When I started this website almost 16 years ago, there wasn't much about menopause on the internet and I spent most of my time trying to help women navigate through the early signs of "the change", from the first missed period to the very last period they would ever have!

There is so much more information available now that women have been able to find the answers they need by simply touching their keyboard or opening a book. What I'm finding now is that many women don't really know what comes AFTER the PAUSE! So I figured it was time for "Minnie" to show them that there IS life after menopause! :) 

In this section of the website we'll talk about the kind of things we deal with after the hot flashes are over. We've managed to feel back in control of our lives and now most of the symptoms we deal with have nothing to do with menopause, but a lot to do with the aging process. I'm not saying it's all going to be great and certainly nothing will go back to what it was, so be ready to hear some information that you're not going to like. My best advice, just like with menopause, is to keep your sense of humor handy! You'll need it!

What is Overactive Bladder?

How often do you use the bathroom in a typical day? Is it more than seven or eight times -- and you can't wait? Are you getting up more than once or twice a night to urinate? You may have overactive bladder. At least 30 million Americans suffer from OAB. The need to urinate urgently at unpredictable times can cause problems with your career, social life, and relationships. Read More.....
 
 
 
 
 

Most women need to increase metabolism post menopause in order to battle weight and overall health issues. As women age, lean body weight decreases, while fat weight increases. This is largely due to hormonal changes in the body, although genetic and even environmental factors can also play a role in your metabolism. What can you do to increase your metabolism if you are of post menopausal age? Keep reading for some excellent tips and advice.
 

Smoking after menopause may increase sex hormone levels Postmenopausal women who smoke cigarettes have higher androgen and estrogen levels than nonsmokers. The highest sex hormone levels are in heavy smokers, researchers reported in a recent study. “The observed increase in sex hormone levels with cigarette use suggests that tobacco smoke, apart from its direct toxic and carcinogenic effects, may also influence chronic disease risk through hormonal mechanisms,” Judith Brand, MSc, of University Medical Center Utrecht in the Netherlands, said in a press release issued by The Endocrine Society. “The good news is that the effect of cigarette smoking appears reversible, as an almost immediate reduction in sex hormone levels was seen in women who quit using cigarettes.” Read more......

WHAT ABOUT DENTURES?

Believe it or not I've had to get dentures (in my 50's), so I want to share some of my experiences with those of you who are facing this decision or being forced to go this route. 

There were several reasons why I got to the point of getting dentures, smoking and lack of insurance being the main ones. I have created a blog page (that was forgotten for more than a year) so now I will share it with you and hopefully help get you through it. It's also a place where you can talk about getting, having, wanting dentures without embarrassment!

I have some links on the blog to help you find a denturist and a message board that has nothing but denture wearers (or soon to be). There's a LOT to talk about, that's for sure!
 

DO YOU HATE THE WORD....SENIOR?

It's never really bothered me, but we really DO need a word to identify our status, so I've finally figured it out. We're BOOMIORS!! Just pronounce it like Juniors or Seniors. 

Of course if you plan on using your AARP card for discounts, you'll have to claim to be a Senior, but you'll know in your heart that you're not there yet! LOL
 

"Women are now free to enjoy their changing bodies, and can live an abundant and joyful life. There is life after menopause, and you may find it far more exciting than you thought possible!"

Eating a serving of whole grains, such as quinoa, at least 6 times each week is an especially good idea for postmenopausal women with high cholesterol, high blood pressure or other signs of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

A 3-year prospective study of over 200 postmenopausal women with CVD, published in the July 2005 issue of the American Heart Journal, shows that those eating at least 6 servings of whole grains each week experienced both:

Slowed progression of atherosclerosis, the build-up of plaque that narrows the vessels through which blood flows, and
Less progression in stenosis, the narrowing of the diameter of arterial passageways.

The women's intake of fiber from fruits, vegetables and refined grains was not associated with a lessening in CVD progression.

One of the issues that could develop is diabetes. Here are some great links about it:

Could the food industry be a diabetes advocate?
Mayo Clinic

How menopause affects diabetes

As you approach menopause, ovaries gradually stop producing the hormone estrogen and progesterone. Both of these hormones affect insulin which is the hormone produced by the pancreas that deliver glucose which is life sustaing to every cell in the body.

More information here

Are you one of the 13 million babyboomers who are taking care of elderly and ailing parents? According to a 2005 survey from Campbell-Ewald Health, 25% 
of them are living in the same household as their parents.

• Worishofer Shoes
• Playtex Bras
• Elastic!
• www.neckperfect.com

Great journals for keeping track of your thoughts (and doctor appointments!). You'll be so glad you did! I will go so far as to say this may be the #1 tool for getting through the 10 years 
AFTER the PAUSE!
 

LAUGHS TO GO!!

Take this
hilarious book to 
work to read at lunch
or to read at the 
doctor's office or
keep it handy in
the bathroom!

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Learning to breathe 
to reduce stress!

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Sites I like

Boomer Living

Vibrant Nation

Healthy Lady

 Flourish Over 50

AARP