At Equilibria, a key pillar of our mission is building community! As a for women, by women wellness company, we understand that connection, support, and education are building blocks for navigating health and wellness. We’re here to create space for the conversations that matter, and to explore the areas of well-being that are unique to our members. Wellness is our passion, and education is our purpose. 

 

That’s why we partnered with women’s health expert Dr. Lauren Streicher to dive into all things menopause – from hot flashes, sleep, mood, and of course – how cannabis comes into play! Check out the recording of our live interview, “EQ’s Evening with Menopause Expert, Dr. Lauren Streicher” HERE as she walks us through her innovative new book, “Hotflash Hell: A Gynecologist’s Guide to Turning Down the Heat.” 

 

Check out Dr. Lauren Streicher’s live interview here!

 

 

Event Recap: EQ’s Evening with Menopause Expert, Dr. Lauren Streicher

 

“If you give a woman good information she will make good decisions,” -Dr. Streicher

 

Hot Flashes: More Than An Inconvenience

It’s clear that with menopause, one size does not fit all, and every woman’s experience is unique. However, the most familiar trademark of menopause is hot flashes and while not every woman will experience them, they are more common than you might think! Dr. Streicher notes, “For 80% of the population, they’re inevitable.” Often due to lack of awareness, education, and general stigma of the subject of women’s hormonal health, when hot flashes or other signs of menopause hit women are often left feeling confused, uncomfortable, and unsure of what steps to take. She also affirms that each woman’s experience is unique so there is no ‘normal’. And while hot flashes and other menopause signs may seem like a minor issue, many women on average can experience hot flashes for 7 to 10 years, or more!. 

 

It’s truly important to understand that hot flashes are more than an uncomfortable inconvenience. Dr. Streicher says it well, “This is not just about dressing in layers and walking around with a fan.” New research around menopause takes note that the imbalanced flux of hormones (like estrogen and cortisol), coupled with the ‘double whammy’ of hot flashes, could have long term effects on our body systems, potential risk for disease, and overall quality of living.  That means ‘toughing it out’ isn’t always the best option.

 

The full scope of menopause extends beyond hot flashes and may include:

• Sleep disturbances
• Mood ups and downs
• Cognitive issues around memory and focus
• Changes in our sex lives
• Changes in energy
• Disrupted Focus 

 

 “We have to care because it [menopause] has an enormous impact on every aspect of their life.” -Dr. Streicher

 

A New Way To Approach Menopause

Dr. Streicher assures there is good news! The above are potential risks that may result when menopause is left unchecked and out of balance. However, there are many supportive steps to be taken, and that starts with educating yourself on your options!

 

Empowering women with knowledge, tools, and resources to support and improve their menopause experience is why Dr. Streicher is leading the way on new thought paradigms for how menopause is approached. Dr. Streicher has supported countless women in her work at Northwestern Medicine Center for Menopause, and she encourages, “there ARE safe, effective solutions and options for women.”  

 

• Add a menopause specialist to your wellness team
• Check out Dr. Streicher’s newest book for all-things menopause and hot flashes for more expert advice and in-depth options.
• Avoid band-aid gimmicks (such as cooling fans and blankets) geared towards women for ‘quick-relief’, the most effective approach is to address each woman holistically. 
• Consider CBD which works alongside the body’s balancing systems and can be a supportive option to consider for women and menopause. (That’s why Dr. Streicher’s book devoted an entire chapter to menopause and cannabis!) 

 

Menopause and CBD

So what’s the parallel between menopause and CBD? In short, CBD is a phytocannabinoid found in the hemp plant that plays a key role in supporting the body’s Endocannabinoid System, by mimicking our naturally-occurring endocannabinoids. The primary function of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is to maintain balance throughout your body, otherwise known as homeostasis. This balancing act may affect many areas of the body (including female reproductive tissue!) and has been accredited with playing a role in functions such as temperature regulation. Throughout the life stages of menopause, our ‘internal thermostat’ is thrown off balance due to the fluctuations of hormones and other factors. Dr. Streicher ties it all together by explaining that endocannabinoids, such as Anandamide, may actually interplay with estrogen to impact the body’s temperature regulation. So between estrogen depletion, stress, and the metabolism of certain endocannabinoids, it’s no wonder hot flashes are a factor, considering the role of temperature balancing and the ECS! 

