Another Sufferer

TIME FOR MENOPAUSE SUPPORT LEGISLATION?

The reason I started this blog, The Atrophied Vagina Club, is that no one, not even my OBGYN, ever discussed menopause with me! Seems like it might be a good idea to finally address the second bullet point in this article. “Currently, menopause-related legislation is being considered or has been recently enacted in at leastContinue reading “TIME FOR MENOPAUSE SUPPORT LEGISLATION?”

MENOPAUSE AND DAMAGED NAILS

Have you noticed your nails getting more brittle, peeling, splitting or growing ridges? Nails are a living tissue just like our skin and, like our skin, they become drier with age. Once again, lack of estrogen is the culprit. You can take supplements (ask your dermatologist for recommendations), limit water exposure by wearing gloves whenContinue reading “MENOPAUSE AND DAMAGED NAILS”

MENOPAUSE AND URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS (UTIs)

I experienced my first UTI at age 55, shortly after menopause. Never having had any menopausal symptoms, I was unaware of potential post-menopausal side effects and my OBGYN neglected to address the issue. (There were no “Beware All Who Enter Here” signs or brochures or pamphlets.) My own research provided the following information: Vaginal acidityContinue reading “MENOPAUSE AND URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS (UTIs)”

MENOPAUSE, TOOTH DECAY & GUM DISEASE

So, ladies, besides dealing with bone loss, insomnia, weight gain and a host of other problems due to menopause, you should know that more frequent visits to your dentist are probably in order. Besides the first few years of my life (when my parents neglected their children’s oral hygiene), I have been diligent about brushing,Continue reading “MENOPAUSE, TOOTH DECAY & GUM DISEASE”

MAMMOGRAM VS. ULTRASOUND VS. MRI

Though I’ve never dreaded my yearly mammograms, some of my blog followers have voiced their opposition due to the pain experienced during a mammography. Unfortunately, this has led a few to skip an exam — which is definitely not a good idea. Medical professionals recommend annual screenings starting at age 40, but I had aContinue reading “MAMMOGRAM VS. ULTRASOUND VS. MRI”

CAN I HAVE A RE-DO OF MY DMV PHOTO?

It’s official. My new driver’s license photo is worse than my passport mug shot. The last pic taken of me by the DMV was in 2008. A lot has happened since then. Namely, menopause and old age. In my previous posts, I explain how menopause wreaks havoc on the flesh. (See “Menopause Wrinkles & Wattles”Continue reading “CAN I HAVE A RE-DO OF MY DMV PHOTO?”

MENOPAUSE AND YOUR FIVE O’CLOCK SHADOW

Okay, so a five o’clock shadow on a guy may look sexy, but it’s definitely not the “look” women want. Unfortunately, the growth of unsightly facial hair is just one of many side effects women experience during menopause and after. And, once again, the culprit is a declining level of estrogen — but with theContinue reading “MENOPAUSE AND YOUR FIVE O’CLOCK SHADOW”

DOES MENOPAUSE TRIGGER ALLERGIES?

Well, ladies, besides night sweats, insomnia, UTIs and a whole host of other issues associated with menopause, there is some evidence that existing allergies are exacerbated by menopause and that new ones develop during menopause. This would explain the severe allergic reactions I experienced starting in my 50s and continuing to this day: unbearable, itchyContinue reading “DOES MENOPAUSE TRIGGER ALLERGIES?”