Abstract:Can berberine really be used as an alternative to Ozempic to lose weight and manage diabetes?
In recent years, a growing number of Canadian and American adults have been seeking cost-effective and safe methods to manage diabetes and chronic weight issues.
This pursuit has sparked a surge in demand for both medicinal and natural solutions. Among these, Ozempic, a drug initially developed for reducing blood sugar levels in Type 2 diabetes patients and minimizing heart disease risks, has gained significant attention. Notably, while weight loss has been observed as a side effect of Ozempic, it is crucial to understand that this is not its intended use. Moreover, medications containing semaglutide, similar to Ozempic, have been introduced specifically for weight loss.
However, the rising popularity of Ozempic led to supply shortages and heightened awareness of its potential side effects. These developments have prompted some individuals to seek alternatives like berberine, often touted in the media as “nature’s Ozempic” for its supposed benefits in treating diabetes and obesity.
It’s important to state unequivocally that our discussion does not endorse the use of Ozempic primarily for weight loss, nor do we equate berberine as a direct substitute.
While berberine is a natural supplement with potential health benefits, its comparison with Ozempic is not appropriate or advised.
In this article we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of berberine – highlighting both its benefits and limitations – to help women make informed decisions about supplement use, distinct from pharmaceutical treatments like Ozempic.
Keep reading to learn…
What is berberine?
Berberine versus Ozempic – what are the differences?
Should people take berberine to treat diabetes?
What is the best way to incorporate berberine into your diet?
What is berberine?
Berberine is a traditional Chinese medicine that has become very popular lately as a weight-loss supplement that some have called “nature’s Ozempic.”
While berberine should not be directly compared to Ozempic, it is notable for its low side effect profile and a range of potential health benefits that merit consideration on their own merits.
Berberine is a bioactive compound, which means that it’s a chemical substance that can affect how humans and other living things function. It is derived from plants, and is part of a group called alkaloids (such as morphine, nicotine, and caffeine).
Berberine is a natural supplement which may help with weight loss, as well as to help lower blood sugars and protect your heart – but there’s more to it than that.
Some research indicates that berberine might be effective in treating chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, and inflammatory diseases – but the research thus far is limited, which means that these findings could be proven untrue in the future.
How does berberine work?
Berberine can be taken as a pill or powder. Once taken, berberine enters your bloodstream and travels through your body to different cells and changes how they work.
What does that mean?
It means that berberine has the capacity to alter how your cells are working inside your body. Berberine can turn certain cell functions on or off. This cellular influence of berberine is primarily due to its ability to interact with molecular targets within the cells, leading to changes in their metabolic activities. Such interactions can have a profound impact on various bodily processes, including how cells regulate glucose and lipid metabolism, potentially offering therapeutic benefits for conditions like diabetes and high cholesterol.
Berberine has also been compared to metformin, another glucose-lowering drug that has been used for many years to treat Type 2 diabetes, although they are structurally different, and berberine has not been proven to be an effective treatment of Type 2 diabetes, while metformin has. However, there are a number of studies that have shown the potential benefits of berberine on Type 2 diabetes including positive effects on blood sugar and lipid metabolism.
Side effects of berberine
While many people take berberine for weight loss benefits, it’s important to know that even this natural supplement may come with some side effects, albeit usually mild and controllable. The side effects of berberine are often quite tolerable and are not severe (especially in comparison to Ozempic), these side effects can include:
Abdominal discomfort or swelling
Constipation
Diarrhea
Nausea
For many who take berberine, lowering the dose may prove an effective way to reduce side-effects or simply taking it with food can help. If you begin taking berberine supplements, you should not start taking the maximum dosage.
Always speak with a doctor or pharmacist before you start taking any supplement or medication to understand your recommended dosage.
Berberine versus Ozempic – what are the differences?
If you do a quick search about berberine and its benefits, you immediately find information that berberine can help treat diabetes and that it can be used for weight loss.
On the surface, it sounds like berberine is an alternative to Ozempic.
As Ozempic is now a prescription medication, and becoming extremely expensive and hard to access due to supply and demand issues, berberine seems like a dream come true for many people seeking affordable, easy-to-get solutions for diabetes and weight management concerns.
However, we need to dig a little deeper into what Ozempic and berberine really are before we can determine if they really are equally beneficial.
Should people take berberine to treat diabetes?
Ozempic is a brand name for a medication known generically as semaglutide. Ozempic was approved in 2017 by the FDA for use in managing Type 2 diabetes by way of weekly injections.
Ozempic is used to lower blood sugar by helping the pancreas make more insulin. Ozempic is also known for its effectiveness in convincing your brain that you’re full, to prevent overeating, and to assist with weight loss.
Berberine has also undergone clinical studies that indicate that it is capable of decreasing insulin resistance – which is responsible for 80% of glucose issues common with Type 2 diabetes.
Berberine has been shown to be effective in helping with insulin resistance, and altering how your cells use glucose, and is stated to be an effective method in reducing diabetic complications, like cardiovascular complications, inflammatory problems, and other medical side-effects common to Type 2 diabetes.
However, the same studies also state that berberine’s anti-hyperglycemic effects remain controversial in the medical community due to the fact that its exact method (the mechanics) of making these improvements in the body remains uncertain, and longer studies are called for in order to fully understand the effects of berberine in treating diabetes.
Should berberine be used instead of Ozempic?
Berberine may have benefits in managing blood sugars, but you should never stop a medical treatment, such as insulin therapy, to start taking berberine instead, especially without talking to your doctor.
Before taking berberine, you should speak with your healthcare team to make sure that you do not have any medical conditions or health complications that would make taking berberine dangerous.
Although berberine acts similarly to Ozempic, you should not stop your Ozempic treatment to begin taking berberine without speaking to your healthcare provider first.
