Logo
    Search

    Surgical menopause and hormonal health with Dr Hannah Short

    enDecember 19, 2018

    Podcast Summary

    • Relief for Allergy Season and Affordable Wireless with Mint MobileKleenex Ultra Soft Tissues offer allergy sufferers relief without causing further irritation. Mint Mobile's reverse auction pricing strategy lets customers pay as little as $15 a month for wireless service.

      Allergy season can be a challenging time for those suffering from symptoms, but Kleenex Ultra Soft Tissues, which are hypoallergenic and allergist approved, can provide relief without causing further irritation. Meanwhile, Mint Mobile is making wireless service more affordable with a reverse auction pricing strategy, allowing customers to pay as little as $15 a month. In the world of women's health, Dr. Hannah Short shared her personal journey with endometriosis and premature surgical menopause, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness and advocating for effective treatments. Endometriosis is a condition where the lining of the womb grows outside the uterus, causing pain and other symptoms. While the exact cause is unknown, research is ongoing. Dr. Short's experience highlights the importance of seeking medical help and exploring various treatment options when dealing with persistent health issues.

    • Undergoing a hysterectomy leads to surgical menopauseWomen experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding or other symptoms may opt for a hysterectomy, leading to an immediate menopausal state. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help manage symptoms, and the choice of HRT method depends on individual needs and preferences.

      A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the uterus, and sometimes the fallopian tubes and ovaries. Women may opt for this procedure later in life due to heavy menstrual bleeding or other symptoms. After undergoing a hysterectomy, women experience surgical menopause, which triggers an immediate menopausal state. To help manage the symptoms of surgical menopause, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is often prescribed. HRT can be administered through various methods, such as implants, injections, patches, or gels. The choice of HRT method depends on individual needs and preferences. It's important to note that every woman's experience with hysterectomy and menopause is unique, and the recovery process can vary greatly.

    • Understanding Women's Hormonal NeedsPersonalized hormonal care is essential, and healthcare providers need more education to address the complexities of hormonal health, especially during menopause. Synthetic hormones in contraceptives can disrupt hormonal balance, and it's crucial to advocate for individualized approaches.

      Every woman's hormonal needs are unique, and the complex nature of hormones often requires individualized approaches to find what works best. While there are various options for contraception, the lack of understanding about hormonal health, especially in the context of menopause, can leave women feeling let down by healthcare providers. GPs, in particular, may receive limited training on menopause during their education, leaving them underprepared to address the complexities of hormonal health. The use of synthetic hormones in contraceptives, which can cause significant disruption, is often overlooked compared to the scrutiny HRT receives. It's crucial to recognize the importance of personalized hormonal care and advocate for more comprehensive education and training for healthcare professionals.

    • Misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment of menopause symptoms in GPsInadequate GP training on menopause can lead to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment, leaving women feeling misunderstood and seeking alternative sources of support. Some GPs are addressing this issue by pursuing additional training and setting up specialized clinics for comprehensive menopause care.

      The lack of adequate training for GPs on menopause can lead to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment, particularly for psychological symptoms. Women may feel misunderstood and dismissed when they seek help for symptoms beyond the typical hot flashes and night sweats. This issue is compounded by the fact that menopause education is not a priority during GP training, and opportunities to learn about menopause in a clinical setting are limited. As a result, GPs may not have the necessary knowledge and skills to provide comprehensive care for women going through menopause. This can leave women feeling frustrated and seeking alternative sources of information and support. To address this issue, some GPs are taking matters into their own hands by pursuing additional training and setting up specialized clinics to provide more comprehensive care for women during menopause. These clinics often incorporate complementary strategies, such as nutritional advice and lifestyle interventions, to support women's overall health and wellbeing.

    • Reassessing Health During Menopause: Exercise and DietExercise, a balanced diet, and diverse foods can help manage menopausal symptoms, improve bone density, reduce heart disease risk, and lower inflammation levels.

      Menopause is a time for women to reassess their health and adopt healthy living strategies. Exercise, particularly weight-bearing and cardiovascular activities, can help manage menopausal symptoms and improve bone density. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, while limiting processed foods and animal products, can also reduce heart disease risk and alleviate some menopausal symptoms. The diversity of a diet, including green leafy vegetables and berries, may contribute to a healthier microbiome and lower inflammation levels, which can help manage menopausal symptoms. While estrogen-rich foods like soy, edamame, tofu, tempeh, and soy milk do not provide estrogen per se, they can contribute to a balanced diet and may help alleviate some symptoms for those who choose not to use hormone replacement therapy.

