By definition: Menopause is the permanent end of menstruation and fertility, defined as occurring 12 months after your last menstrual period.

The important thing to know about menopause, it is a natural biological process, not a medical illness. But even though it is not an illness, you may experience real physical and emotional symptoms that require the medical expertise of a professional to help you manage your symptoms.

If you are struggling with menopausal symptoms, know that every woman's experience will be similar in some ways and unique in others.

Many women who have natural menopause report no physical changes at all. And on the other end of the spectrum, many women experiencing surgical menopause or sudden menopause (brought on through the removal of ovaries during surgery or damaged through chemotherapy) will experience physical symptoms, often requiring the aid of a hormone replacement therapy to manage the symptoms.

Menopause symptoms include: hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mental fatigue and foggy thinking, insomnia, irritability and depression. If you are experiencing symptoms related to the removal of your ovaries or natural menopause, discuss your medical options with your personal physician. There are many choices available for you!

What is a bioidentical hormone, and what might it mean to you? Contrary to what you may have heard, a bioidentical hormone is not necessarily the same as a compounded hormone. Bioidentical hormones are chemically identical to the hormones produced by a woman's body, whether or not the hormone is produced in a pharmacy. Some hormone therapies are bioidentical, and some are not.

Bioidentical hormone therapies for the treatment of moderate to severe menopause symptoms may be identical to several different types of hormones produced naturally by a woman's body. These include 17beta-estradiol, estrone, and estriol. Hormone patches can provide bioidentical estrogen, but hormone pills might not.

If you're interested in a bioidentical hormone treatment to manage menopause symptoms, ask your doctor about your choices.

1. Drink water!
Keep water with you, making sure you get plenty of hydration.


2. Wear a "wet scarf" or washcloth.
There is no secret that a cool cloth on the back of the neck can cool down your temperature. You can use a simple washcloth or a hidden cooling neck scarf. There are several on the market that contain ice or coolants. (We even can them in the HysterSisters Store!)


3. Use a fan.
Especially at night, a fan helps to keep the air around you as cool as possible.


4. Do not over-dress.
Wear loose fitting clothing made of cotton. Finding clothing made of wicking fabric is best!


5. Don't smoke.
Smoking raises the risk of heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, cancer and a range of other health problems. It may also increase hot flashes and bring on earlier menopause. Now is the best time to stop!


6. Stay away from alcohol and spicy foods.
These are known triggers for hot flashes.


7. Herbs and Supplements.
If you can't take hormone replacement therapy, consider exploring herbs such as Red Clover, Black Cohosh, Evening Primrose Oil, and/or Kava. Use with caution and with the help and expertise of your medical doctor.


8. Hormone Replacement Therapy.
Talk to your doctor about HRT (hormone replacement therapy) options. In today's medical environment there are more choices and dosages. Find one that works for you!

Last month, a new estrogen research was released that reported that estrogen therapy alone may actually reduce the risk of breast cancer in women.

The question about the risks and benefits of estrogen therapy has been in the news since the initial panic report by the Women's Health Initiative. Now, the news released has provided more insight into the risks and benefits of estrogen therapy (ET) and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).

"The new study shows that longer-term use of estrogen-only therapy may actually lower a woman's odds of developing breast cancer. Estrogen-only therapy is reserved for women who have had a hysterectomy; women with an intact uterus who use HRT must take the hormone progestin with estrogen to prevent uterine cancer.

"Women who have had a hysterectomy may be reassured that taking estrogen by itself, short term, to relieve menopausal symptoms will not increase their risk of breast cancer," said study author Garnet Anderson of the Women's Health Initiative Clinical Coordinating Center at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle. Women should not take estrogen to prevent breast cancer, she stressed.

The new findings were published in the March 7 online edition of The Lancet Oncology."

Read the entire article Estrogen-Only Therapy May Reduce Breast Cancer Risk

I had my hysterectomy November 16, 2009. Very seldom have I slept soundly throughout the night. My energy level and motivation is almost non-existant! My attitude is positive but honestly I prefer to putter around the house and not go to the office. I'm taking protein, vitamins and I continue to be so tired (due to lack of sleep). As I yawn while typing this message - I would like to know if this is normal?

Join the Discussion

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Post Op Meds and Insomnia anyone?

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