Tag Archives | menopause treatment

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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Celebrate World Menopause Day with Natural Hot Flash Relief – and a Giveaway!

By on October 18, 2012 in Hot Flashes, Menopause

Up up and away © lynette sheppard

It’s World Menopause Day (yes, I know that’s every day for many of us.) Still, we are delighted that consciousness is being raised. With that in mind, please enjoy this guest blog by Rebecca Hulem, certified menopause clinician, widely known as “The Menopause Expert”.

The International Menopause Society, in collaboration with the World Health Organization, has designated today, October 18, as World Menopause Day. While there are a variety of symptoms associated with the onset of “the change,” one of the most common, negative symptoms women experience are hot flashes. Those exasperating hot flashes!

There are a variety of options for overcoming unpleasant hot flashes. While each woman can offer advice on relief, I’ve found that different treatments work for different women. But, one common ground many women find in their treatment plans is that we are looking for natural solutions. Natural remedies typically involve plants or habitual lifestyle changes that help alleviate hot flashes.

In honor of World Menopause Day, take a moment to make sure you’re aware of these effective options for natural hot flash relief:

Focus on Nutrition – The right kind of diet is full of fruits, vegetables and plant-based proteins such as beans, lentils, legumes and soy. For some women, certain foods trigger hot flashes. Common triggers include coffee, spicy foods or alcohol. I recommend avoiding caffeine or alcohol within three hours of bedtime to decrease the likelihood of night sweats interrupting sleep.

Exercise Regularly – Exercise has been shown to reduce hot flashes as well as a host of other menopause-related issues women face, including sleep disturbances. However, to reap the full benefits, it’s important to incorporate a variety of techniques including aerobic, weight-bearing, strength training and relaxation exercises like yoga.

Take a Supplement based on Nature – Supplements containing soy isoflavones rich in genistein, naturally-occurring compounds with a chemical structure similar to estrogen, have been scientifically proven to reduce the frequency and severity of menopausal hot flashes by approximately 20 to 30 percent. To make sure the supplement contains the right amount of soy isoflavones, just look for the green NovaSoy® brand leaf on the labels of over-the-counter supplements widely found in drug, grocery, and health & nutrition stores.

Nova Soy Shopping

Deflate Stress with Therapy – It’s been proven that lowering stress levels helps decrease menopausal hot flashes. There are many ways to alleviate stress, such as deep breathing, meditation and yoga exercises. Some women are turning to more creative therapies such as hypnotherapy, herbal therapy and aromatherapy.

It’s important to remember, though, that you should still consult your health care provider if you are using nature’s remedies. Discuss your symptoms, treatment plan and how it may impact your overall health.
Interested in discussing hot flash relief and your menopause journey with other women going through the same experience? Join the NovaSoy Facebook community!

Discussion topics include exercise inspirations, healthy recipes, and menopause blogs, videos and cartoons. There’s also an interactive symptom checker to let you know if you’re experiencing menopause. And if that’s not enough, you have until Noon CT Today (10/18/12) to enter to win a copy of my CD: 101 Most Frequently Asked Questions about Menopause! To enter, simply fill out this form.

As the saying goes, it truly is all about the journey. Let’s learn a little, share a little and experience the natural transition of menopause together.

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Perils of Perimenopause include Weight Gain

By on September 6, 2012 in Menopause, Weight gain

Ginger Mint Shrimp © lynette sheppard

Eileen Durward writes this informative guest post about an all too common peril of perimenopause (and menopause) – weight gain. Enjoy.

So, you have just found out that your mood swings, PMS like symptoms and fatigue is the peri menopause and that this will usually last a few years before the menopause itself kicks in. ‘Great’ you say! All this and the one other thing that you’ve noticed is that your weight is slowly creeping up** and nothing you do diet wise is helping, so what is going on?

There could be a number of possible reasons for this:

Are you stressed or leading a busy lifestyle?

Leading a very hectic life, perhaps the kids are still at home, a busy job and other people to look after?  The stress of hormonal changes and day-to-day general stress produces a chemical called cortisol, which not only makes you crave sweet foods but if activated regularly will slowly build fat around the waist and this is very hard to shift through diet and exercise alone. Many women who suffer this type of weight gain then go on a strict diet, which will cause big dips in blood sugar levels making them crave more sugar foods. Contrary to belief, conventional low calorie diets will not usually work here but could in fact, lead to more weight gain!

Dealing with general stress is vital as the stress angle can create other health issues including digestive disorders, joint pain and worsen hormonal imbalance leading up to and through the menopause. It may help to take one of the stress remedies such as Passionflower, St John’s Wort or one of the Flower Essences. Many women find taking a good magnesium Citrate supplement can be of great benefit too. Magnesium is your ‘happy mineral’, keeping your mood level and muscles relaxed.

