No More Hot Flashes!

It's been 3 months since I've had a period and the hot flashes are finally gone. I am taking a vitamin pack from Melaleuca, taking Estroval from Melaleuca, started using a progesterone cream from Dr. Colbert online and a pill called Pregnenolone. I take 10 mg. a day. I have also started taking Transitions weight management supplement, one a day. The other thing that's helped is I have eliminated wheat from my diet. I stopped taking birth control to feel better from the peri menopause because it was causing dizziness and I was gaining weight, having headaches, and just did not feel good. I feel better now than I have felt in years. I am sleeping again almost 5 to 6 hours straight which is much better than the previous 2 hours I was getting. I also see my chiropractor regularly and have been doing this for at least 20 years. Plus have gone green with all my cleaning products and personal hygiene products. These items I buy direct from Melaleuca as well. If you want to sign up post a comment and I will tell you how. I have started to lose a little weight but mainly inches. I was taking Tapazole for a year and my Endocrinologist took me off Nov 1st. So, I'm basically living a pretty healthy life. I also take Flaxseed daily, Cod Liver Oil, and drink lots of water. I do not drink soda at all. I do drink decaf coffee occasionally and all kinds of teas. I rarely eat fast food and do not fry my meat. I only shop Trader Joes foods or all natural products from the grocery store when at all possible. Yes, I do sometimes have sweets but I normally buy them from Traders. I hope you ladies out there that are going through the change can find help in some of these remedies and suggestions.

God bless us all this Christmas.

A Note from Crissy

https://www.enterolab.com/StaticPages/EarlyDiagnosis.htm

Hi family and friends,

As you all know, I have suffered from gluten intolerance/sensitivity for some time. I was only made aware of the blood test for Celiac Disease recently and I had already been on a strict gluten-free diet. To my dismay, you can only be tested if you've had a high gluten diet for at least 6 weeks and I am definitely not willing to put myself through trauma again. I'm emailing you this link to an essay from a website my chiro told me about. The more research I do the more convinced I am that everyone should be tested.

Unfortunately, as this essay will reveal, blood tests only show up positive for a small amount of people who have already had damage done to their small intestine. This Dr. explains that gluten reactions take place inside the intestine and need to be tested with stool rather than with blood. Test results were 3x higher with this method, enabling doctors to catch this sensitivity/disease before people develop other associated autoimmune disorders.

I am very passionate about this subject and believe that this could help you or someone you love immensely. If you stick with the reading of this essay,you will see that gluten intolerance can be masked by a host of other debilitating symptoms. Please help spread this awareness!

Much love,
Carissa

Serenity-Natural Progesterone and Your Health

Okay ladies, I just ordered a new product that I found online and I'm so excited to start using it. I have not been sleeping through the night lately and have been really concerned about the side affects of long term use of the Levora I'm taking. This new natural progesterone cream seems like it's going to do the trick. However, according to the booklet that came with the cream, I also need to change some things.

I need to eliminate or reduce alcohol, sugar, caffeine, chocolate, and high fat foods. Also, it's necessary to to eliminate artificial sweeteners, Mono-sodium Glutamate, and tobacco. Thank God I don't smoke, nor do I eat any foods with MSG, nor do I use artificial sweeteners. But, I do need to go back to Trader Joe's to start purchasing organic meats. eggs. and milk.

The meat, eggs, dairy, and milk products that are not natural or organic contain foreign oestrogen's that are used to add weight and monetary value to animals in our food chain at the expense of our health.

I can't start using the cream until day 14 of my cycle till day 28 for 3 months. I will keep you posted.

Freaking Out!

Okay ladies, I'm not doing so hot. 6 days without my birth control pill and I have already freaked out 3 times. I went off on my husband, cried, and felt like I wanted to kick some ass!

Wow, I haven't felt like this in a while. Is it the peri-menopause, my period, my marriage, or am I just pissed off at the world this week. I can't wait to start back on the Levora tomorrow to see if I get better.

Just a few minutes ago I started feeling chills, headache, and I have had interrupted sleep for days now. Somethings got to give and it isn't me.

Talk to you tomorrow.

Lilia

No More Hot Flashes!

So far so good. It's day 2 of my period and still no hot flashes. I'm not sleeping as well as I would like though. I am waking up to go to the bathroom but am able to fall back asleep so I can't complain. However, the room must be very dark, cool, and silence is a must. Unfortunately, my husband is not a quiet sleeper so most nights one of us takes turns going to the other bedroom to sleep so I can get back to sleep. Thank God he understands.

