Menopause Chat

Hot Flashes, Heart Palpitations, and Sting: It's Not What You Think

2010-09-02T20:45:00.000-05:00

On one of my numerous Google adventures, I came across the lyrics to the Sting song Be Still My Beating Heart. What in the world does this have to do with menopause? Let me tell you. It's his words. If I didn't know any better you'd think the song was written about a woman in menopause.

Seriously.

The first couple of lines grabbed me. "Be still my beating heart. It would be better to be cool." After experiencing a recent hot flash---along with what I think were heart palpitations---I couldn't agree more. So I read on.

"My logic has drowned in a sea of emotion." Can anyone relate? I could, because when the mood swings hit, logic flies out the window. A normally-rational human being can be turned into a sobbing, illogical, emotional mess.

Okay, so this might not be his biggest hit, but the lyrics seemed so relevant to me today. I wonder if I can find some meaning in the latest Lady Gaga song. Probably not.

Book Review: My Formerly Hot Life by Stephanie Dolgoff

2010-08-25T17:45:00.000-05:00

I haven't stopped laughing since I picked up a copy of My Formerly Hot Life. Author Stephanie Dolgoff describes her life now that she's no longer young and hot. But certainly not old. She's a "formerly".

My first thought was "what the heck is a formerly?" And is this book going to make me feel bad about myself?
It doesn't. In fact, just the opposite. I couldn't put it down, especially once I realized that I, too, am a formerly.We all are, at a certain point, and it's not necessarily a bad thing.

There comes a time in every woman's life when she realizes that she's not a hip, MTV-watching, Cosmo reading twentysomething. In fact, she's a Real Simple reading, The Big C watching, red wine-drinking mom of teenagers. And it's better than she could have imagined.

My Formerly Hot Life takes us through the different layers of our new status in the food chain of life. Stephanie encourages women to be comfortable in their own skin, not to be concerned with what others think, and to be happy as formerlies.

If you're on the "other side of young," you'll enjoy My Formerly Hot Life.

Can't Sleep? Blame It on Menopause.

2010-08-17T08:04:00.000-05:00

Have there ever been points in your life when a good night's sleep felt like a precious commodity? For one reason or another, you just couldn't get as much you needed.

Personally, it seems like I've always had plenty of excuses to toss and turn. As a new parent, I expected my babies to cry all night and demand my attention. They did. Then they became teenagers and brought with them a whole new slew of issues and concerns. And if it wasn't the kids, there were always other daily challenges to keep me awake. Bills. Aging parents. Life in general.

But I wasn't prepared for the sleepless nights during menopause. The night sweats are brutal. I wake up hot, sweaty, and uncomfortable. After kicking off the sheets and blankets, I'm now fully awake and realize that I'm not hot. I'm cold.

The anxiety seems different. The worries aren't any bigger, but during the middle of the night, they seem to take on a life of their own.

I get mad at myself because no matter how many times I tell myself to stop drinking liquids in the evening, I do it anyway. After which I find myself going to the bathroom a half dozen times when I should be sleeping peacefully.

I never really paid attention to the types of food that I ate late at night, until they started keeping me awake. But, hey, sometimes a glass of wine and plate of nachos seem like a good idea.

I know that this, too, shall pass. But in the meantime, I need to exercise a little more common sense. The Haagen-Dazs Coffee Ice Cream calling to me from the freezer might solve one problem, but it will certainly cause another. I'll need to find an alternative solution.

Any thoughts?

Janice Dickinson and Cybill Shepherd: Aging Gracefully

2010-08-01T11:01:00.000-05:00

Do you think going through menopause would be worse if you were a famous actress, TV personality or supermodel? Imagine the amount of pressure those women must feel in order to live up to expectations of their audience. They need to maintain not only their good looks and fantastic bodies, but also their composure. How do they do it?

