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Pre Menopause Menopause Hot Flashes Menopause The

2006-12-18T12:22:00.000-08:00

Natural Remedy for Menopause - Anything on the Menu?

by Lyne Doxley

It�s dreaded by every woman beyond child-bearing years. Obviously there�s no cure. Menopause is an entirely natural process, like going through puberty when a woman develops breasts and begins her menstruation. Just as puberty reveals that a young woman is able to have children, menopause signifies the end of that part of a woman�s life cycle. Menopause is almost like puberty in reverse process.

Menopause�s arrival is made known it�s by the slowing and eventual ending of menstruation. Other signs are diminishment of breast size and density, and the body�s eradication of hormones linked with child bearing. It is accompanied by unpleasant symptoms such as vaginal dryness, hot flashes, insomnia, osteoporosis, night sweats, and erratic mood swings. Hormone replacement therapy, is often prescribed by gynecologists, however, the link of these medications to breast cancer is still the subject of debate.

So it is no wonder that today more and more women are choosing a natural remedy to ease the symptoms of menopause. One hundred years ago, women used Lydia Pinkham pills, a combination of vitamins and herbal substances, to make menopause easier. Today, if you reject take hormone replacement options, and after discussing with your physician, you may wish to try a natural remedy for menopause.

In traditional Indian medicine (Ayurveda), Shatavari is a particularly useful treatment as a natural menopause remedy for hot flashes. Since it is a natural diuretic, Ayurveda practitioners recommend that women who use it fortify potassium intake to avoid becoming dehydrated by drinking orange juice and eating bananas.

Chinese natural healing uses an herb called Dong Quai to treat women�s health issues such as menopause symptom, menstrual cramps, and premenstrual symptoms. Even though its effectiveness has not been confirmed by the FDA, many women find it helpful and recommend it to other menopausal women.

Black Cohosh Root is a particularly popular natural menopause remedy. This herb was used in the original Lydia Pinkham tablets during the turn of the century. It�s a general tonic for menopause, relieving hot flashes, irritability, headaches, vaginal dryness and insomnia. It has few, if any, side effects and is tolerated well by most.

Two important cautions about Black Cohosh Root: it should not be confused with Blue Cohosh, a potentially harmful root that has no relation to Black Cohosh. Herbalists recommend that Black Cohosh Root be taken continuously for only six months.

Another favorite natural menopause remedy is Soy Isoflavones. This is a substance derived from soy beans and their by-products tofu and soy milk. Soy acts like a mild natural form of estrogen. It is found particularly useful by women who choose not to use prescription hormone replacement. Herbalists recommend eating soy-containing food rather than taking soy pills or capsules. Soy Isoflavones should not be used if you have a history of breast cancer.

Like Black Cohosh Root, Red Clover is a favorite herb for natural menopause remedy. Red Clover is particularly helpful for easing hot flashes. It may also lower cholesterol levels in post-menopausal women. As a mild form of estrogen, it should not be used by women who have a history or are at risk for breast cancer. Nor should it be combined with blood-thinning medications like Warfarin.

Lastly, gaining ground as natural menopause remedies are alfalfa leaves and seeds. Further research is needed on these plants, but it�s been established that alfalfa has an effect on the body similar to estrogen. Those with diabetes or an autoimmune disease such as fibromyalgia or lupus should avoid using alfalfa.

Natural menopause remedies are generally safe and non-toxic if used correctly and with the precautions noted. They are available in many major supermarkets, in natural health and food stores, and of course, on-line.

Was the information in this article helpful to you? For more in depth information on menopause natural remedies, subscribe to this free newsletter, or download this report.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lyne_Doxley

Pre Menopause And Nervous Breakdown

2006-12-18T10:48:00.000-08:00

Signs and Symptoms of Menopause - Top 12 Menopause Symptoms

by Olinda Rola

Are there signs and symptoms of menopause? Absolutely! It is a logical question to ask with millions of women experiencing one or more of the signs and symptoms of menopause at this very moment! The so-called 'change' will happen, but experiencing many of the symptoms of menopause as early as ages 30's or 40's is not normal.

Some of the signs listed below are subtle and may appear to have little relationship to being menopause symptoms. Here is a list of common signs and symptoms of menopause:

1 - Allergy symptoms

2 - Chronic fatigue and morning sluggishness

3 - Craving sweets, caffeine, carbohydrates with unstable blood sugar levels

4 - Depression, anxiety and mood swings

5 - Endometriosis

6 - Facial hair growth

7 - Hair loss, thinning hair

8 - Low metabolism

9 - Symptoms of low thyroid with normal T3 and T4 levels

10 - Urinary tract and yeast infections

11 - Uterine fibroids

12 - Water retention, unexplained weight gain especially in hips, waist and stomach

Menopause is not a disease. Menopause is a normal natural process for a woman whereby there will be a slowing and eventually a shutdown of the reproductive system. However, the problem is that many of the signs and symptoms of menopause indicate hormonal imbalance exists and there can have been damage to the body from eating poorly, stress and obesity. With the average age of menopause being about 51 in the USA, many women in the USA and industrialized countries experience one or more of these signs and symptoms of menopause many years earlier.

In the normal menstrual cycle, estrogen is the main hormone produced for the first 10-12 days following the previous menstrual flow. If ovulation occurs, the female body then produces progesterone which continues for the next 12 days or so. If there is no pregnancy, progesterone and estrogen levels both drop at around day 28 and menstruation begins. However, if there is no ovulation, progesterone will not be produced that month. This event is called an annovulatory cycle and is a typical occurrence today for women in their 30's and 40's. The result is that the woman then has an excess of estrogen and a deficiency of the vital hormone progesterone.

