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Cool Christmas Gifts For Menopause Goddesses

By on November 16, 2012 in Menopause Relief & Treatment

Is It Christmas Yet? © lynette sheppard


Only 39 more shopping days until Christmas. With that in mind, here are some wonderful possibilities to consider when shopping for the Menopause Goddess in your life. Or as a gift for yourself, Santa won’t mind.

Hot Flash / Night Sweats Relief
Rejuvenair Fan

Dr. Lorrie Klein, a Menopause Goddess who has suffered her own nocturnal hot flashes created the RejuvenAir Fan specifically to provide relief from this sleep stealing symptom. The cooling fan is designed with timed intervals of 2.5, 5 or 10 minutes, which coincide with the usual durations of these episodes.

Highlighted on the Dr. Oz show, this great remedy is user friendly, effective, and free of side effects. I don’t have as many hot flashes as I used to, however, whenever I make my semiannual migration back to Hawaii from the cool alpine air of Tahoe, I am revisited by those annoying bursts of heat. And most of them happen at night!

I was sent a RejuvenAir fan to try and I’ve got to say that it worked like a charm, making my transition to the tropics sooooooo much easier. And the 39.99 price tag is very affordable. (heck I’ve paid more than that for a plain fan.)

Listen to Dr. Klein describe the fan in her own words.

For more info and/or ordering, visit the website at Rejuvenairfan.com.

Cool Clothing

Dry Babe
Menopause Goddess Wendy Collett created her own line of sleepwear to address the problem of drenched nighties and bedclothes. I’ll let her describe her product in her own words:

“I developed Dry Babe out of desperation for a good night’s sleep.  I started having night sweats the minute I turned 40 – I am now 45. I researched night sweats and found out that I most likely had a long future ahead of me in the “moisture” department (10 years or more!) and that was a very scary thought.

Not finding any relief from the clothing, lotions, supplements, etc. already on the marketplace, I dived in and started testing fabric to find one that worked. Once I found the solution, I could not keep it to myself, so despite no previous intention to become an entrepreneur, that is exactly what I did. (After a long corporate career, I had just completed a Master’s Degree in Counseling and was in the process of transitioning to working with kids).

In Dry Babe’s first year, which we just celebrated on July 16, we have made strong inroads within the market.  Our customers (and physicians) love us and sing our praises. We were featured this year in www.thehuffingtonpost.com, www.oprah.com,  and www.vibrantnation.com,  to name just some of our press.  The reason for that is that Dry Babe actually works and is point for point different from its competitors:

- 1. Our garments are made of mostly absorbent cotton – with a little poly for stretch a lightness.  All other night sweat sleepwear are all or mostly poly.

- 2. Our garments use “absorbing technology” as opposed to “wicking technology” due to the fact that we have found that air circulation is required for wicking to work well – which is why it it used so often in athletic wear. (I don’t have much air circulation under my covers as I am sure most people don’t :) .

  – 3. Our garments can be easily washed/dried with your regular laundry. All other night sweat sleepwear loses its wicking ability when any bit of fabric softener/dryer sheets are used or if the dryer is too hot.

- 4. Our garments are styled for real women in missy and plus sizes in styles that are fun and a little bit flirty.  My experience with other brands is that they are styled for great grandmothers.

5. Our price points are quite reasonable while all others tend to be quite pricey.”

I haven’t ordered my pj’s yet, but I will. They are really attractive and not grandmotherly as Wendy points out. As most of you know, I am a cooling sleepwear junkie of sorts. Visit the Dry Babe website at drybabe.com

Speaking of which, another company, New Zealand Nature offers a cool alternative to wicking sleepwear made from – wait for it – Bamboo!

That’s right – bamboo. Apparently, this natural fabric is cooling and a godsend for those of us who suffer night sweats or nocturnal hot flashes. I haven’t ordered mine yet, but they look stylish too. Merry Christmas to me, merry Christmas to me.

Here’s a testimonial from a Menopause Goddess in Australia. Women sharing wisdom – that’s the way we find out what works.

