Women's health is an everchanging journey, marked by various life stages that shape both physical and emotional well-being. Yet, this intricate and beautiful landscape remains under-researched and ignored, leaving many women struggling to find effective solutions for their unique health challenges. One major aspect of women's health, often overlooked, is the role of metabolism, particularly during menopause. By understanding the profound impact of hormones on glucose levels and embracing a holistic and personalized approach, women can unlock the potential for a smoother and more enjoyable transition through these various life stages.
The Problem:
As a woman, you are told to be happy and smile—no matter the pains of womanhood you face. Period cramps, hot flashes, mood swings, weight gain…the pain points could go on forever. The stigma to “just deal with it” or not talk about these topics to not make anyone uncomfortable. The underrepresentation of women in scientific studies and inadequate education for doctors regarding pain points faced by women through different life stages. The only solution available, which is not always effective, taking medications.
Despite the various touchpoints of health unique to women's lives, there exists a profound lack of comprehensive research, awareness, and practitioner preparedness. This creates a serious knowledge gap between researchers, healthcare providers, and solutions, leaving women with an inadequate understanding of their own bodies and an endless struggle to navigate the nuanced transitions they experience through different life stages. This misalignment fuels confusion and frustration, discouraging the development of effective solutions for women's health challenges.
The Complexity of Women’s Health:
Women's lives are filled with diverse health experiences, from puberty to pregnancy to menopause, and each woman experiences these stages differently. However, these experiences bring on health challenges, and pain points that remain largely misunderstood. For example, in the U.S., currently, only about 20% of medical universities include training on menopause. The disconnect between researchers and practitioners widens the gap in knowledge distribution. Consequently, many women find themselves grappling with symptoms their doctor and they themselves can't fully comprehend or articulate. Currently, the medical field recognizes 34 different symptoms of menopause many of which have no proven treatment. This disconnect and lack of information fosters women’s confusion and frustration, exacerbating the challenges of their health.
Understanding Metabolic Health & Hormones:
Hormones wield immense influence over women's health, a fact well-acknowledged by science. The key lies in comprehending their intricate interplay, and equilibrium, and making lifestyle choices to impact them positively to reduce some of the pain points they may cause. Hormonal shifts mark various life stages in a woman’s life – from the menstrual cycle's end and flow of estrogen and progesterone to the transformative periods of pregnancy and perimenopause. The hormones insulin and cortisol emerge as pivotal players, governing the intricate web of female physiology. Recognizing these complexities, and creating a personalized approach that acknowledges individual uniqueness is essential to a woman’s well-being.
"When it comes to understanding female hormones, there is one important thing: Every woman is unique. Just because I have a certain level of estradiol doesn't mean you're going to have the same level, and most importantly, it doesn't mean it's going to have the same effect. Each of us has an individual biological response." - Dr. Nicky Keay
The synergy of exercise, mindset, diet and metabolism, tracked by glucose levels, is proving to be a powerful force in alleviating the pain points experienced by women. Adopting a holistic approach and reconnecting with one's body becomes essential. The availability of data-driven insights through glucose tracking creates a new understanding and connection to your body, allowing you to decipher why conventional approaches often fail and instead take a highly personalized approach.
"One characteristic common to everyone's metabolism is that it is never static. Illness, stress, pregnancy, menopause and aging are just a few things that can affect metabolism. By improving metabolic health, individuals can combat these stressors to improve their health." - Dr. Jade Teta
The Transformative Power of Glucose:
In the quest for improved metabolic health and well-being, the fusion of advanced glucose tracking technology and expert advice is a game-changer. Real-time insights through a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), supported by the Hello Inside app, offer a revolutionary approach to expanding understanding of the impact of diet, sleep, exercise and stress on well-being. This interactive and personalized experience transforms a woman's health journey into an engaging and empowering endeavor that bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and actionable wisdom while providing relief from the symptoms of hormonal fluctuations.
"There is no better investment than your health, no matter where you are in life. Monitoring your blood glucose levels means taking your health into your own hands and not waiting for lab results. You get instant insights into your health, your body and your well-being." - Marie-Luise Huber, MSc. MPH
Glucose serves as a dynamic window into a person's health and provides invaluable insight into metabolic health. By monitoring glucose levels, you gain real-time insight into how your body is responding to various factors such as food, exercise, stress, and sleep. This data-driven approach allows you to decipher the relationship between hormones, diet, and lifestyle, all of which are essential components of your health. Glucose acts as a central hub, providing the link between your lifestyle choices and their impact on your health. Embracing this understanding gives you the power to make informed decisions that create a harmonious balance that meets your individual needs. Say "goodbye" to "one-size-fits-all" solutions to health. Glucose essentially provides you with an immediate and tangible measure of your health, making it an indispensable tool for unlocking the secrets of our well-being.
A Solution To Menopause:
Menopause, affecting half of the global population, roughly 4 billion people, stands as a critical health issue. With 34 different menopause symptoms (that are medically recognized) and a stereotypical view of – grinning and bearing it or resorting to hormone replacement therapy – must be transcended. We, at Hello Inside, stand by the idea that there has got to be a better way to alleviate menopause symptoms and improve women’s health.
By focusing on metabolic health and balancing glucose levels, many of the disruptive symptoms of menopause can be alleviated, easing the transition into this beautiful and transformative phase. Menopause is comparable to puberty in reverse, a new chapter filled with potential for growth and fulfillment. A personalized metabolic approach empowers women to navigate this transition positively, embracing the change as a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
Conclusion:
Women's health, especially during crucial life stages like menopause, requires a holistic and individualized approach. By recognizing the deep connection between hormones, metabolism and overall well-being, women can take back control of their health journeys. The synergy of technology, expert advice and self-awareness is fostering a new era of empowered health choices. As we stand on the cusp of a paradigm shift, it's time to reframe the conversation about women's health and drive a movement toward holistic metabolic health, wellness, CGMs and disease prevention. It is also important to encourage and empower women to have conversations about these topics and seek answers from resources like Hello Inside.
Hello Inside is the first company to specifically use CGM technology and blood glucose monitoring in conjunction with educational content and coaching programs to support women's health. In addition to the "Hello Hormones" program for cycle health, Hello Inside has now released a perimenopause program "Embracing Menopause", to support women at all stages of life.
