I am playing a bit of "hookey" today!

I am a huge believer in taking care of the mind as well as the body (and I really need to do a better job with the body---I'm working on it!) The weather here in the Southeast was miserable for over a week, but autumn is one of my favourite times of the year here---usually the days are sunny and mild, and the mornings and evenings are cool. This week the weather has just been gorgeous, and since I am originally from an area where the weather isn't too great---I try never to waste a glorious day like today!

I decided to take a little break from the routine and take a "road trip". The Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens in Belmont, NC (about a 50 minute drive for me) is an absolute treasure here in the Piedmont. I go twice a year, in April for the spring flowers, and in late September/early October to see the butterfly exhibit. I have a new digital camera that was given to me, and I had an absolutely marvelous time taking pictures of all of the beautiful exhibits.....I was somewhat surprised when I got home that I had taken well over 200 pictures in less than 2 1/2 hours! I edited down the bunch to about 125, and just sent files of 100+ pictures over to have a print made of each------I make notecards with my flower prints, and when I pick the pictures up then I can look them over and decide which ones I want to get made into multiple prints (when they go on sale for 10 cents a print!). Next Tuesday I am going with a group of ladies to a rose garden here in Charlotte (and yes, actually roses bloom the most beautifully here in NC in October--who knew?)

While these flower pictures may not have a lot to do with hormones-----I certainly feel more balanced after spending several hours in such a beautiful setting and walking around outdoors (I definitely got my dose of Vitamin D today) in the sunshine. I also know that when I work on making my notecards, it relaxes me and releases endorphins, and it balances mind and body. Take a bit of time to do something for yourself today, take a walk, enjoy a flower, or do something with your hands----for me it's crafting my cards, or as most of you know, I am also a voracious knitter! Have a great day, I may be back with an article post later, if not, I will be back on track tomorrow.

How to Get Bioidentical Hormones

This morning's article is from ehow----a site I have used for other things, but not anything hormonally related. You learn something new every day! A couple of points:

Bullet point #1 says to educate yourself, and I couldn't agree more!!! Read up on BHRT, including books (written by health care professionals) websites, articles, etc. Yes, you are going to find a lot of conflicting information out there, because BHRT is still in its infancy in the US, but you need to be an informed patient so you and your doctor and your compounding pharmacy can work together.

The article does not mention anything about checking out any new physician, and my regular blog readers know I am a huge advocate of research, research, research. Every state in the country has a medical board (there's a link on the right side of the blog page to access your state's medical board site) and also check to see if your physician is board certified (I use the ABMS.ORG site for this---link on the side of the blog page too.)

The weather here in Charlotte is sunny, cool and crisp----smells like autumn! Great day to go for a walk later this afternoon, I've already been to work out today (circuit training today, good thing I love the instructor as I hate weight training!) I hope everyone is having a great, healthy day------and I am going to steal a line from Dr. Oz. At the end of his show, he always tells viewers to take one thing they have learned from that show and share it with one other person---that's how we will get healthy together. If you find a particular article I have shared on the blog benefits you or someone you care about, share it with one other person ----- that's how we will balance the world's hormones. Take care.

How to solve 9 sleep problems

Oh, boy-----I bet almost everyone reading this post has experienced (or is currently experiencing) one of these 9 sleep problems outlined in this article from CNN/Real Simple. I know until I got my hormones balanced, I had terrible issues sleeping for years, and of course it's a vicious cycle------you can't sleep, then you are exhausted during the day, then you are so overtired you can't sleep----and so on. Have a great (wide awake) day, everyone!

Menopause and Diabetes: Things You Should Know

Is there a link between diabetes and menopause? Click here to read the article....

THIS is why I encourage you to check out any new doctor!

Reading this just makes me crazy (crazier). First, check out this article from June 9 in the Orange Country Register about "Dr." Daryn Peterson. Oh, it gets better....now read this article dated September 24 from the same newspaper (by the way Orange County Register, great research department----you didn't even check out if this guy had a real medical license???? My blog readers are way ahead of you on this one).

