Breaking news: New independent study by EPA refutes BPA risk

Talk about fast and furious---earlier this week I posted an article on a study being conducted related to the dangers of bisphenol A (BPA) --- a plastic thought to contain an estrogen like chemical that could be dangerous to the public. This article from Stats.org now says that a new independent study by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) refutes earlier studies that say the chemical is dangerous in low doses. Here's a case where I am truly presenting both sides of the issue (on separate days). Right now my best advice is if anyone gives you a plastic bottle as a Halloween treat---don't eat it. Happy Halloween everyone!

Halloween Tip

I heard this today on the news (tip from the Red Cross):

To diminish the risk of spreading H1N1 (or any other disease) tomorrow night when the kids are out trick or treating, if you are handing out candy, you put it into their pumkins/bags/candy containers instead of allowing them to take the candy out of the bowl. I wouldn't have thought of this (doesn't apply to me anyway, I don't have kids here in my subdivision).

Also, extra hour of sleep tomorrow night--------turn your clocks back one hour before you go to bed!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Alternatives to Premarin for Hormone Replacement Therapy

A lot of people do not fully understand the word Premarin - which is a synthetic hormone. Premarin is short for pregnant mare's urine ---- and besides all of the health risks associated with synthetic/fake hormones, the way the drug is made has raised all sorts of concerns for animal lovers. This article from AssociatedContent.com explains how animals are treated during this process. It'll make you angry.

U.S. government plans major study of the safety of BPA

There is a lot of controversy about the safety of bisphenol A (BPA) ---- you have likely heard a lot about plastic baby bottles and microwaving in plastic on the news. This article from USA Today discusses a study planned by the US government to ascertain the safety of BPA in plastics. BPA is an estrogen like chemical and there is concern about its effects on the population.

Women’s Stockings Used to Measure Whales’ Sex Drive

It's been a long week-----just every little thing that could go wrong, has-----so now I am feeling silly. This article from DiscoverMagazine.com cracked me up! Enjoy the rest of your day.

Portage pharmacist touts 'bioidentical' hormones

This article came across my newsfeed from the Kalamazoo, MI newspaper. It's interesting reading from several aspects:

• The woman patient featured in the story---her doctor is upfront in admitting he doesn't know much about BHRT and is wary of prescribing them
• This is a case where a pharmacist is making "recommendations" to a woman's prescribing physician----I'm not too sure how I feel about this.
• "It's impossible to say if these hormones are helping or hurting premenopausal or menopausal women". Oh, come on, there a ton of research studies out there that support the safely and efficacy of BHRT.
• "They can be quite expensive and not covered by insurance". Depends on the hormone/dosage/pharmacy. My insurance company does cover part of the cost (after a protracted fight) --- and they are a hell of a lot cheaper than the $750 my insurance company was paying MONTHLY for the 7 medications I am no longer on.

Vitamin D Supplements Improve Risk Factors for Diabetes

One more reason to love Vitamin D3 --- check out this article from EmaxHealth.com.

Desk jobs could raise the risk of prostate cancer

Read this article from The MailOnline.com to the guy you love----exercise apparently has an effect on testosterone levels, thus affecting a man's risk of prostate cancer.

Impact of Pregnancy and Menopause on Asthma

I'm including this article from TestCountry.com to alert my blog readers to the fact that hormones can absolutely affect asthma and allergies. I have personally spoken to several women who were able to dramatically reduce or altogether eliminate thier asthma medications after they got their hormones (bioidentically) balanced. I do not have asthma, but I have had lifelong seasonal allergies that got worse when I moved from NY to NC in 2004 (Charlotte is in the top 5 cities in the US for severity of allergy symptoms). I started bioidentical hormones in September 2006---right about the time I would have gone back on Allegra (or whatever I was taking at the time), and the progesterone so quickly cured my allergies I haven't taken any medication since.

Judge seals damage award against Wyeth

A lot of women are still----even in the face of overwhelming evidence of the risks----taking Premarin and Prempro. Sometimes I suspect it's because their doctors are against BHRT (because they don't know anything about it and are too stubborn/ignorant/closeminded to learn anything new) and they pressure their patients into these drugs just to shut them up and get them out of their offices (yes, I just reread this and understand how harsh it is----but I have heard too many horror stories from women abou their interactions with physicians). Here is an update on Wyeth's latest court battle.

