UNDERSTANDING MENOPAUSE
I’m Not Crazy… and I’m Not Alone
Before, during and after menopause, a woman’s body undergoes substantial changes. One of the biggest misconceptions is that we should let nature takes its course and simply endure the symptoms. However, science has shown that comprehensive blood panels and early hormone replacement can have a significant positive impact on a woman’s health when it comes to aging and disease prevention – especially addressing bone loss, heart disease and dementia.
This isn’t a typical Pocono Secret, but I wanted to share two women who have helped me. One is located right here in Hawley – Emmi Lucca, Family Nurse Practitioner. After years of diets and exercise regiments, I was exhausted. I decided it was time for professional help and Emmi Lucca and Jacqui Justice were my team.
I first found Jacqui Justice on Daily Om – a favorite of mine. I downloaded some of her workshops. I decided to book an appointment. She keeps me accountable with weekly check-ins. The greatest impact was a deep dive on my blood work which identified a sluggish thyroid. No amount of dieting was going to be effective. We eliminated cheese and alcohol along with sugar and white flour to help eliminate bloat. It sounds harder than it actually is. I just want to be the healthiest 90yr old that I can be. And, I can’t say enough about Emmi Lucca. This community is very fortunate to have her and her amazing staff available to us.
JACQUI JUSTICE: Laurie’s story echoes countless others I’ve heard throughout my 28-year career as a Functional Nutritionist. Menopausal women ambushed by debilitating fatigue, stubborn hormonal weight gain and resistant belly fat – all while growing increasing disheartened by failed diets and exercise plans. Most of us have heard, “this is normal at your age, just eat less and exercise more,” a profoundly inadequate prescription that often worsens their condition.
We started with a 30-day clean eating plan to rebalance hormones and heal metabolism. Standard lab ranges are designed to identify disease, not optimal wellness. These ranges are often too broad, meaning many women with clear symptoms are told their results are “normal” when they are actually far from optimal.
EMMI LUCCA: As a Family Nurse Practitioner with Lakota Family Healthcare in Hawley, I see a lot of menopausal concern regarding long-term disease – heart disease, osteoporosis and dementia. Also troubling is weight gain and overall changes in the body composition, along with skin changes – decreased collagen can cause sagging and reduced elasticity. Brain fog – forgetfulness (often confused with dementia) and hormonal fluctuations can cause quick changes in mood, hot flashes and irritability.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) has its pros and cons. The cons mostly affect those that with high-risk factors. Talk to your medical practitioner about which options are best for you.
Some of the simplest things every woman can do to make menopause easier include – eating healthy (nutritious foods as well as portion control), avoiding alcohol, exercising (specifically strength training), and considering hormone replacement therapy early (during perimenopause, but definitely within 10 years of stopping menses).
Emmi Lucca is located in Hawley with Lakota Healthcare. Visit her website at: lakotafamilypractice.com
Jacqui Justice is available online at jacquijustice.com Enjoy 20% off your first visit with Jacqui – mention code MENO20.
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