Tag Archives | menopause symptoms

Menopause and Varicose Veins: How Are They Connected?

By on March 6, 2013 in Physical Menopause Symptoms
Varicose Vines © lynette sheppard

Varicose Vines © lynette sheppard

In The Big M book (Becoming A Menopause Goddess e-book), I bemoaned all the weird “marks” that appeared on my body with Menopause. I noted that my legs were patterned with blue highways to the golden years – yep, spider veins and varicosities seemed to appear overnight. (Along with brown spots, moles, and a host of other fun dermal puzzles.) Was I imagining that Menopause was to blame?

Our friends at DoctorQA.com have some answers for Menopause Goddesses in this guest post. So glad to know I wasn’t crazy – there really is a connection. And some simple things that we can do to help.

Menopause and Varicose Veins: How Are They Connected?

Women approaching menopause can be glad to live in an era when discussion of the process and its accompanying changes is no longer hush-hush and taboo. Any biologically based changes in one’s body will be accepted and responded to better when accompanied by information and education. Since it occurs naturally, some do not consider menopause to be a medical condition per se. However it does have practical ramifications for women’s health, especially for bones and cardiovascular health.

There are many hormonal changes that accompany menopause, primary of these being decreased production of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone by the ovaries. There are also increased levels of two hormones of the pituitary gland – luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone – that usually stimulate estrogen production by the ovaries in the pre-menopausal years. Other tissues in a menopausal woman’s body continue to produce estrogen, and the adrenal glands make some progesterone, but the overall levels of the two hormones become much lower during and after menopause. This brings on the familiar symptoms of hot flashes, loss of bone density and otherwise unexplained episodes of fatigue or depression.

Less well known is the fact that estrogen and progesterone have positive effects on all of the circulatory system, not just the heart. Veins of the leg in particular are known to express receptors for progesterone – even in men! (There are low levels of all the sex hormones in both men and women.) Therefore some doctors believe the decreased levels of progesterone during and after menopause may contribute to the development of varicose veins, which women are more predisposed to than men. The drop in hormone levels may also contribute to the weakening of the valves that veins contain, which is known to be important in the development of varicose veins.

Menopause of course can’t be prevented, but the negative symptoms are often treated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Whether HRT reduces a woman’s chance of developing varicose veins has not been studied directly. However, most HRT preparations include both estrogen and progesterone – the combination seems safer than estrogen alone – and progesterone is predicted to be necessary for healthy veins, based on the presence of its receptors there.

Menopausal women concerned about varicose or spider veins can do a number of things in addition to HRT to reduce the likelihood of their appearance. Perhaps the most powerful preventative is regular exercise for the legs – walking, running, biking and swimming all stimulate circulation in the legs. Good circulation is key to preventing the pooling of blood in veins that causes them to become varicose. One can also avoid some of the common risk factors for developing varicose veins, such as smoking, becoming diabetic and a sedentary lifestyle.

Both sitting and standing in one place for hours at a time increase the risk of varicose veins. Therefore those in jobs requiring long hours of sitting or standing in place should take frequent but very short breaks, just to walk around a bit. Any additional exercise after work hours will only help. Wearing of support stockings is generally good for the veins of the leg and can also help prevent the onset of varicose veins. Lastly, keeping the legs and feet elevated when sitting is helpful – and it feels great, too!

DoctorQA.com helps spider and varicose veins sufferers find information and connect with local vein care specialists.

 

 

Comments { 1 }

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

Comments { 1 }

Cool Off With Menopause Aid: The Hot Flash Pillow

By on November 2, 2012 in Hot Flashes, Menopause

Snowy Bells © lynette sheppard

Whew. I just “finished” my semi-annual migration from Tahoe to Hawaii. When I left Tahoe it was a chilly 32 degrees – ideal for a Menopause Goddess. Now I’m back in the land of eternal summer and while I am not flashing, I am generally pretty freaking hot.

Thanks to my new friend, Nancy Peardon, I’m acclimating nicely. Nancy sent me her wonderful creation, the Hot Flash Pillow.

You just throw it in the freezer, take it out a little later, place it around your neck, and Ahhhhhhhh. Blissful comfort. I am not longer thermically challenged.