You absolutely have to check out a doctor's status with his state medical board. One of the "well known" doctors in Southern CA has big problems with the CA medical board (hint: he wrote a book) is practicing under tight restrictions that, if not met, will result in the loss of his license. I am also a big believer in going to a doctor who is board certified, and board certified in a specialty relevant to dealing with hormonal imbalance. My own physician is a board certified Internal Medicine specialist, but there are also OB/GYN's, endocrinologists, and a couple other specialties out there who are practicing incorporating BHRT into their medical care. There are other board certified physicians who are board certified in things like opthamology, dermatology, psychiatry, etc. who may be very good, or who may be just trying to make quick money from women who are desperate to feel good. You need to ask some very hard questions of any new doctor.

I have a whole list of resources to help you find a new doctor/compounding pharmacy if you wish to pursue bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Drop me an email and I will get the list to you. Have a great, safe Sunday everyone!

Suzanne Somer's comments on Patrick Swayze's passing (update)

I posted last week about Suzanne Somers and her comments on the passing of Patrick Swayze----in effort to be fair, this is what she posted on her blog about her comments. Ms. Somers has a new book coming out next month (October 2009) on alternative cancer treatments.

Wyeth’s Prempro Caused Woman’s Cancer, Jury Decides

Important reading from Bloomberg.com. The article speaks for itself, I do not need to comment.

Vitamin D May Improve Melanoma Survival

Good thing I take Vitamin D ---- because we sure haven't seen the sun much in the last 7-9 days here in the Southeast. It's trying to pop out today, and the rest of this week is supposed to be gorgeous---this is one of the best times of year in this part of the country. Cool mornings and evenings and mild days. This article from Healthscout.com details a study on the effects of Vitamin D (which, remember is a prohormone, not really a vitamin---available over the counter, be sure to be taking D3) on melanomas. Hope you are all having a sunny weekend!

Low vitamin D raises blood pressure in women-study

Some younger women with low levels of Vitamin D are significantly more likely to develop high blood pressure as they age, according to a study presented at the latest meeting of the American Heart Association. Click here to read more (this is a good article to pass on to the younger women in your life).

What's up when you feel down?

This article is from the UK Daily Mirror----some of the causes of depression and what to do about it. No, they did not misspell "estrogen" ---- in Europe estrogen is spelled with an o in front.

25 Tips For Better Sleep

I slept pretty well last night, thanks for asking. However, insomnia is one of the most frustrating symptoms of menopause-----and for women who are already depleted of energy by hormonal deficiencies, hot flashes, perhaps heavy periods, etc, the sleep deprivation can be nearly overwhelming! Beliefnet.com offers a list of 25 tips to help you sleep better----nothing earth shattering here, but a very good read and important reminders of the little things we can do for self care.

Living Well with Menopause: What Your Doctor Doesn't Tell You...That You Need To Know

I'm not yet an ebook reader----I'm a curl up with a book kinda girl. However, I thought I would share this page with you from ebook30.com----there's a list of several books on menopause, with a brief summary/review and a rating. Enjoy!

Flaxseed Bran Muffins----

That I am including this should shock you ----- not because it's not exactly hormone related, but because I will never be known for my cooking skills (I only have a kitchen because it came with the house). The Houstonist shares this recipe with us, and since it is National Prostate Cancer Month (Menopause Month too!) and flaxseed is thought to help with cancer prevention----get ready, get set, cook!

Night Sweats

Night sweats were one of the few symtoms that I didn't have when I started perimenopause, but I have heard enough stories from women that I know they can be debilitating because they severely disrupt sleep patterns. Anita M. commented on my acupuncture post a couple days ago (thanks, Anita!) and left a link to Tips for Night Sweats on the Cool Jams website. Check it out, and also check out the Cool Jams products (nightwear to make the night sweats more bearable).

Vitamin D may improve colorectal cancer survival

I thought it would be a good idea to include an article on our friend Vitamin D today-----since I am not sure we are EVER going to see the sun again here in Charlotte! (We are fortunate however, to not have the terrible flooding rains that some parts of the Southeast are experiencing.....I'm keeping those affected in my thoughts). This article from Natraingredients.com talks about a study on how Vitamin D levels affect colorectal cancer (and if you are over 50 and have not yet had a colonoscopy, what are you waiting for?)