If you have recently been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, a discussion about the use of berberine to manage symptoms of diabetes is certainly encouraged. Berberine may be effective in managing Type 2 diabetes prior to the initiation of insulin therapy.
Who should avoid taking berberine?
You should not start taking berberine supplements without consulting your healthcare provider if you are currently:
Already taking a medication to treat Type 2 diabetes
You should also not give berberine to children or infants, as there are no studies currently indicating that it is safe to do so.
What is the best way to incorporate berberine into your diet?
According to studies shared by the Cleveland Clinic, there are several things you need to consider before you start incorporating berberine into your daily routine, including:
Half a dose of berberine will be metabolized and eliminated from your system within a few hours of taking a dose.
To keep your blood levels stable and benefit from taking berberine, you need to spread the daily dosage out throughout the day.
Just remember: berberine may interact with other medications, so speak to your healthcare provider before taking berberine.
However, as mentioned above, the FDA doesn’t approve supplements in the same fashion as pharmaceuticals before they are sold to the public, so it’s important to trust your source before you start taking any supplements.
Where to find safe berberine supplements
If you’re looking for well-researched supplements created by women, for women, you can find berberine in Revivele’s Essentialsline now.
Created by Dr. Kavita Desai, an advocate for and champion of women’s health, theEssential’s revolutionary supplement system was created with female health and wellness in mind.
Essential’s Inhale & Flow Combo of supplements are specifically designed to help with some of the common complications women are experiencing when they consider using berberine:
Inhale has 18 vitamins, minerals and herbs that are specifically dosed for blood glucose control, inflammation, low energy, cognition, immunity, and heart health.
Flow is an adaptogenic supplement that contains ashwagandha, holy basil and rhodiola to help your body cope with stress, turmeric to address pain and inflammation, and ceylon cinnamon and berberine to help balance blood sugars.
Together, they are meant to address commonly experienced symptoms, balance blood sugars, reduce stress, and protect your health for many years to come.
Take your health into your own hands
If you’re interested in learning more about how to maintain your health as you age, read our other blogs, which are full of helpful details, research, and woman-to-woman understanding. We’re all in this together!
To learn more about women’s health and wellness, and to understand the beneficial effects supplements can have on women’s bodies as we age, follow Dr. Kavita Desai’s women’s health & wellness company, Revivele, on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn!
Abstract: Perimenopause is a process that can take years – so what are the signs perimenopause is ending?
Are you riding the rollercoaster of perimenopause and eager for the ride to end? If so, you might be looking for signs your journey is nearing its final stop – menopause.
Recognizing signs perimenopause is ending can be very difficult for all women – but there are some simple solutions that can make spotting the signs a little bit easier.
The perimenopause phase begins anywhere between a woman’s mid-30s to mid-50s and can last up to 10 years.
Perimenopause ends with menopause, which is actually just one day in a woman’s life (the 1-year anniversary of the last time you had a period).
Keep reading to learn:
Signs perimenopause has begun
Signs perimenopause is ending
How to notice signs perimenopause is ending
10 signs perimenopause is ending
Stay in-the-know on women’s health issues
Signs perimenopause has begun
In order to understand any signs perimenopause is ending, we should briefly refresh ourselves on what perimenopause is and how we know we’ve entered the perimenopause.
Here are some key definitions that will help.
What is perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the time in a woman’s life when menstruation is slowly coming to an end. The perimenopausal phase can take anywhere between two years to ten years.
Perimenopause can begin anywhere between a woman’s mid-30s to her mid-50s. One of the key signs of perimenopause is irregular periods.
What is an irregular period?
An irregular period means that your typical monthly cycles have begun to change (get shorter or longer, come later or sooner than expected, with bleeding that is heavier or lighter than what is usual for your body.
A “regular” period is usually 4 – 7 days long, and occurs roughly once every 28 days. In contrast, a period is considered “irregular” if it comes in fewer than 21 days or more than 35 days apart, or if you miss more than three periods in a row.
Symptoms of perimenopause
Some common symptoms of perimenopause include:
Hot flashes and night sweats
Chills and cold spells
Trouble sleeping, including nightmares
Mental confusion and “brain fog”
Vaginal dryness, discomfort during sex, and decreased interested in sex
Signs perimenopause is ending
As mentioned above, perimenopause can last for years – so how are women to know when this phase of their lives is coming to an end?
To answer that question, let’s first talk about the phase that comes after perimenopause: menopause.
When does menopause begin?
When perimenopause ends, menopause has officially begun. But what exactly is menopause?
Actually, you may be surprised to know that “menopause” is just one day of your life.
We refer to it as a phase of life, but it’s actually the one-year anniversary of the last period you ever had. One day, you’ll start your last period – but you won’t know it’s your last time until one full year (12 months) later.
What are the signs that perimenopause is ending?
This can be a tough question to answer. Everyone experiences different periods, different symptoms, and as mentioned above, perimenopause can last for years.
Your experience and duration of perimenopause may be different from that of your sister’s, or your mother’s, or your friend’s. As mentioned above, you won’t know that you’ve had your last period until you’ve gone 12 months without one.
However, you can expect to go through three phases during perimenopause:
Phase 1: Your regular monthly period is interrupted by months of irregularity (changes to length, flow, etc).
Phase 2: Your irregular periods start to come less frequently. You may go months without any sign of a period, and then experience a full period or only some light spotting unexpectedly.
Phase 3: The one-year anniversary of your last period. On this day, you have “experienced menopause,” and from then on you will no longer ovulate, have periods, or be able to conceive a child.
At the end of the day, in order to recognize the signs that perimenopause is ending, you need to be the expert on your menstrual cycle.
Only if you know exactly what “normal” is for your body will you be able to truly notice when things begin to change. The term “irregular period” means nothing if you don’t have a baseline to compare it to.
Which is how we’ve come to our next piece of advice for all women (see below).