I did have a little cramping this month the day before and the day I started and I felt bloated which I have not felt in months. I'm still staying off the wheat and still feeling so much better.

Lilia

No Hot Flashes While On Vacation

Hi Ladies,

Okay, this is really weird. Why would I not have hot flashes on my vacation in Florida? It's the week before my period and no night sweats or hot flashes. Is it the Atlantic Ocean? Is it the humidity? Or, is it the fact that I have not had any wheat while I have been gone? Plus my congestion is gone. I can only surmise that I am allergic to wheat. I am due to start my period in 1 day and I feel great. I even missed my vitamins the last 2 days and I'm even a little irregular right now. But, I feel great!

I was having such bad congestion for the last few months and had a blood test done to see if I'm allergic to any type of pollen and they found no allergies. Hmmm. I think I'm allergic to wheat. Well, I'm going to stop eating it and see if my symptoms stay away this week that I'm not on the pill.

I will keep you posted.

Lilia

Sleepless in Suisun

Hi Ladies,

Well, I'm back at the dealer for the 42,000 mile check because the wait was too long yesterday. I didn't sleep that great but this time it was due to my husband snoring in my face. If it isn't menopause stuff it's husband stuff.....gees.

When I go back to work, I am strongly considering sleeping in my own room after we have our fun in bed in the future so that I can ensure a good nights sleep. Or maybe I will have him sleep in another room?? That sounds much better. Yes, I'm still looking for a teacher position for special ed kids. I have been teaching for more than 10 years, but I will be starting my Doctorate program in the fall so I will still be very busy.

A not so dedicated friend told me once, "why should he leave the bed if it's you that can't sleep?" Smart ass. Well because he is the one that woke me up from the snoring, that's why. I guess some of you might agree with her and at times I do not wake him up and ask him to go downstairs but he is a nice guy and knows I need the better bed due to my scoliosis. Plus he doesn't mind since he can sleep anywhere, anytime.

What does she know anyway, she's single.

Anyway, enough about her. I feel pretty good today but still have those darn dark circles under my eyes. They only seem to go away if I sleep all night without interruption. I do have to say that for some reason I'm not experiencing that vaginal dryness too much anymore. I guess I can attribute it to all the things I'm taking.

Have a great day,

Lilia

Not Much Sleep Last Night

Hi Ladies:

Well, last night I didn't sleep as well as I have been but I also forgot to take my vitamins and my Flax Seed Oil. However, I did take the sleeplessness pellets but I guess it wasn't enough. I went to sleep at 1130pm and woke up at 5am with a 2am need to pee. I felt really good when I woke up though. I didn't feel that normal groggy feeling I usually feel. The only difference yesterday was that I drank a diet Coke at the movies and I never drink soda. I also had a small glass of Cab (wine) with dinner.

I felt a little warm when I awoke but not like I had a hot flash. It has been in the 90's here in NorCal so that could be why. I don't normally use the air so it does stay about 70 in my room with the window open. One difference I have experienced lately is allergies. I don't know if allergies are connected or a symptom of Peri-menopause but I have had more allergies this year and bronchitis than ever in my life.

I also had dark circles under my eyes but lately they had been improving. I have noticed that I have lost some inches and I attribute this to the 6 week summer teaching assignment I had with pre-schoolers and all the movement and exercise I got, plus I had to do some walking due to car pooling with my husband. Whatever the reason, I like it and am now back down to a size 12. I also bought this electronic impulse gadget that I wear around my stomach and it is supposed to send a pulse to my stomach muscles to tighten them.

I know that a huge part of losing weight is connected to exercise, diet, and having good bowel movements which I have been having with the Flax Seed Oil.

Well I'm getting some new tires on my Jeep so I better sign off and get ready to do a little shopping.

Take care today ladies and remember to laugh your way to a better day.

Lilia

Feeling Pretty Good Today.

Hi Ladies,

Well today I went and saw Julie--Julia, with Meryl Streep and it inspired me to start writing daily in my blog about how I feel each and every day during this change of life.

