Why am I on Provera, (which is derived from the female hormone progesterone but is not natural), you  may ask, given all the nasty things it can do to you?  Well, suddenly after 9 months, I had a prolonged period, so I duly went along to the gynaecologist.  I can a scan and a blood test, plus what seems to be the prerequisite biopsy. 

The good news is that the biopsy came back negative for anything nasty.  However the blood test showed that I am still ovulating with a current reading of 7 ( previously 29) and the scan revealedl fluid in my uterus plus several fibroids.  Actually the fluid had been observed in my previous scan in Jan but the doctor wasn't too concerned then. She actually missed it on the report from the radiologist, so I had to point it out to her because the radiologist had mentioned it as she did the scan.  However, this time, it was large enough for even me to see as the scan was being done ( the Doc said it was like a fetal sac which is obviously impossible, tubes tied 19 yrs ago).  So the provera is a 2 month 10 day course to induce my periods and hopefully flush the offending fluid from my uterus. 

I must admit I wasn't  exactly dancing with joy when she told me that was was her course of action as I knew with the adenomyosis I have, I would be where I am now, miserable :(  However, in the long run if it gets rid of the fluid build up (probably due to scaring caused by the ablation I had done 4 yrs ago) it will avoid any operations which in my book, is worth some agony.

Anyway I am glad I am not at work tomorrow and we will see how I feel on Saturday whether I go in or not.  No doubt there will be more freight for me to  unpack! Hopefully by then I will be over the worse of it and then I will have the joy of repeating the process on the 1st October.  Oh what Joy!

This little problem is only made worse by the fact that i live in florida where it is hot all the damn time. I usually just walk around in some small shorts and a tank top. Anything where my skin can be exposed to keep me cool is a good thing. The problem is, in florida, because it is so ungodly hot outside all of the department stores put their air conditioners on 60. So you want to go shopping and your nipples start to freeze off. i have started bringing a sweater when i know i am going on a shopping excursion. People give me some weird looks but you know what? who cares. At least i am not frozen like a popsicle and i can actually stop to look at the food in the freezer section.

This being hot thing sucks.  I am only in my early thirties. I keep thinking to myself. Is this menopause already? Is it possible i am going through the change? i have even researched this and i found there is such a thing as perimenopause. the very early stages of menopause. If this is how it is going to be during menopause...take my name off that list. When that time comes i am going to have to walk around with  ice packs glued to my chest. Who needs a breast augmentation when i have ice packs?  I have even gotten so hot lately that i just stand with my head in the freezer. Just stand there. I am seriously considering moving north. I know there are those out there who hate the cold. I understand why. I have lived up north. Hell, i grew up there. However, this hot business is for the birds.

I learned in a psych class that i took recently that when people are uncomfortable they become mean. That makes so much sense. that explains why everyone is so bitchy here. It is the damn 100 degree weather and everyone is tired of feeling like the sun is burning their skin off.  When we are uncomfortable we will do anything to start to feel more relaxed and better. I guess next time i get that extreme hot feeling i am just going to have to take all of my clothes off. Hopefully i won't offend those who are never an uncomfortable temperature.  I think next time that i start to see someone get pissed off..and screaming and hollering like a crazy person. I am just going to say "HEY, YOU OVER THERE HOLLERING...I AM HOT TOO BUT YOU DON'T SEE  ME BITCHING!" wait a sec....haha. yes i am. i am bitching about it in this blog. OOPS.

please someone hand me some ice. i could go for some ice chips right about now.

have a sexy, fun and cool day.

Women, to put it bluntly, are biologically different from men. Those differences imply some guidelines for diet, exercise and health matters in general.

 Women, for example, naturally have a higher percentage of body fat than men, 27% on average compared to 15% for a fit individual. That single number alone is helpful information if one of your weight loss or exercise goals is fat reduction. Any woman trying to reduce her percentage should take into account this natural difference, since it can help avoid guilt and provide a realistic goal.

 Women experience hormonal changes that differ considerably from that of men as they age. Even young women can have irregularities in menstrual cycle and other physiological changes as a result. This can be seen more clearly by looking at some extreme cases, for example.

 Women in concentration camps in WWII frequently discontinued having regular menstrual cycles, as a result of the effects of starvation. Highly trained female athletes also often experience similar changes, as a result of ultra-low body fat and other causes.

 The ill effects of PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) can be reduced by stabilizing blood sugar levels, regulating fat intake and other dietary changes. For example, mood swings can be smoothed out to a degree by higher amounts of soluble fiber, which helps produce a slower rise in blood sugar. Apples, oats and beans are good sources.

