By Amanda Fisher-Katz-Keohane
Dr. Magsino is a leader in functional medicine in Orlando, FL supporting women through the overwhelming challenges of hormonal imbalances. But, because of her innovative, holistic approach incorporating sexual wellness and cannabinoid therapy into her functional medicine, she has had to persevere through judgment a nd stigmatization for the sake of the lives she knew her methodology could improve.
“Back in 2017, cannabis was stigmatized…nobody wanted to talk to me.”
At first, Magsino focused on supporting women via functional medicine.
Shifts and imbalances in our hormones–mainly due to aging-can lead to symptoms such as vaginal dryness, menstrual cramps, discomfort or pain during sex, mood swings, and many more – all of which are directly tied to our sexual well-being.
“I started receiving bioidentical plant-based hormone therapy when I was 40, and now, after 21 years, it has helped me go through each and every challenge that I had. Functional medicine opened my eyes to how you can heal and prevent diseases as well.”
But, as more and more research was coming out about the benefits of the cannabis plant, the more Magsino saw the possibilities it could hold for her patients and her practice. So, as soon as the plant was approved for medical use, Magsino received her certificate to recommend medical marijuana for her patients.
Cannabis contains compounds called cannabinoids (THC and CBD are some of the most well-known) that interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) when ingested. Endocannabinoids are similar to cannabinoids, except they are produced by the body. This interaction is being studied increasingly, revealing many potentials for a person’s physical and mental health.
“The more I learn about the endocannabinoid system, the more I appreciate that this is now part and parcel of how I function as a doctor,” explains Magsino.
Her approach with most patients is to treat symptoms with cannabis while waiting for the hormone replacement to reach a therapeutic level, which can take a few weeks to a few months. In the meantime, cannabis can help to ease anxiety, depression, anger, joint pain, headaches, insomnia, and other common side effects of hormone changes due to aging, menopause, childbirth, etc.
The key, she says, is the consistent and disciplined use of the right products for you and your symptoms. In addition, it has to be a proactive approach, not reactive. Otherwise, you still feel terrible daily, constantly working to manage symptoms. Instead, regular and appropriate use of cannabis means being ahead of any adverse symptoms and living more fully, even throughout menopause.
“It’s a transformative treatment that combines hormone therapy and medical cannabis because it focuses on getting women to tune into their body and understand what they need to feel their best selves. Women are transforming; their femininity is on the rise.”
Magsino is guiding women in the reclaiming of their sexuality. For example, a reduction in estrogen might decrease moisture and make sex less desirable or even painful. However, a bio-identical hormone replacement method can bring your estrogen back into balance and get the pleasure back to sex.
In conjunction with the therapy (or even just on its own), cannabis can be a powerful tool to ease back into the bedroom and enter a space of sexual wellness.
“Before intimate moments,” says Magsino, “you can apply a medical THC gel to that area topically. It takes about 40–60 minutes to kick in, though you can combine this with inhalation for faster effects.” For a genuinely transformative sexual experience, Dr. Magsino is adamant about the importance of self-pleasure and self-exploration. Until you know what you like, you won’t be able to guide your partner(s) and embody your sensuality fully.
At Magsino’s practice, her patients receive a hormone therapy plan and cannabis regimen that is completely customized to the individual.
“When a new patient comes in, we have to look at everything. Thyroids, sex hormones, stress hormones, growth hormones, and all the vitamins need to be checked… We ask about eating habits and nutrition–food is medicine. What is their lifestyle? Where is their stress coming from? It’s a completely integrative approach to medicine.”
Magsino describes the impact that her approach has had on her clients. Women have reported feeling happier and healthier and rediscovering their sense of purpose. “At the end of the day,” explains Magsino, “we are saving people’s lives.”