    • Soy foods: Beneficial for menopause and heart healthSoy foods, rich in estrogens, act as selective modulators, improving menopause symptoms and breast health, while also benefiting heart health and lowering cholesterol. Individual responses may vary, so consume unprocessed soy and ensure adequate iodine intake.

      Soy foods, which contain plant-based estrogens similar to human estrogen, can have beneficial effects on menopausal symptoms and breast health. These foods act as selective estrogen receptor modulators, blocking the negative aspects of estrogen and improving the positive ones. Soy is also beneficial for heart health and can help lower cholesterol. However, individual responses to soy may vary due to genetic and microbiome differences. It's recommended to include unprocessed soy foods in your diet and switch from cow's milk to fortified soy milk. Additionally, it's important to ensure adequate iodine intake, either through supplements or iodized salt, as soy is not a significant source of iodine. Overall, soy can be a valuable addition to a healthy diet for those going through menopause or looking to improve heart health.

    • Impact of diet and microbiome on equol production during menopauseConsuming a plant-rich diet and regular soy intake can increase equol production, impacting soy benefits during menopause. Traditional diets may enhance this effect, but more research is needed. Body identical HRT derived from plants is generally safer than older forms, and transdermal delivery methods are preferred.

      The microbiome and diet play a significant role in the production of equol, a metabolite of certain phytoestrogens, which can impact the benefits of soy consumption during menopause. Women following traditional plant-based diets, such as those in Japan, are more likely to be equol producers. Conversely, those following Western or standard American diets may be less likely to produce equol. It's essential to include plenty of plants and regular soy in your diet, but more research is needed to fully understand the implications. Additionally, when considering hormone replacement therapy (HRT), it's crucial to understand the differences between various forms. Body identical HRT, derived from plants like yams and soy, is generally considered safer than older forms like conjugated equine estrogens, which are derived from pregnant horses. Transdermal methods of delivery, such as patches and gels, are also preferred over oral tablets to avoid liver metabolism and associated risks like blood clotting. It's essential to consult with healthcare professionals for personalized recommendations and to stay informed about the latest research and guidelines.

    • Managing stress is vital during menopause as it affects hormonal balanceEffective stress management and quality sleep can alleviate menopause symptoms, improve overall well-being

      Managing stress is crucial for women going through menopause as it can significantly impact their hormonal balance. Cortisol, the stress hormone, can divert resources away from producing adequate amounts of progesterone and testosterone, a phenomenon known as the "cortisol steal." This can worsen menopausal symptoms and make it harder for some women to manage without HRT. Sleep is another essential factor, as poor sleep can exacerbate symptoms and make it more challenging to cope with daily life. Some women may find relief through lifestyle changes like reducing stress, practicing yoga or mindfulness, eating well, and getting regular exercise. For others, giving up alcohol may be a game-changer. It's important to remember that every woman's experience is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. However, by focusing on stress management and sleep quality, women can improve their overall well-being during menopause.

    • Understanding Premature Menopause in Young WomenPremature menopause, or POI, affects women under 40 with symptoms like missed periods, hot flashes, and mood swings. Diagnosis involves FSH testing and investigating causes. HRT protects brain health until 51, but not all cases are diagnosed. Advocate for testing and consider specialists.

      Premature menopause, also known as premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), can affect women under 40, even teenagers. Symptoms include missed periods, hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. Diagnosis involves testing for high FSH levels and investigating potential causes such as autoimmune conditions or genetics. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is recommended for these women until they reach 51 to protect brain health. Unfortunately, not all cases are diagnosed, and some women may be told they're too young. It's crucial for anyone suspecting POI to advocate for further testing and consider referral to specialists. Despite the complications, there are success stories of women getting pregnant even with ovarian dysfunction. It's essential to raise awareness about this issue and ensure healthcare professionals are knowledgeable about it.

    • Understanding Menopause and PMDD's Impact on Women's HealthSeek accurate information on menopause and PMDD, recognize the importance of open communication with healthcare providers, and consider HRT as a management option after consulting trusted sources.