Are you exercising regularly?

Doesn’t have to be frantic exercise, even a 20 min brisk walk every day can help and remember by walking outside in daylight you will boost your vitamin D levels which are necessary for good mood. If too short in time and you don’t fancy hitting the gym there are lots of exercise DVDs around that incorporate short, sharp sessions that you can do at home at a time that suits you. Exercise also releases ‘feel good’ chemicals, which will lift your mood.

Are you eating well?

Are you eating those 5 portions of fruit and veg a day, or are you snacking on lots of carbohydrate foods, sweets or cakes? Low mood, fatigue and stress (remember the cortisol!) have a way of making us crave these foods for a quick sugar hit. So ditch the naughties and revamp your diet. Many women going through this phase actually need more protein so, maybe look for a diet that promotes healthy eating such as the GL Diet or the Paleo Diet.

Are you drinking enough water?

Dehydration will amplify stress and anxiety symptoms so drink, drink, drink, plain water and herb teas. Cut right down on coffee and tea and alcohol as these drinks stimulate the stress system (remember the cortisol!)

Do you have enough ‘me time’?

I bet you don’t have any! It is vital to have some time to yourself every day (it’s a menopause must!). Make it a priority and tell everyone that it is necessary for your happy hormones!

Try a relaxation or meditation CD, have a long bubble bath, treat yourself to a home massage, 30 minutes relaxation even 2-3 times a week can work wonders for your general health and well being.

So to simply sum up weight control in the peri menopause

Good Diet + sensible exercise + stress relief = reduction of cortisol and easier weight management during the peri menopause.

** If your weight gain seems sudden and unexplained do get this checked out by your doctor.

For more information on the menopause you can visit the A.Vogel Menopause website.

Click these links for related info:

Eat Drink Better | Mediterranean Diet Reduces Age-Related Weight Gain, Study Finds | Page: 1 | Eat Drink Better

My Most Excellent Menopause Weight Loss Adventure | Menopause Goddess Blog dot com

She Ain’t Heavy, She’s My (Menopausal) Sister | Menopause Goddess Blog dot com

A Low Carbohydrate Diet Can Help You Lose Some Weight But Is It Healthy

From Matron to Skinny B*tch: A Menopause Weight Loss Story | Menopause Goddess Blog dot com

Fad Diets | WEIGHT LOSING TIPS

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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

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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!

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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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Perimenopause or Menopause: How to Tell the Difference

By on June 5, 2012 in Menopause, Physical Menopause Symptoms

Feminine Jungle © lynette sheppard

This guest post by Pam Andrews helps differentiate between these two phases of the Menopause journey with a focus on the less documented perimenopause phase. Enjoy.

Identify Perimenopause vs. Menopause Symptoms
By: Pam Andrews of PerimenopauseAnswers.com

There is a large quantity of literature, online and in print, devoted to the treatment for hot flashes, natural menopause treatment, medical treatment to counteract severe perimenopause symptoms, and supplements for perimenopause and menopause. But those things – remedies, supplements, exercise plans, diet plans, treatment plans, and symptoms – all depend on which stage of menstrual cycle you’re currently in. Perimenopause and menopause have differences in their symptoms and correspondingly on how to provide relief for those sets of symptoms.

As the baby boomer generation continues to grow older, more and more women need to know the importance of taking the right vitamin supplements and eating a balanced diet tailored for perimenopausal and menopausal women. Perimenopause or the stage of early menopause can start in as early as the age of 30. Thus, it is crucial for all women to get a head start on being educated and informed, so that they will know their bodies well enough. That way, when they feel the signs or the symptoms, then they will recognize exactly what those mean and they can take care of themselves better.

All in all, there are 34 perimenopause and early menopause symptoms. Most of these symptoms affect around 70% of women. Perimenopause, in particular, often begins when a woman hits her 40s. The symptoms of menopause normally last during the entire menopause transition or until the age of mid 50s, but there are some women who may experience a range of menopausal symptoms for the rest of their lives even after they have undergone menopause. We have heard about the most popular symptoms which consist of hot flashes, irregular periods, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and loss of libido. And there is also a host of other rare menopause symptoms which do not affect most women.

The common perimenopause symptoms are as follows: tenderness of the breasts, worsening of premenstrual syndrome, irregular periods, decrease in sex drive, discomfort during sexual intercourse due to the onset of vaginal dryness, fatigue, difficulty in sleeping, persistent mood swings, hot flashes, urinary incontinence and sometimes urine leakage when coughing or sneezing, gradual weight gain, dryness of hair and skin, and loss of bone density. On top of the perimenopause symptoms, the following are menopause-specific symptoms: depression, irritability, migraine headaches, joint and muscle aches, and palpitations or racing heart.

