How to Keep your Sex Life Sizzlin' after 50!

I'm not ashamed to tell you that my husband makes me hotter than a hot flash! We share a healthy sex life because we share INTIMACY. That intimacy takes us beyond the bedroom and into each other's hearts and minds.

If you're trying to enhance or re-create the sexual magic in your relationship, here are a few tips:

Manage Your Menopause
Symptoms may begin up to 10 years before you reach the menopause at 50. As your body stops producing estrogen, your interest in sex naturally diminishes. Althought I'm NOT AN ADVOCATE of hormone replacement therapy, some doctors say hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be incredibly effective, helping to give your sex drive a boost as well as reducing symptoms such as hot flashes. There are lots of treatments, including sprays, creams and patches, so consult your doctor. Natural alternatives include the red clover and agnus castus supplements.

Banish Guilt
Just because you're 50 (or older) doesn't mean that you shouldn't want sex. Sex is a natural part of life. It connects the passion between a couple and there's no reason for you not to enhance and appreciate your sexuality.

Check Your Medication
Certain drugs are known to lower your libido, so it's worth checking out side effects. Culprits include medicines for heart disease, blood pressure, arthritis and high cholesterol, among others. Ask your doctor if there's an alternative you could try.

Test Your Hormones
Testosterone is important for sex drive in women and men, and a deficiency can lead to a dwindling interest.
Other symptoms include depression, fatigue, memory and concentration problems. See your doctor for blood tests.

There's no reason you shouldn't turn up the heat of passion in your relationship—even after 50.

Fabulously 50 and Happy!

I am having the time of my life! I never imagined that 50 years old could feel this good. After all, when I was a little girl the age of 50 seemed ancient and everyone I knew who was around that age acted like they had no more spunk left and was just waiting for the day when they could retire.

Well, no retirement for me anytime soon. Actually I don’t have a regular 9 to 5 to retire from but I consider that a blessing. I am not stressed out in a job where I’m underpaid and overworked and having to answer to someone young enough to be one of my children. I am doing what I love---writing and spreading positive messages about aging gracefully. “Enjoy the Journey!” I invite you to read why I'm so deliriously happy in my book Whatever! A Baby Boomer's Journey Into Middle Age.

OK, so I’ve gone up a couple of dress sizes and I have a little extra jiggle when I walk but I’m doing it with dignity and style and not trying to squeeze into a size 2 or 4 or 6 for that matter. Yes, menopause and its host of annoying symptoms have come knocking at my door, but you know what I say to that? WHATEVER!

My love life couldn’t be better. I have a wonderful NEW husband who makes me hotter than a hot flash! We just celebrated our one year anniversary and I look forward to many more years of making him as happy as he makes me. He truly is the wind beneath my wings---not like my first husband who blew a lot of hot air!

So ladies, my advice to you is to take every negative in your life and find a positive. Sure, you’ll have days when you don’t want to get out of bed and face the world---try facing God instead---and have Him give you that nudge you need.

One more thing: Keep on PUSH—ing (Pray Until Something Happens!)

Baby Boomer Ignites Fireworks Early in the Nation's Capital

With a declaration of “I’m still Hot…it just comes in Flashes now!” Baby Boomer Author Beverly Mahone tells women in the Washington, DC area to enjoy their menopause.

In a guest appearance on the Fox 5 Morning News Show today, the 50-year-old self-proclaimed baby boomer diva said women have nothing to be ashamed of when going through the change of life. “It’s all a part of the aging process and it should be embraced with dignity, grace and style,” she asserts. In addition, she believes it is important to encourage women to take hot flashes in stride and to work hard to improve their physical and mental health. “Complaining about what ails you isn’t going to accomplish anything but frustration,” says Ms. Mahone. “Instead, we must focus on the transition as another phase of our journey in life and celebrate the fact that we’ve come this far.”

Ms. Mahone’s visit to the Nation’s Capital is a part of a summer tour for her book, Whatever! A Baby Boomer’s Journey Into Middle Age. In addition to Washington, DC, she has also made stops in North Carolina, Maryland, Virginia and PA. She plans to visit several more states in the near future, including Atlanta and New York City.