      Menopause and related conditions like Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) can significantly impact women's health and wellbeing, and it's essential to understand the facts and seek accurate information. PMDD is a severe form of PMS, affecting up to 8% of women, with 15% of those suffering attempting suicide. Menopause can be induced artificially or naturally due to various reasons, including cancer treatment. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can be a viable option for managing menopause symptoms, but it's crucial to access reliable information from trusted sources like the British Menopause Society, Women's Health Concern, or The Menopause Doctor, as misinformation on the web can be harmful. Additionally, conditions like migraines can be linked to menopause and often go unrecognized, so open communication with healthcare providers is vital.

    • Lack of menopause education in medical schoolEncourage GPs to seek additional education, empower women to advocate, and follow NICE guidelines for improved menopause care

      There is a lack of adequate information and training about menopause in basic medical school education. This can lead to misdiagnosis and inadequate treatment for women experiencing symptoms. To address this issue, it's important to encourage GPs to seek additional education and resources. This could include advanced training programs, courses, or even grassroots campaigns to get menopause education into the curriculum for future doctors. Additionally, empowering women to advocate for themselves and educate their healthcare providers about menopause symptoms and available treatments can lead to better outcomes. The NICE guidelines, which provide recommendations for best practices in menopause treatment, can serve as a valuable resource for both healthcare professionals and patients. While not legally binding, following these guidelines can help reduce potential legal risks for GPs. Overall, increasing awareness and education about menopause is crucial for improving the quality of care and support for women going through this transition.

    • Challenges in Accessing Menopause Healthcare and the Role of Social MediaWomen facing menopause need accurate info on HRT, GPs play a crucial role, and social media can spread awareness but requires caution.

      Women going through menopause face numerous challenges in accessing appropriate healthcare, with HRT often being underutilized due to misinformation and misconceptions. Social media can be a powerful tool to spread awareness and share resources, but it's crucial to be cautious of vested interests and ensure accurate information is being shared. HRT, as per NICE guidelines, is the first-line treatment for mood disorders and menopause symptoms, but it's essential to differentiate between regulated and non-regulated compounds. GPs play a vital role in addressing the confusion surrounding menopause treatments, and it's crucial they consider all factors before prescribing antidepressants or other medications. Overall, increasing awareness and education about menopause and available treatments can help improve the experiences of millions of women.

    • Shop and prioritize well-being for Mother's DayShop for Mother's Day at Whole Foods Market for savings and gifts. Secure health insurance with UnitedHealthcare TriTerm Medical Plans for peace of mind.

      Taking care of ourselves and our loved ones involves making thoughtful choices. Whether it's shopping for Mother's Day gifts at Whole Foods Market for unbeatable savings, or securing health insurance with UnitedHealthcare TriTerm Medical Plans for peace of mind, prioritizing our well-being is essential. Don't forget to sign up for the free newsletter on lazarwell-being.com for more well-being wisdom. In the next three years, things may change, but the importance of self-care remains constant. Shop and plan accordingly. Happy Mother's Day! At Whole Foods Market, enjoy savings on premium gifts, beautiful flowers, and delicious desserts for Mother's Day. With Prime, save 33% on all body care and candles, and buy a 15 stem bunch of tulips for just $9.99 each. Complete mom's menu with festive rose, irresistible berry chantilly cake, and more special treats. UnitedHealthcare TriTerm Medical Plans offer flexible, budget-friendly coverage for those in between jobs or who missed open enrollment. Lasting nearly three years in some states, these plans provide access to a nationwide network of doctors and hospitals. UnitedHealthcare TriTerm Medical Plans are a reliable option for whatever tomorrow brings. So, take care of yourself and your loved ones by making informed choices. Shop at Whole Foods Market for Mother's Day and secure health insurance with UnitedHealthcare TriTerm Medical Plans.

    Recent Episodes from The Liz Earle Wellbeing Show

    Vaginal oestrogen could save your life, with Dr Rachel Rubin

    Vaginal oestrogen could save your life, with Dr Rachel Rubin

    With more than half of women experiencing at least one urinary tract infection in their lifetime, Liz chats to urologist and sexual medicine specialist Dr Rachel Rubin to reveal why UTIs must be taken more seriously.


    Rachel shares the realities of how dangerous UTIs can be, plus how the lack of knowledge on this common infection is just another example of medical misogyny.


