Archive for the ‘Women’s Health’ Tag
I was going through old email and found this from 2009. Some of the information is old and some of the links may not work anymore but it’s still a good letter 🙂
This is a one-time mailing to introduce you to and guide you around the award-winning Power Surge Community for women at Midlife. You won’t receive masses of E.mail. We all get too much E.mail as it is. In fact, due to all the spam and anti-spam programs today, the Newsletters have been archived and are available for your convenience.
I realize this is a long letter, but menopause is a LONG process! It’s essential to educate yourself about menopause, about the remedies, tips and various methods of treating menopause symptoms to spare you as much discomfort as possible during this stage of life. I recommend spending 10 minutes of your time reading the information provided in this letter and saving it as a reference. Having created and maintained this community since 1993, I know it blind-folded, so I’ve provided information and direct links to the most important places first, and then you can explore on your own 🙂
I’m Alice Lotto Stamm, aka Dearest, founder of Power Surge. It’s important to know the quality and reputation of the site you’re visiting and depending upon for accurate information.
It’s my personal pleasure to welcome you to this community (created on America Online in 1993) for women at midlife and in menopause celebrating its 16th year online — the only menopause community with such longevity — and as a multi award-winning Web site since 1996. Power Surge contains a wealth of information and resources, and is internationally praised as a powerful support community for women — It is rated the most popular menopause site by Amazon.com‘s, Alexa; a Forbes Magazine“Best of the Web“ site, Forbes says, “Power Surge is one of the top sites for women looking for support and education during a turning point in their lives, menopause;” has consistently, since 1996, been the #1 and only reviewed menopause site in the Yahoo! directory; is called by Health Magazine, “One of the 25 best health sites for women; Prevention Magazine says, “Power Surge is an internet lifesaver;” the April, 2005 issue of Today’s Christian Woman recommends in their “Managing Menopause” article — “For cutting-edge meno-info, visit the leading website, Power-surge.com; the Spring, 2004 issue of Living Fit Magazine calls Power Surge “The premier online community/resource for midlife women — a decade on the cutting edge;” MORE Magazine praises Power Surge as a successful mentor site for women in menopause, Dr. Chris Northrup says, “This site is invaluable.” Dr. Susan Love, among many other medical luminaries, says, “Power Surge is the first, best and most informative menopause site for women.” A small sampling of newspaper and magazine articles about Power Surge.
However, the most important praise comes from the *women* (and men) who’ve visited and participated in Power Surge. A Sampling of women’s and men’s testimonials can be read here.
Now… About YOU!
I know you’re concerned about and interested in learning more about menopause and related midlife issues — in what’s happening that’s suddenly turning your life upside down. Yes, menopause is a “natural” experience, but as natural as it may be, it can be sheer misery. Although menopause isn’t an illness to cure, for many women it can be a great deal of discomfort to endure. Menopause sometimes feels as though a woman, one day vibrant, energetic, feeling fine, suddenly finds herself feeling as though she’s physically and emotionally trying to pull herself through the eye of a needle.
Among women in menopause, it’s common to hear things like, “I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I feel worse than I’ve ever felt in my life!” “Am I losing my mind?” — “My body feels like it’s betraying me!” — “How long does this last? — “Am I ever going to feel normal again?” . . . Well, it does end eventually, but it can take quite a few years. Remember, you’ve been having a menstrual cycle for years. It doesn’t go away overnight and for many women, it often it goes out with a ROAR!
Remember, too, that menopause doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Everything in our lives is connected. Whatever we had to cope with physically prior to menopause is frequently exacerbated BY menopause. Whatever emotional issues we had before often feel like they’re pushing us to the edge of our patience, and cause us to wonder if we possess the ability to endure what can be long and tedious transitional years. Equally, whatever relationship problems we had with our spouses/partners/children/parents/co-workers can all become exaggerated, often intolerable while we’re coping with all these changes. For many, menopause can be so overwhelming, they find themselves turning to almost anything for comfort — their spiritual natures becoming more fine tuned than ever. I know it’s difficult not to become disillusioned, but patience is something you must learn in order to get past this experience and move on to the next stage in life.
Because menopause touches so many areas of our lives, in Power Surge we address not only the physical “changes” associated with menopause, but the psychological and spiritual, empty nest syndrome, relationships at midlife, weight gain, intimacy, nutrition, diet and fitness issues and how to cope with our aging parents while we’re being tested to the max. We address the whole nine yards about “getting older.” Believe it or not, many women find themselves going into menopause loathing the idea of losing their period AND getting older, but I can promise you one thing, once you’ve found a method of treatment that helps your symptoms and once you’re over this passage, you’ll welcome becoming postmenopausal and getting older.
So, pour yourself a cup of relaxing herbal tea (without caffeine) while you click on the blue links that will help you navigate to and around Power Surge. You’ve *finally* found the most supportive community to answer all your questions and unparalleled support to help you through this passage 🙂 And “community” is what it’s all about! You’ll find a list of convenient links at the bottom of this welcome letter.
Navigating the Power Surge Web Site:
Once on the main page of the Web site, you can click on various links on the “Menu” at the top of the page, or throughout the page, OR you can use the handy site map.
Guest Announcements and Monthly Newsletters:
You’re receiving this E.mail because you’ve either registered for the message boards, or signed up for the mailing list directly. If you’re receiving this for some other reason, you can sign up for the mailing list by one of the above two methods to receive weekly announcements of prestigious guest experts who visit Power Surge to answer your questions and the bi-monthly Power Surge newsletter. Your E.Mail address and personal information will be kept private and used only for the Power Surge mailings. Power Surge has a very strict privacy policy.
It’s a BIG Place – WHERE Do I BEGIN?
I recommend starting with What Is Power Surge About? It will give you an idea of the purpose of this community, where you are, where you’re going, and why I created Power Surge back in 1993.
There’s a wealth of information on the Web site, so sometimes it’s difficult to know where to begin. What with hundreds of guest transcripts, informative and motivational articles, newsletters, message boards (see list of links below). Here are a few sample articles from Educate Your Body: There are many, many more articles to read, but these are the best to start with:
- Menopause Survival Tips
- A Menopause Primer – What Is Menopause And What Are The Symptoms?
- What’s A Hot Flash?
