Ann Quasman's WomanTalkLive A more conscious conversation

Women’s Sexual Health Series: No One Told Me About Hot Feet

A question I have been asked recently and devoted serious time to talking with women about is the time of transition when a woman’s ovaries start to slow down the production of hormones. This time is better known as perimenopause.

A woman can experience perimenopause in her thirties, or it may not be until sometime in her forties or even her fifties. Regardless of when the symptoms begin, actual menopause may still be years away. That’s a long time to be “in transition.”

So, what to expect? First, you should know that no two women’s experiences are exactly alike. Just because your best friend had one set of symptoms doesn’t mean that yours will match.

This is exactly what I am experiencing. Yep, I am in the “transition” at 50 and fabulous. Well actually, I was thrown for a loop over the past few days with dizziness and hot feet! Not what I was expecting or what most women have shared with me over the past weeks. Not my head… but my feet! Can you believe my feet were on fire? After researching, I found that dizziness and vertigo are systems of perimenopause that are not often talked about, and so are hot feet.

To my amazement I found thirty-five common symptoms of perimenopause. I could not believe the list was so extensive. There were my symptoms: dizziness, vertigo, light headedness and episodes of loss of balance. At the very least, I felt validated!   I did consult with Dr. Andrew London, GYN, co- founder at The Maryland Center for Sexual Health (MCSH), and over the phone, he shared that each woman experiences various levels of discomfort and varied symptoms.

MCHS is participating in this phase three trial. Currently, recruiting women, between the ages of 40 and 65,who are experiencing discomfort from the first signs of sweating to persistent sweating and/or months or years of experiencing hot flashes. Recently, I wrote about the “burning bed” and until now I have been interviewing women and “talking the talk” about low sex drive and menopause. Now, I am walking the talk on perimenopause. It was inevitable, right? I am grateful to have a resource in Baltimore that has innovative treatments and safe options to help navigate women through these transitions. As I asked Dr. London questions, I felt validated as he listened and offered options and first steps in my journey through perimenopause so that I can live an active life and not be miserable!

After talking with Dr. London, I requested to have my hormones tested. While he agreed to see me the next day in his office to discuss options, he also stated this is just a borderline test to show hormone levels and not very effective at age fifty! Women’s hormone levels fluctuate daily, monthly and yearly in various stages of our lives. While the Follicle Stimulating Hormone Test (FSH) is a great test for other issues that present in women (i.e. infertility), it would not be a valid test for most women in perimenopause, especially for me since I am still experiencing monthly menstruation cycles. My purpose is to be pro-active versus re-active to savor the next 50 fabulous years! So I am excited to meet with Dr. London and find out how to navigate.

To learn more and stay up to date on topics, trends and additional studies Click Here.  MCSH conducts an extensive range of therapeutic clinical drug trials, evaluating the therapeutic efficacy of new drugs for the treatment of numerous sexual problems with women in various stages of menopause in Baltimore. Substantial financial compensation is awarded for your time to participate. From what I am learning and hearing from other women, the rewards just might outweigh the financial return!

So for tonight, on a beautiful autumn evening in Baltimore – moderate temp – my air conditioning is turned on high! I am in preventive mode to avoid another night of “hot feet”.   I am excited to see Dr. London and eager to learn more about the ever-changing, wondrous female body that continues to amaze me. Stay tuned!

by Denise Buchman, who you can chat with on Facebook and Twitter @denisebuchman

Women’s Sexual Health Series: Is Your Bed on Fire?

The past few weeks have been pretty turbulent for women. The NFL made a huge fumble and that mistake has opened doors to much needed conversations. Saturday, September 13^th women from around the country participated in a rally in our national capital in solidarity to continue our forward movement of equal rights for women. Last week, the equal pay act was again blocked in Washington DC. I continue to see a common thread – to hold women back from our human rights as people. I have been writing for a few months as I interview women about changes in their bodies that are natural with regard to menopause. Women seemingly have little to no say in the selecting innovative treatments with regard to sexual health. I continue to be disturbed. The trend of discounting women is across the board in many areas.

Last week I was out to dinner and bumped into several women that I have not seen for years. We were the gym girls of the 1980’s and 1990’s with our leg warmers and leotards as cutting-age aerobics instructors for a cookie-cutter club.   Now we are between the ages of 44 to 56, seemly healthy and happy on the outside, but feeling some misery on the inside.

The topic of hot flashes came up in conversation. A few of the women are on social media and have seen my very candid posts about equal rights, women’s issues, empowering women to use our voices as a platform for change, and my articles.   One woman, age 48, started telling us about her “burning bed.”. I thought she was talking about the 1984 movie with Farah Fawcett! She was going on and one about how she would lay in the bed and immediately would be on fire. Her bed was engulfing her in flames. This is her actual life, night after night trying to sleep in her own bed. Her mind is spiraling out of control and her body is unable to rest and be calm enough to sleep. Her graphic description made me feel like I was on fire! She is convinced there are no answers and she has tried everything.

