Taking Good Care of Yourself in Mid-Life: Advice from Dr. JoAnn Pinkerton, In-Coming President of the North American Menopause Society
No one knows better than Dr. JoAnn Pinkerton just how complex medical problems can be for women in mid-life, even for those who live an exemplary, healthful lifestyle. In addition to seeing patients in private practice, she is Director of Mid Life Health and Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Virginia. Dr.
Pinkerton is also the incoming President of the North American Menopause Society, an organization whose mission is “promoting health and quality of life of women through an understanding of menopause.”In a recent conversation, I asked Dr. Pinkerton about the medical problems women in mid-life should be most concerned about and what, if anything, women can do to prevent them from occurring. Here is a transcript of our conversation: Dr. Pinkerton: Physicians usually focus on three main medical problems during this time; heart disease, breast cancer and osteoporosis/bone health. However, midlife is a key time for women to take stock and improve their care of themselves. Perimenopausal and menopausal women are often involved in careers or care-taking for teenagers, aging parents or both.For overall health, women should work to limit the weight gain that happens with aging and hormonal changes due to menopause. Specifically, not smoking, avoiding excess alcohol, regular aerobic exercise and strength training and improving response to stress will all help prevent major diseases. Regular checkups and discussions with providers regarding individual risks and need for preventive testings such as mammograms, bone densities, colonoscopy, lipid panels, pap tests remain important.
I also recommend taking 1000-1500 mg of calcium either through diet or supplements, and 1000 IU of Vitamin D. Additional supplements may be indicated for specific women. If you have a strong family history of heart disease, breast cancer, osteoporosis or other health issues, there may be more specific recommendations for diagnostic testing, or lifestyle changes or medications to decrease your risks.
It is never too late to work to get excess weight off, lose central abdominal obesity, build more muscle mass, and live a healthier, less stressful lifestyle. And stay active! We need to keep our bodies “humming” to maintain the pitch of our busy lives. … [Read more]
