Menopause...The Symptoms and Relief

I know that so many of you ask yourselves the same question that I did... Menopause, really? I guess I always felt so young and vibrant. I still do, so then why does menopause make me feel like I've just aged? For me, I should have seen it coming, in fact, about 5 years ago it all started but like everything else in my life, it just took it's sweet old time arriving and has yet to exit the building. The hot flashes are horrible, although the girls at work laugh, and my dad thinks I am crazy. Like the Katy Perry song, I'm "Hot & Cold" all the time. One minute I'm under the covers and the next I am stripping my clothes off because it's hotter than hell in here. So what is menopause? It is simple...the onset of menopause signals the ending of a woman's reproductive cycle. I'm happy about that but really is all this crap necessary? Listen, I am going to be so glad to be rid of that...good ridden, but at the moment, my body is trying to understand what is happening to me. My mom and grandmothers went through it in their very early 40s. I didn't get so lucky. I guess my body is stubborn and is taking it's sweet old time. I am a very patient woman but this is pushing my buttons a bit.

Menopause actually begins after the women's last period. Guys if you don't understand this you might want to read up now because if you are in a relationship with a women experiencing this or if you are married to one you need to know that side effects so that you can run when her mind turns crazy! LOL... This event marks the culmination of several years of peri-menopausal changes during which hormones secreted by the ovaries (estrogen and progesterone) gradually decline. Peri- and menopausal symptoms vary considerably from person to person. Asians are known to have few to no symptoms other than irregular menses. Western women, however, have much higher incidences of body changes such as hot flashes, night sweats, reduced libido, forgetfulness, heart palpitations, loss of bladder control, frequent urination, and joint pains, to name a few. For some, these symptoms are like a "living hell." All women go through menopause. There is no escape for anyone. Once menopause arrives the body's internal production of estrogen and progesterone stops altogether for that woman.

 Women can no longer depend on their own body to produce these two hormones to protect themselves against osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. The result to their health can be devastating. The symptoms of menopause include night sweats, mood swings, depression, hot flashes, sagging breast, vaginal dryness, osteoporosis, fibrocystic lumps, night sweats, painful intercourse, and memory problem. Lucky for me it's just hot flashes and night sweats. It could be worse...I could have lost my sex drive. It's been so long since I've used it that if I did lose it, I'd be the last one to know. I think we're good in that department. The girls are still perky, and even if there were dryness, I brought enough lubricants home from the lingerie show in Las Vegas to keep the state of Ohio wet for days.

Let's get a bit technical now shall we: What exactly are the chemicals and what is going on with your body?

Progesterone is a biochemical precursor to estrogen. Progesterone cream alone is sufficient to restore estrogen balance and relief many of the symptoms. If after 3 months of progesterone cream, proper diet, nutritional supplementation of magnesium and B6 do not relive the symptoms, then low-dose natural estrogen may be considered. 2.5 mg of natural tri-estrogen cream (10% estrone, 10% estradiol, and 80% estriol) provides the equivalent action of 0.625-conjugated estrogen such as Premarin. Herbs like black cohosh have weak estrogenic effect and may be considered as well. Osteoporosis is the loss of bone density, leading to fractures. Post-menopausal women low in estrogen have a 25% chance of serious bone loss and fracture. The lifetime risk of hip fracture approaches 30% for those afflicted with osteoporosis, resulting in the loss of independent living. Many will die from their injuries. Estrogen increases pliability of blood vessels, lowers "bad" LDL-cholesterol, increases "good" HDL-cholesterol, and decreases platelet aggregation that leads to blood clots. These protective properties of estrogen result in pre-menopausal women having a lower risk of heart disease than either men, or post-menopausal women. Post-menopausal women are just as vulnerable to heart disease as men of the same age. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women over 45 years of age.

Estrogen actually is not a single hormone but a trio of hormones working together. The three components of estrogen are: estrone, estradial, and estriol. In healthy young women, the typical mix approximates 15/15/70 percent respectively. This is the combination worked out by Mother Nature to be optimum for human females. Out of the three components of estrogen, estrone and estradiol are pro-cancer, while estriol is anti-cancer. Synthetic estrogen such as Premarinâ contains the pro-cancer components of estrogen (estrone and estradiol) in higher proportions compared to estriol. Progesterone is made from pregnenolone, which in turn comes from cholesterol. Production occurs at several places. In the women, it is primarily made in the ovaries just before ovulation and increasing rapidly after ovulation. Functionally, progesterone acts as an antagonist (opposite to) to estrogen. For example, estrogen stimulates breast cysts while progesterone protects against breast cysts. Estrogen enhances salt and water retention while progesterone is a natural diuretic. Estrogen has been associated with breast and endometrial cancer, while progesterone has cancer preventive effect. 