Janice Dickinson and Cybill Shepherd have both openly shared their menopause experiences. Dickinson is the self-proclaimed world's first supermodel and has made several recent appearances on reality TV shows. She claims that her famously crazy behavior is an act not to be blamed on hot flashes. She is trying to control her menopause symptoms with hormone replacement therapy.

Cybill Shepherd is known for her role on the hit TV series Moonlighting. Her approach to menopause survival was therapy. She credited psychotherapy as giving her back the self confidence she lost as she got older.

Interesting.

Which camp are you in? HRT or psychotherapy? In either case, I guess it depends on the severity of your symptoms and your level of tolerance. I've heard many stories about the debilitating symptoms some women suffer. But then every---once in a while---a woman comes along who hardly even noticed it was happening to her.

There is no right or wrong answer. Every women must decide for themselves. My suggestion? Take care of yourself, seek help when you need it and find someone to lean on after a bad day. And be grateful that your bad day takes place in the privacy of your own home and not in front of a camera.

Goodbye, Old Friend

2010-07-22T17:25:00.000-05:00

I have come to the realization that I am no longer in the target demographic for Cosmopolitan magazine. I'll tell you why. After reading the latest issue, I realized that there wasn't one article to which I could relate. Between all the waxing, trimming, tanning and dieting going on, I was exhausted. Who has the time for all that?

I'd imagine that if you are a twentysomething and only have to care about yourself, great. I'm not. There's a house, kids, dog and husband all vying for my attention. Thank goodness. Isn't that what all the primping is supposed to get you?

Don't get me wrong, I'm all about personal appearance. Keeping in shape, eating healthy and finding pleasure should be at the top of all our lists. It just so happens that I'm only concerned about beauty tips from the waist up. If you've read the current issue, you'll know what I mean. There was a time in my life where I loved taking the quizzes about my love life and following all the latest trends on hair and makeup. But that time has come and gone.

I'm in the middle of a hot flash.

At a certain point, it's no longer all about us. Is there time for manicures and a glass of wine at lunch? You betcha. But you also have to get home in time to make dinner and pick somebody up from some kind of practice.

And you know what? I wouldn't trade it for all the glamor and lip gloss in the world.

Why Aren't Women Talking About Their Menopause Symptoms?

2010-07-12T19:53:00.001-05:00

How is it that---during one of the most challenging points in our lives---we've decided it's OK not to talk about the obvious?

A recent survey conducted by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals showed that there are plenty of women out there who don't talk to their doctor about menopause symptoms. It's kind of sad. Women view their symptoms as a normal part of getting older. And that's partly true. But women don't talk to their doctors because they are embarrassed and feel that nothing can be done. Half of the women surveyed felt it is still taboo in our society to acknowledge symptoms of menopause.

Where does that attitude come from? The news is filled with all kinds of stories regarding politicians, celebrities, and sports figures of a highly personal nature. Women are discussing all of these. Yet, when it comes to their own bodies, mum's the word.

Wyeth also surveyed health care professionals, 73% of whom felt that society was more comfortable talking about male physical sexual problems than female. That's probably why 85% also agreed that there are more medicines available to help men.

I know. Trips to the gynecologist are already awkward. But we're talking about our health here! Do I want to admit to having hot flashes, mood swings or problems in the bedroom? No, but if I can't talk to my doctor, how will I get answers?

Women need to get past the embarrassment. Before going to the doctor, make a list of questions, do a little research on your symptoms and make a point of being heard. If you aren't making that connection with your current doctor, keep looking until you find one that is right for you.

Until women can speak their minds and share their thoughts on this issue, things are not going to change.

What About That Mammogram?

2010-07-06T14:59:00.001-05:00

Breast Exams: Understanding Conflicting Recommendations is a great video from Health Goes Strong. It clears up some of the confusion surrounding mammograms and other tests for women. There has been a lot of discussion in the past year about who should get mammograms---and how often---because of changing recommendations from different medical groups. It left me wondering who was right.

Hope this answers some of the questions you might have.

What Makes You Feel Beautiful?

