What lens do you see through?
The lens through which you look at life colors what you see in the world and how you approach your health and health care. The same is true in the medical profession. When a medical professional tells you something is true, you will likely believe it and go along with the recommended approach. Traditional Western medicine is a lens that tells a certain truth; it is founded in science, and American culture values this approach.
In addition, Western medicine looks at health as the presence or absence of disease with less regard for quality of life. It also tends to undervalue the importance of lifestyle in the early prevention of disease. A prime example of the Western medicine approach to perimenopause, menopause, and andropause is exemplified in the following case.
Case Study
A woman in her late forties visits her primary care physician with complaints of weight gain, fatigue, and moodiness. A common diagnosis for this constellation of symptoms with normal baseline labs is that of depression. A doctor who practices Western medicine will likely prescribe an antidepressant rather than try to understand her lifestyle behaviors and habits. There will be little to no discussion of menopause or hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Using a different medical lens to look at the symptoms, including early intervention with HRT during perimenopause, this patient, and many like her, can avoid weight gain and the onset of conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. This alternate lens looks at symptoms as well as the root causes of disease and addresses them early, even before they develop.
The lens of wellness medicine not only focuses on the root cause of disease but also considers quality of life and longevity, by providing treatment quickly and holistically.
The wellness approach can extend health span and prolong life while offering a higher quality of life.
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Edited by Anna Hartman, AKH Editing and Writing
