Tag Archives | women’s health

Happy Rebirth Day

By on July 13, 2011 in Aging Gracefully, Life Changes & Stages

Nest Egg © lynette sheppard

These days I look forward to birthdays with equal parts trepidation, amazement, and delight. It seems they are coming around faster – didn’t I just turn 50 a day or two ago?

I’m amazed at all the changes, that’s for sure. And I’m generally delighted to celebrate with friends and family. Still, I fondly remember as a child when my mom would tell me that I could do (and eat) anything I wanted for my birthday. In my second adulthood, I realize that I miss that.

So I’ve decided to have a rebirth day. I’m picking a day where I literally do (yes, and eat) anything I want. A day of personal hedonism. I recently found out that my mom tries to set aside a day each week that she calls “Be Good To Betty Day”. Hmmmmm must be something in the genes.

I’m really enjoying the planning phase. So many possibilities. What would most feed my soul? What might contribute to my rebirth? Besides, if not now, when? I have to work (play) on what my second half of life is going to look like.

Thursday is the big day. Dewitt is on a business trip; I’m home alone. I’ll finish up chores and appointments before then and start up again on Friday.

I might go for a morning paddle on the lake while it is calm. Or get up early to photograph the wildflowers and hummingbirds in the forest fire burn area that is coming back to life. I’m thinking pancakes and bacon for breakfast. Then a little reading – maybe a hike. Scrabble with Theresa Venus might be an afternoon possibility. With wine, and of course chocolate.

I want really spicy food for dinner – Thai or Hunan. I’d like to read for awhile and watch the sunset. Maybe dance a little hula if I feel like it. Maybe not.

I’m hoping that this will be the first of many such days. I likely won’t be able to do one a week, but maybe one every month or two. I’m curious as to whether time will seem to be moving as fast or whether I can recapture the “endless” days of childhood.

Unstructured, delicious time. More nourishing than food. I want to consciously make this a part of my second adulthood. And unlike a child, I will be acutely aware of how precious each of these moments is.

What might your rebirth day look like? Or if not a whole day, a rebirth afternoon? A couple of hours? And can you create the time and space for your own small rebirth?

Comments { 8 }

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!

 

Comments { 0 }

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.

Comments { 13 }

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.

Comments { 4 }

Hot Flash Story Contest Winner

By on April 5, 2011 in Hot Flashes, Menopause in Community

I’m sending a huge shout out to all the Menopause Goddesses who shared their hot flash stories and  memories for this contest. There were so many belly laughs that it was hard to narrow them down to one winner. And as you all know, I believe we all win when we share our wisdom and humor with one another. We may be hot and dripping, but at least we know we are not alone. And there is serious power in that!

Here is a sampling of my favorite entries – our overall winner is at the end. Read on and empathize.

Tori Venus shares:
“My husband and I were going out to dinner with a couple we didn’t know very well. As we were driving to the restaurant, the windows steamed up, got all foggy, and our host was fiddling with the defroster, turning fans up all the way to no avail.
“What’s wrong with my car? I’m going to have to take it in to the dealership.”
He just couldn’t figure it out.
Finally, my husband piped up, “Just open the windows. My wife is having a flash.” It’s all true. Every word. I swear it.”

Jill Pic submitted this wonderful poem:

The heat-
growing in my belly and it spreads.
Wet skin.
Wet hair (I keep it boy short now, miss my ponytail) and sweat trickles between my breasts. I ease out of my pajamas and moan,
stretching, desire for something to bank my
burning fire consumes me
although I am already consumed.
To write it so sounds sensual, sexual,
stuff of fantasy.
It is in hot fact an F-ing hot flash.
I am young at 47 and quite vibrant,
alive and happy in my skin,
passing on the secret woman-knowledge
every day at work
to new mothers.
What I need is someone cool
to pass on the
secret woman-knowledge
to an initiate crone.

Our own Theresa Venus writes,  “Oh – so many memories regarding those power surges however following is one of my favorites.
I was in a very important real estate meeting, trying to negotiate some tense issues between a contractor, cabinet builder and a “high-energy” buyer – all men. As the REALTOR (and only female in the room,) I was having to keep egos in line, keep issues on point and at the same time, leave each one of the participants in a “win-win” situation. Very calm on the outside but certainly a stressful situation. Never-the-less, out of the blue, ta-da! Starting with that deep down warning glow, the heat spread faster than the Angora wildfire throughout every molecule of my body. It was intense and before I knew it, try as I might, I couldn’t make out what was being said. I saw their lips move and then I saw a look of bewilderment on their faces. Soon – all eyes were on me. Finally, what sounded like Darth Vadar, a voice said, “are you alright?”
Guess what intelligent words spouted from my lips?