2010-07-01T09:54:00.000-05:00

I love reading the discussion questions at the end of books. At first I felt like I was back in a high school English class, but that wasn't the case. The questions really are thought provoking.

So, now I'd like to pose the following question to you. It comes from the book Little Bee by Chris Cleave. "Is there any object or act that helps you feel alive and beautiful, even when everything else seems to be falling apart?" The main character, Little Bee, credits a bottle of red nail polish for saving her life. How can that be? She felt the nail polish was the only thing that made her feel alive and beautiful in spite of her circumstance.

What's your "bottle of red nail polish?" It could be anything that puts a smile on your face, a spring in your step or a feeling of contentment at the end of a long day. Did you hear your favorite song on the radio and start dancing around the kitchen? Or, is there an article of clothing that makes you feel like a million bucks?

Sure there are many days when you don't feel beautiful because your pants are too tight, you found a gray hair or you want to stay in your pajamas all day. Don't. Go get your bottle of red nail polish and start painting. It's magic.

Cool, Calm and Collected? Not Really.

2010-05-27T06:58:00.010-05:00

Whoever coined the phrase "cool, calm and collected" never met a woman in menopause. It's not to say that all of us going through menopause are running around like chickens with our heads cut off. But we have our moments.

Think about it. When was the last time any of us were really cool? Between the hot flashes and night sweats, it sometimes feels like the thermostat is broken. Fans, open windows, cool breezes...does anything help?

We can be calm. Just don't do anything to provoke us or get in our way. And don't eat the last piece of chocolate cake.

Sure, we are collected and in control. Personally, I haven't snapped or yelled at anyone in at least five minutes. That's a record for me.

Am I exaggerating? Maybe a little. There have been those days, though, when menopause symptoms get a hold of us and won't let go.

So what can you do about it? Here are five ideas, for starters:

Know your limits. Nobody is expecting you to be a superwoman.
Don't bite off more than you can chew. There's always tomorrow.
Focus on one thing at a time.
Keep a positive attitude.
And last, but not least, breathe.

Remember, you're not alone. Millions of other women are experiencing the same ups and downs. Connect with them. Talk to friends, reach out to family, or join a menopause forum. It can make all the difference.

The Other Side of Menopause

2010-05-12T13:00:00.008-05:00

When you had your first hot flash, did you immediately run to Google and do a search for menopause symptoms? If so, you're not alone.

There is plenty of advice on how to physically prepare for menopause. You've probably heard it all. Improve your diet. Exercise more. Don't smoke. In other words, we need to live the healthy lifestyles we should have been living all along. OK, good. We can do that.

But how do we prepare ourselves mentally?

We all know menopause is going to happen. When it does, though, most of us are caught off-guard. We feel that we're too young. We're not ready to face the challenges or the changes in our bodies. Panic starts to set in. Was that a hot flash? How did I gain five pounds overnight? And why am I so damn crabby?

Learn all you can before symptoms take over. Read, talk to other women, and ask your mom or aunts about their experiences. Do your homework. Finally, find a doctor who will listen, understand, and work with you towards a solution.

Estrogen: Why Are You So Mean?

2010-04-28T13:28:00.007-05:00

Having a bad menopause day? Lost your focus? Stuck in a mood? I am.

Happens all the time. But today I'd like to be able to place the blame on something or someone. In this case, that something is going to be estrogen. I know it's a necessary hormone. Estrogen makes us women. It it also can be a vicious, nasty little thing racing through our bodies. There is either too much of it or not enough.

Why am I so angry today? Well I've been trying to complete the same group of tasks for three days and it's not happening. My moods are all over the place and I'd really much rather take a nap than conduct any type of business or make dinner. A tub of Ben and Jerry's probably has all the nutritional value I need. Who can I blame?

Estrogen.

Sure, I'll get it together eventually, but right now I'm trying to picture what estrogen would look like it she were sitting in the room with me. I'm pretty sure she would look like the wicked witch from the Wizard of Oz---scowling, green and with a big wart on her face.

