OnlineHost:  Judith Sachs has entered the room.
	 
Dearest:	Welcome to another of Power Surge's Guest Conferences.

As a professor who teaches stress management, conducts
workshops at holistic centers, schools, women's organizations
on preventive healthcare, sexuality, midlife issues and *stress* 
and an HIV/AIDS Educator for the Red Cross, who consults on 
"wellness" to corporations the likes of Johnson & Johnson, 
Ortho-McNeil and Warner Lambert -- I don't know when

     	J U D I T H     S A C H S . . .

....managed to find the time to author *17* health-related books,
such as 


"What Women Should Know About Menopause," 

"The Healing Power of Sex," 

"Nature's Prozac,"

"What Every Woman Needs To Know About Estrogen,"

and her newest book...


"Break The Stress Cycle: 10 Steps For Reducing Stress For Women" 

.. is beyond me :)

The subject of tonight's discussion is WOMEN'S STRESS. Before I
welcome back my guest, Judith Sachs, she wanted to know one
thing from everyone present, Let's break protocol ONLY long enough
to reply to this question and then we'll proceed with our protocol
Q&A session....


Dearest:	Name one thing currently causing stress in your life? 

BayouClog1:	My 18 year old son
Blg216:     	elderly parents
Neyah5254:	housework
JSulli2058:	health issues
RGRSMTH:	Building a new home
Sue:	Job
Dearest:           Menopause, aging parents, arthritis
MIMISUSAN:	Work
MARFGR: 	Laundry
Nnancyn:  	handicapped child
GRYFFIE:  	don't know who our new boss will be
Buchermj:	My husband's health
GRYFFIE:  	many big expenses hitting at once
KKM21:     	Elderly parents, ill, and raising teen-agers, and 
		having just moved and migraines!
DizzHead:	perimenopause, dizzines and anxiety


Dearest:	Now, Judith.. welcome back... would you like to say a few words 
before we begin?


Judith Sachs:		Yes. First, let me say, thank you all for having me 
here. And I understand it's very stressful just to stand up and 
speak in front of people. But the issues you mention are really 
relevant to all women in our age group--and I think what I'd like 
to do first is talk about WHY they are stressful.


Judith Sachs:		Let's think about the physical ones--health, 
migraines, dizziness, etc. These are partly due to our age.. and 
what happens to the body as we get older. But they're also 
stressful because we are at a time in life when having migraines, 
a sick husband, AND elderly parents is too much. We can't 
sort out one from the other, and they all mesh together. So did 
you not get out of the house today because 1. you had to be a 
caregiver all day or 2. because your husband was too sick to 
get the car serviced and it's not working and you didn't do it 
because you've never done that before or 3. because you were 
too depressed to get up and get dressed?  The stresses are 
different, but they all pile up one on top of the other until they're 
overwhelming.  So the idea, first, is to prioritize them, and pick 
them apart.


Judith Sachs:		I will talk about the stress of having major 
surgery, sure, but I think it may be more important, first, to see 
why surgery is a stressor. You know that stress isn't necessarily 
a bad thing--we can be stressed because we're getting married 
again, or stressed from a career change that brings us lots more 
money and prestige, or stressed because we were mugged. 
 


ZI89:	 	My Q is what can I take for vaginal dryness?


Judith Sachs:		This is really more a physical problem--you can 
use a water-based lubricant or a little egg white. But maybe you 
want to talk about why you're stressed about being so dry? 
Especially if you're aroused and really think you SHOULD feel 
wet. Is that it? 


ZI89:		Well it's only been three weeks since surgery.


Judith Sachs:		Then it's probably better to get cozy and 
comfortable, and be intimate without being sexual. (Your doc 
probably doesn't want you having intercourse for another three 
weeks, which is great since it will give you time to figure out how 
to relate to one another without necessarily being sexual. It's 
really nice to give each other massages or just play without 
penetration. I think sex causes a great deal of stress over time in 
a relationship because people stop talking about what they like, 
or what they might like to try that's new, but a hysterectomy or 
testicular surgery or a mastectomy gives everyone beginner's mind--
you have to start fresh. So look at it as stressful, but a challenge--
an opportunity to be different with your partner and vice versa. 


ZI89:		My husband went in to shock after my surgery, 
I feel so bad.


Judith Sachs:		I can really understand that.  It's very hard for 
couples to think about each other in this new way--like only 
part of them is still there. But if you two are really in love, he will 
adjust, and you will too. Keep talking!