Many women in their 30's and 40's are actually having fewer ovulations, creating hormone imbalance and the signs and symptoms of menopause. And when ovulation ceases at menopause, progesterone levels fall to nearly zero. At the same time, estrogen is still being produced at perhaps 50% of the premenopause levels, again leading to hormone imbalance and the resulting signs and symptoms of menopause. If the woman has had a hysterectomy, surgical menopause means the woman no longer ovulates and produces progesterone.

Besides the signs and symptoms of menopause caused by missed ovulations or hysterectomy, excess estrogen is obtained every day from other sources. Examples are birth control pills, household chemicals and pesticides, foods that have been sprayed and construction materials.

How can a woman tell if the signs and symptoms of menopause are hormone imbalance related? One way is to take an online test for hormone health and related symptoms. The health test is used daily in a leading women's health clinic, it takes just a few minutes online and it's free.

Learn as much as you can about natural progesterone and estrogen supplementation and physician-recommended natural treatments for dealing with hormone imbalance and the symptoms of menopause.

Copyright 2006 InfoSearch Publishing

Besides symptoms listed above, read more about additional menopause symptoms and take the online womens hormone health test. Olinda Rola is President of InfoSearch Publishing and webmaster of http://www.safemenopausesolutions.com - a website of natural health articles for women of all ages.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Olinda_Rola

Hives During Pre Menopause

2006-12-18T06:22:00.000-08:00

Facts About Zoloft And Hot Flashes

by Patsy Hamilton

Medical researchers have conducted a few studies concerning Zoloft and hot flashes. A few more studies have been done concerning Paxil and hot flashes. Twice as many published studies have focused on black cohosh and hot flashes and there are even more concerning this herb and other symptoms related to menopause. Why so many studies?

Traditional herbal remedies are often the subject of scientific scrutiny, because modern medicine would like to either �prove� or �disprove� their effectiveness. They would also like to know �why� botanical remedies are effective; so, many studies revolve around isolating the active component.

Researchers began studying antidepressants like Zoloft and hot flashes in 2002, around the same time that the Women�s Health Initiative released conclusions concerning the long-term health risks associated with hormone replacement therapy. Research concerning Paxil and hot flashes prior to 2002 focused on breast cancer survivors who are unable to use estrogen replacement therapy.

Scientists and researchers are unable to explain why these drugs may be effective, or even why they would be considered for use. It is likely that they were prescribed to women who were suffering from depression, which sometimes accompanies menopause. These women may have reported a reduction in hot flashes, leading doctors to suggest that they might be useful for controlling hot flashes.

Both Zoloft and Paxil belong to a group of drugs known as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor or SSRI. These drugs are approved by the FDA to treat depression and some are approved for the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder. They are not approved by the FDA to treat hot flashes, other symptoms related to menopause, nor are they approved to treat PMS, but doctors often prescribe them for these purposes.

Even though they are not approved by the FDA to relieve hot flashes, both the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the North American Menopause Society recommend that women with moderate to severe, menopause related hot flashes should consider an SSRI, if they cannot or choose not to take hormone replacement therapy. Interestingly, a brochure released by the ACOG mentions that herbs and botanicals are not approved by the FDA, but they never mention that SSRI drugs are not approved by the FDA to treat menopausal symptoms.

One study concerning Paxil and hot flashes experienced by breast cancer survivors is similar to a more recent study concerning the use of black cohosh. (Black cohosh is an herb used traditionally by Native American healers and passed down from generation to generation for the relief of hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms.) As previously mentioned, women who have had breast cancer are unable to take estrogen replacement therapy, in fact they must take a drug that limits the effects of estrogen for several years following surgery. Even in women who are not near menopause, this drug causes severe hot flashes.

In the study of Paxil and hot flashes, the antidepressant was shown to reduce hot flash frequency by as much as 79%. Black cohosh was shown to reduce hot flash frequency by as much as 100%. Of the 90 women who participated in the black cohosh study, none reported adverse side effects and no one dropped out. Of the 30 women who participated in the study of Paxil and hot flashes, three (10%) dropped out because of drowsiness and one dropped out because of anxiety, a possible adverse reaction to Paxil.

Recently research was conducted by the College of Medicine at the University of Arizona concerning Zoloft and hot flashes. A group of women aged 40-65, currently suffering from hot flashes, but not taking hormone replacement therapy, were recruited. The researchers used a number called the �hot flash score�, which is equal to the number of hot flashes a woman experiences multiplied by the numerical expression of their severity, to evaluate the effectiveness of the SSRI over a four week period. A similar study concerning black cohosh and hot flashes was conducted by the Mayo Clinic.

In the study of Zoloft and hot flashes, the average number of hot flashes the women experienced per week was 45. In the black cohosh trial, the average was 8 per day or 56 per week. Zoloft reduced the frequency of hot flashes by 5 per week or 11%. Black cohosh reduced the frequency by 28 per week or 50% and reduced the average �hot flash score� by 56%.

In the study of Zoloft and hot flashes there was no significant reduction in severity, but in their concluding statement the researchers say that �sertraline (the generic name for Zoloft) reduced the number of hot flashes and improved the hot flash score relative to placebo and may be an acceptable alternative treatment for women experiencing hot flashes�. So, these researchers believe that an 11% reduction in the hot flash score represents an effective alternative treatment. Numerous studies have shown that treatment with placebo can reduce hot flashes by 20-40%.

In the Zoloft and hot flashes study, 15 women dropped out, six because of adverse reactions to the drug, 9 without giving reason. None of the women dropped out of the black cohosh trial. No adverse events or unwanted side effects of any kind were reported. Women did note that their sleep improved, they were less tired and had less abnormal sweating.

