There is no doubt that we have all heard about the importance of calcium as we age, but I was unaware that a good Vitamin B supplement and enough magnesium are also important. In The Wisdom of Menopause by Christiane Northrup, M.D., she recommends taking 800mg of magnesium per day when treating fibroids. I'm still evaluating all my supplements so that I take what is right for my body, but my goal is to establish a system where I have my supplement candy store stocked properly. This, however, has gotten me thinking about supplements in a new way.
I began taking 500mg of magnesium again this week as well as a Super B Complex and 2000mg of Vitamin C (also recommended in my research). Let me tell you, it is making a significant difference. I had been taking them during my Lenten Observance, but I didn't take it seriously. After all, I'm not so old that I need this stuff. What I didn't realize was that I was feeling better not only from changes in my diet, but also in other habits. Supplements are not as overrated as I'd thought. They are not placeboes manufactured by this Capitalist Machine whose only mission is to keep the people down. Good to know!!
Lastly, I have been taking my supplements at dinner time, for two reasons. First, it's easy to remember: I'm at home, I'm winding down for the day, etc. The other reason I'm taking them at night is so I don't flush them out of my system prematurely. By taking them at night, my body is able to digest them while I'm asleep, when it is rebuilding at the cellular level. Just a little something to share with you all.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Big Shout Out to The Best Friend
God knows what we need. Always.
I am so blessed with a best friend who not only is a couple years older than me (but we are still twins separated at birth, mind you), but a woman with a big mouth. Yep, I meant that. She expresses herself without hesitation, and the world is better for it. Without her chattering on at me about her experience with hormonal changes, I would be at a serious loss about my lethargy, chin and moustache hairs, and these silly fibroids. It is she who recommended Dr. Lee's book and who has made this transition a little easier, if only to know there are real solutions out there that don't require the AMA.
Way to be there Girl!!
I am so blessed with a best friend who not only is a couple years older than me (but we are still twins separated at birth, mind you), but a woman with a big mouth. Yep, I meant that. She expresses herself without hesitation, and the world is better for it. Without her chattering on at me about her experience with hormonal changes, I would be at a serious loss about my lethargy, chin and moustache hairs, and these silly fibroids. It is she who recommended Dr. Lee's book and who has made this transition a little easier, if only to know there are real solutions out there that don't require the AMA.
Way to be there Girl!!
Brands of Progesterone Cream
In reference to Nat's post about Mirena:
I am using Emerita, which can be purchased at Whole Foods Markets and The Vitamin Shoppe. From the limited reading I have done, not all progesterone creams are the same. Ultimately, I recommend reading Dr. Lee's book, What Doctors Don't Tell You About Premenopause. And, now that I just looked at his website, there are some great resources there. Again, I'm anti-surgery unless absolutely necessary.
Check out this website: http://www.johnleemd.com/ as it is a wealth of info about fibroids and related issues.
I even noticed in my copy of the book that there is contact info to help finding a health practitioner that understands natural progesterone therapy. I don't have that with me, but I will post it soon.
I am using Emerita, which can be purchased at Whole Foods Markets and The Vitamin Shoppe. From the limited reading I have done, not all progesterone creams are the same. Ultimately, I recommend reading Dr. Lee's book, What Doctors Don't Tell You About Premenopause. And, now that I just looked at his website, there are some great resources there. Again, I'm anti-surgery unless absolutely necessary.
Check out this website: http://www.johnleemd.com/ as it is a wealth of info about fibroids and related issues.
I even noticed in my copy of the book that there is contact info to help finding a health practitioner that understands natural progesterone therapy. I don't have that with me, but I will post it soon.
Women Who Run With The Wolves
I know I could post a comment alongside the comments, but I want to give the comments a little more press. They are worthy of their own postings.
Susan commented that she is reading this book & I can't be more thrilled. I still have my first edition in my Forever Keepers Bookshelf. If you haven't taken the time to read Women Who Run With The Wolves by Clarissa Pincola-Estes, I strongly recommend it.
My favorite take-away from my earlier reading was how cleaning is necessary for a woman's spirit. This goes beyond practical and stereotypical to the level of soul. I apologize if my memory bastardizes Dr. Pincola-Estes' thesis, but I just remember reading her words and feeling as though all of Cinderella's story isn't worthless. In a post-feminist world, the beauty of women has been forfeited for the desire to be fully equal, which regretfully often translates into androgeny. This book helps to edify the beauty and strength of women as women, not as substitutes for men. Boy, I look forward to returning to her pages to see how differently they look to me now. Thanks, Susan, for the reminder!!
Susan commented that she is reading this book & I can't be more thrilled. I still have my first edition in my Forever Keepers Bookshelf. If you haven't taken the time to read Women Who Run With The Wolves by Clarissa Pincola-Estes, I strongly recommend it.
