Darwin’s Theory of Natural Selection: What It Means for Us as Our Reproductive Years Wind Down
As a physician, I find myself reflecting on Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection and what it means as I enter this transformative stage of life. According to Darwin, natural selection dictates that only the traits best suited for survival and reproduction get passed on to future generations. Yet, as my reproductive years come to an end, I wonder, does this mean my purpose in life is also concluding?
Like the character Mouth (Corey Feldman) in The Goonies asking, “Is this the end?” — I’ve come to realize, like Sean Astin’s Mikey, that “No, it’s just the beginning”.
This transitional period of reproductive hormone change or perimenopause offers a chance for renewal rather than decline. In my medical practice, I help women reclaim their vitality rather than resign to nature’s aging process. This period can be a gift, a wake-up call that doesn’t just affect our lifespan but, as physician Peter Attia puts it, our healthspan — the quality of life we enjoy throughout our years.
Understanding Entropy: A Universal Law of Aging
Entropy is the principle in physics that all systems tend toward disorder and randomness over time unless energy is consistently applied to maintain order. For example, imagine the kitchen as a microcosm of entropy: without regular effort to clean and organize, dishes pile up, trash accumulates, and it becomes chaotic. Over time, this can lead to avoiding the kitchen entirely or opting for fast food, impacting health. The same applies to our bodies, which require continuous maintenance to function optimally.
In human biology, entropy represents the wear and tear that builds up in our bodies. We start seeing this early on through inflammation from diets high in processed foods and sugar. For example, these poor dietary choices elevate insulin levels, triggering inflammation and contributing to body fat accumulation. Adipose tissue, in turn, accelerates entropy through increased inflammation and can lead to conditions like cardiovascular disease. As our entire vascular system is interconnected, the same processes contribute to cerebrovascular disease, strokes, dementia, and even cancer.
Entropy, Natural Selection, and the Menopausal Transition: A New Beginning
The concept of entropy and natural selection may at first paint a bleak picture for women navigating menopause, with hormonal shifts leading to metabolic and physical changes that may feel chaotic. But from my perspective, menopause is not a period of loss but a pivotal time to reclaim health and embrace self-care.
The Acceleration of Entropy in Menopause
Menopause brings an accelerated phase of entropy, driven by changes in hormones that once maintained a delicate balance. During our younger years, estrogen helps maintain bone strength, enhances our thinking and cognition, helps regulate our heart rhythms, and promotes our body’s sensitivity to insulin. There are estrogen receptors in 200 tissues of our body. As women age, we lose this protective hormone which renders us more vulnerable to the aging process. Here’s a look at some of these hormonal shifts:
Menopause and perimenopause hormone changes.
- Progesterone: Gradually declines, leading to disrupted sleep and mood instability.
- Estrogen: Its fluctuations result in the notorious hot flashes and night sweats. As women enter the menopause transition, they may experience symptoms of estrogen dominance or estrogen excess.
- Testosterone: This decline can impact libido, muscle mass, and bone density.
Together, these shifts trigger an array of symptoms: vasomotor issues, sleep disturbances, mood changes, and metabolic impacts, all of which increase the risk of certain health conditions. Recognizing these changes allows us to adopt strategies that counteract entropy, much like regular kitchen cleaning.
Strategies for Managing Entropy in Menopause
Although entropy is a natural process, its effects can be minimized and the process slowed with proactive health practices:
- Nutrition: A diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods reduces inflammation and supports hormonal balance.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity aids in preserving muscle mass, bone density, and metabolic function. Strength training at this phase of life is key to promoting your health span.
- Stress Management: Techniques like meditation and yoga can help stabilize mood and enhance sleep quality.
- Hormone Therapy: For some, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can alleviate symptoms and lower health risks.
- Health Screenings: Early detection through regular health monitoring helps address issues proactively.
A New Beginning: Embracing the Changes of Menopause
Menopause signifies the end of one biological purpose but opens a door to new possibilities and a deeper purpose. Just as Mikey in The Goonies says, “No, this is only the beginning,” we too can embrace menopause as an opportunity for personal growth and vitality. This phase invites us to reprioritize health, foster self-care, and focus on activities and people who enrich our lives.
Conclusion: Menopause as a Wake-Up Call for Vitality
As a physician specializing in women’s health, I view menopause as a chance to shape our health for the years ahead. Rather than a final chapter, it’s a time to harness resilience and vitality. By understanding entropy and taking steps to counteract it, we can navigate this transition with strength, emerging healthier and more empowered.
The end of reproductive years doesn’t mean the end of purpose or vibrancy. Instead, it marks a new chapter ripe with opportunities for self-discovery, growth, and renewed health. Embrace this transition, and let it be the spark that ignites a new era of vitality, so you can live a full, active life and reclaim the joy that’s always been yours.
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