Menopause

There are two herbs that have shown great promise for women in their fight against the drastic changes associated with menopause, Red Cover and Black Cohosh. Read on to learn the key points of nature's little assistants.

Red Clover

Unlike synthetic hormone replacements, the phytoestrogenic isoflavones of this herb provide mild estrogenic effects within a woman's body when estrogen levels are insufficient. That seems like a good deal of big words but what it really means is that a smooth, nearly symptomless transition between level changes is possible. These phytoestrogenic effects ensure a natural check-and-balance system in the body because they bind to estrogen receptors. During menopause, there are substances that are able to bind to these receptors, causing the drastic changes in mood, hot flashes, and other complaints. Because Red Clover keeps these herbs from binding, they are instead removed from the bloodstream and broken down for excretion.

Overall, this herb provides a natural way to keep estrogen levels in check, ensuring a balanced mood and body.

Black Cohosh

This herb softens the impact of menopause on the body. While it is similar to Red Clover in that it addresses the estrogen receptor sites in the body, the two herbs are different in the manner in which they do this. Red Clover provides a balance and produces this hormone naturally when needed, Black Cohosh has been shown to produce estrogen whether it is needed or not. While this may suggest that you should choose one over the other, don't act too quickly. Black Cohosh has shown promise in greatly reducing the intensity and frequency of hot flashes during menopause and also has a sedative effect on the nervous system, helping to curb mood swings. This effect has proven beneficial during menopause as well as menstruation.

Beyond these herbs and the help they can provide, be sure to consider vitamins and minerals as well. Bone loss is not uncommon for women during this time and calcium supplements as well as magnesium are beneficial. Magnesium assists the effectiveness of calcium supplements and while you may not want to take an additional pill each day, your bones will thank you.

Evening Primrose Oil and Vitamin E have shown great promise in eliminating hot flashes and night sweats when taken long-term so consider incorporating these into your wellness regimen as well. Other great supplements to consider include a multi-vitamin, which is important for everyone, as well as B vitamins to support your adrenal glands. Because of the rapid changes, women's bodies can feel run-down and a B vitamin will assist your adrenals in keeping your energy levels up naturally.

While this change is no cake walk, the addition of the vitamins, herbs, and minerals listed above can provide a bit of relief. Relying only on chemicals or hormone replacement therapy can have a negative impact in other parts of your body so consider researching how natural remedies can benefit you.

To learn more about these herbs as well as foods and spices to incorporate into your diet during menopause, see this blog post http://www.hannakroeger.com/2012/02/08/herbs-for-menopause/

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A BRA...OMG...why did I wait so long to bring this up. When it is uber im-por-ta-te. Honey, you and I know that we can't go out and buy a shelf bra; for one, the fit of the size XL fits a size 9 junior, and the shelf bra is not an actual measurement. It also has zippo for support. That stretchy, no support bra is only something that we strap across our chest, and everything falls out below the bra, very important things!

Let's start with an everyday bra, and then move into sports bras. They are the same, but different.

Yes, this is an investment piece, but its something you have to wear everyday. I am even getting to the point of putting one on, under my jammies, in the morning, so nothing falls into my cereal. (Plus my son really doesn't want to see all that.)

You need a professional fitting at a department store, or an undergarments specialty shop. You can't just grab one off the rack at an average chain store, throw it in your cart, and hope it will fit later. You have to try on the bra, and check for fit. You need to look for wicked support, and check to see if all of you is in there. You can't just buy a bra, if you think it is close to fitting. Also, if you are still wearing the same style for the last 30 years, and it is really, really comfortable, we can all tell, because it's not doing a thing for your girls. They are "in your cereal." Bras only last about 6 months, or 30 washings, max. Then they are tired, and worn out, as they should be, this is serious work, they are doing.

I can almost guarantee that what you are wearing is the wrong size, and yes, the cup size for sure, will probably be 2-3 times bigger than you think. Well...look what all has to go into that bra with your girls. The stuff under your arm pit, some of the under your arm stuff, and, do we really have to go there, back fat, baby. Gravity has NOT been our friends, especially for 40 some years. There are actually ladies out there that are professional undergarment fitters. And these foundation experts are amazing at what they do. I thought I was a 34C. I was a 40 DD. Lets lock and load, ladies. The best part of all, when you buy a new bra, is, it will make you look like you just automatically lost 10-15 lbs.!! Yea, Seriously.

I have tried a lot of sports bras. I have picked them up at an average discount store, as well as athletic stores. I have also found sports bras in catalogs that cater to active women. I order one, try it on, see if it had enough support, ship it back and exchange it for another one. Try that one on,etc. I look for the ones with 5 or 6 barbell ratings for serious support and no bounce. You need to find a company that is really dedicated to the women athlete...i.e.; YOU and US!! It's hard to find a sports bra that is supportive, but gives you the stretch and give, to move, but not bounce. If the bra is not tight under the girls, it can't lift and support. And once again, the shelf bra is really not your friend.

As for care for your bras, I have heard many things. One is to not wear the same bra, 2 days in a row, so it has time to "recover" between uses. That might be the case, because it has a demanding job including heavy lifting. Yes, I know you are suppose to hand wash your bras. But seriously, that might not happen for weeks, and I need to have them available sooner then that. So I use those little mesh bra bags, that you then throw in the washer. Use a gentle cycle, and your bra gets clean, but not bent out of shape from the agitation. Air dry them please, dryers are tough on the elastics.

Your bra really is a very hard working friend. It has to be there with you, and for you, all day long. Spend some time and money on this important foundation piece. Treat it with care, especially when washing it. As for a comfortable, supportive bra, on my list of must haves, I put it right up there with the night moisturizer and lipstick.

Corby Campbell Shields
Co-Author Menopause Master Plan
http://www.menopausemasterplan.com/

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