How To Stay Healthy After 40-Menopause

Menapause

Good morning! Well, Saturday I asked if you all would be interested in talking about “How to stay healthy after 40.” I’m not a doctor nor do I have all the answers but I can tell you the steps I’m taking to make this season of my life better.

Before I share with you what I’m doing, I need you to know how I got here!

In 2009, I lost my Mom to gastric cancer. I was 43 years old and over the next year I cried a lot. I had mood swings, I woke up every night at 3 am and even had a change in my menstrual cycle. I assumed this was all a part of the stress I was under from losing my Mom.

The only thing my Mom had ever told me about menopause was that she had gone through it early. When I went in for my yearly physical in 2010 I asked if they would check my hormone levels.

I was completely shocked to find out that I was already beginning menopause at 43 years old! What?? I’m way too young!

At first I decided I was going to tough it out. I was not going to let menopause get the best of me. It couldn’t be that bad, right?

Within a year, I was begging the doctor to do something—anything. I was struggling! Hot flashes several times a day and night, mood swings, still struggling with sleep, and I could cry at the drop of a hat.

At that time she put me on the lowest dose of hormone replacement and it definitely helped. But I was not comfortable taking it.

Let me say here, that each of us have to do what we are comfortable with. If you’re taking a hormone replacement that’s your choice and I know lots of women who take them.  

I have a lot of cancer in my family so I decided to make changes that I was comfortable with and hopefully would help me feel my best.

There are 3 things I’ve changed over the last year and for the first time I’m feeling the best I’ve felt in a long time.

1. I’ve cut out a significant amount of processed food.

2. I exercise regularly.

3. I use essential oils in place of hormone replacement therapy.

Okay, I’m going to go into detail about each of these over the next few weeks.

You all are so great about sharing in the comment section and helping each other, so please tell me if you’ve tried anything that is working for you!

Beauty For the Heart~~Lord, show me your ways. Teach me how to follow you. Guide me in your truth. Teach me. You are God my Savior. I put my hope in you all day long. Psalm 25:4-5

Have a blessed day!

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  1. I did the early menopause schedule. I actually was through it (confirmed by blood test) for a year and came out of it Twice during my 40’s. the doctor just sat there looking at my chart anf scratched his head. He had me on low dose birth control pills, and would ask if I wanted a refill. I always said ‘Yes my husband wants me to continue.’ There was one Wednesday evening at church that the preacher’s wife told me to call for an appt the next day! I just had told her I wanted to run all the other cars off the road on the way to church : ( But I wish I had always been on BioIdentical hormones back then. I really think they are healthy for you.

  2. At 49 I went back to the gym because I was feeling tired and achy.It worked.I just turned 50 and I have lots more energy and more normal periods. No major menopause symptoms yet,but I want to start evening primrose oil soon. Thanks for all your input Cyndi…blessings!!!

  3. I am so glad to see women talking about this! I am 46 & started going through it over a year ago. I have a blood disorder causing me to take Coumadin which means I cannot take hormones & pretty much anything else & I have been desperate because for the past 8 months or so, I have felt like I was going crazy, between the night sweats, mood swings, painful heavy cycles, crying at a drop of a hat, & did I mention mood swings whether that means depressed, stressed, anxiety, just feeling like I am going to explode literally like my body is going to explode. My gynecologist wanted to put me on Xanax but I am totally against that, but a month ago I began to consider it because I just couldn’t take it any longer! I got online and did a lot of researching and found that cutting out or way down on process food & caffeine was the most successful natural treatment. I was already an exercise buff but I have cut down on processed food & I have cut out coffee & 95% other caffeinated drinks & I have also began drinking warm lemon water every morning 1st thing and let me tell you! this has made a huge difference! I just had a cycle & it was still heavy & very painful but did not last as long & all the other symptoms have become minimal. I will be checking out primrose oil. Women need this so thank you!

  4. Hi Cindi,
    I also started menopause early – late 30’s & finished by mid 40’s. The mood swings & crying were horrible!! I finally found an 2 internists that also practiced alternative methods. They worked to get my hormones balanced. Wow, what a difference! I chose bioidenticals and would suggest that option to others. I also take armour thyroid, a more natural thyroid medication. I feel so much better now. Women need to ask questions and be informed about their health. It takes a lot of time & searching to find a doctor that is willing to work with you for the best options.