I said it in the beginning of my blog, I'm 50 am in peri-menopause and just started having hot flashes this year. My sister and my mom tell me I'm blessed that I still have a period. Yep, my period is regular and lasts the 7 days that I'm on the placebo pill. After that last orange pill, I'm happy to take the little white magic pill again. I always feel like I'm entering another dimension while not taking the real thing.

This week I emailed my GYN and told her that I wanted a cream to add some estrogen since I'm still having hot flashes even while taking the pill. But they are mainly 1 week before my cycle and while I'm on my cycle. So, for 2 weeks, I'm sweating like a pig every night. Forget about waiting a few days to wash my hair (that's a thing of the past). Now I have to wash it almost every day while going through that 2 weeks of hell. She tells me that she can prescribe some cream but it's a vaginal cream and it's only for vaginal dryness. Well, that's not what my problem is so why would I have her prescribe it? Then she suggested a mild anti-depressant which has been known to help with the hot flashes. I read up on these anti-depressants and what do you know the side affects can lead to suicidal thoughts and so many other horrible things that I have to ask myself which do I prefer: normal sweaty nights with hot flashes, or wanting to kill myself. I pick the hot flashes hands down.

Well, I read on Cafe Mom that someone was using Flax seed oil capsules for hot flashes and low and behold, they are working. I am also taking these Homeopathic little pellets from Boiron for hot flashes and sleeplessness due to hyperactive brain activity. So far I have not had to take the hot flash pellets but I think I will need them during the 2 weeks that I have the night sweats. The ones for sleeplessness have been working....hallelujah! I have actually slept through the night-amazing!

I sure hope someone out there in blog land is getting something out of this blog site and hope that you will comment soon so I know that I'm not alone here in cyberspace and in this peri-menopause. I know that some of us ladies don't want to accept this phase of our lives, or talk about it, but remember there is power in numbers. Perhaps some of you have some awesome suggestions and remedies.

Can't wait to hear from you.

Lilia

35 Symptoms of Perimenopause & Menopause

The 35 Symptoms of Perimenopause & Menopause

This list of common symptoms that occur during perimenopause and menopause was developed from the real-life experiences of hundreds of women. All symptoms were experienced by numerous women and were either cyclical in nature, or responded to treatments (both traditional and alternative) known to address hormonal imbalances.

Hot flashes, flushes, night sweats and/or cold flashes, clammy feeling (see note) Irregular heart beat Irritability Mood swings, sudden tears Trouble sleeping through the night (with or without night sweats) Irregular periods; shorter, lighter periods; heavier periods, flooding; phantom periods, shorter cycles, longer cycles Loss of libido (see note) Dry vagina (see note) Crashing fatigue Anxiety, feeling ill at ease Feelings of dread, apprehension, doom (see note) Difficulty concentrating, disorientation, mental confusion Disturbing memory lapses Incontinence, especially upon sneezing, laughing; urge incontinence (see note) Itchy, crawly skin (see note) Aching, sore joints, muscles and tendons (see note) Increased tension in muscles Breast tenderness Headache change: increase or decrease Gastrointestinal distress, indigestion, flatulence, gas pain, nausea Sudden bouts of bloat Depression (see note) Exacerbation of existing conditions Increase in allergies Weight gain (see note) Hair loss or thinning, head, pubic, or whole body; increase in facial hair Dizziness, light-headedness, episodes of loss of balance Changes in body odor Electric shock sensation under the skin and in the head (see note) Tingling in the extremities (see note) Gum problems, increased bleeding Burning tongue, burning roof of mouth, bad taste in mouth, change in breath odor Osteoporosis (after several years) Changes in fingernails: softer, crack or break easier Tinnitus: ringing in ears, bells, 'whooshing,' buzzing etc. (see note)