Lyonsie:	I'm in peri-menopause and have heart palpitations, 
is it stress or are they normal?


Judith Sachs:		Good question. Many women have palpitations 
during hot flashes but this is also a time of life when many other 
factors (physical and emotional) may cause so much stress that 
the heart rate increases blood pressure soars, respiration gets 
short. You should CERTAINLY see your physician for an 
EKG if you haven't already. In addition, you should start 
practicing a directed breathing technique. 

		Here's a simple, easy band-aid for stress 
(EVERYONE LISTEN!). Put your hand on your belly. As you 
inhale, puff it out like you were 9 months pregnant; as you exhale, 
deflate the balloon. Do this slowly 5 times thinking to yourself, 
Inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale, etc..  This will do a lot of things I 
won't bother to describe, but it will also make you focus on just 
the breath--it's a mini-meditation, and may help the palpitations, too. 



GRYFFIE:	Could you talk a bit about the role of exercise/
endorphins in reducing stress? 


Judith Sachs:		Yes. Exercise is one of the best ways to alleviate 
stress--just walking a couple of brisk miles a day triggers the 
production of those great neurotransmitters (serotonin and 
dopamine) as well as the beta endorphins that are natural opiates 
and take away the pain.  You don't have to work hard--just 
walking will do it. They've even shown in studies that fraternal 
and identical twins with different exercise patterns can beat their 
genes--the ones who get out there and move around keep heart 
disease at bay and live longer. There's a great sense of 
accomplishment in exercise, and also, if you do it outside, you 
get the additional benefit of seeing the beautiful day, smelling the 
flowers, all that great stuff that makes us glad to be alive. 



MURPHER97:	My stress level is making a determination 
on whether to take estrogen or not due to the fact that I had 
breast cancer and total hysterectomy thereafter.  My gyn says to 
take it but  my oncologist says no way - what is your opinion?



Judith Sachs:		This, unfortunately, is so typical--so many 
women have fighting docs who make their own stress escalate. 
I am not in favor of estrogen replacement for any women with 
a history of estrogen-dependent cancer.  I think you should go 
over (again) why your gyn is pro-hormones. And in the 
meantime, remember this is YOUR body and YOUR future--
regardless of which professional you're seeing. If you
are concerned about your bones and heart, give some of the 
other modalities of treatment--like Fossamax for bones and 
CoQ10, diet, meditation and exercise for heart a try first. 
 


DizzHead:	I'm tired of all this anxiety and dizziness, and 
being tired any suggestions? 


Judith Sachs:		Again, it's hard for me to say where the anxiety, 
dizziness, and fatigue are coming from. But let's not lump them 
together as "Menopause".  Instead, work on each one separately. 
If you're dizzy, sit down or lie down and do some modified 
breathing--make sure you're not hyperventilating, which means, 
take slow deep breaths.  

		If you're fatigued, try cutting out sugar and 
caffeine, and drink lots of spring water--when you think you're 
pooped, get up and walk around the block instead of sitting in 
front of the tv.  Start doing some brand new activity that will get 
you really interested and involved, like taking a tai chi class, or 
trying a foreign language. Think about getting rid of the anxiety 
by making a tape of your own voice telling you you're doing 
great, and you're moving ahead--and play it to yourself before 
bed and when you wake up. I know this sounds a little simplistic, 
but its' the most simple things, in combination, that refresh your 
spirit. 



Dearest:	And everyone remember, after reading Judith's 
newest book,  "Break The Stress Cycle," be sure to read her.... 
wonderful books about menopause, too... 
What Women Should KNow About Menopause"... 
and "What Every Woman Needs To Know About Estrogen"... 
very simply written..

  

KKM21:	Can prolonged stress cause deep depression, 
anxiety, panic attacks, feeling disconnected from everything?  



Judith Sachs:		Absolutely. But the symptoms you describe, in 
combination seem to point to something more serious than 
everyday stress. One of the steps in my program is consulting a 
professional--a social worker, psychologist, pastor, sex therapist, 
psychiatrist (although I'm not very high on drug therapy). But if 
you find that you've lost interest in things that used to give you 
pleasure, and if you consider yourself in a deep depression, then 
it's more than routine stress-- which you may feel in addition to 
being really depressed.  I would love you to get some professional 
help. 

 

Dearest:	But, Judith, isn't anxiety/depression very common 
during menopause? 



