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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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Menopause Good News and Great News

By on April 20, 2011 in Hope, Hot Flashes, Menopause Relief & Treatment, Weight gain

Springtime aspen leaves © lynette sheppard

I’ve been silent on the blog for a couple of weeks. Sort of a personal spring break phenomenon. I wasn’t just kicking back, going to the beach (although now that I think about it, it sounds like a mighty fine idea. Could be time for Spring Break 2 pretty soon.)

I didn’t forget my Big M sisters during “Break” however. You were all very much on my mind and inspiring me from afar. I just finished a big project to reach out to more menopause goddesses (see e-book announcement below.)

Work wasn’t the only constraint to posting however. Playtime figured largely into my schedule as well. I upped my hula classes to four times a week (I’m so sore) and all last week participated in a photography playshop. With all this work, exercise, play, and new learning, I barely had time to feed the animals and pay the bills.

So here are the latest news flashes from Menopause Goddess Blog.

Good news: Ladycare magnet seems to be working! (See review on the blog:  Cool New Menopause Relief Stuff.) My hot flashes have decreased from about 2 a day and 3 per night to 0-1 every 24 hours. I guess to really test it, I should now take it off for a couple of weeks, but I am understandably reluctant to do that.

I hardly notice that I’m wearing my Ladycare, although there have been some humorous moments when I’ve stood too close to the car or the dryer and my underwear suddenly “sticks” me to the metal object in closest proximity.

More good news: I am maintaining my weight post HCG diet. I eat all food groups with emphasis on healthy eating. I avoid corn syrup solids, processed foods (although I eat turkey bacon occasionally), refined flour, sugars and so on. I try to avoid food with additives or hormones – not always easy with our chicken or meat here on Moloka`i.

I eat sprouted grain bread (way more yummy than other bread), quinoa, brown rice, and I bake with amaranth flour. I eat lots of apples. Organic greens and veggies round out my diet. Newman O’s are a great dessert on occasion.

I have coffee in the morning, wine in the evening, and dark chocolate as needed. And my skinny clothes still fit. Best of all, I have lots  of energy and feel terrific. Life is good.

Great News: Menopause Goddess Lana Abrams at Mulberry West has  offered discounts for our readers on wonderful mulberry silk products. You can get 10% off your order by putting in a code when you click this link to this order page. You will be prompted to enter our special code: MPGB. Don’t worry; Lana does not save or sell your information.

Really great news: The Big M has been released as an ebook on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Apple iBooks. (Coming soon on Sony as well.) The book has a new title: Becoming A Menopause Goddess. Download a sample from any of these ebook stores. Links below. An ebook virgin or don’t have a reader? No problem.  All of these ebook stores have free apps for your computer, mobile phone, or iPad that you can download to get started reading if you haven’t ebooked before.  Ebooks are environmentally green and cost less than printed books. And they are much easier to store. For those who must hold a book in your hands, The Big M will still be available here.

FYI: book sales are the only revenue we get to offset the cost of this website. We are always in the red, but would like to be less so in order to continue our Menopause Goddess community. We have refrained from accepting advertising up til now because it’s annoying and clutters the site. No worries, we have no plans to go anywhere anytime soon. Just sayin’…

Best news: Springtime is here and we can celebrate it even while we enjoy the autumn of our lives. Happy Easter, everyone!

Becoming A Menopause Goddess links

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Apple iBookstore – download app and then search title.

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Cool New Menopause Relief Stuff

By on March 30, 2011 in Emotional Menopause Symptoms, Menopause Relief & Treatment, Physical Menopause Symptoms

Blossoming © lynette sheppard

Menopause waylaid my daily life, bringing heat and chaos. But it has brought more gifts than difficulties overall. Our goddess group, new and deeper relationships, this blog with its expanded community of like-afflicted women, and a new found sense of self are among the positive changes accompanying the Change. It’s not sarcasm to say that the Big M has been one of the greatest gifts in my life. So far.

Sure, given the choice, I’d forego the hot flashes, chin hair, weight gain, and myriad other weirdnesses perpetrated on my unprepared, unsuspecting body, mind, and spirit. Still, if it meant that I wouldn’t have the gifts I’ve been showered with, well…I guess I’d choose to have the full meal deal all over again. I’m just sayin’…….

One of the unexpected pleasures of writing this blog (and contributing to great sites like Vibrant Nation, Jane Nation, Women’s Health Foundation, Wellsphere, and Examiner.com) has been the influx of information about new, great products designed to ease the journey of the menopausal woman. Our voices have been raised and we’ve been answered, it seems.