NOTES:Symptom 1 (flashes) Hot flashes are due to the hypothalamic response to declining ovarian estrogen production. The declining estrogen state induces hypophysiotropic neurons in the arcuate nucleas of the hypothalamus to release gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) in a pulsatile fashion, which in turn stimulates release of luteinizing hormone (LH). Extremely high pulses of LH occur during the period of declining estrogen production. The LH has vasodilatory effects, which leads to flushing. Symptom 7 (loss of libido) For some women the loss is so great that they actually find sex repulsive, in much the same way as they felt before puberty. What hormones give, loss of hormones can take away. Symptom 8 (dry vagina) results in painful intercourse Symptom 11 (doom thoughts) includes thoughts of death, picturing one's own death Symptom 14(incontinence) reflects a general loss of smooth muscle tone Symptom 15 (itchy, crawly skin) feeling of ants crawling under the skin, not just dry itchy skin Symptom 16 (aching sore joints) may include such problems as carpal tunnel syndrome Symptom 22 (depression) different from other depression, the inability to cope is overwhelming. There is a feeling of loss of self. Hormone therapy ameliorates the depression dramatically. Symptom 25 (weight gain) often around the waist and thighs, resulting in 'the disappearing waistline' Symptom 29 (shock sensation) "the feeling of a rubber band snapping in the layer of tissue between skin and muscle. It is a precursor to a hot flash" Symptom 30 (tingling in extremities) can also be a symptom of B-12 deficiency, diabetes, alterations in the flexibility of blood vessels, or a depletion of potassium or calcium Symptom 35* (tinnitus) one of those physical conditions that seems to manifest in some women at the same time as menopause. It can be associated with health conditions such as hypothyroidism and heart disease, and is a known side-effect of many medications, including aspirin (salicylates) and Prozac. SOME OF THE 35 SYMPTOMS MAY ALSO BE SIGNS OF THE FOLLOWING:hypothyroidism diabetes depression with another etiology other medical conditions

3rd month on the pill

Okay, I have been on the pill for almost 3 consecutive months and I definitely see and feel a difference. When I'm off of them for that placebo week, I feel pretty bad. Now my doc says I can just stay on and forget the no pill week. I guess it's time to refill my prescription then. This pill has eliminated my night sweats, some high intensity emotions, most of my insomnia, and cramping. However, while I'm on the placebo week, I feel all the symptoms intensified. So, I'm going to elect to do the pill without stopping for the next 3 months and see how I do. That one week of symptoms really messes me up physically and I just don't want to do anything. I totally recommend it.

May 13, 2009 - 7 Days off the Pill was hell!

The placebo pills changed my cycle in a huge way. I had a heavy period, I was emotional, I got sick with allergies, insomnia, and I had the worst night sweats ever!! I emailed my doctor and she said that sometimes even when you are taking the pill for peri-menopause purposes your period can be heavy and night sweats can return. That was no joke! She also said that it's possible to take the pill that does not have a placebo week, (I had no knowledge of this) but she encouraged me to continue for two more months to see how the next two cycles go. Easy to say, not easy to experience. I'm back on the pill as of Monday and I am feeling great!

FSH Test

April 29, 2009

My doctor ordered an FSH and my level came back at 3.1 and according to the charts I am not in menopause with that level. However, I have been on the pill for 3 weeks. Did the pill change my level that much? I don't know because an FSH test was not done prior to starting on the pill. I am not having bad mood swings anymore, but I am still having problems sleeping through the night. I am also having mild hot flashes at night while sleeping and I'm having chills for 3 weeks now. I am still experiencing vaginal dryness and not much desire for sexual intercourse. However, sex is still good about every 3 to 4 days. I am also experiencing some minor cramps around my period time. I don't know if this pill is making that much of a difference for the peri-menopausal symptoms but I am feeling much better emotionally, which is a huge deal to me. I have felt a little hyper lately but my doctor says it may be due to my hyper thyroid (Grave's Disease) that I have had for more than 2 years. I am taking Tapazole for that and am hopeful that I won't have to have the radioactive iodine if the medication is a success for remission. Some of my hyper thyroid symptoms mimic peri-menopause symptoms. So if you're not sure perhaps your doctor can order a blood test to check your thyroid levels TSH and T-3.

7 days on the pill

My doctor put me on birth control to help my hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, cysts on my ovaries, and to help my menstrual flow to almost nothing. So far, so good! I haven't noticed any huge changes except I am not as emotional as I would normally be on my cycle. I was still somewhat sensitive but not crazy. The issues didn't seem as huge in my mind. So, I think it's working already. My GYN said I would have significant improvement right away. My period only lasted barely 2 days with light spotting. I also experienced a couple pimples this period and haven't in the past. I had missed a period prior to begin taking the pill so I was confused as to when to start taking them. When I finally began the spotting I started it the next day which is what my doctor told me to do. I feel happier, less judgemental, and less critical. My sleep is getting better but I'm still waking up to pee a few times a night but still sleeping better overall. I have noticed that if I eat sugar late in the evening or drink late in the evening a glass of wine, I don't sleep as well and don't feel that great when I get up the next morning for work. Last night, although I ate late, I did not drink any alcohol but 3 sips of my husband's beer and did not have any sugar. This morning I feel pretty good! Check out this link: http://www.coolzs4women.com/ I guess this sleep wear is good for hot flashes. I have not tried it so I have no clue if it works. If anyone has tried it let us know.