I remember Menopause Goddess friends of mine who used bags of frozen peas and frozen chicken breasts to cool down. True stories. The Hot Flash Pillow not only lasts longer, it’s pretty. And you don’t have to cook it or refreeze it later. I know, you wonder why someone didn’t create it sooner. Doesn’t matter, it’s here now.

So say good-bye to night sweat discomfort, overheated insomnia, and hot flash hell. And congratulate yourself on choosing a remedy that delivers relief with no side effects. Check it out on the Hot Flash Pillow website.

Comments { 2 }

Oh Libido, Where Art Thou?

By on October 7, 2012 in sexuality

Redwall Cavern and Dories © lynette sheppard


Hi there Goddesses. I just got back from a long, glorious trip down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. And yes, there were a number of menopausal goddesses on the trip. You can imagine that the conversation turned to the Big M, now and again. We all fared wonderfully on our trip with Grand Canyon Dories. A big shout out to my webmaster, Bill, who posted the blogs in my absence, and graced us with his photos.

Upon returning home, I jumped right into our annual Menopause Goddess gathering – and we all agree that it was the best one yet. I’ll be debriefing in further blog posts – just have to digest it all. One of our perennial topics is libido or the lack thereof. Many of us who see the worst of menopause in our rear view mirror find that our libido returned. Somewhat. I have to say that unbridled lust seems to be a thing of the past. If Brad Pitt showed up naked at the front door, well, I’d definitely take pix, but otherwise? Too much trouble. Just sayin’…

Naturally, we want to be intimate with our spouses or significant others. That’s part of a life we’ve built together. Still, we may long (together) for the days when libido ruled.

That’s why I just LOVE Celia Ramsay’s music video “Lament”. Check it out:

Comments { 11 }

Menopause Mailbag: Hot Flashes, Anxiety, Insomnia, and More

By on September 10, 2012 in Hair loss, Hot Flashes, Menopause, Menopause in Community, Physical Menopause Symptoms

High Country Reflection © lynette sheppard

This month’s menopause mailbag deals with hot flashes, anxiety, insomnia, and so much more. Please take a moment to offer your advice and support in the comments section for our menopause goddess sisters.

Menopause Goddess sister L. writes from the U.K.:

Hot Flashes
Okay here’s a strange one and I’d love to know if anyone else has had this happen. A couple of weeks before my birthday this year, the hot flashes started and they were intense. Every couple of hours, every time I drank coffee, 4.00 am every night. So I stopped the coffee, started wearing layers and slept with just a sheet to stay cool.

Here we are almost 2 months later and they’ve all but stopped. One or two a week, nothing at night now. Still not drinking coffee though. I’d been told they’d go on for years … can they start and stop like this? Anyone else had this happen?

OK ladies, any suggestions? Have you all had this happen to you?

MPG: I, Lynette, got hot flashes from drinking hot beverages – cold coffee was not a problem. And even that got better.

And R. shares her hot flash remedy / discovery:

Just a heads up: I quit eating all sugar (including fruit juice and fruit) and ALL hot flashes stopped.
If I really want sugar (read fruit or chocolate) , I eat a bunch of vegetables before hand and they slow down the ingestion of sugar so I still don’t get hot flashes. Pass it on, it may help others!

MPG: Thanks, R. Definitely worth a try. And remember, goddesses, to keep a hot flash journal with what you did immediately before to find out what your own specific hot flash triggers are. Every women is unique.

M. writes requesting help:

I am soon to be 48 and 12 months into hormone hell, as I affectionately call it. I have considered myself to be strong, fun loving and positive. My perimenopause bomb hit from out of nowhere. mainly insomnia and anxiety. Totally foreign! I am on my second ND, started bioidentical progesterone 2 months ago. reasearch and ttes/labs assured me this is perimenopause. What is most difficult are the periods of insomnia and anxiety. I Would love to share with other women, help getting through these normal, common, horrible symptoms!

MPG: Readers, please help. And M., you might want to set up your own goddess group. It literally saved all of us Venuses. Click on the links below for the How To Guide blog entries.

Creating A Menopause Goddess Group: A How To Guide Pt. I

Creating A Menopause  Goddess Group: A How To Guide Pt. II

And S. writes to share her hair loss experience (which is way more common than we are ever led to believe!):

You are the answer to my prayers. My hair started falling out and I have noticeable scalp showing through. I believe it is from the HRT. I wasn’t sure how to stop, but after finding you, I have decided to cut pill in half and gradually stop taking bio-identical hormones. I have minimal wrinkles and I am concerned that skin will suffer…..bald or wrinkled….what a choice!

