Geriatrician Dr. Adaeze Udezue Discusses Menopause and Aging

Dr. Adaeze Udezue, a geriatrician at Sutter Health in Novato, California, emphasizes the importance of understanding menopause and aging as interconnected processes. Her insights stem from treating patients ranging from 18 to 99 years old and reflect a holistic approach to health. According to Dr. Udezue, aging is not merely a biological process; it is also a profound personal journey that deserves empathy and understanding.

In her practice, Dr. Udezue has created a “Wall of Fame” featuring patients who have celebrated their 90th birthdays and beyond. She describes them as living proof that aging can be graceful, vibrant, and fulfilling. This perspective informs her approach to menopause, a significant milestone that she personally experiences and clinically addresses.

Menopause typically occurs between ages 45 and 55, with an average onset around 52. It marks the end of a woman’s reproductive cycle, influenced by the decline of two essential hormones: estrogen and progesterone. In recent years, Dr. Udezue has observed that more women are entering menopause earlier, sometimes as young as their mid-30s. She attributes this trend to chronic stress and modern lifestyles that disrupt natural biological rhythms.

Understanding the Impact of Hormones

Women often begin to notice changes in their bodies around the age of 50. They may experience slower recovery from injuries, sagging skin, fatigue, and a general sense of diminished resilience. Dr. Udezue points out that these changes can be more pronounced in women due to the protective effects of estrogen and progesterone, which she refers to as “female superpowers.”

Estrogen plays a critical role in various aspects of health, including skin elasticity, bone density, brain function, and emotional well-being. Progesterone, often seen as the quieter hormone, helps regulate mood, promotes restful sleep, and aids in stress management. The decline of these hormones can lead to significant shifts in women’s health and emotional states. Dr. Udezue humorously describes a phenomenon she calls the “crankiness index,” which reflects how hormonal changes can affect relationships and overall demeanor.

To promote healthy aging, Dr. Udezue advocates for a focus on both internal and external environments. Internal factors encompass everything entering the body, such as food, air, and information, while external factors include living conditions and social interactions. Together, these elements significantly impact overall health.

Support Through Menopause Hormone Therapy

Even with optimal lifestyle choices, Dr. Udezue emphasizes the need for additional support through the HPA axis—the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal system—which regulates hormonal balance and overall well-being. When this system is functioning effectively, it aids in stress management and health maintenance. Conversely, when it becomes overwhelmed, various health issues can arise.

Dr. Udezue strongly advocates for menopause hormone therapy (MHT) as part of a comprehensive anti-aging strategy. She clarifies that MHT is not merely for alleviating hot flashes; it is vital for preserving the hormonal advantages that contribute to longevity and vitality. When administered thoughtfully and under medical supervision, hormone therapy can help women maintain bone density, cognitive function, cardiovascular health, and emotional stability.

Dr. Udezue acknowledges that nature has endowed women with the gift of reproduction and, consequently, longevity. She highlights that estrogen and progesterone are not just reproductive hormones, but life-sustaining forces. By understanding their role and striving for hormonal balance, women can navigate menopause not just with resilience, but with the potential to thrive.

“Aging is inevitable. But how we age is a choice,” Dr. Udezue asserts. With the right tools, support, and mindset, women can embrace this pivotal chapter of their lives with dignity, strength, grace, and confidence.