Dr. Michele Blackwell partners with women to improve quality of life at every age
“Women need to realize that they have more control over their health than they think they do,” Dr. Michele Blackwell says. That’s the good news. The other news reminds us that sometimes it’s not easy to make the best choices, or to understand what your body needs to experience great health at various stages in life. Balancing lifestyle, nutrition, hormones, fitness, and other components of a healthy life can be challenging…and confusing.
Dr. Blackwell has a passion for partnering with women—no matter what age—to help them achieve their unique formula for improved quality of life. For two decades she has studied women’s healthcare, and she practices what she preaches. Dr. Blackwell is a CrossFit enthusiast dedicated to a Paleo-centric lifestyle. She understands that these disciplines may not be right for every woman, but she emphasizes a commitment to do what works for each individual. “We can always find excuses not to exercise, or to partake in proper nutrition,” Dr. Blackwell says. “But I have learned that it’s essential to make it a priority in life.”
Determining the formula for your best life can be achieved fairly easily with the right professional guidance. “The ultimate goal is to stay well, and not wait until disease sets in. It’s much easier to prevent disease than it is to reverse disease,” Dr. Blackwell says. “We must be proactive, rather than reactive.”
Dr. Blackwell specializes in a well-rounded, preventive approach to women’s healthcare, which includes gynecology as well as wellness strategies and coaching. “Many women have a sense that ‘something’s just not right,’ but they are not sure how to begin to feel better,” she says. “Weight gain, irritability, loss of libido, and depression are common symptoms many women experience at some point in their lives and can be signs of imbalances due to a number of reasons. There are different options to overcome these conditions, which we can determine with discussion of symptoms and goals, nutrient deficiency testing, hormone testing, and other indicators.”
Even if you feel you are eating a balanced diet and taking vitamins, nutritional deficiencies can still be undermining your health. “Micronutrient testing is very efficient for quickly uncovering deficiencies that contribute to chronic illness and disease, and determining which supplements are best,” Dr. Blackwell explains.
Hormone imbalance is another concern for women who experience emotional and physical discomfort. “Women are complex and largely controlled by hormones,” Dr. Blackwell says. “Without proper hormone balance, things can go awry.” She is currently in fellowship training in anti-aging and regenerative medicine, with a focus on bio-identical hormone replacement therapy.
Even with the best preventive care, some women develop conditions that need treatment. Dr. Blackwell is one of a select few physicians trained and experienced in performing the minimally invasive hysterectomy and surgery for endometriosis using the daVinci robot. Endometrial ablation, Essure permanent birth control, and other gynecological procedures can be performed in her office in Webster. She regularly consults with women about pre-conception health, contraception options, menopause, wellness strategies, and disease diagnosis and treatment.
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BHRT and Women
Hormones are the body’s chemical messengers. They affect mood, appetite, energy level, metabolism, weight, sex drive, immune system, and even behavior. As women age, their hormonal system becomes imbalanced and less efficient, generally leading to menopause and other changes. Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy restores the body’s hormone balance using natural hormones.
A tremendous amount of scientific literature supports the use of bio-identical hormones as a safe and effective way to minimize the effects of aging. Some BHRT benefits include:
- Reduced risk of heart disease and osteoporosis
- Improved energy levels, mood, sex drive
- Improved memory and concentration
- Improved muscle tone and fat loss
- Elimination of night sweats and hot flashes
If you think you may benefit from bio-identical hormone replacement therapy, consult with Dr. Blackwell. Call for your appointment: 832.932.5138