Thriving Thru Menopause Clarissa Kristjansson

Are you confused about HRT and looking for more support and guidance to help you make informed decisions? This week, Dr. Daved Rosensweet joins me to discuss menopause and hormone therapy and to dispel some of the myths and confusion.
Dr. Rosensweet was the clinical physician involved in the very first Nurse Practitioner training program in the U.S.A. and in charge of health promotion for the State of New Mexico. He teaches health professionals about treating women in menopause with bio-identical hormones.
He explains that the confusion arose in 2002 when a study falsely reported an increased risk of breast cancer with hormone therapy. He clarifies that the study showed a reduced risk and that subsequent research confirmed the safety and benefits of hormone therapy.
Dr Rosensweet also explains the difference between traditional hormone therapy derived from horse urine and bioidentical hormones derived from plants. He discusses the politics and profit motives behind the controversy surrounding bioidentical hormones.
Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of individualized treatment and testing hormone levels after a few months of therapy.
In this conversation, Dr. Daved Rosensweet discusses the importance of progesterone, testosterone, and estrogen in women's health and shares why he believes it is necessary to replenish all four ovarian hormones for optimal well-being.
Dr. Rosensweet also explains the significance of testosterone in preserving muscle mass and preventing muscle loss in older women. He highlights the importance of finding a healthcare provider who is knowledgeable about hormones and can individualize hormone prescriptions. The conversation also touches on the best vehicles for hormone delivery and the duration of hormone replacement therapy.
Key Takeaways
* Confusion about hormone therapy arose from a false report in 2002 that suggested an increased risk of breast cancer. Subsequent research has shown that hormone therapy actually reduces the risk of breast cancer, heart attack, and stroke.
* Traditional hormone therapy derived from horse urine was widely used but has been largely replaced by bioidentical hormones derived from plants.
* The controversy surrounding bioidentical hormones is driven by profit motives and attempts by pharmaceutical companies to regain market share.
* Testing hormone levels is not necessary before starting hormone therapy, but it is important to monitor levels after a few months of treatment to ensure optimal dosing.
* Individualized treatment is key, as hormone needs vary among women. Progesterone is crucial for mood, sleep, and bone health in women.
* Testosterone is not just a male hormone but a human hormone that plays a role in muscle preservation.
* Replenishing all four ovarian hormones is important for overall well-being in menopause.
* Finding a healthcare provider who is knowledgeable about hormones and can individualize prescriptions is essential.
* Topical application of hormones in creams, gels, or oils is the safest and most effective method.
* The duration of hormone replacement therapy should be based on individual needs and can be lifelong.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and the Confusion Surrounding Menopause
03:33 The Truth About Hormone Therapy and Breast Cancer Risk
06:50 The Difference Between Traditional and Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
08:20 The Politics and Profit Motives Behind the Controversy
14:36The Importance of Testing Hormone Levels After Treatment
16:48 The Need for Individualized Treatment
19:57 Replenishing All Four Ovarian Hormones
20:18 Preserving Muscle Mass with Testosterone
23:35 Finding a Knowledgeable Healthcare Provider
23:52 The Best Vehicles for Hormone Delivery
24:24 The Duration of Hormone Replacement Therapy

Connect with Dr Rosensweet https://www.davedrosensweetmd.com/
Connect with Clarissa https://clarissakristjansson.com/
Get a copy of my new book Beyond Hormones: 7 Holistic Ways to Thrive Through Menopause https://bit.ly/49X

In this episode, Clarissa is joined by Joy Brown Kirst, the founder of Modern Age Skin, to discuss the importance of skincare for perimenopausal and menopausal women.
Joy shares her personal journey of struggling with skin issues during perimenopause and how she started her own skincare brand to address the specific needs of women in this stage of life.
They discuss the various skin issues that women can experience due to hormonal changes, such as acne, rosacea, melasma, and eczema. Joy emphasizes the importance of addressing inflammation, skin structure depletion, and hypersensitivity in skincare products.
She also discusses the need for a more inclusive and positive approach to ageing in the beauty industry.
Key Takeaways
* Skincare is an important topic for perimenopausal and menopausal women, as hormonal changes can lead to various skin issues.
* Common skin issues during this stage include acne, rosacea, melasma, and eczema.
* Many skincare products focus on moisturizing and anti-ageing but fail to address the specific needs of perimenopausal and menopausal skin. It is important to look for skincare products that address inflammation, skin structure depletion, and hypersensitivity.
* The beauty industry needs to adopt a more inclusive and positive approach to ageing and move away from the anti-ageing narrative.
Timestamps00:01 Welcome to Thriving Through Menopause!
00:28 Skin Care Revolution: Meeting Joy Brown Kirst
01:29 Joy's Journey: From Personal Struggle to Skincare Innovation
04:16 Introducing Modern Age Skin: A Brand Born from Necessity
05:26 Addressing Menopause Skin Issues: Beyond Moisturization
13:32 Holistic Approaches to Menopause: Beyond Hormones
27:30 Empowering Women: Advocacy and Self-Care in Menopause
31:19 Where to Find Modern Age Skin Products
32:19 Closing Thoughts and Next Episode Tease
Listeners can enjoy a 15% discount on Modern Age Skin products by using the code TTM15.
Connect with Joyhttps://modernageskin.com/ https://www.instagram.com/modernageskin/ https://www.tiktok.com/@modernageskin
Connect with Clarissa https://clarissakristjansson.com/ https://www.instagram.com/thrivingthrumenopause/ Grab your copy of my new book, Beyond Hormones: 7 Holistic Ways to Thrive Through Menopause. https://bit.ly/49XBI1a