My favorite take-away from my earlier reading was how cleaning is necessary for a woman's spirit. This goes beyond practical and stereotypical to the level of soul. I apologize if my memory bastardizes Dr. Pincola-Estes' thesis, but I just remember reading her words and feeling as though all of Cinderella's story isn't worthless. In a post-feminist world, the beauty of women has been forfeited for the desire to be fully equal, which regretfully often translates into androgeny. This book helps to edify the beauty and strength of women as women, not as substitutes for men. Boy, I look forward to returning to her pages to see how differently they look to me now. Thanks, Susan, for the reminder!!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Week One of Natural Progesterone Therapy
I began using natural progesterone cream last Monday morning. I'm taking it as the dosage suggests, 2 times daily, morning and evening. Because my body reacts quickly to remedies, I've started with the lower dosage. At one point during the week, I thought I needed less, but that wasn't the case. The 1/4 teaspoon dosage 2 times daily is working well for me.
The main thing I noticed this week was that my skin has regained its elasticity. By Wednesday, my skin felt like it used to. AND I'M THRILLED. Of all the changes since I turned the corner at 39th and Main, the changes in my skin has been the greatest of concerns. Yes, the "flab" was more sensual feeling, but it made me feel old and not like myself. I still sag in all the usual places, but at least the top layers of skin feel as they did at 37th and 38th and Main.
Where have I been applying the cream? The tube says anywhere, but the book that is my main resource (I will share that with you soon), says the places where we blush are best. I believe that is because the capillaries are closer to the skin in those places. However, with my reflexology knowledge, I have been applying the cream to my ankles and calves as well as my inner forearms. (Per that philosophy, the Achilles tendon, ankle, and rear heel area are the reflexology points for the sexual organs and uterus.) I am doing my best to alternate between left and right sides as the point of this therapy is balance. Like insulin therapy for Diabetics, application sites can become resistant to the hormone so I'm doing my best to rotate through at least 4 sites.
What time have I been applying the cream? In the morning as part of my morning routine, and in the evening right as I climb into bed to sleep. So far it's working well, absorbing quickly, although I'm considering spacing the applications closer to a 12-hour span. Again, for balance.
Have there been changes in my fibroids? A little, but it's too soon to tell if the changes I'm noticing are diet related, cycle related, or progesterone cream related. We'll see what happens. I will keep you posted. = : ]
The main thing I noticed this week was that my skin has regained its elasticity. By Wednesday, my skin felt like it used to. AND I'M THRILLED. Of all the changes since I turned the corner at 39th and Main, the changes in my skin has been the greatest of concerns. Yes, the "flab" was more sensual feeling, but it made me feel old and not like myself. I still sag in all the usual places, but at least the top layers of skin feel as they did at 37th and 38th and Main.
Where have I been applying the cream? The tube says anywhere, but the book that is my main resource (I will share that with you soon), says the places where we blush are best. I believe that is because the capillaries are closer to the skin in those places. However, with my reflexology knowledge, I have been applying the cream to my ankles and calves as well as my inner forearms. (Per that philosophy, the Achilles tendon, ankle, and rear heel area are the reflexology points for the sexual organs and uterus.) I am doing my best to alternate between left and right sides as the point of this therapy is balance. Like insulin therapy for Diabetics, application sites can become resistant to the hormone so I'm doing my best to rotate through at least 4 sites.
What time have I been applying the cream? In the morning as part of my morning routine, and in the evening right as I climb into bed to sleep. So far it's working well, absorbing quickly, although I'm considering spacing the applications closer to a 12-hour span. Again, for balance.
Have there been changes in my fibroids? A little, but it's too soon to tell if the changes I'm noticing are diet related, cycle related, or progesterone cream related. We'll see what happens. I will keep you posted. = : ]
A little background
August 2008: I began noticing a hard mass in my abdomen. I considered it more evidence of gastrointestinal issues. It came and went through the month, so I figured it was tied to my propensity towards dehydration.
January 2009: I had my first physical exam in 12-13 years. What I had thought was constipation was uterine fibroid cysts. What a relief! It's not digestive after all, and it explains why I look stagnantly pregnant! As much as it should've upset me, I was thankful for the diagnosis. I can deal with fibroids.
February 2009: Just a few days later, I turned 39. People traditionally think of the Zero Years as the tough ones (30, 40, 50), but for me it's the Nine Years (19, 29, 39). Here I turned 39, and I have fibroids.
Spring 2009: I began looking at alternative therapies and remedies for my condition. My doctor said the main treatment option is surgery. Because of my personal beliefs re: the healthcare industry, this is not even an option. I know that fibroids are benign growths that can be lived with. I'm not having anyone cut into me unless I'm in bleeding out from a car wreck. Surgery to me is a last resort, not the first stop of treatment. But, I digress. As such, I've spent the time between my diagnosis and now examining treatment options, meditating on what is right for my body, and keeping it in prayer. I believe the body can heal itself, and I believe in God's healing power, even in 21st Century America. (Details to follow re: my research, including links.)
