I first published this post more than two years ago. Someone asked me to republish it, so here goes!

In most of our lives our paths will cross with the Pause Sisters. I say most because I have run into women who say they never met them. That however was not the case with me. Allow me to share with you my experience with these Sisters.

I first met Sister Premenopause in my late forties. She crept into my life bringing an increase in cramps when I would have my periods. I would experience episodes of anxiety, irritability, nausea and mood swings. I was uncertain as to what was going on but I struggled through.

Four years later, in my early fifties I started to have hot flashes. I recall shopping in Walmart one day, all of a sudden I could feel the heat traveling through my body. Oddly enough it started in my feet and rose to my head. It was so intense I had to sit down for a few minutes to compose myself. I came to the realization that I had met Sister Perimenopause. With her I started to have night sweats, increased mood swings, irregular periods, vaginal dryness and a loss of libido. I knew what was going on with my hormones by that time and started searching for ways to combat the symptoms. I used teas and herbs to help decrease my symptoms. They helped somewhat but the symptoms kept increasing.

Then oh Lawd, the hot flashes and night sweats increased. I would sometimes awaken during the night drenched in sweat. At that time my periods were very irregular, ranging from flowing heavy to missed months. I knew without a doubt I had met Sister Menopause. My libido was nearly nonexistent and my anxiety was off the chain. It got so bad I went to my physician who suggested I try Prozac. I took it for about a month, it had me so disorganized I ceased to take it. Sister Menopause stayed in my life for quite a few years.

Finally, in my mid-sixties she bid me farewell and I met her Sister Postmenopause. At last many of my symptoms started to decrease. My libido increased, I had little anxiety and no periods. Vaginal dryness lingered and still exists in my life today. A major concern with Sister Postmenopause is a higher risk of osteoporosis, coronary artery disase and UTI infections.

The Sisters share some common symptoms, the major difference is as you progress through your journey with them the symptoms increase. Despite what the medical community has to say your body really does not need estrogen replacement. Menopause is a natural progression of our estrogen levels shifting. As our estrogen decreases our vulva starts to thin out and become less flexible. To reduce many of the symptoms I would like to suggest the following natural remedies.

Use a natural lubricant, coconut oil is a great one. It is an antifungal and can prevent yeast infections. However, be aware if you use latex condoms use a different one as coconut oil can cause a break in latex.

As well try seed cycling, choose a day to start your seeds. Day one to 15 eat flaxseed and pumpkin seeds( two tablespoons of ground seeds each). Day 15 to 30 consume sesame and sunflower seeds( two tablespoons each). The combination will naturally increase your estrogen. You can add these seeds to salads, yogurt, and smoothies.

Have more sex, yes you read that right. Regular sex can help stimulate blood flow and moisture in the vagina. If your vagina is feeling dry and uncomfortable try using pure aloe vera gel around the outside. Buy an aloe vera plant, they are beautiful and inexpensive. Break off a piece and there is your gel.

Adding estrogen rich foods to your diet can help keep your vagina healthy during menopause and even helps with hot flashes, mood swings, fatigue and weight gain. Try adding some of the following foods each week to your diet.

Soy products including tofu, soy milk and soy yogurt. Peaches, strawberries, green beans, bean sprouts, black beans, walnuts, peanuts, garlic, dates, and red wine ( in moderation).

Wear cotton underwear and avoid pantyhose. Cotton breathes and allows air to access the vaginal area. Last but not least, go commando at night. That doesn’t mean you have to sleep in the nude, although there are many benefits to that practice. Opt for loose fitting pajamas or cotton boxers to allow your vulva to breathe.

Most importantly be selfish; this is a time to do you. Do something special for yourself. Take a walk in nature, enjoy the sunset, go out dancing with your friends. Sip your favorite wine, take a luxury bath. Live your life Gyrls !