In this blog post, I’ll spotlight a few of the latest products to catch my interest.  Some of the creators have indeed sent me a sample to try. I’m telling you this because apparently it has been mandated that bloggers/reporters disclose receipt of a sample, in case we are telling you about this just to get a free whatever. Like anyone would want to need these products……… There, you’ve been forewarned. And I promise not to B.S. about any of these. Enough said.

Aloe Cadabra is a natural personal lubricant, made as the name suggests, from 95% organic aloe. It’s a wonderful adjunct to intimacy for the menopausal woman (and I just love the name.) We’ll be sharing more about the importance of lubricants in a  blog post in the near future, where Theresa Venus shares an  personal experience important to all menopause goddesses. For now, visit Aloe Cadabra’s website (www.aloecadabra.com) to find out more about this great product.

Down is not a menopause goddess’s best friend. It can contribute to hot flashing, especially at night. (Watch out for those down pillows and comforters, ladies.) Still, what are we going to use for bedding, where we want as much comfort as possible?

Enter Lana Abrams, a menopause goddess who started a new line of comfortable bedding when she started to “heat up” at age 50. Her mulberry silk comforters and blankets are naturally wicking and cooling while they keep us warm.  Her company is called Mulberry West.

Mulberry silk is a natural fiber that contributes to temperature control, repels dust mites and bedbugs, repels mold and mildew, and lasts longer than down or synthetics. And it meets the luxury requirement, too. I don’t have one of these yet, but I am going to order one. There’s lots more information on her site: visit http://www.mulberrywest.net/. With sleep at a premium these days, we almost can’t afford not to have one.

Most of you know that I am a HUGE fan of anything that has no side effects and is a natural treatment for hot flashes and other manifestations of The Big M. Ladycare is a UK based company that has just begun offering its non-invasive, alternative therapy for menopause in the US.

Basically, it is a magnetic device worn in the pelvic area.  Clinical trials in the UK showed 33-67% of women reporting significant reduction  or complete relief from hot flashes and myriad other Big M symptoms using this device.

Magnetic therapies have long been used for pain relief and other maladies. So it’s no surprise that it might be useful in menopause treatment.

Ladycare sent me one of these to try and I’ve just begun wearing it. Like most natural remedies, it likely will take a few days to a couple weeks to reach full effect, so I will keep you all posted on my results. I will say this, it is really pretty. For whatever that’s worth. Find out more on their website: www.ladycareusa.com.

All these products will be featured on the Menopause Marketplace, just as soon as my webmaster and I can upload the info. Let us know any experiences you have with these or other great “helps” so we may share with our sister goddesses.

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Everything Menopause: The Short Course

By on February 21, 2011 in Hormone Replacement Therapy, Menopause Relief & Treatment, Physical Menopause Symptoms

Ti leaves © lynette sheppard

Unlike when my friend, Dee Adams of Minnie Pauz fame, began writing about the Big M over 16 years ago, a plethora of menopause sites are to be found on the web. This is good and this is bad.

Good – lots of information is available at your fingertips. We are actually learning daily about this journey and how to travel it with grace and coolness.

Bad – it’s confusing, contradictory, and occasionally there is more selling going on than informing.

Emman Sioco of everythingmenopause.com writes a guest post for us this week, distilling a few essential truths about the menopause journey. For more info on any of these topics, (HRT, exercise, etc.) just type it into the Search box here on Menopause Goddess Blog to get our longer, less politically correct take on it.

And if the Search box gets cranky and doesn’t like the search words you picked? Write us by clicking the contact us button on the left margin of the home page and we’ll get you the links to the appropriate articles.

(I personally think the Search box is related to Google by marriage or something and she is capricious at times. HRT info? Why didn’t you say so? You should have typed in Hormone Replacement Therapy, then I would have honored your request.)

At any rate, please enjoy our guest blogger, Emman Sioco, of everythingmenopause.com

“All about Menopause”

“With menopause, each woman is very different.  While there are some rough guidelines and symptoms you can read, the symptoms of each menopausal woman will be entirely different from the next.  Some women blow through menopause without a single symptom, while others have every symptom in the book and maybe some others too.

When you understand that each woman is different, you will understand that what worked for your sister or best friend, may not work for you.  While this can be frustrating these are the facts and there are some resources you can use to help you get through this tough time and maybe even laugh about it along the way.