The unwanted side effects related to the use of Zoloft include sleep disorders, weakness, dizziness, tremors, confusion, nausea, vomiting, decreased sex drive and inability to achieve orgasm. It can induce mood swings. At least one study has shown that it increased the risk of suicide in seniors, as it does in teens and pre-teens. In fact, the FDA has released a public health warning which states that �anyone currently using Zoloft for any reason has a greater chance of exhibiting suicidal thoughts or behaviors, regardless of age.�

Worldwide, 20% of all patients in clinical trials relating to Paxil dropped out due to unwanted side effects. The side effects are similar to those of Zoloft. Both drugs can cause increased sweating, which makes it even harder to understand why researchers would conduct studies concerning Zoloft and hot flashes, Paxil and hot flashes or any other drug that can cause increased sweating, since increased sweating is what frustrates women most about hot flashes and night sweats.

Over the years, hundreds and hundreds of studies have been conducted concerning the safety of black cohosh. No one knows how long native healers have used the herb. The only known side effect is stomach ache and this is an infrequent complaint. Recent scientific evaluations have shown that it does not increase the risk of breast or endometrial cancer. So, it is unclear why medical practitioners and societies would recommend something with as many side effects as Zoloft and Paxil, when there is a safer and more effective treatment.

If you would like to read more published research concerning Zoloft and hot flashes or Paxil and hot flashes, you can visit PubMed, a service of the National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of health. Just type the phrases into the search box.

If you would like more information about black cohosh and other dietary supplements that can relieve hot flashes safely, please visit the Menopause and PMS Guide.

Patsy Hamilton was a healthcare professional for over twenty years before becoming a freelance writer. Currently she writes informational articles for the Menopause and PMS Guide. Visit http://www.menopause-and-pms-guide.com to learn more about menopause, PMS and natural remedies.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patsy_Hamilton

Pre Menopause Hair Growth

2006-12-18T03:22:00.000-08:00

Why Highlight a Mistake With Estrogen?

by Patricia Little

No articles about menopause would be complete without a simple and critical comment on the growing views of estrogen. Certainly the level is much lower at menopause than earlier but very few of us would choose to organize a birth now. The amount of articles, doses, testimonies and programs promoting estrogen has been gigantic. This however does not mean that it must be undertaken by every lady at this time of life.

Doctored doses are possible if necessary but a naturally lowering commodity in a traditional body. These prescribed doses are far better ignored at this stage in life and the quality time left spent getting better for what�s left.

Menopause has been occurring for quite a few years now and even our expected time frame is increasing. Bodies have a traditional construction and obviously this dosage has the possibility to make an impact but other non-estrogen dependant departments would be put out of the natural time frame.

Common sense would suggest we spend the remainder of what�s left concentrating on the lessons we�ve learnt, the skills achieved, the friendships made and the God-given requirements rather than wasting a precious commodity holding on to what will be gone shortly.. After all more people are likely to remember if a mistake is made and unusual beauty has been of prime importance..

Copyright 2006 Patricia Little

Patricia Little is a writer and the editor of a re-released classic ebook- it will show you how to get the best of health and wealth out of all your future years. For more go to ==> http://www.Young-at-Sixty.com.

Remarkable "How I Became Young at Sixty" brings renewed vigor to your body, and hope to your mind. You Can Get your Free ebook "How I Became Young at Sixty" by going to http://www.Young-at-Sixty.com/get-your-f-r-e-e-ebook.htm

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patricia_Little

Menopause The Play Pre Menopause Pre Menopause Men

2006-12-17T12:22:00.001-08:00

Menopause and Yeast Infections

by Cathy Taylor

Caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans, a fungus, yeast infections are the most common of all vaginal infections. Yeast infections are not sexually transmitted and are often caused by menopause. Of all vaginal infections, yeast infections are one of the main symptoms of menopause, caused by the fluctuating hormones leading to bacteria in the vagina going out of control. Baths, excess moisture in the vagina, or damp or tight clothes may lead to yeast infections. The signs of yeast infection during menopause, as well as otherwise, are: inflammation, continued itching and irritation, pain during intercourse, frequent urination, and a thick, white discharge from your vagina.

With the drop of estrogen levels during menopause, the walls of your vagina become thinner and weak. During intercourse, the walls become irritated, leaving tiny scars and scratches, enabling bacteria to thrive. Higher levels of estrogen, due to hormone replacement therapy (HRT), also increase the chance of yeast infections. Damp and moist vagina, due to increased vaginal discharge caused by higher levels of estrogen, is a great breeding ground for yeast and bacteria.

Menopause, Yeast Infections and Treatment

Yeast infections can be treated by OTC (Over-The-Counter) medication in the form of creams and suppositories. Before using these medications, it is always advisable to have a proper diagnosis of yeast infections. Trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection, and other types of vaginal infections have symptoms similar to yeast infections. This makes it imperative to confirm that you actually have yeast infection before starting medication. Although creams and suppositories are sold as OTC medications, you will need prescription for oral medicines.

Before resorting to strong medications, you could try the following alternate treatments for yeast infections:

� Tea Tree Oil: Seek professional advice before trying this treatment. Tea tree oil suppositories kill yeast infections present in the vagina.

� Yogurt: Many women suffering from yeast infections apply un-pasteurized yogurt, which contains lactobacillus acidophilus or 'good' bacteria, directly into the vagina. You could use a small spoon, a spatula or an old vaginal cream applicator, to apply yogurt at night for three to seven nights to restore the balance of bacteria in your vagina. You may need to put on a sanitary pad to avoid messiness.

