Uncover Your Eyes: The Truth About Health & Wellness

Dr. Meenal is joined by Dr. Amy Louis-Bayliss, a menopause specialist and co-founder of Lume Women’s Health in Toronto. They discuss the significant hormonal changes women experience during perimenopause and menopause, the often-overlooked symptoms, and how these changes affect overall health. Dr. Louis-Bayliss shares her personal transition from emergency medicine to menopause care and emphasizes the need for proper education and treatment for women in these life stages. The conversation explores the latest treatment options, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT), as well as lifestyle changes that can help manage symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, weight gain, and vaginal dryness. Whether you're experiencing these changes or supporting someone who is, this episode provides valuable insights into the importance of menopause care and healthy aging.

• (02:30) Dr. Amy introduces the transition from emergency medicine to menopause care and the need for better menopause education.
• (05:00) Explanation of hormonal shifts during perimenopause and menopause, and how it affects women’s health.
• (09:10) Common symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and their hormonal causes.
• (12:10) Treatment options: Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and its effectiveness in managing menopause symptoms.
• (18:07) Risks and benefits of HRT: Dr. Amy discusses the window of opportunity and why early intervention is key for maximum benefits.
• (22:05) Non-hormonal alternatives for managing menopause symptoms for women who cannot use HRT.
• (26:00) Lifestyle changes: The importance of exercise and nutrition in managing menopause symptoms and preventing long-term health issues.
• (30:24) Managing sleep issues during menopause and how lifestyle modifications can help improve sleep quality.
• (36:00) Busting menopause myths, including the misconception that painful sex is a normal part of aging.
• (40:02) Conclusion: Dr. Amy emphasizes the importance of seeking proper menopause care and advocating for your health.

• Understanding Hormonal Changes: Menopause and perimenopause bring significant hormonal shifts, leading to various symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and vaginal dryness.
• The Importance of Education: Women and healthcare providers need better education on menopause, as many are unaware of the wide range of symptoms and treatment options available.
• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): While HRT is the gold standard for treating menopause symptoms, it is important to understand the risks and benefits, with treatment decisions tailored to individual needs.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Regular exercise, particularly strength training, and a balanced diet are crucial for managing menopause symptoms and reducing risks like osteoporosis and heart disease.
• Advocacy for Self-Care: Women need to advocate for themselves and not accept symptoms as just "part of aging." There are effective treatments and lifestyle changes that can significantly improve quality of life.

• Lume Women's Health: Lume Women's Health Website
• Osteoporosis Canada - FRAX Tool: FRAX Tool
• It’s Her Time Canada - Women's Health Advocacy: It’s Her Time Website
• Instagram - It's Her Time

Dr. Amy Louis-Bayliss is a menopause specialist and the co-founder of Lume Women's Health in Toronto. After practicing emergency medicine for several years, Dr. Louis-Bayliss transitioned to focusing on menopause care after realizing the lack of education and resources available to women going through perimenopause and menopause. She is passionate about healthy aging, disease prevention, and empowering women with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate menopause and beyond. Dr. Louis-Bayliss believes that with the right support and education, women can thrive during this transition and continue to lead healthy, vibrant lives.

Dr. Amy Louis-Bayliss, Menopause, Perimenopause, Hormone Replacement Therapy, Healthy Aging, Women's Health, Osteoporosis, Hot Flashes, Night Sweats, Menopause Symptoms, Menopause Treatment, Strength Training, Bone Health, Women’s Empowerment, Aging, Disease Prevention, Lifestyle Changes, Women’s Health Advocacy, Dr. Meenal Agarwal, Uncover Your Eyes, Health, Healthcare education, Mental health, Physical health, Self-advocacy, Wellness, Healthcare innovations

In this episode of Uncover Your Eyes, Dr. Meenal Agarwal is joined by Dr. Mahnia Madan, an expert in advanced dry eye disease and glaucoma. Together, they discuss the often underestimated impact of dry eye on quality of life, from its effects on daily activities to its connection to mental health. Dr. Madan explains the multifactorial causes of dry eye disease, including aging, autoimmune conditions, and the digital lifestyle. They explore treatment options, from basic artificial tears to more advanced biologics and in-office therapies, and the importance of lid hygiene for long-term management. Dr. Madan also highlights how increasing awareness and proactive care are key to managing dry eye before it becomes a chronic issue.