  5. I have been battling the M for the past year. May 1 I started using the biodentical cream and May was awesome- all and I do mean all my symptoms were relieved within 24 hours. Then June 1 arrived and it all reverted, worse than before! We’ve been tweaking the dosage up to 3 clicks a day, but I’m not improving. Submitted to a saliva test this week and PRAYING this will reveal my exact hormone levels/issues and we can proceed. I have lots of cancer in my family and that’s why I opted to try this plant based hormone treatment. I would like to know more about the oils you mentioned. Today’s post was not related, I misunderstood and thought you were going to do a mini series on the info. Love reading all the comments and although I wish these hot days on no one I am glad that I’m not alone.

  6. I am 45 and too am in menopause (confirmed by blood test). I too found the hot flashes, night sweats, sleeplessness, weight gaind and mood swings UNBEARABLE. I have been taking Evening Primrose Oil daily for about 6 months. This has been a miracle oil for me. I run 3 miles 2-3 times a week and find this a huge help. I’m hoping to increase my activity with yoga and zumba. The weight gain is truly my most frustrating symptom to date. Although it’s only a few pounds I’ve always been petite so the extra few pounds around my middle are really throwing me.

  7. Looking forward to the posts. I am 41 and already starting with not sleeping well by waking in middle of night and also hair thinning quite a bit. I am definitely all for natural help instead of meds with side effects.

  8. Hi Cyndi thank you so much for posting about this subject. I was at the doctors yesterday I found a lump on my breast. After what seemed like an interigation she told me I was perimenopauseal and it may be a symptom of that (both breasts have thickened). I’m 42 and was not surprised by what she said. I have no intention to take HRT if I can avoid it. I’m so grateful I’ve found you recentley. I will be paying great attention to your journey grateful that your sharing. x

  9. Really looking forward to essential oils segment. Hysterectomy & breast cancer surgery & treatments @ 42. Now 20 yrs later Dr. Had me on estrogen. Yes, I felt better, but just could not get over the issue by taking estrogen I could very well be setting myself up for a repeat of the breast cancer. Choose to stop estrogen & to feel exhausted on daily basis instead of possibly going the cancer route again. Have buried my father, mother & brother due to cancer. Would love some personal, physical relief if it is possible without causing more damage

  10. I had a hysterectomy and oophorectomy at 49. That’s instant menopause. For one month, I tried RHT also, but I too have cancer in my family. Ovarian and Breast. So I don’t take therapy either. I use a natural cream that works well for me. I am awaiting your next few posts to hear about what essential oils you use. Love your blog!

  11. I have been wondering (at age 47 & 3/4)if I am beginning to experience “the change” and after reading these comments I believe I am. Erratic periods for the last 2 years, waking up hot & kicking the covers off, occasional flushing, but nothing overwhelming…..I lost my mom when she was only 52. I don’t remember her experiencing the symptoms, so I’ve had nobody to ask or compare to, being the oldest of most of my group of friends. I look forward to this series.

  12. Hi Cindy,
    I’m so glad that you will be covering menopause and essential oils. I have been listening to a health radio talk show called “Duke and the Doctor”. Dr. Barron is a MD and ND that addresses all type of health issues. I take supplement by Vital Logic ” Women’s Balance Pack”. This has helped my hormonal balance and hot flashes. Cancer runs in my family and I decided not to take HRT. I’m trying to stay on the natural path! Looking forward to your next blog.:-)

  13. Wile walking on the treadmill tonight I read all the comments and realized that so many woman are going through what I am! So looking forward to seeing and reading more! I do know that I feel so much better physically and mentally when I take time to take care of myself! I was talking to my 24 year old daughter and she says it sure is hard to be a woman! Hugs to you all!

  14. I lost my mom to breast cancer. I stopped taking HRT after I realized there could be a link to breast cancer. I have mood swings every once in a while, , but that’s about all. I’m so happy your mom is doing great!

