Trisha Posner chat
Transcript of chat with Trisha Posner, Oct. 12, 2000, on MSN's WOMEN'S CENTRAL
Trisha Posner was
involved in fashion and music for 20 years. She's managed boutiques in
London and New York and created her own men’s wear collection, ran the art
department for a recording label, and modeled. For the past 10 years she's
researched and been Webmaster for her husband's seven books.
At 46 Trisha learned that she was in menopause. She looked for alternatives
to the usual choices — and developed a personal program to counteract the
annoying symptoms of menopause naturally, using exercise, diet and herbal
supplements.
We're pleased to have Trisha Posner join us tonight to talk about
This Is Not Your Mother's Menopause: One Woman's Natural Journey Through
Change.
Welcome, Trisha!
Guest_trisha_posner:
Thanks for having me.
TerryWC:
Menopause seems to be the last taboo subject. Did you find it hard to write
about it?
Guest_trisha_posner:
No, not hard to write about — just hard to get girlfriends to talk openly
about it with me.
TerryWC:
Most doctors advise taking hormone replacement therapy. Did yours?
Guest_trisha_posner:
Absolutely! He is a hormone replacement junkie and said I should start right
away. I am pretty stubborn, and there is a lot of breast cancer in my family
— mom, two aunts — so I decided to do some research first to see if I would
really fall apart if I didn't take hormones.
TerryWC:
Why did you decide to look at alternatives?
Guest_trisha_posner:
I did research that showed me that there was generally a small increase in
the odds of breast cancer, about 5 percent, on hormones, so for me, that was
too great a risk. Everyone has to decide that for themselves and no two of
us are made alike. I sought alternatives to reproduce all the things
hormones do — strong bones, heart, sharp mind, etc.
TerryWC:
How did you investigate and research ideas?
Guest_trisha_posner:
I am a research nut, so it was OK. Speaking to people, on the Internet to
all types of medical sites, and tons and tons of books and articles, and I
found most of the books were depressing — they made it sound like this was a
lousy stage of our lives as women and that we were about to fall apart. That
really made me angry so I decided to try and beat this. I ended up finding
menopause to be a great passage for me.
TerryWC:
What helps with hot flashes?
Guest_trisha_posner:
I looked at several alternatives, including acupuncture and motherwort and
homeopathy — none of those worked for me.
What did work was black cohosh, a member of the buttercup family, (250
milligrams a day in a pill) and 800 IU of vitamin E — they stopped in about
a month!
I have an entire chapter on herbs and vitamins I take and at what dosages
and for what purposes; each of us is different, so what worked for me might
not for someone else.
I used myself as a guinea pig, and really experimented with lots of
different things, eliminating the ones that didn't work and incorporating
those that did. I also did some baseline medical tests — bone scan, heart
test, EKG — to compare my results a year later. As for dryness, I liked
evening primrose oil in a pill and also royal jelly. Magnesium, zinc,
vitamin B and sarsaparilla also help.
TerryWC:
How do I make sure I don't lose bone mass density?
Guest_trisha_posner:
The ONLY way to increase bone mass is weight-bearing exercise — I found that
out the hard way! But also you need to up your calcium to about 1,200
milligrams a day, and take some magnesium and vitamin K to help metabolize
it. Estrogen will only keep your bones where they are but won't increase the
mass, which a natural program can. Also, as an ex-smoker, smoking does hurt
the bones (not to mention a lot more!).
North_meadows:
Were you always "into" being healthy, or did this come at menopause?
Guest_trisha_posner:
I have always been pretty healthy, although I did smoke for years, and I
wasn't as careful with my food or exercise. When I found out I was
menopausal, I was about 15 pounds heavier than now and about twice the body
fat — that weight loss came as a bonus of the rest of my program!
TerryWC: From Chloe and others: Do you take calcium, if so, how much, and
does it help with hot flashes?
Guest_trisha_posner:
I never found the calcium to help with hot flashes, but it is critical since
menopause really causes us to start losing bone mass. I am not a dairy eater
(can't stand it) so for me it was critical. I was taking 600 milligrams a
day, and then upped it to 1,200; don't go over 1,500 as it can lead to
kidney stones.
TerryWC:
What about chronic infections? Bladder? Bacterial?
Guest_trisha_posner:
We all have different problems and symptoms and fortunately for me, this was
not something I had — but I do know that drinking TONS of water, and having
some cranberry juice, is supposed to help.
TerryWC:
Do you walk for exercise, and if so, how long?