• (00:00) Dr. Meenal introduces Dr. Mahnia Madan and discusses the importance of addressing dry eye disease.
• (02:27) Dr. Madan explains how dry eye is a common but often overlooked condition, affecting millions globally.
• (03:00) Causes of dry eye: Aging, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, and environmental factors like screen time.
• (06:15) The impact of prolonged digital screen use on blinking and tear production, and how this contributes to dry eye.
• (08:00) Mental health impact: Dry eye’s effect on mental well-being, depression, and overall quality of life.
• (10:30) Stages of dry eye: The progression from mild to severe and the importance of early intervention.
• (12:00) Basic dry eye treatments: Dr. Madan recommends preservative-free artificial tears and moist heat masks.
• (14:30) Role of anti-inflammatory drops (e.g., cyclosporine) in treating dry eye with an inflammatory component.
• (16:30) Diagnostic tools: Dr. Madan talks about tests for osmolarity, vital dyes, and myography to assess tear film health.
• (18:00) Advanced therapies: Radiofrequency and intense pulse light (IPL) treatments for meibomian gland dysfunction.
• (20:30) Lid hygiene and daily habits: The importance of proper lid hygiene and lifestyle choices to manage dry eye.
• (22:00) Impact of eyelash extensions and makeup on dry eyes and how to mitigate potential damage.
• (24:15) Biologic treatments: Use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and autologous serum drops for healing the ocular surface.
• (27:15) The importance of collaboration between patients and healthcare providers to manage chronic dry eye effectively.
• (30:00) Dr. Madan shares tips on preventive care to manage dry eye before it worsens and becomes chronic.
• (32:00) Dr. Meenal summarizes the importance of early intervention and proactive management of dry eye.

• Dry Eye is More Than Just Discomfort: It can severely impact quality of life, contributing to depression, poor sleep, and decreased work productivity.
• Prolonged Screen Time Is a Major Contributor: The modern digital lifestyle is leading to a reduction in blinking rates, exacerbating dry eye disease.
• Early Intervention Is Key: Identifying dry eye in its early stages and starting treatment can prevent it from progressing into a chronic condition.
• Advanced Treatment Options Are Available: Beyond basic artificial tears, biologic treatments and advanced therapies like IPL can provide relief for moderate to severe dry eye.
• Lid Hygiene and Diet Matter: Maintaining good eye health involves daily habits like proper lid hygiene, staying hydrated, and maintaining a healthy diet.

• Follow Dr. Mahnia Madan on Instagram: @dr.madani
• Visit Dr. Madan’s Website: www.vancouvereyedoctor.ca
• Learn More About Dry Eye Treatments: American Academy of Optometry
• https://www.drmeenal.com/

Dr. Mahnia Madan is a highly experienced optometrist specializing in advanced dry eye disease and glaucoma. She is a past president of the British Columbia Doctors of Optometry and a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. With over a decade of expertise, Dr. Madan is dedicated to educating patients and healthcare professionals about the importance of managing dry eye disease early to avoid long-term consequences. She uses a holistic approach to eye care, integrating both in-office therapies and at-home treatments to improve patient outcomes.

Dr. Meenal Agarwal, Uncover Your Eyes, Dry eye disease, Glaucoma, Tear film, Meibomian gland dysfunction, Mental health, Eye care, Lid hygiene, Platelet-rich plasma, Osmolarity, Artificial tears, Non-preserved tears, Digital screen time, IPL treatment, Eyelash extensions, Tear production, Immune response, Inflammation, Cyclosporine, Dry eye trea...

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