Menopause is a complex event in the woman's body and coupled with the effects of aging, women want accurate and reliable information to make informed decisions about their health. There is a plethora of supplements, herbal therapies, and diets aimed at providing non-hormonal treatment options for midlife women. As a woman in my late 50's, I can personally attest to the confusing messages that are "out there", and I'm aware that women want accurate, reliable, and unbiased information from which they can make informed decisions about their health.
My practice in this specialty area is focused on providing compassionate care along with positive nutrition messages that promote optimal health in midlife and beyond.
Many women worry about the physical and emotional changes that occur during the menopause transition, and are frustrated when the "eat less and exercise more" message doesn't provide results and consequently become susceptible to diet cycling and disordered eating. As a midlife woman, I understand the distress (and even fear) that women experience as their body shifts and changes in the transition to menopause and beyond. I also understand that in our weight-obsessed and anti-aging culture, this can feel overwhelming - and confusing - especially at a time when life itself is changing or feels out of control. However, I do NOT recommend diets or restrictive eating, or frankly any recommendation that focuses on "weight management."
My approach and philosophy is based on research and clinical experience that demonstrates the long-term consequences of dieting, including loss of lean tissue, decreased bone density, nutrient deficiencies, gastrointestinal disturbances, increased cravings, and the psychological impact that is contraindicated for midlife women.
Providers who are certified by the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) are uniquely qualified to provide menopause-related information. In my nutrition practice I do this by translating research related to the effect of aging and changing hormones on the woman's body to practical application with food, eating and health outcomes. My goal is to provide innovative and effective nutrition interventions for managing symptoms and helping women feel confident, empowered and involved in their health care decisions.