Of course I asked if she knew about The Maryland Center for Sexual Health (MCSH) in Lutherville, Maryland.   She quickly answered, “No.” She has tried everything, she is lacking trust in the medical establishment, and stated that women are just supposed to be miserable during this time of life. Of course that lead me into an entirely different conversation about how the FDA continues to allow a study – then once the statistics are in and they are showing favorable results, the committee denies approval. Even with positive favorable results, a loop hole is found. To date, there are twenty-six FDA approved medications for various sexual dysfunction with men and ZERO for women.

Is this a conspiracy? It seems to me, the status quo for moving forward to address various innovative approaches for women’s health has been an uphill battle. Social media and more women who are demanding change with relevant conversations and collective voices have certainly changed the playing field. With committed doctors who continuously look outside the box for cutting-edge approaches for women and organizations like Even the Score, demonstrates to me that change will happen and we are closer than ever before.

The Maryland Center for Sexual Health (MCSH) is participating in a phase three trial. Currently, recruiting women, between the ages of 40 and 65, who are experiencing discomfort from the first signs of sweating to persistent sweating and/or months or years of experiencing hot flashes. Substantial financial compensation is awarded for participation. The rewards just might outweigh the financial return! To learn more and stay up to date on topics, trends and additional studies Click Here.

Andrew M. London, M.D., a leading gynecologist, partnered with Leonard R. Derogatis, Ph.D. and created. Dr. Derogatis has been an attending psychologist with the Johns Hopkins Sexual Behaviors Consultation Unit for over 35 years and was its director for a number of years. Dr. London, The Associate Director of the MCSH, also trained at Johns Hopkins and was Chief Resident in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Hopkins. Both clinicians have extensive experience and interest in understanding and treating sexual problems.

Research and technology have yielded many new advances in the treatment for hot flashes. I found a pharmaceutical company who announced in September, 2013 a pivotal phase three trial of a bio-identical natural progesterone treatment. I have educated myself on the pros and cons of Bioidentical Progesterone vs. Non Bioidentical Progestin. Benefits of Bioidentical Hormone Therapy (“HT”) are reporting less signs of the risks associated with breast cancer, more favorable on lipid profiles (cholesterol), improved carbohydrate metabolism (glucose/insulin) and improved sleep efficiency and mood. I say NO more burning bed!

MCSH conducts an extensive range of therapeutic clinical drug trials, evaluating the therapeutic efficacy of new drugs for the treatment of numerous sexual problems with women in various stages of menopause in Baltimore.

As far as I can remember….back to the 1960’s, I learned the rules and then I broke them! I never seemed to settle for the status quo and I have always asked a lot of questions. I certainly never settled when it came to my body, my health or my children’s well-being….why would I stop now??? As far as my friend with the burning bed – she is now in the study. So my point is, sharing our stories, our truths, and opening up to new possibilities matters! Let’s continue to be curious, ask questions, expect options and not settle for a sleepless night because our bodies deserve more.

by Denise Buchman, who you can chat with on Facebook and Twitter @denisebuchman

Women’s Sexual Health Series: When It Brings Relief… I’m in Love

Last week, we had a few of “those” days in Baltimore – we almost tipped 100 degrees in the dog days of summer after one of the mildest summers in my life! 7 a.m. was hot. 11 a.m. was on fire and so was I.  Some of the simplest things in my handbag have become my new friend or you can say even my new lover…  like my hair clip!

I have shoulder length layered hair with a mixture of high and low lights. I have always loved my hair… for many women, you understand me, right?  In my 30’s and 40’s, I had strangers compliment me on my hair, cut, style, color… a bit has changed since the BIG 50!

Over the past year I have noticed that my hair is dry and not as easy to blow-dry.  Then there is the grey strand that really appeared overnight and not just at the root!  I am talking an entire 8-10 inches of a full grey strand.  Hello!  What the heck?  Well today, I was coiffed in a chic pants outfit with leopard heels and then… it. hit. me.  Starting with my face, back of neck and then the hair – hot flash on top of heat and humidity in Baltimore… what’s a woman to do???

Gotta love my new lover, a tortoise french clip that I can just twist, clip and go! I started laughing in my car as I was driving to an event to speak on a panel about women starting businesses, having courage, patience, passion and persistence to stay on course no matter the uphill battle.  Oh how the universe is talking to me about the changes that are starting to surface in my own body and life with menopause at fabulous 50… the uphill battle, right?