“I’ve had a couple of pairs of your bamboo pajamas for a month now and I am happy to say I’ve had the best month of sleep than I have had in a year. Menopause is kicking in with a vengance, which is for me night sweats waking me up to 3 times a night. I looked into all sorts of ideas, drinking ice water before bed, cooling the rooms (in winter no less) sleeping without covers but nothing worked – I have to be warm to get to sleep but was always waking. 

I looked into sports fabrics but they’re too expensive and pajamas marketed for menopausal women are upwards of $100 and I just couldn’t justify the cost on a “I hope it works” Then I heard about bamboo and found your store as I was looking for pajamas I could afford.

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I’m sleeping well again, not snapping at everybody, not exhausted. You guys have saved lives – well almost ;) Can’t imagine life without you NZ Nature, or your bamboo pj’s!”

Even though they are based in New Zealand, they are a world internet store so you can order over the web or scroll down to the bottom of the web page for the toll free number to call in your country.
And speaking of web page, here’s the link to New Zealand Nature. And if anyone gets their pj’s before I do, let us know what you think!

Vaginal Moisture Gel
Hyalo GYN

Dryness effects EVERYTHING during and after Menopause. Dry skin, dry hair, dry eyes, and even dryness in the vaginal area afflict us. I can’t tell you how many Menopause Goddesses have complained to me privately of symptoms associated with vaginal dryness: pain during sex, vaginal infections, itching and irritation. Since I got off my HRT, I’ve had my own problems with this annoying malady. How to get the moisture back?

Hyalo GYN is a hormone free gel that contains a long lasting derivative of hyaluronic acid which helps create the moist environment of our pre-menopausal vagina. Because it lasts so long, it only needs to be reapplied every 3 days.

It’s definitely made a difference to me. I prefer to apply it at night so that I don’t lose any of the gel to gravity. Probably the only instance of gravity being my friend.

Visit their website and get a free trial: hyalogyn.com

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Bacterial Vaginosis During Menopause

By on July 17, 2012 in Menopause, Menopause Relief & Treatment, Physical Menopause Symptoms

Oyster Plant © lynette sheppard


This week’s guest post also focuses on vaginal health. Written by Patrick Ross, this offering addresses an uncomfortable difficulty that can arise during Menopause.

Bacterial Vaginosis During Menopause
The menopause is a difficult time for a woman. Contracting an embarrassing intimate condition during an already difficult period could make it very difficult.

What is Bacterial vaginosis? 
Bacterial vaginosis is a condition that occurs when the walls of the vagina become inflamed due to the overgrowth of bacteria. Women can develop this condition at any age, but menopause is one of the many risk factors that makes a woman more susceptible to developing this condition. The hormonal changes that women go through during this period can lead to a pH imbalance. If the pH balance in the vagina is disturbed, bacteria will begin to grow rapidly.



What are some of the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis? 

Light vaginal bleeding, foul-smelling discharge, painful intercourse and vaginal irritation are some of the symptoms that may accompany this condition. The symptoms of bacterial vaginosis can easily be confused with a yeast infection or sexually-transmitted disease, which is why this condition is sometimes difficult to diagnose.



What happens if bacterial vaginosis is left untreated? 

Bacterial vaginosis can result in serious complications if it is left untreated. Women who have this condition are more likely to develop sexually-transmitted diseases, such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhea or HIV. Some menopausal women may need to have a hysterectomy and bacterial vaginosis can increase a woman’s risk of developing complications from the procedure.



Additionally, bacterial vaginosis can also ruin a woman’s confidence. Menopause is supposed to be a time where a woman’s life changes for the better because she no longer has to worry about menstrual cycles or pregnancy. The symptoms of bacterial vaginosis may make some women feel reluctant to even leave their home.



How can bacterial vaginosis be treated?


Fortunately, menopausal women do not have to suffer with bacterial vaginosis. Balance Activ is a clinically-tested and proven gel that has been shown to alleviate this condition. This product helps treat this condition by restoring the vagina’s normal pH level. Balance Activ also helps alleviate discomfort, discharge and the foul smell.



