Ruth S. Jacobowitz
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Ruth S. Jacobowitz |
(Ruth Jacobowitz's 2nd visit to Power Surge) Official AOL Live Transcript OnlineHost: Copyright 1997 America Online, Inc. All Rights Reserved. OnlineHost: Author, worldwide lecturer, and women's health advocate Ruth Jacobowitz has big picture answers to the most-asked questions about menopause, osteoporosis, and midlife sex, love, and intimacy. She's been featured on "Today," "48 Hours," and National Public Radio, and Power Surge and Thrive are proud to introduce Ruth Jacobowitz. Dearest: Ruth, it's my pleasure to welcome you back to this expanded edition of Power Surge & Thrive's guest conferences in AOL Live's auditorium :) Your visit is part of the Power Surge series, My Menopause, My Sexual Self. Your latest book, 150 Most-Asked Questions About Midlife Sex, Love & Intimacy," addresses many questions about sexuality at midlife. What are women to expect, sexually speaking, as they age? Ruth Jacobowitz: First let me say it's a pleasure to be here again. Now to answer your question women can expect changes both in body and emotions as they age. The secret is to know what's happening and prepare for it so you can enjoy a rich and satisfying sex life, forever. Dearest: Thank you, Ruth. Ruth, many women who visit Power Surge complain of a diminished libido. Do we attibute this to aging? A side-effect of menopause? Or, could it be the result of just feeling generally poorly, as so many women do during menopause? Ruth Jacobowitz: Any of the above. But, the real problems can be hormonal--a loss of testosterone, which is the hormone of desire and tho it's called the "male hormone" we women have some too, and that's what makes us desirous of sex--all other things being equal. Dearest: Thanks, Ruth.. wonderful answers :) Ruth Jacobowitz: Well, the major risk is breast cancer and the answer to the breast cancer risk is not fully nor finally answered. But, even tho it is breast cancer that we most fear, it is heart disease and osteoporosis that are more likely to kill us. Actually, each woman has to make her own decision about HRT and, yes, there are other ways to treat the symptoms of menopause--plant estrogens such as soy, acupuncture, and other herbs and nostrums. The problem for me is how do we know how much to take of what. There are no studies. Dearest: Ruth, you say in your book that exercise is beneficial in maintaining a healthy sex drive and make menopause easier, what types of exercise are you speaking about? Ruth Jacobowitz: There is no doubt about that. Exercise may be the very elixir of life. Women need three kinds of exercise, stretching for flexibility, aerobic to protect heart and lungs, and weight-bearing exercise to protect our bone health. The reason exercise is good for your sex life is that feeling good, looking good phenomenon that makes sex more appealing. Also those happy endorphin hormones that exercise brings forth help too. Oh, by the way the number one exercise that is vital is simply walking. Dearest: Ruth, why do so many people think that *heavy* exercise is the only way to go? Won't walking and perhaps about 20 minutes of light aerobics do it as well? Ruth Jacobowitz: Absolutely. If I could get everyone walking just 20 to 30 minutes a day just three times a week, we'd be a healthier, slimmer, sexier country. Dearest: Thanks, Ruth. Let's take an audience question. Audience Question: Why do almost all women crave sex more during and after the menopause? Ruth Jacobowitz: Wish that were true for all women. Some women, having lost their estrogen have that little bit of testosterone in ascendancy and that creates sexual desire. Other women feel more sexual because they have no more menstrual cramps and no fear of pregnancy. it is heady stuff! Audience Question: I have really bad vaginal dryness and sex is painful at the very beginning of intercourse. Ruth Jacobowitz: Have you tried any of the new and very helpful vaginal moisturizers that can be purchased over the counter, such as Replens, Gynemoistrin, Astroglide, etc. Astroglide must have been named by a group of men. Yes. Dearest: Ruth, an audience question was a bit unclear, but the asker wants to know how men can deal with their partners menopause. Any suggestions? Ruth Jacobowitz: Oh yes. i've written chapters about how to tell you man about menopause in ways he wants to hear. Big thing don't try to teach your man all about our bodies in one sitting. Rather ask him to read a line or paragraph in an article or book and then discuss it. Most are helpful when informed. Audience Question: I know that womens problems have alot to overcome, but it is wonderful to know that women are more conscious of their bodies and needs. I was wondering if you have a web site or e mail adress for more information on Womens Health Issues. Ruth Jacobowitz: No web site yet. But E-mail is Ruth Jacobowitz@San.rr.com Dearest: By the way, audience, please visit the Power Surge Web site at: www.power-surge.com Audience Question: Can a blood test determine a lack of testosterone? Ruth Jacobowitz: Yes, but because the results are a bit iffy, often your physician will suggest trying a little to see if it helps. Actually women report an increased libido, a lifting of fatigue, a reduction in "menopause" headaches and other good news.But--there are side effects that you must be aware of and watchful for. Audience Question: Why is it some people have a harder time than others with memopause? My mother and sister had it really bad, and here I am 50 and have had only some hot flashes. Ruth Jacobowitz: You're lucky. The cards are dealt this way. About 15% of women, like me, have a terrible time with menopause, another 15% sail through, no problems that they're aware of; and 70 % are all over the range, from near bad to almost good. Remember, menopause is a universal experience, but also a unique one. How it affects you may be different from anyone you know. Besides I think lifestyle may also