Guest_trisha_posner:
I go to a gym, and also have a chapter on what I eat, and another on
exercise. I try to get to the gym between three and five times a week. I do
a treadmill for up to 45 minutes, or split it with a stepping machine.
TerryWC:
Ok, how about decreased libido?
Guest_trisha_posner:
Yes, I do talk about this in the book — there was a stretch of time when I
just couldn't be bothered (my patient husband!). It went finally, and I
don't have a specific remedy that did the trick but I think it was a combo
of my whole new regime. Some specific supplements that helped I believe were
extra B6 (which helps get the libido going) and sarsaparilla, which
stimulates some testosterone and boosts the interest.
TerryWC:
Can I take too much of a vitamin/mineral or supplement? How do I know the
optimal amount to take?
Guest_trisha_posner:
I always take low doses. I think you can do harm with too much. Just because
a vitamin is good for you doesn't mean the more you use the better it is.
TerryWC:
How important is diet and lifestyle in dealing with menopause and beyond?
Guest_trisha_posner:
VERY important! I had to get my act together on this. I talk about how I
have reduced my carbs and upped my protein — it worked for me — and exercise
is key.
TerryWC:
Would you talk about sugar, calcium and caffeine and soft drinks?
Guest_trisha_posner:
I do talk about these in the book — maintaining a steady blood sugar level
is important, especially in menopause. I say you should keep sugar down, and
also sodium.
TerryWC:
What about anxiety? What is it really? I find I've become obsessed with
certain negative thoughts that I just can't let go of.
Guest_trisha_posner:
I never had depression until I started to have it early on with menopause. I
found that it slowly lifted as my program kicked in and I started to feel I
was back in control of my life as opposed to having a doctor take it from me
by saying I had no choice but hormones. Some supplements that help include
ginseng, choline, ginkgo biloba. Exercise helps release brain endorphins
that calm you.
TerryWC:
At what age do we normally start menopause?
Guest_trisha_posner:
50 is the average, but remember, menopause is officially one year after your
last period. Meaning the several-year period when hormones are going wacky
(and we call perimenopause) is really the aggravating part. It can be a
three- to 10-year process, so some people start about 40 — I started at 43
with real symptoms.
TerryWC:
If your mother and sister had it early is there more of a chance to get it
early too?
Guest_trisha_posner:
Most researchers say you follow very much the pattern set by your mother or
older sisters — but also I think that we live our lives differently, a lot
more stress, a lot faster, so that means we have more to deal with in some
ways. I also think where you are in your life at the time you enter
menopause has much to do with how you handle it.
TerryWC:
What helps to get through menopause?
Guest_trisha_posner:
For me, it was realizing I had choices. Whether you decide to do hormones or
go natural, just do some research and don't let a doctor dictate such an
important choice to you. Also, I viewed it as freedom and a new beginning;
for me it is a natural change that I looked forward to as the next stage to
a better part of my life!
TerryWC:
How about perimenopause?
Guest_trisha_posner:
The symptoms of perimenopause are the most aggravating. I wish I had the
information I have now — it would have been much easier! The doctor "said"
that I was in premenopause (just from my "symptoms"). I'm 48 and have been
somewhat down and feel a little "crazy." She put me on Premarin and
Wellbutrin. After five days I quit the Premarin because I was feeling even
worse. My doctor "confirmed" menopause by doing a blood test and seeing my
FSH levels were off the wall — they can vary, but it does help give you an
indicator. MANY women find they stop taking hormone prescriptions soon after
starting because of the side effects. Depression can be one of them (also
migraines, which I used to suffer from). I would like to mention that I was
still having my period when the doctor told me I was menopausal.
Greeneyes:
What are the symptoms of menopause?
Guest_trisha_posner:
That surprised me — but the symptoms vary, but can include hot flashes as
the most common. Others include lack of sexual desire, depression, dry hair
and skin, bloating stomach, dry eyes and inside, loss of bone mass and some
heart problems.
TerryWC:
What do you take to help with sleeplessness?
Guest_trisha_posner:
I didn't have night sweats (my hot flashes came when I was out and with
someone in public!) but I did take 3 mg of melatonin during a stretch when I
had some sleeping problem. Sleepy Time herbal tea helped, too. I avoided
prescription sleeping aids.
TerryWC:
What percentage fat, carbs and protein do you aim for on a daily basis?
Guest_trisha_posner:
I used to eat about 70 to 75 carbs. Now it is 50 carbs, about 30 protein and
20 fat.
I also turned my carbs from white to brown (brown rice, not white, brown
bread, whole wheat pasta if at all, etc.).
