As an OBGYN, I must confess that I didn't fully grasp the significance of Suzanne Somers' advocacy until I personally entered menopause and began experiencing its challenging symptoms. Suzanne Somers, a well-known actress and entrepreneur, has played a pivotal role in reshaping the dialogue surrounding menopause and offering valuable insights into alternative treatments. Her journey and advocacy have been nothing short of revolutionary for countless women like me.
Menopause is a natural phase in a woman's life, but it often comes with a range of unwelcome symptoms, including brain fog, anxiety, sleepless nights, mood changes, and more. For years, these symptoms were frequently dismissed or downplayed, leaving women to silently endure their suffering. It was Suzanne Somers who fearlessly stepped into the spotlight to illuminate the struggles faced by menopausal women and champion alternative approaches to managing these symptoms.
Suzanne's personal experience with menopause became a catalyst for change. Her openness about her journey helped break down the walls of stigma surrounding menopause. She shared her story, her challenges, and her triumphs, allowing women worldwide to realize that they were not alone in their battles with menopausal symptoms. This transparency created a sense of unity among women confronting similar challenges, empowering them to seek solutions and support.
One of the most significant contributions Suzanne Somers has made to the menopause discussion is her advocacy for compounded bioidentical hormones as an alternative treatment option. Bioidentical hormones are carefully formulated to closely resemble the hormones naturally produced in a woman's body. Unlike synthetic hormones, which were the standard treatment for menopause for many years, bioidentical hormones offer a more personalized and potentially safer approach to managing menopausal symptoms.
Today, many women, including myself, enjoy the benefits of compounded bioidentical hormones. These hormones can be customized to meet an individual's specific needs, providing a more personalized approach to managing menopausal symptoms. Suzanne's courage in speaking out about her own experience with bioidentical hormones paved the way for countless women to explore this option with their healthcare providers.
In my clinic, I've fully embraced this personalized approach, using compounded bioidentical hormones in an organic oil base. This approach not only helps women feel better and sleep better but also plays a crucial role in safeguarding their heart, brain, and bones. Cardiovascular disease remains the number one cause of death in women, and during the first five years of menopause, women can lose up to 50% of their bone density. Furthermore, the lack of estrogen and sleep disturbances have been correlated with dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Suzanne Somers' advocacy has cast a vital spotlight on the importance of individualized care during menopause. By addressing the specific needs of each woman, we can provide a more holistic and effective approach to managing menopausal symptoms and safeguarding long-term health.
It's with great sadness that we note the passing of Suzanne Somers on October 15, 2023. May she rest in peace, knowing that her tireless efforts have improved the lives of countless women and left an enduring legacy in the field of menopause advocacy.
Anat Sapan, MD
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