- Selecting A Healthcare Practitioner
- Naturally Compounded, Bioidentical Hormones
- Recommendations for Treating Menopause Symptoms
- Menopause, Libido, Vaginal Dryness/Relationship
- About Your Hormones
- Hair Loss And Thinning
- Tips For Menopause-Related Dry Skin
- The Signs of Menopause:Tests To Ask For
- Phytoestrogens, An Exciting Alternative
- Sleep Disorders / Insomnia During Menopause
Many women are more confused than ever since the most current controversy surrounding synthetic HRT (hormone replacement therapy), such as Premarin and Provera (Prempro), so you may want to begin with this information I’ve compiled regarding the important issue of the HRT Controversy. Power Surge has *never* endorsed synthetic hormones, but only bio-identical, natural, plant-derived hormones for women desiring to use hormone supplementation. Everything Power Surge has been concerned about regarding the synthetics was brought to light with the abrupt halting of the (WHI) Women’s Health Initiative Study in 2002.
A wealth of information can be found in the Recommendations area; Educate Your Body Library, the Newsworthy Articles; Guest Transcripts; Resources; Newsletters and on the very active and supportive Web site Message Boards. You’ll find all these links at the bottom of this E.mail.
Recommendations:
A very popular area is the Recommendations page, replete with various methods of treatments for your particular menopause issues — soy isoflavones, herbs, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, anti-oxidants, naturally compounded, bioidentical hormones and numerous other suggestions can be found on this comprehensive list. Don’t be overwhelmed!No one is expected to use everything in the recommendations area. and Being The Best You area. You select what you need to deal with your personal issues. Every woman is different. You discover what works best for your symptoms. Everything you’ll find recommendations page is natural. Power Surge recommends nothing without first trying it. As most women will soon find out, finding the right method of treatment involves trial and error. Sometimes, in severe cases, there may be times when certain medications may become necessary to get you “over the hump” of the depression and/or anxiety often associated with menopause.
Message Boards
There is no shortage of Power Surge message boards where you’ll find support on every imaginable subject and camaraderie with other women going through similar experiences. The Web site message boards have been rated by Forbes Magazine as the “Best of the Web Menopause Boards.” Women can network 24/7 to read, post and engage in real-time chat with other women in menopause in the Insta-Chat. The subjects cover a host of subjects. Registration is required to participate in the Power Surge Message Boards for the purpose of keeping out multi-level marketing people whose only purpose is to clutter the boards with advertisements. The boards are a haven for friendship, information and support.
Chats
Power Surge is the only menopause site that for 14 years has had regular guest chats in the area of menopause, women’s health and midlife-related issues. Every Thursday night, I host guest chats at 9:15 PM, ET in the Power Surge chat room where YOU have the opportunity to interact with medical luminaries and women’s health experts you wouldn’t likely have the opportunity to chat with about your menopause issues. Power Surge also gives away free books and/or gifts at the guest chats. For information about the guest chats, click here for the guest schedule. The Web chat and Insta-Chat chat on the message board are open 24/7, 365 days a year. Use them whenever you wish.
Transcripts of Guest Chats and Newsletters
There are hundreds of wonderfully informative transcripts of hundreds of prominent guest experts who’ve appeared in Power Surge’s guest chats, a very small sampling of whom are: Dr. Robert Atkins, Dr. Susan Love, Dr. Christiane Northrup, Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld, Dr. Bob Arnot, Dr. John Lee, Dr. Susan Rako (The Hormone of Desire), Dr. Elizabeth Vliet (Screaming To Be Heard); Dr. Pamela Peeke; Authors, Gail Sheehy (The Silent Passage), Rona Jaffe, Nancy Friday, Lonnie Barbach (The Pause), Health Educators, Judith Sachs, Nutritionist, Ann Louse Gittleman, Linda Ojeda; Fitness gurus, Denise Austin, Kathy Smith; Actress, Linda Dano; Relationship Experts, Steven Carter (Men Who Can’t Love), Barbara De Angelis and hundreds more! They can be found in the Transcript Library . Next to each guest’s name is their area of expertise. You might even find it easier going through the Guest Schedule which includes short bios of guests since 2000 and links to their transcripts. For comprehensive newsletters, articles, FAQ’s, resources of relevance to women in menopause, visit the Power Surge Reading Room
Ask The Experts
A very popular area on the Web site is Ask The Power Surge Experts. Power Surge is renowned for the experts with which it associates because… We Believe Only In The *Best*
OB-GYN, Ask Gynecologist, Phillip Warner, M.D. an OB-GYN with years of experience, whose area of expertise is women, menopause and who does not believe in synthetic hormones. Dr. Warner has spoken out for years against Premarin and Prempro, the synthetic estrogen and estrogen/progestin combo derived from horse urine.
Psychiatrist and Neurologist, Anxiety, panic , depression and stress-related medical conditions doctor, Ask Stuart Shipko, M.D., a board-certified Psychiatrist and Neurologist, founder of The Panic Disorders Institute and author who has treated more than 2500 patients with panic attacks/disorder and whose practice focuses on anxiety, panic, depression and stress-related medical conditions.
Intimacy expert, Ask Dr. Sandy Scantling — a clinical psychologist and author whose practice focuses on intimacy and sexuality problems which frequently occur during the transitional years.
Weight Issues expert, Ask Dr. Denise Lamothe — a clinical psychologist who’s area of expertise is eating disorders. Dr. Lamothe is the author of the book, The Taming Of The Chew.
Before posting a question to our experts, I suggest you check each expert’s area’s archived answers, plus there’s a search in each expert’s area if you’re looking for specific information.
Books For Women At Midlife and in Menopause
A comprehensive list of recommended books can be found in the Power Surge Bookstore. The list can be a bit overwhelming to newcomers, so here’s Power Surge’s list of favorite menopause books. New books are always being added.
Site-wide Search
The Web-site search engine contains a very comprehensive search feature where you can not only search the entire Web site, but individual areas, such as the guest transcripts, newsletters, articles sections and the individual experts in the “ask the experts” areas. A handy “tip” I’ve learned from years of using search engines is to locate exactly what I’m looking for when there’s more than one word, such as “hot flashes,” to put the phrase inside “quotation marks.” This works well with all search engines as well.
Contact Us
If you need any help, feel free to: Contact the Power Surge Team. Please make certain you select the right contact person.
Important About Your Privacy & E.mail:
Because there is so much spam mail these days, Power Surge chooses to protect your privacy by sending its mailings BCC (blind carbon copies). In this way, others on the list can’t see your address. We have no way of knowing if someone who has subscribed to our mailing list is looking to harvest E.mail addresses for marketing their products or selling addresses and bombarding you with E.mail. However, because our mailings are sent BCC, many ISP’s (Internet Service Providers), may interpret it as “spam” mail and may drop Power Surge mail into a “spam” or “junk” mail folder even though it’s something to which you’ve subscribed. Therefore, you may want to check your spam/junk mail folders for Power Surge newsletters. If you don’t receive our weekly mailings, you might try contacting your ISP to find out why you’re not receiving it.