    Rachel talks Liz through the symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) and how vaginal oestrogen could be lifesaving.


    Links mentioned in the episode:




    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


    Get fit in just 11 minutes, with Lavina Mehta

    Get fit in just 11 minutes, with Lavina Mehta

    Struggle to find the time to fit in your workouts? Award-winning personal trainer Lavina Mehta joins Liz to share how you can get fit with just 11 minutes of exercise every day.


    Lavina talks Liz through exercise ‘snacking’ and why this can be a better approach for midlife women, plus why we should exercise for sanity not vanity and prioritise strength over cardio. Liz and Lavina also reveal a simple trick to help mitigate glucose spikes after meals, and try out a live exercise snacking session.


    Links mentioned in the episode:




    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


    Finding love online in midlife, with Garance Doré

    Finding love online in midlife, with Garance Doré

    Have you ever used dating apps or websites? Beauty brand founder and author Garance Doré joins Liz to chat about how they both found love in the digital landscape. Garance reveals why she doesn’t fear heartbreak, and how our parents’ behaviour often influences our own with our partners.


    Liz and Garance also talk through their experiences of being in relationships with a significant age gap, and how this affects their perception of their own ageing bodies.


    Links mentioned in the episode:



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


    Are weight loss drugs too good to be true? – with Johann Hari

    Are weight loss drugs too good to be true? – with Johann Hari

    Can a 'magic pill' can fix the obesity epidemic - or are we creating even more problems? Author Johann Hari joins Liz on this podcast to discuss the benefits - and 12 potential risks - of new weight loss drugs, such as Ozempic.


    Johann reveals his motivations to use weight loss drugs personally, plus talks through shocking statistics on the realities of being overweight on our health.


    He also shares some of the positive effects that may come with these anti-obesity drugs beyond fat loss, along with the risks - including malnutrition and eating disorders.


    Meanwhile, Liz questions the true cost to our health here and whether we’re opening a Pandora’s box of unknown adverse effects when considering these drugs.


    CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains bad language and frank chat about suicide, sexual assault, and eating disorders, so please take care while listening.


    Links mentioned in the episode:



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


    Why your UTIs keep coming back, with Dr Kate Stephens

    Why your UTIs keep coming back, with Dr Kate Stephens

    Do you struggle with urinary tract infections (UTIs)? Dr Kate Stephens, a doctor of microbiology specialising in the human microbiome, joins Liz to share how we can better support our vaginal microbiome and avoid recurring UTIs.


    In this episode, brought to you in partnership with Optibac, Kate and Liz discuss the common causes of UTIs and why perimenopause and menopause often leave us more vulnerable to them.


    Liz and Kate talk through the best bacteria strains for intimate health, and address old wives’ tales - like whether cranberry juice can fight a UTI.


    Links mentioned in the episode:




    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


    Are we too shy of the sun? - with Dr Leland Stillman

    Are we too shy of the sun? - with Dr Leland Stillman

    Have we become too shy of the sun or are we right to be extra cautious? Dr Leland Stillman joins Liz to share why he believes current advice about sun exposure is only skin deep.


    Leland discusses his perspective on how light impacts our eyes and our overall wellbeing, and Liz questions whether we can really avoid damaging our skin when seeking more sunlight.


    Leland shares how he keeps his skin safe in the sun plus how light may impact the gut, while Liz asks whether a vitamin D supplement is the same as getting it from light itself.


    Links mentioned in the episode:




    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


    Healthy fats, weight loss and ‘reversing’ diabetes, with Eric Edmeades

    Healthy fats, weight loss and ‘reversing’ diabetes, with Eric Edmeades

    You’ve likely heard of pre-diabetes. But what about post-diabetes? Serial entrepreneur and Wild Fit founder Eric Edmeades joins Liz to share why we need to change our approach to type 2 diabetes - along with the practical changes needed to reverse it.


    Liz and Eric discuss why we should view type 2 diabetes as more of an injury rather than a disease with a life-long sentence, plus why it’s important to distinguish between pre- and post-diabetic in healthcare plans.


    They also cover the benefits of ketosis and autophagy, the importance of cutting down on sugar for our health, and other lifestyle changes that we can make to cut the risk of pre-diabetes.


