We?ve all heard that ?age is a state of mind?, and that ?50 is the new 40?. And as we get older, we do our best to embrace these popular adages by eating nutritionally, getting quality sleep, being physically active, and keeping our minds engaged with interesting hobbies. But as we?re practicing our tennis serve or struggling with the latest Sudoku puzzle, we realize that there?s one area in which we may still be falling short. And while it?s not our fault, it?s also not an easy topic to broach with our doctors.
Women, in particular, know what I?m talking about. If you?re in your 40s, 50s or 60s and going through perimenopause and menopause, you?re most likely also struggling with your sexuality. Specifically, we?re talking about your interest in sex ? and your body?s ability to keep up once you?re in the mood.
As we embrace that stage in our life known as middle age, our bodies start changing ? and for many of us, these shifts happens with little advance notice. We have trouble falling asleep, our minds aren?t as sharp as they used to be, and our moods seem to swing by the minute. These conditions can be attributed to a decrease in our estrogen, progesterone and testosterone levels, which can also cause a concomitant lessening of our libido and vaginal lubrication. This makes it more difficult to get in the mood for love ? and when we finally do rally to the occasion, we can experience vaginal dryness along with decreased clitoral sensitivity and vaginal muscle tension. Not only can this ruin the moment in minutes by making the whole process painful , uncomfortable and frustrating, for many women it can begin a slippery slope to avoiding sex altogether.
But take heart: studies have shown that seniors well into their 80s can enjoy a healthy, active sex life. What are they doing that you?re not doing? One thing might be getting their hormones back in check.
A holistic doctor like Sergey Kalitenko, who operates a successful practice in Brooklyn, New York, believes in a whole-body approach to good, responsible medicine. By advocating that the whole is greater than the sum of its part, he specifically looks at the root causes of chronic health problems so that he can most effectively address them. Rather than just looking at vaginal dryness and recommending a lubricating cream, for example, or suggesting erotic reading material to inspire sexual desire, Dr. Kalitenko considers the underlying condition ? which in this case, is the body?s hormonal imbalance. He can then recommend alternative treatments, such as the judicious use of bioidentical hormones to support good health and a more engaged sex life.
Made visible in the media by actress and avid proponent Suzanne Somers, Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) employs plant-derived bioidentical hormones that mirror those in the body?s natural chemistry. Unlike Premarin, Premapro or other synthetic hormones produced in a lab environment and endorsed by traditional physicians, bioidentical estrogen, progesterone and testosterone are made from naturally occurring compounds in plants.
In a nutshell, these plant-based hormones can be utilized to help recapture the hormonal equilibrium that you previously enjoyed. Renowned industry experts suggest that BHRT may provide the necessary support to not only manage your hormonal imbalance, but might also lower the risk of developing conditions like breast cancer and cardiovascular disease. A sentiment echoed by its patients and other advocates, who have already benefited from BHRT?s personalized and holistic approach.
If you?d like to recapture the passion in your life, and minimize the lack of libido and vaginal discomfort all too commonly associated with menopause, speak with your primary physician to determine if BHRT is an appropriate course of action for you.
For more information on BHRT or Dr. Kalitenko?s holistic approach to good, responsible medicine, schedule a consultation at his Brooklyn office (718-382-9200) or Great Neck office (516-467-0253.)