Hormonal Havoc: Confronting the Dark Side of Midlife Eating Disorders

Subscribe to the video podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@SomaMandalsays/videos   In this episode of Soma Says, Dr. Soma is joined by Amy Goldsmith, a registered dietician and nutritionist, to discuss the manifestation of eating disorders during menopause and midlife. Amy shares her expertise on how hormonal changes can impact eating behaviors and body satisfaction. The conversation covers the importance of understanding the relationship with food and exercise, the rise of orthorexia, and the psychological and societal pressures women face. Dr. Soma and Amy also delve into practical advice on nutrition, the benefits of strength training, and the necessity of self-care and mental health support during this challenging stage of life.   00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer     00:41 Meet Amy Goldsmith: A Registered Dietician     01:28 Eating Disorders During Menopause     02:05 Personal Experiences and Observations     03:37 Challenges of Perimenopause       04:27 Weight Gain and Body Changes     05:14 The Role of Providers and Misconceptions     07:48 Eating Disorders and Perimenopause     13:31 Orthorexia and Social Media Influence     17:02 Addressing Eating Disorders     19:27 Societal Pressures and Body Image     24:29 Ayurvedic Insights and Quick Fix Culture     25:45 Impact of Diet on Nervous System     27:36 Hormonal Changes and Lifestyle Adjustments     29:22 Challenges of Midlife and Reinventing Yourself     32:05 Importance of Sleep and Grounding Techniques     36:11 Eating Disorders Across Life Stages     43:36 Supporting Each Other Through Challenges     44:59 Conclusion and Where to Find More Information   Learn more about Amy Goldsmith, RD at https://kindrednutrition.com/

Episode Transcript

(00:00):
Hi, this is Dr.

(00:01):
Soma.
Just a disclaimer, this podcast is for informational purposes only and isn't intended as medical advice.
Always consult with your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise, or health regimen.
Let's go to the show.

(00:41):
Welcome back to Soma Says.
Today we'll be talking with Amy Goldsmith, a registered dietician, nutritionist with a wealth of experience. 8 00:00:51,809.999 --> 00:00:57,319.9 Amy graduated cum laude from Virginia Tech and became credentialed in 1999.
Her impressive career spans clinical roles at Johns Hopkins Bayview and Washington Hospital Center, product development with Danone and sales with Apria Healthcare.

(01:08):
In 2010, Amy founded Kindred Nutrition and Kinetics offering comprehensive services in medical nutrition therapy and more.
A passionate advocate for collaborative care, Amy specializes in eating disorders and sports nutrition. 12 00:01:23,84.999 --> 00:01:27,125 Her work has been featured in Shape, Self, and on Fox 5 News. 13 00:01:28,534.999 --> 00:01:34,304.999 let's listen to Amy as she talks about eating disorders that show up during menopause. 14 00:01:35,304.999 --> 00:01:38,634.999 exercise can be a form of bulimia. 15 00:01:38,644.999 --> 00:01:45,535 So I think that that is something really important for every provider to look into what is that relationship with exercise. 16 00:01:46,907.483 --> 00:01:54,17.483 If you see signs and symptoms, there's a way that you can provide a message of support in a very compassionate way. 17 00:01:54,377.483 --> 00:02:01,127.481 And if you tick that person off, that is going to be temporary, But I think I would say, don't be quiet about it. 18 00:02:02,422.482 --> 00:02:04,392.482 There's strength in having the conversation. 19 00:02:05,119.965 --> 00:02:30,314.965 What led to your interest in women who are menopausal midlife and eating disorders that present during this time period? I've had my practice for about 15 years and I have a specialty in medical nutrition therapy, which encompasses everything and really niched down to eating disorders and sports nutrition. 20 00:02:30,664.965 --> 00:02:44,144.965 I feel like there's a great need for specialists And it's, it's almost I know this is a strong word, but dangerous for people to work with individuals who don't have the experience with sports nutrition and eating disorders. 21 00:02:44,874.965 --> 00:02:48,984.964 And I started to notice a pattern in the last 15 years. 22 00:02:49,184.965 --> 00:02:58,944.965 And it really seems like the pattern is I start to see eating disorder patients at that pre puberty or puberty age. 23 00:02:59,284.965 --> 00:03:05,784.965 And then again, it was coming back around, I would say early to mid forties. 24 00:03:05,904.965 --> 00:03:06,884.965 And later. 25 00:03:06,934.965 --> 00:03:12,304.965 And so as that pattern was continuing I would talk with other professionals. 26 00:03:12,574.965 --> 00:03:17,334.965 And then of course I'm not shy to say I'm 48 years old myself. 27 00:03:17,364.964 --> 00:03:23,424.965 So there is nothing better than having a lived experience with the lovely, perimenopause menopause. 28 00:03:23,444.965 --> 00:03:29,134.965 And I think there's such a lack of research and. 29 00:03:30,229.965 --> 00:03:36,629.965 in that field that I've dived in or dove in, to help myself and help other women. 30 00:03:37,579.965 --> 00:03:40,449.965 There is such a lack of research and, I'm 53. 31 00:03:40,679.964 --> 00:03:47,679.966 So I remember, and for me, That weight change happened early on. 32 00:03:47,679.966 --> 00:03:52,229.966 I have a very strange pattern, as to how things present. 33 00:03:52,229.966 --> 00:03:54,789.966 And a lot of it is hormonal. 34 00:03:55,389.966 --> 00:04:02,919.966 But I remember when it happened, even when, when it was happening as a doctor, I was like, what is going on? Oh yeah. 35 00:04:03,409.965 --> 00:04:03,679.965 Yeah. 36 00:04:03,689.966 --> 00:04:04,459.966 It's shocking. 37 00:04:04,529.966 --> 00:04:04,889.966 Yeah. 38 00:04:04,929.966 --> 00:04:06,639.966 I'm working out every day. 39 00:04:07,139.966 --> 00:04:20,939.9665 You could argue that I was probably not eating the best things, but not that I was overdoing it, but even those things were, I think, triggering weight gain and the underlying genetics, with my family. 40 00:04:21,439.9675 --> 00:04:25,709.9675 So it was really confusing and it, it took me a long time to figure out. 41 00:04:28,74.9675 --> 00:04:49,154.9655 so women who come in at this stage, and I see a lot of women in my practice, like it's, it's just happened over the past two decades where I, I started attracting a lot of women patients and the number one question is, something is really wrong with me. 42 00:04:49,154.9655 --> 00:05:02,604.965 Can you please help me? I feel like women almost feel hopeless, Like, so exactly like you said, I think the strangest thing with perimenopause is that it happens regardless of what you're doing. 43 00:05:02,604.965 --> 00:05:05,314.9645 So, so many women say, I haven't changed anything. 44 00:05:05,324.9655 --> 00:05:08,54.9655 I'm still working out, I'm still active. 45 00:05:08,784.9655 --> 00:05:12,464.9655 I'm still eating the same way but I can't sleep. 46 00:05:12,654.9655 --> 00:05:14,264.9655 my mood is changing. 47 00:05:14,634.9655 --> 00:05:19,444.9655 And I also think, Oh, we're so lucky to have providers like you. 48 00:05:19,614.9645 --> 00:05:26,294.9655 I do think that there's a lot of providers who haven't been trained on menopause and don't really necessarily know when perimenopause starts. 