Become the expert on your cycle
It’s extremely important to track your menstrual cycles, even if you’re not trying to conceive (which is, for many women, the only time in their lives that they rigorously track their cycles and cycle symptoms).
It can be time-consuming to track each symptom of each month of your period, but we cannot stress enough how empowering it will be for you to become an expert on your cycle.
By religiously tracking your cycles each month, you will be the expert on:
The length of each cycle: How long is your cycle? 25 days, 28 days? If you know this, you’ll know immediately if your period starts coming sooner or later during perimenopause, and whether or not your period starts skipping months (common in perimenopause).
The length of each period: This will allow you to know with confidence how many days you usually bleed for (3 days, 7 days). If your periods become shorter or longer, you’ll know at once.
The symptoms of your period: Do you usually have cramps? Do you only have cramps on day 2? Do you get cramps 4 days before your period but not during your period? The more detail you include in your tracking app or period journal, the better prepared you’ll be to immediately spot changes in later years.
Mood monitoring: Many women experience low mood immediately before or during their period. Many women also experience changes to their mood during perimenopause. If you track even your emotional symptoms, you’ll be able to speak to your healthcare provider about low moods that seem to persist for days or weeks at a time, which will allow you and your doctor to determine what you need to maintain your health.
Ideally, all women should track their periods from puberty to menopause so that they have a lifetime of knowledge about their reproductive and hormonal health.
If you have never tracked your periods before in your life, it’s not too late to start. If you have already reached the perimenopausal phase of your life, you should start keeping a journal of the dates and symptoms of any irregular periods you have, as well as any health issues you experience.
If ever you need to consult a health expert regarding your health, the more information you have, the easier it will be to assess, diagnose, and treat symptoms and conditions as they arise.
10 Signs perimenopause may be ending
As you track your cycle, begin to look out for the following signs that may indicate perimenopause is ending.
Irregular Periods: A notable decrease in the frequency of periods, or irregular cycles.
Lighter Periods: Reduced menstrual flow or shorter duration of periods.
Change in Hot Flashes: For some women menopause marks the end of perimenopause hot flashes, while for others, menopause means the beginning of hot flashes.
Stabilizing Mood Swings: Less severe or less frequent mood swings. For some women entering menopause marks fewer mood swings and psychological symptoms.
Improved Sleep Patterns: Many women notice that the sleep disturbances experienced during perimenopause decrease after menopause.
Changes in Vaginal Health: Menopause marks a permanent drop in estrogen, which can lead to vulvovaginall atrophy and vaginal dryness.
Stabilization of Hormonal Fluctuations: Fewer symptoms associated with hormonal imbalance.
Return of Libido: Some women may notice an increase in sexual desire or a stabilization of libido. However, sexual dysfunction may be more likely due to vaginal atrophy.
Bone Density Instability: Estrogen is critical for bone health and with lower levels you may be at an increased risk for osteoporosis.
Hair and Skin Changes: Changes in hair (less hair loss) and skin (less dryness) indicating hormonal shifts are settling.
The journey towards the end of perimenopause is a deeply personal and varied experience, characterized by changes that may include increasingly spaced-out periods or even an absence of menstruation for months. However, the path is not uniform for everyone. While some may encounter intensified symptoms like hot flashes as they approach menopause, others might only experience these after the transition is complete.
For those seeking a deeper understanding of their symptoms or interested in hormone testing, consulting with a healthcare professional is advisable. The right healthcare specialist can provide tailored advice and support, helping to navigate this complex but natural stage of life with greater ease and clarity.
Stay in-the-know on women’s health issues by following Revivele
Revivele is a research-based information resource for women, by women. We believe that every woman should have access to the information she needs to prioritize her health, advocate for her needs, and take action to prevent the development of possible health concerns like dementia.
Imbalanced hormones can be frustrating, exhausting, confusing, and stressful for women experiencing fluctuations.
With more knowledge about your hormones, your health, and your brain health, you can demystify the aging process and take steps to maintain your health as you age.
How to stay in touch with Revivele
If you’re interested in learning more about how to maintain your health as you age, read our other blogs, which are full of helpful details, research, and woman-to-woman understanding. We’re all in this together!
Abstract:Which hormones govern the female body, which organs produce them – and what do they impact when they’re not balanced?
Hormones play a pivotal role in our lives from the moment we reach puberty, yet most of us only scratch the surface of understanding their impact.
While many women are familiar with estrogen and progesterone, these are just the tip of the hormonal iceberg. There’s a whole spectrum of female hormones, including luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), that are crucial to our well-being.
This blog aims to demystify the world of female hormones. It’s more than just a basic overview; it’s a tool to empower you with knowledge. Understanding these hormones is essential for advocating for yourself, particularly when it comes to medical tests and health challenges during the perimenopausal years.
Let’s dive into the complex and fascinating world of hormones that govern the female reproductive system, and explore how they significantly impact your body, mind, and mood. Consider this your 101 guide to understanding and taking charge of your hormonal health.
In this blog you’ll learn:
Which hormones govern the female reproductive system
How these hormones change over time
What happens when these hormones are out of balance
Which hormones govern the female reproductive system?
Estrogen
Estrogen is a steroid hormone (a hormone that triggers a reaction in the body) associated with the female reproductive system, and the development of female sexual characteristics such as breasts and broader hips.
Estrogen and progesterone work together in the female body to trigger ovulation and keep menstrual cycles regular, and estrogen prompts the lining of the uterus to thicken in preparation of a pregnancy.
Estrogen is developed primarily in the ovaries in females during their reproductive years, as well as by the placenta during pregnancy.
However, estrogen is a hormone found in both men and women, and is also produced in both sexes by the adrenal glands, and in body fat tissues. In both men and women, estrogen plays non-reproductive roles in overall health, such as maintaining:
Cholesterol levels
Blood sugar levels
Bone and muscle mass
Circulation and blood flow
Collagen production and moisture in the skin
Brain function – including your ability to focus
Progesterone
Progesterone is a steroid hormone developed primarily in the corpus luteum – a temporary gland (or cyst) that develops in the female ovaries after the release of an egg during ovulation – and in the placenta during pregnancy.