Alternative therapies for menopause symptoms

For mostly economic reasons, I have never tried acupuncture---but a number of people have told me first hand accounts of how acupuncture has helped them with various conditions. Different protocols work for different individuals. This morning's article from the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle explains how acupuncture can alleviate menopausal symtoms. It also talks aobut other alternative therapies, including soy and black cohash.

Is the FDA Poised to Ban a Century-Old Natural Remedy?

I am hypothyroid, but I am fortunate to be one of the people who can take Levoxyl (and I also take a compounded T3 thyroid hormone) to balance my thyroid. I am well aware, however, of the jam that many people nationwide are in because of the shortage of Armour and several of its derivatives. I just ran across this article that has a brief explanation as to why Armour is in such short supply---and be sure to read Dr. Mercola's comments at the end of the article. I have Mary Shomon's new book The Menopause Thyroid Solution: Overcome Menopause by Solving Your Hidden Thyroid Problems on my Amazon.com order, I look forward to reading it because I consider Mary Shomon one of the nation's experts on the subject of thyroid. Her site at About.com Thyroid Disease is must read for anyone with thyroid issues (and it's a lot of us--common problem with peri/menopausal women).

An idea worth considering----

Melatonin dosage

I take melatonin for sleep---works a lot better than the Ambien, Lunesta and God only knows what else I had taken over the years (my sleep problems were severe). Not everyone can take it, but for those of you who want to try it (it's cheap at any drug or big box discount store--look in the vitamin section) here's an article from Med TV (believe it or not, I found this on one of my knitting sites!).

Dr. Jonathan Wright MD Accuses the American Medical Association AMA of Scientific Fraud over Bio-Identical Hormones

Whoa! I found this blog called Keith Connects The Dots----great article this morning-- Dr. Jonathan Wright (I've had several of his articles on my blog) is really taking the American Medical Association to task over their policy on bioidentical hormones. Good reading----enjoy!

Suzanne Somer's comments on Patrick Swayze's passing

I've already gotten a couple emails this morning from blog readers asking if I had seen this article in the NY Post (I had, it came across my newsfeed yesterday). Suzanne Somer's is quoted as saying that Patrick Swayze was killed by chemotherapy, not pancreatic cancer.

I'm not a medical professional-----I have never claimed to be, and my primary role with this blog, as well as the email exchanges that I have had with nearly 300 women in the last 6 months, is about empowering women with the information to make informed choices about bioidentical hormone therapy. I post articles that I think will be of value to women who are suffering from hormonal imbalances, and I also include articles on related health topics of interest to peri/menopausal women. I have learned so much by reading the articles that I screen and post, and I am so heartened by the stories that women tell me about doctor's experiences (good and bad), how BHRT has helped them, and how women have found the courage to think outside the box and expore the possibilities of an admittedly still somewhat controversial medical protocol. I have been vocal in support for my own hormone physician, Dr. John Carr in Southern CA, his dedication to his patients and his efforts to make bioidentical hormone therapy available to women of modest means makes him one of the "good guys" in medicine. I am so pleased that I have been able to send him several new patients this year, and I look forward to his new website being up soon (he tells me no later than October 1).

I have said time and time again: I admire Ms. Somer's advocacy for these past years in making the general public aware that there are alternatives to synthetic hormones, and empowering women to challenge their physicians about the best alternatives for their particular case. I am on a milder protocol of hormones than Ms. Somers, and I certainly do not down 60 supplements a day. I know without a doubt I do not eat as healthy as she does (I admire her discipline), and while I exercise every day, I do not stand on my head in an organic vegetable garden and practice yoga. She looks great for her age, and I take her at her word that she feels great too.