Judith Sachs:		Certainly. But when we say "depression," being a 
part of midlife, that comes with the territory of every day losses--
we lose our parents, lovers, our children move out--this time
brings a lot of change, which means a lot of sadness in addition 
to good stuff.  But deep depression, a loss of self and personal 
interests--job, family, personal attractiveness--that's something 
more. 


Dearest:	Thanks :)  


Twonurse:	I am 32 years old,  post-op diag laparoscopy, 
should I be experiencing stress? Also, when to seek professional 
help? 


 Judith Sachs:	Any diagnostic laparoscopy , at any age, will 
make anyone feel nervous and upset. I am assuming you haven't 
been told that anything is really wrong? Or have you?


Twonurse:	was found to have fibroid tumors and cyst on 
ovary 


Judith Sachs:		We have to look at the problem from two 
perspectives. The first, of course, is to connect with it--own it--
say, this is mine and I have a right to feel bad about it. But at the 
same time, we have to stand outside it and cut it down to size. So 
you might think about health issues you feel you have no control 
over. In a way this is true. 

		On the other hand, you can ask yourself, are 
these fibroids going to kill me? In all likelihood, they will stay 
there until you reach menopause when the loss of estrogen will 
shrink them. Or if they are now pressing on other organs, and this 
is producing a lot of discomfort or a danger, they will have to be 
removed, or you'll need a hysterectomy.  But even so--this is not 
a terrible scenario. You will undoubtedly live a long and healthy 
life without a uterus. Right?  

		You have to change some behavior around the 
worrying process--make some new goals that will take you out 
of the concern of the moment to the long-term result. It's a great 
thing to be here, and you will improve other areas of your health 
after you've gotten over this hurdle because you'll be more attuned 
to your body. So maybe you'll start exercising more to protect 
your bones, or doing some yoga and tai chi to stay flexible and 
active even when you're 80. 

		Turn the problem into a challenge. 
 

Dearest:	Wonderful, Judith.. this mindset is part of your Woman's Bill 
of Rights in the new "Beat The Stress Cycle?"


Judith Sachs:		That's right. We have the right to get what we 
paid for, ask for help, be angry, make time for ourselves, and 
change our minds. 


Dearest:	Right on! Thanks for the empowerment :) 


WINDOCK1:	Can you elaborate please on prioritizing stresses? 
already answered maybe? 


Judith Sachs:		Okay. You undoubtedly play many roles (all 
women wear so many hats it's amazing they all stay on!) But you 
have to start by dividing up the stresses into first order, second
order, ten or 20th order. So getting the car repaired is really
crucial if it means you can't get to your job and can't earn money. 
But it's less crucial if you have someone to drive you and your 
child has recently be diagnosed with a serious disease. It's a great 
idea to make lists and see what you have to take care of right 
now, before you take another step, and what you can put on the 
back burner. 

		You can also use time pockets effectively--
those 15-minute intervals which most of us waste, where you 
could answer phone calls or email, pay bills, do half an exercise 
video, or read a chapter in that book that's due back at the 
library. Time management, again, seems very routine and boring, 
but it can make a vast difference in the way the day--and week--
and year goes.



J L  Roone:	Angry and depressed.  Have arthritis and used 
exercise as a stress reducer.  Now I am in pain.


Judith Sachs:		You should be mad, because what you used as 
your primary method of stress reduction is no longer an option.


J L  Roone:	Most of the time and don't know where to start 
to move forward.  Frozen


Judith Sachs:		So get very mad, then change your behavior. 
The second step in my program is trying to select new options 
for old behaviors that don't work anymore. And this is good 
behaviors as well as bad ones. When you say you feel "frozen," 
that's really significant--like your stress is keeping you locked in
an ice cage and you are paralyzed. Even though your body
has betrayed you, you have other options. For example,
massage is a god-send to people who have great difficulty
moving by themselves. So is tai chi (I teach senior citizens who 
are mostly in walkers or wheel chairs) if you can find a teacher in 
your area who can adapt to your physical limitations. You can 
also think non-physically--ie. meditation, and I would try and use
this in combination with breathing and massage. A new hobby or 
activity--something at which you can feel very effective even 
when sitting down or lying down, would also be great for you. 
Good luck. 


J L  Roone:	Thanks



Mantel6:	I have increased my exercise, been eating 
better so why have my periods been so erratic.  I'm 40+, could it
be stress?  Learned a lot tonight thanks .


Judith Sachs:		It could just be that you're in perimenopause, and 
it would have happened no matter what you ate or how you 
exercised. This is just life--you aren't going to have your period 
forever. Don't let that stress you out! 

