to stop and meditate at least 5-10 minutes twice a day for relief from mind chatter and an opportunity to listen within. Take mini breaks during the day to breathe consciously for one minute.
2) Acknowledge 5 things you are grateful for each day. This will attract more gratifying things into your life.
3) Schedule an energy healing to support your transition and bring more alignment on the physical, emotional and energetic levels.


Mind/Emotions: Listen to your emotions as guidance, and choose thought patterns that support you.
1) Connect with support that is healthy for you: friends, family, a support group, health practitioner, counseling. Be aware that your support may come from places or people other than those we usually count on. As we change, those around us may have to adjust, too.
2) Educate yourself about the changes you are experiencing through reading, seminars, discussions with your health care provider.
3) Evaluate everything you hear/experience through your inner guidance and emotions, to be sure it resonates for you. Be open to changing your mind, as the Wise Woman may have a new perspective.


Marilyn Mitchell, M.D.
Director of Integrated Healing
WOMANCARE PC

www.WomanCarePC.com
www.HealingSpaceLLC.com

Top

Menopause is a time of great change for women. It is a transition that can impact our physical and emotional function, sometimes bringing great challenges. It is also a transition that brings a wealth of wisdom and fulfillment if we take the time to listen within. With some attention to self care and nurturing, this can be a highly rewarding time of life.


Some tips for staying strong through and after menopause:


Spiritual:
1) Take time to stop and meditate at least 5 minutes twice a day for relief from mind chatter and an opportunity to listen within.
2) Acknowledge 5 things you are grateful for each day. This will attract more gratifying things into your life.


Physical:
3) Include exercise in your day, especially an activity like yoga, tai chi or stretching for developing and maintaining strength and flexibility throughout life.
4) Be sure to take vitamin supplements, with special attention to Calcium with D and Magnesium to maintain strong bones.


Mind/Emotions:
5) Connect with healthy support for you: friends, family, a support group, health practitioner and counseling.
6) Educate yourself about the changes you are experiencing through books, seminars, discussions with your health care provider, so you can be proactive about your health.


www.womancarepc.com
www.healingspacellc.com

Top

What is Menopause?
Menopause is the stage in a woman’s life when ovulation ceases and hormone production reduces to about 40%. The average age for this transition is age 50, but can range from the 40’s up to age 60. Typical symptoms during menopause include: hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbance, mood swings, decreased libido, dry skin and vaginal dryness. In addition to these symptoms, the decrease in hormones can impact the cardiovascular, digestive, and bone meatabolism in negative ways.


Many women experience a perimenopause prior to actual menopause, which is characterized by erratic hormone production and accompanying menopause-type symptoms, or increasing PMS. This is highly variable, and can last for up to 5 years before actual menopause.


Menopause is clearly a transition that can affect women on multiple levels, and it demands a level of self care that is increased for most women. There are many options for managing the symptoms of menopause including supplements, herbal remedies, exercise, sleep aids, antidepressants, and hormone replacement therapy. Women who choose to use hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can get relief from symptoms as well as provide protection to their heart and bones.


What is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)?
More and more women are becoming interested in Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) as an option for managing the transition of menopause. The term “bioidentical” means that the hormones used in the therapy are an exact chemical match to the ones that we produce in our bodies, so the estrogens, progesterone, and testosterone are chemically identical to our own. BHRT also uses plant sources for the hormones that are used.


When we prescribe BHRT for a woman in menopause or perimenopause, we first obtain levels of her current hormones and then order a compound that is tailored to the woman’s needs, often including estrogens, progesterone, and testosterone. The prescription is filled by a compounding pharmacist who actually mixes the hormones as ordered using the plant based bioidentical hormones. We repeat levels after the woman has been using the therapy, and adjust the compound according to levels and the woman’s symptoms and feedback. (We don’t just treat the lab values.) This offers great flexibility and the ability to individualize the therapy.


BHRT can be compounded as creams, gels, capsules, lozenges, sublingual drops. The route should be decided between the practitioner and the woman, because it is meant to be individual. Beware of information that states there is only one superior way to take bioientical compounds. What works for one woman may not work for her friend. Most practitioners no longer prescribe progesterone as a cream for the long run, as it tends to store in the fat, and can produce erratic levels. Progesterone cream, however, can be very helpful during the perimenopause.


How does BHRT differ from traditional HRT?
There are some important differences between BHRT and traditional HRT. Traditional HRT is prescribed for women from pharmaceutically prepared products that offer only certain dose options. There is not a pharmaceutical option for testosterone available, so only estrogen and progesterone can be prescribed. Because BHRT is prepared to order, it can be hypoallergenic or adjusted in other ways to accommodate the woman’s particular needs.


