Karen Sullivan, Certified Functional Medicine Health Coach & Founder of The Wellness Stop shares her insights and actionable steps to help you take control of your health and thrive throughout every season of life.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information about hormones and menopause, you’re not alone. The journey to understanding your body’s needs can feel daunting, especially when faced with contradictory advice and unfamiliar medical jargon. I’ve been there. Seventeen years ago, at the age of 39, I began noticing subtle hormonal shifts. Despite being told by doctors that “it was too early for changes,” my body said otherwise. The lack of guidance was frustrating, but it inspired me to dive deeper. Today, at 56, I’m proud to be on the pulse of what my body needs.
The Wellness Issue of Intentional Living Magazine was packed with actionable steps to take control of your health. Building on that foundation, I’m excited to share insights from a women’s health symposium held in Brooklyn, NY. This incredible day brought together leading experts whose knowledge continues to guide and inspire me as a woman, nutritionist and coach.
Here are my key takeaways to help you move forward with clarity and confidence:
The Power of Estrogen
Estrogen is much more than a reproductive hormone. It influences nearly every system in the body, contributing to both short-term and long-term health. Here are three vital ways estrogen impacts your well-being:
1. Bone Health: Preventing Osteoporosis
Estrogen plays a critical role in maintaining bone density by balancing the activity of osteoblasts (bone-building cells) and osteoclasts (bone-resorbing cells). During the reproductive years, this balance helps protect against osteoporosis. However, as estrogen levels decline during menopause, bone density can decrease, increasing the risk of fractures. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), when appropriate, has been shown to reduce bone loss and lower fracture risk in postmenopausal women. Talk to your healthcare provider about options to support your bone health.
2. Cardiovascular Health: Protecting the Heart
Estrogen has a protective effect on the cardiovascular system. It promotes vasodilation (the widening of blood vessels) to improve blood flow and regulate blood pressure. Additionally, estrogen helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels by raising “good” HDL cholesterol and lowering “bad” LDL cholesterol. These effects contribute to the lower risk of cardiovascular disease seen in premenopausal women compared to men of the same age. After menopause, as estrogen levels drop, this risk increases. Engaging in heart-healthy practices and exploring options like HRT with your practitioner can help mitigate this risk.
3. Mental Health: Supporting Cognitive Function and Mood
Estrogen directly impacts brain chemistry, influencing neurotransmitters like serotonin, which regulates mood and feelings of well-being. Higher estrogen levels are often associated with better memory retention and reduced risk of cognitive decline. During perimenopause and menopause, fluctuations in estrogen can lead to mood swings, irritability, anxiety, or depression. Discussing these changes with a menopause specialist can help you explore strategies—including lifestyle adjustments and potential therapies—to support mental health. Additionally, research suggests estrogen may have neuroprotective effects, potentially reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease when therapy is initiated early in menopause.
Breaking Free from Paralysis by Analysis
When I began unraveling the complexities of my own hormonal health, it was easy to feel paralyzed by the sheer volume of information. Today, with a wealth of resources at our fingertips, it’s both a blessing and a challenge. Here’s how to avoid getting stuck:
- Be Your Own Advocate: Take the time to research and bring informed questions to your healthcare team. This shows engagement and fosters robust conversations about your health goals.
- Build Your Team: Partner with practitioners who align with your values and focus on women’s health. Specialists in menopause or functional medicine can provide tailored support.
- Simplify Your Sources: While the internet is a great starting point, it isn’t always reliable for medical advice. Rely on trusted experts and peer-reviewed information. Social media, when curated carefully, can also connect you with knowledgeable professionals.
Move Forward with Confidence
Navigating hormonal health is a journey – one that requires curiosity, patience, and collaboration. When clients bring articles or research to our sessions, I see it as a positive step toward empowerment. It’s a sign of self-advocacy and engagement that I wholeheartedly encourage.
Let’s embrace this chapter with confidence. With the right resources and support, you can take meaningful steps toward living intentionally, even through the challenges of hormonal health.
Your Wellness Journey Starts Now
Karen Sullivan is passionate about guiding people toward optimal health and well-being. As a Certified Functional Medicine Health Coach with over a decade of experience, she founded The Wellness Stop to create a supportive environment where individuals can take charge of their health journey.
The Wellness Stop is not just a store, it’s Karen’s vision brought to life: a space where people can access high-quality products, personalized coaching, and a compassionate community.
Karen and her team run regular menopause workshops, to get tickets visit: The Menopause Workshop.