As progesterone’s primary function is in supporting a body for pregnancy, it is often referred to as a “female hormone.” However, progesterone is also found in men to a lesser degree. Progesterone is produced in smaller quantities by the adrenal glands (found on the tops of the kidneys).
Progesterone plays a key role in the female reproductive system, supporting regular menstrual cycles and supporting the body through the stages of pregnancy by preparing the lining of the uterus to support the implantation and growth of a fertilized egg.
If progesterone is commonly known as the “female hormone”, testosterone is the male equivalent. Testosterone levels are typically much higher in males.
The hypothalamus and the pituitary gland are responsible for controlling the amount of testosterone that is produced and released from the gonads. The release of testosterone triggers the release of LH (see below).
If the organs responsible for maintaining this cycle are not functioning correctly or are out of balance, this can lead to hyperandrogenism.
Luteinizing hormone (LH)
Luteinizing hormone (LH) is a chemical produced in the pituitary gland in the brain. In males, LH stimulates the production of sperm. In females, LH is responsible for stimulating ovulation within the female body, and causes the development of the corpus luteum (the gland responsible for most progesterone development in the female body).
LH is produced first in a surge that triggers ovulation, and is then produced at a steady pace for two weeks following ovulation to simulate ovarian progesterone development.
LH causes the corpus luteum to produce more progesterone during the third and fourth weeks of the menstrual cycle, thereby making it possible for the female body to conceive and support the early stages of a pregnancy.
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is produced in the pituitary gland alongside LH, and affects the function of ovaries and testicles. FSH is named after ovarian follicles (small sacs of fluid that contain egg cells in the ovaries).
FSH is low in children, and begins to develop during puberty with the onset of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which triggers the development of FSH and LH and thereby begins sexual development in both male and female bodies.
In males, FSH and LH trigger the development of testosterone (resulting in body hair growth, voice deepening), and in females, they trigger the development of estrogen (resulting in breast development and the onset of menstruation).
FSH’s primary function in females is to help regulate the menstrual cycle. FSH stimulates the ovarian follicles which grow and prepare eggs for ovulation. As the ovarian follicles increase in size, they begin to release estrogen and low levels of progesterone into the blood.
What happens to the corpus luteum?
After an egg has passed its five days of travel from the ovaries to the uterus during ovulation, and if no sperm has fertilized the egg, then the corpus luteum breaks down.
Progesterone production will then decrease until the next menstrual cycle begins (ie. you get your next period) when FSH levels begin to rise again, triggering the cycle to begin again.
Women entering their perimenopausal years may notice changes to hair growth (sudden growing of facial hair, or a thinning of hair on the scalp) that is related to androgen levels.
Estrone, which is the weakest form of estrogen, is typically higher after menopause (continues to be produced when periods stop).
Estradiol, which is the main form of estrogen produced throughout most women’s lives.
Estriol, which is the primary form of estrogen produced during a pregnancy.
The combination of high levels of LH and FSH, and low levels of estrogen in the female body are known to cause health concerns such as:
Dry skin
Tender breasts
Weak or brittle bones
Trouble concentrating (brain fog)
Moodiness and irritability
Irregular periods or no periods
Similar side-effects are caused by the decrease of progesterone production. Common complaints in women experiencing a decrease in these hormones include:
Hot flashes and night sweats
Cold flashes
Vaginal dryness
Discomfort during sex
Sleep disturbances (especially right before your cycle begins or during perimenopause)
There are readily available methods to manage discomfort during sex, and long-term treatment that can help manage and decrease the impact of other menopausal symptoms – such as hormone replacement therapy.
What happens when hormones are out of balance?
As you’ve probably gathered after reading this far, a woman’s monthly cycles are dictated by the ebbs and flows of reproductive hormones.
Women depend on these hormones to remain balanced, timely, and efficient in order to maintain our equilibrium each and every month – even after menopause.
Fluctuations to the levels of hormones produced in our bodies lead to the monthly “roller coaster of emotions” that many of us experience during our menstruating years and beyond.
During menopause, as hormone levels drop, our serotonin levels also begin to decrease, resulting in mood swings, increased irritability, anxiety, sadness, and even depression.
Hormone production maintains a body’s physical health as well as emotional and mental health. A hormone imbalance can impact physical health in many ways, including:
Changes to metabolism
Homeostasis (or one’s internal balance)
Decreased sexual function
Challenges with reproduction
Poor sleep-wake cycles
And more
Some hormone imbalances are temporary, others are long-term. Some are treatable with medications, and some are managed with diet and exercise.
As such, the signs and symptoms of a hormonal imbalance may be varied, and very subtle.
The symptoms of a hormonal imbalance could be caused by other medical conditions, which is why it’s important to monitor any changes to your body and speak with your healthcare provider as soon as you believe something has changed.
Proactively healthy: your health is in your hands
As women, there are certain steps we can take that will help us to monitor our hormone levels and bodily changes as we age. They are simple to do, and very important.
Attend regular physical checkups. Attending regular checkups that monitor female health (such as Pap tests and routine blood work) are important for keeping track of your hormone levels and the health of your reproductive organs as you age.
Track your menstrual cycles. Many women only become aware of the impact their hormone production has on their bodies when they are trying to conceive. Track your periods, including your levels of cervical mucus throughout your cycle – and teach your daughters to track theirs – from puberty.
Tracking data can include details such as the symptoms leading up to a period, the start date, symptoms during your period, the end date. Include as much detail as possible, like changes to your mood or thought patterns leading up to, during, and after your periods.
This data will help you understand how your menstrual cycles impact your mental health on a monthly basis, will help you if you are trying to conceive a child, and will allow you to notice changes to your cycle as you enter perimenopause.
