I was recently invited by BlogHer and Replens Long-Lasting Vaginal Moisturizer* to take part in a Google Hangout. At first I didn’t know what a Hangout was, but I quickly learned it uses your computer’s camera to capture you on video, along with everyone else in the Hangout. You can see each other and have a conversation. In this case, a wonderfully lively and rich conversation.
The theme of the discussion was Enabling the Change.
What change, you ask? Oh, that thing we call Menopause.
I’m proud to say I’ve been through menopause and have emerged triumphant on the other side. I well remember the challenges of perimenopause and menopause: the mood swings, the hot flashes, the night sweats, the dryness… everything. Back in the day – for example, when my mother went through menopause – it wasn’t discussed as openly. Menopause was “The Change.” Spoken in a whisper. Just as when I was a teenager, a period was my “Time of the Month.” Now, we call it what it is and there is much more of an opportunity to discuss it frankly and openly.
In that vein, Replens wanted to create a place where we could have a conversation about this transition and the challenges and evolutions women face in their lifetime. Five bloggers took part in the conversation: Parri from Her Royal Thighness, Judi from A Baby Boomer Woman’s Life After 50, Laura from Simple and Serene Living, Shannon from The Woman Formerly Known as Beautiful, and me.
We were blessed to have Dr. Mary Jane Minkin on hand to answer our questions. Some information on Dr. Minkin:
Mary Jane Minkin, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. is a partner in the practice Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Menopause Physicians, P.C. in Connecticut, and is also Clinical Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at Yale University School of Medicine. She has written several books for women, focusing on reproductive health and menopause, including A Woman’s Guide to Sexual Health and A Woman’s Guide to Menopause and Perimenopause (Yale University Press, 2005). Dr. Minkin is also the women’s health advisor to Prevention Magazine.
Her qualifications speak for themselves. Let me also add that she was, and is, delightful. Funny, irreverent (in the best possible way,) frank, open, and honest, she was simply wonderful. I learned so much from her.
The bloggers involved were at different stages of the process, which led to a spirited, serious, yet laugh-filled discussion. How often do we bloggers get to meet and hear each other online? For me, it is a rarity, and I was completely enchanted by the whole process, from sound and video check the week before to the actual hangout.
The video is here for you to watch for yourselves. I think you’ll like it. I also think you’ll learn a lot.
I want to thank BlogHer and Replens for giving me the chance to take part in this terrific discussion. Ask my husband; I came downstairs after the Hangout and said, “I had the best time!” And I did.
Enjoy the conversation!
The opinions expressed in this video are those of the participants and are not those of Church & Dwight Co., Inc.
*Replens is the clinically tested, doctor recommended brand of long-lasting vaginal moisturizer. As with dry skin that you experience on your face and hands, regular moisturizing treatment with Replens Long-Lasting vaginal moisturizer may be necessary to prevent dryness from recurring. Replens Long-Lasting vaginal moisturizer is different from most other lotions or lubricants because it contains a patented bio-adhesive ingredient that allows it to attach to dry vaginal cells and deliver continuous moisture for up to three days. Click here to learn more.
You also have a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card! To enter for a chance to win, leave a comment below letting me know what changes have surprised you as you get older? What helps you enable the change?
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This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older (or nineteen (19) years of age or older in Alabama and Nebraska). Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 2 business days to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 5/18/15 – 7/31/15.
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