Ladies! Today, October 18, 2014, was declared World Orchids Day by the International Menopause Society! WOOT!
Okay, I lied. They declared it World Menopause Day (but that’s because they didn’t get the memo on the new vernacular). Nevertheless, it’s a great idea to raise awareness among women, right?! The theme this year is the prevention of diseases after menopause.
In the past decade, incredible progress has been made in women’s health, including in the area of Orchids, but you may be surprised to learn how many ailments and diseases afflict women during this life transition!
- Women entering perimenopause have a two times higher risk of developing depression than women with no menopausal symptoms (as of yet)
- About 40-50% women complain about lack of sleep during their menopausal transitions
- There is an overall increase in heart attacks among women about 10 years after menopause
- After menopause, bone resorption (breakdown) outpaces the building of new bone, according to the National Osteoporosis foundation
- Breast cancer risk may increase due to the hormone therapy used to manage the menopausal symptoms
Woah. These things are serious, ladies! The IMS published a white paper on health issues for women after Orchids, which I’ve made available here on my website. It’s worth a read, for sure.
As we travel from one life stage to another, I can’t help but think of the staggering number of challenging life phases we go through as women! Men don’t deal with the volume of issues we do! (That, or we just tell-all about ours, and don’t hear a peep from the guys. On second thought, knowing the guys I know, somehow that just doesn’t seem right). But this is why it’s so important to remember our medical and biological differences from men. You may have seen the episode of 60 Minutes, “Sex Matters” which talked about how far behind pharmaceutical companies are, when it comes to developing medications that have been tested specifically for females. One organization you may consider supporting, is making great strides in the field of sex-based biology. It’s The Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR).
Check it out, and get healthy ladies. You have no excuse! Try my Lunchtime Office Drill exercises, or my Fit for Sex exercises – all of which will help to keep you healthy!
Nice post. (Unfortunately, I’m old enough to need this information! LOL)
HA! Well, join the club Tamie! Thanks for the comment!
When I was going through my orchids’ phase, I was taking meds until I heard they could cause cancer. I asked the doctor and she took me off the meds, telling my husband, “If she gets too hard to live with, let me know.” That made me see red. I did find a natural soy drink that helped me keep my sanity. If anyone wants to visit http://www.revivalsoy.com, you can read the information that might help ease your symptoms without artificial medications.
Thanks Diane! Unfortunately, taking soy offers it’s own set of problems for many people. There are plenty of options that involve exercise, acupuncture and other things. I for one am on bio-identical hormones and I wouldn’t go any other way.
I know being a girl is great, but man, if I could do it over, I think I’d come back as a guy. Women really have it so much harder!
Right, Elyse!!?? Me too!
This was an eye-opener for me, had no idea about most of the info shared here. Thanks!
Laughter is good too!
It’s good to know we are not alone but can share this wonderful experience of getting older with our sisters! Thanks to everyone for sharing!