Last 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 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.
Resources On Menopause For Midlife Women
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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This is great information! I am starting perimenopause(at 42), so this is definitely something I can use!
Jennifer, good luck and hopefully you will have a smooth transition into this phase of life. I suggest you check out Dr. Minkin’s books, they are very comprehensive.
Aging is inevitable. I take vitamins and try to stay healthy.
Glad you are taking steps to stay healthy as you age.
tweet-https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/600358623433388032
Thanks for the tweet.
I’m not there yet, but I appreciate that you’re working to ease the transition for all of us! 🙂
LR, hopefully you will have a smooth transition when it’s your time.
I’m a guy and only 30.. no menopause here.. but would still like to win!
Well Steve, perhaps there is a woman in your life who is going through these changes.
tweet= https://twitter.com/groogruxking40/status/600374218102996992
I meditate, get plenty of exercise, drink a lot of water, and keep my bedroom cool to help me sleep. I have been losing weight, and this really helps, and eating a good healthy diet also helps me with menopause. But I do feel that I need some type of estrogen, but I am to afraid to take it.
Julie, sounds like you are doing all the right things. I have issues with insomnia due to my lower estrogen levels. I hesitate to take hormone replacement.
Tweet entry
https://twitter.com/JewelWood/status/600375979224137729
Thanks for the tweet.
Really enjoyed the discussion!
Diane, glad you found the chat helpful.
I take vitamins and try to stay positive
Elena, a good idea. I take vitamins too and try to eat lots of fruits and veggies.
tweet https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/600392365728104450
Elena, thanks for the tweet.
Thanks for the info! There are so many issues facing women as they reach their 40s and beyond. Good to have top notch experts to guide us!
Dr. Minkin’s book is excellent. A very comprehensive guide.
I’m not there yet but I’m trying to stay healthy by keeping active and taking vitamins.
Jessica, good for you. Keep it up.
I cope by remembering that I am not alone and using my friends for support.
Kelly, glad you have friends you can lean on.
tweet
https://twitter.com/Kellydpa/status/600416126770683904
Thanks for the tweet.
I am not quite at menopause yet but I try to support my friends and family who are going through it by offering a listening ear if they want to vent.
Natalie, that is so nice of you to play a supportive role to your friends and family.
https://twitter.com/yarbr012/status/600461239010009088
Thanks for the shout out!
I never heard of Replens and learned a lot from the video. Thanks so much for sharing!
Kathy, I wasn’t familiar with Replens either until participating in this campaign. I will definitely try this over-the-counter option the next time I need it.
I’m keeping active with more walking, watching what I eat, and getting more rest.
Lisa, sounds like a good plan.
https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/600640024577642496
Thanks for the shout out.
Seems like you all had a lot of fun! I’m 51 and still waiting for my first hot flash. Maybe I’ll be one of the lucky ones!! It helps to hear the description that it feels like it comes from inside out. Fingers crossed!
Helene, you’re lucky that you haven’t had a hot flash yet. I wasn’t too bad during peri, but it ramped up during my later 50s.
Judi! What a great post and a great panel discussion. It’s never too early or late to talk about the changes women face — and how the “change” does not change our potential or power.
Kate, glad you found the discussion helpful.
I am 32 years old and gave birth to a beautiful daughter six months ago. As my body continues to heal, I am awed and saddened by how taboo these changes throughout our lives are! Kudos to these beautiful women for opening up about what they are experiencing.
Sheri, your body will heal in time. Feed it love and kindness and remember to do your kegel exercises.
I’m not there yet, but my body is changing already. My amazing metabolism isn’t so amazing anymore, but I am exercising (for the first time in my life!) to combat it.
Erika, yes your body will change as you age. Good for you for exercising.
I am not there yet, now I work out and eat well to stay healthy to prepare my body for the moment.
Jessie, good for you. Keep it up and hopefully you will transition smoothly during your life after 50.
-https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/601582792477016064
Jessie, thanks for the tout.
I deal with it by staying active and exercising 3-4 times a week, I also have started yoga.
Nicole, regular exercise is so beneficial. Hope you enjoy yoga as much as I do.
Tweeted here: https://twitter.com/lil_lady_dz/status/601682688957808640
Nicole, thanks for the tout.
I’m 56 and I’m mid transition – only a couple of periods in the last year or so. I just started getting hot flashes this winter – holy cow! Thought it was amusing at first, until it interrupted my sleep every single night, leaving me sleep deprived and exhausted. I tried maca which I loved but eventually made me too jittery and couldn’t sleep, then a black cohosh + herbs supplement that kept me wide awake all night even taking just one in the morning. Finally got on a standardized black cohosh that has been working so far. Anyway, eating well and exercising is great, and I do that, but at least for some of us not nearly enough!
