Psychological Changes

Psychological Changes

Menopause causes many psychological changes in women. Anxiety, irritability and depression are some of the common psychological changes occurring in women, in menopause. Know the main cause of depression in women in menopause.

What are the psychological changes associated with menopause

Anxiety, irritability and depression commonly arise during the climacteric (around menopause time) and are usually the group of symptoms which are worse in the pre-menopause period i.e. a few years before periods cease.
 

Why does depression occur

Falling estrogen levels may reduce dopamine receptor sensitivity or reduce available tryptophan for serotonin synthesis, leading to reduced activity of central nervous system transmitters and consequent depression. Other causes of depression may also occur at the time of menopause. These include loss of reproductive potential, a perceived loss of femininity, marital disenchantment, the 'empty nest' syndrome and career disappointments.


Cardiovascular Diseases

Estrogen has a protective effect on cardiovascular disease in women, but during menopause this estrogen levels decreases thus making women susceptible to cardiovascular diseases. After menopause, women are more prone to heart diseases. Know more about this.

Does menopause increase the risk of heart diseases

Before menopause, heart diseases are uncommon in women who do not smoke, do not have hypertension, hyperlipidaemia (excessive saturated fats in their blood) or diabetes. It is five times more common in men than in pre-menopausal women but once menopause has occurred, the risk of heart disease in women approaches that in men, suggesting a role for the menopausing in this changed risk.

The etiology of heart disease is complex and incompletely understood. However, several studies on the effect of premature menopause on the incidence of heart diseases suggest that earlier the cessation of ovarian function occurs greater the risk of cardiovascular diseases. A role for estrogen deficiency in the etiology of this disease is strongly suggestive.


How does menopause increase the risk of heart diseases

High plasma levels of High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) concentrations protect the heart (cardio-protective), whilst those of Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) concentrations increase the risk of heart disease.  Before menopause, serum LDL levels are lower and HDL levels are higher.  But after menopause, LDL levels increase significantly, and thereby increase the risk of heart diseases.


Do women run a greater risk of heart diseases than men

No.  Before menopause, serum LDL levels are lower in women than in men, and serum HDL levels are higher. Following menopause, LDL levels in women rise but do not exceed the levels in age-matched men.


What is the role of the estrogen in preventing heart diseases

Estrogen in pre-menopausal women has a protective effect on cardiovascular disease, probably mediated through it's effect on the HDL:LDL ratio.  But estrogen may work in other ways such as by a direct effect on blood vessels or by stimulating direct effect on blood flow in organs such as the skin, uterus, vulva and kidneys.



Changes in the Skeletal System (Osteoporosis)

There are many changes in the skeleton of women after menopause. Women have increased risk of osteoporosis. This is due to de-mineralisation of bone.

Is there a risk of osteoporosis because of menopause

Yes.  Approximately 50% of bone loss occurs in the first 5 to 7 years of menopause Thus, the risk of osteoporosis increases tremendously at menopause.


How does menopause affect the skeletal system (bones)

De-mineralisation of bone is potentially the most serious long-term consequence of human menopause. Peak bone mass is reached in the third decade of life. Thereafter there is a progressive reduction in bone mass, with an accelerated loss following menopause.  The precise mechanism of bone loss is uncertain. There is an increase in bone turnover, which disrupts the remodeling process, with bone resorption exceeding formation.

New diet to beat diabetes

A plant-based diet can dramatically improve the health of people with diabetes.

Diabetes diets typically call for portion control, carbohydrate limits and — for those who are overweight — calorie restrictions.

Fortunately, there is another way. Low-fat, plant-based diets are ideal for diabetes and the conditions associated with it, such as heart disease, weight gain, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. And, they offer the advantage of not requiring any weighing or measuring of portions.

The old approach had us cutting down on carbohydrates. It's true that overly processed carbohydrates — those made with sugar or white flour, for example — are poor choices. However, delicious unprocessed or minimally-processed foods, such as potatoes, rice, oats, beans, pasta, fruit, and vegetables, were the main part of the diet in countries where people were traditionally fit and trim and where diabetes was rare. Unfortunately, highly processed carbohydrates and affordable meat and cheese dishes have moved in, and now we have a worldwide type 2 diabetes epidemic.

A low-fat vegetarian approach recognises that whole-food carbohydrates are fine; it's the fat in our diets that is the problem. New information suggests that fat in animal products and oils interferes with insulin's ability to move glucose into the cells.

Eating less fat reduces body fat. Less body fat allows insulin to do its job. However, choosing skinless chicken, skim milk and baked fish is not enough of a change for most people to beat diabetes. The new approach eliminates fatty foods and animal protein, such as meats, dairy products, and oils, and offers unlimited grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables. One study found that 21 of 23 patients on oral medications and 13 of 17 patients on insulin were able to get off of their medication after 26 days on a near-vegetarian diet and exercise programme. During two- and three-year follow-ups, most people with diabetes treated with this regimen have retained their gains.