“I MUST TAKE OFF MY CLOTHES!”

Needless to say, those men grabbed their clipboards and ran like hell.

The transaction ended smoothly.”

First runner up Liz Jorgensen shared a flashback from her teens.

“I don’t remember much about my high school Spanish class. But the one thing I remember like it was yesterday is when Senora got a hot flash. All of a sudden she was jumpy, she was pacing and she was fanning herself. Finally, after raising her arms to the ceiling and getting no relief, she opened the window and let in the sub-zero Wisconsin air. But that still didn’t cool her off. Next thing we know, Senora is out the window all the way to her waist. She stayed there for a few minutes, then re-entered the classroom as if nothing happened. We were so spooked, we just got back to work, as if nothing happened, too.”

And our winner is Edwinna Margheim with this hilarious recounting:

“I used to work in the Admission office at our local community college. We had been working hard and going through the arduous task of implementing new software and had one of the guys from IT over giving us a hand. As I was sitting at my desk entering grades, I leaned back and groaned “Oh my God… power surge!” as I began to have a hot flash! The IT guy jumped out of his chair and ran over to me saying “Where? Did you lose the data? What’s going on?!” I wasn’t sure I would ever stop laughing.”

Neither were we.

$120 worth of At Last Naturals hormonal support products is awarded to Edwinna. And I personally will be very cautious about using the term  “power surge” in the future, you can be sure of that.

Stay cool, dear goddesses. And hey, just because the official contest is over doesn’t mean we shouldn’t share our humorous, humiliating, enlightening experiences. Keep ‘em coming. We can use all the smiles we can get.

Comments { 0 }

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.

Comments { 9 }

Contest: The Best Hot Flash Wins

By on March 11, 2011 in Hot Flashes, Menopause in Community, Physical Menopause Symptoms

Hot Red Ginger

Is it hot in here or is it just me? Girlfriends, it appears the latest hot flash research blog entry hit a nerve for many of our sister goddesses. One comment thread on Facebook had us rolling on the floor, clutching our sides and gasping from the laugh attacks.

As goddess Michelle G. MD shared, “Dude! We got ZERO education on menopause in medical school. THIS SUCKS!! If Pfizer can give a man an erection, can’t they come up with a way to make me stop sweating in a 50 degree room?”

Yeah, baby. What she said!!! I got a whole paragraph in my 1200 page women’s health textbook in nursing school. “Menopause is the cessation of monthly cycles in females and the end of reproductive function.” Just how that was supposed to be helpful, I haven’t a clue.

Thankfully, our generation of women is not quiet or complacent. We are taking matters into our own hands by sharing our voices and being proactive about our health. We might be sweaty, we might be cranky, we might be weepy. We will be heard.

With that in mind, Menopause Goddess Blog is partnering with At Last Naturals sponsoring a contest to get your best hot flash story. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Sharing our stories is one of the ways we get through the Big M. It helps us realize that we are NORMAL and that we will get through this transition. With a little help from our girlfriends.

Here’s the details:
They can be funny, irritating, poignant, or embarrassing. Hot flashes take the prize as the signature symptom of Menopause. Here’s your chance to get even. Share your favorite hot flash story or experience and win $120 worth of natural products for women from At Last Naturals.

Your story can be absolute truth or fiction, prose or poetry, 10 words or 1000, your own experience or seen through the eyes of another. Like your husband. Or your cat. Anything goes. Think of this as therapy – really cheap therapy where at best you win a prize and at worst you offer up a written commiseration for the benefit of Menopause Goddesses everywhere.

At Last Naturals are a line of natural products for women, created by a woman, to help us through these transitions and restore our bodies to balance. They sent a box for our review, which I immediately shipped off to one of our Menopause Goddesses who is just going through H-E-L-L with her perimenopause. She has promised to give us a full report.

In the meantime, to find out more, visit At Last Naturals web page and/or like them on their Facebook page. And they will be in our Menopause Marketplace very soon.

Okay, sharpen those pencils or warm up that keyboard and  send your hot flash story to me at lynette@9points.com. You may also  post it in the comment section here on the blog. Winner will be announced March 31. Women sharing wisdom (and wise ass humor). That’s what we are all about.

.

Comments { 8 }

Hot Flashes The Sequel: Now Showing In A Woman Near You

By on March 3, 2011 in Hot Flashes, Physical Menopause Symptoms, Research on Menopause

Flame On © lynette sheppard

I’m a hottie. There, I said it. I’m not a Demi Moore, cougariific kind of hottie, though. I’m a middle aged, newly slender, boiling in my own casing kind of hottie.  No frog in the frying pan here, gradually warming, adjusting as she goes, wondering what all the fuss is about.