49 00:05:26,674.9655 --> 00:05:28,484.9655 So a lot of times when. 50 00:05:28,779.9655 --> 00:05:31,289.9655 Women are talking about their symptoms. 51 00:05:31,409.9655 --> 00:05:39,779.9655 I don't want to necessarily say it's brushed off, but I know I am told and still was just told at my last visit, you're too young. 52 00:05:41,49.9655 --> 00:05:42,129.9655 and not too young. 53 00:05:42,269.9655 --> 00:05:52,179.9645 What And, and it's, the thing is, Amy, I actually did not receive that much information or training regarding this stage of life. 54 00:05:52,199.9655 --> 00:06:04,639.9655 I think it, when it only hit me, and by the way, I'm not even, there yet, I'm not even menopausal, a lot of people assume I go to the GYNs often and their thing, they think, Oh yeah, you're not having your periods anymore. 55 00:06:04,699.9655 --> 00:06:09,469.9655 I am, But perimenopause hit really hit for me at 39. 56 00:06:10,249.9655 --> 00:06:10,869.9655 Wow. 57 00:06:10,949.9655 --> 00:06:11,149.9655 Wow. 58 00:06:11,159.9655 --> 00:06:14,219.9655 So a lot of stuff can still happen. 59 00:06:14,719.9645 --> 00:06:15,619.9645 Absolutely. 60 00:06:15,629.9655 --> 00:06:17,419.9655 during this stage of life. 61 00:06:18,329.9645 --> 00:06:25,429.9655 So just because you're perimenopausal doesn't mean that, everything just shuts down, but it can be very challenging. 62 00:06:26,19.9655 --> 00:06:28,814.8655 And that was when I remember I was in. 63 00:06:29,174.9655 --> 00:06:36,264.9655 Lower Manhattan where I used to, work and I was like, what is going on? I'm not losing weight. 64 00:06:36,274.9655 --> 00:06:51,404.9645 I'm gaining weight and I it took me like a good amount of time to realize that my body was changing and that's where I think the interest started happening where I was like, okay This stage is very challenging. 65 00:06:51,404.9645 --> 00:07:11,384.9635 Nobody told me That this would happen, and I remember back to my mom who had a different set of stressors than I did and, and some of the body changes that happened with her and then I realized, okay, this happens to a lot of us, but it can be different. 66 00:07:12,84.9645 --> 00:07:33,94.9635 the mood issues and all of it, joint pains, palpitations, sleep issues, not everybody has those things, So, and then in practice, And especially now with all these weight loss medicines, I see a lot of women who are just frantic about their weight. 67 00:07:33,409.9635 --> 00:07:43,519.9635 And it leaves me worried because I'm not necessarily sure that they're doing it for the reasons, number one, not everyone, but some of them. 68 00:07:44,229.9635 --> 00:07:48,799.9625 And then number two, my, my question is, I'm not an eating disorder specialist. 69 00:07:48,799.9635 --> 00:07:58,339.963 I will not claim to be one, what underlying psychological issue is there that is driving this, yes. 70 00:07:58,729.964 --> 00:07:59,119.964 Yes. 71 00:07:59,199.964 --> 00:08:11,389.964 And I think that's so important because I think that, with perimenopause, a lot of research supports that the first thing that happens is body dissatisfaction. 72 00:08:11,559.964 --> 00:08:16,289.963 And sometimes that will happen even before people are actually recognizing the symptoms. 73 00:08:17,9.964 --> 00:08:26,279.964 And you said something really important that really stands very strong with me is that You thought about it and said, Oh, this happens. 74 00:08:26,649.964 --> 00:08:27,919.964 This is something that happens. 75 00:08:27,929.964 --> 00:08:45,54.964 So to me, that sounds like there was a form of acceptance, I think that Just the way that the world is now, our population is addicted to the magic bullet, the quick information, and there's really no regulation out there. 76 00:08:45,64.963 --> 00:08:53,814.964 So if you are in a moment of feeling that you have such body dissatisfaction and you want to make changes, you can just type into the internet. 77 00:08:54,134.964 --> 00:09:03,594.963 And now, like if you do type weight gain with perimenopause in the internet, one of the top search results is the GLP one medications. 78 00:09:04,84.964 --> 00:09:12,44.965 And sometimes, sometimes I even see that above hormone replacement, And it's tricky because in the past hormone. 79 00:09:13,39.965 --> 00:09:17,639.965 Replacement therapy was deemed a negative from a bad research studies. 80 00:09:17,919.965 --> 00:09:22,559.965 I think the issue is in the media gets a hold of it and they change the narration. 81 00:09:22,909.965 --> 00:09:31,29.965 And so it's really tough because I think we have to really help educate consumers to be better consumers. 82 00:09:31,49.965 --> 00:09:33,189.965 look at where you're getting your information from. 83 00:09:33,704.965 --> 00:09:57,714.964 But I agree with you when that desire to lose weight is rooted in, judgment, body dissatisfaction guilt, shame, I think that we need to look into that a little bit more because I do think, it stinks to say this, but the way that I try to present it to my patients is. 84 00:09:57,949.964 --> 00:10:01,829.964 we need to accept that this is what your body is doing now, and it's temporary. 85 00:10:01,969.964 --> 00:10:19,679.966 Now, I don't mean it's temporary or a couple months, But what can we do to change how you're physically feeling, We know that if we can change sleep and we can change activity so that it's something that we enjoy a little bit more will be more consistent with things. 86 00:10:19,739.966 --> 00:10:28,689.966 And oftentimes I find that actually stops the weight gain, So the first process is let's stop the gain, And then go from there. 87 00:10:29,169.965 --> 00:10:30,89.9655 But it does worry me. 88 00:10:30,89.9655 --> 00:10:34,69.966 I think that it's rooted in a lot of negative things. 89 00:10:35,329.966 --> 00:10:45,309.966 let's be honest A lot of the research supports that like when you do use a glp1 once you go off You're going to have that weight gain. 90 00:10:45,319.966 --> 00:10:48,959.967 So then we're That circle of chaos. 91 00:10:48,959.967 --> 00:10:52,259.967 So we're back to the judgment, the guilt, the shame. 92 00:10:52,549.967 --> 00:10:55,339.967 It's just from a mental health perspective, really dangerous to me. 93 00:10:56,59.967 --> 00:10:57,49.967 It is, it is. 94 00:10:57,49.967 --> 00:11:00,889.967 And don't get me wrong, I do, I do prescribe GLP ones. 95 00:11:00,889.967 --> 00:11:01,374.967 It's Oh yeah. 96 00:11:01,374.967 --> 00:11:03,449.967 It's not like I don't, yeah. 97 00:11:03,449.967 --> 00:11:07,219.967 And then, and they, they do help with a lot of things. 98 00:11:07,629.967 --> 00:11:08,199.967 I agree. 99 00:11:08,199.967 --> 00:11:08,201.967 I agree. 100 00:11:08,589.967 --> 00:11:22,299.966 But at the same time, the frenzy of what I'm experiencing as a physician does, leave me worried that people are not necessarily doing the things on them. 101 00:11:22,429.966 --> 00:11:23,909.966 They may not be eating then. 102 00:11:24,179.966 --> 00:11:25,409.966 not getting enough protein. 103 00:11:25,409.966 --> 00:11:26,779.966 They're not getting enough fiber. 104 00:11:27,29.966 --> 00:11:28,239.966 They're not exercising. 105 00:11:28,249.966 --> 00:11:30,889.966 They're not maintaining their muscle mass. 106 00:11:30,929.966 --> 00:11:35,199.966 And then they're just relying on a medication to support them. 107 00:11:35,309.965 --> 00:11:36,839.9655 So we've talked a lot. 108 00:11:36,839.9655 --> 00:11:38,809.9655 I think we've just hit it off off the bat. 109 00:11:39,439.9645 --> 00:11:45,419.9655 But let's start from the basics, What, what do you see in terms of eating disorders. 