If you are like me and you are suffering this, try to make the best of it...for this too shall pass. 

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Good Old Fashion Herbal Remedies Worth Trying...

 I get letters almost weekly from readers asking for herbal remedies for illness and ailments so I conjured up some of the finest around to share with you. I''m not at all a professional in the medical field, however, I wanted to do a segment with all of you regarding just what I learned. Maybe, just maybe one of these remedies will help you with your medical dilemma.

Arthritis (Rheumatoid) Some studies show that borage seed oil, along with anti-inflammatory painkillers, can reduce RA symptoms. These findings show reduced tender and swollen joints of RA after six weeks. Borage seed oil appears to be safe, but may cause soft stools, diarrhea, and bloating

 Studies show that omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil have an anti-inflammatory effect in the body. Several studies have shown that fish oil supplements may help reduce morning stiffness with RA. In addition, the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil help protect against heart disease. People with RA are at a higher risk of developing heart disease. Fish oil appears to be safe when used appropriately.Thunder god vine. A few studies have shown a decrease in pain and tender joints in people with RA taking this supplement. A large government-funded study is under way comparing thunder god vine with traditional medicine for rheumatoid arthritis.On another note; Some doctors believe acupuncture needles decrease pain by triggering pain-blocking chemicals called endorphins. Endorphins are known as the body's natural opioids. Other theories suggest that acupuncture may block pain signals.Magnets are commonly said to be a helpful alternative therapy for rheumatoid arthritis pain control. Found at most natural food stores, magnet therapies come in a variety of forms, such as bracelets, necklaces, inserts, pads, or disks.

 Hangover For this try two lemon wedges under the armpit for 30 minutes, Call me crazy, but folks, it works! If it doesn't boil broccoli and eat it warm. It has plenty of vitamins in it and it is sure to take the pain away...it won't be a miracle cure, but it helps.

 

Headache
No single treatment works for all headaches. Feverfew is probably the best known treatment. Some people try ingesting the leaves directly, causing mouth sores. The good news is that you can also brew a tea with two to eight fresh leaves steeping in boiling water. Do not boil the leaves however, as it breaks down the effectiveness. Pregnant women SHOULD NOT take Feverfew nor should women who are breast feeding.

Heartburn
Camomile is the best source for heartburn and stomach problems. Licorice might be a second choice, but take care. Too much Licorice will produce headache, lethargy, and a potential serious loss of potassium as well as the possibility of high blood pressure.

High Blood Pressure
Try vegetable soup. Yes, vegetable soup. Add any of the following: Celery, Garlic, Hawthorn, Kudzu, Onion, Tomato, Broccoli, Carrot, Purslane (any anything else that contains magnesium), Saffron, Valerian, Fennel, Oregano, Black Pepper, Basil and Tarragon. Consume on a regular basis. Eliminate pork, beef, and alcohol from your diet. Eat more plant foods and herbs and use a good vitamin regimen.

Indigestion
Create a tincture of:
A dash of Angelica, Anise, Camomile, Coriander, Fennel, Ginger, Rosemary and Turmeric along with two dashes of any mint herbs. Steep these herbs overnight in the refrigerator in a mixture of alcohol and water (one shot of vodka per cup of spring water). Drink as a tea or mix with juice. 

Insect Bites/Stings
Try using Citronnela Oil. Do not use without first diluting. Add several drops to vegetable oil and rub directly on your skin.

Insomnia
Lemon Balm is a sedative as well as a stomach soother. Try a tea made with two to four teaspoons of dried herb per cup of boiling water. 

Menopause
This is a real thorn in my side. If you are experiencing this wonderful joy of middle aged crazy like myself, read further; Black Cohosh is recommended for many “female complaints.” It contains estrogenic substances that relieve menopausal symptoms, especially hot flashes. Native American women knew to use it for childbirth and other gynecological problems. Try 2 parts Chasteberry, 1 part St. John’s Wort and 1 part Life Root. To 5ml of tincture taken three times a day.