 Combining fat with protein and carbohydrate intake in a balanced way will help slow the rise in blood sugar from the carbohydrate consumption. Ice cream may be a comfort food but the effect is short-lived and doesn't provide the balance needed. Instead, increase consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables. Bananas are a good choice, along with walnuts.

 Women are more prone to arthritis, fibromyalgia and other conditions. Certain previously unsuspected food allergies can worsen the symptoms. Testing is essential, but at the same time a healthy diet will help. Rice and soy beverages can be substituted for those sensitive to cows milk, there are wheat-free breads on the market that are still whole grain and peanuts may need to be avoided for some.

 For example some women who suffer from rheumatic symptoms will find they are allergic to wheat. A gluten-free diet will help lessen that problem. This includes finding substitutes for ordinary cereal, standard bread, pasta and other foods made from wheat flour.

 During the years of menopause, as cycles become less regular and large hormonal changes are occurring, diet can help lessen the severity of any discomfort. Lowering sodium intake is helpful. Substitutes include herbs, garlic or lemon juice for flavoring. Each individual is different, though, and you should consult a physician for proper amounts.

 Menopausal women are likely to benefit from reducing saturated fats, beyond that of younger women or males. Since estrogen levels are declining, HDL cholesterol (the beneficial type) will tend to fall and LDL cholesterol (the potentially harmful type) will rise.

 One result is that, though men in general have a higher risk of heart attack as they age, during this time a woman's risk is equal to those of men of similar age. Reducing saturated and trans fat can help reduce those risks.

 Moderate wine consumption is beneficial. It provides antioxidants and other helpful compounds and is generally lower in calories than many alternatives. Lowering caffeine can help reduce loss of calcium, which is more needed as women age.

 What constitutes a proper diet varies somewhat by gender and age, so investigate what is right for your particular circumstances. Knowledge is the key to health.

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I went for my 4 week blood work to see if this actually works or if it is placebo effect. I am thrilled not to be taking some horse urine hormone that is derived from the urine of dehydrated horses.  That sounds so awful I wonder if it is some marketing hysteria?  Or at least this is what I was told by a colleague yesterday. Placebo is not half bad , if that it what it is, and it seems to be working. So far I have not convinced 4 Physicians to give me the exact content of the pellet ( soy based, plant material based). I don't want to make the stuff I just want to know what is exactly in it. I would like to call the manufacturer and have a discussion with them.  

Palin has really nice skin. She is very attractive.  I am sitting on the edge of my seat to hear her speak tonight.  I just got a phone call (survery) asking me if I thought Pallin was detrimental to McCain or if Biden was detrimental to OBama. Well I pushed 3, on the phone I am undecided. I will have my answer prior to November . I guess that do not call list thing does not work.   

Olah, Sunny

The night I knew things would change ...

Tada! Wow! I adore this new template! And I was pondering a change to reflect the beginning of my favorite "one-third" of the year! (And my life-changes as I move into the next leg of my journey ...)

So, ta-da! Happy September! ♥

My blogging absence reflects the reality that my "extra" time is full of dancin' and declutterin' throughout my home. I have even painted! Yes, indeed! The master bedroom, my studio/office, the hallway (which has absolutely nothing on either side anymore ... Yes, big change!)

Definitely a first for me. My record is one room painted every two-to-five years. ;-)

I should also mention that as I engage in adventuresome quests to maintain order in my home — I am maintaining order "within" and progress in my career goals.

Definitely another first for me. My prior record has had its share of glitches and outside influences and unavoidable circumstances. 8-O

Additionally, (I know! the hits just keep a'comin'!) my leisure goals are celebrating a milestone as well! I have maintained my goal of a vacation or mini get-away every quarter as well as taken my trip to the beach this year! And — this is the third year of doing so! Wahoo! :-D

As I sipped delicious café mocha from my favorite red mug this morning ... collage-journaling, planning and pondering the realities of the universe — namely, in my neck of universe! ;-) — as I listened to piano concertos and instrumentals ... I was peaceful. Still. Contented. Relaxed. Focused. 8-) (Like a Secret Service agent!)

Decluttering — organizing, throwin' away and givin' away — is liberating and (at long last!) within my comfort zone. I hold the reins of this task (at long last!! 8-O ); the varied and interconnected aspects of my life (whole-body wellness, my elected roles as bride, mother, friend, consultant — artist! — etc., etc.) are beginning to merge once again.

