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FAQ?Whether I am performing menopause counseling or speaking to a large group of women, I spend a lot of time fielding questions. The topics vary in range from nutrition to medication to dealing with health care professionals. Although I customize the information to suit each woman's individual circumstances, I find that some concerns are universal. This page is devoted to answering some of the most frequently asked questions.
I am going through natural menopause. Can your book, Sudden Menopause, still help me?
Yes. Although the primary audience for Sudden Menopause is women undergoing menopause early due to hysterectomy, cancer treatments or premature ovarian failure, naturally menopausal women can benefit from the book too. You can follow the same tips and advice, but you probably won't have to implement as many of the coping strategies to relieve your menopausal symptoms. (Sudden Menopause) How much vitamin E should I use? Vitamin E is an anti-oxidant that fortifies the immune system and may reduce the risk of chronic illness. It also helps alleviate hot flashes and night sweats. Additionally, it can relieve the discomfort of fibrocystic breasts. If you are using vitamin E for these purposes, take 800 IU of mixed d tocopherols daily. Take it with a snack or meal containing a little bit of fat for optimal absorption. If you are on medication, separate the ingestion of your vitamins from your medicine by at least two hours. Also, if you have a blood clotting disorder, are taking medicine that affects blood clotting or are currently receiving chemotherapy or radiation, be sure to discuss supplement usage with your doctor and pharmacist.
Can I use soy products while on Synthroid?
Yes, however, at least two hours should elapse between taking thyroid replacement medicine and ingesting soy products. Since soy can impair the absorption of this medicine, avoid taking them simultaneously.
Is there an easier way of gauging food portions without actually measuring them?
To help you gauge portion sizes without pulling out measuring cups every time you eat, I have listed some easy ways of " guesstimating" your food intake. They can guide you when loading up your plate.
Why
is flaxseed recommended during menopause? The benefits of flaxseed abound, thanks in part to substances called lignans, fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. These components enable flaxseed to alleviate menopausal changes, improve cholesterol levels, balance blood sugar levels and lower overall cancer risk. Flaxseed is extremely versatile and easy to use. It must be ground before using or the tough, tiny seeds will pass through your body undigested. Using an electric coffee bean grinder or a food processor, grind and store a cup of the flax meal in the refrigerator. Whole, unground flaxseed can be stored at room temperature for one year. Gradually add ground flaxseed to your food—yogurt, cereal, peanut butter toast, applesauce, soy smoothie. Keep in mind that it is high in fiber, so you would be wise to begin with one teaspoon daily and over the course of several weeks, incrementally increase to one tablespoon, once to twice daily. To help you get started, there are a few recipes that include flax in the Menopause Munchies and Archives sections of this website. How
do I know if my thyroid is underactive? Thyroid dysfunction affects approximately 13 million people, yet half remain undiagnosed. Hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid, is more common than hyperthyroidism, an overactive thyroid. Sluggish thyroid function is more prevalent in women than men. It is an affliction whose signs and symptoms may be ambiguous and insidious, thereby mimicking other disorders. In addition to identifying the signs and symptoms, a detailed medical evaluation and blood work are needed to confirm the diagnosis. Women often report fatigue, feeling cold (when not having hot flashes), weight gain, depression or feeling “blue”, thinning scalp hair, constipation and poor memory. Unfortunately, many women don’t equate their symptoms with a thyroid problem. Additionally, health care professionals don’t always order the appropriate blood work, so that they can arrive at an accurate diagnosis. Once diagnosed, hypothyroidism is readily treatable. For more detailed information on the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid dysfunction, go to Wellness Matters and click on “Could it be your thyroid?” If
I have a hysterectomy, will I go into menopause? Hysterectomy is the second most commonly performed surgery in the United States. Approximately 600,000 hysterectomies are performed annually, with the ovaries removed in about half of these cases. A total or complete hysterectomy is a surgical procedure in which the uterus and cervix are removed. The term oophorectomy (or ovariectomy) refers to the removal of the ovaries, either one (unilateral) or both (bilateral). The fallopian tubes also may be removed in a procedure called salpingectomy. Therefore, when the ovaries and the fallopian tubes are removed along with the uterus, the procedure is called hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO). According to the National Center of Health Statistics, 45.5 percent of all women who undergo a hysterectomy have their ovaries removed at the same time. In some cases, surgery is performed to remove only one ovary; even though the other ovary remains, sudden menopause can occur if the blood flow to the remaining ovary is compromised during surgery. It is estimated that 50 percent of all women who have one ovary removed during a hysterectomy will go into sudden menopause within five years of the surgery. When both ovaries are removed at the time of a hysterectomy, sudden menopause is imminent (this is also referred to as surgical menopause). With sudden menopause, menopausal signs such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings and memory changes, occur more abruptly than with natural menopause. Although there are many holistic and medical options available to alleviate these changes, women considering a hysterectomy need to be aware of the consequences of surgery before making an informed decision. For further information on hysterectomy and the sudden menopause that may follow, click on Hysterectomy and on Premature Menopause.