10 Reasons Not to Skimp on Sleep

I cannot overemphasize the importance of a good night's sleep-----and believe me, I know nighttime can be (no pun intended) a nightmare for menopausal women. It's a vicious cycle, you don't sleep well at night, so you are dragging during the day, and you are so tired you are miserable and depressed, and you are having hot flashes/night sweats that interupt your sleep---sound familiar? I've been there, and I still do not sleep as well as I would like to, although the hormones do help tremendously. Melatonin helps too (and it is a powerful antioxidant), it's worked for me better than all the sleepig medications I took back in the day. This article from US News and World Report details 10 important health benefits of getting a good night's sleep. Sweet dreams tonight, and if you have any tips that help you sleep better, leave a comment and let us all know how you cope!

Breast Changes Normal and Abnormal

Yes, I am well aware there are a lot of posts this month about breast health----it's breast cancer awareness month and my news feeds have been full of articles on all aspects of the breasts. I thought this one from Bella Online was pretty informative---it discusses which breast changes at various stages of our lives are normal, and which aren't and need to be checked out. One note of interest: My breasts were always very lumpy/cystic, and were made even worse because I have not had children. Mammograms were painful, to put it mildly! Within three months of going on the progesterone cream, all of the lumpiness went away, it was amazing to feel the difference when I was doing monthly self exams (you are doing those, right?????) One more benefit of BHRT!

Good thing I took my Vitamin D3 today, as I sure am not going to get my daily dose from the sun----I have a lunch date at noon, and this afternoon will be perfect for curling up with a good book and/or my knitting (any of my blog readers knitters?) Remember, Dr. Khalsa says anyone living above the southern 1/3 of the nation (and the cutoff point for those of you on the East Coast is Charlotte) will never be able to get adequate Vitamin D from the sun from October though March----and Vitamin D does help with seasonal affective disorder (God, I wish I had known that when I lived in Upstate NY!)

Weighty woes

I like this article from The Hindu because it talks about the differences between abdominal fat (visceral fat----something I still struggle with) and fat around the hips and butt. Click here to read it!

Balancing your hormones

I ran across this article in the Vernon Morning Star, written by Dr. Denise DeMont, a naturopathic physician. Absolutely nothing earth shattering in here, but a very good overview of synthetic vs. natural/bioidentical hormones. Good reading!

High testosterone linked to miserly behaviour

Click here to access this article from the New Scientist-----the effect of testosterone on men's generousity ---- I thought it was kind of interesting (I also enjoyed running down the list of comments at the end of the article----and I am now curious about the ones that were deleted!

Healthcare system wastes up to $800 billion a year

Click here to read the article from Yahoo News. I don't doubt the amount of waste in the healthcare system for one minute---and we cannot keep going the way we are. Can you imagine how much money we would also save if hormonal care for men and women was taken seriously---just the savings in drugs alone, never mind how much healthier it would make us, is staggering. Keep fighting, everyone!

Good quote to start the week!

"Use the talents you possess -- for the woods would be a very silent place if no birds sang except for the best."
- Unknown

'Bioidenticals' not FDA-approved, contain estrogen

This article has been ALL over the Internet since yesterday----I'm posting it from the Physorg. site.

I've learned to pick my battles and for those who are dead set against any form of bioidentical hormone therapy---that's fine for them, I've done research and for me it's the best option to improve my health. To each his own. Just a couple comments on the article:

Paragraph 4: Not all bioidentical hormones contain estrogen.

Paragraph 7: I'm going to bite the next arrogant doctor who tells me bioidentical hormone is just a marketing term with no medical meaning (and boy, try telling that to my own hormone physician or any other who is proficient in bioidentical hormones).

Paragraph 13: There is rigorous evidence of the efficacy of bioidentical hormones---studies done in Europe. There are likely not going to be any large scale studies done in the US anytime soon because the big pharmaceutical companies won't pay for studies for something that occurs in nature---they can't patent it and make huge profits.

Paragraph 17: Suzanne Somers takes 60 supplements a day. Good for her. I would barf if I tried to take that many supplements each day, never mind the fact that I can't afford it.