BHRT is used in perimenopause, whereas traditional HRT is usually prescribed for menopause only, so it does not offer anything to the group of women experiencing difficulty with perimenopause.


Sources for traditional HRT are variable including plant sources, animal sources, and synthetic sources, whereas BHRT uses plant sources only for their compounds. There are some pharmaceutically prepared hormones that use plant sources and are bioidentical. There is one bioidentical progesterone available pharmaceutically (with 2 dose options). There are several pharmaceutically prepared estrogens that are plant sourced and bioidentical, again in pre-prepared doses. These provide an option to women who have an insurance drug plan. Again, bioidentical testosterone is not available pharmaceutically.


Another difference is that BHRT compounds usually cost more than traditional HRT, because they are not mass produced. They are not generally recognized by insurance drug plans, although some plans will partially reimburse for these.


Finally, physicians and practitioners are educated only in traditional HRT, so those who are motivated and interested must educate themselves in BHRT. This means that a woman who wants to use BHRT must seek out a practitioner herself who is educated and experienced in this, and must determine if the practitioner works in a way that suits her needs.


For many women, BHRT offers help during menopause that is effective and responds to their individual needs. Because of the plant sourcing and the bioidentical chemistry, these women find the BHRT more natural and acceptable than other options for therapy. This type of therapy requires consistent monitoring, so women are assured of close follow up with their physician or practitioner. BHRT therapy can be a real help to women as they transition through menopause.


Marilyn Mitchell, M.D.
Healer and Physician
Director of Integrated Healing
WomanCare
Founder of HealingSpace
www.womancarepc.com
www.healingspacellc.com

Top

How can you use the disruption of menopause for Empowerment?

Every illness, health issue, crisis or transition, such as menopause, is an opportunity for healing. Rather than consider this as inconvenience, it can provide a critical interruption; an opportunity to listen to your body and your inner journey. We are all on a journey in this lifetime; by paying attention to your inner growth, it quickens and is enhanced. When you do not pay attention, your growth is stunted and may manifest as physical, emotional or mental illness. Imbalance, illness, and transition provide a doorway back into your self.

Midlife and menopause changes are unique because they are often profound and so unexpected. As healthy adult women, we do not expect to have such disruption in our physical, mental, and emotional bodies. Some women feel like they are “not themselves” as they experience sleep disruption, hot flashes, labile emotions and personality changes. From a purely physiologic standpoint, the ovaries are beginning to decrease their functions of producing hormones and ovulating. This transition is rarely smooth. From an energetic standpoint, a woman experiences major shifts in the auric field, energy templates, and chakra systems that support the body. It is difficult to imagine empowerment when there is so much disruption going on.

The gift of this transition, if we pay attention, is to experience the voice of the Wise Woman as she begins to make herself known within us. There is a level of consciousness that presents itself with each life stage transition we pass through: birth, puberty, childbearing, menopause, death. The menopause Wise Woman consciousness is a deep wisdom and it grows from within. It grows through the spaces that are made when our usual patterns are disrupted: our sleep patterns, our energy patterns, our thought patterns. We do not have to earn this wisdom, it comes quite naturally. All we have to do is listen and allow.

How do we listen or even consider empowerment when there are changes happening on so many levels? The first step is to acknowledge that this is a time of great change and learning. The old patterns of daily living, thinking, and coping may be outmoded at this time. Gentleness with yourself is important. Next, develop a plan for moving through this transition with grace. Be flexible with your plan.

Guidelines for an empowerment plan through midlife/menopause:

Physical: First, get as comfortable as you can. It is difficult to think about any other aspects of transition when you are having symptoms, and are perhaps sleep deprived.

Spiritual/Energetic: Strengthen your connection to inner wisdom. Evaluate your choices about life and health based on this inner guidance.

Mind/Emotions: Listen to your emotions as guidance, and choose thought patterns that support you.

Menopause is a time of great change for women. It is a transition that impacts your physical and emotional function, sometimes bringing great challenges. It is also a transition that brings a wealth of wisdom and fulfillment if you take the time to listen within. With attention to self care and nurturing, this can be a highly rewarding time of life.

References:

Wherever You Go, There You Are, Jon Kabat-Zinn
The Four Agreements, Don Miguel Ruiz
The Wisdom of Menopause, Christiane Northrup, MD
The WiseWoman Menopause Workbook, Marilyn Mitchell, MD

Available by calling: 847-221-4700
Dr Marilyn Mitchell is a physician and energy healer who practices multidimensional holistic women’s health at WomanCare in the northwest suburbs of Chicago.

Top