Welcome to our first newsletter! This month our theme is hormonal health, with the latest information from each of our practitioners. In each issue we will bring you cutting-edge findings in mind/body health, give you tips for keeping well, and let you know about exciting developments at The Center.

MEDICAL NEWS
Menopause: A Hormone-balancing Approach

Menopause is a time of transition, but quality of life does not have to "pause". This is a good time for reflection so that we can optimize our lifestyle to achieve hormonal and overall well-being. There are a lot of controversies regarding hormone replacement therapy (HRT), especially since the media has highlighted the potential risks of hormone replacement therapy seen in the Women's Health Initiative Study (WHI). But do you know whether WHI is applicable to you as an individual? We are all unique, with different risk factors and constitutions. Our health focus may also be different, even though ultimately quality of life is the most valuable factor.

Get the true story about menopause and HRT...

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH NEWS
Mood and Hormones: What's the Connection?

Puzzled about menopause and mood changes? You're not the only one-even experts are stumped about the exact mechanism of how a woman's changing hormones affect the brain and mood. Clearly, there is clinical evidence in that many women report increases in depression and anxiety as they enter this phase of life. According to recent findings by the Harvard Study of Moods and Cycles, even women who have no history of mood disturbance may find themselves faced with feelings of sadness or excessive worry. What causes these mood disturbances, and what can women do to manage them?

Read more about menopause and mood...

PHYSICAL THERAPY NEWS
Exercise Relieves Menopausal Slump!

The negative effects of changing hormones can be made worse by not exercising! As estrogen levels decline, a woman's risk of bone loss increases significantly. Her risk of cardiovascular disease, mood swings, and sleep disturbances also increase. The ONE thing that can help to counteract these risks is exercise.

Read more about exercise and menopause...

ACUPUNCTURE NEWS
Can Acupuncture Help Your Hot Flashes?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), menopause is a naturally occurring event that manifests the female body's great inherent wisdom. TCM teaches that instead of sending blood and nutrients to the uterus, a woman's body in menopause sends blood and nutrients upward, toward the heart.

Read more about TCM and menopause...

NUTRITIONAL NEWS
Soy and Hormonal Health

You may have read about the use of soy products in managing symptoms of menopause. The soy bean contains isoflavones or phytoestrogens that are thought to replenish the aging body's declining estrogen levels and relieve menopausal symptoms. However, despite research, it is still unclear on whether or not the soy bean has estrogen-boosting or estrogen-blocking properties.

Learn about soy and hormonal health...

SEXUAL HEALTH NEWS
Sexual Well-being FAQ: Desire and Hormones

I am going through menopause and I never think about sex! What's going on?

There are numerous reasons for a woman to experience low desire or libido. It is not uncommon for women in perimenopause (the years prior to the actual cessation of menses) to complain that they'd rather read a book than make love!

Read more about libido and menopause...