AOL User E.mail Information:
In AOL versions 8.0 and 9.0, AOL is providing anti-spam features, where it allows you to configure E.mail you wish to receive. If you wish to receive the Power Surge mailings, it will be necessary to add PowerSurgeWoman@aol.com to the mail you accept, or it will be treated as spam and you may never see it.
Convenient Links
Power Surge has many areas. Here are some convenient links to help you navigate Power Surge and find all the information you’re seeking:
Power Surge has many areas. Here are some convenient links to help you navigate Power Surge and find all the information you’re seeking:
- Stop By And Meet Dearest
- Power Surge Recommendations
- Web site Message Boards & Insta-chat
- Ask The Experts
- Power Surge Live! Web Chat
- Guest Schedule
- Guest Chat Transcripts
- Educate Your Body
- Resources, Newsletters, FAQ’s
- Newsworthy Articles
- Power Surge In The News
- Being The Best You!
- Your Feedback
- The Poll Vault
- Testimonials
- Recommended Reading
- Women’s Midlife Greetings
- he Women of Power Surge
- The Male Point of View
- Sign up for the mailing list
- Unsubscribe from mailing list
- Contact the Power Surge Team
- Site Map
(You can unsubscribe from the mailing list at the bottom of
the newsletters you receive by clicking on “Manage Your Subscription”
I can’t tell you how pleased I am that you’ve found Power Surge. I know you will garner excellent information, strength and support from this multi award-winning community, plus make wonderful friends with other women going through the same transition.
We’ve been here for 15 years helping to empower women to take charge of their bodies. So, as we sojourn through this transition, some of us in our own little cocoons, remember — “If nothing ever changed, there’d be no butterflies.” 🙂
Power Surge
In Our 16th Year informing & supporting women through menopause!
Alice Stamm
(aka Dearest / PowerSurgeWoman)
The Power Surge Community For Women
At Midlife And In Menopause
Celebrating Our 16th Year Online
http://www.power-surge.com
Founder, Facilitator
E.Mail: Dearest@aol.com
* FORBES Magazine: “Best of the Web”
(featured in cover article on the accuracy of
Internet Health sites, “Use With Care”)
* LIVING FIT Magazine’s Spring, 2004 Issue calls
Power Surge, “The premier online community/resource
for midlife women — a decade on the cutting edge”
* HEALTH Magazine selected Power Surge
one of “The 25 Best Health Sites for Women”
* PREVENTION Magazine: “Power Surge is an
Internet Lifesaver”
* SUSAN LOVE, M.D.: “Power Surge is the first, the
best and most informative menopause site for women”
* TODAY’S CHRISTIAN WOMAN: April, 2005 article,
“Managing Menopause,” says, “For cutting-edge
meno-info, visit the leading website, Power Surge.”
* CBS Healthwatch: “Power Surge has had a
powerful effect on the mental and physical
health of women”
* MORE Magazine praises Power Surge as a
“Valuable Menopause Mentor” in its April, 2003 issue
* CHICAGO TRIBUNE: “If your mom’s not around to offer
advice on hot flashes as you enter menopause, head for
a Web site called Power Surge.”
Copyright 1994-2009 Power-Surge.com, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
Reproduction in whole or part without permission is prohibited.
by Dearest
Women “pausing” in Power Surge often ask one another what remedies they’ve used to address their menopausal issues. I had the good fortune to be made aware of nutrition early on in life by my dearest friend and savvy mother, Anne, who went through a difficult menopause and prepared me for what to expect. The general consensus is that your menopause is likely to be similar to your mother’s menopausal experience.
I was astonished when she told me that she had menopause-related high cholesterol of 400, which she lowered only with soy lecithin — 40+ years ago. She’s 95 today. That’s when I started researching ways of naturally lowering cholesterol and exploring the many benefits of soy protein and isoflavones.
Realisitcally, like you, I do not live on vitamins alone. I don’t buy organic foods. I eat the wrong things more often than I should, and oftentimes the joints ache too much to exercise. Do the best you can because nobody can help YOU through this transition as much as yourself!
Read, educate yourself, ask questions and learn tips that will help you “survive” this transition of life.
Time-Tested TIPS from Power Surge. You’ll find specific remedies in the recommendations area.
Menopause is a time fraught with physical, hormotional and spiritual changes.
For those concerned with weight loss, perimenopause is hardly the time for strict dieting. You have enough on your plate already (no pun intended). It’s enough to cope with the extreme hormonal upheavals. However, one can and should try to observe the best eating and exercise habits because they can be extremely helpful during peri and postmenopause, and can help to eliminate many of the problems you experience and form the foundation for a healthy future. It’s wise to begin a mild strength-training program to prevent muscle and bone degeneration later in life.
Did you know that exercise is one of the most effective measures in lowering cholesterol? Lowering your LDL (the ‘bad’ cholesterol) and raising your HDL (the ‘good’ cholesterol) AND lowering your triglycerides, too!
Did you also know that a few minutes of exercise can stop a panic attack dead in its tracks? Reduce anxiety? Decrease and even eliminate depression? Exercise does more than boost your mood and energy level, it also has a long-lasting calming effect. You don’t need elaborate equipment or gyms. The best equipment you have is your own body. Studies show that people feel less anxious while they are exercising and then for the next several hours. You don’t need to do an hour of heavy aerobics. A review of dozens of studies determined that you need to exercise for only 20 minutes for this natural tranquilizer to kick in. It’s a known fact that the best exercise is walking — even a twenty minute walk a day. The important thing is “consistency.” So, if you do 20 minutes of exercise even three times a week, it can be instrumental in establishing optimal health and, yes, lessening the severity of menopausal symptoms.
Brown Bagging It! Increased anxiety, hyperventilating and even panic attacks are common complaints during the perimenopausal years. You’ll find numerous suggestions all over the site about how to handle anxiety/panic. Sure, there are herbs, vitamins, tranquilizers, antidepressants and the exercise mentioned above. However, Power Surge also recommends brown bagging it, especially in emergency situations. You ask, “What is brown bagging it?”
Get yourself a small paper bag. Squish (yes, squish) the top together as though you were going to POP IT! Take the gathered top part of the bag and place it tightly over your nose and mouth, preventing outside air from getting in. Now, inhale deeply! When you feel you can’t inhale anymore, inhale just a little… bit … more. Next, slowly… exhale … and when you feel there’s no breath left … exhale just a little … bit … more. Do this for no longer than 30 seconds and see how you feel. Should you feel light-headed, don’t continue. However, most people have no problems and can do this exercise for one minute. The idea behind this is that by breathing into the paper bag, you’re inhaling carbon dioxide, which serves as a relaxant to your body’s organs, rather than oxygen which acts as a stimulant. Therefore, this exercise can be excellent for palpitations, anxiety, hyperventilation and general stress. Carry a brown bag in your purse. Stick one in your car’s glove compartment. You’ll be amazed at how simple and effective this procedure is!
