"Dear Minnie"
 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!
"Minnie" will answer as many of your questions as possible 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.
 

April 2003
Dear Minnie:
I am 5l yrs old, going thru the "Change" pretty well, except that at night I have terrible leg aches, is this normal?   And if it is, is there any thing I can do to help this????
Thank you,
Desperate

Dear Desperate:
I wouldn't call the leg aches "normal", but they are very common at this time in our lives. Here are some things to try (talk with your dr. about this, if you have one):

A calcium/magnesium supplement (500 mg) taken at bedtime often relieves foot and leg cramps during the night

If that doesn't help, add a 100 mg niacin supplement.

Vitamin E supplements also help relieve cramping

Numbness and cramping of the legs can be symptoms of an overdose or depletion of vitamin B6

This comes from a book by Susun Weed, called "New Menopausal Years...The Wise Woman Way"

Best of luck and I hope this info helps!
Sincerely,
Minnie
Dear Minnie:
Just shoot me now and get this horror over with! I'm 52 and have only had symptoms of menopause for the last year. Basically, they aren't that bad except for the panic or anxiety! Every pimple is cancer! Every headache is a tumor!

Plus.... I've got some eye problems starting, teeth problems and the medicines they gave me before a root canal just about did me in!

I need to laugh. I need to sleep. I need to relax big time! HELP..........Diane--Villa Rica, Ga.

Dear Diane:
Welcome to menopause! As you probably know, all your symptoms are very common at this age....even the anxiety over every little thing!

This is why now is the time to take control and find a new balance to your life. Try to concentrate on the positives and keep laughing! If you continue to look at this time as a "horror", that's what it will be. If you think of yourself as a wise, life-enriched woman and accept the age-related changes that are inevitable, you'll be able to honor all the wonderful qualities you have!

You're doing great so far!
Stay cool!
Minnie

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