There are many apps that can help you do this, or you can use an old-fashioned calendar and journal.
Keep up to date with women’s health research. Historically, women’s health has been poorly understood by medical professionals. Now, there is research linking menopause with health conditions such as insomnia, cardiovascular disease, dementia, osteoporosis, and more. With this knowledge comes a wealth of preventative measures that you can take that may help to reduce the symptoms of menopause.
The hormone estradiol has been medicalized and is now available as a cream for relief of vaginal irritation, dryness, and pain during sex – common side-effects of menopause due to decreasing sexual reproductive hormone development.
You can learn more about the latest research on women’s health, wellness tips for proactively staying healthy, and supplement options by following Revivele on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
What to read next:
How supplements can fill in important nutrient gaps and prevent deficiencies that are linked to common diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Abstract: Sexual health changes as we age and how women feel about that may vary, but every woman deserves to know what’s happening in her body.
Changes in sexual health and desire are a common experience for women navigating perimenopause.
But what exactly do those changes look like and how can they affect you, your body and your relationships?
It’s not unusual for sexual interest to wane, and if that resonates with you, know you aren’t alone. For some women a decrease in sex drive is okay and for others a drop in their libido can be disconcerting. Additionally, some women experience physical changes such as increased vaginal dryness, which can not only be uncomfortable, but can also make intercourse painful.In the past, information on women’s health, especially regarding sexual health and perimenopause wasn’t always easy to come by. Revivele is changing that.
This article is intended to empower women to understand what is happening inside their bodies as they age. Because we believe in autonomy – it’s your body, your choice – always!
Ready to explore more about sexual health changes during perimenopause? Read on for helpful insights!
In this article you’ll learn:
Changes to sexual desire during perimenopause
Other reasons for decreased sexual desire
Increased sexual satisfaction post-menopause
Women’s overall health and wellness
Embracing diversity in sexual desire: Every woman’s experience is unique and valid
In the varied tapestry of women’s sexual experiences, it’s important to underscore that every woman’s journey is unique. Women exist on a wide spectrum of sexual desires and drives, each with its own intricacies and challenges.
There are many women who wholeheartedly enjoy sex, and have all their lives. So, when sudden changes such as experiencing pain during sex, or a decrease in sexual interest occur, it can lead to feelings of stress, frustration and confusion.
A major shift in sexual dynamics can also sometimes even evoke a sense of identity loss as women try to reconcile these new experiences with their understanding of themselves and their sexuality. For those who have always enjoyed their sexuality, they may be looking for solutions to restore their previous levels of sexual interest.
On the other hand, there are women who have comfortably lived life with a naturally low level of sexual desire, finding contentment in their experiences of sexuality. Others, however, have struggled with the complexities of a persistent low libido. In some cases, a chronic lack of sexual desire is identified as hypoactive sexual desire disorder, a condition characterized by a reduced interest in sexual activities.
To be clear: decreased sexual desire is not a disorder – unless the absence of sexual desire is sudden, distressing, and disruptive to your sense of self and your happiness in your daily life. In that case, you may be interested in exploring various treatment options for hypoactive sexual desire disorder.
In the meantime, there are ways to have healthy, pleasurable sex post-menopause – and we talk about those below.
Ultimately, it’s critical to know that your worth and desirability are not defined by external factors, or where you “think” you should be on a sexual spectrum. You deserve self-love and acceptance and to claim your own narrative of desire and pleasure.
Changes to sexual desire during perimenopause
During perimenopause (the precursor to menopause), estrogen levels begin decreasing at a steady rate, usually beginning between the ages of 30 and 40.
The hormone estrogen is responsible for maintaining body temperature, keeping menstrual cycles regular, balancing hormones, controlling weight and hair growth, and more.
The steady decrease of estrogen production within the body contributes to much of the discomfort women experience during the perimenopausal years. Some of the challenges associated with lower estrogen levels during perimenopause include weight gain, hair loss and sleep disturbances. These can be frustrating and may impact a woman’s overall well-being and quality of life.
Reduced estrogen levels not only affect our physical appearance and emotional well-being, but also have a profound impact on sexual desire, performance and pleasure.
Changes to sexual function in the body during perimenopause
Perimenopause can bring about noticeable changes in sexual desire, performance and pleasure due to fluctuating hormone levels. Women might experience a decrease in libido, changes in sexual response, or find that intimacy feels different than before.
For instance, during perimenopause, women commonly experience symptoms such as:
Vaginal dryness (decreased natural lubrication during sex)
Lack of interest in sexual activity
Difficulty achieving an orgasm
Up to 45% of women who are postmenopausal describe sex as painful due to biological changes that occurred during perimenopause.
Vaginal dryness can also come with a tightening of the vaginal opening, resulting in burning and itching during intercourse, known as vaginal atrophy.
A combination of vaginal tightness and dryness can cause mild to severe pain during intercourse, and even lead to tearing or bleeding of the vagina during intercourse.
There are some other causes of pain during sex that are not related to menopause, such as vulvodynia (which is chronic pain of the vulva), and so pain during sex should always be discussed with a healthcare professional.
When women experience any pain or discomfort during sex, even just once, it can lead to heightened stress and tension in anticipation of pain during future attempts to have sex.
Stress and tension are the kryptonite of pleasure. Women who are afraid to have sex will likely experience more tension, more tightening of the body, and therefore more pain during sex – creating a cycle of pain and negative associations with sex.
It’s important to be aware that there are options to manage symptoms like vaginal dryness with both short term solutions like using natural lubricants, or long-term solutions such as hormone replacement therapy (scroll down for even more strategies below).
Perimenopausal symptoms that can also contribute to decreased sexual desire
During perimenopause, women experience changes to their appearance and emotional health, both of which can have an impact on their self-confidence and desire to be touched sexually.