Speaking of palpitations, should they hit, try taking 500 mg. of magnesium. They say, “If it spasms, give it magnesium.” The same holds true for migraines. If you feel a migraine coming on, try 500 mg. magnesium. You’ll find more info about magnesium on the Recommendations page.
Take one aspirin tablet per day (325 mg., 1/2 a regular adult dose) as a natural anti-coagulant. Antiplatelet therapy reduces the risk of any serious vascular event by about one quarter; risk of non-fatal heart attack by one third, non-fatal stroke by one quarter, and vascular death by one sixth. If heart attack (or stroke) symptoms occur, take one aspirin immediately as its anti-coagulant effects can mean the difference between life and death.
Become more aware of nutrition — what you put into your body. The types of oils you use in cooking, the way you prepare your foods. Canola, Sunflower, Safflower and Olive oils are the best. Sunflower oil actually serves as a cleanser of your arteries to remove plaque and prevent more plaque from forming. Certain fats are good for your body, while others are bad.. As you are aging your skin, hair and nails are likely to become drier and more brittle and lose their natural oils. Moisturize your skin and deep-condition your hair. And eat lots of fruit and fiber.
Avoid processed foods, nicotine, caffeine, artificial sweetners and “junk” food. These are no-no’s for menopausal women. Try to cut down or, better yet, stop drinking carbonated drinks, especially diet sodas – and more especially, those made with aspertame (Nutrasweet). The carbonation can cause bloating. I can’t even begin to tell you what sort of side effects you can experience from aspertame and so many low-calorie foods are made with it. It wouldn’t surprise me if you stopped using aspertame and some of the symptoms you attributed to menopause disappeared.
Keep a journal. Journalling can be extremely useful. A suggestion — when you have a hot flash, mood swing, palpitations, bout of binge eating, sudden elevated anxiety, panic attack, or any number of repetitive behavioral problems, take a pen and paper (or treat yourself to an actual journal) and write down:
- What you were doing
- What you were thinking
- What you were feeling
- With whom you were interacting
- What they said to you
- What you ate just prior to the onset of the problem
… and anything else you can think of that might be useful in identifying your triggers.
By keeping a running journal of the ‘changes’ you experience, you’ll be able to identify those circumstances, foods, people, thoughts, activities that may have triggered the physical and emotional changes. Through examination, you can see if there’s a pattern to the emotional UPS and downs, you can utilize the process of elimination in pinpointing the cause of the problem! You can keep your own menopause blog/journal, a free feature when you sign up for the Power Surge Message Board.
Dress in thin layers. When a hot flash hits, you can peel off the top layer (without getting arrested) and wear cotton as it is the most absorbent and cool of all fibers.
Additional suggestions:
- Drink a glass of cold water or juice at the onset of a flash
- At night, keep a carafe or thermos of ice water or an ice pack alongside your bed
- Use cotton sheets, sleeping garments, lingerie, and clothing to let your skin “breathe”
Believe it or not, one of the quickest remedies for hot flashes and sweats is in your own refrigerator. Open the freezer and pull out a bag of frozen vegetables. Place it on your face, neck, inner arms and wrists. It’s refreshing and often can thwart a hot flash instantly. When unanticipated hot flashes or sweats hit, especially while travelling, a handy item to have is a mini portable personal fan. I’ve kept one in my glove compartment since I started perimenopause. It’s inexpensive and effective. Remember, this isn’t a taboo subject any longer. There’s no need to be embarrassed. It’s a natural occurrence. So, use your frozen veggies, or whip out your hand fan and, uncomfortable as it may be, try to find the humor in it. Everyone else will, too.
Eat lots of garlic!. Garlic is excellent for blood pressure and cholesterol. You can also take garlic in in a gel tablet – odorless, too. Also, eat lots of broccoli. It’s loaded with phytochemicals, vitamins and contains the highest amount of antioxidants than any other vegetable. Stacked with protective compounds , such as isothiocyanates and sulforaphane, as well as indole-3-carbinol (I3C), a substance that is said to have anticancer actions, broccoli tops the list of ‘must serves’. The entire Brassica family of vegetables, (which includes Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, Chinese cabbage, bok choy, kale and collard greens), contains a compound that activates certain enzymes in the human body to protect cells from genetic damage.
Try adding cinnamon and ground flaxseed to your morning oatmeal. It’s been discovered that cinnamon is very effective in lowering hyptertension. Ground flaxseed blends nicely with oatmeal and is one of the most important things you should take. Flax is good for your heart, for maintaining healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels, one of the “good fats” our bodies need, has anti-carcinogenic properties to protect us from various forms of cancer. Flaxseed is an excellent source of fiber and especially Omega 3 Fatty Acids. A 2 tablespoon serving provides 2400 mg of Omega 3. Read more about flaxseed.
When our estrogen levels dip, our cholesterol levels often become elevated. It’s not something to be alarmed about, but it is something to take action to treat. Your health care practitioner may immediately suggest going on statins, such as Lipitor, Zocor, etc., to lower your cholesterol. Remember, this is probably a temporary condition and there are many ways to lower cholesterol naturally before resorting to prescription drugs — especially getting involved in a regular exercise programl. See Power Surge’s Recommendations.
Avoid fried, rich, spicy foods and too much sugar. As we go through the menopause transition, women are more likely to develop heartburn, acid reflux, gallstones, so avoid spicy and fatty foods.
You know how we suddenly develop cravings for chocolate? They’ve said that chocolate is the “feel good” food – probably raising seratonin levels. However, while it may make us feel good for a short while, chocolate and all sweets can bring on hot flashes, raise insulin levels, cause palpitations, anxiety and even depression in some, so while everyone’s exalting chocolate to the sky, remember it’s not good for every peri and postmenopausal woman.
Avoid toxic situations and people! Menopause can be likened to Murphy’s Law — whenever anything can go wrong, it does! Our patience is tested to the max while we’re coping with all these changes. It seems all our demons, every unresolved issue of our life, hits us right between the eyes during perimenopause. We each know at least one someone who pushes all our wrong buttons. If you know certain situations or people are invariably going to cause you grief, do everything within your power to avoid them. Avoid inconsequential arguments. Many women who have passed through Power Surge have discussed issues with anxiety and anger — oftentimes, inappropriate anger — even feelings of rage. This isn’t uncommon during perimenopause while our hormones are ebbing and flowing, up and down until we feel like an alien has taken over our body. There are simple things you can use from the breathing exercises above to taking lots of vitamin B, especially inositol, which is known as “nature’s own tranquilizer.” Many women are helped by using St. John’s Wort. It’s not only good for depression, but helps anxiety as well. You’ll find numerous suggestions on the Recommendations page and in the Being The Best You area of the site. There’s also a very helpful article, A surprising new health tip: When you’re angry, let it show. Here’s a helpful article about anxiety.