Balance Activ is very simple to use. All a woman has to do is insert the gel into her vagina using an applicator. Balance Activ is available over-the-counter or on commercial websites, such as Amazon.com.



When to consult a physician


Most women will be able to treat their bacterial vaginosis with the help of Balance Activ. However, there are some cases that need medical assistance. If a woman experiences discomfort, bleeding or worsening symptoms, she should not hesitate to consult with her physician.

Patrick is guest blogging for balance activ a BV treatment available in America on Amazon.com or through their website.

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Top Five Natural Treatment for Menopause Symptoms

By on June 29, 2012 in Menopause, Menopause Relief & Treatment

Sleeping Maiden Water Spirit © 2012 wcj

By: Pam Andrews of PerimenopauseAnswers.com

Early menopause symptoms include abnormal weight gain, breast tenderness, a much more uncomfortable premenstrual syndrome or PMS, vaginal dryness, hair loss or thinning of hair, hot flashes, and chronic fatigue. Supplements for perimenopause can help ease the symptoms. On top of that, you can use any of these top five natural treatments for perimenopause.

  1. Phytoestrogens or natural plant estrogens are known to lessen the number of hot flashes, slow down the rate of hair loss, and increase the libido. Phytoestrogens are found in legumes, soy products like tofu, and dark leafy vegetables. Eat plenty of these and you will notice that your perimenopause symptoms are slowly becoming bearable.
  2. Certain herbs are highly beneficial for women in the stages of perimenopause. Valerian can induce sleep and rest. Lady’s mantle can counteract heavy periods. Siberian ginseng calms, relieves depression, and increases the level of estrogen production in the body. Moreover, the essential fatty acids contained in evening primrose oil and black currant seed can serve as natural sedatives; they can also reduce the onset of hot flashes.
  3. Black cohosh (also known as bugbane, black snakeroot, rattleroot, or macrotys) has long been known to contain phytoestrogens, though several studies show inconclusive information regarding the perennial plant’s effectiveness in reducing the effects of most perimenopause symptoms. There are even pills that are commercially made from black cohosh extract.
  4. Peruvian Maca root is also believed to have the ability to stimulate the glands in the human body so that they generate their own estrogen and testosterone. In the Andes region, the Maca root has been cultivated for thousands of years. It is used to increase energy levels, enhance libido, and improve fertility. In addition, Maca root can alleviate PMS symptoms, menopause symptoms, reduce depression, decrease stress levels, and promote a general sense of well being. Care must be taken when planning to use this natural remedy to deal with your menopause symptoms, because scant research is made on Maca root’s efficacy and potential side effects.
  5. Chaste berry is also believed to help relieve the discomfort of perimenopause symptoms.  Extracts of chaste berry are sold in many health shops. Like with the usage of the Maca root, chaste berry’s efficacy may be controversial and must be treated as you would any health supplement.

For more detailed and updated information about other natural remedies for dealing with perimenopause and menopause symptoms, visit PerimenopauseAnswers.com.

 

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Top Home Remedies for Perimenopause

By on June 15, 2012 in Aging Gracefully, Life Changes & Stages, Menopause, Menopause Relief & Treatment, Who We're Becoming

Spirit and Matter © 2012 wcj

By: Pam Andrews of PerimenopauseAnswers.com

Perimenopause is the stage before the actual menopause. This natural phase in any woman’s life is accompanied by early menopause symptoms. These set of perimenopause symptoms normally include a much more uncomfortable premenstrual syndrome or PMS, vaginal dryness, abnormal weight gain, hair loss or thinning of hair, breast tenderness, the onset of hot flashes, and chronic fatigue.