    Links mentioned in the episode:




    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


    Is mould sabotaging your health? - with Dr John Kim

    Is mould sabotaging your health? - with Dr John Kim

    Do you struggle with keeping mould at bay in your home? Functional medicine pharmacist Dr John Kim joins Liz to take a deep dive into the impacts mould may be having on our health.


    Inside this episode, John and Liz discuss whether everyday household mould might be the cause of sickness, and how mould could have even played a role in Liz’s daughter's own ill-health over the years.


    John and Liz also cover how to avoid mould getting inside food - such as coffee and grains - why juice cleanses can't actually detox the body effectively, and other endocrine disruptors that may be lurking in our homes.


    Links mentioned in the episode:



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


    Reduce your risk of Alzheimer's disease, with Patrick Holford

    Reduce your risk of Alzheimer's disease, with Patrick Holford

    With one in 11 people currently suffering from dementia in the UK, Liz chats with Patrick Holford, founder of the Institute for Optimum Nutrition, to learn how we can reduce our risk of Alzheimer's disease.


    Patrick, who is also the chief executive of the Food for the Brain Foundation, talks Liz through the role omega-3s and B vitamins play in protecting our brains, and they also discuss 30 factors associated with a heightened risk of Alzheimer's.


    Liz and Patrick cover foods to include in your diet, such as eggs and nuts, and the foods to avoid (spoiler: sugar!), plus key supplements that might help to protect our brains from cognitive decline.


    Links mentioned in the episode:




    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


    What are your dreams trying to tell you? With Dr Rahul Jandial

    What are your dreams trying to tell you? With Dr Rahul Jandial

    How much thought do you give to your dreams? Neurosurgeon and neuroscientist Dr Rahul Jandial joins Liz to reveal what your dreams are really trying to tell you.


    Liz and Rahul unpack where our dreams stem from, what recurring ones actually mean, and how what we dream about at night can impact our capabilities during the day.


    The episode also covers 'sleep pressure', techniques that can enhance our dreams, and whether doctors can use our dreams as diagnostic tools.


    Links mentioned in the episode:




    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


    Related Episodes

    Menopodcast Season 4 Episode 8

    Menopodcast Season 4 Episode 8

    This week Sarah and Julia read chapter 7 of What Would Virginia Woolf Do? (Affiliate link) by Nina Lorez Collins – and this chapter is entitled “Health”.

    The author runs down an entire laundry list of health problems that affect women of a certain age. And while it’s not always super fun to think about these problems, it’s much better to be prepared and take action than to ignore them until they get worse.

    These are also not all related to or due to menopause. Some are just because we’re getting older. So some good and bad news in that.

    We’ve discussed many of these health issues on the show in the past, but we’ll spend a little time going over the biggest concerns we have.

    In case you’re interested, here’s a list of afflictions aging women may encounter:

    Vaginal dryness

    Hot flashes

    Incontinence

    Insomnia

    Snoring

    (afternoon slump)?

    Brain fog

    Osteoporosis

    Osteopenia

    Cancer

    Heart disease

    Eyesight loss

    Hearing loss

    High cholesterol

    High blood pressure

    Diabetes

    STDs

    Arthritis

    Thyroid problems

    Gum disease

    And here are some Health Screenings to consider:

    Mammogram

    Colonoscopy

    Cervical cancer

    Blood work

    Eyes an ears

    Let us know what you think – and what health issues are your biggest concerns.

    Riding the Menopause with Caroline Wilson

    Riding the Menopause with Caroline Wilson
    Can we be the last generation of women to suffer in silence when it comes to the peri-menopause and menopause? This was a question put to us by the wonderful Caroline Wilson as she shared her experience of peri-menopause with Liz Daniels and Liz Somerville from EquiTeam. For Caroline it all started around the age of 43 when for the first time in her life she rode down the centre line and had a complete mind blank. The anxiety and panic that set in stayed with her and looking back now she is certain that this was the beginning of the peri-menopause.

    Fast forward a few years and lockdown gave her the time and opportunity to start researching and learning about this period in a woman’s life and armed with Liz Earle’s E-Book on HRT she plucked up the courage to go and speak to a doctor. Caroline shares with us some of the different options for HRT and also some fantastic resources if you want to learn more.

    The crazy thing is 50% of the population are going to go through the menopause and yet we still aren’t talking about it enough and women are still struggling to get help. Dr Louise Newson, Davina McCall and Liz Earle amongst others have started the conversation and we need to continue it.

