In pilates class, we often start talking about menopause, forgetfulness, balance, heart health, and cholesterol in females; yes, we keep moving as we speak in somewhat frustrated tones about how females don’t have the research on them.

It got me to find doctors and scientists doing the work their predecessors haven’t.   

Two people I have found offering some amazing research on Menopause, brain health, and women's health in general are research Neuroscientist Dr. Lisa Misconi https://www.instagram.com/dr_mosconi/ and Gynecologist Dr. Mary Clare Haver.  https://www.instagram.com/drmaryclaire/

Dr. Misconi has a 2 ½ hour podcast on the Rich Roll podcast, which is very enlightening. She has written three books, which I hope to read in the next few months.

I wish I had them when I turned 40!  Peri-menopause hit me like a brick, and I was told there wasn’t much to do then.  The research was bad, and even female doctors were not doing the needed research.  When I gained weight, I was told- “oh, you gained weight!” but no help was really offered.  

I didn’t get help from my doctors, which was very sad and frustrating for me. I love to teach others to move in a way that connects their minds and bodies, and my goal is for you to walk out of my studio feeling better than when you walked in. I was very frustrated and wondered why I never felt I got answers leaving my doctor's office!

 I had to make another plan. 

Luckily, I continued to move and eat as healthily as I could.

I drink minimal amounts of alcohol as I don’t sleep well with it in my system.

I counted my calories a bit more.

I really tuned in to how my mind and body were feeling with Yoga and to not get down on myself as my body was changing yet again.

When my hot flashes came on in full force, I stopped and breathed and asked myself what I was stressed about (for me, anyway, I think they were worse in stressful times).

I worked hard on my thyroid health. 

I worked hard on my sleep hygiene.

I’ve learned that we all go through this differently, but helping each other find resources and doctors who can be our cheerleaders and caretakers will help the next generation of women have even more resources.

Let’s do this together and help each other stay healthy and happy!  

Let me know who your favorite resources are.