You've heard of "Dear Abby", now we've got "Dear Minnie" to respond to your questions about going through menopause or just getting through the "middle-rages" and making sense of all the issues that only a woman who has gone through it could do!
Each week "Minnie" will answer your questions about where to find the information you need to make your life (as it is now) easier! "Minnie" cannot answer medical questions, but she will try to direct you to the best possible place to get answers, whether it is an internet site or a specialist in your area.

Dear Minnie:
When I sneeze or cough, why do I "leak" urine? That is the only time when it is a problem. But it is embarrassing and a very ;uncomfortable feeling. I am 47 in April and going through meno. I do take Celxa for depression and I used to take vitamins for the hot flashes. Is there some connection between the three or is there something else?

Dear Reader:
Many women at menopause notice that sudden laughing, coughing or sneezing may cause involuntary leakage of urine. This problem can often be helped by practicing Kegel exercises daily. These involve
internally tightening or squeezing the muscles that are used to hold back urine. If leakage continues, talk to your doctor about the variety of new solutions to this annoying problem. You can also get very good info about this problem here. Also pose your questions to Dr. Larrian Gillespie on her message board to get answers.

Sincerely,
Minnie

Dear Minnie:
I had a complete hysterectomy at age 50.  My doctor put me on the patch immediatly, After that I started reading articles about progesterone cream use.  I asked my doctor who said that I didn't need it because I don't have a uterus anymore.  I asked my pharmacist who said I could benefit from it for things such as bone building, relief for swollen breasts, mood swings, and other effects that I am having since surgery.  Most everything I read about the use of progesterone creams is for women who are going through menopause
naturally.  Is there any information for those of us going through surgical menopause?
M.

Dear M,
I believe you will find all the information (and support) you could need at this site: www.hystersisters.com
They have some great message boards where women who have experienced surgical menopause will respond to your questions almost immediately.

Sincerely,
Minnie

Dear Desperate,
Please check out this page on the Project Aware site: "Joint pain can begin before menopausal years and become more troublesome during these years. It is thought that more than half of all postmenopausal women experience varying degrees of joint pain." Here's another page with answers to similar questions about leg aches and pains.