The intake of supplements for perimenopause is highly recommended to accompany the following top home remedies for perimenopause:

  1. Consume a lot of fruit, most especially melons and bananas. These will help in water retention.
  2. Eat a lot of salad greens because they contain a lot of fiber.
  3. Drink a lot of water because it will provide tremendous relief when dealing with sudden perimenopause hot flashes.
  4. Include oily fish such as salmon in your daily diet.
  5. Reduce your intake, if not eliminate them altogether, of coffee, tea, and cola drinks. You may opt for green tea instead. Caffeine will worsen the perimenopause symptoms.
  6. Eat seaweed, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and linseeds.
  7. Switch to wheat germ oil, virgin olive oil, or flax oil, and you will see an improvement on relief from perimenopause discomfort.
  8. Maintain a high-protein diet from soy products like tofu and soya beans to increase the levels of estrogen in your body.
  9. Maintain excellent personal hygiene. The changes in your body, like the vaginal dryness, will require personal care and attention.
  10. Start a regular exercise regimen to relieve the symptoms of perimenopause.
  11. For hot flashes, here are two effective home remedies:a. Drink up to eight glasses of water daily and take three times a day 800 milligrams of evening primrose oil.b. The following tincture will help to reduce the discomfort brought by hot flashes. Take three dropperfuls of it every day. Combine teaspoons of cohosh root tincture, don quai root tincture, sarsaparilla tincture, licorice root tincture, chaste tree tincture, and ginseng root tincture.

The body needs excellent nutritional support from unprocessed foods at this turning point of your menstrual cycle. Maintaining a fit and healthy body will make it a lot easier for you to deal with perimenopause symptoms. To learn everything about perimenopause facts, symptoms, and remedies, visit PerimenopauseAnswers.com. This is the web’s repository of the most updated and well-researched articles that can help you deal with one of the most important physical changes in a woman’s body.

 

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Relieve Menopause Symptoms With These Natural Supplements

By on October 30, 2011 in Hot Flashes, Menopause, Menopause Relief & Treatment

HIgh Sierra Lupine © lynette sheppard

This week’s guest post by Ryan Rivera offers some helpful information about natural supplements that can alleviate menopause symptoms and make for an easier transition. Obviously, each woman is different and will respond individually to any given remedy. Yep, we end up having to be our own guinea pigs sometimes before we find what helps and what doesn’t. Remember when trying any plant based or natural supplement to give it time to work (at least 2 weeks for most) and to try only one at a time. I know how tempting it is to try any and every thing just to get some sleep, cool down, or mellow out. Resist the temptation and you may find a new balance. For now, read Ryan’s excellent guest blog entry:

A woman’s body is like a ticking time bomb. After more or less forty years of conception, a woman will run out of enough hormones and face the challenges that this anxiety-producing phase brings.

While we were younger, our hormones play an important role in shaping how we look, how we perceive and how we react to things that surround us. Our hormones give sharpness to the mold of which is our body. It defines the swell of our breasts, the trim of our waistlines and the curves of our hips. It is our ego-bolstering machine that helps men see as us as voluptuous as we perceive ourselves.

Aside from this beauty enhancing function, hormones direct how our mood goes as well. From high to low, low to high, or to crazy, crazier to craziest, these hormones control our emotions like a very good marionette player.

But such control will soon be lost as we grow old and these hormones dwindle in quantity, leaving us to carry on with the symptoms of menopause such as hot flushes during the day, sweating at night, frequent mood changes, vaginal dryness, and anxiety attacks.

To help relieve these uncomfortable symptoms that ageing brings, here are a few natural techniques currently endorsed by various experts.

1. Red Clover

The flowering tops of this perennial clover plant have been found to effectively treat the distressing symptoms of menopause. This herb, scientifically known as Trofolium pretense, is high in vitamin and mineral content that includes vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, calcium, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, and thiamine. These essential vitamins and minerals help reinforce cell, tissue, and organ growth and maintenance which further assists in fighting illness and infirmity.

