Menopause Insight Mailbag

Menopause and Breastfeeding

I am a breastfeeding educator, and would like to know how menopause affects a breastfeeding mother.

Answer
If a woman has been able to have a child, then she is not in full menopause but likely the first stage called perimenopause. Estrogen reduction usually signals the start of perimenopause. Lower estrogen levels are normal in breastfeeding women. So, perimenopause should not negatively impact a mother's milk supply. Otherwise, I could not find any information to suggest that there would be a problem.

Starting Menopause

I think I have started menopause, but I am not sure. I am really tired when I go to bed. I will sleep for a couple of hours and then wake up. This goes on through the whole night. I used to be cold all the time and now I am warm most of the time. Through the night I am uncovering and covering up. I just can not make-up my mind. My periods have changed too. I used to go for one or two days. Now it starts and stops. I have been having a period for two weeks. Does this sound like menopause?

- Barbara

Answer
You didn't state your age but his may be the first stage of menopause called peri-menopause.

Perimenopausal Sexual Dysfunction

I am a 49-year-old woman who suffers from a dead libido. My mate is 27 years old and having an extremely difficult time coping with my lack of sexual drive. As we plan to marry, I am desperate to get my libido back. I also suffer from hot flashes and insomnia. I am unemployed so going to my physician for treatment or prescription drugs is not presently an option. However, I am desperate.

- Angela

Answer
Read over the following page. Then sit down and talk with your fiance. If you are planning to marry, you should be able to have a heart-to-heart conversation about your languishing libido.

Alternative to HRT

I am aged 55 and took HRT for 9 years and stopped last November. I recently went into hospital for a posterial repair and drainage of a cyst on my ovary. Since I have been in hospital I have had the feeling of wanting to pass water (even when I don't need to) and a burning sensation. I have also been told there were traces of endometriosis which the consultant said would burn out because I no longer take HRT. To alleviate my other problem I have been prescribed vaginal estrogen which will almost certainly affect the endometriosis.

I don't know which way to go. Is there any alternative therapy I can take other than hormones?

Answer
This is an article about Bio-identical hormones which you may find interesting.

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Subjects:
Menopausal Headaches
Still Fertile
Spotting 1
Spotting 2
Menopause and Breastfeeding
Starting Menopause
Perimenopausal Sexual Dysfunction
Alternative to HRT
Pregnancy and Perimenopause
Ordering Products
Return of Hot Flashes
Hot Flashes
Post Menopausal Symptoms
Late Menstruation
Husbands Guide for Menopause
Pregnancy
Menopause and Thryoidectomy