Get full access to Heart of Menopause at clarissakristjansson.substack.com/subscribe

This episode of the Thriving Thru Menopause podcast unpacks the connection between menopause, bone density, and holistic health approaches. From understanding the impact of perimenopause on osteoporosis to learning simple yet effective exercises for bone strength, Clarissa and her guest, Helen Davis, offer holistic insights into managing health transitions.
In this episode, Clarissa and Helen discuss osteoporosis and the importance of supporting bone health during menopause.
Helen shares her personal experience with perimenopause and how it led to her diagnosis of osteoporosis. They also explore the limitations of traditional medical advice and the need for individual research and decision-making.
Helen introduces the Bones for Life method based on the Feldenkrais Method and focuses on dynamic movement and postural alignment to improve bone density and strength.
They highlight the benefits of weight-bearing activity and proper alignment for bone health. Improving posture alignment is crucial for overall health, including bone density, breathing, and pelvic floor function. It can also enhance confidence and a sense of possibility.
Poor posture can lead to injuries and negate the benefits of strength training. Simple exercises like aligning the neck and bouncing on heels can make a significant difference. Walking every day and incorporating bouncing exercises into daily routines are key habits for supporting bone health.
Helen Davis offers an Introduction to Bones for Life course, providing an opportunity to explore this practice at one's own pace.
Takeaways
* Perimenopause symptoms can be overlooked or misdiagnosed, leading to delayed treatment and potential health issues.
* Individual research and decision-making are important when considering treatment options for osteoporosis.
* The Bones for Life method, based on the Feldenkrais Method, focuses on dynamic movement and postural alignment to improve bone density and strength.
* Weight-bearing activity and proper alignment are key factors in maintaining bone health.
* Cultural practices like those found in Africa and Asia that involve carrying weight on the head and jumping may contribute to stronger bones. Posture alignment is essential for overall health and can impact bone density, breathing, and pelvic floor function.
* Poor posture can lead to injuries and negate the benefits of strength training.
* Simple exercises like aligning the neck and bouncing on heels can improve posture and support bone health.
* Walking every day and incorporating bouncing exercises into daily routines are effective habits for maintaining bone health.
* Helen Davis offers an Introduction to Bones for Life course on her website, providing a self-study option for learning and practicing this approach.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Perimenopause Story
03:42 Diagnosis of Osteoporosis and Emotional Response
11:34 Introduction to Bones for Life Method
15:31 Learning from Cultural Practices
27:19 How Poor Posture Can Negate Strength Training Benefits
28:39 Simple Exercises for Better Posture
36:32 Walking and Bouncing for Bone Health
43:48 Introduction to Bones for Life Course
Helen Davis offers an Introduction to Bones for Life course on her website, allowing one to explore this practice at one's own pace. https://onestepforward.today/ https://www.instagram.com/onestepforward.today/ https://www.facebook.com/onestepforward.hypnotherapy/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-davis-onestepforward/
Clarissa Kristjansson https://clarissakristjansson.com/ https://www.instagram.com/thrivingthrumenopause
Get your copy of my new book Beyond Hormones: 7 Holistic Ways to Thrive Thru Menopause https://bit.ly/49XBI1a



Get full access to Heart of Menopause at clarissakristjansson.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Clarissa and Laurie Gerber discuss the challenges and changes in dating for menopausal women.
They explore the importance of being ready for dating after divorce and the need to detox from past relationships. Laurie emphasizes the need to set personal rules and boundaries in the new dating world. They also discuss the impact of online dating and the role of pictures in attracting potential partners.
The conversation highlights the importance of managing rejection and navigating the psychological gaming that can occur in the dating process.
Dating coach Laurie Gerber shares her insights on dating for menopausal and post-menopausal women. She emphasizes the importance of the three Hs: head, heart, and hoo-ha, which represent practical compatibility, emotional connection, and physical attraction.
Why Laurie advises setting a limit of three dates to determine if a potential partner meets all three criteria. She also emphasizes the importance of self-care, self-love, and being in a good mental and emotional state before entering the dating scene. Laurie encourages women to take control of their dating lives and approach dating with confidence and self-assuredness.