Ms. Mahone says she is inspired by the attitudes of the women she’s met so far. “We’re finally starting to take menopause out of the closet. Back in the ‘60s James Brown had a song called “Say it Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud. Well, in 2007 I’m saying “Say it Loud, I’m Menopausal and Proud,” laughs Ms. Mahone.

Menopause Myth #5

Menopause leads to other deadly diseases.

First of all, menopause is NOT a disease. It is a natural occurrence in a woman's life. It is a part of the aging process.

Depending on how intense your menopausal symptoms are, you may want to seek some type of treatment. I don't advocate synthetic drugs but that's just me. I have found natural herbal supplements coupled with a diet rich in whole grains, vegetables and fruits work wonders for me.

What is important to remember is you should take good care of yourself by eating healthy and getting some exercise. When I exercise on a consistent basis, my hot flashes are kept to a minimum. Exercise is also a wonderful way to help you maintain a healthy weight. Excess fat CAN lead to other medical problems.

To learn more about how to enjoy your menopause and to learn how to live drama free with a dash of humor, why not pick up a copy of my book, "Whatever! A Baby Boomer's Journey Into Middle Age" available on Barnes and Noble.com and Amazon.com.

Menopause Myth #4

If you're under the age of 45, you're TOO YOUNG to be menopausal.

OH, SO WRONG!!!

It might be unusual for a woman to go through menopause before the age of 45 but it's definitely not impossible. There are women in their mid to late thirties who have been known to experience what is known as perimenopause. The symptoms include:

mood swings
depression
tension headaches
vaginal dryness
lack of sexual drive
inability to focus
night sweats
hot flashes
sleep problems
joint and muscle pain
irregular periods

There are actually 34 symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause.

If you're experiencing some of these symptoms, talk with your doctor. There is a test you can take to confirm whether or not you're going through the change. And don't accept medication as the end all answer for what ails you---especially if someone wants to give you anti-depressants.

For more information on how to enjoy your menopause, I invite you to purchase a copy of my book, Whatever! A Baby Boomer's Journey Into Middle Age available on Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com.

Let's enjoy this journey together!

Menopause Myth #3

There is a cure for Menopause.

No, there is NO CURE but there are measures you can take to ease some of the symptoms associated with menopause. For example, to relieve hot flashes cut back on spicy foods and alcohol. Since it's summer, wear lighter clothing. This also means wear brighter colors. Dark colors like black and brown draw heat and can make you even more uncomfortable.

Get up, get out and exercise and make sure you pump some iron. Also, it's equally important to maintain a healthy diet which should include lots of green vegetables and grains.

For more information on coping with menopause and other middle age issues, I encourage you to pick up a copy of my book: Whatever! A Baby Boomer's Journey Into Middle Age. It's available on amazon.com. and Barnes & Noble.com

Menopause Myth #2

MYTH #2

If you haven’t had a period in several months, you can go off the pill and assume you’re in menopause.

WRONG!

For many women, irregular periods may last several years. The best way to determine whether you have gone into full blown menopause is when you have gone one complete year (12 months) without having a menstrual cycle.

Going off the pill during your erratic periods is not a good idea because you may be vulnerable to getting pregnant.

I’m Taking my Hot Flashes on Tour!

This week I'm kicking off my summer book tour with "Whatever! A Baby Boomer's Journey Into Middle Age." Tagging along with me will be the seven dwarfs of menopause (along with some of their annoying cousins). I'd love to leave them at home with my husband but, just like me, he's had to endure them and, bless his heart, they've been harder on him sometimes than on me. So I'm packing them up and taking them with me. Oh what fun this should be...me, and hot flashes, having one HOT time!

On Wednesday, I'll be doing an interview on Fox 8 in High Point, NC and Thursday, I'll be in Charlotte on Fox 18 "Fox News Rising"...followed by a book signing ay Park Road Books. If you're in the area, please stop by and say hello...and drop off some of your own hot flashes!

And to top it all off I'll be turning the big 5-0 on June 21!