  15. Ive been reading all these posts and your situation is close to mine, Lynn. I too am 53 and havnt had a period in 3 years. The hot flashes and night sweats were never lige altering but i too noticed spicy foods may bring one on. Ive also noticed extra body hair which bugs me the most! Im looking forward to Cyndi’s posts, as always!

  16. Oh yes, info about essential oils please! I had a hysterectomy when I was about 47 and am now 52. I have the night sweats and sleeplessness around 2-3am every night. Mood swings haven’t been as bad. I would LOVE to know the best way to drop these pesky 10 lbs. that linger. Except for breaking my foot 6 weeks ago, I’ve been an avid walker and bike rider. I do take fish oil, B complex, and glucosamine daily and have been able to ward off colds, flu, etc. I do take HRT and would like to stop, but my dr says not taking a form of HR can be as dangerous as taking them. Help… what are the facts, ma’am!!? Thanks, Cyndi!

  17. what essential oils do you use?

    Love your blog by the way. I am a pastor’s wife as well. I feel like I have friend!

    Thanks for all your time and hard work you put into your blog. I LOVE it! You are a blessing!

  18. Thank you Cyndi and Ladies for your information. I love your blog because you write like I think. I too have been through menopause with the hot flashes, night sweats and mood changes. I found that Black Cohosh (herbal supplement) helps with the hot flashes and night sweats. I am anticipating to read about the essential oils that you will write about.

  19. You are singing my song, Cyndi — I’m on the hunt for a new gynecologist, because I’ve outgrown my OBGYN. He just pats my hand and says “you’re FINE” when I know I’m NOT fine. Anxiously following along… 🙂
    xo Heidi

  20. please count me in with the others who are interested in the essential oils. i am technically thru menopause (i think), but my body doesn’t realize that it’s time to stop. unfortunately i lost my mom while i was in the throes of meno too. i take an antidepressent (sp?) and don’t eat processed foods. i was taking sleeping pills, but couldn’t get up in the am. now i take a benedryl and that helps quite a bit. still, i feel a little lost, truthfully.

  21. I suffered with hot flashes starting at about the age of 50. It was terrible and I really suffered. I tried mild dose of Zoloft and it worked. But then I decided I didnt want to take that as I had heard it was hard to get off of. My friend told me about a natural cream that her entire family of girls used that worked for them. I tried it and have been using it for
    3 years. It is called Restored Balance PMS body cream. It is plant derived and I just rub alittle bit on my body every night. They are based out of Cartersville, Ga and do mail order.

  22. Thanks for talking about this, Cyndy! I started into menopause at 47 1/2; I’m 65 now. It was so clear because 1.) I didn’t sleep from about 3-4 a.m. on, and it wasn’t very long before I was a ZOMBIE! 2. I would be mid-sentence, esp. while teaching a piano lesson and my thought would be gone for about 10 seconds (usually got it back!). It was before the cancer warnings about HRT, and I did go on Premarin. It helped immensely. I don’t think I could have survived without it. I would now do something more naturally.

  23. this is such a great service to all of us. It is also great that you are welcoming your readers’ comments. I had a surgical menopause at A 34. Surprisingly, there were no symptoms at the time and I have not suffered any hotflashes. I believe this might be due to the Premarin Crème my Internal meds dr. rx’d NOT the surgeon that performed my procedure. Otherwise, no other attention to this. I did have an additional dx of Graves disease (hyperthyroid) that fluctuates to the frustration of my drs and myself. I am very interested to hear about the essential oils. I know there are several other challenges that are really helped by them.A thousand thank yous would not be too many.

  24. Very anxious to hear about the oils. I am 46 and going through this wonderful period of my life 🙁 I used to be cold all the time, now the opposite. Not sleeping, moods changes, and 5 pounds that are not going away even with clean eating and regular exercise. Non existent romantic life…does anyone even think about this anymore? Took Estroven for a while, but not working much anymore 🙁 Thought I would add soy milk to my diet everyday…but there are mixed reviews on that too…Avoiding HRT at all costs if I can help it.
    Tell us all about it Cyndi! 🙂

  25. I will turn 45 this month, and officially am through menopause. Yes, I am on the early side of the average age. I started taking Bioidentical Compounded Hormones about three years ago, after having been on birth control for over 20 years. I was on the birth control to regulate my periods, but then stopped because I realized what it was doing to my body. The BHRT regulated my periods – until they stopped a little over a year ago. I can tell you that with the BHRT I did not have the normal menopausal symptoms – probably some mood swings, but nothing crazy, and NO HOT FLASHES. The hormones were supposed to help with weightloss, though, and so far no luck in that area so I still have other issues to address. Looking forward to the posts and discussions!

