(Linda Ojeda's first visit to Power Surge)


Dearest: Tonight's guest in Power Surge is nutritionist, weight expert,
naturalist, menopause expert, and author, Linda Ojeda. Linda believes we 
can treat our menopausal complaints with natural remedies, hence the title 
of her book, "Menopause Without Medicine."
		

Linda Ojeda.:	I am not totally against the use of hormones as my 
book indicates.  I just don't believe it should be the first choice since 
not all women need hormones and not all symptoms are hormone 
related.  Diet, lifestyle and supplements have been shown scientifically 
to work effectively and safely for menopausal symptoms.  Try it first 
and if it does not work in three months and you are still suffering,  then 
go for the hormones or drugs. 


Mardi44:	What's the best way to keep weight off during 
menopause?


Linda Ojeda.:	Exercise, exercise, exercise and then cut 200 calories 
per day from your diet. Go slowly and you will lose. 


MindyMiami:	What can I do for this terrible anxiety and depression I 
am having?


Linda Ojeda.:	You can feel normal again but it takes longer after 
surgery.  Are you on hormones?


HALOSKID:	What is the best specialist to go to find out about  your 
hormone level?


Linda Ojeda.:	You need to go to a gynecologist to find out hormone 
levels.


Lynne272:	Do you think herbs are a good replacement for hormone 
pills?


Linda Ojeda.:	For what problem Lynn?  Sometimes herbs work and  
sometimes vitamins do, too. 


Lynne272:	Menopause


RMA123:	I don't believe in natural remedies.   I am on hormone 
replacement therapy (HRT).  How can you change my mind? 


Linda Ojeda.:	I don't know if I want to, RMA.  If you believe they 
are right for you, maybe they are, but do keep an open mind and listen
in to some other remedies and you decide.


MsReiki:	I am a breast cancer survivor and I cannot take 
hormones.  I am concerned about other women who don't KNOW 
that hormones can be dangerous to them. 


Linda Ojeda.:	I agree with you, MsReiki.  The jury is still out on risks.


RoMaGraves:	I know exercise can create more energy, but my energy 
levels are sometimes so low that I have trouble getting up to go to the 
bathroom.  What do you suggest to even  me out?  


Linda Ojeda.:	Check your blood sugar level, anemia, and medications 
because some make you very tired.  Then add a good multi-vitamin, a 
mineral supplement and try ginseng and gingko biloba (herbs).


FKocol:		I am 43, post breast cancer and I am now 
in menopause due to chemotherapy.  Can you suggest anything for a 
good night's sleep?


Linda Ojeda.:	For sleep, again, check your lifestyle.  Do not drink 
coffee and alcohol or eat large meals before bed.  Exercise early in the 
day.  Raise melatonin levels naturally by eating oats, corn, rice or 
bananas before bedtime.  Also, expose yourself to light in the daytime 
to raise melatonin.  If it doesn't work, take melatonin (1 gram) before 
bedtime.


Joyful1960:	I have studied the art of herbs for 22 years and I am 
certified.  I truly believe that you can not use the alternative lifestyle 
while still using prescription drugs.  It has nothing to do with the healing 
process.  Please do not suggest Ginseng for those women who suffer 
from fibroid cyst.


Linda Ojeda.:	Thanks Joyful, I agree.


WGragg:	I am wondering what you can do for anxiety and 
depression?   I take Claritin, Azmacort and Provera.


Linda Ojeda.:	You need to check your lifestyle.  Are you tired?  
Overworked?  What kind of medications are you taking? Many cause 
anxieties.  B-vitamins, calcium, and magnesium are good for soothing 
nerves.  St. John's Wort is a mild sedative.  Also, are there mid-life
issues that need attending to.  It is not always dietary. 


HALOSKID:	How can we tell whether our menopausal symptoms 
are not  depression symptoms?  Aren't the symptoms similar?  Since 
we are all getting older, perhaps it is just a form of getting older.


Linda Ojeda.:	Halo, that is a great question. We can not tell, but 
clinical depression is not higher in the menopausal woman so maybe 
we should look at other things.  M. Scott Peck in THE ROAD LESS 
TRAVELLED says that when we go through a change like this, 
depression is very normal and to be expected.  Maybe we should talk 
more about how normal these things are rather than try to cover them 
up with a pill or vitamin.


