BioHormones! And women and wine...

Discussions about bio-identical hormones and compounding pharmacies have been in the mainstream media a lot recently, particularly since Oprah has been covering the topic. Specifically in terms of "hormone replacement" for women going through menopause, women with PMS concerns, and men and women with "low libidos," what makes bio-identical hormones different than those from the big pharmaceutical companies is that these hormones are created to be the same in structure as our own natural hormones, which ideally improves the benefits and decreases the negative side effects.

Last night I attended a lecture on Women & Hormones (and Wine, because it was in a wine bar :). For the record, I do perceive some aspects of taking hormones as just another part of the western biomedical mentality of popping pills for a quick fix instead of looking at the big picture of what may be causing the imbalance in the first place (e.g., diet, exercise, environmental toxins, stress, sleep). However, I think this is valuable knowledge to have and a tool in one's tool chest of health. I found it personally valuable (as someone who deals with PMS) and professionally valuable because I see many female clients in their menopausal phase, as well and women and men with sex drive concerns.

One piece of valuable information for me was around how to best absorb and use various hormones. For example, progesterone is best taken orally. On the other hand, testosterone and estrogen are best administered transdermally (e.g., patch or cream). Estrogen can be dangerous for women to take because it can accelerate the growth of some breast tumors. However, taking it through the skin means that it's being absorbed directly into the blood stream and in the area where it is applied. Therefore it doesn't go through the processing of the liver until a second pass when the dose is way lower. This means that the positive benefits are present, while the potential negative side effects are reduced.

There is loads of much more detailed information around these topics, and if you've been taking or considering taking hormones, I think it's very valuable to know about and look into compounding pharmacies (who offer bio-identical hormones) as an alternative to mainstream drug options.

Jennifer Gunsaullus, Ph.D.

Sex Therapy & Relationship Counseling in San Diego

The Female Brain - Making Sense of Hormones & Neurobiology

As a Sociologist, I was trained to put a lot of emphasis on the social construction of beliefs, gender differences, and sexual behavior. For this reason, I have been slow to embrace and explore the role of hormones and brain physiology in women and men. I recognize that it is difficult to separate nature from nurture, biological differences from socialized behavior.

Nonetheless, I have been THRILLED to read Louann Brizendine's book The Female Brain. I feel like so much of what I have learned about my personal emotional, hormonal, and intellectual patterns are validated through reading this book. I make so much more sense to myself now! As an emotionally intuitive person, I've learned how my hormones and brain structure are relevant to this. I am always speaking to my clients about the differences between women and men and how this is important to recognize and respect -- this book gave me the depth of terminology and understanding I was craving to offer a more well-rounded analysis of gender differences. As well, I have greater compassion now for the men in my life, and the inherent differences in our empathy, emotional expression, and sexual focus.

While I still continue to believe that to understand and honor human sexuality we need to take a multidisciplinary approach that includes biology, psychology, sociology, and mind/body/spirit perspectives, I think The Female Brain and this research is invaluable to understanding, through wit and compassion, the female brain.

Jennifer Gunsaullus, Ph.D.

Sex Therapy & Relationship Counseling in San Diego

Womanhood, First Periods, & Passing on Wisdom

What does it mean to "become a woman?" Is it a moment or a long process? Is it something innate or socially constructed? Is this an embarrassing transition or something to be celebrated?

As a society we have an understanding that a girl's first period is her launch into womanhood. Although mentally and emotionally she still may be an adolescent and immature, her physical body has signaled that it is prepared to give birth.

A good friend of mine emailed recently that her 14 year old daughter just got her first period. She wrote: "I'm sharing this news with you, my closest, most lovely friends, because you embody the power, strength and passion of being a woman. In lieu of an entire red event, I'd love to start another tradition - we send each other's daughters, nieces, and friends anonymous letters filled with congratulations, tenderness and praise. Perhaps you'd like to share your own story, words of advice, or even a funny moment or situation... I know she'll appreciate the welcoming."

I think this is a phenomenal idea and was thrilled to have this opportunity to pass on the wisdom I've gained through my work and personal experiences (admittedly though, a bit abstract, sociological, and esoteric to articulate and grasp). I've included below most of what I wrote in my card, welcoming her to womanhood.
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Congratulations! A little birdie told me that you've joined the ranks of "womanhood" this week!

While is certainly takes a lot more to be a "woman," I do want to honor your physical transition to being a woman. This can be a scary time because you body is doing new things, you're growing in new ways, and you may be having new feelings. But I know you have an amazing mother who loves you beyond belief and thinks the world of you.

I wanted to use this opportunity to share with you what I've learned in the past 20 years of "being a woman." I've learned that at the core of everything we do and think is our own ability to love and respect ourselves. This isn't always easy because we get so many conflicting messages from family, school, religion, and media. But checking in with what you know to be true about yourself, and being honest with yourself, is always the best path.
I've learned that it's OK to enjoy our body and say yes. It's also OK to say no if that means we are respecting and honoring our body. And I've learned that the female body is so beautiful and amazing! It's a source of so much pleasure and so much pain, and all of this is the power of being a woman. It is a power to be respected, so always remember to both enjoy and respect it.
I think you are a beautiful, intelligent, witty, and clever young woman!
This may all be in the abstract for you right now, but as you grow older I think the messages will make more sense.
Lots of love :)

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What would adolescence be like for young women if we all took the approach of educating, honoring, and celebrating the first period?

Jennifer Gunsaullus, Ph.D.

Sex Therapy & Relationship Counseling in San Diego

Lubricants for Better Sex: Sliquid!

Dr. Jenn talks with Dean Elliott from Sliquid to find out why he started a company that produces lubricants specifically for women. What do women need to know about their personal lubricants?

SPECIAL GUEST:
Dean Elliott, Owner of Sliquid Lubricants

WOMEN'S SEXUALITY SURVEY:
(This has already been completed)

Photographing Female “Petals”

Nick Karras, author and photographer of the book Petals, talks with Dr. Jenn about the challenges of shooting photos of vulvas as well as the positive response from women who have seen his work.

SPECIAL GUEST:

Nick Karras, DHS, Photographer and Vulva Activist

THE DEN RECOMMEND:

Visit the blog at the new www.drjennsden.com site.

~Dr. Jenn Gunsaullus, San Diego Sex Coaching, Marriage Counselor, and University Sexual Health Speaker

Pink Ribbon Politics - Breast Cancer: Session #63

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Dr. Jenn looks at why breasts are so important to women, society and corporate America. What are Pink Ribbon Politics?

THE DEN RECOMMEND:
www.thinkbeforeyoupink.org