Let the light in. Turn down the noise. Find a quiet, peaceful place to regroup, or simply to read, to sew, to relax, to be free from all the stresses of the world. Perhaps you can use that time to boot up the computer and share with other women going through the same thing as you! And, DO turn off the news! One of the most contributing factors to high stress levels is watching the local news. Whether you live alone, or with your family, explain that you need some time and space for yourself. If they love you, they’ll understand what you’re going through. Explain that it has nothing to do with them, but that you simply need to tune out some of those things that cause you to feel worse.
The bottom line: LEARN TO P-A-M-P-E-R yourself!
Look at all the “TO DO” lists you’ve accumulated! I recetly printed out just one of my to do lists and ended up with 15 printed pages. You know as well as I that many of the notations on your to do list have been there for weeks, maybe months (maybe years). I could wallpaper my entire house with all the post-its scattered about my computer room/office. IF you must keep appointments organized, put them in your cell phone’s notepad. If you don’t want or can’t afford an expensive cell phone/PDA, you can purchase a less expensive PDA such as the Palm z22 PDA or the Palm Tungsten E2 100.
If you drink alcoholic beverages, do so in moderation (a glass of red wine daily is good for your health). Once I entered perimenopause, I had to stop enjoying my glass of red wine because of the havoc it wreaked on my body. If you smoke, stop, or, at least, cut down to a minimum. You already know why without my telling you.
Alcoholic beverages can contribute to hot flashes and palpitations, plus raise your triglycerides as alcohol is converted to sugar in the body. Sugar and alcohol are two of the worst offenders during perimenopause and elevated triglycerides is one of the greatest contributors to heart disease.
High carbohydrate foods can also cause hot flashes, palpitations, anxiety and depression, plus elevated insulin levels which can exacerbate menopausal symptoms, plus too many carbohydrates can cause weight gain.
For the nausea often associated with perimenopause and PMS, try a cup of boiling water with 2-3 tsp. of lemon juice (from concentrated lemon juice). Sip it slowly and it should work like a charm every time. Ginger is also supposed to be helpful. However, using ginger itself may cause stomach problems. They say to add ginger to food, but really, who wants to eat when they feel nauseous? I would also recommend drinking some warm ginger ale (soda). You can also try peppermint or camomille tea, but not too much (I still prefer plain water and lemon).
Try to keep your sense of humor. I’ve always said in Power Surge, the moment we lose our sense of humor about life in general is the moment that life becomes unmanageable.
If you’re dealing with hair thinning and/or loss, there are some excellent tips in Hair Loss and Thinning at Menopause.
If you’re suffering from dry skin and other midlife and/or menopause-related skin disorders, you’ll find good information and tips in Tips for Midlife Dry Skin. There’s additional information about vaginal dryness here.
It’s really okay after years of playing superwoman to take time for yourself. You’ll be amazed at how well everyone manages to get along without your constant attention. Take time to regroup. Make “quiet time” for yourself. Go for a walk. Learn meditation. Reacquaint yourself with your inner child! She’s yearning to be heard. Find that peaceful place within yourself that so many of us seem to sequester away at some point in our lives, perhaps during times of stress, confusion, fear, frustration and pain — just when we need it. In my moments of anxiety and stress, music has soothed me. I have found peaceful moments with the help of Power Surge friend, Christine Magnussen’s Harp recording, “On Wings Of A Dove.
Of course, medication has its place in treating various conditions — many specifically related to perimenopause and menopause. However, medication isn’t always the answer. Not all, but many of the answers may lie within you and, believe it or not, how you “translate” everything that’s happening in your body. Own your body. It’s within your power.
Read and understand. You want to know more about menopause – visit Educate Your Body. If you’re interested in complex medical abstracts the averge woman doesn’t understand, this is not the place for it. We strive to make information you need about this rite of passage — simple and understable. There are menopause primers all over the site. There’s a list of prestigious experts in the area of menopause and women’s health a mile long, all of whom have appeared in Power Surge to answer your questions. Learn from their wisdom. They all talk in plain language. Glance at all the wonderful praise that’s been bestowed upon Power Surge and you’ll know you’re in a safe and caring place.
Become friends with your body. Listen to the messages it gives you. Your body will instinctively tell you more about what’s going on, especially during peri and postmenopause, than test results –and you can learn how to instinctively respond to it. Remember, if you treat your body well during these transitional years, it will treat you well in return… and long down the road. Own your body!
Be sure to check out the transcript library and other areas of the site for more information on menopause symptoms, methods of treatment, recommendations and Ask The Experts areas. There’s also the comprehensive Power Surge Search Engine to find specific information on any subject you’re looking for.
And, by all means, if you want to commiserate with other women — women who truly understand what you’re going through, the Power Surge Message Board and Insta-chat are best places to find them!
Other good “starter” articles are,
You are one of a special group of women who have a report of an inconclusive or abnormal PAP smear. About 3% of all women will develop these changes in a lifetime. You have been advised to have a colposcopy performed for more evaluation.
What is a Pap smear?
A pap smear is a routine screening test done by your provider during a pelvic exam. The surface of the cervix (mouth or neck of the womb or uterus) is scraped with a spatula and the scraped-off cells from the cervix are fixed on a glass slide. This slide is called a pap smear and is sent to a special lab where it is processed and evaluated by highly trained technicians and doctors. By improvement in technique, the pap smear has become very sensitive in picking up early changes in the cervix. Consequently, we have many more patients with inconclusive or abnormal pap smears to evaluate than we had just a few years ago.
Does a report of inconclusive or abnormal pap smear mean you have cancer?
Almost never! The pap smear will detect early abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix long before cancer develops. This is the purpose of the pap smear. The majority of patients referred to the colposcopy clinic have a final diagnosis of either “mild to moderate dysplasia” or “normal” cervix. Mild to moderate dysplasia means that there are early changes in the cells of the surface layer of the cervix, which have a potential for developing into cancer many years from now. A few patients will have a diagnosis of carcinoma-in-situ. This condition is a little more advanced than severe dysplasia, but does not mean invasive cancer. It, too, has a potential for developing into invasive cancer, if left untreated.
How do you get a diagnosis or know what’s wrong?