MPG: LOL, what a choice indeed. I remember wanting to take out stock in a hat company so at least I could cover my head. Sheesh, it’s a good thing we don’t lose our sense of humor!

Hot Flash Prevention – Avoiding the ?Triggers? | Menopause Goddess Blog dot com

All I Know About Stopping HRT So Far | Menopause Goddess Blog dot com

Holla for replacing Hormones | Kerri Zane

(Insert Pathetic Sigh Here)

Choose The Right Menopause Remedy Part II | Menopause Goddess Blog dot com

Comments { 3 }

Menopause Mailbag: Readers Q & A

By on August 21, 2012 in Menopause

Coneflower Medley © lynette sheppard

Menopause Goddess Blog gets voluminous amounts of mail – while we have tried to answer everyone, sometimes it just isn’t possible. So we will endeavor to pick out pertinent letters and answer them right here on the blog. Likely, lots of our goddess sisters out there are asking the same questions.

Q: Losing my ovaries
I’m starting radiation for cervical cancer and even though they spared my ovaries during my hysterectomy I will lose them with radiation. I don’t know where to begin about menopause. I just turned 43 Saturday.

A: Whew. That is a lot to deal with. It’s helpful to remember that some women have very few, if any symptoms with menopause. Let us hope you are one of them. However, if symptoms should show up: hot flashes, insomnia, thinning hair, mood changes - then tackling them as they appear can be your best option. If/as a symptom appears, type it in the search box here on Menopause Goddess Blog for more detailed information on alleviating it. (Write us if you have any trouble finding info.)

The other recommendation I have for you is to visit hystersisters.com. This site is chock full of information and support post hysterectomy. We wish you rapid healing and an easy Pause. And we are always here if need be.

Q: Bleeding for 6 months
I have been bleeding since Feb 13, 2012. I have been to the doctor and had a d&c . She put me on a med that would stop the bleeding. Started the meds after 3 days it stopped. I took my last dose on a tuesday,but come Friday it started up again. I have been to 2 doctors. Im so tired of dealing with this. I started going through menopause around 6-7 yrs ago. Im 51. Yes i have been tested 4 times to make sure. PLEASE HELP ME!

A: First of all, heavy bleeding can be a normal variant. (See previous blog entry: Heavy or Prolonged Bleeding in Menopause – Dangerous or Normal?  That said, if this is driving you crazy on a day to day basis, you might want to ask your MD about endometrial ablation, a newer technique for eradicating heavy bleeding. Here’s more info on the procedure from an interview we did with a menopause specialist: Perimenopause Q & A With Whitney Pollock MD

During my own perimenopause, I bled heavily for a year and a half, 3 weeks out of every month. I had a couple of ultrasounds and ultimately an endometrial biopsy to rule out something more serious than menopausal heavy bleeding. All were normal, so I opted to do nothing – except eat lots of red meat and take iron to avoid anemia. It finally stopped and I was none the worse for wear.

I will add that I had to search for a physician who did not immediately want to do D&C and/or hysterectomy.  As a nurse, I will always opt for the least interventional option with the least side effects. For any condition. But I would be lying if I said it was easy. It was messy, uncomfortable, and I ruined a bunch of clothes. Plus I felt like I was either bleeding or PMSing or both. So I likely wasn’t a lot of fun to be around sometimes. (Husband rolling eyes in background here.)

Let us know how it goes and what you decide. And we can’t stress enough how important it is to have support from your girlfriends.

Menopause Mythbusting: The Truth About The Big M | Menopause Goddess Blog dot com

Early Menopause Symptoms Not Heart-Linked

Comments { 0 }

The Forgotten Five: The Worst Menopause Symptoms You Never Heard About

By on August 8, 2012 in Menopause

Femininity © lynette sheppard

A few weeks, ago I was contacted by a producer from a new television show scheduled to air this fall and specifically geared to women. They’re planning to do a full hour on menopause (Yes, I know, we could use a full week or a year but who has the time?)

At any rate, the producer wanted recommendations for specific topics. I called and emailed but somehow we never connected. So it’s a mystery what might be those topics.

Here’s my hope, though. I hope that this program will break new ground – and cover some of the menopausal symptoms, problems, and heartaches that we never discuss in articles or interviews.