Have a happy, hormonally balanced day (as she heads off to the kitchen to mix up a protein shake).

1 in 5 kids get little vitamin D, study says

This article from this morning's Charlotte Observer states that 20% or more children under age 11 do not get adequate amounts of Vitamin D. Actually, I would be surprised if its ONLY 1 in 5 children-----Vitamin D deficiency is rampant in our society. I think right now one of the biggest problems (for both big and little people) is that there is absolutely no concensus about how much Vitamin D is needed. It is becoming clear that the old recommendations of 400-600 IU's is woefully inadequate, but I've heard recommendations ranging anywhere from 1000-5000 IU's daily (I take 5000 IU's under a doctors supervision-----always check with your own practitioner.)

Pfizer Unit Must Pay Prempro Damages, Jury Concludes

I don't even need to comment----read the article here.

Fight Off Back Aches & Pains This Winter With Extra Vitamin D

Good morning, everyone! Today even if I wasn't taking my daily supplements (and I will be as soon as I finish blogging) I would probably get an adequate dose of Vitamin D - it's bright and sunny here in NC, a beautiful Fall day. However, we are coming up on the part of the year where if you live much above the bottom third of the country, you cannot get enough Vitamin D from the sun (November through March the sun isn't strong enough) ---- so it's important to start supplementing your Vitamin D in pill form (always get Vitamin D3, absorbs better). I take 5000 IU's a day (under doctor's supervision, of course)----and I know I have mentioned this before, but I am a big fan of Dr. Soram Khalsa's book The Vitamin D Revolution (get it on Amazon.com---best price).

This morning an article popped up on Medical News Today on Vitamin D---it's a good one, click here to read it. Enjoy your Sunday----I'm off to the movies (Amelia) and lunch with a friend today!

Men who voted McCain saw testosterone drop

Somehow, I just know this all ties in with the current healthcare debate----I just need to think about it and figure out how! Just teasing, I'm a Democrat. Click here to read the story!

Don't forget-----

Suzanne Somer's is on Larry King Live tonight at 9 pm Eastern (I don't know the West Coast schedule).

Reasons For Low Levels Of Progesterone Hormone In Women

I often get asked about WHY women have low levels of progesterone as they age, and what are the symptoms of low progesterone. This article on the TestCountry.com website is a good explanation of both ------- click here to check it out!

Steps Every Woman Must Take to Prevent Breast Cancer from the Natural Hormone Institute

I know, I've had a lot of articles on the blog this month relating to breast cancer----they pop up on my newsfeeds because October is breast cancer awareness month. I like this one from PR Web/Yahoo news.....click here..... and be sure to check out the first recommendation (you know, the one that says take progesterone cream!) It's a gorgeous day here in NC---I'm heading out the door for a walk as soon as I finish lunch and throw in another load of laundry (how can one person generate so much laundry!) Have a great day, everyone!

Knockout

Imagine my surprise today when I picked up my library books, and a copy of Suzanne Somer's new alternative cancer treatment book "Knockout" was waiting for me! I just put myself on the list Sunday, so I was surprised to receive it so quickly. I'm about 50 pages in----interesting reading. This will take me a while to get through, as I have a tough time with books written in interview style (that's not a criticism of the book----it's a brain quirk for me.)

I was browsing through the back of the book (resource section) and was pleasantly surprised to see Town Center Drugs in Palm Desert, CA listed as one of the recommended pharmacies! It's the pharmacy my own hormone physician, Dr. John Carr recommends. Cool.

10 things you need to know about breast cancer

This article was in yesterday's edition of the Charlotte Observer, and I am sure has been featured in a number of magazines and newspapers all over the country since it's breast cancer awareness month. Pay particular attention to number 9----it's a good explanation and gives more realistic numbers about what your chances are of getting breast cancer. I am all for early detection, treatment and research, but the 1 in 8 statistic is just too easily used and often misinterpreted. Have a great day!

Breast Cancer, Integrative Medicine----

and Vitamin D. I'm a big fan of Dr. Soram Khalsa, and have read (and thoroughly enjoyed) his book The Vitamin D Revolution. In this article from The Huffington Post, Dr. Khalsa talks about several ways that integrative medicine can helps prevent breast cancer. I love his line in the article on how some day hopefully we will refer to October as Breast Cancer Prevention Month---wouldn't that be great (I've lost a cousin, aunt, and several other people I know to breast cancer.) Have a great day!