Specially trained providers use an instrument called a “colposcope” to examine your cervix carefully. The colposcope is similar to a microscope. It is attached to a floor stand and magnifies the cervix under a powerful beam of light. By using this instrument, the doctor can locate any suspicious areas on the surface of the cervix that are not visible to the naked eye. The provider will take small tissue samples (biopsies) from these areas. The specimens are sent to the pathology lab for processing and evaluation. Upon receipt of results of biopsy, you will be contacted by your provider who will then read the report and discuss the treatment advised.
Does taking a “small sample” of the cervix cause pain?
Yes, though discomfort is probably a better word. Such discomfort is generally minimal and lasts only a few minutes. One of the biopsies includes going into the cervical canal and can cause cramps.
Are there any complications after cervical biopsy?
Generally, complications are rare. You will have vaginal spotting of blood for a few days. Rarely, you may bleed heavier than a menstrual period within a few hours after having the biopsy. You should call your provider if you bleed excessively- more than one sanitary napkin/tampon per hour.
Will I be restricted in my activities after a cervical biopsy?
No. You can carry on your normal activities, although you should avoid intercourse for 14 days while the cervix is healing.
What is a “mild to moderate” dysplasia diagnosis on a cervical biopsy?
“Mild to moderate” dysplasia is the earliest abnormal change in the cells within the surface layer of the cervix. It has potential, if left untreated, of progressing to a more severe change after several years.
What is Colposcopy?
It is an examination of the cervix through a special instrument called a colposcope. The examination is done to gain a more detailed knowledge of the abnormality so that decisions can be made about the best form of treatment, should this be necessary. The colposcope resembles a microscope and it enables the doctor to have a magnified view of the outer cervix. The examination does not take long, possibly ten or fifteen minutes and is done while you are awake in the rooms.
How is Colposcopy Performed?
The colposcope is placed between your legs which are apart and resting in supports. The doctor will use a spectulum to hold the walls of the vagina apart making it possible to see the cervix.
What Happens Next?
What follows depends on the appearance of the area. It may be that after closer observation it is decided that nothing will be done.
A Pap smear may be taken to check for consistency with the earlier “positive” smear. Then the doctor will dab a little acetic acid on the cervix which shows up the abnormal area clearly.
It may be that a biopsy is required, and if this is so, a tiny sample of the tissue will be taken. Women do not always feel this but some women certainly experience pain at this point. There may be a small amount of bleeding afterwards and period like cramps may occur for a day or two. The specimen taken at biopsy will be sent to pathology to help decide on the treatment required or to confirm the diagnosis.
Throughout the examination your doctor will explain what is going on and afterwards will discuss the finding as far as he is able at this stage. If minor changes only are seen, you may be told that treatment is not necessary but you will be reminded to report again for a Pap smear after a certain period of time. If an abnormality (dysplasia) is confirmed, arrangements will be made for treatment. If a biopsy has been taken it may be three days before the results are available.
What is a “mild to moderate” dysplasia diagnosis on a cervical biopsy?
“Mild to moderate” dysplasia is the earliest abnormal change in the cells within the surface layer of the cervix. It has potential, if left untreated, of progressing to a more severe change after several years.
What, exactly, is Dysplasia?
Dysplasia, or CIN (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia), are the words used to refer to a condition that occurs when the cells on the surface of the cervix are replaced by abnormal cells. This is not a cancerous condition but, if neglected, it has the potential to become cancerous.
There are three levels from mild to severe.
- CIN 1 = Mild dysplasia
- CIN 2 = Moderate dysplasia
- CIN 3 = Severe dysplasia
CIN 1 and more minor changes are also termed low grade abnormalities, whereas CIN 2 and 3 are termed high grade abnormalities.
What About Treatment?
The treatment chosen will depend on the extent of the problem diagnosed. The aim of any treatment will be to destroy or remove abnormal cells (dysplasia).
Can “mild to moderate” dysplasia be treated in the office? And how?
The majority of patients with “mild to moderate” dysplasia can be treated with cryosurgery. This method is a way of treating the cervix. Because the abnormal cells are found in the surface layers of the cervix, the freezing technique destroys the surface layer, which is cast off. The cervix then will produce a new surface layer of normal cells. Think of the freezing as similar to a burn on the skin of your hand (without the pain). The surface layer is destroyed and cast off like a blister; then a new “skin” replaces the old.
Possible treatments are:
- Electro-diathermy which destroys the cells by using a heat producing electric current.
- Laser treatment, where a high intensity light beam is used to destroy the abnormal cells.
- Cryotherapy, where a freezing technique is used to destroy the affected area.
- Cone biopsy – a procedure where a cone shaped wedge containing abnormal cells is removed from the cervix. This procedure will assist in the confirmation of the diagnosis and remove the abnormal tissue at the same time.
- Diathermy loop excision (LEEP or LLETZ) where an electric current running through a wire loop is used to excise the abnormality.
Usually treatment takes place at a Day Surgery Unit or in the doctor’s rooms. Some treatments take place under general anaesthetic and other treatments are performed under local anaesthetic, which means you will be awake during the treatment.
You should feel well enough for your normal work the following day. Any cramping or period-like pain you may experience should be relieved by a mild pain killer. As the area treated heals over the next few weeks, there may be some pinkish vaginal discharge. Intercourse should be avoided over the next four weeks as healing is taking place.
If the more serious condition of cancer is diagnosed, other treatment will be recommended by your doctor. This may mean surgery or radiotherapy or both. Early treatment means complete cure for most women.
Follow Up:
Your doctor may ask you to come back for further colposcopic examination to make sure healing has taken place and that treatment has been effective. These are important visits which ensure your good health and feeling of confidence so do not neglect them. You may be advised to have Pap smears more frequently than the usual two years.
What is Carcinoma-in-situ?
Carcinoma–in-situ is a more advanced lesion, affecting the cells within the surface layer of the cervix. However, it is not a true cancer. But if left untreated, it has the potential for developing into cancer. If you have carcinoma-in-situ you will be referred to a gynecologist for further treatment.
What is cryosurgery?
Cryosurgery is a procedure in which abnormal body tissues (sometimes referred to as lesions) are destroyed by exposure to extremely cold temperatures.
When is it used?
Cryosurgery is used to treat skin lesions such as freckles (for cosmetic reasons), hemorrhoids, warts, and some skin cancers.
It is also used to treat skin changes from genital wart virus and precancerous changes on the surface of a woman’s cervix. These precancerous abnormalities are usually found from a Pap smear. (The lesions are also called “dysplasia”, CIN, or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.) Sometimes freezing is not an option if the abnormalities are too large.
How do I prepare for cryosurgery?
Most likely you will not have to do anything to prepare for cryosurgery. It is a simple procedure and it is done in a short time in your health care provider’s office.
What happens during the procedure?
