life after 50, over 50, retirement, baby boomer women, baby boomersLast week, I participated in my first-ever Google Hangout with a group of fabulous female boomer bloggers. None of us knew each other beforehand, but we chatted up a storm. We were talking about menopause with Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, Clinical Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at Yale University School of Medicine. Dr. Minkin is also a partner in private practice in the New Haven, CT, area and has written several books on the subject. She had much to share with us (and we with her) about the challenges that women face as they age. The Hangout was sponsored by Replens vaginal moisturizer.

Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, menopause, perimenopause, Replens

Dr. Mary Jane Minkin is Clinical Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at Yale University School of Medicine.

A Large Demographic Of Women
According to Time magazine, “One of the largest demographics in America is women in their 40s to 60s, and by 2020 there will be nearly 60 million peri- and post-menopausal women living in the U.S. Because women’s average life expectancy is currently 81 years, we’re easily spending a third of our lives post-menopausal.” So listen up boomer girls, because you need to know about your body during these times of change.

A Chat About “Enabling The Change”
 My fellow bloggers featured Parri from Her Royal Thighness, Shannon from The Woman Formerly Known As Beautiful, Laura from I’m So Vintage, and Claudia from Mockingbird Hill Cottage.

I don’t want to reveal too much about our chat since you can watch us in action in the taped segment. We all agreed that our years of declining estrogen have made an impact with newfound emotions, middle-aged middles, night and day hot-flashes, bouts of insomnia, plus dry eyes, dry skin, dry vaginas, and a whole lot more.

Dr. Minkin talked about things we could and should do to deal with matters surrounding menopause. For example, she encouraged us to consume foods with vitamin D and to do weight bearing exercises to build bone strength during our life after 50. I especially took note of these tips since Dr. Minkin said that “slim women tend to have more bone issues.”

Don’t worry, it’s not all bad. We had quite a few positives to add about our post-menopausal years, with more gratitude for all that we have and greater authenticity, wisdom, and openness to accept ourselves for all that we are.

post-menopause, menopause, life after 50

I plan to stay strong during my post-menopausal years so I can continue to climb new mountains.

Resources On Menopause For Midlife Women Mary Jane Minkin, M.D., menopause, perimenopause

Regardless of whatever stage of menopause you are going through, Dr. Minkin reminded us to “talk with your gynecologist about your changes and ask questions.” She offered resources at menopause.org, where you can find menopause practitioners and mentioned Red Hot Mamas®, a menopause education program, where she is on the Advisory Board.

I recommend either of Dr. Minkin’s books: A Woman’s Guide to Menopause & Perimenopause and A Woman’s Guide To Sexual Health. Both are comprehensive guides.    

One more thing about dryness down under, here’s the scoop and a product that can help: Replens is the clinically tested, doctor recommended brand of long-lasting vaginal moisturizer. As with dry skin that you experience on your face and hands, regular moisturizing treatment with Replens Long-Lasting vaginal moisturizer may be necessary to prevent dryness from recurring. Replens Long-Lasting vaginal moisturizer is different from most other lotions or lubricants because it contains a patented bio-adhesive ingredient that allows it to attach to dry vaginal cells and deliver continuous moisture for up to three days. Click here to learn more. Click on the video below to view our full conversation:

The opinions expressed in this video are those of the participants and are not those of Church & Dwight Co., Inc.

How are you coping with peri- meno- or post-menopause? Leave a comment and let me know any helpful hints. By leaving a comment below you’ll also be entered for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card!

Judi

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