Exercise can help with some of the symptoms of menopause.  Tiredness is a common symptom of menopause and when you exercise each day your body will release endorphins.  This can help you to get through the rest of your day feeling energized.
When you exercise you are likely to eat better and this can help to feel better and have more energy.  There are many foods out there that are loaded with anti oxidants and this can give you more strength and stamina to get through each day.

Hormone replacement therapy is something that many women try at some point.  If your symptoms are severe, HRT may really help.  You should never give up on your personal hormone replacement therapy program too quickly. It can take 2-3 weeks for you to really see if this can help.  You do not have to simply deal with menopause and you can take your life back.

If you have tried HRT and a particular type did not work for you, it can be worth it to give another type of hormone replacement therapy a try.  Natural symptom relief is something that has made leaps and bounds.  There are some great natural remedies that boast less risk and can be very helpful in relieving some of the most common symptoms.

Your girlfriends can be your partners in this journey.  It is likely that someone in your group of friends is experiencing menopausal symptoms and this can be a wonderful way to exchange stories.  You can also talk to these friends about treatments that have worked.

Getting through menopause is one of the most accomplished things that you may do.  Menopause does not have to take over your life and there are some ways that you can take control of your symptoms.”

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All I Know About Stopping HRT So Far

By on September 8, 2010 in Hormone Replacement Therapy, Hot Flashes, Menopause in Community, Menopause Relief & Treatment, Stopping HRT


It has been 5 months since I cut my estradiol patch in half; the next step in getting off HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy.)

Thankfully, the process has been relatively easy. Oh sure, I’ve had hot flashes on occasion. Especially at night. Still, none of them has been of the severity or duration of my pre-HRT surges.

Every woman is different. I know I sound like a broken record here, but it’s true. No single remedy, help, or idea fits each woman during her menopause transition.

With that in mind, here are a few things I’ve learned that may be of help if you are considering stopping your HRT or even your herbal remedies.

#1. Take it slow, sistah.
While there are few absolutes, here’s one. Do not go “cold turkey” off your HRT, herbal remedy, or other ‘natural’ solution. Why would you want to rush it? Give your body time to adjust.

Give yourself a chance to notice if side effects are going to show up, and if they might diminish over time. Look for other ways to remain cool, rested, and emotionally balanced. Remember that your body has a feedback system built in to monitor hormone levels – let’s not take it to condition Red, stress overload, shock to system just because we’ve decided to stop HRT.

Believe it or not, other parts of your body start manufacturing estrogen – oh sure, not in childbearing young woman amounts, but more than you might think. So the slight drop from decreasing your HRT stimulates the body to make a little more. Sometime later, after 6 months or so, you may decrease your hormone therapy again, giving your body another little signal to kick it up.

Likely, we’ll have enough to keep us from chronic insomnia, mood swings, and intractable hot flashes.

2. Exercise helps with all the menopause symptoms. Seriously! I did not want to believe this, but sure enough, if I get my walk in every day, I have few to no hot flashes, I sleep soundly through the night, and my mood is calm and upbeat. If I skip it for more than a day, my symptoms kick up a little more.

3. If you try other remedies to take the place of your HRT, remember to try only one at a time and give it at least 2 weeks to work before adding or trying something else. For more info on Natural remedies read Natural Symptom Relief for Menopause. Always tell your trusted health care partner about everything you are taking, to avoid adverse medication interactions.

And be sure to avail yourself of non-medical, non-herbal remedies like fans, wicking sleepwear, hypnosis (I swear it works – studies prove it and I’ve tried it myself with great success.)

4. Be gentle with yourself. Treat yourself with kindness and generosity during this change. This is yet another transition and it needn’t be a “should” but a gradual lessening as a choice. I’m getting better at this – I still tend to expect too much of myself or push too hard. Rest, chocolate, me-time are all important adjuncts to leaving HRT.

5. Finally, I cannot underestimate the power of girlfriends in getting us through every part of the menopause transition. If you have a group of like-minded, like-afflicted gal pals, make sure you spend lots of time with them. When women ask me what the single most important menopause remedy/help/fix is, I tell them it is Girlfriends with a capital G.

Girlfriends will get you through getting off HRT, too. Something wonderful happens when women get together and share their experience and experiences; a special synergy that is more healing than ANY herb or medication, oil or cream. And if you don’t have such a group, here’s how to start one: Creating Your Own Goddess Group. Of course, you can always join the rest of us right here on the Menopause Goddess Blog.

For much more info, try the search engine on our blog or order your own copy of The Big M where the Venuses share ALL.

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