Menopause Is No Joke, But You Can Make It Worth Living Through #AMCoffee

Turning 40
Menopause and Peri-, Sexual Health & Healing

HASHTAG: #AMCoffee

Damiva personal intimate care for women

Menopause lasts for the rest of our lives, so it is important to ensure healthy hormone balance during this period. Our ovaries still keep producing some hormones (including testosterone) until we are 65. The more we can keep what we have, the better. Here’s something you may not know: Sex is key as we age to maintaining our hormones!

Sex is a great way to generate and increase our
hormones, as well as balance them

Sex makes us feel good about our bodies. It produces hormones, reduces pain & blood pressure, activates the immune system and can provide some of the same benefits as exercise. Not only that – but a Scottish study shows that couples who have sex 3 or more times a week look 10 years younger than their counterparts! So sex also keeps us young.

Estrogen increases the release of oxytocin, the “love” hormone that is made in the ovaries, brain, and in men, in the testes. As we lose estrogen, we lose the ability to release oxytocin. So it’s important to keep those neural cells firing through sex and intimacy.

TIP: Do a lot of hugging and kissing. Psychologists believe that children need 12 hugs a day for maintenance and even more for growth. Studies have shown that couples who begin the day with even a 10 second kissing and hugging routine have significantly lower rates of divorce.

TIP: Scheduling sex sounds quite boring, but it’s very effective. As a technique recommended by many sex therapists, there are lots of ways to vary the routine.

As we are celebrating a National Health Week May 14-20, I invited one of the prominent cancer geneticists and product formulators and a woman-entrepreneur Chia Chia Sun (pronounced cha-cha-sun).

For the past few years, Chia Chia has dedicated her time and efforts to formulate personal care, intimate care line of products that allow each woman to feel comfortable and healthy inside her body, as she crosses that 40’s line. Some amazing insights and research Chia Chia has dug out from her own personal journey.

Chia Chia will be available to us all to ask questions during this week of our AM Coffee. Get ready to ask and learn from her!

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This week in celebration of National Women’s Health Week, our friends at Damiva want to tell you all about what to expect and how to live happier and healthier lives after age 40. We’re going to explore many women’s health topics every day from Monday to Friday during our morning coffee chat. Chia Chia Sun, CEO of Damiva, wants to give you the real-life letter that you wish your mother had given you; along with the healthy dose of love that we expect from Mom.

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Comments

  1. Laura, Celebrate Woman Today says

    AM COFFEE – Sign In! HELLO, Everyone!

    PLEASE Leave your Today’s questions about Peri-Menopause and Menopause for Chia Chia Sun, the CEO of DAMIVA and product formulator, HERE, under this discussion!

    We will be fleshing out some interesting and very much needed tips and information for us to learn and be informed about.

    Having a huge community of women who are in their 30s, 40s, 50s has lead me to seek information that is minimally discussed and shared. All due to the sensitivity of the subject.

    Yet we all are empowered when we know more and learn from the sources and people who have been stydying the topic thoroughly and lived through it.

    So happy to see you today here! Come over when you can. AM Coffee is for early birds and not-so, too! It is open all-day-long, as we do have different schedules we live with.

    Stay with us every morning, win prizes, but mostly, make awesome friends!

    Subscribe HERE to AMCoffe Daily.

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    • good morning oh boy i am in trouble sex not to much at this time to tired and running after 2 kids grand kids i m so tired i want just sleep

    • my problem is this i divorced my husband due to many reasons but he ended up very bad off and he is now living here, well for many reasons I have no want or desire to be with him or have a date night and over coming it is a real obstacle and this part of life that we are going through doesn’t help at all sadly insecure etc

      • That’s a problem. I understand you want to help him but I do believe you need to focus on your needs first. As women, we spend much of our lives helping others at a cost to ourselves.

        I truly believe that menopause is life’s way of telling us that we HAVE to treat ourselves better because our hormones don’t provide that “buffer” anymore. We can’t just grit through it.

      • Laura, Celebrate Woman Today says

        Echoing to Chia Chia’s comment: PLACE YOU AHEAD OF ANYBODY.
        When you know that it is the right way to do, it’s a WIN-WIN to everybody!