Avoiding Yeast Infections

Yeast infections, unfortunately, tend to recur. To prevent recurrence, or to prevent having it in the first place, you could try the following:

� During shower, wash the vaginal area to keep it clean, and completely dry it before dressing.

� Cotton panties and pantyhose with a cotton crotch are preferable.
� Do not share towels.

� Undergarments should be washed in hot water and avoid using softeners.

� After a swim or a workout, change your clothes immediately.

� Do not use scented sanitary pads or tampons, and frequently change them.

� Avoid douching, using heavily scented soaps, perfumes and talcum powders.

� During sex, ensure your vagina is well lubricated, and use water-soluble lubricating jells.

� It is better to avoid sex, if it is painful.

Cathy Taylor is a marketing consultant with over 26 years experience. She specializes in internet marketing, strategy and plan development as well as management of communications nad public relations programs for small business sectors. She can be reached at Creative Communications; creative-com@cox.net or by vistiing http://www.everythingmenopause.com, http://www.everythingandropause.com, or http://www.howtoconquermenopause.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cathy_Taylor

Diet Medifast Supplement Egg Grapefruit Diet Pre Menopause

2006-12-17T12:22:00.000-08:00

Menopause Treatment

by Kevin Stith

Menopause is a normal part of a woman�s life, and as such requires no treatment. However, the symptoms a menopausal woman suffers may range from mild to debilitating. These symptoms may require some form of treatment.

Up until recently, hormone replacement therapy, in particular estrogen replacement therapy, was the cornerstone of menopause treatment. Estrogen reduces symptoms such as hot flashes, helps maintain bone strength to delay the onset of osteoporosis, and can reduce urinary incontinence. Sufficient estrogen levels in the body are also needed to keep cholesterol levels lower. However, despite these beneficial effects, recent research has shown that long-term hormone replacement therapy may actually be harmful, increasing the chance of serious complications such as heart attacks, strokes, certain types of breast cancer, dementia and gallstones.

Revised US Food and Drug Administration guidelines recommend that most women receive only short-term hormone replacement therapy. This short-term therapy is usually beneficial in reducing symptoms, without the attendant health risks long-term therapy poses. Only women who are considered to be at high risk for osteoporosis, a disease in which the bones become progressively weaker, may benefit from long-term hormone replacement therapy. Before starting any hormone replacement therapy, a woman should have a breast examination, and if thought necessary by her physician, a mammogram to rule out breast cancer.

Women with osteoporosis may be prescribed drugs such as biphosphonates to reduce bone loss. There are also a number of lifestyle changes a woman can make that may greatly improve her symptoms. These include stopping smoking, controlling alcohol intake, getting regular exercise, and eating a healthy diet, which become especially important as a woman gets older. These changes help maintain weight and reduce the risk of heart disease. Soy products are rich in plant estrogens, and are reported to reduce the intensity of hot flashes. Menopausal women have tried various forms of meditation with varying levels of success.

Although hormone replacement therapy is effective against distressing symptoms of menopause, recent research shows that it has serious side-effects. Therefore, alternative menopausal therapies are being developed, including new drugs to fight osteoporosis, changes in diet and lifestyle, and meditation.

Menopause provides detailed information about menopause, early menopause, male menopause, menopause and osteoporosis and more. Menopause is the sister site of Chronic Insomnia.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Stith

Hot Flashes Pre Menopause

2006-12-17T09:22:00.001-08:00

What Causes Hot Flashes? What Happens to My Body During a Hot Flash?
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Male "Menopause"...Is There Such a Thing?

by Ted Crawford

Yes, by all means, but it is technically called hypogonadism (low testosterone levels). Symptoms may vary, but most men will experience decreased libido (sexual desire) as well as erectile dysfunction, hot sweats, decrease in body hair, fatigue, or even depression. They also tend to lose muscle mass and gain weight due to increased subcutaneous fat.

Erectile dysfunction is a common complaint of male patients past the age of 50, and although it is most commonly caused by such problems as vascular insufficiency (decreased blood flow) to the penis which usually responds well to such medications as Viagra, Cialis, or Levitra, your physician should check for hypogonadism as a possible cause and also screen for cardiovascular disease as well as diabetes. Certain prescription medications can also lead to problems with both libido and sexual dysfunction; most notably certain anti-depressants and hypertensive medications.

Serum testosterone levels are at their highest between the ages of 20 to 30 and tend to progressively fall after age 40. If your testosterone levels come back low, your physician may wish to order a couple of other tests to determine the actual cause. There are other causes of low testosterone other than merely aging. If your testosterone level IS low and you are going to receive treatment, make sure that you are screened for prostate cancer. Your doctor should perform a digital rectal exam, order a PSA (prostate specific antigen) blood test, and your testicles should be examined for size, nodules and other abnormalities.

Topical testosterone gel is usually the preferred method of administering the hormone. Topical 1% testosterone is available as Androgel or Testim. The starting dosage is 5 gm a day and applied to dry skin of the abdomen, upper arm or shoulders. The gel should not be placed on the genitals! The area of skin should be allowed to dry and a shirt be worn during contact with children or women as it IS possible to transfer the medicine to the skin of another individual. The serum testosterone level should be determined again about two weeks after initiating treatment.

The administration of testosterone replacements have NOT been demonstrated to increase the incidence of prostate cancer, myocardial infarction, cardiovascular disease, or stroke. It can, however, elevate the PSA (prostate specific antigen) level.