TerryWC:
Hot flashes are best described in which way? I seem to be hotter than most
people and my face will become very red and hot.
Guest_trisha_posner:
It felt like someone turned a furnace on, some uncontrollable internal
heater. When I experimented once with my supplements, I went off the vitamin
E at a Thanksgiving lunch at a friend's house and I ended up putting my head
in the freezer! I was always asking my husband, "Is it hot in here?"
TerryWC:
My skin and hair are dry as a bone. And let's not even talk about chin
hair!! Any tips?
Guest_trisha_posner:
Evening primrose oil really helps, also vitamin C, and if you really want to
get into supplements, you can try burdock root, red clover and echinacea,
also 25 milligrams a day of silica. Remember, girls, I am not a doctor, but
I tried all these things on my own and they do work. Also, I changed my face
creams to a thicker variety and also my hair products.
TerryWC:
Does your book give recommended supplement levels?
Guest_trisha_posner:
Yes, it has a chapter called "The Herb and Vitamin Shop" where I tell you
what the benefits and risks of each supplement is, what it works for and how
much to take.
TerryWC:
Can thyroid levels be affected?
Guest_trisha_posner:
Yes, thyroid can slow up in menopause — have your doctor check it. The
average woman gains up to 10 pounds through menopause — YECCCH! That is why
I changed the way I ate and started exercising — I did not like that idea!
TerryWC:
I wish it was only that! What does the word "menopause" mean to you now?
Guest_trisha_posner:
It means freedom and power! Rebirth. It was a time of enlightenment for me.
Girls, do NOT let doctors or others get you depressed about this natural
passage. There will be times when the symptoms get you down, but you will
get through it. And when you do, you will find yourself stronger for it. In
many Asian cultures, women past menopause are viewed as wiser and have
earned more respect.
Only in our age-obsessed culture is it taboo to talk about it. It is all
right for guys to talk about Viagra, but female celebs almost never talk
about menopause. I say we don't have enough role models — let's get over the
shame. This is a time of empowerment, so go for it!
TerryWC:
Do you use free weights in your workouts?
Guest_trisha_posner:
Yes, I use free weights. I didn't want to at first, but finally was
convinced that it was the best way to boost my bones. The side benefits were
that I lost the flab under my arms and that the extra muscle burned more
calories than fat and helped me lose weight (yippie!)
TerryWC:
How long a time with weights in your workout?
Guest_trisha_posner:
I have been working with weights for two years, and try to do it three to
four times a week, about 20 to 25 minutes. NOT heavy weights, just light,
and enough to tone different body parts.
TerryWC:
Do you have a tape or something else to help with knowing how to use the
free weights?
Guest_trisha_posner:
No. Lucky me, I had my husband, Gerald — he isn't a big bodybuilder or
anything, but he has worked out with weights for a while. I also watched
other people and learned from them and there are some good books like
beginning books for women that would be OK.
TerryWC:
Will I survive menopause or melt away?
Guest_trisha_posner:
You will SURVIVE big time! There will be moments that feel like the meltdown
is winning, but isn't life like that in general?
TerryWC:
I've had surgically induced menopause, can I ever stop the HRT (hormone
replacement therapy)?
Guest_trisha_posner:
That is a tough one, because a lot of people who enter early menopause have
to stay on HRT. Ask your doctor if you can slowly wean off of it and start
using some natural aids.
TerryWC:
What's your Web address?
Guest_trisha_posner: www.posner.com is
the Web site — please stop by for a visit, girls, and drop me some feedback!
TerryWC:
What's the most important thing you want to let women come away with from
this chat?
Guest_trisha_posner:
That menopause is a great phase of your life, because it gives you a chance
to find some freedom. Women often say they don't feel the same during
menopause, and I say that is right, they shouldn't, as they are different
people.
The anthropologist, Margaret Mead, called it post-menopausal zest. The
Indians call it dharma — I don't care what you call it, girls, but I know I
am living proof it is real.
Just remember, we all have to go through this if we live long enough, and we
all have it in common — so go out there, make some choices about your
health, and have a pleasant passage!
TerryWC:
On behalf of the women's community, WomenCentral and UnderWire, I would like
to thank you for joining us tonight!
Guest_trisha_posner:
Thanks for having me — good luck, girls!
TerryWC:
Reviews and purchases of
This Is Not Your Mother's Menopause: One Woman's Natural Journey Through
Change are available at Barnes and Noble Online.
Thanks so much, everyone, great