Motion Sickness and Nausea
Raspberry leaf tea, used for morning sickness is also a good treatment for motion sickness. Ginger is another treatment for motion sickness. Munch it or buy Ginger capsules at the health food store.

Psoriasis
Folk healers have recommended rubbing mashed Avocado on psoriasis patches. If nothing else, it is cool and soothing.

Shingles
Try using a mixed mint tea. Use lots of Lemon Balm plus any other mints you would like: Hyssop, Oregano, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage, Self Heal, Spearmint or Thyme. Add a little Licorice as well. Drink it, of course, but also try applying it directly to the rash.

Sinusitis
Create your favorite vegetable soup. Add heaping amounts of Garlic, Onions, Horseradish, Hot Pepper and Ginger. Enjoy the dish while feeling your sinuses open. If this doesn't clear your sinuses, you've got big problems!

Skin Problems
In addition to Aloe, the best known herb for skin treatment, try Evening Primrose Oil. Apply directly to the irritation. Should be available in your health food store.

Sore Throat
Slipper Elm capsules will do the trick for a raging sore throat. Just remember that it is probably a portent of a cold, flue or strep to come. Another treatment is a few teaspoons of crushed Eucalyptus leaves per cup of boiling water for a soothing tea.

Sunburn
Use wet teabags to apply to sunburned areas. Aloe applied to the affected areas is always a good recommendation. Calendula speeds the healing of burns. You can probably find commercial creams that contain Calendula at your health food store. 

Swelling
One of the active components in Ginger is Zingibain. One gram of Zingibain can tenderize as much as 20 pounds of meat. The most pleasant method of ingesting Ginger is to eat Ginger candy. Pineapple is also known to contribute to the reduction of swelling. Tastes good too! Dandelion is a potent diuretic and can remove some of the excess fluid that causes swelling. You can also purchase capsules.

 Yeast Infections
Mix two to three drops of Tea Tree Oil in a tablespoon of yogurt. Soak a tampon in the mixture. Insert the tampon at night for up to six nights. Care must be taken when using any plant extracts. They are extremely concentrated and even in small doses can cause harm.

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Mood Swings + Hot Flashes = Menopause

There has never been a word in my life that I disliked as much since the word cancer and then came Menopause! It really knows how to through a monkey wrench into our lives when things finally are beginning to get back to normal. To any man that says he wishes he were a woman because our lives are "so much easier" I say this; bring it on sweetheart! Men have no idea what we go through. Every woman's body is different and there are times that we don't know whats going on inside of us, so how on earth could a man know? Oh sure they show signs of empathy for us, or make wisecracks or comments under their breath...but those are the times that I look that a man and just want to nail his balls to a tree. From one day to the next (especially when you are going through menopause) we wonder what next? What else is our body going to do and when will we ever feel normal again? 

My mother and her mother finished menopause by age 42. So what the heck is going on with my body? Why am I suffering through this now, and for that matter why does any woman have to suffer this? At 48 when you wake up out of a sound sleep to sweat buckets pouring off you and find yourself racing to the freezer to get an icepack to bring back to bed with you simply to lower your body heat all which trying to get back to a normal sleep pattern just seems crazy,...but oh does it work. The ice pack lowers your body temperature quickly. So gals, if you or any woman you know is experiencing hot flashes ( I call them power surges) throughout the night and they are not 'hot spells' from hot sex, try this method.Theoretically these are called 'night sweats' I'd like to call them a REAL PAIN IN MY ASS! To side with men for just a moment here, I learned recently that a man who has had prostrate cancer can actually get hot flashes after having been on a particular drug or two for this disease. Those are the only men getting my sympathy at the moment.

I've spoken about this and even written an article or two in my past blogs, but what you're getting now is coming from a woman who has been up since 4am fighting the sweat and mood swings. One minute I'm happy, the next I'm in tears. Not always, just every now and then. To those of you who don't have a clue what I am trying to say, or wonder just what is a hot flash?