		As a matter of fact, I read a wonderful book 
called Transitions to Menopause, or something like that, where the 
author suggested a ritual saying good-by to one's period. When 
you do have one, she said, take a seashell or a card or something, 
and mark it with your blood. It will be yours forever. I did it, and 
it sits on my shelf where I can look at it whenever I feel nostalgic 
for my reproductive years. 
 


Mantel6:	I say good-by and good redence.   Thanks 

 

JPbook2150:	How long do hot flashes last I have had them since 
I was 48 and am now 53.
 
 
Judith Sachs:		They usually taper off after two years--but for 
some women, sad to say, they can go on for ten years. You 
should find that over time, they decrease in frequency and 
intensity. If not, cut out caffeine, and start breathing! 



Dearest:	Judith, ever heard of breathing into a paper bag 
to reduced stress? Works for me  



Judith Sachs:		Yes, it's good for hyperventilation--brings the 
carbon dioxide back into your system in a regular pattern. But 
not everyone likes to carry a bag around--I think it's better to 
learn to breathe from your belly. 



LINAOctBB:	If I can't take estrogen, cause of stomach 
cancer, is there anything I can take for loss libido?

  
Judith Sachs:		Estratest (which is estrogen plus testosterone) is 
what's usually prescribed -- I don't think your doc will give you the
testosterone by itself because of its masculinizing properties and 
possible implications in other health problems. Loss of libido is a 
big deal and may, again, need some counseling.   If your
partner is also beginning to experience problems, it's something
that may bounce back and forth around the bedroom. 

	I would start with no penetrative sex at all for a couple 
of weeks. Make a deal with your partner that you will only kiss, 
hug, and touch with your clothes on. Get one of the terrific 
turn-on books by Lonnie Barbach or Nancy Friday and read 
each other your favorite fantasies. See if at the end of that time,
you aren't feeling a boost in interest. But do see your gyn and 
talk the problem out.  Doctors don't bring this up and patients 
absolutely have to.


LINAOctBB:	I have, he says there is nothing.  


Dearest:	I've also read that there's too much testosterone 
in Estratest.   Have you heard that as well? 



Judith Sachs:		Yes, I have. I think they're working on a natural 
version, like the natural progesterone that's so much better, but 
they haven't yet come up with the right formula. 
 

Dearest:	Also, since you mentioned them, Lonnie Barbach and 
Nancy Friday transcripts can be found on the Power Surge Web site: 
www.power-surge.com, along with Judith's transcripts and many others 

 

ZI89:		I  think I will never have sex with my husband 
again. I am afraid he won't like it.  What do you think? Hurting.  
He is never home and wants to be a preacher.


Judith Sachs:		Remember that having a hysterectomy isn't going 
to feel different to him. And although you may experience fewer 
uterine contractions during orgasm, over time, you may find a 
new sensation in climax. In order to get to this point, though, 
you're going to have to practice. Even if it doesn't feel "sexy", it 
will be really intimate. Don't worry so much about him--he'll be 
fine. Let him pamper you a little, tell you how excited you make 
him...I bet that's true. He will be afraid of hurting you at the 
beginning, so you'll have to set the pace and tell him when and 
how to touch. 



BayouClog1:	Do you have a suggestion for handling the 
anxiety of worrying about 18yr.old son when he goes out at night?  
I can't sleep and that makes the next day worse.


Judith Sachs:		I assume you've talked to him about his
relationships with girlfriends, yes? 


BayouClog1:	yes


Judith Sachs:		So if you're honest with each other, that's a 
great thing. But having children MEANS having stress-it's built in.
If we didn't love them, we wouldn't feel this way. If you trust him,
and he earns that trust by always coming home, by not getting in
trouble, by developing close friendships with friends of both 
genders, eventually, you'll go back to sleep. I think you should 
tell him he's causing you all these sleepless nights and try to laugh 
about it together. Maybe he'll buy you some valerian drops and 
make some warm milk for you before going out! 


 
CynWicklow:	I'm having a complete hyster. on 5/1. I am 48.  
Should I take estrogen? I have begin of hyperplasia. I am also
having heavy bleeding and clotting and have had tumors removed 
before. 


Judith Sachs:		Probably your physician felt you needed the
hysterectomy because of this history of fibroids, bleeding and 
clotting. So that should cease after your surgery. Again, as in my 
previous answer, I am leery of estrogen for anyone with
potential problems--like hyperplasia. I know your doctor will
want you on hormones for your bones and heart, and women
who've had a hysterectomy tend to go through menopause a 
year or two earlier than those who have their uteruses, but this 
is not necessarily the time to start. If you have your ovaries, you 
will continue to produce some estrogen. 