110 00:11:45,549.9655 --> 00:11:59,520.0655 Educate my listeners as to what type of eating disorders do you frequently see during this period of midlife perimenopause and menopause? Well, it's interesting because I read a lot. 111 00:11:59,520.0655 --> 00:12:06,320.066 I'm a nerdy geek where I read a lot of research in one research study that I really. 112 00:12:06,320.066 --> 00:12:18,230.066 agree with supports that oftentimes in that perimenopause stage, like before people are diagnosed and they know what's happening we see a little bit more of that emotional eating or binge eating, believe it or not. 113 00:12:18,290.065 --> 00:12:22,660.066 and to me, that makes a lot of sense because we have a. 114 00:12:23,230.066 --> 00:12:30,120.066 Distinct change in our hormones, our estrogen drops, our ghrelin, which is our hunger hormone increases. 115 00:12:30,340.066 --> 00:12:36,670.0655 And then if you look at all the compounds of mood and not sleeping, to me, that makes complete sense. 116 00:12:36,700.0655 --> 00:12:38,910.0655 Mindless eating in a short amount of time. 117 00:12:39,440.0655 --> 00:12:40,700.0655 I think so. 118 00:12:40,720.0655 --> 00:13:02,690.0645 So that is common, oftentimes, that can then move towards or there's some people who are in more of that anorexia where that is, where there is such an intense fear of gaining weight, that there is a dedicated restriction to make sure that they eat, that they continue to lose weight. 119 00:13:03,160.0655 --> 00:13:05,990.0655 And then sometimes I see it. 120 00:13:06,140.0655 --> 00:13:12,115.115 I really don't see it that much with the menopausal or perimenopausal woman is bulimia. 121 00:13:12,335.115 --> 00:13:17,800.115 However, I would say, The way that we traditionally think of bulimia is that binge purge. 122 00:13:18,20.115 --> 00:13:23,600.115 I think a lot of people forget that exercise can be a form of bulimia. 123 00:13:23,610.115 --> 00:13:30,500.116 So I think that that is something really important for every provider to look into what is that relationship with exercise. 124 00:13:31,195.116 --> 00:13:38,905.116 One of the most interesting things that I see and I would see this is probably what I see the most of is something called orthorexia. 125 00:13:39,475.116 --> 00:13:42,915.116 And orthorexia is not listed in the DSM 5. 126 00:13:43,215.116 --> 00:13:47,335.116 But it is an interesting has a interesting way that it presents. 127 00:13:47,345.116 --> 00:13:52,375.116 So oftentimes it is rooted in that body dissatisfaction. 128 00:13:52,855.116 --> 00:14:00,105.116 And it doesn't necessarily look like a fear of gaining weight in a, sudden restriction or a binge purge. 129 00:14:00,125.116 --> 00:14:07,735.116 It's more of a a compulsion with eating a certain way or eating certain types of foods or looking at ingredients. 130 00:14:07,745.116 --> 00:14:12,705.115 So often you may see that somebody decides that they're going to go vegan, for example. 131 00:14:12,705.115 --> 00:14:14,185.115 And not that I'm saying that's bad. 132 00:14:14,415.115 --> 00:14:17,85.115 However, they're so black and white. 133 00:14:17,515.115 --> 00:14:28,545.114 There's no flexibility, and it really leads to excluding so many food groups that naturally you're not eating enough, and it can lead to malnutrition. 134 00:14:28,605.115 --> 00:14:32,345.114 So I see like vegan or vegetarianism. 135 00:14:32,535.115 --> 00:14:36,95.114 I'll see, of course, as I think this won't surprise anybody. 136 00:14:36,295.114 --> 00:14:43,820.115 We'll see the gluten free, the dairy free and then a pretty Big preoccupation on ingredients. 137 00:14:43,830.115 --> 00:14:50,230.115 So you'll often hear I'm going to eat clean which, clean eating to me, it's just a A marketing scheme. 138 00:14:50,230.115 --> 00:14:54,670.115 It there's no such thing from my perspective, what And so that's what I really, really see. 139 00:14:54,690.115 --> 00:15:05,540.114 And, and when someone with orthorexia is presented with having to go somewhere where they're not sure what these ingredients look like, or going to a restaurant, they will isolate themselves. 140 00:15:05,540.115 --> 00:15:07,460.115 They will not go places. 141 00:15:07,470.115 --> 00:15:12,370.115 And it just, it leads to not only the malnutrition, but also. 142 00:15:12,755.115 --> 00:15:17,315.115 increased anxiety and depression and things like that. 143 00:15:18,385.115 --> 00:15:19,215.115 I'll be honest with you. 144 00:15:19,215.115 --> 00:15:21,445.114 I've never heard of orthorexia. 145 00:15:22,5.114 --> 00:15:28,905.115 So when I, read about it I was like, okay, I think I've seen this before. 146 00:15:29,465.115 --> 00:15:30,35.115 Yes. 147 00:15:30,95.115 --> 00:15:31,385.115 It's very interesting. 148 00:15:31,385.115 --> 00:15:38,75.115 And I think that, I think, We're starting to see it more just because it's being talked about. 149 00:15:38,635.115 --> 00:15:52,395.116 I feel like it's rising due to, and I hate to say this because I sound like a broken record, but when we think about like social media diet culture, look at the, the red dye number three, that's being banned. 150 00:15:53,120.116 --> 00:16:01,210.116 It's, it's a dietician's nightmare to see what everybody's writing about that, all, all over the internet and Instagram. 151 00:16:01,790.116 --> 00:16:02,930.116 it's fear mongering. 152 00:16:03,270.116 --> 00:16:12,730.115 And when we really think about it, it's like how, how many of you go into your pantry and have a plethora of red number, red dye, number three, really in your pantry. 153 00:16:12,730.215 --> 00:16:13,260.116 Do what Yeah. 154 00:16:13,640.116 --> 00:16:13,790.116 Yeah. 155 00:16:13,910.116 --> 00:16:14,560.116 It's interesting. 156 00:16:14,720.116 --> 00:16:15,110.116 Yeah. 157 00:16:15,160.116 --> 00:16:24,140.116 social media has really changed the game for, for so many different things, especially, especially with medicine, I think. 158 00:16:24,500.116 --> 00:16:25,0.116 Oh, yeah. 159 00:16:25,160.116 --> 00:16:27,970.115 So, and some of it is good. 160 00:16:27,980.115 --> 00:16:28,760.116 Some of it. 161 00:16:29,10.116 --> 00:16:33,10.116 But there's a whole lot of it that I don't know what to say. 162 00:16:33,650.116 --> 00:16:41,320.116 I know it definitely spurs anxiety amongst people and sometimes including myself even. 163 00:16:41,360.115 --> 00:16:41,960.116 Oh yeah. 164 00:16:42,150.115 --> 00:16:42,630.116 Oh yeah. 165 00:16:42,850.115 --> 00:16:52,790.114 there's times that I will read something and second guess myself like, wait a second, did this change? Cause they're so confident in the way that they're presenting the information. 166 00:16:53,90.114 --> 00:16:55,310.114 And it's just very interesting. 167 00:16:55,310.114 --> 00:17:01,650.114 It's like, you have to do your own due diligence sometimes to see like, is this really correct? It's, it's very interesting. 168 00:17:02,510.114 --> 00:17:23,380.1145 So with, with these types of eating disorders that you just described during this time of a woman's life, when you recognize one of these in, in someone, how do, how do you address it with them? I think it's It's important that you, have that rapport and trust. 