I’m worried about what’s coming with menopause. Any advice/guidance?

You are fortunate in that you can seek information early! I received no guidance from any doctors on it. Thank goodness I did my own research.

I was fortunate, in that I never had any menopause symptoms. No hot flashes, no mood swings, no problems. Even afterwards, so far I haven’t had any bladder problems, no painful sex, no issues, but what I didn’t realize is that lack of estrogen has a negative impact on the urinary system and rest of the body. It can be very serious.

I found you tube videos by leading female urologists helpful. They discuss hormone treatments and explain why it’s vital. There are different types of treatment. You can explore what seems right for you. Some people do nothing.

So far, I am on Estradiol twice a week taken vaginally. I immediately saw a difference, even though I thought I was fine without it. I am now exploring Hormone Replacement Therapy that involves more hormones.

My mom did not continue with HRT or local Estradiol and she has suffered greatly with poor bladder health. She’s also had surgery for prolapse. I sure hope I can avoid that.

Experts can explain the reasons hormones help with bladder health, as well as bone health. It can help in avoiding vaginal atrophy.

There are several threads around here about hormone replacement. It is still controversial. Many doctors don’t seem to be informed or even aware.

I will also add that I would try to avoid getting intimidated about negative comments about menopause and sex. I was terrified after reading so many horror stories. Turns out, it was fine and my boyfriend says I’m just the same as before. I still have a healthy libido and no UTIs in years. Not everyone has a lot of problems. Everyone is different.

Make sure you have enough calcium in your diet. My osteo doctor thinks natural calcium is better (in food) and I do too. Walk and do weight-lifting exercise. Find out how much to do. The more the better. Other than that, ice packs at back of neck and elsewhere can help with hot flashes, if you get them.

You’ll be fine. New chapter. I highly recommend tons of lean meats fruits and veggies . Walk daily. Stay away from anything that messes with blood sugars. Enjoy the ride.

Hi there,

Thanks for sharing all of this! I did know that some women don’t have many symptoms (like you and an aunt of mine), but I also know of many who’ve had hot flashes.

One struggle is that I have distant knowledge concerning those women (former coworkers, mainly), and I’ve so few women with whom to talk about this. However, a number of my peers are starting to experience symptoms.

I’m so happy for you that you’ve had no sexual trouble—little sounds worse to me than the prospect of vaginal atrophy LOL. That word is heinous! Gosh!!!

I need to learn more about HRT, and I’m grateful to learn from you about its helpfulness after menopause. But how do you know when menopause is over?? Please pardon my ignorance.

Thanks again.

I’m not sure when it’s over. I read that people have continued symptoms for many years. They are miserable with so many symptoms. I don’t get it. How does that happen? Maybe, I’ll learn more when I find my doctor who’ll treat me with HRT. Until then, I’m continuing with the Estradiol.

So far, I haven’t needed any vaginal moisturizer, but I have it on hand just in case. The estradiol gives the pelvic area a little rejuvenation. I keep personal lubricant on hand too, but I haven’t used it for sex.

I shared my concerns with my boyfriend. (We had dated many years ago and rekindled the relationship a few months ago.) He was so understanding and it worked out great. So…..I’m not sure if my hormones are just not low enough yet, but it’s been years since my last period. I no longer ovulate either, so.,….it’s a mystery. My libido is as vibrant as ever. So, you can see why I don’t want to lose it.

Please post your findings. I will too.

My only menopause issue was a serious problem of waking up in the middle of the night (probably from hormone surges, but I never had night sweats) and being unable to get back to sleep. I tried every natural product and solution recommended. Nothing helped me except CBD tincture and wild yam cream.

The CBD worked perfectly for one year and two months. Then, it stopped being effective. The store told me to detox for three months and restart. According to them, CBD accumulates in the liver. After detoxing, it will work again.

While I was “detoxing,” I mentioned to a new friend my sleep issues. She told me to get wild yam cream. A 1/4 teaspoon is applied topically at morning and night. I was truly skeptical. However at under under $20 a jar, I thought I would try it. It works! I am on my second jar; one jar lasts exactly 31 days.

I think the wild yam may be healthier in the long run, so I am sticking to it. If it stops working, I will flip back to CBD.

I’ve never heard of wild yam cream. My problem is waking up about 3-4 times a night to use the bathroom and not being able to go back to sleep 💤 or sometimes not being able to fall asleep. I’ve added melatonin before bed, and it helps a little. May have to give wild yam a try. Where do you apply it if you don’t mind sharing?

I hadn’t considered my 3:00 a.m. wake ups an hormonal issue. I do have that. Hmmmm,..

Per the instructions on the Organic Excellence product I use, you should rub on your inner thighs, top of your feet, or your chest (not breasts). Their customer service line was terrific, and they can answer your questions.

The wild yam plant (a different plant from the sweet potato/yam) has natural progesterone in it. That is the active ingredient that makes it so helpful to women’s issues. Not only does our estrogen drop at menopause, but also progesterone. There was a physician, the late John Lee, MD, who was the first person to research and write about this. Surely herbalists knew about the power of the wild yam for centuries, but our folk knowledge has been lost in the last century.