A hot flash is a momentary sensation of heat that may be accompanied by a red, flushed face and sweating. The cause of hot flashes is not known, but may be related to changes in circulation. Hot flashes occur when the blood vessels near the skin's surface dilate to cool. This produces the red, flushed look to the face. A woman may also perspire to cool down the body. In addition, some women experience a rapid heart rate or chills.Hot flashes accompanied with sweating can also occur at night. These are called night sweats and may interfere with your sleep, and my beauty sleep is crucial! A hot flush is a hot flash plus a visual appearance of redness in the face and neck. I can feel it coming on like fire ants under my skin. 

How Long Will I Have Hot Flashes?

The severity and duration of hot flashes varies among women going through menopause. Some women have hot flashes for a very short time during menopause. Other women may have hot flashes  at least to some degree for life. Generally, hot flashes are less severe as time passes. So then, on that happy note I told my kids  that if this gets much worse and I can't take this up and down, hot and cold (like the Katy Perry song) anymore to just take me out in the back yard and shoot me like Old Yeller and put me out of my misery once and for all. I feel like a million bucks and don't at all feel like I am 48. Nothing can get me down, but these darn hot flashes are enough to drive me crazy. 

 Did you know that hot flashes are sudden waves of heat that can start in the waist or chest and work their way to the neck and face and sometimes over the rest of the body. The upper body, from the chest to the scalp may begin to sweat profusely. You may also "flush," that is, become red as you flash.

Heart rate and skin blood flow increase, although internal body temperature may drop by as much as three or four degrees as the body struggles to correct the imbalance. After the flash, the body quickly becomes chilled as it struggles to regain its normal temperature. There's no real "average" when it comes to duration. Some flashes can last 15 to 30 seconds, while others from 3 to 6 minutes. Most women who've come through Power Surge have described theirs as approximately 5 minutes, This happened to me on more than one occasion, Several actually while I was out at the clubs hunting men with the girls and literally had to clear a booth or the floor to lie down because I got so overheated that I felt like I was going to pass out. Talk about an embarrassment and a half? It was like shooting myself in the foot so to speak....Then I have to ask myself"What may wouldn't want this?" I learned that the alcohol in my bloodstream was triggering these hot flashes as was stress, As a single mother of two having raised them and put them through college solo I felt that I deserved that title of Super Mom but my body was trying to tell me something.

I've gone ahead and done my own research and this is what I found about these nasty pests that take us from cold to hot in a matter of seconds;

Can I Prevent Hot Flashes?

While it may be impossible to completely avoid hot flashes during menopause, there are certain triggers that may bring them on more frequently or cause them to be more severe. To prevent hot flashes, avoid these triggers:

• Stress
• Caffeine
• Alcohol
• Spicy foods
• Tight clothing
• Heat
• Cigarette smoke
•   Marijuana
• 
  

Other things you can do to keep hot flashes at bay include:

• Stay cool. Keep your bedroom cool at night. Use fans during the day. Wear light layers of clothes with natural fibers such as cotton.
• Try deep, slow abdominal breathing (six to eight breaths per minute). Practice deep breathing for 15 minutes in the morning, 15 minutes in the evening and at the onset of hot flashes.
• Exercise daily. Walking, swimming, dancing, and bicycling are all good choices.
• Chill pillows; cooler pillows to lay head on at night might be helpful.

Talk to your doctor about taking short-term (less than five years) hormone replacement therapy or HRT. This treatment prevents hot flashes in many women. In addition, it can help other symptoms of menopause, including vaginal dryness and mood disorders. However, even short-term hormone therapy carries some risks, including blood clots and gallbladder inflammation. If HRT is not right for you, there are other treatments that may offer relief. These include both over-the-counter and prescription therapies. It is important to clear any new drugs (including over-the-counter) or supplements with your doctor before taking.

Nonprescription treatments include:

• Vitamin B complex
• Vitamin E
• Ginseng 
  
• Ibuprofen

Prescription treatments include:

• Catapres, Catapres-TTS, and Aldomet, blood pressure medications
• Birth control pills
• Antidepressants, such as Zoloft, Paxil, and Effexor
• Other hormones, such as Provera and Megace
• Neurontin, an anti-seizure drug

If you are experiencing what I have been going through for the past 5 or 6 years and only this past year has it become so much worse, then follow the above steps if you don't want to seek a physician's advice or if you have no health care coverage. We're all in this together gals and we need to stick together. Please comment on this article and share your hot flash story!

www.simplydeliciouslingerie.com

Menopause...Insomnia, Mood Swings, and Hot Flashes..

