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Posts from the ‘Menopause’ Category

Apr 25

Working Towards Change

In March, I stood in front of an FDA advisory committee to speak on the issues of hot flashes. I brought with me stats and charts based on the Hot Flash Survey we conducted on HysterSisters.com with over 4500 respondents.

As I shared my presentation, what the committee didn’t notice was the hot flash I was experiencing. Thankfully, it was a mild hot flash and did not interrupt that moment. I was embarassed but forged on quickly to get the most information in before my three minutes was up.

When I sat down, my face and neck were red and I needed a fan. At least one “night sweat” wakes me up every night. I toss the covers aside for the moment and settle back in for more sleep. Thankfully, my hot flashes are far and few between because I take estrogen. Even at a low dosage, it helps so much to manage my menopause symptoms.

In this month’s issue, we’ve included great information about menopause – hot flashes in particular. Read our April Newsletter – HysterSisters Checking In – April.

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Apr 24

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Ask the Doctor About Menopause

We have a new feature in our HysterSisters Checking In newsletters – starting this April. Dr Lauren Streicher is answering questions for the HysterSisters.

I’m 38 years old and having a hysterectomy and having my ovaries removed. I’m in good health. Do I really have to take hormone replacement therapy? I don’t like taking medication but I will take supplements. Can’t I just muscle through? Is hormone necessary if I’m healthy?

Read what Dr. Lauren Streicher tells this member about taking HRT in Ask the Doctor about Menopause.

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Apr 23

Hot Flash Choices

If you have suddenly become uncomfortably hot, broken out in a sweat without any change in physical exertion and been interrupted with the immediate need to douse your face and chest in cold water, you are experiencing hot flashes. You may wonder what choices you have to manage hot flashes and other menopause symptoms.

Definition: Hot flashes are sudden feelings of warmth, which are usually most intense over the face, neck and chest. The skin on the face may redden. Hot flashes can also cause profuse sweating and may leave you chilled. Hot flashes occurring at night are called “night sweats”. Also known as VMS: “Vasomotor symptom”.

Read more about your choices to control menopause symptoms in our April issue of HysterSisters Checking In.

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Apr 22

Hot Flash Ideas

One of the most frustrating menopause symptoms for many women is hot flashes. Our members have stressed the importance of dressing in layers and wearing loose clothing.

Attention to what goes into our bodies can make a difference for some of us. Some women have found that avoiding dairy and choosing soy milk or almond milk can help. Others ban artificial chemicals, use over-the-counter supplements (be sure to check with your doctor first!), or add flaxseed oil or ground flaxseed to their daily diet. It is also important to learn what triggers symptoms for you. For instance, if salsa or a glass of wine is likely to result in hot flashes, you can choose to avoid it—or at least be prepared for the hot flashes.

Daily exercise can help some women even out their symptoms both physically and emotionally. Exercise helps to stimulate your adrenal glands to convert the male hormone known as androstenedione into estrogen. Women noted that their symptoms were more manageable with just four days of 30 minutes of exercise pre week. Those that lead a sedentary lifestyle and dealing with menopause are more prone to a number of medical problems including: heart disease, high blood pressure, poor circulation, sleep disturbances and chronic back pain to just name a few.

Learn as much as you can about your symptoms. Understanding what is happening with your body can lead to accepting what is happening. And be sure and talk with your doctors about some of these options that can help your symptoms.

There are so many women dealing with hot flashes. We recently asked our Facebook fans how they manage their hot flashes. We received lots of responses! Check out our favorites below.

  1. I take cool foot baths when mine are bad. Really helps especially if I add lavender or eucalyptus oil. BR
  2. Lots of ice cold water. I wish I could stick my head in a freezer when I get those. TH
  3. I noticed for me that if I have too much caffeine or any kind of chocolate, watch out holy hot flashes! MK
  4. A cold washcloth to the back of my heck helped. KB
  5. A fan going all night with windows open. PB
  6. Caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, citrus fruits and smoking made them very bad and any hot food, so I only ate sandwiches for a long time and avoided all the other triggers. HS
  7. Dress in layers. LR
  8. I take a shower whenever I have hot flashes. It helps me cool down. NB
  9. Poise makes a cloth that helps with hot flashes. I stock pile them. MC
  10.  I suffered with them until I learned to breathe and let them go. The more I worried about them, the worse they become! After I stopped worrying they gradually faded and went away. FH

Read more about managing menopause in our April issue of HysterSisters Checking In.

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Apr 11

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Creepy Crawly Skin?

I keep feeling a creepy-crawly sensation all over my skin. What is it?

A tingling sensation that feels like bugs crawling on one’s skin is a symptom many women experience during perimenopause. It can make you feel like you are going crazy, but you are not. The “creepy-crawlies” are caused by fluctuating estrogen levels, which can affect the nervous system. These tingling sensations are most common in the extremities (arms and legs), but they can occur anywhere on the skin. The sensation can be a light, tickly feeling, like ants crawling, or it can be more painful, like a hand “waking up” after being pinched and “falling asleep.”

Such tingling is harmless if it is simply a result of hormone changes. However, since tingling extremities can occur as a symptom of some serious medical conditions, you should mention it to your physician just in case. Some conditions not related to menopause that involve tingling extremities include nerve injuries, diabetes, migraines, multiple sclerosis, strokes, vitamin deficiencies, and thyroid problems. Once these are ruled out and you and your doctor are confident that the tingling is a symptom of perimenopause, you can probably tolerate the sensations better. If they become truly bothersome or affect your ability to function normally, ask your gynecologist about estrogen supplements to help minimize your symptoms.