Treament has come a long way over the past few years with the advent of the topical applications. Testosterone used to be given by intramuscular injection which was both painful and had to be given rather frequently because the levels of the medication would not last long in the blood stream. The topical applications tend to maintain an even level of medication at all times without the peaks and valleys caused by the old injections.

Testosterone replacement should improve libido, muscle mass, and well being. It can aggravate sleep apnea, cause mild acne, and gynecomastia (slight enlargement of the breasts), but NOT in everyone.

It can enable a male to feel much more vibrant, improve his sexual desire, ability, and performance, and make life a lot more enjoyable overall.

Copyright 2006 Ted Crawford

"Male "Menopause"...Is there such a thing?"==>http://www.babyboomersdoc.com.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ted_Crawford

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How Menopause Can Impact Your Relationship

by Kathryn Whittaker

Women tend to experience menopause between the ages of 45 and 55. The female body, no longer needing to maintain the reproductive system shuts it down. For some fortunate women the process is gradual � but for most it is akin to slamming a book shut. The body diminishes the production of progesterone and estrogen.

Some of you reading this may be wondering how this has anything to do with relationships. The reality of the situation is that women experiencing menopause can be subjected to a wide variety of troubling symptoms including: insomnia, loss of libido, changes in appetite, weight gain, depression, anger, mood swings, and hot flashes.

In terms of relationships it is not difficult to understand that some, if not all of these symptoms, can be detrimental to a healthy relationship. One minute you may be feeling fine and the next you might experience a bout of anger. While it is impossible to fashion a menopause-proof vest, your significant other will most likely have to deal with your fluctuating emotional state. True, he or she should be understanding, but dealing with mood swings can be difficult. Many women report not feeling like themselves. This can be difficult for your partner to deal with so it is important for there to be consideration on both sides.

In addition, many women go through a period of feeling undesirable, experiencing vaginal dryness, and a lack of sexual libido. This is normal but can also be difficult to deal with. The quality of a couple�s sexual relationship can be threatened.

There are a few ways to cope with the situation. An option is to see a mental health professional such as a counselor. You can either go alone or with your significant other. There are even some group therapy sessions that might be particularly helpful. The most important thing is that you get the help you need.

If you are having difficulty communicating out loud what you are going through with your partner you might want to try writing down what you are feeling. Since there are emotional side effects during menopause, simply writing down what you are feeling can be of tremendous benefit to both you and your partner.

Remember, getting through this tough time should not fall squarely on your shoulders. If you clearly explain what you are going through to your partner you should expect a demonstration of understanding.

If you are the significant other of a woman going through menopause and reading this know that you can help the situation by suggesting new ideas to take your relationship forward � sexually and otherwise. Maintaining a relationship through menopause can be a challenge. It takes dedication, love, support, trust, and honesty to allow the relationship to survive.

Menopause is a condition that all women must experience. The real decision you have to make is whether you are going to let the symptoms of menopause significantly change your life or are you going to work around them. Trust your partner to support you, and together, there is nothing the both of you can not do.

Kathryn Whittaker has an interest in Menopause. For further information on Menopause please visit http://www.natural-menopause-relief-secrets.com/menopause.html or http://www.natural-menopause-relief-secrets.com/blog/2006/09/27/how-menopause-can-impact-your-relationship/ .

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Pre Menopause Menopause And Post Menopause

2006-12-17T06:25:00.000-08:00

Detecting Menopause Through Testing

by Kathryn Whittaker

Menopause comes from two Greek words that mean �month� and �to end,� and the current medical definition of menopause means exactly the same: the absence of menstruation for twelve months. Menopause can occur between late thirties and late 50s, and not a single woman can avoid this period. Considering that menopause hits a woman in her most active life stage, it is not surprising that women want to prepare to menopause and avoid discomfort using a wide variety of convenient menopause tests.

Although menopause is a natural part of growing older, many women find menopause symptoms start interfering with their daily lives. Menopause symptoms include missed or heavy menstrual periods, hot sweating and flashes, mood changes, nervousness, insomnia and a general feeling of being "down". Due to hormonal changes a woman may add some weight or her hair may thin. Then, after the stopping of menstrual periods for a full twelve months, a woman enters menopause, and after twelve months a woman is post-menopausal. And while many women may experience mild discomfort, others may have moderate to severe health problems and may want to ease their symptoms.

Menopause symptoms can be relieved, if not avoided, by timely preparation. Menopause tests help women detect menopause in its early stage. Using menopause tests may be reasonable even for women in their 30s to determine when their ovarian function changes which may mean the slow shift into the perimenopause.

Such symptoms are irregular menstrual periods, hot flashes, insomnia, nervousness, decreased sexual desire, or night sweats may signal the approach of perimenopause or menopause, but they can also manifest a number of other disorders and conditions. For accurate results, menopause test employs a hormonal analysis.

The menopause test measures the presence of a hormone known as follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). This hormone is produced by woman�s pituitary gland. Follicle stimulating hormone levels increase temporarily each month to stimulate ovaries to produce eggs. When a woman enters menopause and ovaries stop working, her follicle stimulating hormone levels increase.

Applying urine to the wick of a menopause test kit activates menopause tests. If a woman�s hormonal level is higher than normal, it may signal that she is approaching menopause. However, this test will not show not if a woman definitely is in menopause or even in perimenopause. Menopause test may be influenced by oral or patch contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, or estrogen supplements that a woman has been taking before the test.

There are a number of traditional menopause tests that should be done in doctor�s office. Typically these tests require a sample of blood that is sent to an outside lab for examination. Results are normally available three to five days later. If the menopause test results show that the hormonal levels are increased above the norm, it is standard medical protocol to perform a second menopause test.