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

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Can HRT Prevent Colorectal Cancer?

By on May 21, 2012 in Hormone Replacement Therapy

Plumeria Time © lynette sheppard

Hormone replacement therapy and cancer risk: we hear about it all the time. This guest post by Nader Ahmadnia of colonoscopy.com brings to light new research findings about HRT and its relationship to colorectal cancer. Interesting findings.  I know – more to think about and weigh when considering risks vs benefit of HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy.)  Sigh…and just when our brains have gone on safari or something. At any rate, this is worth reading.

Correlation Between Menopause Hormone Therapy and Cancer
What is Menopausal Hormone Therapy?
Many women turn to hormone therapy when they really need help with menopause symptoms like nighttime sweating and hot flashes. Hormone therapy involves the intake of estrogen and/or progesterone to make up for the natural drop in production of female hormones that occurs when women go through menopause. Typically, the treatment is temporary. Most doctors recommend that a patient stop relying on hormone therapy once the body adjusts to initial menopausal changes and symptoms taper off, as risks associated with this treatment method increase the longer a woman is on it.
Other names for Menopausal Hormone Therapy include:
Post-menopausal Hormones
Post-menopausal Hormone Therapy
Hormone Replacement Therapy
While Menopausal Hormone Therapy has met pretty widespread use in the United States, many doctors still debate whether the health benefits outweigh the risks. In particular, several large-scale studies have suggested that that hormone therapy could affect the likelihood that a woman will develop certain cancers, in particular cancer of the lining of the uterus, or endometrial cancer.
Does Menopausal Hormone Therapy Put Me At Risk of Colon Cancer?
According to the Women’s Health Initiative, in fact, Estrogen-Progestin Therapy (EPT) actually reduced the risk that a woman would develop cancer of the colon and/or rectum by as much as 40 percent. This staggering statistic dropped off somewhat after the woman had stopped undergoing this specific type of hormone treatment for a period of 2 years. These results have been replicated in various studies. Unfortunately, the same benefits were not as widely concluded in studies of colorectal cancer risk and Menopausal Hormone Therapy that utilized only Estrogen Therapy (ET).
Is Estrogen-Progestin Therapy Safe?
Because researchers are still collecting information about the correlation between hormone therapy and risk of cancer, there is no definite prognosis for patients going through menopause. It is best to consult a doctor who knows your specific medical history if you are concerned about your health. Although mature women looking to lower the risk of colorectal cancer with Estrogen-Progestin Therapy may find study results promising, it is important to take other factors into consideration, such as the effect that hormone therapy has on heart disease, stroke and susceptibility to blood clots. Estrogen-Progestin Therapy has also been shown to increase the risk of other cancers prevalent in females, such as breast cancer.
When considering any kind of Menopausal Hormone Therapy to treat your menopausal symptoms, talk to your primary care provider about taking the lowest dose possible and for only for how long it is necessary. Also talk to your doctor about exploring other options, such as herbal and/or dietary supplements. As usual, you will need to maintain a regular check-up schedule to check for signs of developing cancer. For more information about the benefits and risks of Menopause Hormone Therapy, visit online resources provided by reputable organizations such as the National Women’s Health Information Center and/or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

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Research Participation, Hair Loss, and HRT Update: A Menopause Grab Bag

By on March 6, 2012 in Hair loss, Hormone Replacement Therapy, Hot Flashes, Menopause, Research on Menopause

red maple leaves, Zion NP © lynette sheppard


Greetings, Goddesses (and those who love them). My apologies for not posting for a couple of weeks. The short story on why? Hula conference, food poisoning, the flu.
I’m bouncing back now; well more like crawling back but things are looking up. I’m recuperating in one of the most beautiful places on our little green planet: Zion National Park, Utah.

In deference to the backlog of important topics I’ve been meaning to post, here are three in one – a veritable grab bag of meno missives.

First, there is a call for participation in a UCLA study on attitudes toward disgusting situations. It seems that there may be changes in what we find disgusting or not when we go through menopause. Professor Daniel Fessler of UCLA and Dr. Katinka Quintelier of Ghent University are co-conductors of this research. I took the survey myself – pretty interesting. Click on the link below or paste it into your browser – all results are completely anonymous. http://menodis2011-2012.questionpro.com

On the hair loss front – a particularly diabolical manifestation of the Change, there is new hope out for menopausal women afflicted. Avacor has been approved for hair regrowth in hormonal thinning. (Active ingredient in the serum is minoxidil aka Rogaine.) They have had significant success, although like everything, it won’t work for all women. So I have offered to be a guinea pig yet again and have begun a three month program. It usually takes two months to show any effect, so don’t expect to hear too much too soon. Hope springeth eternal – I’ve taken my before pictures and hope to see a difference in eight weeks or so. I’ll keep you posted.