The Big Five topics that we always seem to hear about are these:

1. Hot flashes and night sweats.
2. Loss of sex drive
3. Depression and anger
4. Hormone replacement therapy: pros and cons; bioidentical vs synthetic
5. Natural remedies.

These are important issues and it’s wonderful that they have been addressed. Still, the topics about which Menopause Goddess Blog gets the most correspondence consist of another Five: the Forgotten Five. And there is more angst and desperation about each of these life altering manifestations than we hear about the aforementioned Big Five combined. It’s time to bring them out into the open.

The Forgotten Five: The Worst Menopause Symptoms You Never Heard About

1. Brain Fog This isn’t simply a memory problem. Our very ability to think, problem solve, and process information is compromised. It feels like we are literally losing our minds. And we don’t know if we will ever get them back. It is quite literally terrifying. Which brings us to:

2. Anxiety Whether we suddenly suffer from the night terrors, generalized anxiousness, or a sense of impending doom, anxiety can pervade our everyday life during perimenopause and menopause. Worse, those of us who have rarely been scared or jittery may suddenly worry about almost everything. Again, causing us to doubt our very sanity.

3. Hair Loss Women often associate hair with femininity. I know I did. So when my hair began thinning and falling out, I was panicked. And so many of our Menopause Goddess sisters have suffered the same condition. Dermatologists and hairdressers often tell us “It’s just hormonal.” Which is about as helpful as saying that Hurricane Katrina was “just a weather phenomenon.”

4. Fatigue A bone crushing fatigue can overtake you during perimenopause and menopause. I don’t know why – perhaps Changing on a molecular level (that’s how it feels) takes a lot out of us. Whatever the reason, it is a normal, common, miserable part of the menopause experience for many women.

5. Immune Dysfunction While menopause is a normal transition for a woman, it seems to take a toll. This may be the time that a woman has her first outbreak of Shingles (a herpes infection related to chicken pox). Or an illness comes out of nowhere like Rheumatoid Arthritis or a serious infection. (Half of our Menopause Goddess Group, a very healthy, active subset had this happen to them.)

So perhaps this new TV show will cover more than the Big Five when they air the menopause hour. Ideally, they’ll address some or all of the Forgotten Five. I certainly hope so. Now that would be a show worth watching!

So yes, I’ll e-mail a link to this blog entry to the producer and maybe, just maybe, we won’t cover the same ground again and again that’s already been covered.

(Even if the show doesn’t expand on these topics, we will. Right here. Stay tuned for ideas and help – women sharing wisdom, that’s what we are about.)

Comments { 15 }

Menopause and Osteoporosis: An Unfortunate Match

By on July 26, 2012 in Menopause, Osteoporosis

Meriel Anderson shares information and hope for menopausal bone health in this guest blog post. There are steps we can take right now to ensure stronger, healthier bones. Enjoy.

Aspen Strength © lynette sheppard


If you’re a woman that is approaching or has reached menopause, you may have begun to wonder about the changes going on inside of your body, both in your reproductive organs and elsewhere. One area that is currently well-known is that the hormonal changes induced by menopause can affect the strength and composition of a woman’s bone structure. These changes are believed to be one of the main causes – or perhaps the chief cause – of osteoporosis, which is a reduction in the density of bones leading to increased risk of fractures.

Let’s take a quick look at menopause and osteoporosis, including signs to watch out for, current drug therapies and some preventive measures one can start immediately.

What we Know: Hormonal Changes Accelerate Bone Loss
As mentioned above, it’s well known that the loss of hormones due to menopause – especially estrogens – can cause bone weakness. This is due to a number of reasons, but mainly because the cells that create new bone cells – known as osteoblasts – see a reduction in their workload when estrogen levels decrease. As the osteoblasts are not working as hard, bone density tends to decrease over time which leads to more fragile bone structures.

One common misconception about osteoporosis is that there are signs or symptoms that one can watch out for – but this is for the most part untrue. Women generally learn that they have osteoporosis when they suffer a bone fracture due to something that normally wouldn’t cause a break; these situations are known as “fragility fractures”. If you find that you’re suffering from constant pain in an area where it might be due to a bone fracture, be sure to consult a doctor immediately.

Therapeutic Options: Hormone Replacement and Bisphosphonates
If you are a post-menopausal woman you’ve probably already had the talk with your physician about hormone replacement therapy and why it can be effective for women who have reached menopause.

