The Wisdom of Menopause

Continued from page 5

weeweeber715_00: Why am i going through menopause at 38?

chris_northrup_md: Thirty-eight is a bit early for menopause, but it is not uncommon. The most likely reason is autoimmune problems in the ovaries. That means that the body makes antibodies against your ovaries. In a case like yours, I would recommend acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine. Many times, I've seen this halt the process and restore balance.

smilingreeneyes_12: Is it normal to have more "jitters" during this time?

chris_northrup_md: It is not normal to have jitters, but it is common, and that's because menopause is associated with anxiety when fears we've been carrying for years come closer to the surface. It's difficult to know whether a person needs therapy, St. John's Wort, DHA and Omega 3 fats, or exercise. All of these can help with the jitters. I would read the brain section in my book "The Wisdom of Menopause." There is a whole chapter on this topic.

sweetsus419: I was wondering if there is one contraceptive pill that works better than others for women that suffer from migraines during the onset of their period? I know there is one that works well if you have acne, and I was curious if one works better for migraines. Also, I am perimenopausal and on Loestrin.

chris_northrup_md: A progesterone-only pill may be helpful in this case; an example is Micronor. I would also recommend a 2% progesterone skin cream daily, 4-5 days before you're likely to have a migraine.

schubird123: Are there any spiritual places or retreats where women can go to celebrate the advent of menopause?

chris_northrup_md: You could really go anywhere. You could go to a spa like Canyon Ranch if you wanted to do a high-end spa or a place with hot springs.... Any retreat center would be perfect. It depends on your temperament. The most fun is to go somewhere where you can nourish your soul but also have your body taken care of really well, with massage, good food, etc.

Lekvar_5: Do you think my mother would be insulted if I gave her your book, even though she hasn't formally told me that she's entered menopause?

chris_northrup_md: I loved that you asked that, and the reason is because so many people have asked me the same thing.... How do I slide this book into the house without getting hit by someone over the head. :-)

I would talk about the places in the book that you could relate to as a woman or as a man and just say you thought she might enjoy it, regardless of whether or not she is in menopause. In fact, many women in their 30s and early 40s are enjoying the book because it gives them a way to prepare for an inevitable stage of life. Approach her as though she is 39 and simply might want to prepare. :-)

asimpkinson: Thank you, Dr. Northrup, for a very informative, interesting evening. And thank you all for participating in this chat. Good night.