If you are middle aged and beginning to go through the change of life, you'll know exactly how I've felt now for the past few years. My questions is "Honestly, when does it end?" I'm up, I'm down, I'm happy, I'm sad, I'm comfy, then I gain 10-20 pounds,....really? Is this honestly necessary? Mother Nature is either not a woman at all or she is very disturbed in my opinion! Why on earth must we partake in this event?There’s nothing like a poor night’s sleep to make you feel less like yourself. Insomnia may be one complaint on a long list of many uncomfortable symptoms menopausal women endure, but lack of sleep is one symptom that can be particularly annoying. Menopausal women already have to deal with so many bodily changes that may leave them exhausted; not being able to get quality sleep adds insult to injury.

Menopausal women can experience any combination of forms of insomnia. There are nights where I walk the floors because I cannot sleep...Sound familiar? Some women aren’t able to fall asleep; other women fall asleep but then wake up at inopportune hours. Other women have no trouble falling asleep and staying asleep, but then wake up simply feeling as though they didn’t get enough rest. There are some menopausal women lucky enough to not experience any form of insomnia, because if there is one simple truth about menopause it’s that it is different for every woman.

Many are quick to blame the dropping estrogen levels for menopausal insomnia but there can be other culprits, some tied to estrogen levels and some not. Night sweats, which are a product of menopause, can be the cause of a woman not getting a restful night’s sleep. Restless leg syndrome can also be to blame for a poor night’s sleep. Another reason, which often goes unchecked, is a possible issue with depression or anxiety. After all, menopause can be a particularly stressful time in a woman’s life, and if she is unable to deal with all the emotions tied to this transitional period it may manifest itself into insomnia. Any feelings of depression or anxiety need to be discussed with a health care professional.

What can be done about menopausal insomnia? If the cause of insomnia cannot be pinpointed to something treatable (as in restless leg syndrome) then broader remedies may be employed. The old adage of establishing a sleep routine must be mentioned, because as simplistic as this sounds it may bring great relief to someone wrestling with sleeplessness. A good sleep routine involves not using your bed for reading or watching television, trying to go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day, and avoid drinks with caffeine in the evening. Caffeine can be tricky, as it oftentimes shows up in unexpected places. Chocolate has caffeine, as do some medications, so indulging in a piece of chocolate pie or popping a headache medicine may be sabotaging a good night’s sleep.

Sometimes a sleep routine isn’t enough. Relaxation techniques may be beneficial if the issue is a racing mind when trying to doze off. One classic example is systematically relaxing each part of the body, starting with the toes and ending all the way up to the top of the head. Many people find that they have fallen asleep before completing the entire exercise. Finding a way to shut off the day’s worries before attempting to sleep can help too, especially for those women who find that bedtime is the time when their minds start racing. Laying down to sleep in not the time to review the passing day, and it is certainly not the best time to think about all the things that need to be accomplished in the following day. A quiet mind is much more apt to welcome slumber than a busy mind. Do yoga or meditate. It works wonders!

If a sleep routine or relaxation techniques bring no relief then it may be time to head to the doctor’s office. If there is no underlying cause for the sleeping problems then the doctor may want to discuss the possibility of sleeping pills or herbal supplements designed to help prevent insomnia in menopausal women. Both of these remedies are common for menopausal women, and many are designed to work well with whatever other therapies are already being utilized. Take comfort in the fact that most menopausal symptoms, including insomnia, eventually fade away... Yes, I said eventually. When is it exactly that eventually is? I'll let you know when I discover it, but until then, you'll find me with layers of clothing and within minutes, or hours, stripping down to fewer layers. Better I've learned to keep your body temperature cooler than too warm. You can certainly add layers but taking them off can be a whole other story! Know that there is an end in sight...ladies, I just don't know what that is exactly. Until that time, use whatever method works best to get a good night’s sleep, dress apprepiately, and if all else fails remember layering is good. Count sheep, not the clock.

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Menopause and Weight Gain

Do You have the

Menopause Munchies?