OK, I'm done picking on her. I know tomorrow we'll be friends, but today we're enemies.

What's in Your Menopause Survival Kit?

2010-04-14T17:10:00.000-05:00

Found an interesting article the other day about a Seattle pharmacy offering free Menopause Survival Kits. Neat idea and it begs a question. What if you were in charge of putting together a menopause survival kit for all the women you know going through menopause? No restrictions. Add whatever you've found helpful along your journey.

If I were being practical, I might include a multi-vitamin, herbal tea, an exercise video, and a fan.

But I'm not.

I'd start with a quiet house. Not the kind of quiet because everyone's hiding from me. But just a nice quiet, empty house. I'd prefer that it's already clean, but not necessary. Then I'd need my favorite pair of pajamas. You know, the ones that have been washed so many times, they're almost transparent.

Now, onto food and beverage. Chocolate. The little Hershey kisses filled with caramel are a personal favorite, but bite-size Snickers are acceptable. What goes well with chocolate? A nice glass of wine, of course. Don't judge. We've all been there.

All that's left is entertainment. I'm going with any Stephanie Plum novel by Sue Grafton. Sue can make any letter of the alphabet funny. Or for a mindless alternative, I might opt for a chick flick. Julie and Julia, anyone?

Face it ladies, sometimes all you need to do is get through the day. Some are harder than others and may require a little more TLC. Start planning your menopause survival kit. Keep it handy. You never know when you might need it.

Motivation, Spring Fever, and The Menopause Makeover

2010-03-29T19:25:00.001-05:00

I don't know why I've become such a procrastinator lately.

Usually, I know what needs to get done and I can tackle most projects head on. However, my newest project is me and I've been making every excuse possible not to make it happen. I have the tools, the time and the resources. I just wasn't able to find the motivation. Well, the motivation has finally arrived in the form of a sixty degree spring day. The thought of wearing shorts, sun dresses and sleeveless shirts was motivation enough.

As I started to peel away the bulky layers of winter clothes, I realized the poor choices made over the last few months. What was left? Extra pounds, pale skin and a bad attitude. Okay, so it's probably not all because of winter. My guess is that some of it has to do with---heavy sigh---menopause.

What do I plan on doing about it? I've had the answers in my hand for several weeks now and am finally ready to make the commitment to myself. It's a new book called The Menopause Makeover.

Why do I love this book? Three reasons. It's written by a woman, Staness Jonekos, who knows what it's like to find yourself falling apart during menopause and having no idea how to stop it from happening. In her words, a "hellish abyss of self pity". She gets it. Finally, a woman speaking from experience who really wants to make a difference in other women's lives.

Second, the commitment to The Menopause Makeover is twelve weeks. Enough time to make some big changes without feeling like it was going to take forever.

And most importantly, the book contains a step-by-step plan on how to change yourself physically, spiritually and mentally. It's the whole package.

I am going to be blogging about my Menopause Makeover in our private menopause forum. If you're interested in following along on my journey, sharing your own, or connecting with other women, feel free to join us at Menopause ChitChat. Comments, encouragement and advice are welcome.

Thanks in advance.

Holly

The Many Moods of Menopause

2010-03-18T08:43:00.002-05:00

Have you ever owned a mood ring? You remember. Back in the '70's, mood rings were as popular as pet rocks and mini-skirts. I wore my mood ring everywhere. It started out black, then changed colors when I was happy, sad, or angry. Pretty scientific stuff.

It's probably stashed away in a box in the attic, but my mood ring might really come in handy right now. Imagine, any time I'm feeling particularly irritable and want to be left alone, I can just flash my ring. Don't even have to say a word. Or if my husband wants to know how I really feel about the weekend camping trip, look at the ring. He'll get the point.

Let's face it, menopause mood swings are never easy. Just when you think you've got it all figured out, somebody throws a wrench into your plans. On a daily basis, not everything is going to go your way. Instead of a magic ring, why not learn to put things in perspective? Of course, a flat tire certainly ranks higher than a broken nail. But it's all about keeping your cool.

