Mickie Griffith-Autry, PhD, NP-C
Mickie Griffith-Autry Article
Obesity is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a body index (BMI) of 30kg/m or greater. It is estimated that 30% of all American women are obese and that number continues to rise. Also more women who are postmenopausal comprise this figure. For many years menopause has been associated with increase in abdominal fat and weight.
Obesity in women has been associated with increase in the severity and frequency of hot flashes, night sweats, coronary artery disease, stroke, diabetes, and breast cancer. However other side effects are present such as changes in drug metabolism and clearance of drugs thru the kidneys.
For this reason it is important that hormone replacement therapy be individualized for every woman by the health care provider. While research continues on this issue what is known is with increase in body fat, transdermal (thru the skin) drugs are metabolized at a slower rate however more research is needed.
A woman's decision to start hormone replacement therapy should be in consultation with a health care provider that recognizes these differences in women. Body size and weight distribution, needs such as the relief of hot flashes and night sweats, health risk such as cardiovascular disease, stroke , and breast cancer warrant special consideration.
I encourage all menopausal women who suffer from quality of life health care issues and significant health risk seek out a health care provider who is both knowledgable and willing to assist you in formulating an individualized health care plan that will improve your quality of life.
If at any time you have any specific topics or suggestions that you would like for me to address, please do not hesitate to contact me at: mickieautry@comcast.net and I will be happy to explore and discuss such issues.
Ms. Autry earned her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Jacksonville State University, her Masters of Science degree in nursing from the University of Alabama Huntsville, and her PhD from Walden University. Her research dissertation was entitled Pelvic muscle strengthening: Impact on sexual functioning in the menopausal woman. Ms. Autry is certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, the American Nursing Credentialing Center, and the Certification Board for Urological Nurses and Associates. She has completed multiple postgraduate preceptor programs in female sexual medicine, pelvic pain, and pelvic floor dysfunction. Ms. Autry is an active member of the Society of Urological Nurse Associates, North American Menopause Society, American Urological Society, and the International Pelvic Pain Society and founder of two women's health support groups. She is a national and local speaker for multiple pharmaceutical and medical companies, has participated in clinical trial studies, and has published articles in the Society of Urological Nurse Associate and North American Menopause Society journals.
Mickie Griffith-Autry, PhD, NP-C |