I will say this: one of the products in their starter kit is called “Boost”. It is a hair thickener styling product and it is as good or better as any of my previous favorites. I highly recommend this even if you don’t need to regrow hair. It’s a great volumizer and doesn’t weigh my hair down in the process. Yes, you can buy this product separately. If you want to take this journey along with me, they can start you out with a free 3 month trial supply of the full set of products. Check out their website at avacor.com

Last but not least, I wanted to report on my HRT cessation (and my physician’s). We both feel just fine – yes, we do have a hot flash every now and then but they are short lived and not too incendiary. I must report the side effect of a little smugness on both our parts, but thankfully this is not serious.
For those of you who are attempting to titrate down your HRT, go slowly and be gentle with yourself. With the patch, I was cutting it into tinier and tinier pieces until I was wearing just a miniscule pie shaped wedge that likely had almost no hormone in it. Still, the placebo effect is powerful juju and I availed myself of it for quite a while. Now I’m happy and hormone free. Except for any hormones that my own body might produce on its own. I’ll take all of those I can get.Now, I’m going out to sit on the patio and look at red rocks. Take the survey, grow some hair, be gentle with yourself in all ways. Oh, and eat some chocolate. Just sayin’…

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Losing Sleep Over Menopause

By on February 13, 2012 in Physical Menopause Symptoms

My cats, Frankie and Po, don’t have any trouble sleeping. Their mistress cannot claim the same. When Perimenopause first came to live at my house, my biggest complaint wasn’t hot flashes or moodswing. Insomnia topped my list of ohmigods.

All my life, I’d been a good sleeper, dropping off for seven or eight hours of deep restful zzzz’s every night. Suddenly I was waking every hour, listening to the clock tick or my husband breathing. After a week of fitful half-sleep, I was a basket case. I tried everything: white noise machines, hot milk before bed, Sominex, long bouts of computer solitaire. And midday naps, when nothing else worked.

Thankfully, I am once again able to sleep through most nights, only occasionally becoming reacquainted with wee hours wakefulness. But there are a few simple measures that might help my nocturnally-challenged goddess sisters.

Earplugs
These inexpensive little devices cut out most annoying noises so that when we find ourselves awake, we aren’t necessarily KEPT awake. Some goddesses can’t tolerate them, but I wouldn’t make it without them. (See “Menopause Annoise Us” blog entry dated 9/12/07 for why this is so.)

Face Mask
The teeniest little emission of light from the phone console or a nightlight can disrupt sleep for some of us. (Including yours truly.) I’ve found wearing a face mask to be almost as conducive to a good night’s rest as earplugs. The only problem is that sometimes they are HOT, which doesn’t work.

Limit Caffeine Near Bedtime
Some goddesses can imbibe fully leaded coffee or tea right up until time to turn in. I envy them. The rest of us have a cutoff time, after which our favorite caffeinated treats will pump us up way too much to sleep or will wake us after only a few hours. It’s a good idea to find your optimal cutoff time and stick to it. (Mine is no caffeine after 7pm.)

Easy on the Alcohol
If you are like most of us Venuses, you like an occasional glass of wine (or other favorite alcohol laced concoction.). Sadly, we have made a midlife discovery. One glass of wine relaxes us gently and we sleep well. However, two or more glasses may cause us to wake after just a few hours, too wired to go back to sleep. So we try to stick to our optimal alcohol amount if we want a full night’s sleep. Of course, during our annual gathering, we throw caution to the winds and money at the wine store.

AARP magazine (Mar. – April 2007)  came up with  a few more hints for wakeful goddesses:

Fed Not Full
Don’t go to bed hungry – eat a couple of crackers. On the flip side, don’t eat a heavy meal just before retiring. (Makes sense.)

No Naps
Daytime snoozes can keep you up at night. (Hmmmmmm.)

Use Bedroom Only For Sleeping
Sounds like a great idea, but we  added on a new big bedroom where I also write, read, dance, and generally live, so that won’t happen at my house.
Soft Comfortable Bedding
This is a no-brainer. Even if we can’t sleep, at least we can toss and turn in 800 thread count comfort.

Lull Yourself Back to Sleep
If you can’t drift to sleep after 20 minutes of restlessness, get up and do something quiet, author Susan Roberts recommends.
Some of the Venuses read or play endless games of computer solitaire. Others prefer to do something productive; actually crossing things off their to-do list till their eyelids become droopy. Next time you find yourself awake when you ought to be asleep, notice what works or doesn’t in regaining your rest, and let your sister goddesses know by leaving a “Comment”.

In the meantime, we wish you all sweet dreams and blissful nights of uninterrupted slumber.

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