No, no, no. The Big M flung my little froggie self into a scalding hot, non stick, anodized cauldron from hell – so I was most painfully aware that I was freaking hot.

That said, there may be a smidgeon of good news. A new study suggests that women whose hot flashes began early in the Pause, but not later seemed to have a lower risk for heart disease and death than those who never boiled in their own skins or those who developed flashes later.

My hot flashes were just short of self immolation when I first began this journey. They tapered off enough to allow me to begin decreasing my bioidentical HRT in hopes of ceasing it altogether. My plan was to get rid of my tiny, half patch by April.

Then I had to go and mess with the delicate balance I had achieved by going on the HCG diet and losing that turkey that had taken up residence around my middle zones.

Is it possible that one can be too thin!? Especially if she is post menopausal?! ? Because my new svelte self has begun having hot flashes. Again. Feel them again for the first time. Sheesh.

These power surges are not nearly as horrific as the early ones, but they are certainly present and accounted for. Dewitt gave me a hug the other morning and noted, “Ooh, clammy girl is back.” So I’m wondering if my April target date might have to be pushed a bit.

I’m pretty sure that the new research findings don’t include a category for early-hot-flashes-diminished-over-time-with-spontaneous-return-post-turkey-loss-no-end-in-sight-just-yet. So I’m not sure if the latest study is good news, bad news, or no news in my case. The Big M is still mostly uncharted territory, but we are definitely becoming expert orienteers, mapping the way for ourselves and our sister goddesses.

So stay tuned. Menopause is not just a soap opera. It’s the real never ending story. For now, I’m going out and looking for my luck dragon.

Comments { 8 }

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.”

Comments { 5 }

From Matron to Skinny B*tch: A Menopause Weight Loss Story

By on January 28, 2011 in Weight gain

Open Road © Lynette Sheppard

When you near the end of one journey, you begin another. So it is with my Most Excellent Menopause Weight Loss Adventure. I have embarked upon the first 3 week maintenance phase after losing the 16 pound turkey around my middle.

And so far, it is going pretty well. My energy level is still not back to pre-diet levels, but better with every passing day. They tell me this is perfectly normal.

I can eat anything except starches and sugars, so it’s pretty wide open. The most important thing to be aware of is to eat enough calories to reset metabolic rate to a more normal place.

Initially, I thought I’d have no problem eating enough. After all, this was what I planned and was ready for, wasn’t it? God knows, I’ve read these freaking books and my doctor’s instructions so many times I can quote whole sections verbatim.

Imagine my surprise then to find myself anxious and  a little afraid that eating normally would pack the pounds back on again. Intellectually, I know better. Emotionally, well that’s a different story.

So I did what any Menopause Goddess would do in such circumstances. I gave myself a good stern talking to. “Self,” I said. “Food is not your enemy. It’s life, sustenance, nourishment. EAT!”And I did. And I am. (I can be very persuasive at times.)

What has most intrigued me about the HCG diet, besides the science, is the metabolic reset that creator Dr. Simeons asserted as end result. God knows, with the advent of The Big M, my metabolism seemed to grind to a halt. The jury is still out as to whether that actually will happen or not; I promise to keep you all posted.

Here’s what I do know has reset. My taste buds. Eating without oil of any kind challenged me to use pure spices as flavoring. And my sensitivity to flavor is at an all time high. (By pure spices, I mean without any additives like sugar or MSG or other unpronounceable substances. Read the spice labels – you will be amazed. I bought garlic pepper without reading the label in the grocery store only to find it contained sugar.)

After this three weeks of maintenance, comes a three week period of adding good starches back into my diet, such as sprouted grain bread, organic potatoes, and brown rice. Sugar in moderation will be okay, but I’m not a big sugar person. Most important will be avoiding high fructose corn syrup (which they put in freaking everything) and meats with hormones and antibiotics.

Finally, the HCG diet is just one option or possibility for kickstarting metabolism and losing that midlife bulge. For example, my friend, Dee Adams of Minnie Pauz fame, has been walking and eating low carb – she’s lost weight and feels great. She also credits reporting to her many friends on Facebook with keeping her going. We might let ourselves down, but never our girlfriends.

Theresa Venus is trying new recipes from Cooking Light in addition to her daily workouts and pounds are coming off.

Lei Venus has taken to eating frequent tiny meals and has maintained her weight where she wants it.

My girlfriends, Bronwyn and Arlinka, have been visiting the gym 3 times a week and are in great shape. Bronwyn ran most of a marathon a couple of weeks ago. (She only planned to run half, but kept going when she hit her stride.)

There is no one right answer – no one perfect diet or exercise regimen that will work for all Menopause Goddesses. The HCG diet seems to have worked for me. Only time will tell.

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