I started thinking back to when I was eighteen and seeing my mother with the back of her short hair always wet!  Fans always seemed to be blowing in the bedroom, kitchen, and living room.  Now I am really laughing because I had no idea what was really happening… I just wanted to escape then and perhaps, now too.

This brings me to the articles I have been writing about this passage in our lives, deep thought-provoking conversations I’ve had with other women, and how embracing this stage in our life cycle seems to be one of the best approaches.  I am not saying tough up and just endure.  I am loving learning about new studies, treatments and healthy eating and exercise that can eliminate some symptoms. And, I also know the more we honor our bodies with new alternative therapies, the better we may be able to weather the storm.

Luckily I found Andrew M. London, M.D., a leading gynecologist, partnered with Leonard R. Derogatis, Ph.D. and created The Maryland Center for Sexual Health (MCSH) in Lutherville, Maryland. Dr. Derogatis has been an attending psychologist with the Johns Hopkins Sexual Behaviors Consultation Unit for over 35 years and was its director for a number of years. Dr. London, The Associate Director of the MCSH, also trained at Johns Hopkins and was Chief Resident in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Hopkins. Both clinicians have extensive experience and interest in understanding and treating sexual problems. Research and technology has yielded many new advances in the treatment for hot flashes. I found a pharmaceutical company who announced in September, 2013 a pivotal phase three trial of a bio-identical natural progesterone treatment. I have educated myself on the pros and cons of Bioidentical Progesterone vs. Non Bioidentical Progestin. Benefits of Bioidentical Hormone Therapy (“HT”) are reporting less signs of the risks associated with breast cancer, more favorable on lipid profiles (cholesterol), improved carbohydrate metabolism (glucose/insulin) and improved sleep efficiency and mood. I see light at the end of the tunnel!

MCHS is participating in this phase three trial. Currently, recruiting women, between the ages of 40 and 65, are experiencing discomfort from the first signs of sweating to persistent sweating and/or months or years of experiencing hot flashes. Substantial financial compensation is awarded for your time to participate. The rewards just might out weigh the financial return! To learn more and stay up to date on topics, trends and additional studies Click Here.

MCSH conducts an extensive range of therapeutic clinical drug trials, evaluating the therapeutic efficacy of new drugs for the treatment of numerous sexual problems with women in various stages of menopause in Baltimore.

As I laugh again to myself, I think of my mother in 1982. She did not have access to the vast resources and alternative therapies and treatments I have today. Many strides in research have changed the playing field for women’s sexual health and no doubt, there will be more to come. Anyone who knows me will tell you, I have never liked a “bad hair day” but today, at 50, letting my hair grow a bit longer to be in love with my tortoise french hairclip is not so bad!

by Denise Buchman, who you can chat with on Facebook and Twitter @denisebuchman

Women’s Sexual Health Series: Don’t Be Tough – Get Balance!

My previous posting stirred up some fabulous conversation with women across various social media platforms and in casual conversations over coffee and wine in Baltimore.

I have been fascinated to understand the changes that will inevitably happen to me now that I am 50 and yes, fabulous! The “balance” of our hormones seems to be the core issue to relieving hot flashes, not to mention the continual changes women encounter in the journey to full menopause.   To my complete surprise, I learned SO many women, are simply “toughing it out”! It’s 2014, why?

Many women in today’s society feel the pressure to take on more responsibility with a profession, raising a family, running a business, single parenthood, acting as caregivers to aging parents and they end up running on auto pilot (picture the energizer bunny!) Have we created a message inside our minds to say “oh, it’s just hot flashes, no sleep and I am miserable….tough it out”?   I say, “NO.”

Women’s bodies were created to be healthy and in harmony and balance. Strength, energy, productivity and glowing health should be enjoyed throughout all stages of a woman’s life…right?

Women, by nature, are made to be strong and resilient. These attributes are necessary components to enable women to bear and raise children. I am very in tune with my body. I rarely get ill and when I do, I can feel it deep inside – even with the onset of a head cold.

Quite frankly, I am shocked that women are not demanding more information about their hormones. I have found in my research there are safe effective new therapies with regard to eliminating and relieving the changes we encounter on our journey through menopause.

When women “tough it out”, we are actually hurting our health. Do you know how critical it is for women to have balance in our hormones for our overall health? By not addressing our hormonal changes to bring them to balance women are hurting themselves in the long run. I am talking about women having issues with bone density, intestinal tract issues, bloating, unexplained weight gain, more fat cells, higher insulin levels and the obvious lack of sleep!   I was amazed that in the past ten years, more women have experienced an increase in broken bones at ages 50+ than ever before.

These findings are getting me fired up, how about you?

I believe it is SO important to be involved in your health as a woman. One thing my mother did role model to both my sister and me from a very early age was to be invested in our bodies and ask questions. So I am asking the questions and I urge you to ask the questions and be bold. DO NOT SETTLE. My fellow fabulous female friends, we cannot afford to “tough it out” any longer! Heck, we don’t just want to live longer, we want to be vital and healthy into our 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s. Heck, I am shooting for my 100’s!