For instance, women going through perimenopause may experience:
Low mood caused by decreased estrogen levels (low mood tends to lead to lower sexual desire)
It’s essential to acknowledge that although numerous changes during perimenopause stem from natural hormonal shifts, there are practical strategies to manage and even lessen their impacts.
Women have at their disposal a variety of methods to alleviate many perimenopausal symptoms, particularly those affecting sleep, diet and mood (more on this below).
Other reasons for decreased sexual desire
Changing bodies and decreased hormone levels are not the only cause of sexual disinterest as we age.
Health concerns, medications and substances that affect desire
Health conditions such as thyroid conditions, obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease can also decrease sexual desire.
Substances and medications that can have an impact on sexual desire include:
Antidepressant medications
Medications for high blood pressure
Medications for seizure disorders
Drugs or alcohol
Contraceptive drugs (during the years preceding menopause)
Sexual desire and stress
Women often experience higher levels of stress during the perimenopause years than any other time in their lives.
There are plenty of reasons women may not be interested in having sex that have nothing to do with symptoms of menopause, and everything to do with being overwhelmed by their busy lives.
For some women, bedtime may be literally the only time they have to themselves.
Stress impacts sexual desire through a combination of physical and psychological responses. Physically, stress triggers the release of cortisol, a hormone that can dampen sexual arousal by diverting blood flow and energy away from the reproductive organs and towards muscles and other systems essential for immediate response. In a nutshell, the body and mind’s response to stress can temporarily prioritize immediate survival and wellbeing over sexual desire.
Saying no to sex with your partner
If you’re not interested in having sex, then you don’t need to have sex. End of story. Except – many women feel pressured by society and their partners to say yes even when they don’t want to.
If your partner is asking you for sex and you’re not interested, talk to them about your reasons. It can help your partner to understand what you’re experiencing if you explain what is happening in your mind and body.
Open conversations can:
Help your partner understand your experience
Help you both to work together in redefining what is needed for intimacy to occur
If someone in your life is not respecting your decision to say no to sex, you can seek support and guidance from women’s crisis centres.
Increased sexual satisfaction post-menopause
“Sexual satisfaction” may not mean having more or better orgasms – although that’s certainly possible as well under the right circumstances (which we’ll talk about below).
Sexual satisfaction for many women may mean having better sex less often, or having no sex at all.
In many cases, women who have passed menopause (which is the one year anniversary of your final period) will experience new freedoms they didn’t have during their menstruation years.
No more worrying about when your next period is going to start
No risk of becoming pregnant
An empty nest (children are gone – therefore no bedroom door interruptions when things are getting steamy with your partner)
A potential “reconnection” with your spouse or partner now that you have free time – and alone time – that you may not have had during the parenting years
Intimacy without intercourse
As we mentioned above, a decrease in sexual desire is hardly a hardship for many women. Many women who desire intimacy with a partner are not referring to sex at all, but to physical companionship.
Intimacy as we age may look different than it did in our younger years. Many women at all ages crave intimacy in the form of:
Cuddling
Hugging
Holding hands
Sitting near one another
Laying back to back in bed
By the time women reach menopause, their male partners are likely experiencing common issues that impact male sexual health, such as erectile dysfunction, which is the persistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection.
So, during the post-menopausal years, relationships might look different – our bodies will feel different and perform differently… and that’s okay.
We have, as a society, decreed “foreplay” as a necessary prelude to intercourse. And of course, it’s very important for those who want to have intercourse.
But intercourse doesn’t have to be the endgame. What if foreplay was the only play?
Aging bodies may not be equipped to sustain intercourse, let alone desire it – yet with patience and respect, foreplay can be as pleasurable as ever even as we age.
Worry less about doing things the way you used to do them, or the way you think you should be doing them, and simply discover what your changing body needs and wants.
In order to achieve orgasm despite painful and uncomfortable symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, consider these sexual practices:
Massage or oral sex
Sensual baths
Manual stimulation of the clitoris by yourself or your partner
Women’s pleasure products are on the rise as society normalizes self-stimulation as a healthy practice for women.
There are also many women’s sexual care products available on the market designed to increase women’s comfort, such as:
Creams and vaginal lubricants during sexual activity
Moisturizers and lotions to decrease itching or dryness of the vulva
Women’s overall health and wellness
The most important factor in women’s health – including sexual health – is maintaining care of your body and wellness overall.
Regular exercise, balanced meals, adequate sleep, and staying hydrated can help with lowering stress, boosting mood, decreasing vaginal dryness, and improving blood flow – all important aspects for successful sexual pleasure!
As mentioned above, symptoms such as vaginal dryness can be treated in-the-moment with natural lubricants, or can be achieved through long-term solutions such as hormone replacement therapy to replace a woman’s estrogen levels to maintain equilibrium during perimenopause and menopause.
Dr. Kavita talks about the benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in her book Lady Parts – get the synopsis here.
Keep up to date on women’s health research with Revivele
At Revivele, we believe that every woman should be given the information they need to prioritize their health, advocate for their needs and take action to prevent the development of possible health concerns.
Not only do we keep up-to-date on the latest scientific research when it comes to women’s health, and brain health, but we have just launched our new supplement system: Essentials by Revivele. Meticulously crafted with 48 optimal ingredients, it’s designed to alleviate women’s symptoms and fortify against the risk of disease.
If you’re interested in learning more about how to maintain your health as you age, read our other blogs, which are full of helpful details, research, and woman-to-woman understanding. We’re all in this together!
Next steps:
Take your health, and the health of your friends, seriously – spread the word!
Follow Revivele and share this blog on social media to spread the news about women’s health (find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn!)
Set reminders in your phone to schedule important screenings
Abstract:Screening tests exist as an early warning system: understand the 8 screening tests every woman should prioritize.
Health screenings are designed to help you keep track of early warning signs for common health conditions and to guard against potential health issues.