169 00:17:23,390.1145 --> 00:17:28,390.1135 So you're going to do a lot of motivational interviewing and really understand what a day to day. 170 00:17:29,175.1135 --> 00:17:33,605.1135 looks like and understand their, their thoughts and their feelings and their emotions around food. 171 00:17:33,605.1135 --> 00:18:09,545.1145 And I think the best thing is to really be transparent and honest, So I don't necessarily, I feel like dietitians are lucky in the fact that we still can't diagnose, So so we get to have these conversations in a way where we can still be empathetic and compassionate, but there's times that I'll go through the DSM still, with my clients and ask questions and, I'll say, have you ever thought that you have a disordered relationship with food? Like, how do you think that your relationship is most of the time? I would say my patients suspect that they have an issue. 172 00:18:09,755.1145 --> 00:18:12,815.1145 at first, they'll calm and they'll be very steadfast. 173 00:18:12,815.1145 --> 00:18:14,295.1145 And I like to eat clean. 174 00:18:14,295.1145 --> 00:18:15,485.1145 And this is what I like to do. 175 00:18:15,495.1145 --> 00:18:22,495.1135 And then as we can start to work together, and we change things, they'll recognize, oh, wait, I actually feel better on this plan. 176 00:18:22,495.1145 --> 00:18:28,340.1145 So they'll start to notice that maybe they're not thinking of nutrition in the way. 177 00:18:28,600.1145 --> 00:18:46,740.1135 And then once we have that discussion, I always tell my patients, I don't need to treat to a diagnosis, but I need to treat to symptoms and we'll talk about what will happen if they continue with the restriction or the purging and talk about it from a malnutrition standpoint. 178 00:18:47,320.1145 --> 00:18:51,60.1145 I think I'm lucky in the fact that with depending on how long. 179 00:18:51,340.1145 --> 00:18:57,220.1145 The eating disorder has occurred with the perimenopausal and the menopausal women, they're feeling so badly. 180 00:18:57,605.1145 --> 00:19:16,605.1145 physically, with all the symptoms that once we have that relationship and they trust me, we can really talk about, Hey, we want to change things to help you feel better physically and, we can wrap the education and sometimes, we'll bring therapy in as well to help with that behavior change. 181 00:19:16,635.1145 --> 00:19:21,505.1155 But I think honesty and transparency is, the best thing. 182 00:19:21,515.1155 --> 00:19:23,965.1155 And then really working on that education. 183 00:19:24,360.1155 --> 00:19:26,220.1155 And making changes from there. 184 00:19:27,970.1155 --> 00:20:00,905.115 What do you think triggers these issues for women where they feel like they have to look a certain way and be a certain size where, where do you think that stems from? I think there's societal pressures, the, the young people who may be listening to this obviously don't remember magazines, but I can think about all the way back to when I was in elementary school, every doctor's office that you went to always had magazines, I think about like teen B I'm really showing my age here, but those types of things. 185 00:20:00,905.115 --> 00:20:05,205.116 And it was always, it's always the most beautiful person with the best fashion. 186 00:20:05,525.116 --> 00:20:06,995.116 They look so happy. 187 00:20:07,65.115 --> 00:20:09,125.115 And, they've got the best outfits. 188 00:20:09,765.115 --> 00:20:16,475.115 And even when you think about TV, looking at TV, I I grew up during like family ties and growing pains and things like that. 189 00:20:16,845.115 --> 00:20:26,435.113 The mothers always were very petite and they certainly weren't wearing sweats like I am when I go home they weren't sitting around in their pajamas. 190 00:20:26,915.114 --> 00:20:31,475.114 And so I think that we're so used to, visually seeing that. 191 00:20:32,0.114 --> 00:20:42,520.114 That there's an association with like, I have my stuff together if I look good, I think there's very few women and, and, I love women. 192 00:20:42,540.114 --> 00:20:48,300.113 I am a big, huge fan, but there's very few people that feel comfortable. 193 00:20:48,640.114 --> 00:20:50,680.114 Leaving their house without makeup on. 194 00:20:50,680.114 --> 00:20:53,0.114 still to this day, We're in 2025. 195 00:20:53,650.114 --> 00:21:00,780.114 So I think that when women start to have these changes, they feel like, Oh my gosh, I'm out of control and I want to be perceived as out of control. 196 00:21:00,820.113 --> 00:21:04,580.113 And that just triggers this desire to change the way they look. 197 00:21:05,580.114 --> 00:21:06,770.1135 I agree with you. 198 00:21:06,770.1135 --> 00:21:10,30.114 I think, I think there's a pressure on them. 199 00:21:10,95.114 --> 00:21:10,645.114 cells. 200 00:21:10,645.114 --> 00:21:12,695.114 And yes, society plays into it. 201 00:21:12,995.114 --> 00:21:21,855.1145 But I think there's also a historical thing where, and I hate to, cause I'm a mom and I don't want to always blame it on mothers. 202 00:21:22,695.1145 --> 00:21:30,875.1135 Like we get blamed for everything we do, but what, you're not thin enough. 203 00:21:30,875.1135 --> 00:21:34,215.1135 You're not pretty enough, your hair isn't a certain way. 204 00:21:34,765.1135 --> 00:21:37,445.1135 And I think that does play into it. 205 00:21:37,685.1145 --> 00:21:45,665.1145 That voice, that inner voice that we pick up, gets, gets played over and over in our heads. 206 00:21:46,795.1145 --> 00:21:51,455.1135 And the reality is, as we age, our bodies do change. 207 00:21:51,455.1135 --> 00:21:57,845.1135 Our hair changes, our bodies change, especially women, because of the hormonal changes. 208 00:21:59,800.1145 --> 00:22:12,970.1135 both with the GLP ones as well as with HRT, I and I'm not necessarily saying that I'm making any of those medicines a culprit, but I'll be honest with you. 209 00:22:12,980.1145 --> 00:22:23,910.1145 I think there needs to be more research and hopefully there will be with both, with both hormone replacement as well as the GLP ones. 210 00:22:24,610.1145 --> 00:22:25,130.1145 I agree. 211 00:22:25,820.1145 --> 00:22:43,830.1145 Because now things have like, not with the GLP ones, these are, they're not new necessarily, but they've been more perfected and honed over the past, 10 years, they've been out for two decades, actually, at that time, there were more side effects. 212 00:22:43,830.1145 --> 00:22:45,160.1145 They were daily medicines. 213 00:22:45,730.1145 --> 00:22:51,490.1145 But with the hormones, I personally think that I'm not necessarily sure. 214 00:22:52,405.1145 --> 00:22:58,45.1145 It's the be all end all, there, we have to still really be careful. 215 00:22:58,695.1145 --> 00:22:59,245.1145 Oh, yeah. 216 00:22:59,285.1145 --> 00:23:16,815.1145 And I think, with any medication, cause I have a lot of clients who do start the hormone therapy and they do get relief, but it's interesting, obviously as a dietitian, I don't do anything with the medication except for, look and see what they're on, but everybody is on a different dosage and. 217 00:23:17,175.1145 --> 00:23:20,855.1145 sometimes I see depending on who they're working with, like it changes often. 218 00:23:20,855.1145 --> 00:23:29,110.1145 So I think There's not a lot of research that says, okay, this is the therapeutic dosage based off of these symptoms. 