Dearest: 	I'm wondering about DHEA with so many people 
taking it now.  I'm wondering if there Is any new information you might 
have for us?  


Linda Ojeda.:	It works for many for increased energy AND sleep, but 
I just read that it increased women's risk for heart disease.  I have not 
read the original study so I don't know, but I am passing this on to you.


Suzijkel:		I've heard questions regarding melatonin.  Are 
there side effects?  Can you get dependent?  


Linda Ojeda.:	We do not have long term studies.  It is very effective, 
but do not take it forever. Just when you really need it.   It is great for 
jet lag.


Postrain:		I use yam cream and progesterone precursors 
(Vitex, yam, sarsaparilla).  How much is too much? 


Linda Ojeda.:	The amount to use is 1 ounce every two weeks. I 
would stay with this recommendation.


Lynn0815:  I am 45 and I have regular periods every three weeks, 
but I  am an emotional wreck half the time.  Do you think I am in the
peri-menopause?


Linda Ojeda.:	Sure sounds like it. Please check your diet.  Do you 
think there may be other issues causing this?


WLVJean:	Linda, I take a multi-vitamin, but not a mineral 
supplement.  Can you recommend which minerals should be 
included?


Linda Ojeda.:	For menopause, most all minerals should be included.   
Certainly, you should take calcium, magnesium, zinc and boron for 
bones.
 

Lynne272:	I had hot flashes for a couple of months.  Now they 
are gone. Will they return?


Linda Ojeda.:	They may return, Lynne.  They did with me. I didn't 
have any for several months and they came back.


QsSis:		Linda, in your book do you have a list of natural 
remedies for hot flashes that work? 


Linda Ojeda.:	Yes, but I'll give you some here too.  Vitamin E is the 
all time best.  It has been used for 40 years very effectively.  Vitamin C, 
bioflavenoids and Vitex (chaste berry) work as well.  Eat food high in 
phytoestrogens (tofu).  If you want, I can give you a long list.


Grannia:	I am 47 and perimenopausal since last December.  
Vitamin E took care of the hot flashes.  I have no periods or problems.  
Is it okay to coast for now and count my blessings?


Linda Ojeda.:	Thanks for the validation. Who knows Grannia.  There 
is one given about menopause:  It is unpredictable.


Dearest: 	Linda, I always say, "The only CONsistent thing about 
menopause is that it's always INconsistent" 


SStot:		Did you say 1 gram of melatonin?    Mine are 3 mg. 
tablets.   Also, I have a new interest in progesterone cream.  Do you 
have any comments on the cream?


Linda Ojeda.:	I believe in starting with lowest dose. If 1 gram works, 
why use 3 grams?  The progesterone cream works for many women 
since they have estrogen dominance during perimenopause. 


SEEUNAZ:	   What can be done about irritability?


Linda Ojeda.:	Irritability is treated much like mood swings and 
depression.  Check for erratic blood sugar levels, be careful with 
alcohol, coffee, and sugar. Supplement your diet with multi-vitamins 
and try St John's wort. Try to exercise. 


DTSHIRT4U:	Linda, has there been a study on wild yam?  It works 
for me and I only use when needed.


Linda Ojeda.:	Yes, there have been many studies on the progesterone
cream.   You do have to be careful though because they don't all carry
the 400 mg. that is supposed to be effective.  Some don't have any.  If 
yours is working, then it probably is a good one.


Joyful1960:	I would like to stress to women that DHEA and 
melatonin can affect your endocrine cycle.  Why do you not use heat
infusion (herbs) in your remedies?  


Linda Ojeda.:	Joyful, thank you first for your comment. I am not an 
advocate of DHEA and think the melatonin should be used very 
sparingly. Other remedies are safer.  The only reason why I do not 
give heat infusions and more information on herbs is because I do not 
know that much about them and I stick to what I know.  There are 
many remedies like acupuncture that also work.  I am just not the one 
to give this advice.


SGETT:		You said melatonin is good for jet lag.  Can 
you explain how to use it for this?  I'm going to need it soon.


Linda Ojeda.:	Sgett, there are different ways that I've heard.  I think
the best is use it one half hour before bedtime.  Start with a low dose 
and see if it works.  Use it for only one or two nights.


