(Linda Ojeda's third visit to Power Surge)

Dearest:   In her book, which has remained one of Power Surge's Top 10 recommended menopause 
books for six years, "MENOPAUSE WITHOUT MEDICINE: Feel Healthy, Look Younger, Live Longer", 
author, women's health advocate, psychologist and nutritionist, LINDA OJEDA, Ph.D., 
maintains that menopause is a natural stage and should not be "medicalized." Linda addresses 
the ongoing controversy over hormone  replacement therapy and suggests natural ways to 
counteract osteoporosis, heart disease, and more.

In Linda's newest book, "HER HEALTHY HEART: A Woman's Guide to Preventing and Reversing 
Heart Disease Naturally", Linda addresses the issue of more women between the ages of 44 and 
65 die of heart disease than from all types of cancer combined. She provides detailed 
information on how women can reduce their risk of heart disease by making changes in diet, 
increasing physical activity, and managing stress. 25 illustrations.

Linda, it's a pleasure to welcome you back to Power Surge.  Do you think any stunning 
revelations will be revealed in 2005 by the Women's Health Initiative?  Thanks. 


Dr. Linda Ojeda:    I'm sure hoping so. They are studying so many aspects of women's health.  
I do think some of what we have thought will be verified but I'm not looking for any major 
surprises. But you never know.


Dearest:   Thanks, Linda :)  ARC, go ahead with your question, please.


ARC23:   I'm taking 2 products and I'd like your opinion of them.  Taking 1 Healthy Woman 
soy tab a day.  It has eliminated my hot flashes:)  Taking 1/2-1 mg. of melatonin before 
bed.  It helps sleep quite a bit.  How long can I safely take these products.  thanks.  


Dr. Linda Ojeda:   The soy tablet you can probably take indefinitely since it is considered 
a food.  The melatonin I wouldn't take for more than a few months.   It does help to put you 
to sleep but like anything that is unnatural,


ARC23:   Why not? on the melatonin.  Thanks


Dr. Linda Ojeda:   it should only be a temporary fix until you can find more natural ways.  
There is a caution with melatonin and it is linked to infertility. Also, we don't know long-
term effects.


Dearest:   Linda, isn't it true soy tablets aren't as effective as the powders or other 
forms of soy phytoestrogens?  


Dr. Linda Ojeda:   Yes, that is true, but some women don't like the taste of these products 
so they opt for the tablets and they do work.


The Irish Team:   I was just wondering if you could give your Opinion on what to take 
Natural to try and gain some relief from this Menopausal Hell? 


Dr. Linda Ojeda:   Different things work for different people. I like the soy products, 
especially the soy drinks because you can get a good dose of isoflavones. I also think that 
vitamin E and vitex are among the top remedies for relief. Unfortunately, not all these good 
things work for all women and HRT is necessary for a short time.


Dearest:   Linda, can you address the problems associated with the use of SUGAR with regard 
to menopause, hot flashes, depression and heart health? Thanks. 


Dr. Linda Ojeda:   Sugar is something that we really need to minimize at this time for so 
many reasons. First and foremost they exacerbate symptoms.  Some studies have shown that if 
you cut out sugar, you can stop hot flashes, of course in some women. Also sugar puts a 
major drain on the adrenal glands and these glands are so important at this time. They 
actually take over the production of estrogen when they ovaries are coming to a halt.  
Sugar, in excess, also depletes us of b-vitamins which can result in depression, nervousness 
and anxiety, not to mention higher rates of homocystein, a substance that increases our risk 
of heart disease. Then there is the problem of insulin resistance that seems to heighten at 
menopause and makes us particularly susceptible to all carbs and keeps us from losing 
weight.  I'm guessing you're getting the point.


Dearest:   Thank you, Linda. Great answer. Chrismw, go ahead.


Chrismw520:   I know symptoms of heart disease in women are hard to detect, but what should 
I look for?


Dr. Linda Ojeda:   Before I list the symptoms I would like to say that 1/2 of women who have 
a heart attack have no symptoms. Scary, but here's the list.  Possible chest pain but not 
necessarily, severe pain in the jaw, arrhythmias or abnormal heart beat, fainting, shortness 
of breath, sweating (you might think hot flashes), intense indigestion (you might think bad 
food), or you could just feel extreme pain. The symptoms are more subtle in women.


Dearest:   Many of these symptoms are common symptoms during menopause. Can't it be 
confusing? 


Dr. Linda Ojeda:   Most certainly, and neither we nor our doctors are thinking heart attack.