Les, I hear you and can commiserate with you on many sleepless nights. Some nights nothing works. Last night I awoke with a terrible hot flash – my pjs were soaked.
I embrace getting older. I would rather age and have all the changes and other things that come with that than the alternative.
Elle, good for you. Go for it.
Tweet: https://twitter.com/PrettyHotPink6/status/602504515481251840
Elle, thanks for the tout.
I\’ve been in peri-m for just over two years (I\’m 52), and for me the worst part so far has been the insomnia. Have doubled down on my efforts to be physically active on a daily basis and eat \’clean\’ but no improvement so far.On the positive side, my night sweats have lessened, I\’m skipping cycles (hurray!), haven\’t had any hot flashes, and haven\’t gained weight thus far. No meds either, as like others have expressed, the thought makes me nervous.
Tamara, as I’ve said to others, I feel for you with sleepless nights. My insomnia is the worst. I can deal with most of the other changes. Haven’t found a cure. I do yoga, mindfulness meditation, lots of other exercises. I read at night when I can’t sleep. It’s tough to get out of bed even though I know that is what the doctor recommends. Good luck!
I am not experiencing menopause yet, but I take age as it comes and will embrace it anyway I can!
Stacey, you sound like you have a great attitude about aging. Bravo for you!
Tweeted to share promotion https://twitter.com/MomOF2Boysz/status/603988376300081152
Stacey, thanks for the tout.
I have trouble sleeping soundly so I take melatonin or glycine.
Glad melatonin works for you. Not heard of glycine, will have to look it up.
Tweet link: https://twitter.com/shala_darkstone/status/604091056142049280
Madeline, thanks for the tout.
https://twitter.com/OneFrugalGirl/status/605846318993448961
Thanks for the RT.
I am not experiencing either yet, but I hope for an easy transition when the time comes.
That’s okay, I hope you will have a good transition too. BTW, love your blog post about your beach house. My condo at the shore is my little oasis too.
I plan on exercising, being active and watching my weight! Hopefully that will help.
Rachel, sounds like a good plan.
I try to stay in shape and eat better.
Tina, sounds like you are doing the right things to stay healthy.
https://twitter.com/HappyTina0115/status/606793943699890176
Tina, thanks for the tout.
Hi Judi-
Having just gone through \”the change\” myself, I found this discussion very helpful regarding options for dealing with it.
Thanks for the links to menopause websites and Dr. Minkin’s books. I will start to check these out for even more information.Paula
Paula, glad you find the information helpful. Dr. Minkin’s books are wonderful guides for this time in your life.
I thought my menopause started 5 years ago when I got all kinds of signs. I talked to my doctor to learn more. But then, I guess it’s not quite the time yet. But it was nice to talk to the experts (a trusted family Dr.) about these issues.
amy
Amy, sometimes you can have peri-menopause in your early 40s. Glad you talked to your doctor.
tweeted:
https://twitter.com/uTry_it/status/607430629534265344
amy
Thanks for the tout.
I haven’t experienced either yet, but I try to eat healthily and exercise when I can.
Rebecca, keep eating healthy and exercising and hopefully your peri-menopausal symptoms will be minimal.
I handle the changes by trying to eat well and get enough exercise.
Good on both counts. Keep it up.
I take vitamins and try to get at least 30 minutes of activity outdoors each day.
Henria, sounds like you have a good plan for enabling the change.
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/sazzyfrazzy/status/610190449123307521
Henria, thanks for the RT.
I try to have good adjustment or coping skills — making lemonade out of lemons.
I love lemonade too!
I try to be more active and eat better
Kathy, two great things to do.
Staying positive and having family and friends around that enjoy life and make me laugh helps me keep a good sense of humor
Susan, sounds like you have a positive outlook about your life after 50.
I cope by maintaining a healthy exercise routine and eating habits.
Thanks for the chance to win!
Gina, thanks for your comment. Those are two good ways to manage through the changes of menopause.
tweet–https://twitter.com/WildOrchid985/status/620408891575287808
To be honest I never really thought about it before but I am now.
Good for you. It’s great if you don’t have any issues and don’t have to think about menopause.
https://twitter.com/mommysweetiepie/status/621497940800974848
I try to take it one day at a time.
Maria, a good attitude to have during menopause years.
Well, I thought I was going through peri-menopause…and then I found out I was pregnant. So, yeah – ya never know! One day at a time!
Kerry, wow that’s a big change!
tweeted: https://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/622935084484706305
I haven’t had the joy of experiencing perimenopause yet.. but I know it’s coming. Sticking my head in a freezer during hot flashes is something I’ve seen other women do! lol but mostly I’m just going to have to read up on the comments others have left so I can get some tips for when the time truly comes 🙂
Anastasia, hopefully your symptoms will be minimal.