And ... honestly ... perhaps for the very first time. (They are merging.)

It is as though I have finally weeded out the people and situations (and assorted clutter!) that (literally) bogged me down ... Robbed me of my joy and.or insisted I put on a mask and pretend I was someone I am not.

Even as I just now packed a journaling-tote (full of colorful markers, fun papers and two insightful books about journaling and ordering one's private world) I realized my life currently resembles this nifty, fully-equipped "grab-it and go!" tote.

I have my favorite things (and only my favorite things — sans the other junk!) in their proverbial place and ready to go. No longer are the bits and pieces of what I enjoy doing — what I want to do! — scattered hither and yon, or hidden from view — or worse, simply forgotten due to constant static (crushing sorrow, despair, feelings of overwhelm-ment).

Selah

Related posts:

• Courageous Patience
• Moving Day!
• Got my mud runners on …
• Action Within The Glory and The Minutiae
• Taking Care of Business

I wanted to share a book that my friend Carol Stanley wrote, “For Kids 59.99 and Over.” It was released on September 1, 2008 and is available on Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com, and Powell Books.com

Here’s how she describes it:

What is life like as we get towards or past 60?  There are many changes occurring in our lives.  Our kids, more than likely have left the nest (some of them may be returning).  It is a time to evaluate our health, eating habits, exercising programs and our life direction.  It is also a time for new goals and new adventures.  A major issue in today’s life is technology and dealing with it.  You know that push button exercise on the phone when trying to solve a problem.

 Life has changed and we must deal with it with joy, fun, acceptance and patience.

“For Kids 59.99 and Over” shares ideas on feeling good, sleeping better, dealing with our grown kids, friendships and how to get situated in a new environment.  It is never too late for a new business, a new adventure or even a new place to live.  This is a time of freedom, which in turn means decisions in many areas of our lives. Many of us have difficulty dealing with our changing bodies, a few new wrinkles and shorter lived energy.  There are solutions for many of these problems……So join me in my journey to find a more fulfilling and fun life.

And to all that I say: Lalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalala. In other words, I don't want to hear about it, okay? When did menstruation, or the lack thereof, get to be polite conversation? I guess around the time they started running ads for tampons on prime time TV. But to me it's just, ew, gross.

What's so interesting about menopause, anyway? What is this wisdom they keep talking about, this freedom, this huge change that demands hormones or maybe not hormones -- sorry, I can't keep track. The only thing more boring and unseemly than discussing getting your period is, it seems to me, discussing not getting your period.

Some of you might say my feeling on this issue is old, and that the modern stance is to be openly affirmational about the feminine circle of life. Well, I can get all woman-y with the best of them, girlfriend, but I still say keep the whole blood in your cooter thing to yourself.

On that note, I'll change the subject to something younger: cool music. I have no idea what group or song this is, but the video got millions of views on YouTube and it features thematically-related red flags. At least I guarantee it will be more educational and entertaining than hearing about anyone's adventures in menopause

[Credit: Sailingscuttlebutt.com]

A friend wrote to me recently and mentioned that a clinical psychologist had told her that she is seeing more and more patients who are entering early menopause. The cause? Apparently, stress has something to do with it.

Another myth to debunk? Or is there something to this?

I found two studies in the American Journal of Epidemiology whose findings appear to suggest a role for stress in predicting an earlier age at menopause. Yikes!

In the first study, published in 1997, researchers sought to identify factors that might determine age at which menopause would start. They studied the effects of demographics, reproduction history, number and length of stressful events (i.e. those occurring within the last 6 months and those lasting longer than 6 months) and other health factors. 185 women were studied for approximately 8 years.

The finding showed that earlier age at menopause was associated with women reporting irregular menstrual periods in their 40s, who smoked, were African Americans or on diets. More importantly, however, stress predicted earlier menopause in both women who were African American and in women who reported having irregular periods.

In the second study, published in 2007, French researchers examined the potential role of occupational factors in determining the age at which a woman started menopause.  Using several statistical models, the results showed tha among the 1,594 women studied, earlier age of menopause was associated with having a high-strain job and difficult schedules. Additionally, earlier menopause was associated with smoking more than 10 cigarettes a day.

Taken together, these data, in more than 1,600 women, show that there are indeed, certain factors that play a role in prompting an earlier menopause. Stress clearly has a part to play.

I've written previously about stress and its role in menopausal symptoms, as well as steps that can be taken to lessen stressors in our daily lives.  They include yoga, acupunture, reiki, deep breathing exercises, and of course, meditation.