    • Laura, Celebrate Woman Today says

      CHIA CHIA,
      I’ve got a question on my messenger from a woman. Could you please tackle it here? –>

      “I spoke to the MA at my doctor’s office and just because my periods are in the phase of stopping she believes I just have to seek hormone therapy. Is this the only option? Can I not try something else before going to medications?”

      • Is there a reason why she needs hormone therapy? Going straight to hormone therapy without a reason is a personal choice, not a medical diagnosis.

        • Laura, Celebrate Woman Today says

          I see what you see, Chia Chia.
          Just because a doc says you should have hormone therapy because your periods are not regular and you are in peri-menopause – does not mean we need to follow this advice.

          I think we all have very limited resources and doctor alternatives to go and seek even our 2nd opinion.
          Here, in US, just a trip to the doctor’s office can cost you $75 on average. It becomes a silent suffering and agony and dead-end for many.

          • Rebecca Swenor says

            I have to agree with Laura and Chia Chia Sun that you don’t need to do what your docs says without seeking other opinions if feasible.

          • That’s right – it is definitely not the “medical standard” to automatically put a woman on hormones during peri-menopause or even menopause.

          • I was also thinking this is an old way of thinking. We just have to seek medication. No alternatives.

      • Hormone therapy is pretty controversial although I don’t think it needs to be. Every woman is different – so her choices will be different.

        Theoretically – we could all use hormone addition because we are losing hormones as we age.

        Reality – adding hormones can increase certain risks because hormones are powerful signalling molecules. Even just a tiny dose can change our bodies dramatically.

        What to consider:

        1. Genetic risk – if there’s stroke, cancer, heart disease in the family then you’re not a good candidate for hormones

        2. Lifestyle – do you have a very intense, busy lifestyle in which you need the “buffer” that hormones can give you to get through a day.

        3. Other conditions – do you have extreme menopausal symptoms that are severely interfering with your daily life?

        Myself personally I will try as hard as I can to get through menopause without hormones. But if I find that I can’t – because I feel like a nervous wreck every day, can’t perform my job function, etc. – then I will consider hormone therapy. However, I am not the best candidate for hormone therapy because there is stroke in my family (my grandmother).

        • I was told I need it because of the risk of osteoporosis. Which I already have. So she said the risk is greater. So I must take medication.

    • Rebecca Swenor says

      Good morning to all. These are some really great question and answers. It is nice to come to a discussion place like this to talk to other women that are in the say situation.

    • Good morning, I’m 50 and this menopause period is killing me. LOL

      • You’re not the only one! I believe we need to be speaking about it so that we can share and understand what we and other women are going through. So thanks for sharing!

  2. Laura, Celebrate Woman Today says
  3. Laura, Celebrate Woman Today says

    amcoffee

    Sexual Intimacy Can Prevent Vaginal Dryness, Atrophy and Future Prolapse

    Vaginal atrophy (tissue loss) arises from a combination of: a) lack of circulation, b) loss of tissue and c) changes in vaginal pH. Atrophy can lead to prolapse, where an organ protrudes out of the vagina, leading to incontinence.

    Having regular intercourse can help with maintaining the vaginal tract in terms of circulation and tissue health.

    TIP: Intercourse and sex can be a menage a mois! There are many ways to use devices for vaginal stimulation and health. I highly recommend checking out the videos of Rebecca Rosenblatt and Jessica O’Reilly, two fantastic sex therapists who are always breaking down taboos about sex, especially the menage a mois, the term of which I first learned from Rebecca!

    Some of the best products to use for vaginal dryness and as a lubricant is Cleo by DAMIVA.

    menopause, perimenopause, SEX, intimacy, DAMIVA, women’s health

    • interesting i will have to check this out

    • Rebecca Swenor says

      The prolapse is something a lot of women don’t know about. There is therapy you can do that involves not just kegel exercises.

      • So true, prolapse is even more “buried” as a condition.

        The statistics are about 1 in 8 women will experience prolapse but the pelvic health experts I speak to believe that it’s much higher because as we age, the higher the risk we have for prolapse. There just aren’t enough studies that can give us the real numbers.