CBS Early Show---Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Absolute full disclosure----I have not yet read Suzanne Somer's book "Knockout" ---- it just came out today, and I am on the list at my local library for a copy, but it will likely be a couple months down the road before I get to it. I am neither advocating nor criticizing her latest book----after I read it (and discuss it with my own physician), I may have more to say about it.

I have said numerous times here on the blog-----I admire Ms. Somer's advocacy for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy----she is passionate and has made countless numbers of women aware that there are alternatives out there for managing hormonal deficiencies. I don't agree with everything in her books----I probably don't agree with everything in any one of the hormone books out there, even the ones I recommend to women to learn more about BHRT. I'm posting this clip from the CBS Early Show for your enjoyment/education.

Update on Suzanne Somer's Appearance on Larry King Live

I was out of town yesterday, got home late and was surprised that when I flipped on Larry King Live at 9 pm, neither Larry King nor Suzanne Somers was on the show. Wolf Blitzer announced at the top of the show that the interview with Ms. Somers would appear on Friday, October 23, at 9 pm Eastern (last night's show devoted at least several segments to that jackass family in CO that pulled the balloon boy hoax----------sorry, not as important in my book as talking about hormones). The complete schedule of Ms. Somer's appearances can be found at her website by clicking here-----now I am off to see if I can find her appearances from NBC this morning online. I'll be back with another post later today----had a fun day yesterday at the NC State Fair, but oh, boy, my back is really out today. Off to lay down with an ice pack!

TV ALERT!!!!

Suzanne Somers is coming out with a new book this week ----- called "Knockout" and it's about alternative cancer treatments. She is going to be on The Today Show Tuesday, October 20 and the Larry King Live (CNN) Show on Monday, October 19 at 9 pm. Get your recording devices ready!

(Have a good Monday, I will not be posting tomorrow as I will be out of town for the day. See you Tuesday!)

Smoking and Bioidentical Hormones

Since I don't smoke (never have, I have a coughing fit if I even get near anyone who has been smoking) this never occured to me, but if you do smoke and decide to go on bioidentical hormones, your dosages will need to be adjusted to compensate for your smoking. Another reason to quit (in NY, where I used to live---I understand with taxes cigarettes are now over $9 a pack--------holy crap, do you know how much chocolate or yarn I could buy with that money). Check out the article on smoking and BHRT by clicking here.....

Hit the 40s? Watch out for peri menopause symptoms

I like this article because besides giving you good, solid information about peri-menopause, it details a bulleted list of peri-menopausal symptoms to watch out for----and as we all know, some of the cognitive impairments at the onset of peri-menopause cause us to NEED a bulleted list (boy, when I am unfocused, See Spot Run is a hard concept for me!) The article is from the Morning Sun, and you can access it here.

Do you Twitter?

If so, be sure to check out Mary Shomon's Twitter page at https://twitter.com/ThyroidMary. Great information!

Midlife with a vengence

Thought I would pass this link along, I am signed up for a webinar/telephone conference (we'll see how this goes, I am not particularly an auditory learner) on Wednesday, October 21 on thyroid disease. I am a huge fan of Mary Shomon, and her new book Menopause, The Thyroid Solution just arrived last week from Amazon.com (I'm going to start it as soon as I finish the book I am reading on adrenal fatigue). Enjoy your day!

Pfizer Bigger and More Profitable--Victims Wait for Justice

An update of the Wyeth Pharmaceuticals lawsuits ---- women developing breast cancer after taking Premarin and Prempro. Click here for the article...

Multiple Sclerosis Researchers To Meet In Boston To Design Largest-Ever Vitamin D Study

This article might interest some of you who have a loved one who is dealing with MS---and don't forget, Vitamin D is actually a prohormone.