Dearest:   Nor do they do the tests on women that they would do if it were a man complaining 
of the same thing :(  Thanks, Linda :)


Dr. Linda Ojeda:   True, and the test may not even be as accurate for women because we 
haven't been tested enough to know. This is also true of drugs and treatment procedures. 
So little is known about women and the heart.


Dearest:   Thanks, Linda... Apip, go ahead, please.


Apip:   is it normal to get your period twice in one month and does menopause cause anxiety


Dr. Linda Ojeda:   If you're talking about menopause, yes, quite normal.  Anxiety is also 
one of those bothersome symptoms, especially if you are concerned about the symptoms or if 
you're not getting enough sleep. 


Foxylady5738:   My memory is soooo bad..any suggestions  and since meno I put on 40 lbs 


Dr. Linda Ojeda:   Good health habits have been connected to a better memory. Also, vitamin 
E and the B-vitamins specifically are also associated.  During menopause, it's not just a 
good idea to clean up your dietary habits, also take a good multi vitamin/mineral tablet. 
Ginkgo biloba is an herb you may also try.


Foxylady5738:   I'm curious about this sugar and carbs thing..maybe the weight gain is from 
this combo. 


Dr. Linda Ojeda:   Foxlady, you are probably right. If you have noticed all the new diet 
books speak to the amount of carbs in the diet because there is a relationship between total 
carbs and weight loss. I'm not an advocate of no carbs.  However, I do think as we get older 
we are more sensitive to the amount we take in and if you are having trouble losing weight, 
try cutting down on the number of carbs per meal or always have a protein with each meal and 
snack.  This seems to work for many women, especially.


Foxylady5738:   thanks 


Dearest:   If we can, let's keep to one question at a time, so everyone can have a turn. If 
you have additional questions after Linda has answered, please type another "?" to screen 
and you'll be added to the queue again. Luckyclvr2, please go ahead.


Lukyclvr2:   I had a double organ transplant going through menopause, and helpful hints on 
natural herbs?


Dr. Linda Ojeda:   I'm in shock. I hope you are well. Not being a medical doctor


Lukyclvr2:   Yes, I am.  Are natural herbs ok to take with transplant medications?


Dr. Linda Ojeda:   I can't speak to this particular situation. However, good nutrition has 
got to be a top priority. Good luck to you.  I don't know about herbs. Please ask you 
doctor.


Lukyclvr2:   Thanks  


Dearest:   Luky, I think that's something you have to discuss with your medical doctor, or 
whomever performed the surgery. Good health to you. You're one brave woman....and to use a 
name like Luky, you have a great attitude!  Petjoy, please go ahead.


Petjoy85:   Your opinion on estraderm patch or birth control pills prescribed for horrible 
perimeno symptoms. Nothing has helped including soy. 


Dr. Linda Ojeda:   I realize sometimes hormones are the only answer. While many types of 
hormones work, my preference is for the natural varieties. Some doctors are acquainted with 
these and some are not. Dearest has a wealth of info about such hormones in her newsletter 
and transcripts. Check them out.


Petjoy85:   thank you 


LVW2004:   How much does our metabolism slows down after (during) menopause,  How can we 
increase it?


Dr. Linda Ojeda:   It actually slows down a few percentage points each year after 30, and 
this has nothing to do with menopause.  The very best way to keep the metabolism up is to 
exercise. Aerobic is good but so is weight training with free weights or machines.  When you 
increase your muscle mass (which is lost each year), you rev up your metabolic rate as well. 


ARC23:   A small amt. of melatonin helps my insomnia; doesn't that mean I have a melatonin 
deficiency?  What are your recommendations instead of melatonin, and please name a good 
multivitamin for meno. women. thanks 


Dr. Linda Ojeda:   Not necessarily. As we age we all decrease the amount of melatonin in our 
body just as we do estrogen and progesterone. Some, I guess, characterize this as a 
deficiency; others say this is a natural result of aging. I tend to side with the later. I 
don't think we need to replenish all our hormones to the same level we had them in our 
earlier years.


ThymeTerri:   For 30 years I had clockwork periods, now have had perimenopause for 8 years., 
flooding & irregular periods. fatigue, mood swings.....I started using yam cream for 
progesterone...black cohosh for phytoestrogens....aqua aerobics...walking...cut out much 
sugar...and white carbs...I feel wonderful...periods lessened....libido returned...and I 
lost over 50 lbs...


Dr. Linda Ojeda:   Thanks, for your testimonial, Thyme Terri. We all should be so lucky.


ThymeTerri:   I just wanted to comment that all you teach is extremely helpful.


