His and Her Health

Glad to see this subject on the bulletin board.<P>Is there any thing you can do to prepare for the usual problems that occur when menopause starts. Like what to do for hot flashes, vaginal dryness, etc.<BR>Just what are the signs of menopause?<P>Ruby

I'm glad to see the new board too. I hope it starts getting some traffic soon. I'm also interested in learning about the signs of menopause, since I think I'm headed there a bit early. <P>Has anyone experienced a difference in body chemistry that produces a change in your usual body odor? I had to go out and find a new anti-perspirant recently, after many satisfied years with my old one. I use the strongest stuff now, and lots of it. I have to be careful about wearing synthetic fabrics too, or I can find myself in a really nasty B.O. situation.

WOW!! I too have had to change anti-perspirant as the one I had used for along time had quit working. Plus had to be carful about undies as certain types, make me raw around where leg and hip meet, especially close to the vaginal area. Also have problems with body temps. Some days i freeze and others... well let's just say that my heater works over time. LOL!! Also periods have become almost null and void which is a plus. But still get a discharge now and again!<BR>Has not affected me sexually other than I seem to want it more, and do more self manipulating!<BR> <P>------------------<BR>GA_Gal

Thanks for logging onto our bulletin board. We hope you will share this board with your friends. <P>In response to your questions: Is there anything you can do to prepare for the usual problems that occure when menopause starts. Like what to do with hot flashes, vaginal dryness, etc. Just what are the signs of menopause? <P>I assume you are in the perimenopause stage which refers to the time leading up to the actual event of menopause, when estrogen production slows down and a time when some women begin experiencing symptoms (hot flashes, night sweats, sleeplessness, mood swings, and so on). During perimenopause, you still have your periods, although you may begin to notice changes in flow, duration, and consistency. Most women become perimenopausal between the ages of 35 and 50. Women usually become menopausal around age 51, give or take five years.<P>What you can do: a healthy lifestyle is the best way to reduce troublesome symptoms which occur during the perimenopausal stage. A healthy lifestyle involves abandoning unhealthy habits, eating a balanced diet and incorporating aerobic and weight bearing exercise into your daily routine.<P>Perimenopausal symptoms may include: hot flashes (sometimes called hot flushes); night sweats (hot flashes that occur at night); changes in your sleep patterns; palpitations; irregular periors; headaches; mood swings;irritability; memory malfunction (fuzzy thinking); vaginal dryness, and other symptoms.<P>Discuss with your healthcare provider about a personalized plan to help you improve your quality of life during this transition. He/She may present you with options for treating your symptoms which may include lifestyle approaches; alternative approaches; and prescribed therapeutic approaches.

Discuss with your doctor if you are going through menopause and you notice a change in body odor, or you sweat more than you normally do, or you experience night sweats or develop cold sweats. Not all body odors are associated with menopause. Your doctor should discuss certain medical conditions that also may be the cause of unusual body odors. However, hormonal changes that occur during puberty and around menopause affect the sweat glands in the armpits and groin area and may create body odor problems. Your diet can also affect body odor. Eliminate fried or spicy foods, alcoholic beverages, caffeeine and eating garlic and onions. Wash regularly with an antibacterial soap and water to remove sweat and bacteria. Use a strong anti-perspirant. Wear cotton clothing , and change clothes often, particularly after exercising. Discuss with your doctor other prescription medications available to decrease sweating.

this isn't really a TRUE solution, more like a band-aid, but there is this really awesome anti-persperant that is incredibly powerful. it's called certain-dry. you apply it at night (it doesn't wash off in the shower) and you have to use it very sparingly. it has never failed me!!!!<P>Hope it helps!

I am very glad to have found this website. I am 49 yrs old and have just started to experience some of what I believe to be perimenopause. The last two months my periods have become very heavy and have not been as regular as they have always been. I have also been experiencing the night sweats and hot flashes. Hearing some of the comments on this board has helped me realize exactly what I am experiencing and am going to experience. Its nice to know there is a place I can come to for answers and just to vent about it.

I am so happy that you feel the way you do about our bulletin board. It is also comforting to know that women are so truthful, open and listen to one another. I sincerely hope you keep logging on and I can lend a sympathetic ear, as well as offer some advice. Best of health to you.

CADLady, I'm the same age as you and having symptoms too. I have found that taking fish oil and calcium capsules at bedtime helps quite a bit with night sweats and sleeplessness.

Good luck!

Losing your snoozing time does really take it's toll - not only making us cranky, but it may also be a culprit for weight gain, heart disease and diabetes. Exercise is beneficial but do it in the AM; then it will improve sleep. If you work out within 3 hours of your bedtime, studies show that you may have trouble falling asleep. Also, I have found listening to comforting music (soundscapes) really relaxes me. And, if you have jasmine body cream, or room scent, this really helps.

<small>[ 03-28-2006, 10:45 PM: Message edited by: Moderator ]</small>