  26. Thank you for covering a topic all of us mature ladies are dealing with. I started having
    symptoms in my mid 40’s. I finally was diagnosed with under active thyroid which is very
    common for women our age. I am now 53 and feeling pretty good with the changes I’ve made. I take thyroid medication, work out 5 days a week and try to eat healthy. I still get
    hot flashes and mood swings now and then. Decided no HRT for me because of cancer
    history in my family. Really looking forward to all the good info!

  27. When I was in my forties, I had terrible headaches. It seemed like my head ached for 6 years. At 50, I stopped having periods, and it seemed like I had no control over my emotions. I started working out at the gym regularly when I was 48. I agree with Donna that regular exercise is the best remedy for hot flashes. The only times I’ve experienced them was when I wasn’t exercising regularly. I’m 63 now, and I still go the gym regularly and walk for 30 minutes a day. I believe some form of exercise really helps.

  28. It’s always good for us to not feel alone in what we are going through. I had my youngest when I was 37 and started with hot flashes at 38. My doctor did not believe me.then I started with EXTREMELY heavy periods — especially if I had skipped a cycle. I tried Premarin and low dose birth control pills and creams, and everything seemed to work for a while, but heavy periods would again “break through.” And when my blood pressure started to go up, I stopped taking any kind of hormones. Eventually, I had an ablation. It helped with heavy periods. I continued to get my period sporadically until 2 years ago. I still get hot flashes but they are no where near as bad as they once were. At one point I was waking up soaking wet. Now I am 53, so it has been a long journey. After everything, I think that exercise is the best remedy for hot flashes. And, again, the ablation procedure worked well for me.

  29. I’m looking forward to this series on menopause. Menopause hit me like a ton of bricks 3 yrs ago at 52. My mother is a breast cancer survivor so I refuse to take any kind of HRT. I’m always looking for anything to help with the constant hot flashes, mood swings, memory loss, weight gain, etc. Help us Cyndi!!!

  30. I am also looking forward to this series. My mother went through menopause when she was 45. I am now 47 and am struggling with weight gain (after quitting smoking) that I cannot get rid of regardless of exercise and healthy reasonable caloric intake. I can only assume that hormones are the problem. I am also up all through the night, sometimes covered in sweat, sometimes just up for no apparent reason. I am very interested in hearing about no-hormone options.
    Thank you for doing this; I look forward to reading your blog and also reading the experiences of your readers.

  31. My body can’t decide if it wants to “cross over” as I will have my period maybe 3 months in a row and then all of a sudden the hot flashes come back for a couple months and then back to the period again and this has been happening for two years now. I just want my body to decide one way or the other and at age 56 I think it’s time to “hop over” and be done with it. I have been trying the Women’s One A Day multivitamin supplement “Menopause formula” and it seems to maybe help the hot flashes not come as often but I still wake up in night sweats a couple times a night. And, I too have put on weight that I just can’t seem to take off after not having had to worry about this for years. So, I too am interested in hearing about your essential oils. Thanks for sharing your insight and those of your readers here with us.

  32. I am really looking forward to this series of posts. I think I am in perimenopause at 49, but I’m not sure. I’ve been having symptoms such as insomnia, night sweats, mood swings, and the worst periods I have ever had in my life. I have an appointment this week to get things checked out. I cannot take low dose birth control pills because I had a blood clot in my leg a couple of years ago as a result of taking them for early perimenopause symptoms. I will be following your posts religiously!

  33. First off I want to say how much I love your blog. You are the sweetest thing. Thanks for addressing this topic. I’m 43 now and about 3 years ago my hair started thinning big time. Dr said it was genetics because hormones came back normal. Lately lots of anxiety and crying at the drop of a hat. So I’m looking forward to your posts. Thanks again.

