(Dr. Lonnie Barbach's first visit to Power Surge)


Dearest:  Tonight's Power Surge guest is author and media personality, 
Lonnie Barbach, who's penned numerous best sellers including what has come 
to be known among women as the menopause bible - The Pause.' The
frequency with which we speak of THE PAUSE and LONNIE BARBACH makes us
feel as though Lonnie is our friend, another Surgette! :)
 


Dearest:  Welcome to Power Surge, Lonnie. Would you like to say something 
before we go to the questions? 


Dr. Lonnie Barbach:	 I'm delighted to be here.  This is my first time on line.



Dearest:  Well, glad I'm glad you decided to make your maiden voyage with 
Power Surge, and honored to be the first to welcome you to AOL's 
cyberspace!


Dearest:  Lonnie, was there any particular symptom or problem that motivated 
you to write "The Pause?" 


Dr. Lonnie Barbach:	Maybe I should say a bit about myself.



Dearest:     	Please do :)


Dr. Lonnie Barbach:	That fits with the first question.  I experienced incredible 
fatigue when I was just 43.  I took many tests and no one could figure out 
what it was. I also had a sore joint in my neck, I would wake up 5 times a 
nite to urinate, I was sometimes dizzy, and on and on.  I should mention that 
my personality hit the pits.   It was never terrific to begin with I should 
add.



Dearest:  We don't believe that for a moment :)


Dr. Lonnie Barbach:	 Any way, I never had a hot flash and no one knew what was 
happening.   I finally figured it out because an older friend told me her 
problems with irregular bleeding turned out to be menopause.  I decided that 
I wanted some answers and so I started researching.   Since I write books I 
figured I wasn't alone and set out to educate us all -- important factor is 
I added information on alternative approaches to symptoms as well as hormones 
which I was against at first - hormones that is.



Dearest:  Thank you, Lonnie, for that enlightening opening.	
Newby, go ahead please:).


Newby32:  Lonnie  Thank You for your book "The Pause." It has become my friend 
and bible. :) Dearest: You and Lonnie share the spotlight of the two women you 
have changed my "Change Life" experience. Thanks to both of you. 


Dr. Lonnie Barbach:	  Thank you so much.  I'm glad I could help you along with 
me.



Dearest:	Thanks so much, Newby :)  RoMa, your turn:)


RoMaGraves:   Do you think being informed and supported can make a physical 
difference in menopause symptoms?


Dr. Lonnie Barbach:	A major difference.  Before I knew what was going on there was 
nothing I could do but hope I wouldn't die like Gilda Radner from some 
unknown disease that turned out fatal.

The important thing is that you have alternatives for the difficult time 
when hormones are no longer in balance.  This can be 2 to 10 years and for 
about 15% of women very difficult.  You can take herbs. Get acupuncture.  
Exercise, take hormones, vitamins, etc. depending on your symptoms.

This means we don't have to suffer and since stress exacerbates symptoms 
and women of our age today often have stressful careers, children, etc., we 
need all the help we can get.


WLVDaisey: Lonnie, my first symptom on Meno was depression. Is this average 
for most women?


Dr. Lonnie Barbach:	There is no average. It is like pregnancy. We will all go 
through it differently.  But depression is not unusual.  Estrogen affects the 
brain and there is good research to show that depression is not unusual.  

Women who had their uterus alone removed were compared to women who had their 
ovaries and uterus removed.  Both had major surgery, both lost their ability 
to have children. The women who had their ovaries removed -- and hence their 
estrogen -- had much more depression.



Dearest:  Piner, go ahead please :)


Pinerdee:  What are the top three complaints you heard from women in 
perimenopause? 


Dr. Lonnie Barbach:	  Hot flashes; mood swings or emotional symptoms such as 
anxiety, irritability or depression; and, vaginal dryness and lost of sexual 
desire are quite common as well.  I could list a lot of the symptoms if you 
would like.



Dearest:  Syrndipity, your turn :)


Syrndipity:  You mentioned acupuncture. What symptoms is that good for re 
menopause? 


Dr. Lonnie Barbach:	  Especially good for heavy bleeding, but since it balances 
your hormones it can be good for all symptoms, especially the emotional ones.  
You see, the imbalance is responsible for the symptoms not just the lowered 
levels of estrogen.  Sometimes symptoms occur because progesterone levels 
are too high.



Dearest:	Nita, your question for Lonnie.


NitaF663:       Have you observed significant increase in allergies and asthma 
in women during the pause? 


