Menopause!

With respect to doing all we can in these crazy times to stay healthy and minimize stress factors, i thought i'd share this Epoch Times article Gaby posted on X. The article is about symptoms of menopause that might not be expected and it was really helpful for me. The first paragraph describes the menopausal journey of a 53 year old woman:

At 53, Rida Rafiq's journey through menopause was complex, marred by a misdiagnosis of severe acid reflux. She began suffering from episodes of burning sensations that spread from her abdomen to her neck and arms, accompanied by weight loss, anxiety, and depression. Despite numerous medical interventions, including endoscopies and emergency care, relief remained elusive until a hormonal test revealed the true culprit—menopause.

I am also 53 and around April this year, i also exhibited acid reflux symptoms, i had suffered weight loss, heart palpitations, bouts of insomnia and was really stressed about it. Around Christmas last year i had finished Sally Norton's book on oxalates and had shifted to a more oxalate free diet, which, when done too fast, as i did, can also cause unpleasantness, so I wrote my symptoms off to that. But they persisted while i had readjusted my diet, and finally in May of this year i went to the doctor and had a full set of tests done; ECG, blood panel and the like (but not hormonal tests). The results were that i was perfectly healthy, my weight was perfect for me and i need not worry. I had read that heart palpitations can be brought on by menopause and mentioned that to the doctor. He just shrugged and asked if i was interested in his extremely expensive hormonal replacement therapy, which i am not atm.

Later in the year i visited my mother and my friend, who is 54. We had dinner when suddenly my friend had a series of hot flashes, so we discussed menopause issues and sure enough, my mother, who is now 79, was like, "Oh yeah, when i was in my 50s i had these heart palpitations for years, and was really worried about it, but never said anything!" I never knew that and felt quite relieved when thinking that my episodes of heart palpitations earlier in the year had most probably been brought on by menopause. I also discussed these issues with other friends who are in their 50s and early 60s, and, not surprisingly now, like the article says, they, like me, are also not well educated in the broad range of symptoms that menopause can cause. I am fine now, but it seems some symptoms can last for up to 10 years. I was wondering if perhaps others have some of their unique experiences with menopause they would like to share?

 
Any woman who suddenly started having recalcitrant acute pain at around the critical age, from seemingly out of nowhere, whether so-called arthrosis pain or any body part tendinitis, will definitely appreciate the following testimonial/talk:


Recommended referenced article in the video:


This paper refutes 10 common myths and misconceptions, and provides evidence to support what is physiologically plausible and scientifically evident: T is the most abundant biologically active female hormone, T is essential for physical and mental health in women, T is not masculinizing, T does not cause hoarseness, T increases scalp hair growth, T is cardiac protective, parenteral T does not adversely affect the liver or increase clotting factors, T is mood stabilizing and does not increase aggression, T is breast protective, and the safety of T therapy in women is under research and being established. Abandoning myths, misconceptions and unfounded concerns about T and T therapy in women will enable physicians to provide evidenced based recommendations and appropriate therapy.
 
I've just listened to this video which I found to be good for newbies on this topic. It's very short and basic but I thought he made it very simple to understand and provides with some things to continue researching on the topic.


Some points I found interesting:
  • During perimenopause (4-6 years before menopause), progesterone levels decline while estradiol fluctuates, leading to potential estrogen dominance.
  • Progesterone can be given cyclically during perimenopause to balance high estradiol levels. (Like in the last 14 days of the menstrual cycle)
  • After menopause, estradiol replacement is often needed to manage symptoms like hot flashes, but it can cause uterine overgrowth without progesterone.
His recomendations:
  • Before menopause: Progesterone creams are fine for managing symptoms of estrogen dominance, especially when used cyclically.
  • After menopause: Use oral progesterone capsules to protect the uterus from endometrial hyperplasia caused by estradiol replacement. Transdermal creams are not proven enough to provide adequate uterine protection.
 
I mostly find online so called Bioidentical Progesterone creams; is that it or what exactly must I search for?
Thank you!

So far, what I understand is that the ones that say USP progesterone are supposed to be good, but I haven't really tried any of the products yet, so I wouldn't know for sure. A friend gave me one some time ago but I'm still researching a bit before I try. This is the one I have, just as an example: Amazon.com
 
I think it's a good idea to test the hormone levels several days in a cycle to see if levels are deficient. Methods of testing include 10 day saliva and 6 days blood with some on the same days to cross reference, especially days 12 and 21 on a 28 day cycle. If hormone levels are deficient, then bioidentical hormones can supplement.
 
Any woman who suddenly started having recalcitrant acute pain at around the critical age, from seemingly out of nowhere, whether so-called arthrosis pain or any body part tendinitis, will definitely appreciate the following testimonial/talk:

This could explain the effect of testosterone on bone problems:

Our results demonstrate that an androgen (testosterone) must be added for estrogen to stimulate the 25-OH-D3-1-hydroxylase in immature or castrate birds, whereas mature males respond well to estrogen injections alone. Thus, it appears that androgens act as a permissive agent for estrogen stimulation of 1,25-(OH)2D3 synthesis. This may help to explain why estrogen alone will not stimulate medullary bone formation, whereas estrogen plus androgen will. It is of interest that both estrogen and androgen levels are low in postmenopausal women.


It could also explain why Gaby's patient hasn't felt much benefit from vitamin D. She probably doesn't have enough of those two hormones to make the active form of vitamin D.
 
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