As a certified nurse-midwife I not only take care of pregnant women, I care for women throughout the life-span. Routine annual exams, urinary tract and vaginal infections, irregular periods and menopausal complaints often find their way to my clinic exam room. Many of my patients are experiencing the challenges of menopause. “ Listen to Women “ has been a motto used by the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) and that is what I have done for over ten years. What I have heard behind closed doors has been an amazing education. The same skills that allow me to midwife women through the changes of pregnancy and childbirth are also appreciated by women during the changes of menopause.
With more and more baby boomers reaching this certain age, the expectation for knowledge and support is growing. Self-determination, when it comes to making health care decisions, has been this generation’s Modus Operandi. We are after all, the generation that revolutionized obstetrical care, making childbirth education and natural childbirth commonplace.
And so onward we travel. Experiencing a need personally and through my patients, I became credentialed as a menopause practitioner through the North American Menopause Society (NAMS). In October of 2006 I did a very well attended talk for consumers on menopause and received many requests to start a support group. Since April 2007 we have had 9 support group meetings with topics ranging from heart health to sexuality. Participation is growing but I would like to reach a wider audience. What better way than a blog?
A blog or Web log is simply a type of web site in a format that allows for easy updating and feedback. The most recent entries will be at the top. This will allow the easy addition of new information and comments on health related news stories quickly. Another beauty of a blog is the ability for readers to comment and ask questions.
My goal is to offer a reliable source of accurate material useful to anyone looking for information related to menopausal health. The internet may be jam packed with information, but who can you trust? Many sites and blogs are sponsored by companies or people selling things. Information may be opinion rather than research based. Writers may not have any medical background, These blogs all have their place, but browser beware!
This blog has the sponsorship and backing of a world class health care organization- Henry Ford Health System of Detroit, Michigan. I will cover topical information offered in our support group meetings, comment on health care news and respond to your questions and comments. As member of an extensive and renowned health care system, if I don’t know an answer, I certainly know where to find it!
August 22nd, 2008 at 7:55 pm
I am SOOOO in need of a good treatment for insomnia, my biggest peri-menopausal issue. I have tried ambien, lunesta, melatonin, with no significant relief. I have eliminated cafffiene all day, have no psych issues that would contribute, like depression or ADD. I jsut need to be able to sleep past 3 am. Any suggestions?
August 23rd, 2008 at 2:54 pm
I agree, insomnia can be the worse. If you can’t sleep you can’t hardly do anything. .Valarian is an herb which is considered safe, but it may take a couple weeks to work. Estrogen can work by decreasing hot flashes which often can disturb sleep. Often our minds are tired but our bodies are not so regular exercise is important for good sleep. Just don’t exercise right before bedtime. Yoga, meditation and prayer have all been used with good effect to quiet a busy mind for better sleep. Long term insomnia should be investigated by a health professional to rule out things like thyroid disorder as a cause. Also an evaluation in a sleep disorder clinic may be warranted. See your health care provider for a referral.