All that being said, here is my take on her comments about Patrick Swayze-----she blew it. I'm not taking a stand on whether she is right or wrong, although I have read the news coverage of Ms. Swayze's death, I only know that he died of pancreatic cancer, and my limited research indicates this is a cancer that has a survival period of generally less than two years. He admitted as much in an interview aired earlier this year. For Ms. Somer's to come out with her statements within 48 hours of Patrick's passing is insenstive and disrespectful to Patrick's family and colleagues. I strongly suspect her comments were intended to generate buzz for her upcoming book on alternative cancer treatments (the book is due out in October, so she's likely to be popping up on a TV near you)-------and I think it did, as the Internet is full of articles and commentary on what she said about Swayze. I hope that she offers a sincere, remorseful apology to the Swayze family, and until she does, I have lost nearly any respect I had for her. I know that many of my blog readers are fans of Ms. Somer's books, and I invite anyone to leave a comment, agreeing or disagreeing, with either Ms. Somer's, or my comments about her. Enjoy the rest of your day.

New Bio-identical Doctors (Canada)

I have a number of ladies who read this blog and are living in Canada----I ran across this site Pureageless.com this morning and it has a link to a list of Canadian doctors who are practicing with bioidentical hormones (they are not covered under the Canadian single payer system for healthcare, however, the fees a few ladies have shared with me are on average, more reasonable than in the US). Sometimes the blood testing is covered under the Canadian system, sometimes not. Just thought I would share-----have a great weekend (what's left of it anyway), everyone. It's cloudy, rainy and gloomy here in Charlotte, perfect weather for puttering around the house, cleaning closets, working out at home, knitting and reading (I never ever lack for something to do, gotta make good use of all that energy the BHRT blesses me with!)

When stories extol drugs, maker may be behind it

By Kris Hundley, Times Staff Writer

This article, from Tampabay.com, really exposes what Wyeth (our friends who make Premarin) has been doing with all their ghostwriting articles touting the benefits of Premarin over a number of years..........Kris Hundley, the staff writer, should be commended on her thoroughness. Click here to read the article......

Postmenopausal Women, Too, Reap Cardiovascular Benefits From Endurance Training

ScienceDaily (Sep. 18, 2009) —

Marilyn Graham was 56 when she signed up for a grueling hour of cycling each morning for 12 weeks, occasionally decked out in a mask, a heart monitor and a bag of intravenous fluid and subjected to needle pricks to obtain blood samples. Click here for the rest of the article......

Hot Flashes or Depression: Which Comes First?

Many of us have experienced both (I was on antidepressants for 15 years before I got my hormones balanced). Massachusetts General Hospital's Women's Center for Mental Health (don't we all wish we had one of those close to where we live) did a study on the correlation between hot flashes and depression, and you can read more about it by clicking here.

Treating Bone Loss In Breast Cancer Survivors

Medical News Today - September 16, 2009

Osteoporosis is a growing concern among breast cancer survivors and their doctors, because certain cancer drugs can cause bone loss. Click here to read the rest of this article....

Menopause & Andropause: do you need bio-identical hormones?

Finally found an article that lists the symptoms of various hormone deficiencies....from MyHealthzine.com.....click here to read more!

7 Things You Didn't Know About Fat

From Fox News-----an article on the effects of fat. Pay particular attention to the second item on the list!

N.S. man charged with smuggling drug cream

Well, here's a switch, usually it's the other way around---Americans go to Canada to get drugs. This article from the Chronicle Herald (not sure what city) details one man's quest to smuggle over the counter hormonal cream from the US to Canada. Honestly, I did not know this was an issue for the Canadian government----I guess you learn something every day. I do know that women are able to get prescription strength compounded hormones from a compounding pharmacy (usually called apothocary in Canada) although it is not something that is covered under Canada's single payer system.

Linda Evans Reflects on Her 'Dynasty' Days

Apparently Linda Evans (from the 1980's show Dynasty---sorry, never watched it) was on Good Morning America today, and she spoke about using bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. I'm pleased she is advocating for the protocol, but I always have the concern that BHRT is seen as only available to women of financial means. I think most of my blog readers understand that isn't true, but we have far to go to convince womanhood at large that most middle class women---with some budgeting and perhaps a bit of rearranging of priorities---can afford to take bioidenticals. Click here for the link to the story about Ms. Evans.

Not Such a Myth: Male Menopause

Nothing earth shattering in this article---but a good overview of some of the signs and symptoms of andropause (male menopause)----click here to read the article from Fox News (yes, I know, all my liberal readers are thinking----what is she doing reading Fox News---don't worry----it just popped up on my newsfeed!)