While we might not be able to alter the course of history, we might be able to insure that the path is a bit smoother going forward. In this particular situation, being an early bird is indeed, a good thing for years that follow.

I've been through months of these tests, and fairly frightened at some times. I'm grateful beyond grateful that it's OK for now.

Being at the hospital was interesting. I hadn't been to this one before. It is a women's hospital. I was afraid of this test fearing it would feel awful or painful, and just a little frightened of what the result might be.

First thing, Carole's alarm didn't go off, and the pets woke us up. Turns out she had set her alarm (for herself) for the time I had actually planned to leave, 7:30. Thinking it would be earlier, but not actually asking, I turned my alarm off. So I got up later than I had wanted to. Being late is a huge stressor for me. I'm never late, and actually chronically early. I started out on an anxious foot, leaving about ten minutes later than I'd wanted to and having to rush to get ready and get out.

Traffic. It took me 30 minutes to go a distance that usually takes 10, if that. Stress upon stress. When I got through the traffic, I had to navigate a route, since much of my world is under construction and you can't get there from here. I had never been to the hospital and I didn't know where to park, or where that would leave me in this gigantic place. Once parked and inside, I wandered around trying to follow signs to the lobby or information. I'm not stupid, and English is my first (and only) language, and I figure I can understand these things as well as the next person. Couldn't figure it out, had to ask.

I signed up and in, and they did not ask me for the results of the pregnancy test they had insisted I needed. Last Wednesday, I spent half the day of a heavy period day getting the order, getting the test, going to medical records, getting the results. For nothing.

I was pretty well frightened before the test, but it wasn't bad, and of course the result makes it all worth while. Free and clear.

That is the main gratitude of the situation, but there are many, many others. Knowing I had written about gratitude yesterday, I tried to pay attention to my grateful thoughts. Not have them on purpose, but sort of try to see how gratitude works in my mind in a trying situation.

I was grateful the pets woke me up when they did. Grateful I know my way around the construction. Grateful for the use of such a magnificent facility, and the unbelievable technology that lets them see inside me that way. I was grateful I could ask for help and understand the answers. Grateful for the very nice medical personnel who took care of me. Grateful that I wasn't in the situation many people in there waiting room were in. There were so many mothers accompanying their young, pregnant daughters. I'm worried and concerned about my daughter, but not for the reasons they are. I was grateful when, seeing so many cancer patients, I have the reasonable hope that I will have someone to accompany me through that, should it happen. I was grateful not to be the woman in the elevator asking where oncology is.

Along with fear and some annoyance, these thoughts of gratitude came to me again and again. I think it's because I've practiced being grateful that it has become second nature. And for that, I am grateful.

And here’s one more reason to put the to-do checkmark next to yoga. A new study from India researchers indicates that regular yoga sessions can reduce hot flashes, night sweats and overall sleep disruption among women going through menopause. Even better, the yoga habit improves mental function and clarity—at a time when some women contend such cognitive acuity is most difficult.

The study, published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, randomly divided 120 women experiencing menopause into two groups. The control group completed basic stretching and strengthening exercises five days a week over two months while the experimental group undertook yoga practices that focused on “slowing down the rate of flow of thoughts in the mind.”

Think about that for a minute... slowing down the rate of flow of thought in the mind. Sounds like something we all can use.

Continue reading...

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For example, hot flashes and sleep problems may trouble your sister. Meanwhile, you are enjoying a new sense of freedom and energy. And your best friend might hardly be aware of a change at all.

To read the entire article, please click this link: http://www.ladolceliving.com/health--wellness/signs-and-symptoms-of-menopause.html

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For as long as I can remember I have wondered why I so rarely feel comfortable in group settings. Even in my family of origin, I have sometimes felt uncomfortable, like I didn't belong somehow. Noisy discussions always made me want to run away, and aggressive people sent me running for cover. I used to regularly escape into my books.

Now I belong to a writing group where I often sit and wonder why I'm not enjoying this group experience. Then I had an insight! As a highly sensitive person, I pick up on so many different vibes in a group of say four or more people, it overwhelms me at times.

I feel over-stimulated because I pick up on the many different feelings going around the room, the funny looks, the criticisms, the ulterior motives behind some act of apparent teasing or kidding. My radar literally picks up too much! After a few hours of this, I am emotionally exhausted and need to leave the room.

You can imagine what I was like in counseling groups! They usually left me confused and exhausted. I've always preferred meeting with someone one on one. Now I know why.

