Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Conference

Biography

Biography: Deanna Minich

Abstract

The lifecycle is a spectrum of change and perhaps even more so for women than for men. For most of the 20th century, the woman’s lifecycle and corresponding health issues have not been a prime focus for the medical community despite the fact that scientific research indicates that women experience certain symptoms and diseases differently from men. However, the times are changing consistent with the flux in demographics. It has been predicted by the World Health Organization (WHO) that by the year 2025, 1.1 billion women worldwide will be age 50 or older, going through the menopausal transition. In fact, more women are going through menopause now more than any other time and with the increased longevity experienced by women compared with men, the implication is that more than one-third to even one-half of a woman’s life will be in her postmenopausal phase. Some woman experience physiological and psychological distress as their hormones begin to shift, which can begin as early as 10 to 15 years before menses completely stop. Although the “change of life” is the end of a woman’s reproductive years, it doesn’t have to mean withdrawal from an active, vibrant life. Conventional medical care has had little to offer these women in the way of relief, but by using a functional medicine approach, the clinician is empowered to assist the patient in making diet and lifestyle modifications that can make a significant difference. An understanding of the body’s changes during this unique phase of life and personalized nutritional solutions can assist the female patient in living well and remaining healthy throughout the second half of her life spectrum. In this presentation, the author will provide a whole-self, lifestyle medicine approach to women’s health through the lifespan, including scientific developments and clinical protocols for autoimmune disease, PCOS, PMS, premature peri-menopause, peri-menopausal symptoms and ovarian and breast health. As we move along the lifecycle, we will discuss conditions associated with post-menopause such as osteoporosis, body composition challenges, cardiovascular health, and metabolic syndrome.