How Long Does it Take For BHRT to Start Working?

It's funny how I get spurts of a same/similar question from women who write to me---lately it's been from women who ask me how long does it take for BHRT to start working? A few have already started BHRT, but are not feeling much effect after a couple weeks. While my own experience was that I started feeling better on the progesterone cream within about 4 days (my energy level shot up so much I think my friends were wondering what was going on----I didn't tell anyone about going on bioidenticals for several weeks), it's important to note that EVERY WOMAN IS DIFFERENT.......it may take a little longer for some women to absorb the hormones into their system. Additionally (and I know it's hard to wait when you feel so lousy and you want desperately to feel better-----truly, I've been there!), your hormone dosages may need a bit of tweaking after some time-----I was really lucky, we haven't had to make many changes at all to my protocol, but then again my doctor knew me really well, symptoms, how I responded to meds, etc, which I am convinced makes a difference. I know many of you are seeing new doctors for BHRT. I found this article from HaberPro, and it discusses bioidentical hormones and how long you can expect it to take before you feel the effects. Patience, ladies, hang in there---it is possible to feel good and I am living proof!!!!

Menopause in Diabetics

From Digg Health-----a short but informative article about the challenges for women in menopause who are also diabetic. Even if you are not diabetic yourself, you probably have at least one woman friend or family member who is, and this is a good link to share with them.

Bioidentical Hormones-Examining the debate

Some of this article, posted on the Advance for Physician's Assistants website, is a little technical and over the heads of most consumers. However, I want you to especially read the first page of the article----it explains a lot about the confusing terminology used when the media (and a lot of health care practitioners) discuss BHRT. It's good reading, and will make you more aware next time you read or hear something negative about biodenticals. Check it out!

The You Docs: Calcium not enough for strong bones

In honour of Dr. Oz's new TV show debut, today's post if Dr. Oz and Dr. Roizen's weekly column---it appears in a lot of newspapers nationwide, the link (click here) is from the Idaho Statesman---and it deals with Vitamin D and bone health. Just for the record, I take 5000 IU's of Vitamin D daily, have for three years, and besides feeling great---my most recent bone density scan shows that I no longer have osteopenia. I'm a happy puppy!

What Is Hypothyroidism? What Causes Hypothyroidism?

Medical News Today has some great articles on a variety of topics. This one on hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) came across my newsfeed yesterday, and it's important reading---many women develop thyroid problems as they approach peri/menopause. Click here to read the article, have a wonderful week!

A quote to start your weekend-----

"Life is not meant to be easy, my child; but take courage -- it can be delightful."
- George Bernard Shaw

Study finds only physical functioning reduced during transition

Read this article from Menopause Tracker.....leave me a comment to let me know if you agree or disagree!

The End of the Bio-Identical Hormone Debate

I've seen copies of Life Extension magazine on newsstands, and so I was interested to see this article pop up on my newsfeed. According to the press release, the October issue of Life Extension will include an article entitled: Bioidentical Hormones: Why Is There Still a Controversy. The white paper will "provides compelling scientific evidence on the safety and effectiveness of bioidentical hormone therapy." (PRNewswire). I will research and see if this is going to be available online----it would be a great resource for every woman who is considering BHRT, or who feels bioidenticals might be right for her and may need to convince her physician of the efficacy and safety of BHRT.

I know today we are all thinking of those lost 8 years ago on September 11. May we all someday truly have peace on earth. Take care.

Chocolate cravings: Not due to hormones, says study

Actually, a lot of what is in this study, as outlined in this article from foodnavigator.com makes sense-----yes, I do crave chocolate (always have) and yes, I eat for comfort (I'm better than I used to be. The bioidentical hormones (especially the progesterone) have helped me with the depressive issues that used to make me binge eat). I used to work with a teacher who, every four weeks, used to come in to the teacher's room for lunch and eat (I am not kidding you) HoHo's, chocolate doughnuts, and two cartons of chocolate milk. She was so miserable and bitchy from PMS even our students caught on to it.