219 00:23:29,590.1145 --> 00:23:37,570.1135 I'm hopeful that just like you, that there is going to be a lot more research because I do think that women are talking about this more. 220 00:23:37,880.1135 --> 00:23:45,55.1135 I feel very, happy for our population that we're finally saying enough is enough. 221 00:23:45,75.1135 --> 00:23:54,295.1135 we're, we are head of households and we're dealing with our kids and, we're working and we need some assistance with this. 222 00:23:54,335.1135 --> 00:24:01,615.1135 And I know that there's some key influencers who are really trying to help with monetarily with research. 223 00:24:01,915.1135 --> 00:24:02,795.1135 But I agree with you. 224 00:24:02,795.1135 --> 00:24:03,455.1135 I think. 225 00:24:04,665.1135 --> 00:24:16,175.1135 I think with, with medication, as with everything, it's not the end all be all, it can be a bridge or it can be a way to support, but we don't have enough research to know, this is exactly what you need. 226 00:24:17,275.1135 --> 00:24:28,925.1145 I think also with women who are, whether they having, have an eating disorder or not or if you want to just label it as a generic, preoccupation with weight. 227 00:24:29,475.1145 --> 00:24:39,705.1145 my other concern is, and I, I just did a podcast with a Ayurvedic practitioner who also, is a yoga specialist. 228 00:24:40,475.1135 --> 00:25:30,930.1145 And even though I am not either of those things, even though I am of Indian background, One of the things that I do see in our society and it's not just Western society I would say I've seen this even travel in my travels to India where People just want a quick fix and there's there's a lot of stuff and maybe you can talk about that because she was saying That there's a whole lot of stuff and I figured out with years of practice, And you were saying some of this if you're not sleeping, Mm hmm If you're not eating the things, if your, daily routine is full of stress and you're just watching the news and not necessarily paying attention to your inner self, that really can, play havoc on your hormones. 229 00:25:31,500.1145 --> 00:25:31,950.1145 Yes. 230 00:25:32,70.1145 --> 00:25:32,450.1145 Yes. 231 00:25:33,180.1145 --> 00:25:44,910.1135 So can you, can you educate us as to some of the dietary issues that you see? That that can trigger these things? Yes. 232 00:25:44,940.1135 --> 00:25:45,350.1135 Yes. 233 00:25:45,360.1135 --> 00:25:55,430.1135 So I think that, first and foremost, from the dietary perspective, when we restrict too much food, It's going to affect our nervous system. 234 00:25:55,930.1135 --> 00:26:15,295.8409286 And so the easiest way that I describe the nervous system for anybody who's listening, who's like, what the heck is that complicated thing is, it is the system that we have in place to assess, are we in danger or are we not in danger? So an example is you touch a hot stove, there's communication within your body that says danger, danger, move your hand. 235 00:26:15,345.8409286 --> 00:26:26,985.8409286 Well, our body does the same thing with nutrition, hydration, sleep, So if, if somebody feels like I want to change my body, therefore I'm going to restrict my food. 236 00:26:27,265.8409286 --> 00:26:38,935.9399286 If you're not getting enough nutrition to the brain, whether it be carbohydrates, which, that's our brain's number one fuel source or we don't have enough fat to help with our neurotransmitters or enough protein to recover. 237 00:26:39,340.9399286 --> 00:26:44,740.9399286 Our nervous system is going to rec recognize that as unsafe and we're going to move into that fight or flight. 238 00:26:45,70.9399286 --> 00:26:53,460.9389286 And when we move to that fight or flight, we have metabolic changes, increases in anxiety, increases in insomnia, delayed gastric emptying. 239 00:26:53,700.9399286 --> 00:26:59,550.9389286 So now we're seeing these physical changes where maybe we're constipated and we're more bloating and then more bloated. 240 00:26:59,550.9389286 --> 00:27:03,400.9399286 We're going to see that on the scale and panic, We're not sleeping. 241 00:27:03,870.9399286 --> 00:27:13,840.9389286 And when we don't sleep increases our cortisol and when our cortisol increase that it's going to increase our insulin where our body is going to want to store more food. 242 00:27:14,340.9399286 --> 00:27:19,280.9379286 So I think that we need to be very smart about what we eat. 243 00:27:19,670.9389286 --> 00:27:25,350.9389286 Every meal really needs to be a combination of those carbohydrates, the protein and the, the fat. 244 00:27:25,360.9389286 --> 00:27:29,110.9389286 And we really also want to focus on our fruits and veggies. 245 00:27:29,140.9389286 --> 00:27:35,200.9379286 Make sure we have enough fiber so that, we're bulking up things and we're moving through our digestion appropriately. 246 00:27:36,670.9379286 --> 00:27:43,100.9379286 Also, once our estrogen starts to drop we're naturally going to lose our lean muscle mass. 247 00:27:43,110.9379286 --> 00:27:56,70.9384286 So we really need to make this shift where from an activity level, we're working on strength training and because your metabolism is directly linked to your lean muscle mass. 248 00:27:56,180.9384286 --> 00:28:04,420.9374286 So I think that's something that everybody needs to understand is, Oh, I need to maintain or build my lean muscle mass. 249 00:28:05,250.9384286 --> 00:28:09,970.9384286 And of course, when you start to strength train, you need to focus more on your protein. 250 00:28:10,260.9384286 --> 00:28:16,500.9384286 You're not necessarily using protein for energy from that perspective, but you're certainly using it for that recovery piece. 251 00:28:16,600.9374286 --> 00:28:22,450.9384286 That protein is helping with the muscular endurance and the adaptation for you to continue to get stronger. 252 00:28:23,430.9374286 --> 00:28:26,350.9384286 So I think that those are the really important things. 253 00:28:26,700.9384286 --> 00:28:32,500.9364286 It's tricky because it's like what comes first, the chicken or the egg, I feel like, okay. 254 00:28:33,50.9374286 --> 00:28:45,390.9374286 I noticed for me, like during my cycle, I would feel like, so like I was going to jump out of my skin, like every little thing is like ticking me off, which isn't my personality. 255 00:28:45,400.9364286 --> 00:28:45,870.9364286 Usually. 256 00:28:45,870.9374286 --> 00:28:51,440.9354286 I definitely am passionate, but out of nowhere, it usually doesn't come out of nowhere. 257 00:28:51,720.9354286 --> 00:29:02,240.9364286 And so you feel, I would recognize like, gosh, I'm exhausted from my mood, And I was lucky it was short term, but then when you're exhausted from that, it would lead to, a little bit of insomnia. 258 00:29:02,290.9364286 --> 00:29:05,280.9354286 Like I might wake up and be like, God, I was so mad about that. 259 00:29:05,280.9364286 --> 00:29:06,530.9374286 And, thinking about that. 260 00:29:07,100.9374286 --> 00:29:14,400.9384286 And then when you're tired it's really hard to get up and make your breakfast and make sure you have your lunch and like, still go to the gym. 261 00:29:14,410.9384286 --> 00:29:15,610.9384286 Cause you feel like I'm so tired. 262 00:29:15,610.9384286 --> 00:29:17,270.9384286 I'm not gonna have a good workout anyways. 263 00:29:17,740.9384286 --> 00:29:21,590.9374286 So it's, it's very, very tricky and you take. 264 00:29:22,175.9384286 --> 00:29:27,475.9384286 All of this is happening for a lot of us women when we might have teenagers ourselves. 