This “magical plant”, as considered by the ancient Greeks and Romans for its ability to ward off evil, is sought after by many menopausal women for its isoflavones compound that act as phytoestrogens. These phytoestrogens mimic the function of estrogen in the human body. This means that it works by substituting natural human hormones with plant-like compounds. Thus, when taken, it amazingly supplies the needed estrogen of the body to prevent estrogen loss and remedy menopausal symptoms. It has almost the same effect as hormone replacement therapy minus the expensive cost.

Red clover can be consumed as tea or taken as a tablet.

2. Black Cohosh

The startling heave of body heat or hot flashes frequently complained by women in menopausal stage can be effectively solved through the use of black cohosh.

Black Cohosh or Actaea Racemosa, is also a phytoestrogenic plant that belongs to the buttercup family and native to the woods of eastern North America. It is made up of acetein and ferulic or isoferulic acids that work to prevent hypertensive and inflammatory effects from flourishing in those with menstrual problems, menopausal syndrome and rheumatism.

Black cohosh herbal supplements such as tea, pills, tablets and liquid extracts are made from its roots and underground stems. Its usage is recommended only for six months or less since prolonged use can lead to risks of strokes, heart attacks, and cases of breast cancer for some women.

3. Macafem

Scientifically known as Lepidium meyenii, this non-estrogenic herb that grows in the plateau of the Andean mountains in Peru has been specifically used for the treatment of menopause symptoms.

As a non-estrogenic herb, macafem takes care of hormonal problems without bringing in artificial estrogen-like substances into the body. It acts more like an energizer that helps stimulate the body to create its own production of hormones naturally. Moreover, this kind of herb does not produce the side effects that phytoestrogenic herbs bring to the table.

All symptoms of menopause such as mood swings, loss of sexual desire, vaginal dryness, and hot flushes are successfully alleviated by Macafem. Aside from this, thyroid function is also improved, as this herb help to stimulate metabolism. So, women not only rid themselves of menopausal symptoms but unwanted fats as well.

4. Probiotics

Probiotics are live microorganisms of the lactobacilli family that are found in products such as soy, miso, buttermilk shakes, kefir and yogurt. They act similarly like the good bacteria found in human GIT. When taken, they produce lactic acid that helps alters the pH balance of the intestines to make it more acidic and inhibit the growth of bad bacteria.

Good bacteria such as Lactobacillus acidophilous, and Bifidus that are found in the gut are important for women who are going through menopause. A healthy gastrointestinal tract helps to reduce the symptoms brought about by ageing. With a restored good bacterial growth in the GIT, menopausal symptoms such as night sweats, acid reflux, eczema, irritability, and yeast infections will be effectively eliminated.

5. Sepia

Another effective means of relieving menopausal symptoms is the use of sepia, a homeopathic remedy. Sepia helps to relieve hot flashes, depression, excessive perspiration, and moodiness. This homeopathic remedy is prepared from the pigment obtained from the ink sac of cuttlefish. This ink is then dried and ground into fine powder and formed into tablets.

As women approach the stage of menopause, the threat of developing severe hot flashes, night sweats, and other anxiety symptoms will arise as well. To bring relief from these menopausal symptoms, proper and guided use of the above-mentioned substances should be considered.

Ryan Rivera is a former anxiety sufferer. His anxiety management program focused on natural methods. A complete guide of these methods can be found at his website at Calmclinic.com.

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Help For Menopause Symptoms – With No Side Effects!

By on October 6, 2011 in Menopause, Menopause Relief & Treatment

I am always on the lookout for relief for menopause symptoms – and I am especially excited about those remedies that have no side effects. With that in mind, here are a few of my latest favorite helps for menopausal women in need.

The Kool Towel is a remarkable piece of space age fabric that, when wet, literally cools you off. It will keep you 20 degrees cooler than the air around you – which seems like 100 degrees cooler than a woman’s internal temperature during a hot flash. Sports enthusiasts and those who work in the heat use the towel, too. Just wet it and it stays cool from 1-4 hours.

I tried my Kool Towel up in the High Sierra recently, where the sun just beats down without mercy. Hard enough for anyone, but pure Hades for a hiking Menopause Goddess. It lasted about 2 hours up there, so I just dipped it in the stream when it started to dry. This terrific little towel literally saved my bacon up there. It can save yours too.

