My Story by Susan Schenck

I went through menopause with so little fanfare that I couldn't believe what the big fuss was about. No hot flashes, no headaches, no sweat! Why? Because I was eating a raw food diet, no table salt, loads of greens. My blood tests proved I went through menopause. But even as the years went on (I'm 55 now), my blood tests confirmed I did not need any estrogen. I was getting plenty from the plants!

I have had only two symptoms: The first is a lowered sex drive (which gradually diminished starting at age 40). I find this freeing, but at times I do boost the testosterone with some maca (a natural herb, a root plant from Peru) or even testosterone bioidentical cream. The second symptom is a lack of sleep. What helps most with this is bioidentical progesterone pills. These ease the anxiety and mind chatter at night, helping me sleep soundly.

As for the weight gain: Yes, we women burn about 3000 calories per month less after menopause! This is because the menstrual cycle burns a lot of calories. This 3000 a month averages out to 100 a day. So you can just walk one mile a day extra! Or eat one less piece of fruit! If you don't compensate, those calories actually add up to TEN POUNDS of fat a YEAR! I have learned to compensate by counting calories and limiting myself to an average of 1600 a day. After menopause, not before, I regained my high school figure and ideal weight!

Bio:

Susan Schenck, LAc, is a raw food coach, lecturer, and author of the 2-time award winning book, The Live Food Factor, The Comprehensive Guide to the Ultimate Diet for Body, Mind, Spirit & Planet, which has gained a reputation as the encyclopedia of the raw food diet - as well as Beyond Broccoli, Creating a Biologically Balanced Diet When a Vegetarian Diet Doesn’t Work.Visit Susan online at http://www.livefoodfactor.com/