265 00:29:27,825.9384286 --> 00:29:33,155.9374286 And if you don't have kids, you, you're usually at the height of your career, you're kicking butt at work. 266 00:29:33,155.9384286 --> 00:29:35,465.9374286 So you don't have time, for this. 267 00:29:35,795.9374286 --> 00:29:37,865.9374286 And it's just a tricky time. 268 00:29:39,55.9374286 --> 00:29:40,385.9374286 It's very challenging time. 269 00:29:40,805.9374286 --> 00:29:41,805.9374286 It definitely is. 270 00:29:42,55.9374286 --> 00:29:48,905.9374286 And I always tell, one of my phrases is, this is a time where you can actually reinvent yourself. 271 00:29:49,295.9374286 --> 00:29:54,785.9374286 But when I tell people this, they're often in my office crying their eyes out. 272 00:29:56,865.9374286 --> 00:29:57,755.9374286 But I love that, though. 273 00:29:57,755.9374286 --> 00:29:59,455.9374286 That's a great way to think about it. 274 00:29:59,505.9374286 --> 00:30:02,375.9374286 It is a way, it is a time to reinvent yourself. 275 00:30:03,685.9374286 --> 00:30:04,385.9374286 I love that. 276 00:30:04,525.9374286 --> 00:30:10,115.9354286 It's challenging, though, because, a lot of us have kids and we're at the, peak of our careers. 277 00:30:10,125.9354286 --> 00:30:11,45.9354286 Yes, yes. 278 00:30:11,105.9354286 --> 00:30:13,845.8364286 So, to reinvent yourself. 279 00:30:14,435.9364286 --> 00:30:18,355.9364286 Oh, my gosh, it's exhausting can be very challenging. 280 00:30:18,365.9364286 --> 00:30:29,585.9364286 And, I've had patients who, all sorts of careers where they've been business owners, they own their own bakeries, very, very lucrative careers. 281 00:30:29,995.9364286 --> 00:30:39,425.9364286 And, when they saw, and I'm not criticizing anyone, but when they saw other doctors, they were told just stop working. 282 00:30:40,15.9364286 --> 00:30:40,835.9364286 Oh my gosh. 283 00:30:41,5.9364286 --> 00:30:41,435.9364286 I know. 284 00:30:41,765.9364286 --> 00:30:43,655.9364286 It's like, well, you have to decrease your stress. 285 00:30:43,995.9364286 --> 00:30:45,275.9364286 Just decrease your stress. 286 00:30:45,555.9364286 --> 00:30:46,795.9364286 Like, no kidding. 287 00:30:46,945.9364286 --> 00:30:47,865.9364286 That would be great. 288 00:30:47,875.9354286 --> 00:30:48,875.9354286 Tell me how to do that. 289 00:30:50,745.9364286 --> 00:30:51,65.9364286 Yes. 290 00:30:51,105.9364286 --> 00:30:55,375.9364286 When you have like these looming college tuitions over your head. 291 00:30:55,750.9364286 --> 00:31:00,30.9364286 When you stop working, I think, I think the stress will go up even more. 292 00:31:00,270.9364286 --> 00:31:01,90.9364286 Yes, it will. 293 00:31:03,390.9364286 --> 00:31:09,470.9374286 So yeah, so I feel like people, women are very much, at a loss at times. 294 00:31:09,610.9374286 --> 00:31:12,100.9374286 very much at a loss during this phase. 295 00:31:12,120.9374286 --> 00:31:20,900.9369286 But one of the things I'm, I always say, I think your body is trying to tell you, and you've touched upon this a little bit, that you need to slow down. 296 00:31:20,900.9369286 --> 00:31:25,910.9364286 And I don't mean by work, but you need to slow down. 297 00:31:26,30.9364286 --> 00:31:30,590.9374286 And, and for me, and then I try to educate my patients, like. 298 00:31:31,175.9374286 --> 00:31:41,375.9374286 Doing some meditation, taking a short walk, reading a book, taking 15 minutes out of your work day just to, get some fresh air. 299 00:31:41,375.9374286 --> 00:31:59,315.9364286 These are the little things that we can do that are actually free and can reset, your adrenaline, your cortisol levels so that your body isn't always thinking I'm in this fight or flight, stance all the time. 300 00:32:00,75.9364286 --> 00:32:00,325.9364286 Yep. 301 00:32:00,365.9364286 --> 00:32:04,25.9364286 I think thinking of ways to ground yourself are important. 302 00:32:04,45.9364286 --> 00:32:05,275.9364286 And like you said, they're free. 303 00:32:05,285.9364286 --> 00:32:10,525.9364286 So I think about sleep because that was definitely something that changed for me and it was very frustrating. 304 00:32:10,895.9364286 --> 00:32:25,535.9364286 And so I have literally sleep trained myself like I did with my kids were infants and I have a, a ritual every single night I go upstairs at the same time, I do all the things relax. 305 00:32:25,555.9364286 --> 00:32:32,640.9364286 And to me, Even if I want to stay up a little bit later, it's not worth it because I don't want to not have sleep. 306 00:32:32,690.9364286 --> 00:32:35,390.9354286 So I'm motivated by the end result. 307 00:32:35,940.9354286 --> 00:32:39,430.9354286 And I think exactly like you said, it's, it's amazing. 308 00:32:39,510.9364286 --> 00:32:43,650.9354286 I always laugh and I tell my patients this, there is. 309 00:32:44,300.9364286 --> 00:32:52,160.9364286 So much strength and like the slow, deep breaths that I used to do with my two year olds when they were having temper tantrums. 310 00:32:52,390.9364286 --> 00:32:57,580.9354286 And then I've recognized wow, that's really great to do to ground myself at 48 years old. 311 00:32:58,10.9364286 --> 00:33:01,850.9364286 But all of those little things I think can help ground you. 312 00:33:01,890.9364286 --> 00:33:06,330.9364286 And then when you're grounded, going to do some activity doesn't seem so bad. 313 00:33:06,340.9364286 --> 00:33:08,420.9364286 And it might even be a place where. 314 00:33:08,770.9364286 --> 00:33:13,170.9364286 You have your, really positive social meetings that day. 315 00:33:13,220.9364286 --> 00:33:29,970.9354286 or it doesn't seem terrible to go home and make dinner, I think the other thing, and I don't know if this is just me, I don't, I doubt it is, is that this is a time where if women can continue to talk about it and be open, we can feel. 316 00:33:30,360.9354286 --> 00:33:33,640.9354286 Less of a failure when asking for help. 317 00:33:33,660.9354286 --> 00:33:44,70.9354286 I think that that has been something that is like really been helpful for for me as I move through this, like having discussions with my husband and saying, I'm not sleeping at all and I'm exhausted. 318 00:33:44,520.9354286 --> 00:33:46,220.9344286 So tell me what you can pick up. 319 00:33:46,460.9344286 --> 00:33:49,780.9354286 And I think utilizing your friends. 320 00:33:50,360.9364286 --> 00:33:55,330.9364286 Family, if you have teenagers, it's like you guys have to clean up dinner. 321 00:33:55,330.9364286 --> 00:33:59,840.9354286 So I just think I think that's also a very important part, piece of the equation. 322 00:34:00,310.9364286 --> 00:34:02,620.9364286 I really agree with you on that. 323 00:34:02,890.9364286 --> 00:34:07,450.9354286 I think we tend to be multitaskers, women, that is not just you and I. 324 00:34:10,80.9364286 --> 00:34:12,270.9364286 Although I could tell you are a multitasker. 325 00:34:12,630.9364286 --> 00:34:12,970.9364286 Yes. 326 00:34:15,230.9364286 --> 00:34:26,810.9364286 You got that So, women in general tend to be multitaskers, and whether it's at work, and in their personal lives, and they're often juggling multiple things at the same time. 327 00:34:27,310.9364286 --> 00:34:42,235.9354286 And, I think that adds to a lot of the stress and adds to the hormonal imbalances and the delegation of chores and tasks and asking for help can really Thank you. 328 00:34:42,750.9364286 --> 00:34:44,280.9364286 Can really be life saving. 329 00:34:44,940.9364286 --> 00:34:45,540.9364286 I agree. 