Dr. Lonnie Barbach:	Yes for allergies.  I have talked with one women who had terrible 
increase in problems with asthma that came from progesterone levels that were 
too high.


NitaF663:       Thank you for your answer and your book.  



Dearest:	Daisey, go ahead please.


WLVDaisey:      I have virtually gone through my 3 years of meno with not a lot 
of understanding from my spouse. Have you found that in your studies that most 
men just do not understand this phase of our life?


Dr. Lonnie Barbach:	  Men have nothing to relate it to.  I have a chapter in the 
Pause for men because I thought men would never read a whole book but would 
read a chapter.  It's important for men to know what is going on so they can 
be supportive. Some men are freaked because it means they are getting older and 
they don't want to face that.  If you can communicate on a daily basis -- even 
an hourly basis on what you are experiencing a man will be more supportive.  
Especially if you tell him what he can do to help.


Pinerdee:       How unusual is it to begin symptoms at 40 and why are doctor's so 
reluctant to recognize it?


Dr. Lonnie Barbach:	  They don't know that this is what it is. Some doctors say 
their women patients don't want to hear it so they don't tell them, but I have 
had women try to convince their MD's that they are in the pause and they are 
told they can't be until they are 50 or so.  This is pure ignorance on doctors 
parts.  They really don't know much about the subject sad to tell. 
 
Another problem is that of the FSH blood test.  This is the test we take to 
see if this hormone level is elevated, which indicates menopause.  Problem is 
that symptoms will often start years before any rise in FSH level -- I'm a clear 
example of that.  If there is not elevated level the doctor says your symptoms 
have nothing to do with menopause however, once you show a rise on the test 
you don't need the test anymore because you symptoms are so clear that you 
already know the answer. 




Dearest:  Lonnie, how would you weigh the benefits of HRT [Hormone Replacement 
Therapy] against the various natural methods available? 


Dr. Lonnie Barbach:	  They are all options.  Before I started my research I was 
against hormones.  However, now I think they are very important.  I don't, 
however think they are for all women.  We all have our own ideas about
our health care and about what works for us.  We need to honor that.  
It's nice to know there are options and if one thing doesn't work another will.

I feel the same way about hormones post menopause.  Giving them to every woman 
is like giving every woman a C-Section when she delivers, which is what they 
used to do to prevent problems.  Now we know that for the right woman a C-section 
can be life saving and the same is true for hormones but it is not necessary 
for everyone.  You need to look at your family background and get a bone scan 
for osteoporosis, etc. then make a decision on what is best for you. 



Dearest:  CAllen,we lost you for a minute. Would you like to ask your question 
now?  


Dr. Lonnie Barbach:	I think CAllen took a pause.



Dearest:  Hahaha! I think you're right!  RoMa, go ahead :)


CAllen In:  Sorry about that.  Have you ever heard of a woman being uncomfortably 
*cold* during perimenopause?  


Dr. Lonnie Barbach:	Absolutely.  I forgot to mention this but it was another of my 
symptoms. I bought more pairs of silk underwear and wore them even in summer -- 
which is understandable is San Francisco.  However, now I am comfortably warm.  
Also thyroid problems are common at this stage of life for women.  Estrogen 
and thyroid seem to influence each other and being cold is a symptom of low 
thyroid as well or can be.



RoMaGraves:  With so many going through meno--are there any large studies 
being done of us?  If so, where & how can we be part of it...if not how do 
we start one?



Dr. Lonnie Barbach:	  Yes there are.  There is the nurses study and another 
major study I forget who is doing the research though.  It's amazing that 
so little is known because there have been so few studies before the last 
couple of years.  Thank the baby-boomers for making some noise  



Dearest:  Bunny, go ahead with your question, please :)


BunnyC1189: I have frequent severe migraines since entering meno, I take 
Imitrex injections for relief.  Are there many that suffer migraines? 


Dr. Lonnie Barbach:	 This is a very common symptom. You've heard of menstrual 
migraines?  Well this is the same thing.  Menstrual migraines occur because 
your estrogen levels dip during the last few days before your period.  This 
is when you get PMS.


Both are because of lowered estrogen levels. You proceed with the pause the 
dips can occur just before ovulation and then throughout the month.  The patch 
is a good choice -- estrogen patch -- because it keeps your estrogen levels 
constant.  

Of course, there are other causes of migraines and some have to do with food 
sensitivities. Watching your diet can be essential.  Acupuncture and 
homeopathy can be helpful for certain women also. 


Pinerdee:  Why is fluid retention such a problem at this time, and what can we 
do about it? 