But, which ones are truly essential for women’s health?
Health screening tests, such as pre-cancer screenings, save lives – yet missed appointments tragically result in avoidable deaths every single year.
While we can’t control all aspects of our health all the time, we do have the power to keep these vital check-ups on our calendar.
In this guide, we’ve carefully curated which women’s health screenings you really shouldn’t miss so that you can prioritize these appointments and safeguard your help as you age.
In this guide discover:
A list of the top 8 screening tests every woman should schedule
Insights into what each test entails, it’s significance and the ideal timeline for scheduling them
Additional resources
8 screening tests women should make sure they schedule
Navigating the world of women’s health can be overwhelming. The combined challenges of limited information, prevailing myths, and long standing medical biases can result in feelings of confusion and marginalization.
However, it’s high time we shift this narrative. A key step in this direction is to make information about women’s health more accessible, empowering every woman with the knowledge she requires to advocate for her wellbeing.
To aid in this mission, we’ve crafted a succinct chart detailing the 8 pivotal screenings every woman should prioritize, coupled with clear guidelines on next steps post-results.
Dive into this resource, bookmark it, spread the word, and become an active agent in your health journey.
Disclaimer: The health screenings listed below are general recommendations using information from the US Preventive Services Task Force, and should not substitute for professional medical advice tailored to your specific health situation or family history. If you are experiencing any health concerns or symptoms, seek immediate guidance and investigation from a qualified healthcare professional. Your health and well-being should always be the foremost priority.
8 screening tests women need to prioritize and when to book them
Screening test
Your age
Normal & abnormal results: when to book a follow-up
Colonoscopy
45+
Normal: If tests return normal, schedule a colorectal examination every 2 years. Abnormal: A test is abnormal if polyps or abnormal tissues are found on the colon. Polyps may be removed during a colonoscopy and sent for testing. Our tips:You should schedule a follow-up with your doctor if these tests show that the polyps were determined to be cancerous or precancerous.
Mammogram or breast ultrasound
40+
Normal: If tests are normal, schedule a mammogram every 2 years. Abnormal: An abnormal mammogram occurs when small white dots (calcifications), lumps, masses or tumors are discovered. Our tips:A follow-up appointment should be scheduled immediately with a doctor if these are discovered.
Routine blood work for hormone levels and thyroid efficiency
20+
Normal: If tests are normal, blood work should be tested each year at annual checkups. Abnormal: If high or low levels of TSH (see below) are discovered, your thyroid may not be properly producing hormones. Our tips:Consider completing a full blood panel yearly, assessing blood glucose, thyroid, hormones, CBC. Request testing for additional markers such as free T3, free T4 and thyroid antibodies, for example, to determine if you may have a thyroid disorder. If your tests are abnormal, speak to your doctor immediately about managing hyper- or hypothyroidism.
Pap smear or HPV test
21+ (PS)30+ (HPV)
Normal: Normal Pap smears should be scheduled every 3 years. Consistently normal HPV tests can be scheduled every 5 years or as a PaP/HPV co-test in women aged 30+. Abnormal: An abnormal test means that abnormal cells were discovered in your cervix that may be precancerous. Our tips:It’s important to always be cognizant of your discharge, and if you notice any changes, report them to your doctor. If a Pap smear or HPV test comes back abnormal, schedule a test every 2 years while managing symptoms and undergoing treatment.
Eye exam
65+
Normal: Eye checks in those aged 19+ should be scheduled every 3-5 years, and annually in those 65+. Abnormal: An abnormal eye exam may be an indication of several different health issues that may cause symptoms such as swelling of the eye, extreme dryness of the eyes, or other varied symptoms. Our tips:If your eye exams produce abnormal results, schedule a follow-up with your eye doctor and family doctor to determine a course of action.
Osteoporosis screening test
65+
Normal: A bone density test should be booked as soon as possible once women reach the age of 65. Abnormal: An abnormal test may show concerns regarding your bone density on the X-rays that are taken, which could indicate underlying health issues such as a calcium deficiency. When to follow-up after an abnormal test:While the recommended age is 65, we believe women should get a baseline test earlier to ensure they don’t have osteopenia (which can lead to osteoporosis). If your bone density tests come back as abnormal, or indicative of bone fragility, you should speak with your doctor right away about how to protect yourself from falls and bone breaks, and prepare a plan to help strengthen your muscles and bones. We recommend increased strength training, vitamin D, K2 and calcium rich foods to maintain bone mass.
Ovarian cancer screening test
45+
Normal: Ovarian screening should be done at least once in women after reaching the age of 45, although this test is optional for asymptomatic women. Abnormal: An abnormal test may show a mass within the female reproductive system that could be a precancerous growth. When to follow-up after an abnormal test:If your ovarian cancer screening test shows an abnormality, you should follow-up with a healthcare provider immediately to have the mass assessed. Screening tests cannot confirm if a growth is cancerous, but finding out in the early stages could save your life.
Cardiovascular screening test
35+
Normal: Women should start getting cardiovascular checkups every few years after the age of 35, especially if there is a history of heart disease or heart conditions in the family. Abnormal: An abnormal test may show an irregular rhythm or heart rate, or inefficiency in your breathing during the stress test. When to follow-up after an abnormal test:An abnormal cardiovascular test may be an early warning sign for cardiovascular diseases. If you receive an abnormal test, follow-up with a heart specialist as soon as possible to gather more information, and start booking more regular stress tests to track your heart health.
To see a full list of recommended health screenings for men and women of all ages, visit the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force website. As always, speak with your doctor if you have a health history that requires a different frequency of testing.
Want more details about the tests and what they’re for?
Keep reading to find out more about what happens during each screening test, and what these tests are usually looking for.
What, why and when: What each screening test is good for and when to get it
1: Colonoscopy
What is it?
