As we naturally age, collagen production in our bodies decline, elastin fibers weaken, and the skin loses thickness and strength. In women, this process often accelerates as estrogen levels decrease, further impacting overall skin integrity. However, what we’re experiencing isn’t just surface aging, it’s a loss of structural support within the skin.
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When I began naturopathic medical school, the very first thing we learned was the six principles of naturopathic medicine – the foundation of our entire approach to health. Out of all of them, the one that stood out most to me was Vis Medicatrix Naturae – the healing power of nature. This principle recognizes two truths: first, that the body has an innate ability to heal itself when given the right support, and second, that nature itself plays an essential role in that process.
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The human mouth is a dynamic microbial ecosystem, home to more than 700 bacterial species that influence far more than just teeth and gums. The composition of the oral microbiome reflects the health of both the gut and the cardiovascular system, making it a valuable early indicator of systemic imbalance.
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For many women, menopause brings a frustrating shift in how the body stores fat, responds to food, and regulates energy. Even with a disciplined lifestyle, weight gain—especially around the midsection—can be extremely frustrating.
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I was honored last week to be a guest at the 25th anniversary celebration of the Community Garden at White Memorial Medical Center in East LA. It brought back so many memories of working in the dirt to regenerate an old vacant lot, visible from the 6 stories of medical clinics looming above it.
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When most people think of menopause, hot flashes and mood swings are usually the first symptoms that come to mind. But for many women, one of the most disruptive and least talked-about changes is the way menopause affects the muscles, joints, and bones. A growing body of research now recognizes this cluster of symptoms as the Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause (MSM)—and the earlier we address it, the better the outcomes.
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As women transition through peri and post-menopause, maintaining metabolic health and bone density becomes more critical than ever. The decline in estrogen during this time can lead to muscle loss, slower metabolism, and increased risk for osteoporosis. However, strength training offers a powerful solution to combat these challenges, supporting both physical and metabolic health.
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Menopause, often overshadowed by the reproductive years, marks a pivotal shift in a woman’s life. This change brings profound hormonal changes which impact every single organ system. However, societal views and even the perceptions of women themselves can sometimes diminish its significance, often due to stigma or a lack of open dialogue with their healthcare providers. Let’s demystify menopause, exploring not just what it is but how it profoundly affects women’s health.
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By definition, women are said to be in menopause when they have gone one full year without a menstrual cycle. In women, the ovaries produce the majority of female hormones: estrogen, progesterone and testosterone, which control different processes in a woman’s body including her menses. To a lesser extent the adrenal glands will also make these hormones. As a woman approaches menopause, her ovaries make less and less of these hormones and she will rely on her adrenal glands to produce these hormones. This is why protecting and nourishing our adrenal glands before we move into the perimenopausal and menopausal phase of our lives is so important.
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