Is hormone therapy still an option? The benefit of recent studies regarding the usage of hormone therapy is that they have streamlined the risk/benefit ratio, delineated which women are the best candidates for it and carved clearer prescribing guidelines. Keep in mind though; that only one type of hormone regimen was used in the Women’s Health Initiative and the average age of the women in the study was approximately 65. The safest way of utilizing hormones is to use them in the lowest dosage for the shortest period of time in women with moderate to severe symptoms that can’t be controlled by other means. However, there is much food for thought with this all-encompassing statement. The decision about whether or not to use hormones should be made on an individual basis. Hormone therapy is the best option for some and the worst option for others. When trying to decide what to do, begin by defining your goal. Why do you want to use hormones? For example, is it to improve your quality of life because your symptoms are unbearable and unmanageable or is it because your bone density is low? If it’s the latter, there are non-hormonal medications that slow the progression of bone loss and increase bone density. In pondering the hormone issue, ask yourself the following questions:
The
results of the Women’s Health Initiative were different for each group. For
example, researchers didn’t find an increased risk of breast cancer or heart
attack in hysterectomized women on estrogen like they did for those with an
intact uterus on estrogen and progestin. The stroke risk was the same in both
groups of women. It’s important to note that these were modest increases that
became cumulative over time, which is why short-term usage (less than five
years) is recommended. Also, hormone therapy lowered the risk of osteoporosis
and colon cancer in both groups of women.
Based upon your lifestyle and family history, are you predisposed to any diseases such as breast cancer, heart attack, stroke or osteoporosis? Knowing this information can profoundly influence your decision to use hormones. Ask your doctor or nurse to help you determine your risk or read chapters 3 & 4 on osteoporosis and heart disease in “Sudden Menopause.” You should also know what other contraindications exist for hormone therapy (chapter 6 on hormone replacement in “Sudden Menopause”).
Don’t underestimate the power of balanced living and healthy lifestyles. Modifying your diet, using supplements, including foods that may balance your hormones, exercising regularly and practicing relaxation techniques play a pivotal role in alleviating menopausal symptoms (chapters 2, 5 & 7 of “Sudden Menopause.”) However, some women, especially those who are suddenly menopausal (early menopause due to hysterectomy, cancer treatments, premature ovarian failure, heredity, etc.) often require more than these natural strategies can provide. Fortunately, there are other non-hormonal medications that can be prescribed. If
hormone therapy ends up being your most favorable option, then use the lowest
dosage for the shortest period of time. You may also want to explore using the
bio-identical kind of hormones (those structurally identical to the hormones
produced by the ovaries). For more information on bio-identical hormones, refer
to chapter 6 of “Sudden Menopause.” The decision to use hormone therapy has to be made on a “woman by woman” basis. Women who have undergone a hysterectomy seem to be better candidates for estrogen therapy, but responsible usage in some naturally menopausal women is still an option. Making an informed decision means exploring all of your alternatives (natural, non-hormonal medications and hormone replacement) and re-evaluating your decision every year based upon any new research that comes to light and changes in your health. Your health care practitioner should play a guiding role in helping you sort through the information and weighing your options. Since
my hysterectomy, I have been managing the night sweats and mood swings
with help from your book. However, I can’t seem to get my energy back.
What can I do? After a hysterectomy, many women find it difficult to regain their stamina. Besides nutritious eating, getting enough sleep and transitioning back into exercise, the herb Ashwagandha can help. In addition to optimizing your energy level, it also helps to balance hormones and fortify your immune system. To achieve the greatest effectiveness, use it cyclically. Take 500-1,000 mg in the morning and early afternoon for three months. Discontinue it for two to four weeks and repeat the cycle as needed. What diet plan
do you recommend?
None. I believe in balanced eating all year
round---even if you need to lose weight I don’t think most women find
“eating by numbers”(counting calories, fat, carbs, etc) appealing.
Keep in mind that no one food group is bad. Our bodies need them all to
achieve physical, emotional and mental well-being. An easy way to gauge a
balanced meal is to make sure your plate contains a small amount of health
fat (olive oil, nuts, nut butter, seafood, avocadoes), lean protein
(seafood, poultry, wild game, lean
red meat, eggs, low fat dairy, legumes, soy), complex carbohydrates (whole
grain breads, cereals, oats and pasta, brown rice) and 2 servings of
produce. Just remember to keep portions small.
My fingernails are weak and split easily. I eat a healthy diet with enough protein. My doctor doesn’t have any suggestions. Do you? In the absence of illness or nutritional deficiencies, the mineral silica helps. Not only does it strengthen nails, but it strengthens bones too. Take 400 mg of silica derived from horsetail, daily. You will notice stronger nails within one to two months. |
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The information contained on this website is for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your health care practitioner for any medical or health questions and concerns. |