Suzijkel:		Is there a real difference between clinical 
depression, manic depression and menopausal depression? 


Linda Ojeda.:	Suzu, most women at menopause do not have clinical 
depression.  It is different.


Dearest: 	Yes, with menopausal depression you have the added 
thrill of hot flashes. 
 

FBriggs113:	Peri-menopause alters metabolism (at least mine).  
Are there any particular diet tips for keeping weight off with little or 
no effort? 


Linda Ojeda.:	FB, don't make radical changes in your diet.  That 
never works.  Look at what you are eating and see how you can cut 
200-300 calories per day.  See if you can exercise 4-5 times a week 
for 45 minutes.  Again, start slowly so you will not shock your body 
or be so turned off you stop.


LacyLu2:	What do you recommend for vaginal dryness and
loss of elasticity?  I am 43 and had a hysterectomy when I was 25
years old.


Linda Ojeda.:	Lacy, first eliminate things that dry out the body like 
coffee and alcohol.  Drink lots of water and take vitamin E.  Eat good 
fats like fish oils or flaxseed oil.  Eat food high in phytoestrogens like 
tofu and take Vitex.  Regular sex helps as do Kegel exercises.  There 
are also water-based lubricants or you can use Vitamin E externally.  
Zinc is also good.


WLVJean:	Thank goodness!  Someone who recommends sex!


Yobetty:		I'm 40 and my menstrual cycle has recently 
changed from 27 to 21 days.  My 50 year old gal pal has suggested 
that I am beginning menopause.  Where do I get legitimate information 
on this?


Linda Ojeda.:	It is early for you and not likely, but it is possible.  You 
should go to a gynecologist for tests.


ClsyGent4U:	Thank you for the opportunity.  I have a good friend 
in her mid-50's whose doctor insists that she go off her daily Premarin 
dosage for a week every month.  During this time her mood swings are 
dramatic and difficult to weather.  Is this a doctor from the dark ages?


Yobetty:		Can you recommend any reading material?


Linda Ojeda.:	There is a good book by Dr. Christine Northrop called  
I CAN REMEMBER.  It is a big book and very good.  There are 
many books out now.


Linda Ojeda.:	I think your call is accurate.  Either you are on or off 
HRT.  It is not a hit and miss thing.  I, too, question it.  She needs 
special dietary help and supplements to help her through this.


VHeise:	What do you know about soy isoflavone extract. I'm
taking 2,000 mg. per day plus natural progesterone.  I just recently 
went off estrogen after being on it for eleven years. 


Linda Ojeda.:	I know that are many compounds now on the market.  
Some of them help and some are a rip off.  I do not know of this 
particular one. Sorry.


TeachKinCA:	I recently started taking Change O life by Nature's Way 
and I am feeling a lot of relief from hot flashes.  I really do not want to 
take hormones, especially Premarin, since I was told how it is extracted.  
I do not want to take anything herbal that may be harmful either. Do 
you know anything about this product?


Linda Ojeda.:	Again, there are many new compounds for complaints
in general and more specific ones. Some are very good.


La Fajita:	I've been using natural progesterone cream (Yamcon) 
for 15 days and the hot flashes seem to be getting worse.  Any ideas?


Linda Ojeda.:	Try some of the other remedies.  All things do not 
work for all people.  Maybe you have enough progesterone and you 
are getting too much.  Try the vitamin E and Vitex.


SGETT:	You mentioned estrogen dominance.  What are the 
symptoms?  


Linda Ojeda.:	Bloating, breast pain and enlargement, mood swings, 
cravings, headaches, and fatigue.


LdyJane886:	I am in my early 40's, and I have had no period for 
one year.  I just started HRT.  Will these symptoms go on into my 
50's?  Please say no.


Linda Ojeda.:	Who knows?  I'm sure I cannot tell you, but I sure 
hope not.


LMossholde:	I have been having an abnormally long period with 
excessive flooding.  I have also been under stress.  Can these be related?


Linda Ojeda.:	Sure. Moss, they can be related.  Be sure to take 
B-vitamins, vitamin A, C, bioflavenoids, iron and flaxseed oil or fish 
oils. Dandelion leaves help too.