Cold/Flu Products: What Works, What Doesn't

I will swear on a stack that bioidentical hormone therapy, along with supplements (Vitamin D is my favourite) will boost your immune system, and I am living proof----in the three years I have been on the protocol, I've had two very light colds, no other illnesses. I am out in the public every day (if I can survive 5 days a week at the YMCA without getting sick, it has to say something!) I ran across this article on the newsfeed that discusses what cold/flu products work, and also what doesn't work-----but the part of the article I want you to pay particular attention to is the "common sense" tips near the end of the article. I have hand sanitizer in my car, my purse, at the gym, and I now make sure I wash my hands when I walk in the house before I do anything else. Have a great weekend, everyone!

HealthWatch: Treating Male Menopause

Absolutely nothing earth shattering here ---- but for some of my newer blog readers, a good overview of andropause (male menopause). Click here for the article---

Natural hormones help to prevent breast cancer

Quick little post today since I am flying out the door on my way for a whole list of errands! I ran across this article from the North Augusta Today paper website-----gives a good explanation of how NATURAL hormones can help protect you from beast cancer----it seems like all we hear is how HRT increases the risk of breast cancer. Most HRT is composed of synthetic hormones, and as my blog readers know, there is a huge difference between synthetic (ick) hormones and bioidentical hormones. Have a great, balanced day!

Good Quote!

"Freedom is that instant between when someone tells you to do something and when you decide how to respond."

- Dr. Jeffrey Borenstein

(you know, like when your doctor tells you that there is nothing wrong with you, that menopause is a natural condition and you need to suck it up and deal with the hot flashes, memory loss, etc., and then he offers you and anti-depressant!)

Study Looks At Clinical Trial That Tested Estrogen-Plus-Progestin Combination

I debated about including this article on the blog because I didn't want to cause unnecessary concern-----but I chose to include it as an exercise in careful reading. Please note that the article clearly states that women who are on an HRT protocol of estrogen and PROGESTIN (which is NOT the same as bioidentical progesterone----even though a lot of so called medical professionals use the terms interchangeably) who develop sudden breast tenderness are at a higher risk for breast cancer. As always, talk over any concerns about breast tenderness or any other symptom with your health care provider, and do regular self exams and get a regular mamogram. Have a healthy day!

Fast cars boost men's testosterone levels: research

Yeah, it figures, it's a man's world----check out this article----next thing you know a Porsche will be a medical expense! (I get silly on rainy cold days!)

OHSU researchers study affects of hormone levels on the immune system - Breaking News, Local News, Local Weather, Local Sports

OHSU researchers study affects of hormone levels on the immune system - Breaking News, Local News, Local Weather, Local Sports

Posted using ShareThis

Hormone Replacement for Men?

This is a small study-----but a study nonetheless. I think we are going to start hearing more about andropause (male menopause) and my hope is that it will spur researchers into action to conduct studies on BHRT for both men and women. Check out the article from the Morning Call.

A Growing Array of Options for Fibroids

Ran across this article this morning on my newsfeed---from the NY Times. A number of us have dealt with, or are currently dealing with uterine fibroids (I had a hysterectomy in 2002 because of them----boy, I wish I had known about BHRT back then!) Interesting reading. Have a great, healthy day-----I am off to get my hair cut and highlighted today---taking care of the outside as well as the inside!

Study Uncovers Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Risk Factors

I had noticed that a lot of women around my age had developed carpal tunnel syndrome, but I always attributed it to advancing age and too many years on the computer. This study, detailed in this article from EHSToday.com, outlines some of the risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome, and one seems to be menopause. It would be interesting to study this further and see if there is a hormonal connection to carpal tunnel syndrome. As a side note, I have noticed that the function in my wrists is much better since I have been on BHRT (probably a reduction of the inflammation in my wrists). My right arm was crushed in a car accident years ago, and for many years I walked (all the time) with a cane in my left hand. Both left my wrists painful. I have little problems with my wrists now-----and trust me, I use my hands a lot, I am a voracious knitter and do a lot fussy craft work like jewelry making. Something I need to ask my doctor about next time I talk to him!

Women with breast cancer have low vitamin D levels

Lots of articles about breast cancer popping up on my newsfeeds (I think it's because it is Breast Cancer Awareness Month)-----this article from Physorg.com discusses the high probability of women with breast cancer having low levels of Vitamin D (I just heard on Dr. Oz last week that almost 70% of the US population in general is Vitamin D deficient-----that's scary!)