Type 1 diabetes and diet

While people with type 2 diabetes can often reduce, and sometimes eliminate, medication when they lose weight and food and exercise are better controlled, those with type 1 diabetes will always need insulin. Even so, a good diet can minimise the amount of insulin required. Type 1 diabetes, formerly called "childhood onset diabetes," occurs when the pancreas stops producing insulin. The cause of type 1 diabetes remains elusive. Several studies have implicated cow's milk consumption as a possible contributor. When milk consumption patterns were examined across various nations, there was a strong correlation with the incidence of type 1 diabetes. It may be that milk proteins cause an autoimmune reaction in which the body mistakenly attacks its own insulin-producing cells.

Remarkably simple new approach

A three-week trial is recommended for beginners.

1. Begin a vegan diet

A vegan diet has no animal products at all: No red meat, poultry, pork, fish, dairy products, and eggs. Why? Animal products contain saturated fat, which is linked to heart disease, insulin resistance, and certain forms of cancer. They also contain cholesterol and, of course, animal protein. It may surprise you to learn that diets high in animal protein can aggravate kidney problems and calcium losses. All the protein you need can be found in whole grains, legumes, and even vegetables: that's where strong horses, bulls, and elephants get their protein.

2. Avoid added vegetable oils and other high-fat foods.

Although vegetable oils are healthier than animal fats, you will still want to keep them to a minimum. All fats and oils are highly concentrated in calories. A gram of any fat or oil contains nine calories, compared with only four calories for a gram of carbohydrate. The amount of fat we really need each day is quite small and readily available by eating whole foods. Avoid oily toppings and foods fried in oil. Limit olives, avocados, nuts, and peanut butter. Read labels, and choose foods with no more than 2-3 grams of fat per serving.

3. Go high-fibre.

Aim for at least 40 gms of fibre each day. Choose beans, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains (eg, whole wheat pasta, barley, oats, quinoa). Aim for at least 3 gms/fibre per serving on labels and 10 to 15 gms per meal. Start slowly. Expect a change in bowel habits (usually for the better). Gassiness from beans can be minimised with small servings and thorough cooking.

4. Focus on the "new four food groups."

Enjoy unlimited whole grains, legumes (beans, lentils, peas), fruits and vegetables. Modest amounts of non-fat condiments, salad dressings, nuts, and seeds also fine.

A note on vitamin B12: Those following a diet free of animal products should take a B12 supplement of 5 mcg per day. Any common daily multiple vitamin will provide this amount.

Diabetes-friendly recipe:

Pasta with Lentil Marinara Sauce

You need: 1 pound pasta of choice, 1 jar fat-free, low-sodium, tomato-based pasta sauce, 1 can lentils, rinsed and drained, 1/2 cup dry red wine (can be non-alcoholic) or low-sodium vegetarian broth, salt to taste, freshly ground black pepper.

Method: Cook the pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, combine the pasta sauce, lentils, and wine or broth in a medium saucepan. Heat gently and season with the salt and pepper. Serve over the drained pasta. Makes 5 servings

Per serving: 470 calories, 19 gms protein, 91 gms carbohydrates, 9 gms sugar, 2 gms total fat, 3 per cent calories from fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 8 gms fibre, 173 mg sodium.


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Still Rocking Away at 92

Jerry Thill, who at the time was 91 years old and rocking away. I thought I would reprise it and add some more info about Jerry, since the article I wrote was short on background information about her. 

Jerry is truly a longevity role model.

Jerry Thill

Jerry Thill, now 92, lives in L.A. and has been in the music scene since her teens. Over the last 60 years she has been leading all-female bands, from big-band and swing bands to jazz ensembles. She’s been on the Tonight show and on TV shows such as The Golden Girls andMarried With Children.

But it was the above video, Hey Jerry, shot and produced by her musician/filmmaker friend Allee Willis last year, that gave Jerry Thill massive exposure. After all, how many nonagenarians are out doing drumming gigs on a regular basis, as Jerry still does?

Jerry currently gigs in Hollywood, CA at the El Cid restaurant. See the video below of her performing the song“Oh Yeah” at the El Cid in 2008. The song begins at the 1 minute mark of the video.

A publicity photo from 1988, when Jerry was a mere pup, at age 71. She's the one on the right.

Since the Hey Jerry video first appeared on YouTube, Jerry has appeared on the cover ofModern Drummer magazine, and has been featured in other articles. Along with that she has received thousands of letters and emails, with people telling Jerry what an inspiration and role model she is.

Jerry says that, “I’ve gotten a lot of emails from people who say, ‘I’m 45, and I’m at a point in my life where I don’t know what to do, and your video inspired me, and I’m going to get off my ass and do something.’ ”

The oxygen tank Jerry has with her (you see it in the above video) is something only recent, in the last year. I assume the oxygen tank is from the occupational hazard of years of gigging in clubs and all the cigarettes that people used to smoke while listening to the music.

Jerry Thill is still going strong at 92 and is a remarkable model of longevity. We should all be rocking away when we hit her age.

Here’s Jerry’s website: http://jerriethill.com/

And don’t forget, next time you’re in Hollywood stop by the El Cid to see her.

Below is the video of her performing in 2008 at the El Cid. The music starts at the 1 minute mark of the video.