Get full access to Heart of Menopause at clarissakristjansson.substack.com/subscribe

Today's episode is a MUST listen. If you are navigating #menopause and experiencing stress, sleep disruption, brain fog and beating yourself up for all of it, then this is for you.
Cara Bradley joins Clarissa on the podcast today. She is a mind-body expert dedicated to advancing mind-body education through movement, mindfulness, and the science of human performance. Cara is the author of "On The Verge: Wake Up, Show Up, and Shine," and Mindful.org voted her one of the most powerful women in the mindfulness movement.
Clarissa and Cara Bradley discuss the power of mindfulness in navigating menopause. They explore the impact of menopause on the brain and the importance of self-compassion during this transformative phase of life.
Cara shares a three-step menopause and mindfulness practice that involves naming symptoms, examining them with loving kindness, and taking small actions to address them. They also discuss the role of mindfulness in managing brain fog and choosing one's state of being. The episode concludes with key takeaways and action steps for listeners to implement mindfulness in their own lives.
Takeaways
Menopause is a prime time for women to awaken to their changing bodies, brains, and minds, and mindfulness can play a crucial role in this process.
Mindfulness is the ability to know what's happening in the present moment without judgment, and it can be practised through formal meditation and moment-to-moment awareness.
Self-compassion is essential during menopause, and simple practices like placing a hand on the heart can cultivate self-love and kindness.
Addressing brain fog in menopause can be supported by mindfulness practices that help regulate the nervous system and prioritize sleep.
Choosing one's state of being through mindfulness empowers women to navigate the challenges of menopause and embrace their wisdom and power.
In this episode
08:48 The Impact of Menopause on the Brain
12:48 Understanding Mindfulness
18:43 The Importance of Self-Compassion
22:08 Practicing Mindfulness in Menopause
33:00 Addressing Brain Fog with Mindfulness
38:08 Choosing Your Mindset
45:21Action Steps to Start Being Mindful


Get full access to Heart of Menopause at clarissakristjansson.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of  Thriving Thru Menopause , Clarissa interviews Junie Moon about shadow work and its importance in personal growth.
They discuss the concept of the shadow, which refers to the parts of ourselves that we hide or disown. Junie explains how shadow work helps us reclaim and healthily express these hidden aspects.
They also explore the impact of shadow work during menopause and how it can help women break painful patterns and heal generational shadows.
Junie shares various tools and modalities for doing shadow work, including plant medicine and journeying.
Takeaways
Shadow work involves exploring and reclaiming the hidden aspects of ourselves that we have disowned or consider to be bad or wrong.
Shadow work helps us break painful patterns, heal generational shadows, and express ourselves authentically. Menopause is a powerful time for shadow work, as it brings unresolved emotions and offers an opportunity for healing and transformation.
Tools for shadow work include therapy, journaling, meditation, dream work, and working with plant medicine.
Expressing and honoring our emotions is an important part of shadow work, as it allows us to heal and create a more fulfilling life.
Shadow work can lead to a whole new way of being, where we embrace our true selves and live a more empowered and joyful life.
Sound Bites
01:13 Introducing Juni Moon: A Deep Dive into Shadow Work
02:26 Understanding Shadow Work: Unveiling the Hidden Parts of Ourselves
04:50 The Impact of Shadow Work on Personal Growth and Relationships
08:57 Navigating Midlife Challenges and Opportunities with Shadow Work
21:30 Exploring the Depths of Shadow Work: Techniques and Emotional Journey
32:45 Healing and Transformation: The Power of Shadow Work in Menopause
Connect with Junie Moon https://midlifeloveoutloud.com/
Connect with Clarissa Kristjansson https://clarissakristjansson.com/
Grab Your Copy of the New Book Beyond Hormones 7 Holistic Ways to Thrive Through Menopause https://bit.ly/49XBI1a


Get full access to Heart of Menopause at clarissakristjansson.substack.com/subscribe