Your health care provider will use a probe-like tool to treat the affected areas. A very cold gas, usually nitrous oxide, is pumped through the probe. The gas makes the tip of the probe very cold.
Your provider will touch the tip of the probe to the affected area. When the cervix is treated you probably won’t feel the cold sensation. Most women tolerate this procedure well, and leave the office with no discomfort.
How long your provider keeps the probe touching the skin or cervix depends on the size and type of the lesion and what type of gas is being used. For some abnormal tissue, such as genital warts, the procedure works best if the tissue is frozen quickly, allowed to thaw for a few minutes, and then frozen again.
Is cryosurgery painful?
Generally not. It can cause mild cramping. Occasionally, it is accompanied by a temporary feeling of lightheadedness and flushing.
How long does it take?
About ten to fifteen minutes in the examining room.
Does it ever have to be repeated?
Yes. A second treatment is necessary in 10 to 20% of cases, if the changes persist.
What are the after effects of cryosurgery?
You will have a very watery vaginal discharge for 2 to 6 weeks. This may be mixed with some blood. You may need to use many sanitary napkins during these first few weeks. However, cryosurgery will not affect your menstrual cycle or cause infertility. Complete healing of the cervix takes about 3 months.
Are there any restrictions to activities?
You can carry-on your normal activities; however, you should avoid intercourse or douching for at least 2 weeks during the time of heavy watery discharge. The cervix is undergoing a healing process. Irritation to this area should be avoided, as bleeding can occur.
What happens after the procedure?
For skin lesions such as warts, a small blister will form. The blister will later become a scab or a crust. Your health care provider will tell you how to care for the wound.
There are usually no complications from this procedure. However, occasionally women who are having cervical cryosurgery have hot flushes or faint. If you have cryosurgery of the cervix, you will be asked to stay in the health care providers office for at least 10 minutes after the procedure. Although it is rare, sometimes women faint more than 10 minutes after the procedure, so it is a good idea to have someone take you home. Many women have mild abdominal cramping after cervical cryosurgery. Many women also have a watery discharge from the vagina after the procedure.
Some abnormal tissues may need to be treated more than once. Your health care provider will tell you how often you need to be checked for recurrence or retreatment. You will need a follow-up visit to check healing and to see if any abnormal tissue still remains.
If you have cervical cryosurgery for an abnormal Pap smear, your health care provider will tell when you should have your next Pap smear.
Follow your health care provider’s instructions for checking back for problems, questions, and your next visit.
What are the benefits of cryosurgery?
Cryosurgery is very effective and is less expensive than other treatments. It can be done in your health care provider’s office and anesthesia is not necessary.
What are the risks associated with cryosurgery?
If you are being treated for a cervical lesion, during or after cryosurgery you may experience: – fainting – hot flushes – lower abdominal cramping.
If you are being treated for a skin lesion, you may have: – discoloration of the treated area – damaged hair and sweat glands in the treated area – minor scarring.
When should I call the doctor?
Call your doctor’s office if:
- The treated area is bleeding or not healing.
- The lesions reappear.
- The treated area develops symptoms of infection.
- You have abdominal cramps after cervical cryosurgery that last longer than
24 hours.
- You have a foul-smelling vaginal discharge after cervical cryosurgery for
longer than your doctor told you to expect.
MaryO’Note: Links are removed from this page
“Being the best you” is in your hands! Remember how many years you nurtured everyone else? Cared for their needs? Well, now it’s time for you, but many of us don’t know where to begin to care for ourselves.
Being the best you is learning to nurture yourself. It isn’t being someone you’re not. It isn’t placing unrealistic expectations on yourself, nor allowing others to put them on you. It isn’t expecting yourself to transition through menopause’s physical, psychological and spiritual changes and expecting to be the same size 10 you once were. It’s accepting the changes, the aches and pains, learning to take a nap, finding time to regroup and sharing with other women who are going through the same thing.
There’s plenty of time to lose the excess pounds which frequently accompany menopause. Hormones will level off and everything will fall into place. Being the best you doesn’t mean you have to be the superwoman you’ve been for years. It means finding what works to make you feel better. It means taking care of YOU! Making time for YOU!
Where do you begin? By educating yourself, and arming yourself with the most updated information about treating menopause. By networking with other women who understand what you’re going through. By learning about nutrition, vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants and the most natural ways to address your individual issues during menopause and beyond. Power Surge has spent years finding the best supplements, recommending only the finest products that meet the highest standards of quality. The vitamins, minerals and herbs recommended are by a reputable manufacturer whose products meet those standards
Hands down, the BEST multi vitamin for pre or postmenopausal women — containing the proper doses of vita-nutrients required by women during their transitional years — practically everything you need in one vitamin.
There are many options for treating your menopause issues — essential vitamins, minerals, soy protein and isoflavones, herbs, exercise, naturally compounded hormones, natural progesterone creams. Just trying to maintain our sanity during the confusing time of menopause is a tall order. It often feels like your body is betraying you. Learn to give yourself time and space to regroup, find a quiet space for to sort through this confusing time. Heal your weary soul with beautiful music. Find ways of coping. Learn to pamper and be good to yourself. Take care of yourself. Try a new haircut. Maybe even a new hair color. Accept that you’re changing. Treat yourself to something new, something fun, something empowering and learn some Power Surge Menopause Survival Tips.
Expect others to accept you and not to put pressure on you to be someone you’re not. Don’t waste precious time beating yourself up over getting older. So, you may not be the young whipper-snapper you once were. Who is? Life isn’t about what you used to be. Life is about who and what you are today. Applaud yourself for what you’ve accomplished and for who you are now. Life isn’t going to stand still through all these transitions, so do everything possible to be the best YOU you can be!
Power Surge is in its 20th year as an established and well-respected menopause community. After JAMA’s (The Journal of the American Medical Association) article about accuracy in health on the Web, HEALTH Magazine followed up with an article in their April, 2000 issue. They selected the top women’s health experts to sort through thousands of sites on the Internet to find those that met the criteria, accurate, informative, safe and reliable. Power Surge was selected one of “The 25 Best Health Sites for Women” and FORBES Magazine featured Power Surge in its “Best of the Web” issue’s cover article, Use With Care. HEALTH and FORBES Magazines are only two of many who have praised Power Surge as an exemplary resource for women in menopause.
Menopause is not for sissies. Being the best you means learning that there are positive steps you can take to be the best you during a time of life when it seems everything in your body is challenging that goal.
But … you’re smarter and stronger!
“I repeat over and over on the site that any complaints a woman has during menopause should not automatically be attributed to the process of menopause. That’s an important disclaimer. In short, before assuming, not that you are, that any of the things you’ve mentioned in your message are associated with peri or postmenopause, you should be checked by a doctor you respect, trust and admire — one who listens to you and doesn’t just hand you a prescription to resolve your problems.