My quest to understand my changing body at 50 and be curious about cutting-edge treatments and therapies lead me to a resource in Baltimore dedicated to working with women experiencing hot flashes. The Maryland Center for Sexual Health (MCSH) is participating in this phase three trial. Currently, recruiting women, between the ages of 40 and 65, are experiencing any form of hot flashes. Substantial financial compensation is awarded for your time to participate – 4 visits over a 12-month period. The best part, you can continue to use this new product that is showing remarkable results in a final phase study. The rewards just might outweigh the financial return! To learn more and stay up to date on topics, trends and additional studies Click Here.

The MCSH is dedicated to the application of modern diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to the treatment of a broad range of sexual dysfunctions and conditions experienced by men and women. In addition, the MCSH conducts an extensive range of therapeutic clinical drug trials, evaluating the therapeutic efficacy of new drugs for the treatment of numerous sexual problems.

I urge women reading this article to share the information with other women. Come out of the closet of “toughing it out” and know you are worth it – to live a full vibrant healthy life as you blossom like wild, wise flowers into the most fabulous years of your life! Just imagine a day with NO HOT FLASHES and sleeping throughout the night… not to mention a healthy body that is aging gracefully.

by Denise Buchman, who you can chat with on Facebook and Twitter @denisebuchman

Women’s Sexual Health Series: Help or Hype with Hormone Therapy?

How confusing is it for a woman to attempt to understand the changes in her body at 50+? VERY!

Last week I thought I had a hot flash. I investigated many questions women should be asking BEFORE we even hit pre-menopause. If we know our “normal” hormone levels prior to any changes leading up to menopause, we can be proactive on the best routes for treatments individually.

For me, trying to understand the difference between, “natural”, “bioidentical” and “compounds” was mindboggling! Depending on what health publication I read, there are so many different points of views, and research is still flooding in for data and results on current clinical studies. Without women participating in these clinical studies, it is a dead-end street to provide sound results to have the medical establishment lobby the FDA for approved therapies or treatments. Again as I said in my earlier articles, it is time to get disturbed and stand up for safe effective treatments for women in all stages we encounter leading up to menopause, during menopause and post-menopause.

One important finding is to know your hormone levels prior to pre-menopause and full menopause. Simple conversations with your doctor and saliva tests can provide this information. This led me to make a list of questions to guide me in my understanding – questions to ask my doctor:

• What is hormone replacement therapy?
• Why do some women need hormone replacement therapy (HT) during menopause and not before?
• Are there alternatives to ease the beginning symptoms to menopause?
• Is there data on positive results for alternative remedies (soy or black cohosh) to aid in hot flashes?
• Does age play a factor in HT?
• How long do I have to stay on HT?
• Risks associated with HT?
• Benefits associated with HT?
• Is there a “try before you buy” period with HT?
• If I stop HT will hot flashes and other menopausal systems occur? Will they be stronger?
• Will HT help or protect my body against osteoporosis?

With so much media coverage on chemicals that are in our food, makeup, air, linens, clothes, just about everything we come in contact with, it makes good sense to question my hormones!

Research and technology has yielded many new advances in the treatment for hot flashes. I found a pharmaceutical company who announced in September, 2013 a pivotal phase three trial of a bio-identical natural progesterone treatment. This peaked my curiosity.

I have brought my questions to a local resource in Baltimore dedicated to working with women experiencing hot flashes. The Maryland Center for Sexual Health (MCSH) is participating in this phase three trial. Currently, recruiting women, between the ages of 40 and 65, who are experiencing any form of hot flashes. Substantial financial compensation is awarded for your time to participate – 4 visits over a 12-month period. The best part, you can continue to use this new product that is showing remarkable results in a final phase study. The rewards just might out weigh the financial return! To learn more and stay up to date on topics, trends and additional studies Click Here.

The MCSH is dedicated to the application of modern diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to the treatment of a broad range of sexual dysfunctions and conditions experienced by men and women. In addition, the MCSH conducts an extensive range of therapeutic clinical drug trials, evaluating the therapeutic efficacy of new drugs for the treatment of numerous sexual problems.

Isn’t it time women demand safe effective treatments for our sexual health? Menopause is a normal course of a women’s life. It is time to GET DISTURBED! Demand new approaches to achieving a healthy lifestyle in our 40’s, 50’s, 60’s and beyond! Women are outliving men, reinventing themselves after 50 in careers, relationships and lifestyles – it’s our time to live a vibrant full out life well into the 3^rd phase of our lives!

by Denise Buchman, who you can chat with on Facebook and Twitter @denisebuchman