Today, menopause symptoms can be relieved using traditional or herbal therapy methods. If you are concerned about the symptoms of menopause talk to your doctor about a menopause test.

Kathryn writes articles on a number of different topics. For more information on Menopause please visit Menopause Guide and for additional articles on menopause and it's symptoms please click here.

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Late Period Pre Menopause

2006-12-17T06:22:00.000-08:00

Bone Health: What Works Now and What Looks Promising

by Thomas Incledon

Bone is living tissue that constantly undergoes remodeling - old bone is replaced by new bone. Osteoporosis is the most common human bone disease and is characterized by low bone mass or bone mineral density (BMD) and loss of bone tissue. Osteoporosis develops when bone that is lost is not replaced by new bone. This results in a decreased bone mass and the increased risk for fractures. The many common causes of osteoporosis range from lack of physical stress (exercise) on the bones, malnutrition, low hormone levels (ie estrogens, androgens, IGF-1), and old age. Secondary causes may be due to glucocorticoid therapy, where cortisol-like compounds, usually given to control inflammation, increase the rate of bone loss.

Osteoporosis was once viewed as a disease that primarily concerned older women due to decreasing levels of estrogen during the postmenopausal years. Estrogen causes increased osteoblastic (bone formation) activity and after menopause, minimal estrogen is secreted from the ovaries. However, since the recognition of The Female Athlete Triad, osteoporosis, osteopenia, and stress fractures are now a concern for much younger women. It is also evident that more and more men appear to be developing osteoporosis as well. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), 10 million people have osteoporosis and another 18 million have low bone mass, with the odds favoring that these people will also develop osteoporosis (1). This is very unfortunate because osteoporosis is largely preventable.

The NIH defines osteoporosis as a �skeletal disorder characterized by compromised bone strength predisposing to an increased risk of fracture.� A common mistake is to think of osteoporosis simply as the result of bone loss. For individuals that never reach optimal bone mass, osteoporosis may develop without substantial bone loss. For further reading on osteoporosis, the NIH Consensus Statement at (INSERT URL HERE) is an excellent place to start. This article will cover more recent developments, address some ongoing concerns, and offer some practical interpretations.

Exercise: What Do We Need To Do?

To improve the quality of their bones, people need specific exercise programs and directions on how to do the exercises. In the case of young female athletes who may be over-exercising, an appropriate recommendation may be to reduce their training volume. This article will assume that the individual is older and lack of exercise is the problem. It�s clear that not all exercise protocols are effective, so the focus will be on what has been proven in research and what is applicable today. There is a strong relationship between muscle mass, strength and bone density (2, 3). A simple interpretation is that in general, stronger people have stronger bones. In controlled studies where subjects were strength-trained, bone density also increased, thus lending support to cross-sectional studies (4, 5). Recent research using rats even suggests that resistance exercise may be more beneficial than aerobic training for stimulating bone formation (6). While there is no guarantee the same results will be found in people, animal studies do allow researchers to exert greater control over the study as well as study mechanisms that may be difficult to study in people. Unlike pharmacological and nutritional approaches, strength training can influence multiple risk factors for osteoporosis and other diseases by increasing strength, balance and muscle mass simultaneously.

Strength training or resistance exercise is not simply going to the gym and �pumping iron.� A properly designed program can address balance, flexibility, cardiovascular conditioning and agility. These are often overlooked fitness components that can easily be incorporated into a program. Programs are designed based upon what a client has available to them (equipment, location, etc) and what they can actually do (physical limitations, contraindications, personal goals, etc). In previous research elderly subjects lifted food items (ie soup cans, bags of potatoes, milk containers, etc) and improved their strength, muscle mass, bone density, body composition and mental outlook.

Research in the past had older subjects lift weights in a very slow and controlled fashion because of the fear that fast or explosive movements may harm them. Today things are approached very differently. One of the consequences of aging is that there is a decrease in function in faster twitch motor units and hence muscle fibers. Observations so far indicate that power-type training in the elderly may be very beneficial in multiple areas, including improved speed, a decrease in medications for blood pressure, blood glucose control, and decrease in depression. It�s easy to get depressed when you can�t move around.

A properly designed exercise program is preceded by a doctor�s approval and a physical assessment to determine the individual�s functional capacity, joint integrity, and muscular strength. For example if a subject has weak legs and is without joint problems, single legged squats to a bed or chair can work well. Initially the range of motion is limited, and with improvements in strength and balance, the range of motion is increased. The chair or bed provide a safety measure so the subject does not squat too deep too fast. Push-ups and straight leg sit-ups (on a bed or carpet with the lower back pushing down against the bed/carpet) are also very effective movements. Try to select movements that make balance difficult, use primarily body weight (or some fraction) as resistance, use full range of motion unless contraindicated, and emphasize the lifting phase at a one or two tempo (subject says �one� or �one-two� and tries to complete the movement at the same time), with the lowering phase usually about twice as long. The main point here is that we know resistance exercise works to increase or prevent loss of bone mass (with many other positive benefits), now let�s see how we can make it fun, yet appropriate for the people we work with.

Diet: What Can We Recommend?

Recommending an increased intake of dairy products along with some sunlight will work with some people, but usually not most elderly clients. Other dietary factors be bone saving. Fruit and vegetable intake has a positive relationship with bone density (7, 8). While there may be other explanations for these positive relationships, there is overwhelming evidence that supports their prudent recommendation. The standard recommendations apply - five to nine servings each day for adults, with lots of variety. Results of the Framingham Osteoporosis Study indicated that even after controlling for multiple factors, a lower protein intake increased bone loss (9).