Birth Control for Peri-Menopause Relief

I saw my gynecologist on Tuesday and she prescribed a low dose birth control pill (Levora) to take daily. She suggested I start taking it the Sunday after my period starts so that I'm not on my cycle during the weekend. However, I would rather not be menstruating during my work week due to the constant need to go to the bathroom, the uncleanliness, and just the feeling of "am I leaking". Since I would rather have my period on the weekend if I have to have it at all, I will take the pill the next day if I start menstruating during the week to weaken or stop the cycle completely.

The doctor suggested that I take the Levora to balance my hormones of estrogen and progesterone. She says that from experience this dosage should help with the hot flashes, night sweats, and possibly even the insomnia. If it does not help the insomnia then she will have to prescribe something else.

She believes I will be on the pill for a year by which time, I should be in menopause. When this happens then she will most likely have to start me on hormone therapy for a few more years up to 5 total.

Dr. Amen, Fairfield, CA

Daniel G. Amen, MD is a physician, child and adult psychiatrist, brain imaging specialist, bestselling author, Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and the CEO and medical director of Amen Clinics, Inc. (ACI) in Newport Beach and Fairfield, California, Tacoma, Washington and Reston, Virginia .

ACI is the world leader in applying brain imaging science to clinical practice. ACI has the world’s largest database of functional brain scans related to psychiatric medicine, now totaling nearly 50,000 scans, and the clinics have seen patients from 75 countries.

Dr. Amen is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, where he teaches medical students and psychiatric residents about using brain imaging in clinical practice.

I watched Dr. Amen's show last night on PBS and it was so interesting because I feel that since I have insomnia and I have been blaming it on menopause, perhaps it's from something else?

When women start menopause, or in my case Peri-menopause, we automatically begin to blame everything we experience on it. I'm not that convinced that every symptom I have is the fault of Peri-menopause. Therefore, I have submitted a request for a consultation with the Amen clinic.

If I can convince my brain and do things that will make my brain healthier, I will begin to have happier thoughts, be at peace, and perhaps with his help have less anxiety and be able to sleep at night. Dr. Amen believes in natural medicines first! He has learned this by his own experience. He has taken brain images of many people and has been able to help those with unhealthy scans live healthier, happier lives.

Visit his website at http://www.amenclinics.com/meet-dr-amen/

Menstruation during Peri-Menopause/Menopause?

This week my period was not as heavy but I still had to use the Super Tampons for a couple days then I switched over to the Regular size. I always have to also use a pantie liner just in case of leaks. I still have my periods pretty regularly.

What I found out yesterday about tampons is very interesting so I thought I would share it. I normally never get headaches. Every night now, due to the night sweats, or insomnia, I wake up and need to use the bathroom, drink water, and try to get back to sleep. However, this period was different. It was different in the way that I felt when I woke up. I had to urinate almost 3 or 4 times a night, when I awoke, I had slight headaches that could have turned worse had I not talked my self into relaxing again, and I had extreme dehydration.

I am a teacher and I shared this with my aide who is 38 and she said that because of the same symptoms a while back, she had to stop using tampons. I became very interested in her information. She shared that when she uses tampons, she gets headaches, is dehydrated, feels nauseous, and generally does not feel well.

I decided to listen to that inner voice and I realized that these symptoms I had this time were also due to the tampons. I have decided that next month I will use a pad and see if I feel any difference and I will report back to you all.

A tip: If you wake up half asleep during the night while menstruating and you are using a tampon, don't forget to remove it before you pee. I forgot and the next time I awoke I found it while I cleaned myself and realized this dirty tampon had been inside of me for a few hours. Thank God I woke up again to pee. My advice now is -use a pad while sleeping.

Menopause and Melaleuca

Doctor Visit:

I went to see my orthopedic doctor this week for my yearly check up and thank God, the scoliosis has not worsened. I am at 25%, he says no operation needed until 35%.

He told me that I need to take 1200mg of Calcium daily. Especially now that I'm 50 and going through Peri-menopause and then into menopause. This phase of our lives takes a toll on our spine and can lead to osteoporosis. Hence, the 1200mg of calcium.