Dr. Lonnie Barbach:	 I'm not sure on this one. Sometimes it has to do with hormone 
imbalance and especially higher levels of progesterone.  Women who start hormones 
can retain fluid also, but usually because they start on too high a dose at 
first.  It's better to start low and build up so your body can get used to it. 



Dearest: Linda, your turn to ask our guest, Lonnie Barbach, a question :)


Linda Lou5:  How are all-in-one natural herbal preps for meno? better than 
separate herb & vit pills?


Dr. Lonnie Barbach:	 Its all individual.  If the mixture is right for you, you 
have the perfect solution.  You need to know which herbs you are taking and why.  
Same with Vitamin pills.  B-6 is important for emotional balance, zinc is good  
for lubrication, vit. E used in the vagina can help with discomfort during 
intercourse.



Dearest:   Daisey, go ahead, please :)


WLVDaisey:  From your studies... have you found that there is any one type of 
personality that seems to suffer more than another... I am a high strung nervous 
person and so was my mother and we both seemed to have suffered a lot.


Dr. Lonnie Barbach:	 Generally, whatever your predisposition, menopause will exaggerate 
it.  So if you're anxious, you may start to feel panicky.  If you are impatient 
like myself -- you may become easily enraged.  If you get somewhat depressed you 
may get more so.  

This is not you.  It is a problem because of the exaggeration and if it is causing 
interference with your daily life I think it is a good idea to do something 
about it rather than grinning and bearing it.



Dearest:   Excellent answer. WolfIsland, your turn now :)


WolfIsland: Your book For Yourself was so helpful to me years ago. Have you 
found libido returning AFTER menopause? 


Dr. Lonnie Barbach:	  For many women it does -- if the loss of libido was caused by 
not feeling well do to symptoms of estrogen insufficiency.  However, lowered 
libido can occur because the level of testosterone is lowered. Testosterone 
is the hormone of sexual desire. Some women need to take some testosterone to 
help their libido.  It's a good idea not to take it orally because it can have 
a negative impact on the liver their are sublingual pills or creams that can 
supplement testosterone.




Dearest:  Are you familiar with DHEA, the natural hormone, and what would you 
advise those of us who might be considering it?  


Dr. Lonnie Barbach:	  From what I know, it is very helpful if you are lacking in DHEA.  
As with testosterone -- or any other hormone -- you shouldn't take it unless you 
need it.  You can get a blood test to determine this.



Dearest:   Thank you, Lonnie. Pinerdee, your turn.


Pinerdee:       Can an increase in discharge occur during peri? Also, pimples 
and "sun spots"?


Dr. Lonnie Barbach:	 I assume you mean a vaginal discharge. More typical is a lack 
of lubrication, but some women do experience a change in vaginal lubrication 
and this could mean more.  Sometimes odor is noticed.

Sun spots I think have to do with aging and not hormones pimples are definitely 
a hormonal imbalanceGenerally it is because testosterone is too high in the 
balance.  A progesterone cream like Progest, used on the pimples or on other 
soft skin in the body, can help get rid of pimples.  This generally occurs 
twice during the month when testosterone levels rise.



Dearest:  Scatt, you've got the floor. 


Scatt:	  My bone scan results stated I'm in the osteopenic range - does that 
mean I will soon be osteoporotic?


Dr. Lonnie Barbach:	  What you want is a bone scan of normal or above.  This means 
your risk of fracture is reduced.  We will all have some osteoporosis


Scatt:	My T-scoris -l.50 /GA


Dr. Lonnie Barbach:	 The object is not to have enough to have fracture.  If you have 
any risk it is a good idea to do something medically about it, even though you 
may not ever get a fracture.  If you live long enough you might.

There is estrogen -- half the dose for heart disease protection and some other 
new drugs that are on the market that come in nasal spray form.



Dearest:  Postrain, go ahead, please :)


Postrain:  I am taking wild yam to balance estrogen. It causes pelvic/back aches.  
What do you think? 


Dr. Lonnie Barbach:	 What form of wild yam?


Postrain:  Mexican 


Dr. Lonnie Barbach:	  Is it a cream or sublingual?  In any case -- I always think we 
are the most important expert on our own bodies.  If you are getting back aches 
you should pay attention to it.  If this only happens a few days a month the 
symptom may be due to ovulation or something else, other wise change it and balance 
your hormones another way. 



Dearest:  Maya, please ask your question now. Thanks :)


Maya queen:  Do I gather correctly that my "sudden" hypothyroidism is connected 
to my menopause?