Tweeted 🙂 – https://twitter.com/Enter_Now/status/623819892538503168
I am not quite there yet but I maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Kimmy, keep up the good work with a healthy lifestyle.
I honestly have no problem dealing with being post menopausal. I consider it a blessing after years of heavy, painful menstrual periods. It is a fact that everyone gets older every day and this comes with some inevitable physical changes — it’s a price we all pay for getting to stick around.
I try to stay active. This helps tremendously
Keep exercising Nickie!
I’m more careful what I eat and drink lots of water and try to keep a positive attitude.
Two great habits. Stay hydrated – it’s also good for your skin.
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/peg42/status/623892859746390016
Thanks so much.
I handle change by living the healthiest way I can and accepting what I have to about change!
Stay healthy Ashley.
I’m not there yet, I’m only 25.
Kiara, you have a ways to go. Enjoy your life now.
I’ve been menopausal for 10 years.
Everythings great now.
I had a lot of difficulty with mood swings and hot flashes.
thank you
Glad everything is fine now. You made it through!!
tweet
https://twitter.com/JalapenoMama/status/623988348328128512
I’m not there yet but I will be soon enough. I’m not sure what I will do. I will have to just see how things work out and what happens. Thank you!
Crystal, take your time. Hopefully the transition will go smoothly.
I take Osphena. Menopause has not been kind!
So sorry that you’ve had issues with menopause. Hope whatever you take helps you.
I haven’t had issues with it yet, but just turned 40 so it isn’t too long off!
Good luck Jennifer! Hoping menopause treats you well.
I’m 30 so have a while yet, but my mom has been telling me all about the horrors lol. She’s been having a rough time with it.
Sorry your mom is having issues. Hoping some of these tips may help her.
https://twitter.com/Stephanie64030/status/625488331309101056
i’m preparing for menopause by learning what the symptoms will be so hopefully i will recognize it when it begins
Glad you are preparing in advance.
Thankfully I haven’t gotten to that point in my life yet.
Your lucky and hopefully when you arrive it will be smooth sailing.
I plan on maintaining good healthy habits throughout my life.
Elizabeth, sounds like a good plan.
I’m coping by taking each day as it comes
Julieh, a good attitude to have post 50.
https://mobile.twitter.com/heidiho5152/status/626115632971382784 is my tweet
i take each day as it comes! I try to eat a healthy diet and exercise and keep regular doctor appointments
i posted a tweet here:
https://twitter.com/bellows22/status/626228239585808384
I think you can just make sure you have items to cool you off when you have heat flashes, like neck coolers and what not.
I’m not there yet but I helped support my mom when she was going through it.
tweet
https://twitter.com/aes529/status/626422669735538688
I haven’t had to cope yet.
eat right, exercise and be happy
I;m doing research and taking things one day at a time
I am not currently coping with any of these issues, as I am only 41, but I know that it is coming faster than I think. I personally hate aging and have an unhealthy fear of death and aging, so I am not really coping at all. 🙁
I tweeted here: https://twitter.com/MsTofuFairy/status/626750531202076672
Not needing to cope here.
I am just starting my menopausal and am dealing with one day at a time definitely something im not use to with the hot flashes….ty for this great chance
no issues, no hints
Life is pretty darn good, even at 72. Just keep moving!
I drink plenty of water, walk a lot and have changed my eating habits. I also have the a/c unit at around 75 since I sweat a lot at night
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
tweet https://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/626952909532569600
tbarrettno1 at gmail.com
Well I’m a guy but as I get older I exercise alot to keep healthy.
tweeted
https://twitter.com/thomasmurphy40/status/626973175591649280
It’s finally been over a year since my last cycle and I am pretty happy about that. I know being physically active helps me as it did when I got my cycle. I was taking I-Cool and after a couple of weeks, the hot flashes really eased off.
I am not coping with these issues yet, but will do some reseach in the next few years
I’m well past menopause but I’m amazed at how much my energy level has dropped. I seem to get exhausted doing simple chores.
Tweet – https://twitter.com/willitara/status/627065725409230848
I am not faced with menopause yet but when it comes I will rely on my family’s support.
I’m not coping with it just yet, but watching my mother tells me I’ll have lots to deal with.
I am not al the age but when i do i will be using about of fans lol
i tweeted https://twitter.com/purplelover04/status/627180758440935424
I am handling it by eating as healthy as I can and finding out all the information I can about it.
In comparison to my girlfriends, I seem to be coping quite well with post menopause symptoms.