  34. Well I am 47 and in full blown Menopause. I can have 1-3 hot flashes an hour and I am awake at 3-4 every night with hot flashes. I have been on an antidepressant for 2 years for mood swings so that is not an issue but these darn hot flashes are taking over. I go see my gyn in 2 weeks and I can’t wait to see what she says. I have also gained 10 pounds that I can’t get rid of. I exercise daily and walk at least 25-30 miles a week. I have stopped drinking diet coke and now i am drinking more water and supplementing with occasional unsweetened tea. Anyway, I am eager to hear about the essential oils.

  35. I’m so interested to learn more. I’m 41 and though I’m not experiencing any symptoms yet, I’d like to be prepared with options. I enjoy your blog and here’s another reason to come back every day! Thank you for sharing your experiences – it helps so many. Blessings!

  36. P.S. – The oncologist I worked for was against any type of synthetic hormones. My father died at an early age with kidney cancer so I am just leery of anything that could potentially be a risk.

  37. I’m so thankful for this particular post and will be looking forward to the future ones! I am 53 and have been in the “heart” of menopause over the past couple of years. I have hot flashes but I really wouldn’t say I have been moody. I previously had worked for an oncologist and did not feel comfortable taking synthetic hormones, so I have not taken anything for my symptoms. One thing I do notice is if I eat rich or spicy meals, I will have more hot flashes. Looking forward to the next posts on this – thanks so much! 🙂

  38. I had a complete hysterectomy when I was 26 (pre cancer) and was thrown into full menopause. I struggled with HRT for years, tried different dosing, progesterone and estrogen, natural crèmes and the like. I finally quit all therapy when I was about 40 something. I’m now nearly 55, I haven’t had symptoms in years however, I do wonder if I should be doing something for overall health purposes. I look forward to reading what you are doing.

  39. I too went through menopause early. I’m 51. And have not had a cycle for at least 7 years. The doctors ran several tests to make sure it wasn’t anything else and I was fine but, just an early bloomer ( maybe bloomer is the wrong term…maybe wiltter would be better). Anyway, I too have a lot of cancer in my family and have opted not to take hormones. I can’t wait to hear your tips on essential oils. Do your symptoms seem to run in cycles? I can go weeks without the night sweats and then I can go month of up every night and sometimes several times. It’s really frustrating. Can’t wait to hear more.

  40. I am a forty six year old women and for the last six months have noticed a drastic change in my mentrual also my mood swings are constanly changing .I go from rage to crying and I feel bad for my sweet family. I am happy to know I am not the only one going through this.

  41. I’m SO grateful your doing this series and shared about your early menopause. I went for testing last September after struggling for a year and found out my hormone levels were all over the map…early menopause. Nobody believed me when I explained my symptoms…so glad to know that others have been there. Since my mother had breast cancer at 50 (and survived Praise God) and I’m now 45, there’s no way I’m going near hormone replacement so I’m thrilled to hear about your essential oils!

  42. I started symptoms of early menopause two years ago. I too tried to tough it out with the mindset millions of women thru the ages have maneuvered this new chapter without hormones. I lasted six months and thought I was crazy. Little sleep, moods all over, and night sweats horrible. When I had my next check up I told my doctor about my craziness and caved for a low dose Premarin. I feel so much better crazy wise but hate taking hormones. I keep asking how long I will take them and feel discouraged if I stop the symptoms will come regardless of age. Sometimes I just want to quit taking them, tough it out and be done, but obviously that didn’t work the first time. Looking forward to your story on essential oils.

  43. Cyndi this is going to be so good I know it! Even in this day and time I run into walls trying to talk with other women about this. It’s been frustrating especially when I get responses like “I didn’t have menopause problems; I just quit having my period.” Ugh! That’s made me feel like a freak or something. So it will be great sharing! Thank you!

  44. I can’t wait to hear about using essential oils for menopause. I had a hysterectomy in 2008 and it threw me into sudden/complete menopause and I’ve been on HRT ever since. I would love to get off and try a more natural approach. Thank you for tackling this subject!

  45. I will be waiting for your posts on this subject. I am 48 and have yet to have any menopause symptoms, but the time will come. My doctor says that the average age is 53, and my mom was 50 when she started with it.