I don't know about you all but I don't want to have a hump and be an emotional wreck! What I figured out was that the vitamins I got from Melaleuca have an AM and PM packet for me to take. There are about 5 pills in each pack. These are especially designed for women over 50. I got them as a part of my Valu Pak when I joined.

What I was amazed at was that each packet gives me a little over 1500mg of Calcium so I don't have to purchase anything extra, just start taking my vitamin packs daily for AM and PM. Amazing, I had the little guys the whole time but didn't know they had what I needed until I read the label. Once I received them as part of my Valu Pak, I just put them in my cabinet. When I returned from my appointment I read the label and found what I needed. They also contain so many other valuable nutrients and antioxidants that I need.

Suzanne Somers takes 60 different vitamins and minerals each day. I'm glad I only have to take 10 total. What I have found is that if I don't take any vitamins or hormone supplements EstraAval (also Melaleuca) then I have hot flashes, night sweats, and dizziness. However, when I take them I don't experience these things.

My gynecologist believes in the vitamins, herbs, and minerals if they work, so far they are. I have tested it out on myself and even though this week I had a period, it wasn't as bad as previous months. No cramps, not much crying or emotional havoc, but I did have a little. The Melaleuca vitamins are different than any others I have read about and tried. They have a 85% absorption rate with no side affects on the stomach because of their Oligofructose complex that the scientists have added to the compounds. This is a patented formula that you can only get through Melaleuca.

If you want to know more, send me a blog.

Friday, February 13, 2009 Not Sleeping Much

Hi Ladies,

Are any of you experiencing insomnia? Well, it can be due to many reasons, but if you are going through Peri-menopause, or menopause then most likely that is the reason.

Women going through their menopause frequently suffer from insomnia. Menopause and insomnia co-occur due to the reduction and imbalance of hormones associated with menopause. The resulting stress, anxiety, and depression deprive the menopausal woman of sleep. Accompanying these sleep disturbances are hot flashes and sweats that are the characteristic symptoms of menopause. Symptoms Of Menopausal Insomnia Symptoms of insomnia in menopausal women are the same as in other insomniacs. These include: difficulty in falling asleep, waking up very early in the morning, feeling fatigue upon waking up, waking up with hot flashes and sweating. Also, menopause and insomnia, when occurring together, are characterized by having vivid dreams and waking up with a thumping beat. http://www.thehealthcarecenter.com/menopause_and_insomnia.html

The imbalance of hormones is causing the insomnia so we must get them into balance. How do we do this? Based on some research, I know that I have to have blood work done to check the levels of the estrogen and FSH in my body. See your gynecologist to schedule this bloodwork so you can get some answers and get a safe remedy based on what they find. Remember, we want them to balance our hormones that are out of balance and give us what we need instead of just prescribing the pill.

Saturday, Feb 7, 2009- Menopause Meet Up at Starbucks

Hi Ladies,

At our meeting today I met a few more ladies who have some different stories to share:

Joy-is 58 years old and is going through menopause for a second time!! Thankfully, this is not that common amongst women. She has suffered with moods swings, which caused her to have to be on Paxil and Prozac. She desires to stop taking both but her husband doesn't know if he can handle her without them. She says that her girlfriends tell her that she isn't that much fun anymore.

Does this sound familiar ladies? I have found that during this time of change in my life that I no longer want to hassle anything. This means that I can pretty much be happy just sitting on my couch watching a great movie, alone! I didn't use to think this way but lately it just seems like too much work to get ready to go anywhere and way too much work to actually go.

Tonight we are supposed to go to a friends house for dinner, but quite frankly, I would rather go see a chick movie.

However, since I have been using more of my Melaleuca products I have been feeling a little more energetic, a little more like I want to join back into society, other than work.

The one thing I have learned this month is that no matter what, if I am toxed up and constipated I just don't sleep well and I have no energy. When I am cleansed, I sleep better, am happier, and have more energy, and have a better outlook on life.

We need to commit to being kind to ourselves ladies, eat right, don't drink too much wine, don't binge on too much sweets, and drink water, and get a little exercise.

Oprah Winfrey's January 29th program

I taped the Oprah Winfrey show where Suzanne Somers talks about 'Bio identical hormones' and her success with them. I was amazed to hear some of the stories on the show from women who are sleeping again, having sex, feeling happy again, and no longer on emotional roller coasters.

