3 popular questions about menopause

Q: WHAT IS MENOPAUSE?
A: Menopause, often referred to as "the change of life," is the natural transition out of childbearing years. Menopause in women is the reverse of puberty.
Q: WHEN DOES MENOPAUSE USUALLY BEGIN?
A: Menopause symptoms like hot flashes and irregular menstrual cycles can begin for women in their late 30s or early 40s during the perimenopause phase of a woman's life. Natural menopause is typically complete in the late 40s or early 50s.
Q: WHAT IS PERIMENOPAUSE?
A: Perimenopause is the phase before menopause when ovarian hormone production begins to decline and fluctuate. Typically, perimenopause is the period about three or four years before menopause, though some women can begin the perimenopause phase of their life many years before menopause.

Yummy Menopause Recipe

Grilled Herbed Chicken Breast.
_ 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil_ 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice_ 1 Tbsp. minced thyme_ ½ Tbsp. minced rosemary_ 3/4 tsp. salt_ ½ tsp. pepper_ 2 chicken breasts, skinned and boned

Combine olive oil, lemon juice, thyme, rosemary, salt and pepper in a 8x8x2 casserole dish. Add chicken breasts and turn breasts in marinade to coat both sides. Marinate 10 minutes. Grill chicken breasts about 5 minutes each side until chicken is fully cooked.

Sexual Changes Associated With Menopause

Sexual Changes Associated with Menopause

Some of the sexual changes commonly associated with menopause are:
slower sexual arousal
less lubrication produced during sex
the vaginal wall gets thinner and intercourse may be uncomfortable
intensity of orgasm may be reduced
skin sensitivity is often increased Although many women have a reduced interest in sex, others have an increase in sexual desire.
What needs to be done about these changes depends on how you feel about them and how readily you can incorporate them into your current sexual life. Even women who find that their sexual interest is greatly reduced may accept these changes, particularly if they have lost their sexual partner to illness or death. If the changes are less dramatic, a woman may welcome a slower, more sensual, sexual experience that emphasizes non-sexual touching and allows more time for lubrication. Since men also become aroused more slowly as they age, heterosexual couples may adapt their sexual lives in a way that 'works' for both partners. If both lesbian partners are experiencing menopause, the changes in their desires may also fit well together.
For some women and their partners, these changes are a problem. Women may be frustrated that their orgasms don't feel right. Partners may conclude that a woman is less interested, because she lubricates less. It is important to talk to your partner(s) about the changes that are happening to your body and what both of you are feeling about these changes.

Pecan Pesto

Pecans add undeniable zest and flavor to any meal, as well as nutritional benefits. Pecans contain over 19 vitamins and minerals – including vitamin A, vitamin E, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, several B vitamins and zinc.

Pecan Pesto.
1 1/2 cup basil leaves1/3 cup finely ground pecans1 Tablespoon chopped garlic2-3 Tablespoons lemon juice1 cup virgin olive oilpinch sea salt.

Rinse and tear basil leaves in half. Put all ingredients into a blender and process. Recipe makes enough for a pound of pasta, whole wheat pasta provides more nutrition.According to the National Pecan Shellers Association just one ounce of pecans (a small handful or about 15 halves) has more zinc – an important nutrient for proper growth and strong immunity – than a 3.5-ounce piece of skinless chicken. Most good sources of zinc are foods of animal origin, but pecans happen to be a plant-based source. Other facts include: over half the fat (about 60 percent) found in pecans is monounsaturated fat and approximately another 30 percent is polyunsaturated fat. This means that almost 90 percent of the fats (oils) in pecans are heart-healthy; olive oil, a staple of the heart-healthy "Mediterranean diet," contains a type of monounsaturated fat known as oleic acid. The standard serving of pecans (about one ounce or 30 grams) provides approximately 25-30 percent more of this beneficial fat than a standard serving of olive oil (one tablespoon);numerous studies have shown that phytochemicals like those found in pecans act like antioxidants that may have a protective effect against certain diseases, such as various cancers and heart disease; pecans belong to the protein group in the USDA’s Food Guide Pyramid, along with meat, poultry, fish, eggs and dried beans – making pecans a nutritious alternative for vegetarians and those striving to eat a more plant-based diet; to increase fiber intake, just add pecans to the diet. One ounce of pecans has about the same amount of fiber as a medium-sized apple, and provides 10 percent of the recommended Daily Value for fiber; and, pecans are cholesterol-free and naturally sodium-free, making them an excellent choice for those on a salt- or sodium-restricted diet.

Quick Oriental Pasta

1 pound uncooked linguine or other pasta.1/4 cup peanut butter.1/4 cup tahini.1/4 cup rice vinegar.1/4 cup soy sauce.1/4 cup fresh orange juice.1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (optional).2 tablespoons apple juice (optional).

Cook the pasta according to package directions and drain. Combine the remaining ingredients except the apple juice in a blender. Puree at high speed until creamy and smooth (at least 1 minute). Adjust the seasonings. If the mixture is too thick, add the apple juice. Pour the sauce over the hot pasta.Serves 6. Per Serving: 388 calories; 16g protein; 12g fat; 59g carbohydrate; 0mg cholesterol; 3g fiber.

For Women on the Go

This is a great recipe for women on the go. The yogurt and milk provide almost half the daily calcium requirement for menopausal women and contains a healthy dose of Omega 3 fatty acids. Flaxseed oil, when used regularly, is shown to decrease your risk of heart disease and certain cancers while promoting mental functioning.Blend together:
4 tablespoons of flaxseed oil.
1 cup fresh (or frozen when out of season) strawberries.
1 cup orange/banana/pineapple juice.
1 cup plain or vanilla flavored yogurt.
1 cup skim milk or soy milk.
**For an extra boost, add spirulina, blue green algae, wheat or barley grass powders.

Lasagna for women with menopause?

Potato Lasagna with Wild Mushrooms.

1 pound wild mushrooms, such as cremini, stemmed shiitakes, chanterells.3 T. butter1t. dried thyme3 minced garlic cloves.Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.4 russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced.1/2 c. canned organic chicken broth.1 c. heavy cream.Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees. Slice the mushrooms. Melt butter over medium heat in large saucepan, add mushrooms and cook stirring frequently until lightly browned. Stir in the garlic and thyme and saute for about 2 minutes. Butter a grautin dish or an 8" x8" baking dish. Layer half the potatoes and season with salt and pepper. Spread the mushrooms over the potatoes. Layer the remaining potatoes on top. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Mix the chicken broth and cream together in a small bowl and pour over potatoes. Bake for 45 minutes or until the is absorbed and potatoes are lightly browned. Cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serves 6.

Salmon Chowder

Salmon Chowder.
7 1/2 oz. can Alaska Salmon2 cups low sodium chicken broth13 oz low-fat evaporated milk10 oz. frozen corn, thawed.1 cup diced potatoes1 cup diced carrots1/2 cup chopped broccoli1/2 cup finely chopped celery1/4 cup finely chopped onion.2 Tbsp. butter1Tbsp. minced garlic1/2 tsp. thyme, salt and pepper to taste.

Sautee onions, celery and garlic in butter. Add potatoes, carrots, chicken broth and seasonings and simmer covered for 20 minutes or until potatoes and carrot are tender. Add broccoli and continue cooking 5 minutes. Add flaked salmon, evaporated milk and corn.