Come discuss your menopause management in our menopause forum.

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Apr 10

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Post-Op Hormone Reserves?

Hi, I’m 50 and 6 days post op LAVH/BSO and was wondering if there are still hormones circulating in my system? I have had a few night sweats and warm episodes during the day (not what I would call severe hot flashes). These symptoms are the same as prior to surgery. I’m not weepy, or moody so I was wondering if symptoms will become more severe. Is it too early to tell?

Come join her discussion here.

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Apr 9

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Anyone Having Luck Without HRT?

I have decided to go through with the hysterectomy, not sure when it will be, but I had such horrible reactions to the hormones they gave me to stop the growth of the endometriosis (Lupron, 2 different BC pills and various other hormones I’m petrified to have my ovaries out as well as whatever the HRT will do to me. I just want to be me again! My hormones have been a wreck since I had children. Has anyone had good luck not taking HRT or using natural products? I don’t want to be depressed & anxious anymore! I obviously don’t want to have chronic pain any more from the stage 4 endometriosis hence the decision to have surgery which I have very much struggled with! I would love to hear about any positive experiences!

Come join her discussion in our forum here.

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Apr 8

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Estrogen – Is it Important?

I’m having a time with hormones. What if I do not use estrogen replacement therapy? What are the risks of not being on any estrogen? Is estrogen really important?

Scientist are finding that estrogen affects almost every tissue and organ system in the body. Consequently, estrogen can be essential for all aspects of our health from physical to mental to emotional.

Estrogen can affect one’s emotional well being. No or low estrogen can lead to mood swings, depression, irritability, anxiety, and insomnia.

Estrogen helps maintain good brain function and the development of nerve cells. Thus, a lack of estrogen can lead to mental fog, cognitive impairment, and dementia.

Estrogen helps with cardiovascular health, especially elasticity of the blood vessels and tendency to resist plaque formation. Too little or no estrogen can lead to heart palpitations, blood pressure issues, and other heart concerns.

Estrogen can increase HDL cholesterol (the good kind) and decrease LDL cholesterol (the bad kind) so without estrogen cholesterol issues can be a concern.

Estrogen plays a roll in the health of the skeletal system. Without adequate estrogen, one is at higher risk for osteoporosis and bone loss.

Estrogen affects the body’s production of oil and collagen which is necessary for healthy skin and vaginal tissues. Without collagen, skin can become dry and lose its elasticity. Vaginal atrophy can also occur which can lead to painful intercourse, bleeding, and urological issues.

While estrogen produced by the body can be essential for overall health, there are pros and cons for using estrogen replacement therapy. Each woman should work closely with a knowledgeable physician to determine what is right for her.

Come talk about estrogen and your choices for managing menopause in our Menopause forum of HysterSisters.com.

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Apr 4

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Loss of Estrogen Results

You may have trouble concentrating and experience memory lapses. There is alot of research that suggests that estrogen helps maintain short-term memory.

Also, the decline in estrogen can alter a woman’s normal sleep cycle, reducing the amount of deep sleep she gets. (Also indicates low levels of progesterone which is important to sleeping patterns)

There are other signs that indicate changes in hormone levels bringing on menopause: skin changes. After menopause, the skin gets progressively thinner and loses its elasticity. This is due to a loss of collagen, a protein that keeps the skin firm. Still, most wrinkles and skin mottling are due to sun exposure. Fine lines from aging — as opposed to sun damage — usually don’t appear until the sixties.

Other not so pleasant symptoms include incontinence and vaginal dryness. Incontinence,is the involuntary leaking of urine and can be a particularly troublesome issue during menopause. As a result of declining estrogen levels and normal aging, the lining of the urethra — the tube that runs from the bladder to the outside of the body — becomes thin, and the muscles surrounding it become weaker. When this happens, a woman is likely to experience involuntary leakage when sneezing, coughing, or laughing. She may also experience an overwhelming need to urinate, painful or more frequent urination, or the need to urinate several times during the night.

Vaginal dryness is also a result of low hormone levels. The decreased production of estrogen and progesterone leaves the lining of the vagina thin, dry, and less supple, which can cause itching, tenderness, inflammation, and even bleeding.

Check with your doctor to discuss any menopausal symptoms if they keep you from a normal day of activities.

Come discuss your menopause concerns in the HysterSisters community!

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Apr 3

Anxiety and Menopause

Some women experience new or increased anxiety as a result of the hormone changes of menopause or after hysterectomy. Women who previously felt very strong and confident can suffer from debilitating anxiety that makes them feel helpless and fearful, keeping them from living their lives to the fullest. Anxiety is a real medical condition, and it is nothing to be ashamed of. Do not be embarrassed to seek medical help.

Some Sisters say they have improved their anxiety by exercising, meditating, and decreasing caffeine and sugar in their diets. Others have begun using prescribed anti-anxiety medications that have helped control their symptoms. Still others suggest consulting with your gynecologist about going on hormone replacement therapy or adjusting the therapy you are on. Finally, a good therapist trained in anxiety management techniques can help you to reclaim your confidence. Your anxiety may be temporary and may recede with time as your body adjusts to the decreased hormone levels of menopause. But some live with anxiety for the rest of their lives. It is manageable with the help of your medical team, though. Do not surrender to it; if anxiety is keeping you from living your life, seek help.

Come find out more about menopause in the HysterSisters community.

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