Helpful ways to boost your memory

One of the biggest complaints from peri/menopausal women is "brain fog"-----and the 40's and 50's are often a time when a woman needs more brain power to cope with not only her own body transitions, but she is dealing with family issues such as aging parents, kids going to college, marriage, you name it. This article from CNNhealth.com (and they got it from Health Magazine) outlines a number of ways to boost your brain. My favourite brain game is Sudoku (can almost do the five star ones now!), and I just put Bejeweled on my IPhone. I also engage in a lot of activities like blogging, knitting (think that's not a brain activity---you try figuring out some of those patterns!), and I am a very social animal----I love to talk to people! Have a great day everyone, and don't forget to think!

P2C2

No, it's not some Star Trek character----it stands for Patients and Professionals for Customized Care---click here to access their website. The website explains their mission as follows: P2C2 is bringing together people who know first-hand that compounded medicines are a critical part of modern, individualized health care and gives them the necessary tools to win the fight to keep their access to personalized medication solutions. There is no charge to join, and you will get an (informative) newsletter about compounded medications, legislation, etc. They also have a sister site Save my BHRT that deals specifically with bioidentical hormone therapy. I get both newsletters and have learned a lot----check them out!

A Male Menopause? Top 5 Andropause Symptoms

Is you husband/relative/friend possibly suffering from andropause (male menopause)? From the Irritable Male Syndrome website (gotta love that name) is an article that outlines the most common andropause symptoms. Share the article with the guy you love.....enjoy your day!

Feed a strong skeleton

A good article in today's Post and Courier by Drs. Oz and Roizen (from Oprah), on vitamins we need for strong bones. Vitamin D is usually the first one we think of, but there are others, click here to read the article and learn more.

The Magnolia Diaries

Oh, goodness, I ran across this blog called the Magnolia Diaries----you need to check it out (and do not miss the picture of the Hello Kitty automatic weapon----it's a hoot). The author has several articles dealing with peri/menopause, great reading!

Detecting Menopause Through Testing

A quick little article from Articlesbase---outlines definitions of menopause, symptoms, and an explanation of blood testing to determine if you are in menopause.

Hopelessness raises stroke risks for women: study

This article from Reuters goes hand in hand with my post yesterday about the correlation between happiness and health----feelings of hopelessness raise the risk of stroke in women.

(note from Andrea-----I'll be back later with another post or two, my Internet is having severe menopausal symptoms----techie guy coming this afternoon to hopefully get it back on track!)

Question for my blog readers----

Hi everyone, I have been asked to do a little research for a friend who is considering using Cenegenics Medical Institute for an "executive physical". My own research has uncovered some testimonials, but also some disturbing claims. Has anyone used one of their facilities----if you have, please drop me an email at holyhormones@gmail.com and tell me about your experience. Thanks, everyone, have a great week!

Happiness Is Next to Healthiness for Women

How does this article from Third Age tie in with menopause, hormonal deficiencies, etc? Bioidentical hormonal balance has a positive effect on mood, sleep and calmness-----and I am living proof----I took a myriad of antidepressants until I got my hormones straightened out, and now that I take progesterone, eat better and exercise regularly, no more antidepressants (three years now). Have a happy, healthy Labour Day, I am meeting some friends for lunch and knitting!

Isolated systolic hypertension

Ran across this article from the Detroit Free Press on hypertension (high blood pressure). The hormones (and the weight loss) helped bring my blood pressure down to normal range, and as the article explains, regular exercise helps too (the energy I get from the progesterone cream allows me to exercise 5-6 days a week). I swim, do circuit training, and in the cooler weather I walk several days a week. If you are not checking your blood pressure regularly (I do mine every other day---more often if I am very stressed or my pain level gets really high)----think about getting a blood pressure monitor for your home and using it!

I like this quote!

"Why should we think upon things that are lovely? Because thinking determines life. It is a common habit to blame life upon the environment. Environment modifies life but does not govern life. The soul is stronger than its surroundings."
- William James

Don’t Believe Those Menopause Myths

Several of the common menopause "myths" are disected in this article from the Menopause Blog. Check it out and have a great Sunday!

Massage for menopause :: Can it help to ease the journey?