After years of trying to get my body back to it's girlie figure, after the 2 childbirths which...btw, I used as an excuse for the increase of my thighs and ass until the kids went away to college. At that time they said to me "Mom...Seriously?" Ok, so I hit the treadmill, starting eating better and knocked off that 10 pounds but still had 12 to go...then I learned I had cancer, and although that made me sick a lot, the after effects of the steroids from chemo put some 28 pounds back on me. The weight gain for me didn't happen right away, about 4-6 months after the chemo I started noticing that my skirts and slacks were getting tighter...I couldn't understand this, so I went to get my thyroid checked and had my yearly physical. Those tests came back fine. My doctor said this was normal and it would take time to take off. Finally after the cancer coming back 4 times in the past 9 years I had the weight off (a year ago) and actually was able to go to the mall and buy a pair of khaki shorts in a size 6. I hadn't been in a size 6 since before I had the kids. I was in heaven! 3 months ago, I was under stress, was contemplating a relocation, was trying to operated 2 small businesses and make changes to them, to get ready for my plus size lingerie shop to launch in the fall this year. I had to get my son relocated to NYC after he graduated from college and was not feeling like myself at all. I found myself eating more, and more, and more,...and exercising less, and less and less. I was tired but had a lot of nervous energy...why? No idea? All I know is that my waistline/mid-section is getting bigger and expanding and I have what some women would call "love handles" I refer to them as  having more rolls than Mr Tootsie! What was I to do? I researched. Here is what I found: A drop in estrogen and progesterone can increase a woman´s appetite and cause her to eat up to 67% more, according to one study. An increase in appetite coupled with a slower metabolism with the onset of menopause can cause weight gain in women. This could, perhaps, account for the 12% jump in the number of women who are overweight in midlife compared to women in their 20s and 30s. Weight Gain During Menopause As women approach menopause they endure many symptoms but one that proves the most difficult for many women to accept is menopausal weight gain. Not only can a few extra pounds (or maybe more) ravage a woman´s self-esteem and self-image, but weight gain can usher in a host of health concerns that put a woman at risk of developing life-threatening conditions. About 90% of menopausal women experience some amount of weight gain. Although weight gain is a natural and common aspect of getting older, there are ways to reduce it. Women who are educated about this symptom are more likely to find ways around the typical spare-tire waist or extra inches here and there. Continue reading to learn more about weight gain, its causes, and treatment options. About Weight Gain Weight gain takes place when a woman increases her body mass, whether as a result of fat deposits, additional muscle tissue, or excess fluid. However, weight gain associated with menopause typically involves increased amounts of fat around the mid-section. On average, women gain between 12 to 15 pounds between the ages of 45 and 55, the stage in life when menopause typically occurs. This extra weight generally does not evenly distribute itself throughout a woman´s body. The weight tends instead to accumulate around the abdomen, and women often notice the shape of their bodies slowly lose their hour-glass figure and begin to take on a rounder shape. This body transformation is a typical aspect of weight gain during menopause. Oh,...shoot me now! Risks of Weight Gain Weight gain during menopause entails more than just aesthetic concerns. Although no one enjoys looking in the mirror and seeing a softer, plumper body looking back, weight gain can lead to very serious health conditions that transcend visual displeasure. Several diseases and other conditions can spawn as a result of a body burdened with excess pounds. Here is a list of conditions weight gain can lead to: • Heart disease, stroke. • High blood pressure. • Osteoarthritis. • Breast cancer. • High cholesterol. • Kidney disease. • Sleep apnea. • Insulin resistance (increasing   diabetes risks). • More severe menopausal symptoms. Causes of Weight Gain As years progress the metabolism slows; setting the physiological stage for weight gain. Although age itself can lead to plumped midsections, women approaching menopause have particular cause for concern. As a woman´s hormones fluctuate prior to menopause and preparing for a permanently reduced hormonal level, it is likely to experience weight gain. Ladies, sometimes it truly does suck being a woman....hot flashes, mood swings, eating out of control. I feel like I'm on a runaway train. My scale has hit higher numbers and I keep saying "OMG...Make It STOP!! That doesn't work, so I cry, and cry some more. If you can't find me look in my walk in closet, I'll be the woman, like my little sister that sits on the closet floor with her size 6 shorts and clothes crying "what's happened to me...with a cold slice of pizza in hand."  Share your experiences with others by posting on my comment section, please. It will help a lot of women more than you know. We aren't in this alone. I just want my old shape back! http://www.simplydeliciouslingerie.com/