You can get a Kool Towel on their website:  http://www.kooltowel.net/


Catherine Altman founded Cerene Linens initially for menopausal women who were having trouble regulating their temperature at night.  (Which is most of us, hello.) The mattress pad and pillow cover are made of delicious linen that feels so good. I’ve had fewer hot flashes at night as the years have gone on, but as I told Cathy, my Tempurpedic mattress pad heats me to thermonuclear at least a couple times per night.  (I can’t get rid of it, because my husband loves it.

So I tried the Cerene linens – the pillow case is nice, but I LOVE the mattress pad. I don’t wake up on fire anymore. The linen starts out a little stiff but softens up with repeated washings. Just  like my Grandma’s old sheets.

You can learn more and order these cooling linens on the Cerene Website.  http://www.cerenelinens.com/

OK, now most of you know how much I complain about uncomfortable clothing. I still want someone to invent a soft cotton bra like our old training bras, but build to hold up relaxed-look (read sagging) menopausal tatas. And while that has not happened as of yet, here’s something that comes close. Pambra’s bra liner is 100% cotton with a poly cotton shell. You put the liner under your bra to catch and absorb that pesky deluge that happens when your Victoria’s Secret is next to your hot flashing bod. The Pambra is really comfy, even though it doesn’t have that little pink rose in the middle. (Can you tell I’m still fixated on the Menopause Goddess training bra?)

You can get your own Pambra on the website.  http://www.pambras.com/   And here’s a video showing Pambra in action.

In the interests of full transparency, each of these folks sent me a free sample to try, in hopes that their product might be of use to Menopause Goddesses everywhere.

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Sex Butter and Mulberry Silk Summer Sale

By on July 23, 2011 in Menopause Relief & Treatment, Physical Menopause Symptoms

I love menopausal women. After we get over the “WTF” reaction, a desire to help our sisters have an easier time with the Pause kicks in. Hence sites like Minnie Pauz and our own Menopause Goddess Blog.

Bonnie Stern is a Menopause Goddess who suffered from the pain and dryness so often associated with intimacy during and after this transition. She co-created an organic, hormone-free, paraben-free product called Sex Butter to counteract this problem.

Lucky me, Bonnie sent me a couple of samples of this terrific healing, essential oil based butter. Oh yes, it is wonderful. And it has received the handsome hubby blue ribbon seal of approval as well. Look for it in the Menopause Marketplace soon or click here to visit Bonnie’s site now.

Remember, the first step to recovering that libido is to show up naked with a smile on your face. The second step is to add essential lubrication to counteract vaginal dryness. The other steps are up to you. Reclaim your sensuality with a little Sex Butter.

Lana Abrams, one of our favorite Menopause Goddess entrepreneurs, is having a summer sale. For a limited time, all her Mulberry West mulberry silk products are on sale for 25% off! With free shipping!

The summer heat has finally set in and a lightweight but cozy comforter is just the ticket for a restful night’s sleep. Heck, I’m going to buy one for myself!
Here’s the link to the sale: Mulberry West Summer Sale.

Here’s wishing you all a summer that is not too hot nor too dry.

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Latest Greatest Help for Menopause

By on July 4, 2011 in Menopause Relief & Treatment

Lupine late afternoon © lynette sheppard

Too hot? Too damp after night time hot flashes? Skin too dry? Help is just a mouse click away. Here are the latest, greatest remedies for midlife women, eg. us.

Discovery Trekking does not sound like the name of a company that creates products that can save a Menopause Goddess’s sanity. But when owner Leslie Hanes contacted me about their wicking bedding and clothing, I became a believer.

What’s unique about her products? They contain silver, which kills bacteria. Which means the fabric won’t retain microbes and start to smell. (They need to put it in golf shoes.) As a nurse, I’m familiar with using silver as an antimicrobial, but never thought about it in clothing.