have something to do with it. Dearest: Ruth, what are your feelings about natural hormones like estrace, and some of the many OTC (over the counter) hormones and products like DHEA and Melatonin? Do you think we're overdoing it with these *natural* products? Ruth Jacobowitz: Estrace is a pharmaceutical form of estrogen prescribed by your physician and is similar to other products like Premarin, Ogen, etc. The good thing about Estrace is that it is very similar to the hormones our bodies make-- Betadial 17. DHEA and Melatonin scare me to death. Too few studies to know enough about these, so I would not be comfortable taking them. Also some negative side effects of Melatonin have shown up. Dearest: Thanks, Ruth.. I realize Estrace is an Rx, but was trying to focus on the natural. Audience Question: One side affect so few know about are blood clots. As soon as I went off HRT, clots haven't come back, why don't more women know of this risk? Ruth Jacobowitz: Women with a history of blood clots are not candidates for estrogen. Clots are not a usual effect of HRT on women without such a history. Audience Question: I'm 41 and 14 weeks into surgical menopause, am having alot of problems with estrogen dosage. How long will it take to even out and what would happen if I quit cold turkey? Ruth Jacobowitz: I wouldn't quick cold turkey. If you choose to go off estrogen you need to do it slowly in an organized way and I would work that out with your physician. But you know at your age, replacing estrogen is important. Perhaps you should try a different product (There are so many now) a different administration ( pill, patch, cream, injection, gel) or a different dosage or regimen. Don't stop on your own. Audience Question: Will my hormone levels ever be "normal" again? And if so, how? Ruth Jacobowitz: What's normal? Are hormones fluctuate throughout our lives, causing effects like PMS, post-partum depression, and menopause. They are always changing. It is at menopause that we lose hormones. For some the answer is to replace them to level them out. For others it's to wait the few years and see if they chose to get to a steady and calm place. Audience Question: Isn't it true that women who have had a hysterectomy have a much harder time with menopause? Ruth Jacobowitz: Usually they do. Because surgical menopause is a sudden insult to the body. No time for slowly getting used to diminished hormone levels. Dearest: Ruth, do you believe doctors are finally becoming more enlightened about menopause? Ruth Jacobowitz: They are trying, but have less time than ever. And they write books espousing their points of view, but the views often change with the next study. I believe that it is important to get your information from a medical journalist who has no medical bias, doctrine, or practice format and who brings you the view of many expert, so you can choose. Dearest: Ruth, daily I'm receiving more and more E.mmail from younger women entering menopause, women of, say, 35. Hence, the next question from one of our viewers... Audience Question: Ruth I recently went off of HRT. I am going to use a estrogen cream I purchased at a health food store. How helpfull will this be and will it work in keeping my hot flashes and night sweats away. I am 37 and my doctor says I am in Perimenopause. Ruth Jacobowitz: We didn't know until recently that 8 out of 100 women go through early menopause in their 30s; some even in their 20s. For this group I really do suggest HRT because they are losing estrogen much earlier than normally--remember I said 51.4 months was the average age. I don't know that a health food store estrogen cream will protect your bones, heart, etc. See your doctor. Dearest: What's your best advice for women in peri-menopause, sexually, physically and psychologically? Ruth Jacobowitz: Learn how your body ages and what you can do to make your later years your best years--and most sexually satisfying. Read my book! Dearest: Ruth, thanks for joining Power Surge, Thrive, and AOL Live in this expanded edition. Ruth's "150 Most-Asked Questions" series of books can be found at: www.amazon.com on the Internet. Just do a search using the author's name, RUTH JACOBOWITZ :) Dearest: Goodnight, Ruth! Goodnight, Surgettes - I can't see you, but I know yer out there :) E-mail "Dearest" for more information about Power Surge: the virtual online community for women at midlife in the Pause. Goodnight, everyone. Thanks for coming. Ruth Jacobowitz: Good night. Thanks for having me. Dearest: My pleasure, Ruth :) THRVmonstr: Thanks to Dearest of Power Surge for bringing us this GREAT show. Ruth Jacobowitz: Bye-bye Dearest: <[===== waving to surgettes out there. THRVmonstr: Visit more of Power Surge at AOL keyword: powersurge. Thanks for coming everyone! OnlineHost: Copyright 1997 America Online, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Dearest: You can order Ruth Jacobowitz's books at the earth's largest bookstore -- amazon.com: "The 150 Most-Asked Questions About Menopause" "The 150 Most-Asked Questions About Questions About Osteoporosis" ... "The 150 Most Asked Questions About Midlife Sex, Love & Intimacy What Women and Their Partners Really Want To Know ... Ruth is also co-author of "Managing Your Menopause," with Dr. Wulf Utian Read Ruth Jacobowitz's first transcript Read Ruth Jacobowitz's third transcript Read Ruth Jacobowitz's fourth transcript Read Ruth Jacobowitz's fifth transcript Read Ruth Jacobowitz's sixth transcript Read Ruth Jacobowitz's seventh transcript Disclaimer: Every guest in Power Surge is a highly respected professional whose opinions are his/her own. An appearance in Power Surge does not constitute an endorsement of a guest's views. None of these transcripts may be reprinted or reproduced without the express permission of Power Surge™ and the respective guest. Read other transcripts by returning to the Library. Dearest aka Alice Stamm Power Surge Founder, Facilitator, Host Copyright©1994-2009 by Power Surge. All Rights Reserved.