Bisphosphonates – such as Alendronate (brand name Fosamax) or Risedronate (Actonel) are the current gold standard for osteoporosis prevention and are prescribed to post-menopausal women on a regular basis. These drugs work by blocking the natural breakdown of bone cells by osteoclasts, which are the cells responsible for bone cell turnover. Current medical evidence shows that these drugs are very effective for most individuals over the first 3-5 years, with some questions remaining about effectiveness beyond this point. Regardless, it’s likely you will hear about bisphosphonates if you speak to your doctor about osteoporosis prevention.

It’s also worth mentioning that a diet high in calcium and regular exposure to the sun so the body can generate sufficient vitamin D have also been proven to help reduce the risk of osteoporotic fractures; evidence is, however, inconclusive in regards to calcium supplements so it would be wise to consult your physician before supplementing your diet with calcium tablets or capsules.

Non-Drug Measures that May Help
While HRT and bisphosphonate therapies have proven to be beneficial for post-menopausal women who are at risk of osteoporosis, there are also a number of non-drug measures that are recommended to maintain healthy bones and prevent injury, including:

Regular Exercise Unfortunately you’ll hear this mantra until the day you leave this Earth: regular exercise is the most important step one can take in keeping themselves healthy. It’s not necessary to train for a marathon race or to be lifting gigantic barbells in the gym – even a half-hour walk on a daily basis will do wonders for your health. (Of course, consult your physician before undergoing any new exercise program!)

Joint, Back and Other Braces Braces, hip protectors and posture supports are an important tool in preventing fractures due to osteoporosis. A good brace can help support the weight being placed on a joint or bone structure, ensuring that the bone suffers as little stress as possible . Note that a brace or other supportive material should be fitted by a doctor, pharmacist or a medical expert who can provide assistance with selecting the correct device and size.

Fall Prevention Falls are a significant cause of injury in those with osteoporosis, and for this reason most doctors recommend stringent measures to prevent injuries due to falls. These types of treatments will range from assistive devices like canes or walkers to home alterations, such as railings in the bathtub.

If you believe that you may be starting to experience the effects of osteoporosis, or you have yet to see your doctor to have a talk about menopause and bone density changes, you may want to make an appointment soon. Waiting until an arm or another bone breaks due to bone loss is too late; it’s best to tackle osteoporosis head-on to maintain as healthy a body as possible.

Meriel Anderson is a natural health expert and a blogger who has written a number of articles about menopause treatment and how to manage the physiological changes that come with menopause. She thanks you for taking the time to read her post and wishes you the best of health!

Comments { 1 }

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.

Comments { 7 }

Having A Healthy Sex Life After Menopause

By on July 8, 2012 in Menopause, Physical Menopause Symptoms, sexuality

Dry Leaf © lynette sheppard


Loss of desire. Vaginal dryness. Painful intercourse. All of these Menopausal symptoms might seem like the beginning of the end of a vibrant sex life. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

I’m a big fan of vaginal lubricants (check out the Menopause Marketplace for a few recommendations.) Vaginal estrogen can also help (prescription required).  Now I’m delighted to highlight another great find: Replens Long-Lasting Feminine Moisturizer It’s not a lubricant and contains no estrogen. It is an actual moisture that replaces or enhances your own vaginal moisture. You can use it and it lasts 3-5 days.

Want to know more about regaining and reclaiming intimacy? Check out my video interview with Dr. Pepper Schwartz below.

Menopause Goddess Blog and Replens want you to Reconnect, Rekindle, and Rediscover your sexual intimacy. So for the first five women to “Like” Menopause Goddess Blog and Replens on Facebook, we’ll send you a free box of Replens.

Just click on the like button for Menopause Goddess Blog, on the right of this webpage under Follow Lynette, then go to www.facebook.com/replens and “like” their page. Lastly, send me an email to lynette@9points.com to let me know you’ve liked our 2 pages. I’ll contact the winners and get your contact info so your Replens can be sent. What could be easier?  You’ll be on your way to enjoying sex more.

BTW – Dr. Schwartz has a new book out titled Prime, Adventures and Advice on Sex, Love, and the Sensual Years. I’ll be reviewing it here one Menopause Goddess Blog. It’s my new beach read!

Comments { 4 }