I have to say, it gave me hope! I am in the process myself of scheduling an appointment with my gynecologist to do my blood tests of my hormone levels. I'm excited to get started so I can start sleeping through the night again. I think I'm at the beginning of my Peri-menopause so I think I am getting an early start.

Also, I have been taking some supplements from Melaleuca and some great vitamins from them as well and although my sleep is disturbed every night for about an hour, I am feeling better overall. The night sweats have reduced, the dizziness is far and few between, my emotions have not been extreme, and I am feeling like myself again. However, I am keeping busy in my community volunteering, getting involved in some hobbies, eating better, and trying to stay cleansed. All of these things help! But my sex drive has lessened, have some vaginal dryness, and I have gained weight which are also due to hormones.

Suzanne Somers talked about how our hormones are on a teeter totter. On one side are the major hormones- thyroid, cortisol, adrenals, insulin and the minor hormones - estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are on the other. As we enter Peri-menopause the minor hormones start dropping which cause the major hormones to take over and this causes us to become more tired, have less of a sex drive, gain weight, and start having insomnia.

When I heard her say this, it made so much sense to me that it got me back on this blog to share it with all of you. I will log on again soon with more information.

Menopause Symptoms and Questions

Menopause starts in a typical woman's life due to age, but recently I have met women who their Peri-menopause or menopause has started due to many different reasons.

These next few women I discuss shall have fictional names due to anonymity.

Roxanne is unmarried and is 33 years old. She has never been married and has no children Recently she has started experiencing menopausal symptoms. She hasn't had a period in 6 months. She desires to have children but may not be able to due to only one ovary that is functioning at minimal capacity.

Rosie is 46 and is going through chemotherapy and radiation treatment for breast cancer. She also is experiencing Peri-menopausal symptoms according to her doctor due to the chemo. She is not having her period but it also may be due to radiation and chemo. She is using the IUD so that may also be a factor.

Toni is 48 and is having menopausal symptoms and has never had children. She is not having a period, is experiencing insomnia, and although a very busy and talented woman is at times needing time alone.

Carmen is 50, had a stroke at 36 which caused Peri-menopausal symptoms to begin and now at 50 is still having her period regularly and is not yet experiencing any menopausal symptoms that she is aware of. However, she is having emotional mood swings right before her menstrual cycle. During her stroke recuperation she experienced night sweats, fight or flight, and emtional mood swings.

Lilia is 50. She is still having her period regularly, is at times experiencing mood swings during the onset of her period, has had night sweats, is experiencing insomnia, and is also experiencing hot flashes and dizziness at times.

Some products that we have found beneficial to get us through these symptoms are Melaleuca's EstrAval a natural support for menopause, vitamins for women, and detoxifying our homes. Melaleuca products can be purchased directly via their website.

Melaleuca products are safe, good for the environment and can even bring in residual income monthly income. If you are interested in becoming a member and ordering these products please let me know in your blog.

Estraval contains soy, Dong Quai, and Black Cohosh. I have taken other soy products and they have given me gas but this product does not affect me at all. I have also taken Black Cohosh but a word of warning to you. Although my Gynecologist told me to try it, she said that if it gave me any bad side affects to beware of it because it's very strong. Well, it did! It was quite scary and I emailed her and she told me to discontinue it immediately. However, what's weird is that I have no side affects taking the combination of these three items together in EstrAval from Melaleuca.

I am not having hot flashes at night any longer, nor am I feeling as moody. However, I am still having some insomnia but am able to go back to sleep if I move to another bed where it's very quiet, cool, and dark.

I also have to attribute some of my well being to my eating healthier, and detoxifying my home. There are a list of consumer items that are very bad for us and I figured that I might as well do everything I can to get through this chapter in my life. Just remember ladies, it's only a chapter and we will get through it. Key word Meno-pause!

What I have recently received as an inspirational word from God is this: "We can take all these feelings, doubts, unfortunate fight or flight emotions, tears and we can put them in a box, a beautifully designed box, with an ornate golden bow, and know that they were real, they hurt, they exhausted us, but they aren't who we really are underneath the hormones." Quote from me-Lilia.

We can know that this too shall pass. And for me, well this makes me smile and feel confident that I am not crazy and that's a big deal right now.

God bless you.