What color is your mood ring today?

Ten Random Thoughts on Menopause Symptoms

2010-03-01T13:37:00.001-06:00

Ask a dozen women to share their experiences with menopause and you'll probably get a dozen different stories. Menopause symptoms---and their intensity---can vary so widely among women that you may start to wonder if your own situation is "normal."

And what is normal, anyway? Again, it's different for everybody, but here are ten symptoms that you may have experienced:

Is It Hot in Here? Until you have one, a hot flash is so hard to describe. Imagine you're trying to start a campfire by rubbing two sticks together. Suddenly, it catches and poof! You're on fire. Tip: If at all possible---and you're not going to like this---give up caffeine, wine and spicy foods. Just not all on the same day.
No Layers Left. You're tired, moody, and plan on being sound asleep in ten minutes. Yeah, right. You wake up a short time later, drenched in sweat and ripping off the blankets. And now you're wide awake. Tip: Keep a fan by the bed, open a window, and have a drink of water handy.
Didn't Sleep a Wink...You know this one. You can't fall asleep, you can't stay asleep or you're waking up before the rooster crows. Tip: No magic trick here. Bump up your exercise, try relaxing before bed, and create a comfortable sleeping environment.
And Now I'm Paying the Price. Your sleep problems are now affecting you during the day. You're probably constantly tired, have no energy, and are very, very crabby. No big surprise. Tip: Relax, take a deep breath, and catch a quick nap.
Sledgehammer, Anyone? Headaches and migraines might not have been a problem before, but are now making your life miserable. Food triggers, estrogen levels, and stress play a role. Tip: Is there a correlation with what you eat or drink? If it's hormones, pain medication could be the only answer.
Do These Jeans Look Tight? It starts when you can't zip your pants. Then you move up a size. And all the while, you deny this is happening. You might not even be eating more than you were. Tip: Watch what you eat because every calorie counts. Also, exercise, exercise, and more exercise.
The Moody Blues. Happy, crying, angry, and back to happy. That's all within the last five minutes. Tip: Reduce stress, find healthy ways to relax and be patient with yourself.
What Was I Saying? Oh yeah, I remember. Stress, depression, sleeplessness, and medication can be partly responsible for your memory lapses. Chalk the rest up to menopause.Tip: Write it down, leave notes for yourself, and try take it easy on yourself. Nobody's perfect.
Time for a New Prescription. Are you checking out the large print books at the library? Tip: Go see and eye doctor and get some reading glasses.
No Combovers Allowed. More hair is going down the drain than ever before. Menopause can do that. Tip: Shampoo less frequently and try gentler hair products.

So what's your story? Have any of these symptoms, or others, turned your life upside-down? And how did you manage them? Sometimes just sharing your experiences can help you, and other women, navigate the journey a little more smoothly. Join our private menopause forum and tell us what symptoms have impacted you the most. Or, if you're already a member, check out the Message Board and share your thoughts.

Remember, this is only a stage in your life. It, too, shall pass and you'll be stronger and healthier if you learn to take care of yourself.

Take a Snow Day

2010-02-09T10:40:00.002-06:00

Ever thought about taking a personal "snow day"? Once in a while, we all need to force ourselves to take a day of self-preservation. Call in to work, drop the kids off at school, cancel an appointment and hibernate for the next eight hours. And it actually might be snowing where you live.

So what happens next? You tell me. This might be a great opportunity to shake off the cobwebs of menopause---the moodiness, short temper, and "leave-me-alone" feelings.

Are you cranky and tired? Some solitude might be the answer. Make a cup of tea, grab a good book and enjoy. Or you can watch that chick flick that nobody in the house wants to watch with you. Too bad for them. They don't know what they're missing.

Do you have a partner in crime? A girlfriend whose arm you don't really have to twist for lunch and a manicure? How many of life's problems can you both solve over a salad and glass of wine?

