This podcast, entitled, Empowering Women Naturally by Dr. Michael Wald the Blood Detective, provides women with holistic insights for number of common health problems, including: hypothyroidism, menstrual issues, menopause, P,COS, pregnancy, and more. Dr. Wald reviews both medical and natural approaches including medication‘s, and the use of vitamins and minerals, diet and herbs for both of prevention and treatment so that women can live better quality lives.

Detailed Notes
This is Dr. Michael Wald ASK THE BLOODDETECTIVE - ON MOST PODCAST PLATFORMS Chappaqua NY in Westchester - an hr north or NYC 914-552-1442 mailto:info@blooddetective.com http://www.DrMichaelWald.com

Empowering Women Nurturing Health Naturally
Welcome to "Empowered Women: Nurturing Health Naturally," a podcast dedicated to discussing women's health problems and exploring natural solutions. In this podcast, Dr. Wald’s aim is to empower women with knowledge and insights into various health issues they may face throughout their lives. By highlighting natural remedies, alternative therapies, and evidence-based practices, we hope to inspire women to take charge of their well-being and make informed decisions about their health. Conditions that Dr. Wald will be discussing include, menstrual health, menopause PCOS, pregnancy, contraception, hormone replacement therapy, endometriosis along with coverage of the medical and nutritional/natural remedies.

Menstrual Health Problems:
Menstrual health problems refer to any issues or disorders that affect the female reproductive system during the menstrual cycle. These problems can include:
* Dysmenorrhea (painful periods) * Amenorrhea (absence of periods) * Oligomenorrhea (infrequent periods) * Menorrhagia (heavy periods) * Menstrual migraine
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

A well-balanced diet rich in whole foods can help alleviate menstrual health problems. Here are some dietary recommendations:
1. Increase fiber intake: Fiber helps regulate bowel movements and reduce bloating. Include high-fiber foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes in your diet. 2. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help flush out toxins and reduce water retention. 3. Limit processed foods: Processed foods are often high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, which can exacerbate menstrual symptoms. Opt for whole, unprocessed foods instead. 4. Choose omega-3 rich foods: Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce cramps and other menstrual symptoms. Find omega-3 in fatty fish, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts. 5. Consider a calcium supplement: Calcium can help regulate hormones and reduce symptoms like mood swings and cramps. Include calcium-rich foods like dairy, leafy greens, and fortified plant-based milk in your diet.

Pregnancy and Nutrition:
Pregnancy is a critical period in a woman's life when proper nutrition is essential for the healthy development of the fetus. A well-balanced diet that includes essential nutrients such as folic acid, iron, calcium, and protein can help prevent complications during pregnancy and ensure a healthy pregnancy outcome.
A healthy diet is crucial during pregnancy to support the growth and development of your baby. Here are some dietary recommendations:
1. Folic acid: Folic acid is essential for fetal development and can prevent birth defects. Include folic acid-rich foods like spinach, broccoli, and fortified cereals in your diet. 2. Iron: Iron is vital for the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to your baby. Include iron-rich foods like red meat, poultry, fish, beans, and fortified cereals in your diet. 3. Calcium: Calcium is essential for your baby's bone development. Include calcium-rich foods like dairy, leafy greens, and fortified plant-based milk in your diet. 4. Protein: Protein is crucial for your baby's growth and development. Include protein-rich foods like lean meats, fish, beans, and dairy in your diet. 5. Healthy fats: Healthy fats like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are essential for your baby's brain and eye development. Include healthy fats like fatty fish, nuts, and seeds in your diet.
Menopause:
Menopause is a natural biological process that occurs in women when their ovaries stop producing estrogen and progesterone hormones, marking the end of their reproductive years. Symptoms of menopause can include hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, and vaginal dryness. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and other treatments can help manage these symptoms.
During menopause, hormonal changes can lead to various symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and weight gain. Here are some dietary recommendations:
1. Eat more whole foods: A diet rich in whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help alleviate menopausal symptoms. 2. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help reduce hot flashes and night sweats. 3. Limit processed foods: Processed foods are often high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, which can exacerbate menopausal symptoms. Opt for whole, unprocessed foods instead. 4. Choose omega-3 rich foods: Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms like joint pain and stiffness. 5. Consider a calcium supplement: Calcium can help regulate hormones and reduce symptoms like mood swings and hot flashes. Include calcium-rich foods like dairy, leafy greens, and fortified plant-based milk in your diet.
Dangers of Contraceptions:
While contraceptives can be safe and effective, there are potential risks and side effects associated with their use. These can include blood clots, stroke, and breast cancer. It's essential to discuss the benefits and risks of contraceptives with a healthcare provider before starting any form of birth control.

While contraceptives can be safe and effective, some may have potential health risks. Here are some dietary recommendations:

- Hormonal contraceptives: Hormonal contraceptives like the pill, patch, or ring can increase the risk of blood clots, high blood pressure, and gallstones. Consider alternative methods like intrauterine devices (IUDs) or sterilization.

2. Non-hormonal contraceptives: Non-hormonal contraceptives like condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps do not have the same health risks as hormonal contraceptives. However, they can fail if not used correctly, so it's essential to use them consistently and correctly.

Dangers of Hormone Replacement and Substitution Therapy
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and contraceptive hormones can increase a woman's risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer, as well as other health problems and symptoms. HRT is used to alleviate symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness, and is often prescribed to women who have undergone hysterectomy or have heavy menstrual bleeding. However, the use of HRT has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer, particularly in women who use it for more than five years. In fact, a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that HRT increased the risk of breast cancer by 26% in postmenopausal women. 👀
Moreover, contraceptive hormones, such as those found in birth control pills, have also been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that women who used birth control pills for more than 10 years had a 38% higher risk of developing breast cancer compared to those who never used the pill. 💊
In addition to the increased risk of breast cancer, HRT and contraceptive hormones have also been linked to an increased risk of ovarian cancer, as well as other health problems such as blood clots, stroke, and heart disease. Some women may also experience symptoms such as mood changes, weight gain, and fatigue while taking HRT or contraceptive hormones. 🤕
It's important to note that not all women who use HRT or contraceptive hormones will develop breast or ovarian cancer, and the risk of developing these cancers is generally low. However, it's important for women to discuss their individual risks and benefits with their healthcare provider before starting any hormone therapy. 💬

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS):
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age. Symptoms can include irregular periods, cysts on the ovaries, and excess androgen hormones. PCOS can be managed with hormonal birth control, medication, and lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise. PCOS is a hormonal disorder that can cause irregular periods, weight gain, and cysts on the ovaries. Here are some dietary recommendations:
1. Reduce refined carbohydrates: Refined carbohydrates like white bread, pasta, and sugary snacks can exacerbate insulin resistance and worsen PCOS symptoms. Opt for whole, unprocessed foods instead. 2. Increase protein intake: Protein can help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce cravings for unhealthy snacks. Include protein-rich foods like lean meats, fish, beans, and dairy in your diet. 3. Choose healthy fats: Healthy fats like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity. Include healthy fats like fatty fish, nuts, and seeds in your diet. 4. Limit processed foods: Processed foods

Endometriosis:
Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing pa