Erika Schwartz, MD

Expert on Bioidentical Hormones • Patients' Health Advocate • www.drerika.com

What is your philosophy about women's health and hormonal balance?

Women’s health is indelibly connected to our hormone balance. If our hormones are in balance, we are healthy, glowing, fertile, sexy and our minds and bodies function at their best. When our hormones are out of balance, regardless of age, we are tired, suffer with foggy thinking, sleep disorders, weight issues, loss of sex drive, mood swings, depression and more.

What are some of the current health developments that your female patients need to be aware of?

Hormones can and should be balanced with bioidentical hormones, diet, exercise, sleep and lifestyle adjustments at all ages. Taking medications that directly affect hormone balance like birth control pills and other hormone preparations must be taken into consideration when addressing symptoms of hormone imbalance.

What are some of the biggest health concerns you see among female patients of color?

Weight issues, prediabetic conditions, high blood pressure, sexual dysfunction. The thyroid is also under-diagnosed in women of color. If you can't lose weight, it's probably your thyroid that should be tested. These concerns are mostly overlooked or discarded by conventionally trained physicians who have no training or interest in prevention and thus wait until the patient actually comes down with chronic illnesses. Treatment of women in general is still sub par in our country and women of color continue to receive even poorer treatment still.

What 5 tips could you share with women for obtaining true health and wellness?

1. Take care of yourself since no one else will. It’s not selfish to take care of yourself. Actually, if you do take care of yourself you will be there to take care of everyone else.

2. Sleep. Get 8 hours of sleep a night or at least balance it over the course of the week to even out to 7-8 hours a night.

3. Do not allow doctors or any other health care professionals to intimidate or bully you into having tests done out of fear. You are the master of your body and the decisions to do or not do are entirely yours.

4. Do not eat junk. Stop drinking soda and eating fried foods. Focus on vegetables and fruit and eat frequent small meals. The older you get, the fewer calories you need to stay healthy. Drink water and green teas. Stay away from alcohol.

5. Exercise. The more regular exercise is part of your life, the more likely you are to stay healthy and fit for the rest of your life. 6 times a week 30 minutes on the treadmill or elliptical or just brisk walking will prevent heart disease, diabetes, weight gain and keep you sexy and in good hormone balance.

Final message and words of advice

This is your life so live it with passion to the fullest. If you take care of yourself you stay healthy so you can enjoy every minute of it. If you are passionate and healthy I guarantee you are beautiful!