The Magic of Menopause by Lorraine Miano is my October Book Club Pick!
Do you remember hearing about menopause when you were little? When I was young, I remember my Mom talking about “The Curse” and how it made women go crazy. I thought once I turned a certain age I’d turn into the wicked witch from The Wizard of Oz or Regan from The Exorcist. Would my head spin around in circles? Would I get warts?
I was happy to see that my Mom never grew warts or went crazy. Unfortunately due to health problems she had a hysterectomy in her 30’s. The doctor left one ovary, so she was spared the task of taking HRT. I too had a hysterectomy at a young age, in my late 20’s to be exact. No one could have prepared me for menopause. From the moment I woke up from surgery, I begged the nurse to turn on the air because I was sweating and it was SO HOT! Little did I know, that was just the beginning. I took HRT for a few years and then stopped because of the side effects. Even though I haven’t had a menstrual cycle in over 15 years, I still encounter the effects of menopause.
Midlife and Menopause seem to go hand and hand. It’s hard enough that midlife women are going through life changes, but we must also contend with body betrayal? There are hundreds of books on this subject. Some of the books that I’ve read were written so rigidly, and I couldn’t finish them.
A few months ago I was contacted by author Lorraine Miano, who wanted to send me a copy of her book The Magic of Menopause “The Holistic Guide to Get Your Happy Back!” I loved the title and couldn’t wait to dive in. Lorraine covers a range of topics; stress and anxiety, those damn hot flashes, sex & sleep, and the importance of detoxing. Reading The Magic of Menopause is like having a conversation with a good friend. Lorraine’s style of writing is inviting and engaging. She discusses her thoughts on becoming a Grandma at 48, deciding to live healthily, and not let the effects of menopause rule her life. I especially liked the chapter for those that have had or will have a hysterectomy. Lorraine is an Integrative Health Coach, which gives her credibility and knowledge of this topic.
I had the chance to ask Lorraine a few questions about her journey as an author. Here is our interview:
Q: Lorraine, tell us about your background:
A: I have been married to the love of my life, Richard, for 38 years. Together we have raised three children: Nick, Jackie, and Marissa. They each have been fortunate to find and marry their true loves…and between them have given us the gift of 5 grandbabies so far! I am a graduate of the Institute of Integrative Nutrition based in New York City. Through comprehensive training, I have studied more than 100 dietary theories, practical lifestyle management techniques, and innovative coaching. I’m certified as an Integrative Health Coach, and recently I also became certified in hormone health from IIN. An Integrative Health Coach is a supportive mentor and wellness authority helping clients feel their best through food & lifestyle changes by tailoring individualized wellness programs to meet their clients’ needs. As an Integrative Health Coach, I discovered my passion of offering menopause support and resources to women in all phases of menopause through health coaching, proper nutrition, and preventive lifestyle choices. I want women to know that menopause can be magical. It is not an ending. It is a new beginning.
Q: Why did you decide to write The Magic of Menopause? Why did you choose this topic?
A: My passion for guiding and supporting women led me to write my first book, The Magic of Menopause: A Holistic Guide to Get Your Happy Back! I chose this topic, as I am one of those menopausal women who was finding it hard to find the resources I needed to approach this time of my life from a holistic standpoint.
Q: What was your process for writing this book?
A: I’ve always considered myself a writer, and have written many unpublished pieces of fiction over the years (I plan on pursuing this type of writing again!). I was introduced to a book writing course while at IIN, which was 6 months long. It was during that time that I actually wrote and finished my book. I felt the structure and guidance I received from the lecturers and teachers encouraged me to stay on track and complete my MS. They offered a contest for the 10 Best Books completed during this process as an incentive. I was fortunate to win one of the Top 10 Best Book Awards. During the process of writing the book, I did intensive research on holistic and medical studies done on menopause and perimenopause. I called upon my education and knowledge as a health coach as well as interviewed many women who shared their experiences with me. As someone who enjoys narrative writing, I wanted to include stories that were engaging and entertaining as well. I included my own personal stories of my childhood, my grandmothers and an especially emotional story of how I lost my closest friend, and the effect it had on my health. This book needed to be less clinical and more engaging. Included are journaling pages and easy to follow guidelines to live a sustainable healthy life…while reducing and/or eliminating menopausal symptoms.
Q: Why do you feel the “Holistic” approach to menopause is best?
A: When I became a health coach, I realized there is a real need for more books on the holistic approach to good health, especially with the increase in obesity, diabetes, chronic pain and opioid addiction. The medical world does not seem to be doing a good job. All women are different, and HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) may not be for everyone, especially if there is a family history of certain cancers. There is also an increased risk of blood clots from HRT. I encourage women to try the holistic route first. There are easy steps, as well as numerous supplements that can provide relief of menopausal symptoms, without causing unpleasant or even dangerous side effects.
Q: What does Midlife mean to you?
A: Midlife is a time to celebrate! It can be a new beginning….as an empty nester, a career change, retirement or a lifestyle change. With at least 40-50% of your life ahead of you, there is time to find a new passion, a new purpose, or even pursue some dreams you might have let go of in years gone by. I love to tell the women I meet, “It is never too late to be what you might have been” or as Lauren Bacall once said during her midlife, “I’m not a has-been. I’m a will-be!”
Q: Why do you think it is so difficult for women in Midlife to practice self-care?
A: Unfortunately women during their midlife often find it hard to practice self-love and self-care as they are conditioned to believe that this is being selfish. We often find ourselves catering to our spouses, our children and even our colleagues at work, and putting ourselves on the back burner. This results too frequently in health concerns stemming directly from the stress we put upon ourselves. This can be anything from weight gain, hormone imbalances, fatigue and insomnia to chronic pain, auto-immune diseases and cancer. We need to start showing ourselves some love! Learn to say “No” more often, go for a massage, take a hot bath, take a mental health day off from work if you need to, eat healthier, exercise…..be good to you! This is not a matter of being selfish, it is a matter of self-preservation. It’s ok to care for our loved ones. Thankfully we’re wired that way. Just remember, you need to take care of you too. “You can’t pour from an empty cup!”.
Q: Do you have plans for another book?
A: Yes! I am in the midst of writing a book proposal that was requested by two agents. It is centered on the family and the importance of family dinner time. It will be a fun read and guide to all things FAMILY! Healthy recipes, resources, games, stories, and so much more! Often you hear new parents say, “I wish that kids came with a manual” This book will be that manual!
I applaud Lorraine for taking a chance and making her dream of writing a book a reality. Her approach to teaching you how to live and enjoy this time of your life instead of suffering through it is so refreshing. I’m happy that I can support another woman on her Middle Years Journey, and I hope you do the same!
If you’d like to read more about The Magic of Menopause you can find it at your favorite bookseller locations.
Are you experiencing all things menopause? How are you adjusting? Have you tried the holistic approach?
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