Maybe your home needs a little TLC. Get rid of that stack of mail, clean out your closet, or tackle that pile of laundry. It doesn't sound like fun, but it feels good when everything's in order.

You get the point. Sometimes in order to feel like yourself, you need to block out everything else, if only for a day.

By the way, I wonder if throwing yourself into a pile of snow can relieve hot flashes. Hmmm....

National Wear Red Day: Friday February 5

2010-02-04T11:58:00.078-06:00

Why are women everywhere wearing red tomorrow? It's National Wear Red Day, a campaign to raise awareness of heart disease, the leading killer of women today.

Unfortunately, heart disease tends be more commonly linked to men than women. Women are often misdiagnosed and their symptoms not taken seriously. That's why the American Heart Association would like women everywhere to join this very worthy cause. Wear red, stay healthy, and protect yourself from heart disease.

The video below features two women---both of whom have suffered heart attacks---discussing how they, too, were misdiagnosed. Their symptoms differed from those of most men. But as we approach menopause and our estrogen levels decline, the need to take better care of ourselves is greater than ever.

Menopause? There's an App for That.

2010-01-27T14:23:00.082-06:00

Are you an app junkie like millions of iPhone users? You probably already know then that there is an application for nearly everything under the sun. You can use apps to make grocery lists, get recipes, play games, check the weather or watch YouTube.

How about an app that allows you to track your menopause symptoms, determine treatments, journal and even email your doctor? myPause, now available from AppSolutions, can do all that and more.

Having tinkered with myPause for the past few weeks, I found three features particularly useful:

Journal. Record your symptoms from a list of about thirty, rating their severity and how often they occurred.
Trends. Shows when and how often your symptoms took place. This is helpful since you're able to see if, and how, your symptoms are related to your diet and lifestyle.
Plan. Allows you to track your activities, diet, vitamin and supplement use, and medications.

My only challenge was navigating between the many features. Some were intuitive. Others weren't. Still, a worthy app to add to your iPhone and a bargain at $4.99.

Check out the video and share your thoughts. Can technology possibly make your journey a little easier?

Saturday is Yoga Day

2010-01-20T15:27:00.000-06:00

Saturday, January 23 is Yoga Day USA. If you have an inkling to try yoga, Saturday could be your lucky day. Yoga studios across the country are offering free classes and events to promote the health benefits of yoga. The above link will take you to the website, where you can find a class near you.

And if you haven't considered yoga---or aren't sure that it's right for you---keep an open mind. Aside from being a great way to relax, yoga has been found to help relieve many symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes, migraines and anxiety.

Check out our other website, Yoga for Menopause, to find out more.

Pleasant Daydreams

2010-01-06T09:53:00.000-06:00

Can you remember the last time you caught yourself daydreaming? Staring at a pretty dress in a store window, watching a cardinal against a snowy backdrop, or the bottom of your coffee cup. It doesn't really matter. It's just a moment of complete abandon. Time stands still and you're wrapped up in your thoughts.

There are probably some who would argue that daydreaming is a complete waste of time. I disagree. These moments can be your most imaginative and creative. Or therapeutic and healing.

Let the hustle and bustle of the holiday season go. Find some peace and solitude during the coming winter months and replenish your dwindling reserves. Stare out that open window, let your thoughts run wild and find an outlet for your creativity.

Be a daydream believer.

Celebrate the New Year

2009-12-30T16:46:00.008-06:00

Starting to feel the New Year's Inquisition yet? You know, the time when everyone keeps asking for your resolution. Makes you feel like last year was a complete mess. Are you going to spend less, save more, go green, lose weight, yadda, yadda, yadda?

New Year's resolutions always seem to expose those things we can do better. Sure, there are probably areas in our lives we can improve upon. But why not resolve to enjoy the simple pleasures we may have been missing?