Dr. Linda Ojeda:   I'm not the only one, but thanks.


PianoMary:   What do you think about iron replacement for women in menopause?  I've heard 
that after we stop having periods we don't need it, so I sought out a vitamin with none.  
Last time I tried to give blood, I was slightly low...do we still need some iron?  


Dearest:   <if we don't, does this mean we're permanently pressed?>


Dr. Linda Ojeda:   This is a controversial subject and there are good researchers taking 
both sides.  If you don't eat any red meat, I think it's a good idea to get about 10 mg/day 
from a multi.  Some researchers have suggested a relationship between too much iron and 
heart disease; however, it hasn't been proven and does not seem to be true.  If you are low, 
obviously it indicates you need to get more through food or vitamins.


PianoMary:   I don't eat red meat...thanks!   


Dearest:   Wonderful reply, Linda. Thank you!  Do we have anymore questions for our guest, 
Dr. Linda Ojeda, author of "Menopause Without Medicine" and "Her Healthy Heart" ?


LVW2004:   Can you give us some healthy diet tips for women in menopause?


Dr. Linda Ojeda:   I'll give you healthy diet tips for both heart disease and menopause.  
Two for the price of one.  Don't go too low in your fat content. You need essential fats and 
also you need to get the fat-soluble vitamins.  I see too many women going to no-fat diets 
and that actually lowers their HDLs or good cholesterol. Eat as many fruits and vitamins as 
you can (6-11/day).  This is probably not likely, so supplement with a good vitamin/mineral 
supplement with antioxidant, b-vitamins, and calcium/magnesium. Eat up to 30 grams of fiber 
a day in beans, grains, fruits and veggies. Eat more soy, garlic, green tea, and exercise 4-
5 times a week. And learn how to relax and cope with stress.  Finally, enjoy life, people, 
pets, and plants.  Get passionate about your life and loves.  Get involved with people and 
life. Discover your creative outlets and spiritual side. That's about it.


Dearest:   What a wonderful answer and great info, Linda. You can all check out the Power 
Surge Recommends page on the Web site at: http://www.power-surge.com/recommend.htm  


LVW2004:   Great answers!!! thanks!!! 


Petjoy85:   I tried most of the things ThymeTerri said helped her.  Why haven't they helped me? 


Dr. Linda Ojeda:   Because you don't have her body. Unfortunately, or fortunately, we are 
not all the same.  You may want to try different herbs, relaxation techniques, or hormones.  
Experiment until you find what works for you.


Dearest:   Linda, in your newest book, "Her Healthy Heart", you talk about natural hormones 
being as effective as synthetic. Can you explain the difference between natural or bio-
identical hormones and synthetics and the risks and advantages involved with using either? 


Dr. Linda Ojeda:   The major difference between them is the natural hormones exactly 
replicate the hormones in your own body and the synthetic hormones do not. Yes, they are 
close, but not identical to the molecular formulation your own body makes.  The primary 
advantage at this point is (because they are not as well-researched), they are better 
tolerated, i.e. there are fewer side-effects with the naturals.  We also know from some 
studies that that are more protective to the heart than synthetic. There is speculation that 
they may be cancer-protective, but this is yet to be proven. It is my opinion, if one is to 
take hormones, these are a better bet for the long-term side-effects and protection.


Dearest:   Linda, one last question... how does a woman reverse heart disease?  


Dr. Linda Ojeda:   Remember, the answer I gave a few moments ago? That about covers it.  
It's more than reducing cholesterol and cutting out fat. It's necessary to eat the right 
fats (olive, canola oils, fish, flaxseed), eat soluble fibers (oats, apples, whole grains, 
beans), take in gobs of antioxidants (especially vitamin E), b-vitamins, calcium and 
magnesium, and potassium and then learn how to cope with the stress in your live and 
appreciate all that's good.  Exercise too and that's it in a nutshell.


Dearest:   Excellent, thanks :)  Linda, thank you for another wonderfully stimulating and informative 
chats. I highly recommend "MENOPAUSE WITHOUT MEDICINE" and "HER HEALTHY HEART" 
by Dr. Linda Ojeda to every woman with an interest in remaining healthy and sojourning 
through the transitional time of menopause naturally and with the least discomfort. 


Dr. Linda Ojeda:  Thank you, Dearest.



Dr. Linda Ojeda:   It's always fun for me.
Dearest:   Thank you, Linda, for a wonderful guest chat. Night, all! 

Read Linda Ojeda's first transcript
Read Linda Ojeda's second transcript



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Power Surge
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