During menopause, women commonly encounter a range of symptoms due to hormonal changes, with constipation being a particularly prominent issue. This condition, often exacerbated by the natural decline in estrogen levels, can significantly affect digestive regularity and overall comfort. Estrogen is crucial in maintaining the health and function of the gastrointestinal tract. As its levels […]
Gut health is a cornerstone of overall well-being, particularly crucial for women navigating the complexities of midlife and menopause. As we age, hormonal fluctuations can profoundly affect our gut microbiome, leading to changes in digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune function. During menopause, declining estrogen levels can impact the composition and diversity of gut bacteria, potentially
Hitting the hay. Catching some zzz’s. Out like a light. Whatever you want to call it, getting a good night’s sleep is essential to our overall health. And with 50-70 million people in the US reported as having a sleep disorder, it’s clear that many of us are not getting enough of it. In this
Few women’s health treatments elicit such strong reactions as hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Some healthcare professionals cite its risks as too high for any woman, yet others tout the symptom reduction menopausal women experience on HRT as worth the supposed risks. Why the division? Results of a 2002 study by the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI)
All of us are born with distinct characteristics and traits that make us who we are – what we’re good at, and what we’re not so good at. We’re often told to focus on our weaknesses; on improving what we’re not so great at. But this can only get us so far, as we’ll never
Growing waitlists for therapists, antidepressants with low efficacy rates, rising anxiety levels—we need novel mental health treatments, and psychedelics seem the most promising solution. But people question whether they’re the saving grace we’ve been led to believe or if there’s more to using psychedelics for mental health than meets the eye. So, last but not
Getting older is a fact of life. Yet in a society that values youth over old age, many of us struggle to accept the aging process. But remaining optimistic about aging helps us age gracefully and with optimal health. Here’s how you can make the best of it. How can you maintain a positive attitude
Mental health disorders continue to rise though treatments have changed little—if at all—in decades, and healthcare professionals are calling for new, innovative solutions to address the growing crisis. A possible answer? Psychedelics. Used for centuries by Indigenous cultures, plant-based psychedelics like psilocybin and ayahuasca may provide relief for people with depression, anxiety, and addiction. Already
Those of us who struggle with depression or an anxiety disorder know that finding the right treatment can be challenging. From finding the right therapist to discovering the SSRI that works best on our brains, it can all seem endless and overwhelming – particularly when we just want to feel better already! If this is
Identifiable by names like “special K” and “magic mushrooms,” psychedelics are surging ahead as one of the most significant breakthroughs in mental health treatment. Psychedelics refer to substances that can change perception and mood and were declared illegal in the late 1960s. However, in the early 1990s, researchers began taking a more serious look at
Among the roller coaster ride of symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause, one of the most unsettling and anxiety-provoking for many women is brain fog. Those frequent episodes of forgetfulness, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and mental fatigue are shared by up to 70% of women and can make you feel as if your brain has turned
Smooth, decadent chocolate; crunchy, salty chips; or gooey, cheesy, well, anything. On a stressful or down day, it’s common to reach for certain foods to help brighten your mood. But scientists are learning that the relationship between food, mood, and brain function, known as the gut–brain connection, goes both ways. Your gut “speaks” to your