Then it turned out that I already use Leslie’s ultra fast dry towels for camping and horse packing into the high Sierra. Yep, bought them at REI – and yep, picked hers over the others because of the silver. If you’ve ever camped out for several days using the same towel, you know how bad it can smell and how hard it is to get the stink out. Often, you end up throwing it away.

She sent me a wicking pillowcase to try – it’s fabulous. Methinks I need to order her sheet covers next.  I don’t suffer much from night sweats, but have at least one hot flash per night and the comfort level has definitely increased using the pillowcase. Plus I love the feel of it.

For more info, check out Leslie’s site at DiscoveryTrekking.com.

Yellowstone Bees doesn’t sound like a Menopause remedy company either. However, on the moisture front (or lack thereof), their products rock! They make all natural organic lip balm, hand and body lotion, soaps, and body mist with essential oils, and more.

I got to try some samples recently. And now I’m officially hooked.

I really like the lemongrass soap and the tea tree lip balm. I freaking love the hand and body cream and carry it in my purse. Here in Tahoe the air robs a Menopause Goddess of what little precious moisture she has left. So I put it on several times a day. My favorite scent is elemi rosewood.

I also freaking love the aromatherapy mist, especially the peppermint eucalyptus. It doesn’t say to spray it on yourself, but I do since it is all natural ingredients. Not only is it refreshing and energizing, but get this: I went out to photograph the lupine yesterday and I swear that it repelled the mosquitoes.

Those annoying bloodsuckers don’t just find me mildly attractive. To them, I am pheasant under glass, lobster bisque, filet mignon with blue cheese inside. They love me. I hate them.

Despite the summer heat, I took long pants, socks, and long sleeved shirt in the car to change into when the mosquitoes started to feast. I never had to change. The bugs were definitely around but never bit.

It will require a little more study, but I’m convinced they just don’t like that combo of essential oils. If so, I’m ordering a case! (I’m not sure the Yellowstone Bees gang is aware of the potential repellant qualities. I’m sure going to give them a heads up.)

I can hear you saying “Gee, I wish someone would give me some free samples to try.” Well, here’s your chance. Just “Like” Yellowstone Bees on Facebook over the next week (ends July 11) and you’ll be entered to win a selection of their wonderful products. It’s easy, just click here.

Happy Independence Day, Goddesses. Get some sun, watch some fireworks, have a glass of wine and toast to this time of life. It just gets better from here on out!

 

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Bioidentical vs Synthetic Hormone Replacement in Menopause

By on May 31, 2011 in bioidentical hormones, Hormone Replacement Therapy, Menopause Relief & Treatment, Menopause websites

roses grunge © lynette sheppard

This guest post was written by Dr. Jo Ann Holoka, Jacksonville Bioidentical Hormones Expert and part of BodyLogicMD, a network of highly trained physicians across the country who use BHRT (bioidentical hormone therapy) to help anyone suffering from hormone related conditions such as adrenal fatigue, menopause, and andropause (the male menopause).

The difference between bioidentical and synthetic hormones:

Ever since the Women’s Health Initiative studies came to a screeching halt in 2002, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has garnered a pretty bad rep. The number of women using HRT declined significantly after it was discovered that the combination of hormones that most women were taking (namely progestin and estrogen) increased the likelihood of heart disease, breast cancer, blood clots and stroke.

The main problem with these studies is that they were only focusing on women who used synthetic hormones, such as Premarin, Provera and Prempro. Nearly a decade later, hormone therapy has become more popular among menopausal women, thanks to natural HRT alternatives, like bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT).

Bioidentical hormones are molecularly identical to the hormones that the body produces naturally. Bioidentical hormones are derived from naturally occurring, plant-based sources, such as soy and yams. There are several advantages when using natural bioidentical hormones, when compared to their synthetic counterpart.

Being that bioidentical hormones are exact replicas of the hormones your body already produces, the body can’t distinguish the supplemented hormones from the ones your body is producing naturally. So when you take a blood test, your total estradiol level reflects both the bioidentical estradiol and the natural estradiol. This makes it easier for your doctor to closely monitor your total levels and adjust your treatment regimen accordingly. Most synthetic hormones are metabolized differently and aren’t visible using standard lab tests.