La Fajita:	What do you suggest for lack of a sex drive? You 
mentioned that continuing to have sex was good for dryness, but with 
no sex drive and extreme dryness, what's a woman to do?  


Linda Ojeda.:	Low libido is not supposed to be related to estrogen 
deficiency.  Nutrients that help build sex drive include: vitamins B and 
E, and zinc increase blood histamine levels that are related to orgasm. 
Vitex and black cohosh are also good.  Check your medications 
(antihistamines, depressants, diuretics)  because they can affect sex 
life very negatively. Exercise is good too.


Trifle17:		After surgical menopause, will I feel good 
and normal again?  I just started on a natural product


Linda Ojeda.:	This is not my personal experience, but I have heard 
it does take longer to feel normal again.  Maybe we should not expect 
to feel the same way.  After all, we are going into another phase of life.  
It is like when we left childhood and became women.  We probably 
wanted to feel what we knew as normal,  but that was not possible.  
So, maybe we will adjust to a new normal.


Postrain:		I am suddenly having allergic reactions to 
things I never reacted to before.  How to keep this under control?


Linda Ojeda.:	This is very common, Post, and many women do not 
know what is going on.  Pay attention to the foods that are causing you 
problems.  Some may have to be eliminated and some you can keep 
in your diet but only eat on occasion.  Menopause is a time when life 
catches up with us and foods we once ate with relish no longer work.  
It is also good to rotate foods and do not eat too many dairy or wheat 
products in one day. 


FBriggs113:	How much vitamin E do you suggest daily?


Linda Ojeda.:	Start with 400 IU and go up to 800IU. Some people  
recommend up to 1200 as being safe.  I think it is overkill.


Dearest: 	Shouldn't we advise that anyone with hypertension 
shouldn't take 400 IU (in one dose) of Vitamin E without first consulting 
their doctor? Just as a disclaimer.


Linda Ojeda.:	Yes, thank you Dearest.  Also if you are diabetic or 
you are taking blood clotting medications, check with your doctor.


WLVJean:	You mentioned specifically exercising in the mornings.  
Does it have to be in the mornings to get the appropriate effect? 


Linda Ojeda.:	No, Jean, you can do it anytime of the day. For people 
who can't get to sleep at night, exercise is not a good idea at that time.


La Fajita:  What is Vitex and where do I get it?  


Linda Ojeda.:	Vitex is from the chaste berry plant. You can get it 
at any health store.


Dearest: 	I just wanted to comment on Post's question about 
allergies, and also ask you a question, Linda.  Post, so many women 
in Power Surge have complained about increased allergies during 
peri-menopause and menopause so you are not alone.  


Dearest: 	Linda, what is it, physiologically, that makes our
allergies, i.e., sinuses and respiratory problems, increase during 
menopause? 


Linda Ojeda.:	We can't seem to handle the histamine build up. 
Something we can do for that is to eliminate all histamine-containing 
foods: sausage, tuna, wine, jams, tomatoes, alcohol, and nuts.  Also 
take these three B-vitamins:  B-6, folic acid, and B-12.  These three 
vitamins are not strongly related to increased incidence of heart disease
because of the build-up of histamine.  Maybe the allergies are a 
warning to take these nutrients.


Trifle17:		Can you take too much natural product?  Also, 
what do you recommend.


Linda Ojeda.:	Sure, you can get too much of these natural products 
as well as synthetic products.  It is always a balancing act.


PnCKane:	I am in peri-menopause and I feel good.  My doctor
is pushing HRT.  I want to do without.  What do you think?


Linda Ojeda.:	Tell your doctor that menopause is a natural transition.  
Tell him that you feel great and do not see any reason why you should
take something that has potential risks. Please tell him or her to read 
my book or others like it so he will know there are many other women 
who feel as you do. Tell hem to do his homework.


Dearest: 	Linda, thanks so very much for your wonderful
answers to our endless questions about
menopause.  You've provided us with some
excellent natural methods to consider in
the treatment of our menopausal complaints.
		
Linda Ojeda's book,  "Menopause Without Medicine,"
Feel Healthy, Look Younger, Live Longer" 
is available by clicking the above link to amazon.com.

Thanks for appearing in Power Surge tonight. We 
hope you'll return very soon.


Read Linda Ojeda's second transcript
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