330 00:34:45,810.9364286 --> 00:34:49,730.9364286 And allow you to just take 15 minutes out to meditate. 331 00:34:50,850.9364286 --> 00:34:51,170.9364286 Yeah. 332 00:34:51,300.9364286 --> 00:34:55,820.9364286 And it's really good for everybody, Like, when we speak to the teenagers, they've got to learn it anyways. 333 00:34:55,830.9354286 --> 00:35:10,690.9364286 They're going to be on their own one day, hopefully, And I think, too, there's never been a time, and maybe I'm really lucky, but I really feel this is true probably for most males, there's never been a time where I've asked my husband to do something and he said, absolutely not. 334 00:35:10,690.9374286 --> 00:35:10,720.9374286 Yeah. 335 00:35:11,145.9374286 --> 00:35:13,415.9374286 It's like He just wants to be told what to do. 336 00:35:13,495.9374286 --> 00:35:19,625.9374286 Tell me what to do, And so it's, it's, it's actually quite easy once you get the hang of it, yes. 337 00:35:19,665.9374286 --> 00:35:20,485.9374286 That we need. 338 00:35:20,615.9374286 --> 00:35:25,135.9374286 not, not everything is going to be totally, they're not mind readers, men that is. 339 00:35:25,255.9374286 --> 00:35:27,85.9374286 They're not mind readers. 340 00:35:27,85.9374286 --> 00:35:33,925.9374286 And sometimes we have to just, deal with that and, and figure out how they can be as efficient as possible. 341 00:35:35,225.9374286 --> 00:35:35,625.9374286 Yes. 342 00:35:37,765.9374286 --> 00:35:45,915.9374286 My husband, when he hears this, he's going to look at me if he will tell my patients. 343 00:35:45,916.0374286 --> 00:35:48,545.9364286 Cause that's a discussion that we have quite often. 344 00:35:48,545.9364286 --> 00:35:51,165.9374286 It's like, I don't want to add another thing to my task. 345 00:35:51,565.9374286 --> 00:35:55,555.9364286 And I often will send a link and say, this is a great thing to put. 346 00:35:55,555.9364286 --> 00:35:59,385.9374286 It's a a magnetic erase board that you can put on your fridge. 347 00:35:59,395.9374286 --> 00:36:02,725.9374286 And just, I said, just number it and put it, write it down. 348 00:36:03,45.9374286 --> 00:36:05,25.9374286 And you don't even have to have the discussion. 349 00:36:07,175.9374286 --> 00:36:08,605.9374286 That's, that's a good one. 350 00:36:09,605.9374286 --> 00:36:10,585.9384286 That's a good one. 351 00:36:10,595.9384286 --> 00:36:11,395.9384286 Definitely. 352 00:36:11,905.9384286 --> 00:36:18,255.8379286 So we talked about, the, the eating disorders that can manifest, and you had mentioned that. 353 00:36:18,525.9379286 --> 00:36:36,55.9379286 You've seen it at different stages, That pre puberty is that what you said? And then at this stage, what, what happens in between that it doesn't raise its head in, in between that? that's a good question. 354 00:36:36,65.9379286 --> 00:36:51,845.9369286 I do think that, there is it is pervasive during college, too, I think and I think that a lot of times that's just because of the stress from that perspective, but I think in between people with eating disorders they'll move into recovery. 355 00:36:52,265.9369286 --> 00:36:57,865.9369286 Once they've gone through treatment and sometimes they stay in recovery for the rest of their lives, which is wonderful. 356 00:36:58,765.9369286 --> 00:37:04,225.9369286 However, it's a pretty pervasive disease, so it can be triggered by different events. 357 00:37:04,455.9369286 --> 00:37:07,485.9364286 So I do hear that often. 358 00:37:07,485.9364286 --> 00:37:16,795.9369286 A lot of times when I see people in this perimenopause menopause stage, they'll say, well I dealt with this a little bit in high in high school or high school or college. 359 00:37:17,35.9369286 --> 00:37:18,545.9369286 And then I was fine. 360 00:37:18,945.9369286 --> 00:37:33,25.9369286 And I think it's because they're distracted with the stages of life, It's like you graduate, you maybe you get married, maybe you don't, you start your job you either go down the route where you're having kids or you're traveling. 361 00:37:33,25.9369286 --> 00:37:38,815.9369286 So there's a lot of things in between that you're really just distracted and functioning. 362 00:37:39,195.9369286 --> 00:37:39,985.9369286 Okay. 363 00:37:40,45.9369286 --> 00:37:42,195.9369286 I think that when it. 364 00:37:42,820.9369286 --> 00:37:44,670.9369286 Presents it's ugly head. 365 00:37:44,980.9369286 --> 00:37:48,610.9369286 It's just triggered so much more in that perimenopause menopause stage. 366 00:37:48,610.9369286 --> 00:38:02,180.9369286 Cause it's like, you had all this success and all this fun, and it's shocking that all of a sudden at this age where you have so much wisdom, all of a sudden you're back to this body to satisfaction. 367 00:38:02,190.9369286 --> 00:38:08,270.9359286 And, and I think you had said it earlier, it's almost like a panic, Like, I'm losing control. 368 00:38:08,270.9369286 --> 00:38:21,290.9369286 What's going to happen? And so, I think for certain, I do think that people still have some forms of disordered eating and even eating disorders between the ages of 20 and 40. 369 00:38:21,290.9369286 --> 00:38:26,80.9359286 I think that there's just triggering events that make it show its ugly head. 370 00:38:26,80.9359286 --> 00:38:28,550.9369286 And then when it comes back, it comes back with a vengeance. 371 00:38:29,160.9369286 --> 00:38:30,410.9369286 Yeah, yeah. 372 00:38:31,590.9369286 --> 00:38:37,590.9369286 I, I, I haven't really focused on just having my own kids though, I always worry about it. 373 00:38:37,900.9359286 --> 00:38:45,50.9369286 I remember my own adolescence and some of the things that I myself experienced, not necessarily an eating disorder. 374 00:38:45,405.9369286 --> 00:38:57,415.9369286 But some of my friends who definitely had eating disorders and now at this stage, and I feel like as I've aged, so I've dealt with different issues of women. 375 00:38:57,775.9369286 --> 00:39:02,895.9369286 And now that I'm at this age, I'm dealing with more with perimenopause and menopause. 376 00:39:03,115.9359286 --> 00:39:06,405.9359286 I guess women seek whoever they can identify with. 377 00:39:06,955.9359286 --> 00:39:07,505.9359286 Absolutely. 378 00:39:08,5.9369286 --> 00:39:36,645.9379286 And one of the things that I'm constantly struggling with personally as a physician is understanding what is causing them to, not accept who they are, that this could be a temporary thing that they're just fighting it. 379 00:39:37,475.9379286 --> 00:39:39,995.9379286 And that often becomes. 380 00:39:40,920.9379286 --> 00:39:48,360.9379286 Very pervasive where they're like, what's happening to my body? Am I going to look like this for the rest of my life? And. 381 00:39:49,205.9379286 --> 00:39:50,15.9379286 Don't get me wrong. 382 00:39:50,15.9379286 --> 00:39:55,415.9379286 There are patients, there are women who are come in and they're like, I'm really concerned about my heart health. 383 00:39:55,835.9379286 --> 00:40:03,305.9379286 And I'm concerned that about diabetes, cause this is in my family and I really want to focus on the healthiest life. 384 00:40:03,335.9379286 --> 00:40:10,855.9369286 And that could include weight management, but often it's about the way they look. 385 00:40:10,975.9369286 --> 00:40:16,355.9369286 And, and that's what I find so challenging at times. 