A colonoscopy is the interior examination of the large intestine. During the procedure, a small camera will be inserted on a flexible cord into the rectum to examine your large intestine for inflammation or other concerns.
Why get it?
A colonoscopy is a type of endoscopy performed to diagnose gastrointestinal diseases and colon cancer.
When to book:
A colonoscopy should be scheduled every two years for women aged 45+.
2: Mammogram and/or ultrasound of the breasts
What is it?
A mammogram is the X-ray image taken of the breasts. During the procedure, each breast is pressed between the flat, smooth plates of an X-ray machine. A breast ultrasound is often ordered when concerning spots are noticed in a mammogram.
Why get it?
Mammograms and breast ultrasounds can be uncomfortable for women, but these exams help to spot lumps, growths, and other abnormalities within the breasts that may be cancerous.
When to book:
A mammogram or breast ultrasound should be scheduled every two years for women aged 40+ or more frequently for women with a personal or family history of breast cancer.
3. Routine blood work (hormone levels and thyroid function)
What is it?
Routine blood work should measure your complete blood count (CBC), red and white blood cells and hemoglobin levels amongst other markers. The thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) test is a blood test that will assess how much TSH is measured in your blood to determine the functionality of your thyroid. You can also request additional hormone level testing for markers such as free T3, free T4 and thyroid antibodies, for example, to determine if you may have a thyroid disorder.
Why get it?
This test, along with other markers such as free T3 and T4, will help to diagnose hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid – causes tremors in hands, fast heart rate, muscle weakness, irritability, etc) or hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid – causes fatigue, cold sensitivity, constipation, forgetfulness, etc).
When to book:
Routine blood work should be completed every year in women aged 20+.
4. Pap smear
What is it?
A Pap smear or Pap test involves the insertion of a metal or plastic tool into the vaginal opening. The tool is then expanded and held open to allow a medical professional to examine the cervix and take a swab sample to test the cervical cells for health concerns.
Why get it?
Although oftentimes uncomfortable, the Pap test is a procedure designed to screen for cervical cancer. Detecting cervical cancer early with a Pap smear increases your chance of successful treatment.
When to book:
PAP smears should be scheduled every 3 years in women aged 21+, and every 5 years with a PaP/HPV co-test in women aged 30+.
5. Eye exams
What is it?
For women, menopause can alter eyesight. Eye exams allow medical professionals to assess whether there have been changes in your eye shape or vision strength. An eye exam as an older adult is the same as an eye exam for a younger adult: there is a great deal of attempting to read tiny letters on a wall that seems to get more distant each year.
Why get it?
Our eyes and vision change as we age, often losing the ability to see at distances and/or up close. In order to protect eye health, as well as ensure you have glasses that help you to drive and/or read, eye examinations are important.
When to book:
Eye exams should be scheduled every 3-5 years after the age of 19+. After age 65+, these exams should take place annually. We also recommend asking to have your eyes dilated so that the optometrist or ophthalmologist can have a good look at the retina and interior of the eye.
6. Osteoporosis screening test
What is it?
A bone density test uses X-rays to measure the calcium and other minerals in each segment of bone. Frequently, spines, hips and arms are the focus of these X-rays.
Why get it?
Osteoporosis is a bone disease that develops when bone mineral density and bone mass decreases. During menopause, estrogen levels decrease, resulting in possible increased bone loss. Testing your bone density as you age will help you prepare yourself and protect against falls and debilitating bone breaks.
When to book:
The bone mineral density exam should take place for all women after the age of 65, or earlier for those who have risk factors.
7. Ovarian cancer screening
What is it?
There are two ovarian cancer screening tests: a transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) or a blood test. The TVUS is an internal examination using an ultrasound wand that is inserted into the vagina, enabling the machine to photograph the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, cervix and the vagina.
Why get it?
Early screening for ovarian cancer increases the chances of detecting cancers in their earlier stages, which can significantly improve prognosis.
When to book:
Asymptomatic women or women with no hereditary risk factors for ovarian cancers is optional for women aged 45+.
8. Cardiovascular screening
What is it?
Cardiovascular screening includes a physical exam. Your weight and measurements will be taken, as well as cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Your heart will be listened to for irregular rhythms, and you may be referred to a specialist if further evaluation is deemed necessary.
Why get it?
This screening is designed to test for your risk for heart disease. You may require further tests such as a stress test, calcification study or angiogram to further assess if there are abnormalities in your heart or blood vessels. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and death in the US. Knowing the state of your heart and blood vessels will help you determine if you are at risk of heart attack or stroke.
When to book:
Women should consider cardiovascular screening tests after the age of 35, especially if symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, recurring dizziness or fainting episodes, or worsening heart palpitations or arrhythmias occur.
False positives and false negatives: myth or fact?
Science saves lives – but there are certain factors that could create a false positive test result, or false negative result during your screening examinations.
Please remember to always follow-up with a medical professional after any abnormal test result to advocate for secondary testing to confirm an abnormal test, and to gather more information.
Whenever your tests return as normal, also remember to continue scheduling regular appointments for yourself within the suggested time frames to continue to be aware of the changes taking place within your own body.
We take your health seriously
At Revivele, we believe that every woman should be given the information they need to prioritize their health, advocate for their needs and take action to prevent the development of possible health concerns.
Not only do we keep up-to-date on the latest scientific research when it comes to women’s health, and brain health, but we have just launched our new supplement system: Essentials by Revivele. Meticulously crafted with 48 optimal ingredients, it’s designed to alleviate women’s symptoms and fortify against the risk of disease.
If you’re interested in learning more about how to maintain your health as you age, read our other blogs, which are full of helpful details, research, and woman-to-woman understanding. We’re all in this together!
Next steps:
Take your health, and the health of your friends, seriously – spread the word!
Follow Revivele and share this blog on social media to spread the news about women’s health (find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn!)
Set reminders in your phone to schedule important screenings
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