Dr's Cindy Hovington and Kristina Calder explore perimenopause, the hormonal transition that begins in women's 40s and significantly impacts mental health, energy, and body composition.
• Perimenopause often starts in your 40s but can begin as early as late 30s
• Symptoms include irregular periods, insomnia, anxiety, joint pain, mood swings, and diminished stress resilience
• Declining estrogen affects the GABA-ergic system in the brain, explaining increased anxiety and mood changes
• Strength training becomes crucial during perimenopause to maintain muscle mass and metabolic health
• Most women need significantly more protein than they consume (aim for your ideal body weight in grams)
• Practical supplements include magnesium for sleep, omega-3s for inflammation, creatine for muscle and brain health
• Heart health requires special attention as declining estrogen increases cardiovascular risks
Visit curiousneuron.com for more resources or join the Reflective Parent Club if you need more personalized support with emotional regulation.
Follow Dr. Calder on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/drkristinacalder/
Sources mentioned by Kristina:
https://www.drstacysims.com/nextlevel
https://www.lisamosconi.com/the-menopause-brain
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39077777/
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