386 00:40:17,400.9379286 --> 00:40:31,220.9369286 I feel like when I think I agree with you, and I feel like I have so much compassion because I really feel like with my experience, they're compulsion with it. 387 00:40:31,240.9369286 --> 00:40:35,840.9369286 It's, it's rooted in fear and insecurity. 388 00:40:36,190.9379286 --> 00:40:39,890.9379286 And so by saying that, I'm not saying, well, they're all insecure. 389 00:40:40,430.9379286 --> 00:41:02,645.9369286 But I do think that there are really strong feelings about, Am I going to look like I don't have myself together? Do I not have myself together? Is this going to continue to the point where, we have these irrational feelings, Is it's going to lead to a point where I am going to be labeled as obese and then have cardiac issues. 390 00:41:02,945.9389286 --> 00:41:07,685.9399286 And is this the beginning of the end? And so I think that that's why. 391 00:41:08,10.9399286 --> 00:41:27,590.9399286 It is important to, screen out if therapy is helpful, because I think that when therapy comes in to the picture, you can really look at like your self identity, your beliefs, and really work with that therapist to build up that true self esteem, that true self identity. 392 00:41:28,300.9399286 --> 00:41:30,860.9399286 Your weight doesn't identify all of your strengths. 393 00:41:30,930.9399286 --> 00:41:41,120.9399286 And it's sad to me because I think about the woman, the women, 40 to 65 who are dealing with this, their wisdom, their confidence. 394 00:41:41,150.9389286 --> 00:41:45,80.9389286 They are the best women I know, They've had life experience. 395 00:41:45,90.9399286 --> 00:41:46,660.9389286 We can build each other up. 396 00:41:47,970.9389286 --> 00:41:52,830.9379286 I think that looking at that mental health side of things, I do think it's important. 397 00:41:52,830.9389286 --> 00:41:53,920.9389286 And I think oftentimes it's. 398 00:41:54,405.9389286 --> 00:41:58,805.9389286 Soft at because I think that sometimes people don't feel secure with that methodology. 399 00:41:59,275.9389286 --> 00:42:00,745.9389286 But I encourage it. 400 00:42:00,785.9389286 --> 00:42:10,885.9389286 I think that being open and flexible, it can really change how you feel about yourself, how you present yourself and you can get to that place of that acceptance. 401 00:42:11,145.9389286 --> 00:42:13,215.9379286 And like, Hey, it's temporary. 402 00:42:13,760.9389286 --> 00:42:19,490.9389286 Like, so what? I'm gonna wear a full piece bathing suit with a really awesome cover up, and that is gonna be my style. 403 00:42:19,490.9389286 --> 00:42:21,220.9389286 I might even wear high heels to the pool. 404 00:42:21,230.9389286 --> 00:42:23,610.9369286 Who cares? It's just looking at it in a different way. 405 00:42:24,505.9379286 --> 00:42:25,55.9379286 It is. 406 00:42:25,65.9379286 --> 00:42:25,615.9379286 It is. 407 00:42:25,925.9379286 --> 00:42:52,535.9399286 I think, there are definitely some women who have achieved that level of confidence because they've gone through so, through so much and they've realized that, just their appearance or their weight gain doesn't necessarily define, everything about them, but, it's I feel like we, there's so much pressure that are put on women to look a certain way. 408 00:42:52,535.9399286 --> 00:43:08,805.9389286 And, and, and I feel like men have this too, where, when they, as they're getting older, they're aging out at work, They, and women, they have to look a certain way and they're competing with younger women, There, there's a lot of pressure there. 409 00:43:09,315.9389286 --> 00:43:10,445.9389286 There is a lot of pressure. 410 00:43:10,725.9389286 --> 00:43:26,965.9379286 So sometimes it's very difficult to tease those things apart, but I am glad that, patients, women have someone like you who can work with them and identify what's going on with them and then perhaps help. 411 00:43:27,270.9389286 --> 00:43:35,420.9389286 get them to see a therapist if needed and focus on some of the eating disorders that present during this time. 412 00:43:36,20.9389286 --> 00:43:38,900.9389286 I would love for women to continue to support each other. 413 00:43:38,900.9389286 --> 00:43:46,190.9399286 And if you recognize that somebody Is acting a little bit different with the way that they're eating or they're isolating themselves. 414 00:43:46,210.9399286 --> 00:43:54,990.9399286 I think one of the biggest mistakes we do is start to walk on eggshells, Like, we don't want to upset somebody and we don't want to make them uncomfortable. 415 00:43:55,490.9399286 --> 00:44:00,375.8399286 But I think the soonest that you can address something and offer help. 416 00:44:01,805.9399286 --> 00:44:04,355.9399286 The quicker they're going to be able to come out of that. 417 00:44:04,365.9399286 --> 00:44:13,295.9399286 So I would just encourage anybody that if you see signs and symptoms, there's a way that you can provide a message of support in a very compassionate way. 418 00:44:13,655.9399286 --> 00:44:20,405.9379286 And if you tick that person off, that is going to be temporary, But I think I would say, don't be quiet about it. 419 00:44:21,700.9389286 --> 00:44:23,670.9389286 There's strength in having the conversation. 420 00:44:24,830.9389286 --> 00:44:26,70.9389286 It takes courage, though. 421 00:44:26,540.9389286 --> 00:44:27,80.9389286 It does. 422 00:44:28,210.9389286 --> 00:44:28,970.9389286 Yeah, yeah. 423 00:44:30,240.9389286 --> 00:44:39,400.9379286 And I think that, wearing the doctor label gives me a little bit of that, where I'm allowed to ask those questions. 424 00:44:39,840.9369286 --> 00:44:40,90.9369286 Yeah. 425 00:44:40,690.9369286 --> 00:44:43,390.9379286 Not necessarily without consequences, though. 426 00:44:43,700.9379286 --> 00:44:44,180.9379286 Oh, yeah. 427 00:44:44,240.9379286 --> 00:44:45,780.9379286 There's going to be consequences, I think. 428 00:44:45,850.9379286 --> 00:44:46,210.9379286 Yeah. 429 00:44:46,710.9379286 --> 00:44:58,430.9374286 But as a friend, it can be a little challenging, but yeah, but yes, you can definitely save someone's life that way in more ways than one. 430 00:44:59,120.9384286 --> 00:45:03,400.9384286 So, so this was a great conversation that I had with you. 431 00:45:03,880.9384286 --> 00:45:13,370.9384286 If my listeners want to learn more about you, where can we find you? So you can find me at my website, which is kindred. 432 00:45:13,865.9384286 --> 00:45:14,585.9384286 nutrition. 433 00:45:14,855.9384286 --> 00:45:15,415.9384286 com. 434 00:45:15,715.9384286 --> 00:45:18,935.9384286 And then I'm also pretty active on Instagram. 435 00:45:18,965.9384286 --> 00:45:21,125.9384286 I'm learning more and more about it each day. 436 00:45:21,175.9384286 --> 00:45:26,665.9374286 And I'm at Amy Goldsmith, RD and then Facebook kindred nutrition. 437 00:45:27,905.9374286 --> 00:45:30,335.9364286 I have nutrition tips, some recipes. 438 00:45:30,345.9374286 --> 00:45:32,985.9364286 Sometimes I try to do a little shock post. 439 00:45:33,5.9374286 --> 00:45:39,695.9359286 So I'll pull some things from the media and talk about, how that might be misinformation and presented in a different way. 440 00:45:40,545.9359286 --> 00:45:41,195.9359286 Wonderful. 441 00:45:41,205.9359286 --> 00:45:45,305.9359286 And don't forget to like, share and review my podcast. 442 00:45:45,855.9359286 --> 00:45:49,645.9359286 Remember, it's always ladies first on Soma Says. 443 00:45:49,945.9359286 --> 00:45:53,605.9359286 Let's make a difference one conversation at a time.