The Well Woman Podcast with Dr Frances Pitsilis

With our ageing population and on top of it, the reducing fertility rate, it's time to look at starting early to prevent the diseases of ageing. Here I give an extensive suggested National strategy that would reduce costs, reduce the need for rest home beds and invigorate the national populationMy suggestions are based on my results as an Integrative second opinion doctor and my results along with my experience and knowledge gained over 25 years. Please give it a listen Share with anyone who is interested. Like and Subscribe. drfrances.co.nz

Dr. Frances Pitsilis hosted an episode of the Well Woman podcast focused on addressing midriff weight gain, particularly in women over 40 and after menopause. She discussed how hormonal imbalances, particularly declining progesterone levels, can contribute to weight gain and metabolic issues. Dr. Pitsilis explained her approach to treating weight gain, which includes testing for hormone imbalances, thyroid function, and metabolic syndrome, as well as addressing potential toxic exposures to chemicals and heavy metals. She outlined a comprehensive treatment plan involving lifestyle changes, dietary modifications, supplements, and medications like metformin and low-dose naltrexone, emphasizing the importance of addressing underlying causes rather than just using appetite suppressants.drfrances.co.nzskinfresh.co.nz

Dr. Frances Pitsilis hosted an episode of the Well Woman podcast focused on hirsutism and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). She discussed the prevalence and impact of excessive hair growth, explaining the difference between normal and abnormal hair patterns and the various causes including endocrine conditions, medications, and underlying health issues. Dr. Pitsilis outlined treatment options including hormonal therapies like the contraceptive pill and spironolactone, as well as natural remedies and hair removal methods. She also explained the concept of estrogen dominance and the benefits of natural progesterone treatment compared to synthetic progestins. The episode concluded with a detailed discussion of PCOS, its symptoms, diagnostic considerations, and comprehensive treatment approaches including dietary changes, nutritional supplements, and medication management with metformin and progesterone.drfrances.co.nzskinfresh.co.nz

Post Infectious CoughHaving trouble drinking that cold beer without coughing? Up to 25% of people suffer from a post-infectious cough – this is the cough that continues for 3-8 weeks after you have recovered from that cold or chest infection. It keeps you, or others, awake at night. It gets worse in air-conditioning, when you speak, go outside, laugh or have cold drinks.Indeed some people get this post infectious cough every time they recover from a respiratory infection. Part of its definition is that it lasts eight weeks and resolves on its own. It is also associated with no abnormal findings including a normal chest x-ray. It is just that the cough drives everyone mad. It causes a lot of misery due to lost sleep, impaired performance, fainting or incontinence associated with the coughing attacks. There have even been fractured ribs and collapsed lungs.The big three main causes of this persistent cough are:Postnasal drip – this is the mucus running down the back of your nose, past your palate and onto your windpipe.Asthma – unstable airways as a result of the previous infection.Persistent airway irritation – this is most often after a viral respiratory illness and due to persisting upper airway inflammation and irritation that reacts to the cold air environment.Other causes can include sinusitis, gastric reflux, ACE inhibitor drugs (used for controlling blood pressure), heart disease, heart failure and other lung conditions. So, if the cough persists you need to see your doctor.Why does it last this long?Because although the infection itself has resolved, it takes several weeks for the airway irritation to completely settle in some people. It is important to note that antibiotics do not work for this condition. If it is due to postnasal drip, it is important to dry this drip up with a nasal spray and possibly decongestants. The old fashioned first generation antihistamines also help this.Cough suppressants may be useful and if it is the post-infectious cough, inhaled or oral steroid drugs from your family doctor have a high success rate.My tips for helping the post infectious cough are as follows:Heat the bedroom to 25 degrees – it is not your body that needs to be warm, it is the air that you breathe that should be.Drink hot honey drinks (with or without alcoholic spirit) – the honey coats the throat and the spirit may suppress the cough.Find cold lozenges with the highest menthol content to suck on – this will heat up your throat and suppress the cough.Remember that a cough that persists could be an indication of a more serious condition. It is important that if the cough does not go, for you to see your family doctor to check it out.

Metformin has been controversial or even rubbished in some quarters. Here I give extensive details regarding why some regard it as unsuitable but why there is overwhelming evidence that it gives many benefits  that extend to - anti-aging- prevention of cancer, dementia, heart disease, macular degeneration, kidney disease etc- great for the skin, and also reducing skin cancer.- helpful in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, osteoarthritis, - prevention and management of pre diabetes and diabetes I literally have dozens of references because of my research in metformin over the years and for my best selling book - Well Woman - link below for book https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=buy+well+woman+book&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8International https://www.amazon.com.au/Well-Woman-Prescription-Lifelong-Health-ebook/dp/B0DXMSV4VLThe ebook is also available drfrances.co.nz

A worthwhile interview for women in any stage of life, but especially women in leadership. Here I interview Christine Rankin- Macintyre, a well known figure in New Zealand, especially when it comes to leadership. Christine discusses how she developed resilience from early childhood in a stressful home.We reviewed whether strong women are born or made. She stressed the importance of women supporting each other. We discussed developing resilience through hardship, leadership philosophy and gender challenges, Christines Leadership achievements, courage in leadership along with love.She discussed the way she transformed her department in the public service through rephrasing her terms view towards beneficiaries - calling them customers. We discussed her public criticism, how she survived it, and her journey recovering from burnout. christine rankindrfrances.co.nz