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Libido!
I’m 42 and I have noticed a big change in libido. I’m married and what was once a healthy sexual relationship feels more like a chore these days. I read your book and a few others regarding perimenopause and everything points to me being estrogen dominant. I started DIM several months back and it’s been a life saver balancing moodiness and even anger. But I still struggle with my libido, I do think it’s improved on the DIM but not where I’d like to see it. Any recommendations on other ways to help improve this. I’m a healthy eater and prioritize my protein to match my bodyweight - minimal to no processed foods in my diet. I strength train 4-5 times a week and work in some low intensity cardio. I feel like my nutrition and movement are pretty dialed in. Thanks in advance!
Pre-workout Nutrition
You talk about fasted strength training vs fueled. Can you share a little more about the science behind fueled training and the value it can add. Also, more suggestions on what that meal can look like. You’ve mentioned rice cakes and peanut butter or protein and oats - what are some other recommendations. Is the key to focus on a good protein source or more carb heavy?
Nutrient Supplementation
Hi! I am a 49 YO perimenopause, cycles have begun to get further apart/inconsistent in the last three months, strength training 3-4x a week... I have been diagnosed with low iron back in April of this year. I have been on an added iron supplement (300 mg per day polysaccharide iron complex) and my ferrous blood levels have only budged +3 mcg/dL since then. They are now wanting to send me in for iv infusions. ~currently I am at 9 mcg/dL. Just curious what your thoughts/recommendations might be if this were a situation with your client. All my other blood work was good and in healthy levels. Also, I know that you are wary of calcium supplementation although I hear you mention osteopenia and -perosis as common conditions that are top tier as far as needing to be prevented - couldn't agree more. Could you please dive into calcium a bit as well as provide some insight as to how one would go about getting enough calcium and supporting minerals/vitamins (especially from someone who is dairy intolerant)? I was under the impression that calcium is important to strong heart function, as well. Perhaps you could provide some added information on this too :) Added thought: I feel like there are a LOT of suggestions out there when it comes to supplementation. If I were to follow all of them I would be taking a fist full of supplements multiple times a day. This is not only unrealistic it is very EXPENSIVE. I would be interested in your thoughts as to what a well rounded, daily supplementation regimen would look like for a typical perimenopausal, active Betty that doesn't involve an entire cabinet and mutiple reminders to accomplish. Thank you!
Intermittent Fasting
I know your thoughts have changed in regards to IF. My question to you is i typically take an amino blend (Optimal Amino) w in 30 min of waking and then 30 min after taking the amino blend i workout. Then i have my breakfast about an hour later after my workout. My thought on this is im not risking my muscles eating themselves at same time im not needing to eat immediately upon waking. What do you think?