products, such as vaginal cream, vaginal tablets, and a vaginal ring that can thicken the vaginal mucosa so that vaginal dryness can be controlled.
I experience pain during intercourse. What can I use for this?
Probable Answer: Pain during intercourse comes from vaginal dryness. Prior to having sex, you can use a vaginal lubricant, preferably of the organic and natural kind. If you are using condoms, make sure that the product is water and not oil-based because the oil-based products can break the latex of the condom. You can also use the organic and natural vaginal moisturizers regularly throughout the week.
I am suffering from brain fog in menopause. Am I going crazy?
Probable Answer: It is normal to feel some cognitive deficits during menopause and to feel as though you might be going through Alzheimer’s disease. Balancing your hormones will improve your memory for sure. My favourite supplement is bio-identical Pregnenolone. Try to keep lists of things you need to remember and try to be patient with yourself if you forget things or find your mind going blank.
I have urinary incontinence. What can I do?
Probable Answer: Urinary incontinence happens to many women during menopause and is due to sagging of the bladder and a decrease in the thickness and elasticity of the urethra. You can help this somewhat by doing Kegel exercises. These involve voluntarily contracting the muscles of the pelvic floor as if you are trying to hold back your urinary stream. This can strengthen the pelvic floor so that urinary incontinence does not become much of a problem.
What do I do about increased bladder infections in menopause?
Probable Answer: Bladder infections tend to increase in menopause. You can prevent these by making sure you wipe from front to back and by using some form of vaginal oestrogen cream, which can build up the urethral tissues. Keeping yourself and your immune system as healthy as possible will help a lot, and cranberries have been shown to be very effective.
I cannot sleep now that I am in menopause. What can I do?
Probable Answer: Insomnia is a common finding in menopause. You can combat this without medications by practicing good sleeping habits (please check out the chapter on sleep). This means going to bed at the same time every night and waking up the same time every morning. Keep your bedroom cool and quiet or use a noise machine to block out any extraneous noises. Do not eat a heavy meal before going to bed, drink caffeinated beverages, or drink alcohol before bedtime. Exercise sometime during the day but not right before going to bed at night. Don’t let your doctor give you a prescription of sleeping pills. I know it is hard to do this naturally, but sleeping pills can be very addictive, and the sleep you get is never as refreshing as the sleep you achieve naturally.
What is perimenopause?
Probable Answer: Perimenopause is the period of time before actual menopause. It can last several years before menopause actually takes place. During this time, you might have irregular periods because the ovaries sometimes will ovulate and sometimes will not. You may also have menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and decreased libido.
How do I know that I have gone through menopause?
Probable Answer: Menopause is defined as not having a menstrual period for twelve consecutive months. During this time, you may have the typical menopausal symptoms of hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, insomnia, and decreased libido.
Will I have decreased libido during menopause?
Probable Answer: Not every woman will have a decreased libido during menopause, but many do. There are many natural supplements that might help. The only treatment your doctor might suggest for this is testosterone therapy, which can be given in small doses to women in order to stimulate their libido.
Am I still fertile if I have gone through menopause?
Probable Answer: After you have officially gone through menopause, the ovaries do not ovulate, and you will not be fertile. During the perimenopausal years, however, the ovaries will sometimes ovulate, and you may still be fertile. For this reason, if you do not want to get pregnant, you should use some form of birth control until the periods have stopped for at least twelve months.
What can I do about weight gain during menopause?
Probable Answer: Some women will gain weight during menopause. The best thing you can do is to eat a well-balanced, healthy diet containing plenty of fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grains, legumes, and lean meats or fish. In order to increase your metabolic rate, you should also be exercising. Try to exercise about 30 minutes per day on most of the days of the week. Weight lifting or using weight machines can also increase your muscle tone and will increase your metabolic rate and prevent osteoporosis. I believe that if we don’t sort “ourselves” out, we would never be able to sort our food out! I teach the psychology of eating in my online weight loss course. There is so much more to food and how we use it to soothe ourselves or hide our true feelings.
How do I get social support around my menopausal symptoms?
Probable Answer: Menopause can be a lonely time, especially if you are having a lot of symptoms. Some HMOs, clinics, or hospitals will have menopause support groups that will help you meet other women who are going through the same symptoms. You can get advice from other women who are trying to get through menopause themselves in our free online support group or join our Wise Women VIPTribe membership.
I think menopause is making me depressed. What can I do?
Probable Answer: Sometimes, just talking to someone can help decrease depressive symptoms you may be experiencing because of menopause. Your doctor might want to give you a prescription of antidepressants, such as Prozac, Celexa, Lexapro, or Paxil. Sometimes there is no other way than to take an antidepressant whilst you are working on helping yourself naturally. Supplements help, and so does exercising, as it gives you a feeling of belonging and living a life that matters.
I have had anxiety and panic attacks since entering menopause. What should I do?
Probable Answer: Panic attacks and anxiety are also common problems in perimenopause and menopause. You can always talk to a therapist about these symptoms, and the same principles apply for you that I spoke about above. There are so many things you can do, but don’t do this ALONE! I have had anxiety all my life, I do know what I am talking about. Please connect with me and our tribe, find a good integrative Doctor and speak to your family and trusted friends.
Can I take herbal supplements for insomnia during menopause?
Probable Answer: There are many herbal remedies you can take for insomnia during menopause. Valerian root can help these symptoms, as can melatonin supplements. Some women will find effectiveness by taking chamomile tea prior to bedtime, which can be relaxing.