At faculty meetings as an academic librarian, I used to sit and imagine how each committee member could benefit from a good therapist. We had a few genuine emotional basket cases where I used to work! How about you?

Now I feel like I can more easily accept how I'm different than others. I know when a group is too much for me and I also know when it's time to leave, and I do, but now without as much confusion and self-criticism on my part.

Results of a 9-year study study published in the July 28th issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine show that the key hormonal change associated with developing the metabolic syndrome is the steep and progressive domination of testosterone. What's more, this increase occurs independently of aging and other potential confounding factor (such as smoking, body mass index, ethnicity, marital status and education).

(Metabolic syndrome is a term used to describe the cluster of risk factors (e.g. abdominal fat, high blood pressure and cholesterol levels and insulin resistance) that increases the risk of developing heart disease and diabetes. It affects up to a third of women after age 55.)

Study participants included 949 women recruited from the ongoing  Study of Women's Health Across the Nation, which is examining factors that affect health and quality of life in women during their middle years.  Women were either premenopausal or in early menopause, and had never used HRT.  Overall, women were shown to have a 1.45 times greater risk of developing the metabolic syndrome in perimenopause and a 1.25 greater risk after menopause.

So, let's do the math.

1. Metabolic syndrome is closely associated with high blood pressure, obesity, and insulin resistance.
2. Menopausal women are at increased risk for abdominal redistribution and weight gain.
3. Regular exercise/physical activity and a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables and whole grains, and low in saturated fats, are essential.

With regards to the predominance of testosterone, well, that's just one more hurdle to overrcome. In the coming weeks, I'll see if I can find a few evidence-driven tips to counteract this imbalance. In the meantime, we've got yet another reason to keep moving!

Whether you’re a Democrat or a Republican, if you’re a woman over fifty, you can relate. In her speech for the Democratic convention, Hillary Clinton jubilantly stated: “My mother was born before women could vote. But in this election my daughter got to vote for her mother for President.”

There’s no question that we boomers were the transitional generation that drove this truly remarkable achievement. In fact, we indelibly redefined the role of women forever!

We joined forces, mounted our movement, and fought the establishment and the male chauvinists.  Despite considerable bumps, bruises, and blows to our ego, we cracked the glass ceiling and did much to liberate women from second-rate jobs and second-class citizenship.

We took women out of the kitchen and into the boardroom, exchanged our lace petticoats for tool belts, and went from selling at bake sales to selling on Wall Street. In fact, we go-getting gals accomplished greater strides in the name of womankind than our foremothers ever dared to imagine.

So let’s take a little time to give ourselves a long overdue and richly deserved pat on the back. Let’s celebrate Labor Day proudly wearing a bright pink collar. Although there’s much more to do, we gals certainly have come a long, long way!

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Chemo put me into chemopause last fall.  Then I came out and became "regular" again soon after chemo ended.  Then the tamoxifen put me back into chemically-induced menopause.  But that one didn't stick either.  Today, though, since my ovaries are gone, I know I'm beginning my last and final menopause.

Anyone have advice on surviving the physical and emotional tumult that this is putting me through?  Web sites, support, medical sites, anything would be greatly appreciated.  I'm having trouble putting into words what this means to me, but hopefully I'll be back on schedule with the posting and such soon.  (But for now, could someone please turn down the heat?)

Last week, I posted a piece about the importance of friendships and social support to our lives. Researchers agree that during the menopausal transition, the ability to nurture and nourish ties, coupled with overall satisfaction with that work, significantly predicts well-being.

A subset of 334 women from the Seattle Midlife Women's Health Study were evaluated over a period of 8 years to determine the association between factors such as frequency and severity of hot flashes, hormone levels, number of negative life events and resources pertaining to mastery over and satisfaction with social support and overall well-being.

Study findings showed that for the majority, the menopause transition itself was not a predictor of well-being. Rather, when considered within a broader life context, one primary factor stood out - personal resources as they pertain to social support.

Undoubtedly, menopause can wreak havoc on our lifestyles, the way that we feel about ourselves and at times, the ability or inability to cope. 'Tending and befriending,'  nurturing our personal relationships,  communicating to one another when we need help, finding a shoulder to cry on or simply offering a hug not only reaffirms who we are but can also provide an essential foundation to see us through.

One of my favorite Aristotle quotes is this one:

What is a friend? A single soul in two bodies.

Cherish your soul today.  Call or email a friend. Reach out to a family member you've not spoken to in awhile. Say hello to that neighbor you've been meaning to talk to but never find the time to. Mostly, take the time to well, take the time. You'll be glad you did.