    On top of that as riders we take risks every day when we get on our horses so protecting our bones against osteoporosis which can happen as a result of low estrogen levels, has never been more important if we want to continue riding as we get older.

    Massive thanks to Caroline for being brave and speaking so articulately, we hope you enjoy listening!

    Find out more and join our EquiTeam community https://bit.ly/3vUrGvm

    Liz Earle’s E-Book  https://lizearlewellbeing.com/product/menopauseguides/

    Dr Louise Newson https://www.balance-menopause.com

    Victoria Hardy - Owning The Menopause - Young, Post Hysterectomy, Depressed & Determined

    Victoria Hardy - Owning The Menopause - Young, Post Hysterectomy, Depressed & Determined

    Victoria is a mum of two, a wife and works for a large bank. She is a writer, content creator on IG and podcaster. She is also a fierce advocate for Women’s Health.

    At just 38, she is 4 years post hysterectomy and has had 19 operations due to severe endometriosis.

    Victoria tells a deeply moving story that sees her still finding her way through Menopause and all the challenges that brings, especially in terms of mental health.

    Despite her intense symptoms, she is a ray of light. Determined, vibrant and outgoing, she brings humour to even the darkest moments and is so open, humble and engaging, you can’t help but want to listen to what she has to say.

    She encourages women to ask questions - a lot of questions - and to know what you are entitled to and what an HRT check really looks like.

    “We need to see that Menopause has no gender, no age - it just needs understanding.”

    You can find Victoria on Instagram at

    @ginge_unhinged

    Menopodcast Season 2 Episode 9

    Menopodcast Season 2 Episode 9

    Julia preparing to leave the country!

    Discussing goals we had set for March and how we did. We discuss comfort eating. Something we are EXPERT at.

    Talk about eating habits on movie sets. A big part of our lives and careers.

    Bible Study - Cultural Catchup

    Emotional reaction to this chapter.

    The book was written in the late 90’s and the info about how hardly anyone talks menopause and how doctors get very little education on it - half a day is dedicated to the subject. HALF A DAY.

    Talk about the history of medicine and how it seems like it takes ages to catch up. And how medicine still focuses research on men, not women’s. We need separate studies!

    We learn that menopausal women are not lucrative for Gynecologists. Disappointing!

    “Ovarian Failure" is the medical term for menopause.

    The idea that doctors can often “gaslight” patients. Telling them how they are wrong about whatever they might be feeling in their very own bodies. Frustrating!

    Class and ethnic difference in medical care for women around our country is disheartening

    What is a “sugar donut figure”???

    Moving on to the sandwich generation, being a parent with kids still at home while now also having to take care of aging parents. Tough place to be when you are going through the change and feel like you might also be coming into your own in your life, starting to put yourself first and then suddenly have to start caring for parents.

    It can be super stressful financially to look ahead and consider taking care of parents in their later years and/or planning for our retirement.

    Discussion about robotics in Japan helping with the older generation.

    There is mention of other cultures and how things shift when women pass through menopause and get older.

    Women of color tend to be told to discuss hysterectomy as an option in the older years, as opposed to how to move through menopause in great health.

    Coalescence as a goal. Julia’s still fighting the change….Sarah feels more positive.

    Next section - People in their 50’s tend to hold on to their youthful image. Julia feels this very much. Trying to let go. Sarah hasn’t let go of coloring her hair. She is quite grey and is not quite ready to let the color go.

    We know people who have gone natural grey and have been so happy to be done with all that. And “done with all that” meaning not so much about coloring their hair, but more about letting go of worrying how we look.

    Finding passion in your life. Don’t give up now that you are older and about to retire.

    We feel like that is not even an option in our lives as we have kids at home for a while!

    Women don’t give up on sex as they get older! That is a myth!

    BEST QUOTE from the book: “I wasn’t ready to be 50 until I was 52” We both feel this!

    Menopause is an in between stage that can be uncomfortable and ugly and a fallow time. Perhaps there is a second adulthood on the other side.

    Comment about Gail writing about how every 6 weeks she and her husband go for a long weekend away. Something few of us can actually do!

    Quote that spoke to us “I have the courage to take the next step” you have to make progress in life and be conscious and move ahead into new aspects of life. You can’t be stuck.

    Good book and even though out of date, still great ideas and things to consider.