Studies on rats indicate that high protein diets do not adversely affect bone turnover and in support of the Framingham Study, show that low protein intake lowers IGF-1 and induces IGF-1 resistance in osteoblasts (10, 11). Given that most elderly people consume insufficient protein, a low protein intake appears to be more of a concern than a high protein intake when it comes to preventing osteoporosis. While terms such as high and low are often used based upon the relative percentage of calories contributed to the diet from protein, this can be very misleading. A better strategy to determine the adequacy of protein intake is relative to body mass and activity pattern of the individual. The RDA for protein is .8 g/kg of body mass. However, strength training increases the upper recommendation to as high as 1.8 g/kg of body mass.

Soybeans and flaxseed (oil or meal) are excellent sources of phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens are plant chemicals that can modulate estrogen function. Many phytoestrogens have been implicated either indirectly or indirectly to have an impact on bone turnover. While there still isn�t enough evidence to say exactly how these foods may influence bone tissue, there is sufficient evidence to warrant recommending their consumption. Given the common problem that older people have of eating enough calories, the real trick is how to get this group to actually eat what may help them. For other groups, many people just don�t see the value in taking time to plan out and make all the healthy foods they know they should be eating. A practical example that has worked very well for some people is to make smoothies or some type of blended mixtures. A scoop of why protein mixed in with some frozen berries and flaxseed meal supplies lots of nutrients that can benefit bone. It is quick, convenient, can be stored for later consumption and transported to another location. For variety, switch between flaxseed oil and meal, use different fruits, and alternate between soy and whey proteins.

Supplementation: Do We Really Need Everything On The Market?

It�s clear that supplements (and drugs) can be effective when compared to a placebo. What is not so obvious is whether or not supplements to prevent bone loss work any better than eating a diet that provides similar nutrient values as in the supplements. Collectively most studies support the notion that if people get enough calcium, vitamin D, vitamin K, and boron from their diets and lead an active lifestyle, they will achieve and maintain healthy bone densities. The dilemma is that substantial portions of the population do not get the required amounts those nutrients. While counseling is often tried, this group is usually comprised of older adults who may have deeply established lifestyle patterns. Supplementation may be an appropriate recommendation as long as they remember to take the appropriate pills in the correct doses at the correct times.

Calcium is the most important specific nutrient for developing peak bone mass and preventing bone loss. Recommended intakes of calcium to prevent or treat osteoporosis are 1,000 - 1,500 mg per day for older adults. Calcium may displace or be displaced from being absorbed by other minerals. Calcium supplements should generally be taken at separate times from other mineral supplements or foods that contain minerals if one wants to maximize calcium absorption. They can be taken with juices and vitamins. Vitamin D is needed for optimal calcium absorption and has a recommended intake of 400-600 IUs per day. Vitamin D on its own has limited therapeutic value for people with normal vitamin D levels (12), but can increase bone density in people with depressed serum levels (13).

Since so much research has focused on calcium and vitamin D, other dietary constituents are often overlooked. Boron initially received attention for use as an intervention to treat and prevent arthritis. In parts of the world where boron intake are less than one milligram per day, arthritis incidence rates are 20-70%. In other places where boron intakes are three to ten milligrams per day, arthritis occurs in 10% or less of the population. A significant favorable response has been reported with 6 mg per day. The combination of 45 mg/d vitamin K2 and .75 micrograms of vitamin D3 increases bone density in post menopausal women with osteoporosis (14). Vitamin C is also correlated with increase bone density in postmenopausal women taking calcium and undergoing estrogen therapy (15). The supplement intake ranged from 100-5,000 mg/d with an average intake of 745 mg/d.

One supplement that has received lots of marketing attention is ipriflavone. Ipriflavone is a synthetic isoflavone sold over the counter. In some European countries it is considered to be one of the first and most effective treatment approaches to combating osteoporosis. Studies on ipriflavone however offer mixed results, with some indicating that it increases bone mineral density and others indicating that it does not. A recent study published in JAMA indicated that there was no effect on bone mineral density and that lymphocyte concentration decreased significantly (16).

Several companies have produced supplements marketed as anti-osteoporotic agents. Based upon the doses above, a supplement recipe for osteoporosis would consist of 1,000 - 1,500 mg/d of calcium, 400-600 IUs of vitamin D/d, 745 mg of vitamin C/d, 45 mg/d of vitamin K and 6 mg/d of boron. There is no research at this point in time that has examined the effects of simultaneously giving all of the above agents on bone density. Whether or not the combined use these supplements is more effective than some smaller combination is a matter of opinion. The most appropriate place to try this supplemention protocol is in clinical practice where a competent professional monitors patients. A greater concern is that individuals may self-prescribe these agents without monitoring and/or guidance from a competent professional.

Putting It Into Practice Today

One of the problems with research on preventing bone loss or increasing bone mineral density is that there are many variables to control for. Activity patterns can vary considerably and the results of a nutritional intervention may reflect the synergistic effects of nutrition plus exercise, even though only the nutritional component was carefully monitored. Another issue is that when bone mineral density has reached a certain critical point, significant interventions from a statistical perspective may mean little from a practical perspective. That is while the subject�s bone density increased, they may still fracture their bones at the same rate as before the study. This makes interpreting the results somewhat problematic.