If you live in the Southeast, you certainly are not going to get your Vitamin D from the sun today----here in NC, it's rainy, gray and icky (I do not believe that's a meteorological term, but it's a good description of the atmosphere). I have already been to the gym today, and now I am settling in at home to read, knit and work on a couple other projects (this weather makes my back crazy). Hope whatever the weather, you are having a good start to the week!

Tip: Get out for a high-quality dose of vitamin D

From Newsday.com----a very quick little article----pay attention to the bottom paragraph, one of the better explanations I've seen of why just healthy eating will likely not give you adequate Vitamin D dosages. Enjoy, and if the weather permits it where you are, get out there today and soak up a few minutes of sun (it doesn't take that much!).

Exercise for Your Immune System's Health!

Ran across this article from HealthNewsDigest.com ---- and ironically, Sunday is usually the one day of the week I don't exercise-----hmmmm, perhaps with all the talk about H1N1 and seasonal flu---I need to up the exercise program a bit. I think I will make a deal with myself---I can go out to the movies and lunch this afternoon, if when I get home I take a long walk. Sounds like a plan, I am off to greet the day! Go Panthers (sorry, I live in Charlotte, and this town is SO upset that the football season has started 0-3. ) The only thing I know about football is that Jake Delhomme has a nice butt (and if you are wondering how that relates to hormones---a little testosterone cream is great for the libido!)

Recent, Vigorous Exercise Linked With Reduced Breast Cancer Risk

Posted on: Thursday, 1 October 2009, 10:38 CDT
RedOrbit.com

Post-menopausal women who engage in moderate to vigorous exercise have a reduced risk of breast cancer. Click here for the rest of the article--- (then head to the gym or outside for a walk---don't forget, this is breast cancer awareness month!)

Is it menopause or is it your thyroid?

From Examiner.com-----an article on Mary Shomon's new book "The Menopause Thyroid Solution". I have this book on its way from Amazon.com (got tired of waiting for it through the library system!) and I will let you know how it is as soon as I read it---but I already know it will be a winner as I get Mary Shomon's thyroid newsletters and they are full of information.

TV Alert (Charlotte, NC area only!)

For those of you who live in the Charlotte, NC area --- PBS station WTVI is rebroadcasting a one hour show on bioidentical hormones on Saturday, October 10 at 9 am. The show originally broadcast on Sunday evening, and of course, I missed it! Have a great weekend!

Menopause, the Late Years

Ran across this article on the More Magazine website---if you are having memory/cognition problems, reading this will comfort you to know you are not alone.

Vitamin D For Swine Flu Prevention

I'm a big fan of Dr. Sorham Khalsa's book on Vitamin D called The Vitamin D Revolution----I've recommended it to a lot of people and I have given it as a gift. Dr. Khalsa has an article in this week's Huffington Post, it's worth checking out. Although I have already taken my Vitamin D today, it's sunny and beautiful here in Charlotte, so I may head out for a walk in a bit. Have a wonderful day everyone!

HRT Might Up Incontinence Risk In Postmenopausal Women

Most of you know I am not a fan of Premarin (or any synthetic hormone for that matter) and this article in Medical News Today gives me one more reason to advocate for bioidentical hormones. As a side note, bioidentical testosterone cream, used vaginally along with Kegel exercises, can really alleviate urinary incontinence in women.

Does Estrogen Help Women Survive Colon Cancer?

I ran across this article on ABC News (and have since seen it on several news services) about a study that shows estrogen does help women survive colon cancer. And oh, by the way, if you are over 50 and have not gotten an initial colonoscopy------why not???? (My father had colon cancer and it runs in families so I am a pain in the butt about this---so to speak!)

Red Clover, Soy and Other Phytoestrogens Pose No Heart or Cancer Risk

I get a lot of questions about this---whether phytoestrogens act as synthetic hormones do and raise a woman's risk of heart problems or cancer. This article will likely put some of those fears to rest.

Studies Show Vitamin D May Help Prevent Flu by Strengthening Immune System

OK, if you like mushrooms, great------but actually the purpose of this article is my semi regular reminder to get adequate Vitamin D! I need it today, it is gray, rainy and icky here in the Southeast----I was planning an outing to the rose garden but we had to go to plan B (lunch and movies with some ladies from one of my groups). If you are not taking Vitamin D, please talk to your doctor about it at your next visit!

Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises Can Help Manage Urinary Incontinence In Older Women

A lot of you have likely heard of Kegel exercises, but probably few of you practice them on a regular basis. This article from Medical News Today might change your mind! I learned about them years ago, after a car crash in 1992 crushed my pelvis. I had an amazing physical therapy team (good thing, too, because the doctors involved were morons!) who taught me the Kegel exercises. Urinary incontinence is an issue with some menopausal women, particularly those who have had a number of children. Enjoy the article, practice your exercises, and have a great day (it is rainy and gloomy here in Charlotte, perfect day to curl up with a book when I get back from doing errands!)

6 ways exercise can cure depression

I would modify that title to 6 ways to ease depression----but whatever, this article lists some of the reasons to think about incorporating regular exercise into your routine to help with the common symptom of depression in peri/menopause (and yes, I know, the artitcle comes from an Iranian newspaper-----but the information included in it is pertinent no matter what your nationality).

If you are interesting in seeing Suzanne Somers in person---

She is going to be in Toronto in late October (click here for more information) --- tickets are up to $135. She is likely going to be doing these talks all over the US, as her new book on alternative cancer treatments is coming out in late October. Just thought I would let you know.

Testosterone spray may help post-menopausal women fight dementia

This is a very small study, but it's interesting to see how hormones affect every system of the body (bioidentical hormones go way, way beond hot flashes, everyone!) Click here to read about how testosterone affects the brain activity of older women.

How to Stay Sharp as a Tack

Not to be confused with being sharply tacky (sorry, I'm in a silly mood this morning!) This is an excellent article from Natural News on ways to keep your cognitive function at optimal levels as you age.......and in the last year, this has become a particular passion for me, as I have two friends who are dealing with dementia.

Watch for depression during and after menopause

I know from reading emails from blog readers this is a major issue----check out this article from Reuters. Have a great day!

Over 65s should take high dose vitamin D to prevent falls, say researchers

First, this is a prime example of how much confusion there is about what constitutes a "high dose" of Vitamin D (I've long said the appropriate dose for you is what you and your doctor decide on --- for me it's 5000 IU's daily). Although this article from Physorg.com might not seem relevant right now (if you are not considered elderly) it does point out the need for Vitamin D, and it's also worth talking to your parents, grandparents, etc. about to help them live healthier lives.

Hot Flashes and Chills Coming Off Birth Control Pill?

I'm not endorsing (I don't know anything about it) the Hippocrates Health Lifestyle program, but I wanted to share this article with you (also a You Tube video that's basically just an audio of the article). The article discusses why a woman coming off birth control pills would experience both hot flashes and chills (something not uncommon---I hear it from a lot of women). Two points:

I plan on taking bioidentical hormones the rest of my life---I'm not figuring on spontaneously regenerating hormones even when I'm post menopausal (there's a lot of disagreement in the BHRT community on this one).

The last sentence of the article: " ........ find a way to make a smooth landing - bioidentical hormone replacement would be a big help here - that’s easy to do under the care of a good bioidentical hormone therapy doctor." cracked me up! Maybe this physician does not understand how hard it is to FIND a good bioidentical hormone doctor, especially one who charges less than the cost of a house for a consultation. Sigh, we have a long way to go in educating the public and other physicians----------have a great weekend, everyone!

Diabetic Women Experience More Hip Bone Loss at Menopause

From HealthandAge.com-----this morning's article concerns diabetic women losing more hip bone loss at menopause. I am not diabetic but thought this might be of interest to some of the blog readers. I do know, however, that after three years of bioidentical hormones, my last bone density scan showed enough improvement in my bone density that I no longer have osteopenia, and in fact, my bone density measurements in the hip, spine and femur indicate that I am comfortably in the normal range!

Getting fatter in mid-life may worsen hot flashes

(I'm so sorry, I thought this posted early this morning------I just realized the post was saved as a draft but not posted to the blog!)

I would have worded the title of the article a little differently but-----the information is important reading. This morning's article is from Reuter's, and you can access it by clicking here.