Was McGill prof duped or just sloppy?

The Canadian newspapers are literally abuzz over this whole Wyeth Pharmaceutical/ghostwriting scandal, particularly since one of Canada's top researchers, Dr. Barbara Sherwin, has been found to be one of the researchers who lent their names as authors of articles that were actually written by DesignWrite for Wyeth. The articles touted the benefits and efficacy of synthetic hormones (Premarin) for women suffering from menopausal symptoms. Here's the article from the Gazette, but more importantly, scroll down through the comments section---there are links to other articles, including one from The Toronto Star. I wish here in the US a little more hell would be raised over this, the news was reported several weeks ago, but largely on the back page of the business section.

Testosterone leads women to money risks

The article is from Cincinnati.com........I wonder if this applies to women who start taking testosterone therapy??? Hmmmm, while I am still very conservative with money, I did switch financial advisors last January (I had been on testosterone replacement for about 2 years at that time). Just wondering.......

Think again if you believe some herbal remedies help menopause

Here's one we could debate all day-----whether or not herbal remedies help with hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms. The article is here on Chicago Flame for your reading enjoyment. One thing that I do want to emphasize----no matter what supplements you are taking, you need to keep a complete and up to date list and share it with any doctor you consult with----supplements can cause interactions with medications and your doctor needs to be aware of what you are taking. This is not something to fool around with---make sure every health care provider treating you knows what medicines and supplements you are taking.

If you live in the San Francisco Bay area---

You might be interested in this study-----check out the details here at the Compounder's Forum. The study is looking for volunteers to use bioidentical progesterone and evaluate how it affects sleep.

Have an Affair With Your Pharmacist

From Empowher, an interesting article on developing a relationship (no, not that kind of relationship) with your pharmacist, particular important to those of us who are on, or are exploring being on bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.

How to Get Your Natural Desiccated Thyroid Drug Prescription Filled

I take two different thyroid medications----a compounded T3 preparation, and for my T4 thyroid hormone I take Levoxyl (and I take the brand name, I recently learned that for some people the brand name is preferable to the generic in terms of efficacy, and although it is a little more expensive----several dollars per month is all-----it's worth it). I've never taken Armour thyroid hormone, but a lot of people do, and there is widespread concern because there have been numerous problems with patients getting prescriptions filled. I asked my local pharmacist about it out of curiousity, and he just groaned and rolled his eyes-----said it was terrible having to send patients to another pharmacy because he couldn't fill all the orders coming in. Mary Shomon, who is a terrific resource to learn more about thyroid conditions, posted this article outlining tips to find ways to get your Armour prescription filled. Have a great weekend, everyone!

Health Care Fit for Animals

One of my friends is a psychologist in Syracuse, and a devotee of the NY Times. He sends me the greatest articles on a variety of issues, most lately on healthcare. This one is an important read----makes you think, no matter what side of the health care issue you are on.

Get back in balance!

As many of us know, you do not need to be in menopause to have a hormonal imbalance. This article from the Daily Online (Australia) tells one woman's story about her struggle (and ultimate victory) over hormonal imbalance. Good reading!

12 surprising signs you’ll live to 100

I thought number 6 was interesting-----------click here to read the article from NBC's The Today Show.

Aquafit Exercise and Menopause

This article hits close to home for me, as I do water aerobics at least three times a week at our local Y----it really helps keep me flexible and has strengthened my back tremendously (along with testsoterone cream----which has helped me build muscle tissue in my back and therefore stabilized it). You can read more about menopause and water exercise here in this article from Bella Online.

Sleep issues?

One of the most frequent complaints I hear from women in hormone transition, whether they are having night sweats or not, is "I can't sleep!" I know exactly how it feels, because there was a time before BHRT that I thought I would never, ever get a decent night's sleep. The hormones helped considerably, and of course, having more energy meant I was more active during the day, which of course meant more worn out at night, which I know also helped........and so on.

For years, I went from one sleeping medication to another, with very little result (and some of those meds were wickedly expensive!!!!!!) After I had been on the hormones for a month or so, my doctor suggested that I give melatonin another try--------and without a doubt, it has helped me more than any of the sleeping medications ever did.

Now, that being said, being hormonally balanced made a huge difference too, but this is one more thing to add to your arsenal of things to try out. Melatonin is cheap, and available almost everywhere (I get mine at Walgreen's when they have buy one get one free-----I think it's about $5 for a bottle of 100 tablets, something like that. Melatonin has a number of health benefits, check out this article from IHealth. Sweet dreams!

Protect Your Breasts With Vitamin D

I know many of you are fans of Dr. Christiane Northrup (she has written a number of books and has appreared a number of times on Oprah Winfrey's Show). She has just posted an article on the Huffington Post on Vitamin D and your breast health.

Are Compounded Hormones Safe--a Pharmacist Responds

I ran across this interview with a compounding pharmacist through a posting on The Compounder's Forum (and if Peter's blog isn't on your list of blogs to read---it should be, he has some great information presented in a logical, easy for lay people to understand format!). The article is a must read, and will clarify a few of the issues surrounding compounding pharmacists and compounded hormones. Oh, and when you check out Peter's blog, be sure to read his post on Wyeth and their ghostwriting practices.....good information there also.

If you live in CA and took Estratest----

You may be part of a class action lawsuit. Click here for more information......

Menopause survival kit------free!

Since I am thriving in menopause, not merely surviving, I don't need to order this, but here's the link to a site that will send you a free menopause survival kit, along with literature on peri/menopause. You will need to sign up for their free newsletter, but the site promises not to sell your information to a third party. The company involved manufactures Os-Cal, Remifem, and other over the counter vitamins and supplements, some of which are targeted toward women over 40.