    • I remember the older generation saying “If you don’t use it you will lose it.”. While I didn’t understand that saying back then, I sure understand it now that I am over 50.

      • For sure, it’s amazing how it applies to so many aspects of our lives. I think about it a lot with respect to my teens. When they were babies, they were kissed and cuddled so many times throughout the day but now they’re teens and separating; I’m lucky if I get one kiss and hug in a day. But I persist :).

  4. Laura, Celebrate Woman Today says

    menopause, perimenopause, SEX, intimacy, DAMIVA, women’s health, affirmation, daily affirmation

  5. Laura, Celebrate Woman Today says

    am coffee

    We Need Some Weight As We Age

    Studies are showing that as life expectancy increases, the ideal BMI for older age is also increasing. It now lies at about 27, which is higher than the optimal range of 18 to 25, and is actually considered overweight. It is likely due to the fact that our fat stores our hormones and also provides a “buffer” for times of illness.

    Unless a woman has had an abrupt menopause, usually our weight gain happens in our 40s – about 12 to 15 lbs. Then after the onset of menopause, our weight tends to plateau and then decrease as we age.

    TIP: Don’t stress out too much about your excess 10 lb weight gain, unless your doctor believes it’s a cardiac risk. We need some hormones to maintain our female characteristics.

    menopause, perimenopause, SEX, intimacy, DAMIVA, women’s health

    • oh i have been struggling with weight for years now and i tell u i just cant shed it i try hard i loss 10lbs and then it stops but i keep trying

    • Laura, Celebrate Woman Today says

      Women and men do not realize that having extra – vs. excessive – weight is our way to create protective functions to our bodies and our well-being.
      The food we eat every day, the relationships we engage in every day, the emotions we evoke every day – these things can be done EVERY DAY to experience life at full swing of bliss and joy.
      What we did not practice earlier in our lives, can and should be introduced to this stage of our lives.

      • Great advice, Laura. I attend a lot of seminars and a common theme is, “Great to hear this but then I go home and don’t practice it. How do I change my own behaviours?” I believe that we have to be healthy first – and then we can find joy, love, and also spread it by helping others live healthier lives too. So I spend a lot of my time on my own health – and don’t feel guilty about it.

    • the weight gain is really causing a mental stress on me! I do not like it its very aggravating to me

      • My nutritionist tells me to focus on the foods I am eating, and not the weight gain / loss. Just by changing my diet, the weight loss will follow. It’s also more fun for me because I love to cook, so it’s a challenge to try new foods and recipes.

        • I love food LOL grew up in a family restaurant we love to cook and eat no fair lol but if i could i would eat salad and fruit all day everyday!!

    • I agree with this statement. I have already gained 5 pounds. I know I am eating more.

  6. Laura, Celebrate Woman Today says

    amcoffee

    Intimacy And Relationships

    AARP and Dr. Christiane Northrup’s survey of 8,000 couples gives amazing tips on how to maintain intimacy.

    TIP: Intimacy is not just about sex. Approximately 25% of couples who report being “very happy” together are not having sex or rarely have it.

    menopause, perimenopause, SEX, intimacy, DAMIVA, women’s health

  7. Laura, Celebrate Woman Today says

    amcoffee

    Older Women Are Generally Happy With Their Sex Lives

    In the American Journal of Medicine, 61% of women age 40 to 99 report being satisfied with their sex lives. And older women reported twice as often than youngest participants that they were “very satisfied” with their sex lives, with both groups equally happy with their ability to achieve orgasm.

    TIP: Ensure that you have an understanding of STDs, which are on the rise in older men and women.

    
menopause, perimenopause, SEX, intimacy, DAMIVA, women’s health

    • std in older ppl wow

      • Laura, Celebrate Woman Today says

        Karen,
        Actually, in older people STDs are going through the roof now.
        Well, it shows that sexual relationships are thriving, yet the educational level is at its lowest.
        I recently read a study that pointed out that community living housing has one of the highest STD rates. These findings call for education at those institutions, as well as among the general population.
        Sex is great – but we want it SAFE, even when we are not afraid of getting pregnant!

