Thank you so much. This is all extremely helpful, and you deliver the info in such a friendly, positive and easy to understand manner. I would be very interested to hear more about oestrogen and cell receptors, if possible, and particularly how it affects 'female' tissues. I am unfortunate in that I have (post hysterectomy) menopause symptoms, but cannot take hrt or use topical oestrogen. I have pudendal neuralgia, and oestrogen seems to 'swell' tissues, which makes the nerve pain even worse. It seems to be all linked to hormonal imbalance and inflammation. I have read (Drs Bernard and McDougall) that excess body fat cells are like 'hormone factories' and that excess oestrogen after menopause can be toxic and inflammatory. I would be really interested in your thoughts on this. Also, a low-fat, whole foods, plant-based diet seems to be highly recommended to reduce body fat and inflammation? Thank you for all of your advice and help!
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m glad the information has been helpful, and I appreciate your thoughtful question. Navigating menopause symptoms, especially with complex conditions like pudendal neuralgia, can be challenging. I’m happy to provide some insight into how estrogen and other hormones interact with body tissues and how diet can play a role in managing these effects. Estrogen and Cell Receptors Estrogen interacts with specific receptors in various tissues throughout the body, including the brain, bones, skin, and, importantly, the urogenital area. These receptors help regulate a range of functions, such as tissue elasticity, moisture levels, and even mood. However, in some women, estrogen can cause tissues to swell or become more sensitive, which might exacerbate conditions like pudendal neuralgia. Estrogen, Body Fat, and Inflammation You’re correct that after menopause, excess body fat can act like a “hormone factory.” Fat tissue, especially visceral fat, can produce estrogen through a process called aromatization. This can lead to higher circulating levels of estrogen, which may contribute to inflammation and exacerbate symptoms like pain and discomfort. For women who cannot use hormone replacement therapy (HRT), managing body fat and inflammation becomes even more important. Diet and Lifestyle Strategies A low-fat, whole food, plant-based diet is indeed highly recommended for reducing body fat and inflammation. Here’s why it’s beneficial: Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Plant-based foods are rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients that help reduce inflammation. Foods like leafy greens, berries, and cruciferous vegetables are particularly powerful. Weight Management: This diet is naturally lower in calories and higher in fiber, which promotes satiety and can help with weight management, reducing the amount of fat tissue that may produce excess estrogen. Hormone Balance: Certain foods, such as flaxseeds, contain lignans that can have a mild balancing effect on estrogen levels, which might be beneficial in your case. Additional Strategies for Managing Symptoms: Mind-Body Techniques: Practices like yoga, mindfulness, and meditation can help reduce overall stress and may alleviate some neuralgia symptoms. Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy: This can be incredibly helpful for managing pudendal neuralgia by releasing tension and reducing nerve irritation. Supplements and Herbal Remedies: Some women find relief with anti-inflammatory supplements like omega-3 fatty acids (from algae oil, for example) or turmeric, though these should be discussed with your healthcare provider. Your approach to managing health through diet and lifestyle is commendable, and you’re on the right path. I encourage you to continue exploring these strategies and to work closely with your healthcare provider to tailor a plan that best supports your unique needs.
Hi Dr. Lori Marvis I’ve been watching you for quite some time I am 60 almost 60 years old post menopausal approximately 133 pounds and watching my weight along with a plant base Diet for almost 2 years. Have a question I also am HRT I often have burning pain in my breast can you ask please explain why
Thank you, Dr. Marbas.
You are very welcome
Thank you so much. This is all extremely helpful, and you deliver the info in such a friendly, positive and easy to understand manner. I would be very interested to hear more about oestrogen and cell receptors, if possible, and particularly how it affects 'female' tissues. I am unfortunate in that I have (post hysterectomy) menopause symptoms, but cannot take hrt or use topical oestrogen. I have pudendal neuralgia, and oestrogen seems to 'swell' tissues, which makes the nerve pain even worse. It seems to be all linked to hormonal imbalance and inflammation. I have read (Drs Bernard and McDougall) that excess body fat cells are like 'hormone factories' and that excess oestrogen after menopause can be toxic and inflammatory. I would be really interested in your thoughts on this. Also, a low-fat, whole foods, plant-based diet seems to be highly recommended to reduce body fat and inflammation? Thank you for all of your advice and help!
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m glad the information has been helpful, and I appreciate your thoughtful question. Navigating menopause symptoms, especially with complex conditions like pudendal neuralgia, can be challenging. I’m happy to provide some insight into how estrogen and other hormones interact with body tissues and how diet can play a role in managing these effects.
Estrogen and Cell Receptors
Estrogen interacts with specific receptors in various tissues throughout the body, including the brain, bones, skin, and, importantly, the urogenital area. These receptors help regulate a range of functions, such as tissue elasticity, moisture levels, and even mood. However, in some women, estrogen can cause tissues to swell or become more sensitive, which might exacerbate conditions like pudendal neuralgia.
Estrogen, Body Fat, and Inflammation
You’re correct that after menopause, excess body fat can act like a “hormone factory.” Fat tissue, especially visceral fat, can produce estrogen through a process called aromatization. This can lead to higher circulating levels of estrogen, which may contribute to inflammation and exacerbate symptoms like pain and discomfort. For women who cannot use hormone replacement therapy (HRT), managing body fat and inflammation becomes even more important.
Diet and Lifestyle Strategies
A low-fat, whole food, plant-based diet is indeed highly recommended for reducing body fat and inflammation. Here’s why it’s beneficial:
Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Plant-based foods are rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients that help reduce inflammation. Foods like leafy greens, berries, and cruciferous vegetables are particularly powerful.
Weight Management: This diet is naturally lower in calories and higher in fiber, which promotes satiety and can help with weight management, reducing the amount of fat tissue that may produce excess estrogen.
Hormone Balance: Certain foods, such as flaxseeds, contain lignans that can have a mild balancing effect on estrogen levels, which might be beneficial in your case.
Additional Strategies for Managing Symptoms:
Mind-Body Techniques: Practices like yoga, mindfulness, and meditation can help reduce overall stress and may alleviate some neuralgia symptoms.
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy: This can be incredibly helpful for managing pudendal neuralgia by releasing tension and reducing nerve irritation.
Supplements and Herbal Remedies: Some women find relief with anti-inflammatory supplements like omega-3 fatty acids (from algae oil, for example) or turmeric, though these should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Your approach to managing health through diet and lifestyle is commendable, and you’re on the right path. I encourage you to continue exploring these strategies and to work closely with your healthcare provider to tailor a plan that best supports your unique needs.
Hi Dr. Lori Marvis I’ve been watching you for quite some time I am 60 almost 60 years old post menopausal approximately 133 pounds and watching my weight along with a plant base Diet for almost 2 years. Have a question I also am HRT I often have burning pain in my breast can you ask please explain why
I don’t know but you should speak to your doctor about this.
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