Interesting blog post----click here to read about it. I am not a fan of massage (I have a bad back and I am very, very picky about who I let touch it), but a lot of my friends say a massage is very soothing and relaxing---and we can all use a little more relaxation this time of life, can't we?

What is BHRT?

From Learon.com-----this article gives a quick overview of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Most of you who have been readers of this blog for a while know this, but we have some new readers and this is a good, quick read. Have a great holiday weekend, everyone!

Menopause: Ups and Downs and Reaching Acceptance

Now that I am hormonally balanced---I love no longer having menstrual periods and I feel great. However, many women see menopause as an ending (fertility, family changes, changes in sexual well being), so this article from Empowher may spark some disccussion....click here to read it. What do you think, is menopause an up, down, or "just is" experience for you?

If you (or someone you know) takes Fosomax----

Take a look at this article in the NY Times----it's something to be aware of and talk to your doctor if you have concerns.

Estrogen Supplements Not As Effective As Claimed

This is important reading, because many peri/menopausal women are taking supplements (sometimes expensive supplements) that may or may not be effective. It's something to be aware of----especially in this economy when money is tight for so many. Click here to read more from RedOrbit.

How to use vitamin D to fight swine flu

We're hearing so much right now about the H1N1 flu----and it's well established that Vitamin D plays a role in boosting immunity. This article from foodconsumer.org (written by a physician) discusses how Vitamin D can help protect you in flu season.

10 Natural Sleep Tips

From Christine Fee on the Huffington Post website----an article that outlines 10 tips for natural sleep (pun intended, natural sleep is something a lot of peri/menopausal women dream of). Nothing earth shattering in this article, but good reading and reminders of little things we can do to help restore restful sleep. I found that eliminating caffeine after about 1 pm (I used to be a voracious Diet Coke drinker right up to bedtime) helped me, as does melatonin nightly. Sweet dreams!

September is Menopause Awareness Month

I had a notice this morning in my email inbox telling me that September is Menopause awareness month-----it struck me funny but maybe it's because for me, researching this blog---every day is menopause awareness month! Here's a link to the North American Menopause Society, but fair warning---they are not advocates of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.

100 million women in the prime of their lives have endometriosis

I was struck by some of the material in this morning's article from Physorg.com----while the article talks about the loss of productivity and sick days as it applies to women suffering from endometriosis----much of the financial issues in the workplace could also apply to women suffering from menopause symptoms. Something to think about---even if only half the women in the US who are dealing with severe menopause symptoms were able to access bioidentical hormone therapy, imagine the number of reduced sick days, fewer doctor visits, less cost for medication----it could realize a significant savings in medical costs.

Class Claims Solvay Pharmaceutical Sold Unapproved Menopause Drug for 45 Years

If you took Estratest, you might want to check out this article.....

Semenya's testosterone levels 'three times the level of average female'

This story about Caster Semenya, the 18 year old track star who so outran her competition in a recent track meet that whether or not she is female has come into question has sparked several questions from blog readers. This article about the situation popped up in my email this morning. The line in the story that caught my eye was the one that said testosterone levels in females can vary widely----which is why, if you are considering bioientical hormone therapy, you go through a reputable practitioner to get your hormone levels checked.

How Long Does It Take For BHRT To Start Working?

I get this question all the time, for me, the progesterone started working within a few days, but it's important to note that EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT! I know it's very scary when you try a new protocol like bioidentical hormones. When you feel terrible, you want to feel better fast, but understand that hormonal balance is somewhat of an art and a science, and it may take some tweaking of your doses to get the optimal regime for your body. I ran across this article from a site called hr:Handbags (Canadian site)----good reading.

Sixty percent of adults can't digest milk

I don't know about you, but so many women, and not just the ones I correspond with about hormonal care, have mentioned to me that they can't drink milk. Well, it turns out that about 60% of adults really can't digest the lactose in milk----and we've all heard of lactose intolerance. Right now this is a big deal because the medical community is hot on Vitamin D deficiencies (and any of you regular blog readers know that Vitamin D really isn't a vitamin, it's a prohormone). Check out this article in USA Today----and don't forget to take your vitamin D today.