    • I’m divorced and i must say Im scared to even think about ever being with another because of the STD the drug usage is very high these days and so many people cheat on each other I dont like the thought of it

      • Laura, Celebrate Woman Today says

        Wendi,
        There always be FEARS that hold us back.
        FEAR is a protective mechanism for us in many cases.
        When it comes to our health – psychological well-being included – we need to find ways to expand our view from where we are, get out of the box we feel so comfy and protected in.
        I embrace all the concerns about some people being reckless and not caring and abuse the power of positive relationships. But we need to reach out, we need to seek what makes us whole and joyful and CONNECTED to another human being.
        Keep looking and thinking about your Perfect Companion. Don’t give up!
        TO THINK IS TO CREATE!

        • i understand that clearly!
          but man i suffer from chronic anxiety and let me tell you it makes it harder LOL

        • Rebecca Swenor says

          This is great advice Laura. Fear will set us back for things we know we want to achieve but we know we can achieve if we don’t leave the box. Hope that makes sense.

      • Dating these days is very different, for sure. One great piece of advice someone gave me was to make sure I am interacting a lot with my male friends so that I can have constant reminders that there are great men in the world.

        • i do have great male friends that is a fact!! I sometimes think they like and love me more than my hubby ever did!! lol, cause they have never turned their backs on me! #HONEST

          • Rebecca Swenor says

            Male friends can really give you good advice and let you know the down on some men you may be interested in dating.

    • Wow, I never even considered this. Thank God I have been married for 30 years and dont have to worry about this.

  8. Laura, Celebrate Woman Today says

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  9. OMG WOW! Thank you very much!!!

  10. Rebecca Swenor says

    This is a great topic for all women. It is something that is talked about under the table. We all need to know what kind of things to expect as we age. Thanks for sharing a great topic.

    • Laura, Celebrate Woman Today says

      Rebecca,
      It is a great topic to expand our own self-esteem and get real with our needs. Only education and action combined with it can truly propel us into a happier moment.

      • Rebecca Swenor says

        Indeed so true Laura. 😀 Educating is a main key to anything in life along with actions we take to better ourselves. .

  11. I love this! I need to start making more time for hugging and kissing. My husband and I are solid on all levels, but a little extra affection never hurts!

  12. Jennifer Van Huss says

    Great post! I never realized that Sex was good for menopause and hormone balancing! It not surprising with all the chemical reactions that go on! I love date night with hubby! Doing things like hot tubing or cooking together is time well spent!

  13. AMCoffee sounds nice and I hope it tastes great, too! This would be good for my mom to try as well.

  14. This is such a great, informational post! I never knew that sex was good for menopause! Filing that away for later use…

  15. Claudia Krusch says

    Hugging is a great way to get a release of oxytocin. It can be easy to let Menopause slow you down. Exercise is a great way to get some endorphin’s flowing as well.

  16. I am in my late forties and are experiencing the signs of menopause. I believe a healthy sex life helps make it easier.

  17. Jeni Hawkins says

    I have not made it to this point in my life but these are great tips that I can share with friends. Awesome post!

  18. I can only imagine how menopause feels. I’m not there yet, but I’m so not ready for it. I know my mood will change for sure.

  19. I didn’t even think about the idea of sex helping produce hormones, but it makes sense. We do have an active sex life. But, infortunately for us, it’s been awhile due to my dangerous pregnancy and now healing from the c-section/hysterectomy. I just had a baby 3 weeks ago and I have been on “pelvic” rest since week 20 of my pregnancy. My poor husband is going crazy. But, I do worry about what it will be like when we get the okay to have sex again. I only had my uterus and part of my cervix removed, so I still have my hormone producing ovaries, but I’m worried it will be different now.

  20. I haven’t been looking forward to menopause. It makes total sense that having an active sex life or intimacy is important. With chronic pain, this is an area that I struggle with frequently.

  21. Very interesting topic. I am not ready to menopause, sounds pretty scary and will affect sex life.

  22. I’m getting to the point where I have to start paying atttention to the signs of menopause. It really is no joke… and has bad side effects sometimes

  23. Interesting read. I’m not ready for menopause just yet, but I’m so not looking forward to it. Still great tips I plan to share with family and friends!

  24. Interesting to read. I’m not where near menopause but I definitely dread it happening.

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