That having been said, let me tell you that during those “worst” years of perimenopause, I experienced SO MANY strange, inexplicable and, oftentimes, bizarre feelings in my body, I conjured up notions of having a brain tumor, Parkinson’s Disease, Lupus, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Menniere’s Disease, a heart condition, paralysis, a potential stroke, glaucoma — have I left anything out? And I say none of this with humor.
Perimenopause is the singularly most uncomfortable time of a woman’s life. I’ve posted many times about the internal shaking. It’s been my nemesis and continues this day to plague me.
I had the facial tremors and buzzing sensations on a daily basis. The feelings were so strange, they almost defy description. No one could see it, but it felt as though I were having a stroke. I’d often experience numbness in my face and on my left side at the same time — a red flag would go up because I thought I was definitely having a coronary situation or stroke. Facial ticks, facial tremors, an electrical buzzing in the back of my neck and various parts of my body drove me to distraction.
The good part about this story is that most of those symptoms DO go away once you’ve been without a period for about a year or two. Those feelings, in the majority of cases, are due to the hormonal fluctuations your body is experiencing. Imagine turning the thermostat in your house up and down a dozen or more times a day. Your house wouldn’t know whether to turn on the heat or air conditioning.
Our bodies become very sensitized during this process. Feelings are frightening — we can walk around for days feeling vertigo/dizziness and/or a ringing in the ears (tinnitus). There were days I had to grab onto a bannister or railing for fear that I was going to fall over. My legs still pose a problem — becoming weak and feeling as if they’re not going to support me any longer. Pain in the feet, calves, shoulders, joints aching and paining often to the point of bringing tears to your eyes.
My suggestion to you would be to get yourself a thorough examination by your doctor. Have a blood workup, sugar test, thyroid, hormone levels, total lipid / cholesterol profile. Insist on an Echo cardiogram, not just a cardiogram.
Our bodies are composed of so many different types of hormones — not just estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Our bodies react to the constant ebb and flow of these hormone levels. Our central nervous system, nerve endings produce electrical impulses. Those electrical impulses are felt differently by every woman. Some women never feel them, while others are fraught with all sorts of strange sensations.
Once you’ve been given a clean bill of health by your doctor, the singularly most important thing you need to do during perimenopause is do relaxation techniques. Learn breathing exercises. Use the paper bag method (I call it “brown bagging it) I have described in many areas of the Web site and on these boards. I’ll provide a link to that at the end of this message.
Feed yourself affirmations every day that this, too, shall pass — that you are not dying — that although you feel as if your body is going to hell in a handbasket and you’re never going to survive this transition, you will. That, most importantly, there is nothing to be afraid of even though it feels at times like someone is holding a gun to your head and ready to pull the trigger.
Oh, Lord, would it were so that they’d find a way for women NOT to have to go through menopause. And, further, I am sick of hearing *some* people say that it’s all in our minds, or it’s our nerves, or if we had better things to do with our time, we wouldn’t think about it. I’ve never stopped being busy during this transition, but that didn’t ease the symptoms.
To those people, I say … until you’ve walked a mile in another person’s shoes, you can’t know what they are going through. Women in menopause aren’t hypochondriacs. I have to be dragged and feeling as if I’m not long for the world before I go to the doctor. Why? Because during perimenopause, I have learned… doctors don’t have answers to most of our questions other than to prescribe tranquilizers or anti-depressants or hormones…. and although some of these medications may help in the short term and to get you over the “hump” of perimenopause, most of them don’t work in the long term — or through the duration of perimenopause and it concerns me that there are no real long-term studies on these SSRI’s (anti-depressants).
If you feel you need to take something to get through this process, absolutely take it. Don’t make a martyr or yourself. However, remember, these medications only temporarily mask the symptoms. Learning ways to relax and cope with the changes you’re undergoing works far better over the long haul than anything else.
I have provided various relaxation and breathing techniques on this, the anxiety and the panic boards that can be tremendously helpful. The one I’d recommend is something I refer to as “brown bagging it.” It’s in various places of the site, but I’ll give you a link to my article after I’ve finished this message.
It has been my experience and I believe that of many other women who’ve passed through Power Surge over the seven years it’s been online that once you are in the throes of perimenopause, for about one or two years — perhaps a third (but not often), you will experience every conceivable symptom on the list of 34+ symptoms (* see below). I went through severe migraines and was *never* a headache person in my life. They lasted about a year or two – on and off, not every day, but they eventually stopped. I went through the facial tremors, buzzing experience as though I’d had my finger in an electrical socket. The migraines and severe palpitations, hot flashes, night sweats, crying and severe mood swings, horrific depression so much so that at times I would put my head on the pillow at night and whisper to God, “Please, if I have to feel this way tomorrow, let me not wake up.”
Those feelings — horrible as they are — don’t generally last for the full transitional period. They usually occur during the worst phase of perimenopause and only last about a year or two. That doesn’t mean you won’t ever experience them again in some milder form, but the severity and frequency will certainly decrease — and hormone therapy isn’t the magical answer. Many women using hormones still experience many of these symptoms.
Just remember that as long as you’ve been given the okay regarding your health by your health care provider, these are symptoms of menopause and, yes, I say symptoms. People have said to me, “Why do you call them symptoms? Menopause isn’t an illness.”
I tell them that I know menopause isn’t technically an illness, but seeing as how I have never felt worse in my life, I will not say that I am well.
I get very passionate about this subject and one of the reasons I’ve kept Power Surge an independent entity is because it allows me the opportunity to express myself without wondering who’s going to pay the bills if I tell the truth about the medical profession and some of the techniques of the pharmaceutical companies.
I will never get rich from Power Surge, but knowing that this community has helped so many women understand what they’re going through without just dumping medical abstracts at them and pushing pills on them has been the most gratifying and “freeing” experience of my life.
Finally, let me add my favorite words — THIS, TOO, SHALL PASS. Believe me, I thought in my heart I would never, ever survive perimenopause, but the internal shaking eases up even though it’s hell while you’re going through it. The palps will stop as well. It just takes time and a LOT of patience!
Be good to your body and it will return the favor in spades.
For the “brown bagging it” reference and many other helpful suggestions, check out the Power Surge Menopause Survival Tips article.
…and the ever useful…
* The 34+ Signs of Menopause
Dearest”
This is a one-time mailing to introduce you to and guide you around the award-winning Power Surge Community for women at Midlife. You won’t receive masses of E.mail. We all get too much E.mail as it is. In fact, due to all the spam and anti-spam programs today, the Newsletters have been archived and are available for your convenience. 
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