Another benefit of using bioidentical hormones is that they’re typically not taken orally. Most synthetic forms of HRT are administered orally, in the form of a pill. Instead, bioidentical hormones are compounded in a laboratory and come in the form of creams, gels, pellets or injection (though not common). It’s best to avoid taking hormones orally (bioidentical or not), because it can lead to high blood pressure, weight gain, elevated cholesterol levels and has even been found to bring on sudden bouts of depression in some women.

Perhaps the most alluring of benefits is the fact that each BHRT regimen is individually tailored to meet your specific needs. There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all treatment when it comes to balancing hormones. Two women of the same age, who follow the same diet and workout routine, could have wildly different hormone levels. Bioidentical hormones are custom compounded based on your hormone levels and your specific set of symptoms. This makes them far more effective than the synthetic HRT drugs that are currently on the market.

Be it hormone therapy or anything else that may relate to your health or well-being, it’s always a good idea to do your homework and research all of your options before making a decision. It’s also important to remember that you know your body better than anyone else. If you feel like your body is trying to tell you something, don’t hesitate to talk with your doctor about further testing to take a closer look at what’s going on inside.

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Menopause: Going Through A Dry Spell

By on May 7, 2011 in bioidentical hormones, Menopause in Community, Menopause Relief & Treatment

Dry River Bed © lynette sheppard

Menopause means moist in all the wrong places. You’re dripping on the outside while your skin and tender membranes are desiccating as if they were exposed to a harsh Southwestern sun, 24/7.

We have feedback on our outer skin. We see it crack and peel, feel it itch or flake. And we pour on lotions. By the tubful. All that money we save on monthly feminine supplies? It’s nothing compared to what we have to budget now just to keep a semblance of moisture.

Inside we are dry too. Our natural vaginal moisture disappears. For some of us, it is noticeable in painful sexual intimacy. We buy and use lubricants to regain a healthy sex life. And thankfully, there are many products now mimic natural lubrication (see the Menopause Marketplace for some of our favorites.)

When vaginal dryness doesn’t cause painful intercourse, however, it can still cause health problems. Vaginal atrophy and thinning of the lining may manifest along with dryness. One of our own Venuses was having problems with drainage and recurrent infections. Turns out that sexual intimacy was resulting in microtears in the lining that were then becoming infected. Even though she couldn’t feel that. Using lubrication and taking estrogen intravaginally has alleviated the symptoms.

One of our faithful readers and satellite Venuses wrote me with a brilliant solution of her own. She was having urinary and bladder issues (again, which can be part of this whole post menopausal syndrome). She did not want to avail herself of HRT and was trying to find a more natural alternative.

Evening primrose oil has been used by some women for a variety of Menopause symptoms. This goddess had taken the capsules at one time for general relief of hot flashes and the like, but had to discontinue them because of nosebleeds. (Evening primrose oil can be a blood thinner. Remember, just because it is “natural” doesn’t mean “no side effects.”.)

She wondered about inserting the capsules as a vaginal suppository, where there would be a local effect (relief of dryness) without the systemic effects (blood thinning). Google turned up little information, so she tried it on her own.

And… it worked! No more dryness, relief of urinary symptoms, and reduction of hot flashes. “It’s not perfect,” she tells us. “There is a bit of leaking, so you need some light protection, but all in all, I think it’s fantastic, and I thought you might like to pass it on to others.” I think I’ll give it a try as well.

Another reader shared that she started drinking dong quai tea and lubrication was simply no longer a problem. Another potential remedy to try.

This is what we are all about. Women sharing wisdom – what works and what doesn’t. Our thought processes, experimentations, successes, and failures. Let us know what works for you. And doesn’t. We’ll gather around our virtual kitchen table here and help one another through the worst and best of the Big M. The best journeys are shared.

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