Hello fabulous women!
Today, I’m thrilled to share some profound insights from Dr. Mindy Pelz’s masterclass, “The Science of Fasting Like a Girl.” As a certified coach through her programme, I’ve learned some transformative lessons that are changing the way we approach women’s health. Let’s dive into how understanding our hormones and embracing a new healthcare paradigm can empower us to take control of our well-being.
A New Paradigm in Healthcare
Ladies, it’s time to revolutionise how we think about our health. Dr. Mindy emphasises that we need to shift our mindset from being passive recipients of healthcare to active participants. The old paradigm, where we rely solely on doctors to fix our problems, is outdated. Instead, we must recognise that we are in control of our health.
Every symptom our body gives us is a message. It’s not something to be feared or suppressed, but something to be understood. Dr. Mindy encourages us to see these symptoms as our body’s way of communicating its needs. Whether it’s fatigue, mood swings, or weight gain, each signal is an opportunity to understand what our body is asking for.
Empowerment Through Education
Our hormones – oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone – each play a crucial role in how we feel and function. For example, oestrogen brings with it a “girl gang” of neurochemicals like dopamine and serotonin, which enhance our mood and cognitive abilities. Progesterone, on the other hand, requires us to rest and recover, underscoring the importance of aligning our lifestyle with our hormonal cycles.
By understanding these hormonal rhythms, we can make informed decisions about our health. We learn when to push ourselves and when to rest, when to fast and when to nourish our bodies with carbs. This knowledge allows us to optimise our energy levels, mood, and overall well-being.
Hormonal Rhythms and Neurochemicals
Let’s delve deeper into the fascinating world of hormonal rhythms and their associated neurochemicals. Oestrogen, often seen as the “queen hormone,” doesn’t work alone. She brings along dopamine, serotonin, acetylcholine, and BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), creating a powerful cocktail that influences everything from our mood to our cognitive function.
During the first half of our menstrual cycle, oestrogen levels rise, peaking around ovulation. This surge in oestrogen is accompanied by an increase in these neurochemicals, making us feel more energetic, focused, and connected. It’s no wonder that many women feel their best during this phase – our brains are literally wired for peak performance!
However, the second half of the cycle is dominated by progesterone, which has a calming effect on the body. Progesterone helps prepare the body for potential pregnancy, but it also signals us to slow down and recover. This is why you might feel more introspective and less energetic during the latter part of your cycle. It’s not a flaw; it’s your body’s natural rhythm.
Understanding these rhythms allows us to work with our bodies, not against them. By recognising when we are naturally inclined to be more active and when we need to rest, we can align our activities and lifestyle choices to support our hormonal health.
Empowerment in Action
The real power of this knowledge lies in its application. Armed with an understanding of our hormonal cycles and the neurochemicals at play, we can make lifestyle choices that enhance our well-being. This might mean planning demanding tasks and workouts during the first half of our cycle when oestrogen is high and allowing ourselves to rest and recover during the second half when progesterone takes over.
Plus, this knowledge empowers us in our interactions with healthcare providers. We can walk into our doctor’s office with confidence, armed with the right questions and an understanding of our bodies. This shift from passive patient to active participant is crucial in changing the healthcare paradigm. We deserve to be heard, respected, and educated about our health.
Join the Movement
Ladies, it’s time to embrace this new paradigm and empower ourselves with knowledge. Let’s take control of our health by understanding our hormonal rhythms and making informed decisions. Share this knowledge with your friends, family, and community. The more we talk about these concepts, the more we can support each other in this journey.
Stay empowered and informed,
Ella.
P.S. Remember, we’re in this together. If you need advice or support, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s keep this conversation going and change the world, one empowered woman at a time!