Check out this post from Rosie Brown!

If you are not reading Rosie Brown's blog already, I highly recommend it. She has written a terrific book called Stop The Needless Suffering, you can order it from her website or through Amazon.com. Her blog entry for today emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy, and not just taking a doctor's word as gospel. Most doctors are good, caring practitioners who work hard to take care of patients to the best of their ability, but there are also a few "I know what's best" practitoners out there who can make life miserable.

Exercise can help with menopause symptoms

Wow, talk about serendipity--I just walked in the door from my exercise class at the Y, sat down at the computer, and this article from Tricities.com popped up! The article details some of the reasons that exercise helps with menopausal symptoms, and it also provides you with a link to the Mayo Clinic's article on menopause. Now I need to go rehydrate and get on with my day----make it a great one!

I'm back on Facebook!

Hi everyone, I am finally back on Facebook as a fan page --- named Holy Hormones, of course! Be sure to check it out and become a fan, I will be posting articles on the page at least three days a week. There is also a link to the Fan Page on the right side of the blog.

There's an app for that!

I love my IPhone, but I know I have far less downloaded on it than a lot of people. I ran across this article in the Charlotte Observer ---- it lists a bunch of different IPhone applications that can help you learn more and/or keep track of your health. I am particularly intrigued by the fifth one down on the list - iMedical Lab Tests - gives you the "normal" lab values for a bunch of different lab tests your doctor might order. I get questions about "normal" hormone levels all the time. Enjoy!

What lies behind the vitamin D revolution?

OK, I know, this article from Cortlandtforum.com is a little technical, but very interesting for those of you with a science/health background. I have neither, but was able to understand most of it, this might be a good one to run off and take to your doctor if he/she balks at testing your Vitamin D levels.

Baby boomers awakening to symptoms, risks of sleep apnea

I'm including this article from the Palm Beach Post.com because this is an issue that can hit women around the time of peri/menopause, and many are not even aware of it. Sleep apnea can have a significant impact on your life, as most of you who have experienced it can attest to----chronic lack of sleep will, without a doubt, impact your health and your quality of life. If you suspect you may be suffering from sleep apnea, or you can't stand your partner's snoring, talk to your health care practitioner and get tested!

Breast cancer survivor credits vitamin D for recovery

Now, give me credit everyone, I don't think I have posted a Vitamin D article in at least a week (which may be some sort of record for me!). I enjoyed reading this article from HealthZone.ca about a woman who feels that Vitamin D has helped in her fight against cancer. The article has some good information about the benefits of Vitamin D (remember to take D3 for better absorption----it's even available at Walmart). Now, you will have to excuse me for the rest of the day-----the temperatures here in NC are in the mid 60's and I'm going out to take a walk and get some sun!

Post-menopausal symptoms making intimacy impossible

I ran across this article in the TorontoSun.com ----- thought it was important to post for a couple reasons. Ladies, if you are having intimacy problems with your partner, you are NOT alone. You would be amazed at the number of women who write to me telling me they have not had intercourse in years, and that it is having a serious effect on their marriages. There is help out there, but you need to be able to talk to your doctor about the problem. If you (or your doctor) are uncomfortable, think about getting another doctor. Sexual health is important. One of the solutions mentioned in the article is a localized estrogen cream---it's called estriol. I use it for vaginal dryness and it works fine. It is by physician prescription, but it's inexpensive and available at any compounding pharmacy (and my insurance does cover it, check your own carrier for coverage).

Link Between Vitamin D And Skin Cancer

A Henry Ford Hospital study has shown a link between Vitamin D levels and basal cell carcinoma, a finding that could lead researchers to better understand the development of the most common form of skin cancer. Click here to read the rest of the article----

Study explores effect of breathing technique on hot flashes

I am a huge fan of deep breathing----I have used it to help with anxiety and chronic pain. I'm a little more skeptical about its effects on hot flashes.......but I think this study, outlined in this article on IndyStar.com, is fascinating. At the very least, the deep breathing techniques are likely to help the sometimes overwhelming anxiety that hot flashes can exacerbate.

Finally, a spring like day in NC----I'm so looking forward to getting out for a walk (good for my bones, and even more importantly, good for my spririt!) Have a great weekend, everyone!

What are the symptoms of adrenal-gland fatigue?

I get this question a lot ----- and I have a particular interest in it since I have adrenal fatigue myself----check out this article from the Hearald.ie about the signs/symptoms and treatment of adrenal fatigue.

Fast Forward to Old Age, Please

From Michelle Slatalla at the NYTimes.com------a story about menopause that most of us can relate to! I wonder if she has heard about bioidentical hormones yet-----hmmm, maybe I should send her my list of suggested reading........

Menopause increases heart risk

Check out this brief article from UPI.com----and be aware that the signs of a heart attack are often different for women than for men. And here's another reason to consider BHRT---my cholesterol levels have dropped 75 points since I started on the bioidenticals---and since I am exercising now 6 days a week, I know I am heart healthier! Now, if we could just get it to stop snowing in NC so I could go for a walk (sigh)--------

Hot-flash fitness

Oh, wow, wouldn't it be great if we all had access to such a great fitness program? Check out this article from The Ottowa Gazette --- pay particular attention to the types of exercises this article talks about ---- strength training, balance, cardio.

TV Alert!

Dr. Christiane Northrup: Menopause and Beyond - New Wisdom for Women------I just found out this show is being shown on our local PBS station WUNG (Charlotte, NC area) on Sunday, March 7 from Noon-2 pm. Thought I would give you a heads up, this is definitely a case of "check your local listings" for the time and day in your area. Many of you will remember Dr. Northrup from her appearances on Oprah, and Dr. Northrup has written a number of books, including The Wisdom of Menopause.