Ten things you might consider:

Free time. A block of time all to ourselves. Nothing scheduled. Nothing planned.
Music. Concerts. Choirs. Street performers.
Nature. Stop and smell the roses. Long walks, fresh air, and green grass.
Museums. Almost every town has one. Ever been to yours?
Books. Step outside your favorite genre. Try a biography, mystery or maybe historical fiction.
Space. Accumulate less stuff to make more room in our lives for non-material things.
New foods. Prepare at home or go to a new restaurant instead of the old stand-by.
Friends. Don't underestimate the power of friendship and the importance of having them in your life.
Companionship. Add a pet. A goldfish is fine. There is something about having a pet around that brings comfort.
Finally, adventure. Life should be one. Seek it out.

Hot Flashes Happen

2009-02-23T15:25:00.001-06:00

So, you've had your first hot flash. Right about now you're probably thinking what did I do to deserve that. Nothing. Hot flashes are just your body's way of letting you know who is in control. Even though it probably felt like a lifetime, most hot flashes only last a few minutes and then it's over.

Maybe you're one of the lucky ones and just have sweaty palms, however most of us feel like we're sweating buckets. If this is your first symptom of menopause, get ready for an adventure because mother nature has a sense of humor.

Find Your Passion

2009-03-06T11:42:00.001-06:00

If you've never cracked open a book by Dr. Christiane Northrup, now is the time. Her newest book, The Secret Pleasures of Menopause, released in 2008, offers some great advice on how women need to live more passionate lives.

Passion can reveal itself in many forms not just the physical. It actually seems you can be passionate for just about anything. Maybe you are a passionate reader because reading needs to be a part of your everyday life. You can be passionate about a cause, volunteering or doing selfless acts. These things should make you happy and fulfilled.

Find yourself doing something strictly for the pleasure it brings.

The book poses a meaningful, if not insightful, question: "What did you love to do when you were 11 (years old)? This holds a clue to what would nourish you now." It's hard to think back to that time, but what a perfect age---no worries or care, boundless energy, lots of creativity and nothing but time. Find that eleven year old girl in you and find a new way of looking at life.

Good luck.

Aromatherapy: Good Scents

2009-03-16T14:09:00.001-05:00

If you're looking for a natural way to relieve headaches, digestive problems, or daily stress, you should consider aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils extracted from aromatic plants and herbs. These oils can be used during a massage and applied directly to the skin or enjoyed through inhaling their pleasing scents. Aromatherapy should not be confused with synthetic oils, which are just artificial fragrances.

At first, you might wonder how a smelly oil is going to help my mood. Current research suggests that the sense of smell plays an important role in our emotions and memories. Using the scents helps us relax and restore our mind and body.

Certain oils are suggested for boosting the immune system, relaxing the mind, and providing a calming effect. Those include lavender, cedarwood, or chamomile. Peppermint oil is good for headaches and digestion, while citrus oils help with moods.

You can add these oils to your bath or shower where they can release their fragrance. Place a few drops of lavender oil on your pillow to help you sleep. Or, if you want to splurge on yourself, go for a massage. Many salons offer aromatherapy as part of the treatment.

In any case, there's little risk for what could be a great solution. Experiment with different scents to see what lifts your spirits. A relaxing bath with rosewood and lemongrass is a great way to end a long day. If anything, twenty minutes of alone time isn't such a bad thing.

Go forth and find your scent.

Not Your Ordinary April Fool's Day

2009-04-01T15:17:00.001-05:00

An Oregon woman was pleasantly surprised by her new arrival: a six pound baby boy. It turns out that Bonita Ewan thought she was just going through early menopause. She wasn't concerned about the cramps or the other changes she noticed. After all, early menopause was common among the women in her family.

Nine months in and a few labor pains later, a healthy baby boy arrived.

I love this story. Consider what most women go through as they prepare for the birth of a child. The anxiety and fear. The doctor's visits. The birthing classes. All of the questions and decisions. It's more than a little overwhelming. And yet, for Bonita---like the rest of us---Mother Nature took over.

I know what you're thinking. But don't worry. Child birth is not among the more common symptoms of menopause.

Hat's off to Bonita. I am sure that baby will bring immeasurable joy to her life.