Dr. Lonnie Barbach:	 Very likely connected.  I believe about 15-20% of women experience 
thyroid problems at this time of life.  



Dearest:  Lonnie, have you ever heard of a menopausal woman having internal shakes?  
Like....tremors inside her body?  And often?  


Dr. Lonnie Barbach:	  Are you talking about a feeling of agitation much like you feel 
when you haven't eaten? 



Dearest: Yes, an agitation, but not like when you haven't eaten. More like tremors 
inside, like an unsettling feeling frequently. Btw, this woman does not take HRT.


Dr. Lonnie Barbach:	  Is it physical or emotional?  Are you shaking or do you feel 
anxious or agitated? 



Dearest:  Yes, a great deal of the time.	  


Dr. Lonnie Barbach:	  I know about this feeling as mostly being emotional like 
the feeling of anxiety I was referring to earlier.  Again.  The best way to 
deal with it if it is seriously interfering with life is to try something and 
see if it works.  Estrogen is the quickest way, although some women -- about 
10% -- get negative side effects from estrogen. 



Dearest:  Thanks so very much, Lonnie. CAllen, go ahead :)


CAllen In:      I am having lots of trouble with my auditory attention - gapping 
out a lot in conversations - I am on the patch but it hasn't helped much.  Is 
this meno?  


Dr. Lonnie Barbach:	  Estrogen affects the brain.  There can be a foggy feeling or 
a feeling like you are walking through molasses.  My worst symptom was my brain 
estrodiol didn't work particularly well for me.  Your body has three types of 
estrogen.  I started taking a tri-estrogen soy product and that has made a major 
difference.  

Of course, your symptom may have nothing whatever to do with menopause.  I'm 
reminded of a walk I took with a friend who was going through the pause and we 
both kept taking our jackets off and on. She said she hated these hot flashes.  
I don't get hot flashes so I looked up at the sky and saw huge clouds that were 
passing under the sun periodically. Not everything is menopause.



Dearest:  Dip, your question, please :)


Syrndipity:   Is it safe  to assume if your mother had few problems with 
menopause that her daughters will too? 


Dr. Lonnie Barbach:	  Its safe to assume that your mothers age at menopause is a likely 
indicator of your own and nothing more.  My mother had maybe 2 hot flashes and 
nothing else.  Of course, most of our mothers had less stress than we are 
experiencing and if their brains were a bit fogged, a multi million dollar deal 
wouldn't be jeopardized.  


Pinerdee:       What did you do for your sore neck?  Is there help? 


Dr. Lonnie Barbach:	 It went away with homeopathy. 



Dearest:   Scatt, GA please :)


Scatt: 	Pap smear result shows atrophy - is there any kind of natural collagen 
to help with dryness?


Dr. Lonnie Barbach:	Vitamin E oil from a capsule rubbed on the tissue. Replens, which 
is not a lubricant but a moisturizer, and can be used a few times a week


Scatt:	 But, does that help internally? 


Dr. Lonnie Barbach:	 But the best thing is phytoestrogens, which are plant estrogens -  
soy products are high like tofu and temphe and miso and linseed and soy flour.  
Studies show tissue change when you increase these products in your diet.  They 
also appear to help prevent breast cancer and prostate cancer which we are 
beginning to think is why chinese and japanese women have much lower rates of 
breast cancer than we do.  



Dearest:  Thanks, Lonnie .... JMabel, go ahead :)


JMabel:	 I'm having memory loss and flakiness. I'm on HRT. Is there anything that 
can help me?


Dr. Lonnie Barbach:	  To answer JMabel:   you may need a different form of estrogen to 
help with the brain.  For example, premarin is of almost  no value for this 
symptom.  Not all HRT is alike.



Dearest:  We are near our end time.  


Dr. Lonnie Barbach:	Yes, I do need to leave now, although I thank you for having me here 
and it was a great experience.  


Dr. Lonnie Barbach:	I've had a GREAT time here and hope this has helped.  For me to be 
on the internet for the first time.



Dearest:   Lonnie, thanks for giving of your leisure time to answer our 
questions in Power Surge tonite, and providing us with so much wonderful 
information about menopause.  You can get a copy of Lonnie's 
groundbreaking book on menopause, "The Pause"  on amazon.com.



Dearest:  Will you visit with us again, Lonnie?

Dr. Lonnie Barbach:  Would love to.


Dearest:  Excellent. Thanks, again, and thanks to all of you for coming.
Goodnight.

 

Read Dr. Lonnie Barbach's  second transcript.



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