Dr. Rebecka Hoppins
MENOPAUSAL HORMONE THERAPY, Part 2, with Dr. Rebecka Hoppins, ND
There is a large body of accumulated scientific research to support the thesis that Sexual Pleasure and Health are inextricably linked! In Part 2, Dr. Becky, a Naturopathic Physician, and Dr. Diana, a Sex Therapist, continued their conversation from January 28th. In Part 1, menopause myths were debunked, and menopausal women with low libido were offered some solutions.
Dr. Diana asked Dr. Becky How do you optimize a woman’s sexual health with the techniques of natural medicine?
Dr. Becky takes a broad, naturalistic, evolutionary overview of sex. She reminds us that in nature, sex is for reproduction, the survival of species. So broadly speaking, it makes sense that our bodies are wired to like it. Of course, that’s not the case for everyone – especially for many perimenopausal and menopausal women. She advises that when we feel healthy, balanced, safe and have resources, this is a good environment for offspring to survive/thrive. If we are stressed, malnourished, unsafe, etc., hormones shift to survival mode. Then the woman’s body is favoring the production of cortisol and adrenaline at the cost of the sex hormones progesterone, estrogen, DHEA, and testosterone. Fascinating fact: we literally make cortisol out of progesterone. What happens to highly stressed pregnant women? They are at a higher risk of miscarriage. After all, their progesterone is supposed to maintain the placenta and firmly hold the baby in the uterus, and this declines when cortisol goes up.
Stress may affect women even more when their sex/reproductive hormones decline. Blood flow diminishes. Vaginal health is often a problem, etc.
What does Dr. Becky look at? She addresses fatigue (adrenal function and other medical causes), blood sugar/nutrition, physical causes of anxiety, and sleep health – to name just a few.
The fascinating case of “Rachel”: her negative body image and her weight had led to obsessive negative self-talk. Dr. Becky’s Sage Clinic administers the GLP-1 (weight-loss) injections. Rachel’s mind became quiet – the chatter had stopped – as soon as it took effect!
There is so much more information in this podcast: Polarity Theory, the partnership environment, vasopressin vs oxytocin, inherited behaviors, sex demands from the male partner, narcissism and more!
You have to claim great sex, again and again, over the course of your life. It won’t grow and blossom without your long-term commitment. You need good information, the kind you will find in this podcast. Great sex is a natural outgrowth of great health, and the two flourish in tandem! If you have problems in either realm, seek out the help of Dr. Becky Hoppins at the Sage Integrative Medical Clinic in Edmonds, WA. She is brilliant, well informed, and approachable. Listen to both shows and you will be convinced!
Click below to listen to the interview (approx. one hour):