CynWicklow:	Doc wants me to take estr. after the surgery. 


Judith Sachs:		Oh. That's a different story. I think the best 
course is to start with some estrogen (as low a dose as he feels 
will be helpful) and to have regular vaginal ultrasounds and an 
endometrial biopsy once a year to be sure that your endometrium 
is not over growing. I think you know you'll need regular 
monitoring by your physician, and the fact that you'll feel better 
physically (not bleeding, etc.) should lower your stress. 


CynWicklow:	thanks 



BOOST23:	Sorry I missed an hour.  I know this was very 
informative tonight.


Judith Sachs:		Yes. Hey, we all have lost patience because we 
depend on fast cars, fast computers, fast food, etc. I think 
slowing down and not panicking when we don't get what we 
want is key to moving ahead. Every time you find yourself in a 
situation you can't control, sit back and look at it. Ask yourself 
what will happen in your life if this particular thing doesn't go the
way you want it to? Will you die? Will people hate you forever?
Will you lose your only chance to win the lottery? No! And
look what happened tonight--you waited an hour and you got
on line! It worked. 


BOOST23:	That's true - Thanks



KKM21:	Re:  what will happen in your life is that you 
won't fulfill the "mission" you have been put on earth for..  and I 
think a lot about that at 50 years old.


Judith Sachs:		This is a big one. If you feel you only have one 
mission, you are probably missing out on many different facets 
of yourself that you haven't yet explored. I talk a lot about 
goal-planning in my book--planning for a time when we may be 
alone as opposed to part of a couple, when we may be sick
instead of healthy, when we may lose sight of one passion and 
have to take up another. I think it's a great idea to refresh and
revitalize our goals on a regular basis--short-term, as well as 
long-term ones. So if you have a "mission," that's wonderful.
But if for some reason it's not working out, don't get bitter
and jaded about it. There must be other things--maybe offshoots
of your original vision--that can make it all worthwhile for you. 
You think about that. 


Dearest:	Judith, thank you for this very 	stimulating discussion about
	how to "Break The Stress Cycle" in women.

Anyone interested in buying Judith's books, but especially
her newest, "Break The Stress Cycle" (Adams Media,1998)
can do  here at amazon.com  

Please join me in thanking  J U D I T H    S A C H S
for another stimulating, info packed and enlightening visit
o Power Surge :)


 Sue:	{S thnkyou
PianoMary:	{S applause
Buchermj:	Thank you Judith for great answers to ALL questions.
BOOST23:	Thank you Judith
RGRSMTH:	Thanks Judith -- you are great
Dearest:	Thank you, Judith. .wonderful answers.. but who'd 
		expect anything less :)
 Coll:	::::::applauding wildly:::::::
 Sue:	Great Chat!!!  Wonderful answers
Judith Sachs:		You're very welcome. Thanks for having me. 
		It's been great.
WINDOCK1:	Thanks, Judith.... Nature's Prozac is great! ! ! 
Dearest:	It's been OUR pleasure :)
ZI89:		thank you that was funny
KARROLI:	Thank you Judith, very helpful
 Coll:	:)
KKM21:	Thanks so much for important information..


Dearest:	Judith, do you want to mention anything about your workshops?  


Judith Sachs:		Yes, thanks. Next Saturday, April 25, there will 
be a wonderful menopause conference (I'll be talking about 
sexuality) in Edison, NJ. And July 17-19, I'll be leading a 
weekend workshop near Woodstock, NY in a gorgeous retreat 
with a Hawaiian huna healer. For details or reservations, you
can contact me at Judith Sachs@idsources.com. Thanks


Dearest:	Fabulous, Judith. I'm sure we could all use an 
Hawaiian huna healer :)


Dearest:	Be sure to read Judith Sachs' other transcript on 
the Web site at www.power-surge.com.
		Night, everyone.. thanks for joining us in Power 
Surge tonight :)


Dearest:	Night, Judith.. thanks, again.. wonderful, excellent chat!!!


Judith Sachs:	Goodnight, Dearest and everyone.

Read Dr. Judith Sach's first transcript
Read Dr. Judith Sach's third transcript
Read Dr. Judith Sach's fourth 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©1994-2008 by Power Surge.  All Rights Reserved.