Menopause Metamorphosis

Fever or Menopause?

Q: Dear Susun and Colleagues:

I am 46 and perimenopausal. For the last 18-24 months, I have had up to 101 fever upon waking, with temperature spikes throughout the day up to 101 as well.

My doctor first told me this is a normal part of menopause, then withdrew that opinion. Are there other women out there who have run fevers with menopause? I am experiencing hot flashes, but have no problem with those.

Thanks for any input you may have.
C.

 

A: Hello C., I have not heard of fever with menopause, and even did a search at the forum for any mention of this, with no luck. If you could set aside the thermometer for a few days, how would you say you feel otherwise? Do you tend to hot flash around the times you are noticing the temperature change? I would wonder if you simply have a low grade infection. How long have you noticed the temps?

It is also possible this is normal, but without cause to no one thought to measure their temperature throughout the day. If it were me I would keep asking around as you are doing. I might also step up my focus on strengthening my immune system, just in case. You can read this article to see some ideas on Strengthening Your Immune System.

Wishing you the best, and some answers soon!

Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com

Sexual Vitality at Any Age!

Q: Hi Susan,

I am a 38 year old woman and would like some advise. Would you please recommend which herbs, vitamins or minerals I could try to regain the sexual interest I once had? My husband isn't very happy with the lack of what we used to have. Also, is this a common problem of pre-menopausal women?

Thanks, B.

 

A: Hello B., I am a student of Susun's and help with her correspondence. I have heard much from many women of many different ages, through this work answering correspondence, and elsewhere. It is my opinion that this is common among a majority of women - that they evolve and are not as they once were. And then that their partner is not happy with this, or at least this is how the women see it. It is my strong opinion that women change, it is part of our nature. This means that what we once found exciting and arousing changes. It means continually exploring what we trully want, then sharing this with our (hopefully supportive and understanding) partners, rather than assuming what used to be sexually interesting still should be. And yes, I have especially heard this of women beginning menopause or in the heart of the change. It seems it is a combination of things - women's needs changing, in part because of physical changes, wanting solitude as part of the change, and redefining what is an acceptable image in a culture that primarily wants young women, almost girls.

The one herb I have heard most recommended for those wanting to feel more passionate is Oatstraw (Avena sativa). Make an infusion of it an drink regularly (take one ounce of herb by weight, put into a quart jar, pour boiling water over to the top, cap and let sit at least four hours before straining to drink).

Here is a question and answer with Susun on the topic:

Question: I am 61 and have a very low libido and vaginal dryness. Is there anything for these conditions that you recommend?

Susun's Response:

Do you have my book on menopause? There is a chapter devoted to this. But you could also ask yourself if you have truly lost interest in sex or just in intercourse. My Rx for your problem would sound like this: first, you must have 7 orgasms a week whether you want them or not, preferably alone.

Second, you must not attempt intercourse until you have had at least one orgasm. Third, you must make a list of 100 sexual things to do besides intercourse. Infusion (not tea, not capsules, not tincture) of oatstraw is well known for increasing sexual desire. It is safe to drink as much as a quart a day for as long as you wish.

Most of the postmenopausal women I talk to are interested in sex, but don't much care for intercourse anymore. Certainly true for me. After some minor sulking, my sweetheart got with the new program and we are both happy with our intimacies now. Hope this helps you.

Green Blessings,
Susun Weed

And in the following excerpt from Susun's New Menopausal Years, she writes:

"Is this menopause?" you ponder, struggling to understand your new sexual preferences and appetites.

And here ...

Oatstraw is the grass of the plants that make oatmeal. It makes a mellow brew that strengthens the nerves and improves sexual functioning. It is a favorite with many women. It is considered as safe as oatmeal.

In this article on Nutrition, Susun writes:

Hundreds of different chemicals occur naturally in foodstuffs, many of which avert cancer, promote cardiovascular health, improve sexual functioning, enhance energy, and promote longevity. Primary among these chemicals, especially for women, is the class of compounds known as phytoestrogens.

Also, another book that may be of interest to you is Luna Yoga - Vital Fertility and Sexuality - "Wise woman secrets from many cultures help you take control of your fertility, increase your sexual pleasure, and relieve reproductive problems."

And finally one more idea - Seaweed!

Benefits from a wise woman alliance with seaweed- glossier hair, more luminous skin, less digestive distress, renewed energy and stamina, rekindled sexual desires, and reawakened delight in life- will be noticeable in about 13 weeks.

Daily use of seaweed provides optimum nourishment for the hormonal, lymphatic, urinary, and nervous systems. The hormonal system uses minerals and trace elements so richly available from seaweed to repair tissue, build new cells, and create hormones responsible for regulating blood pressure, metabolism, fertility, sexuality, and reaction to allergens, to name but a few.

I hope some of this helps! Please do let me know if I can help any further.

Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com