Lent 2009: My Lenten observance this year was prayer, fasting, and abstinence, by Roman Catholic standards. What does that mean? Fasting is eating one regular sized meal and two smaller meals that together don't add up to the same portion as the regular sized meal. My approach was to eat a light breakfast, have my main meal at lunch, and a light dinner. Abstinence is defined as not eating meat, i.e., the flesh of an animal. Most Catholics observe this on Fridays by eating fish as their "meat", but I took to abstinence as a total Lenten observance because it was my self-sacrifice. I was eating too much meat; my relationship with meat was out of balance. Out with the meat, in with dependence on God. (What I ate will be a topic for later.) End result: I lost about 10 pounds, and I did notice my cysts became less prominent.
July 6, 2009: I began natural progesterone therapy by my own hand. My health is my responsibility, and while the world is full of disclaimers about going to a doctor to have them prescribe it, I am doing this without their "permission". We go to doctors because they are experts, but I'm thinking I'm the best expert of my own body. Thirty-nine years has to count for something. = : )
July 12, 2009: Inauguration Day! The blog 39 and Beyond is founded. Between last Monday and today, I've been haunted by the quiet dripping faucet known as self-expression. Each day I experience a new thought or mind-shift, and I came to realize I want to share them. I'm a private person, but the experience of being an aging woman is important. I want other women to respond to my ideas in this area.
These are our stories. I believe these stories need to be told.
And so it begins...
January 2009: I had my first physical exam in 12-13 years. What I had thought was constipation was uterine fibroid cysts. What a relief! It's not digestive after all, and it explains why I look stagnantly pregnant! As much as it should've upset me, I was thankful for the diagnosis. I can deal with fibroids.
February 2009: Just a few days later, I turned 39. People traditionally think of the Zero Years as the tough ones (30, 40, 50), but for me it's the Nine Years (19, 29, 39). Here I turned 39, and I have fibroids.
Spring 2009: I began looking at alternative therapies and remedies for my condition. My doctor said the main treatment option is surgery. Because of my personal beliefs re: the healthcare industry, this is not even an option. I know that fibroids are benign growths that can be lived with. I'm not having anyone cut into me unless I'm in bleeding out from a car wreck. Surgery to me is a last resort, not the first stop of treatment. But, I digress. As such, I've spent the time between my diagnosis and now examining treatment options, meditating on what is right for my body, and keeping it in prayer. I believe the body can heal itself, and I believe in God's healing power, even in 21st Century America. (Details to follow re: my research, including links.)
Lent 2009: My Lenten observance this year was prayer, fasting, and abstinence, by Roman Catholic standards. What does that mean? Fasting is eating one regular sized meal and two smaller meals that together don't add up to the same portion as the regular sized meal. My approach was to eat a light breakfast, have my main meal at lunch, and a light dinner. Abstinence is defined as not eating meat, i.e., the flesh of an animal. Most Catholics observe this on Fridays by eating fish as their "meat", but I took to abstinence as a total Lenten observance because it was my self-sacrifice. I was eating too much meat; my relationship with meat was out of balance. Out with the meat, in with dependence on God. (What I ate will be a topic for later.) End result: I lost about 10 pounds, and I did notice my cysts became less prominent.
July 6, 2009: I began natural progesterone therapy by my own hand. My health is my responsibility, and while the world is full of disclaimers about going to a doctor to have them prescribe it, I am doing this without their "permission". We go to doctors because they are experts, but I'm thinking I'm the best expert of my own body. Thirty-nine years has to count for something. = : )
July 12, 2009: Inauguration Day! The blog 39 and Beyond is founded. Between last Monday and today, I've been haunted by the quiet dripping faucet known as self-expression. Each day I experience a new thought or mind-shift, and I came to realize I want to share them. I'm a private person, but the experience of being an aging woman is important. I want other women to respond to my ideas in this area.
These are our stories. I believe these stories need to be told.
And so it begins...
So it begins...
Greetings and salutations!
The purpose of this blog is two-fold:
The purpose of this blog is two-fold:
- a place for me to express my experiences of growing older as a current-day woman
- a place for people to respond to my experience.
- to be vulnerable through honesty
- to learn more about myself, soul and body
- to receive commentary from other women who have, are, or will be experiencing the naturally occurring and common events of the Big Three Nine and the years that follow it
- to inspire, comfort, and amuse those who take the time to read what I have to say
So, it begins... with a prayer, a joke, and a smile.
Prayer: Thank you God for the opportunity to express the experience of being a woman at 39 and Beyond. Thank you for giving me the means of reaching a greater community so that we can discuss the commonalities of being human, of being a woman. I ask that you bless this blog, that you give me the courage to share my experience of being an aging woman in a world that glorifies youth to an extreme. Lord, speak through me that my words may help me grow more comfortable in my skin and edify my readers. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Amen.
Joke: Courtesy of Abbott and Costello's Lost in a Harem (1945)
Jail Guard: Where were you born?
Costello: Under a sink.
Jail Guard: How do you know?
Costello: I heard water running.
Hopefully, you've provided the smile.
Cheers.
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