That’s where phytocannabinoids such as CBD can come into play, as CBD can interact with our ECS receptors in the same way as our own endocannabinoids (such as Anandamide) and can communicate to this system on how to get back into balance. Below, we share some of EQ’s and Dr. Streicher’s tips for CBD support and menopause. 

 

Where to Start with CBD and Menopause:

Start low and go slow: This is the core of our CBD philosophy here at Equilibria, to support the best outcomes with your wellness routine! Dr. Streicher shares this tip as well, knowing that each woman’s chemistry is unique and easing into finding your optimal wellness routine is the best course, especially as you explore the use of CBD during each new age and stage.

EQ Tip: Listening to your body is always best practice! Journal your symptoms and reactions to products to notice trends over time.

 

Entourage Effect: Dr. Streicher echoes our passion for quality, full-spectrum CBD as the go-to for casting the widest net. Full-spectrum CBD products contain a variety of cannabinoids and terpenes, including a tiny amount of THC, which all work together to create a synergistic phenomenon referred to as the “Entourage Effect.”

EQ Tip: All of our product offerings have the power of our hand-harvested, full-spectrum CBD oil, so no matter what EQ CBD products you use, you’ll experience the full benefits! 

 

Consistency is Key: We find that CBD works best when taken daily. Consistent use is key as your body works the rebalance and finds its equilibria, and a consistent baseline routine can help to unlock your best results!

EQ Tip:  While every woman’s body chemistry is different, due to fluctuations in metabolism we often recommend starting with our Daily Softgels or Daily Drops to build your routine, as options like edibles may not be the first choice alongside menopause support. 

 

Your Routine Should Evolve with You: No matter what season of life you’re in, you always have the power of flexibility and choice to adjust your CBD routine! Some days may require more support than others, especially during menopause. Episodic dosing and routine adjustments are always options!

EQ Tip:  Small, spaced doses may be a more desirable option for menopause support, rather than large, single doses. Try to either take small doses of Daily Drops (¼ droppers to ½ droppers) spaced throughout the day or start by taking one Daily Softgel after breakfast and another one after dinner for a slow, steady release throughout the day and night. 

 

Extra Support can Ease Peak Moments: We understand no two days of menopause may look alike! Between sleep disturbances, hefty hot flashes, feeling uneasy or achy, and ups-and-downs in our mood, know that you can always use episodic CBD doses to help ease peak moments throughout the day. 

EQ Tip: Keep a bottle of Daily Drops or Rapid Calming Melts on your nightstand for night sweats or in your purse for hot flashes or in-the-moment stress or mood fluctuations for an extra dose of support as needed! 

EQ Tip: Relief Balm applied to the feet before bed can be a great way to ease discomfort and enjoy the cooling benefits of menthol.* 

 

Don’t Go it Alone:  Dr. Streicher’s work is helping to empower women to enhance their menopause experience and shift the worn-out and ill-informed stigma that we simply have to suffer through it. And here’s the first step: Knowing you are NOT alone! When it comes to CBD support and menopause, Equilbria is here for YOU. 

EQ Tip: All of our members receive 1:1 personalized support via phone and email! Reach out to our Member Education Team at wellness@myeq.com or log into your EQ account and book a Wellness Coach to connect on the phone. 

 

Equilibria is here to share and support our members through every step of your wellness journey. We’re all about finding and restoring balance, and offering personalized wellness support and education for every new season of life. You are part of our community, and we are excited to continue partnership and conversations with Dr. Streicher and others in the women’s wellness space to support our members through every age and stage! 

 

For more information, visit Dr. Streicher’s webpage

 

About Dr. Lauren Streicher: She is currently a Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Northwestern University’s medical school, The Feinberg School of Medicine. She is the founder and medical director of the Northwestern Medicine Center for Menopause and the Northwestern Medicine Center for  Sexual Health. Among her other publications, her newest book, “Hot Flash Hell: A Gynecologist’s Guide to Turning Down the Heat, is part two of Dr. Streicher’s Inside Information Series, a collection of solution-driven and highly entertaining books targeting specific issues that mid-life women face as they navigate perimenopause and post-menopause.

 

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or ailment.