I had the opportunity to attend The New Pause Conference in NYC this past weekend, run by The Well and Naomi Watts' company, Stripes. The conference was packed with expert insights on women’s health, aging, and menopause.
Here are the top 10 things I learned:
1. Women Are Healthcare Decision Makers
Dr. Vonda Wright highlighted that women make 80% of healthcare decisions for themselves and others. It’s crucial to recognize that menopause symptoms like back pain, frozen shoulder, and muscle loss can impact women significantly, but there’s a pathway to becoming "unbreakable" through muscle-building, mobility, and smart nutrition.
2. The Power of Building Muscle
Building lean muscle is key for women to age with strength and vitality. Dr. Wright emphasized the importance of lifting heavy weights regularly to support metabolism, bone health, and longevity.
3. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Isn’t Just About Menopause Symptoms
Dr. Sharon Malone underscored that HRT not only alleviates menopause symptoms but also protects against osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases. The fear surrounding HRT, stemming from the outdated Women's Health Initiative in 2002, has done more harm than good, but it’s time to correct that narrative.
4. Access to Menopause Care Needs Improvement
Platforms like Alloy Women’s Health aim to bridge the gap between women and the care they need, offering telehealth services for menopause management. Dr. Malone stressed that women should not have to suffer in silence when solutions are available.
5. Mindset Over Aging
Celebrity makeup artist Bobbi Brown believes aging is a privilege, but it takes work. Exercise, healthy eating, and embracing humor are vital for living well as we age. Brown’s motto: it’s about living, not aging.
6. The Disparity in Women’s Healthcare
Cindy Eckhert, founder of Addyi (the little pink pill for women), discussed the ongoing disparity in how women’s health issues are treated. Women often face dismissal and delays in care, particularly in emergency situations like heart attacks. Challenging the status quo is essential for gender equity in healthcare.
7. Cognitive Dissonance Holds Back Progress
Dr. Carol Tavris talked about how cognitive dissonance—holding onto outdated beliefs—prevents us from accepting the benefits of HRT. This mindset leads to missed opportunities for improving women’s health and longevity.
8. The Brain and Menopause
The brilliant Dr. Lisa Masconi revealed that menopause impacts brain health more than previously thought. Brain fog, cognitive changes, and emotional shifts during menopause are linked to hormonal changes, but research is showing that estrogen plays a critical role in brain function even post-menopause.
9. Nutrition for Brain and Body Health
Proper nutrition is crucial for managing menopause symptoms and maintaining brain health. Dr. Masconi recommended antioxidants, lean proteins, and omega fatty acids, while avoiding processed foods and refined sugars for optimal cognitive and physical performance.
10. The Importance of Strength Over Skinny
Holly Rilinger, founder of the Lifted Method and Menopause Bootcamp, shared that women should prioritize strength training over cardio and focus on lifting heavier weights to build bone density and muscle mass. Strong is better than skinny when it comes to aging well.
The New Pause Conference served as a powerful reminder that aging is not something to fear, but a process we can manage with the right tools, mindset, and support. Women’s health deserves attention, and we can all take steps to live long, strong, and vibrant lives.
This summary offers a glimpse into the groundbreaking discussions at the conference, empowering women to take control of their health and age with confidence. If you would like to discuss this phase of life - anywhere from perimenopause which can start 10 years before menopause, to menopause and post menopause, reach out to me by emailing Payal@arorawellness.com.