A simple and prudent strategy is to get people to perform resistance exercise where balance is challenged (ie they work against gravity). The program should incorporate progression so as they get stronger, they will perform more challenging tasks. The diet should provide at least .8 g/kg body mass per day and not more than 1.8 g/kg per day if resistance training. It is generally understood that most nutrients can be obtained from the diet, however a substantial portion of the population has signs of low levels for one or more nutrients relating to bone health. While recommendations for lifestyle modifications are certainly warranted, compliance does not appear to be very high over the long-term. Supplementation of one or more of the following may be warranted: 1,000 - 1,500 mg/d of calcium, 400-600 IUs of vitamin D/d, 745 mg of vitamin C/d, 45 mg/d of vitamin K and 6 mg/d of boron. Ideally such strategies would occur under the guidance of a competent professional.

References

1. Anonymous, Osteoporosis prevention, diagnosis, and therapy. JAMA, 2001. 285(6): p. 785-95.

2. Huuskonen, J., et al., Determinants of bone mineral density in middle aged men: a population- based study. Osteoporos Int, 2000. 11(8): p. 702-8.

3. Proctor, D.N., et al., Relative influence of physical activity, muscle mass and strength on bone density. Osteoporos Int, 2000. 11(11): p. 944-52.

4. Kerr, D., et al., Resistance training over 2 years increases bone mass in calcium-replete postmenopausal women. J Bone Miner Res, 2001. 16(1): p. 175-81.

5. Ringsberg, K.A., et al., The impact of long-term moderate physical activity on functional performance, bone mineral density and fracture incidence in elderly women. Gerontology, 2001. 47(1): p. 15-20.

6. Notomi, T., et al., A comparison of resistance and aerobic training for mass, strength and turnover of bone in growing rats. Eur J Appl Physiol, 2000. 83(6): p. 469-74.

7. Tucker, K.L., et al., Potassium, magnesium, and fruit and vegetable intakes are associated with greater bone mineral density in elderly men and women. Am J Clin Nutr, 1999. 69(4): p. 727-36.

8. New, S.A., et al., Dietary influences on bone mass and bone metabolism: further evidence of a positive link between fruit and vegetable consumption and bone health? Am J Clin Nutr, 2000. 71(1): p. 142-51.

9. Hannan, M.T., et al., Effect of dietary protein on bone loss in elderly men and women: the Framingham Osteoporosis Study. J Bone Miner Res, 2000. 15(12): p. 2504-12.

10. Bourrin, S., et al., Dietary protein restriction lowers plasma insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), impairs cortical bone formation, and induces osteoblastic resistance to IGF-I in adult female rats. Endocrinology, 2000. 141(9): p. 3149-55.

11. Creedon, A. and K.D. Cashman, The effect of high salt and high protein intake on calcium metabolism, bone composition and bone resorption in the rat. Br J Nutr, 2000. 84(1): p. 49-56.

12. Hunter, D., et al., A randomized controlled trial of vitamin D supplementation on preventing postmenopausal bone loss and modifying bone metabolism using identical twin pairs. J Bone Miner Res, 2000. 15(11): p. 2276-83.

13. Kantorovich, V., et al., Bone mineral density increases with vitamin D repletion in patients with coexistent vitamin D insufficiency and primary hyperparathyroidism. J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2000. 85(10): p. 3541-3.

14. Iwamoto, J., T. Takeda, and S. Ichimura, Effect of combined administration of vitamin D3 and vitamin K2 on bone mineral density of the lumbar spine in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. J Orthop Sci, 2000. 5(6): p. 546-51.

15. Morton, D.J., E.L. Barrett-Connor, and D.L. Schneider, Vitamin C supplement use and bone mineral density in postmenopausal women. J Bone Miner Res, 2001. 16(1): p. 135-40.

16. Alexandersen, P., et al., Ipriflavone in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA, 2001. 285(11): p. 1482-8.

Thomas Incledon, PhD(c), RD, LD/N, NSCA-CPT, CSCS, RPT has been involved in research on how to enhance health and human performance for over 17 years and is considered one of the worldwide leading experts on effective health and performance strategies. He is the Chief Executive Officer of Human Health Specialists. Tom can be reached at tom@thomasincledon.com or (480) 883-7240. Visit our websites at http://www.ThomasIncledon.com, http://www.HumanPerformanceSpecialists.com, http://www.HumanHealthSpecialists.com

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Blockbuster Logo Pre Menopause

2006-12-17T03:22:00.000-08:00

Symptoms Of Menopause - How Can You Tell?

by Jack Paton

So, you think you might be showing symptoms of menopause?

How can you be 100% sure? This article will go through some of the tell-tale signs to help you better understand it and work towards feeling better about yourself.

Common Menopausal Symptoms

Believe it or not, sometimes women can demonstrate all the early signs and signals. This is quite common in ladies who are under 40 years of age. But, if you ask any healthy 20 year old female if she is in her pre-menopause stage, most will deny it. The misconception out there is that only women in their 40s can be at risk. This simply is not true.

Anyone at any age can begin to show these signs. What can you expect? Often, mood swings are an early sign that something isn't right. However, the evidence here is inconclusive. In other words, it can be common for anyone to be on an emotional roller coaster ride. This is part of everyday life.

Do changes in your mood indicate that you may have a hormonal imbalance or estrogen level issue? Once again, this is not always the case. Quite often, a lack of sleep or hypotension can cause relates issues that are not directly caused by anything remotely menopausal related.

Are You Premenopausal?

Have you gained an excessive amount of weight recently? This could mimic the triggers associated with premenopause. For example, some females who are overweight have infrequent menstrual symptoms and bleeding patterns that are irregular. Before jumping to conclusions, if you notice any of the conditions mentioned above, you should consult your health practitioner.

What About Relief, A Treatment, Or Cure?

As you have probably noticed, a ton of remedies have flooded the market recently. With the Baby Boomers in their 50s and 60s, it's no surprise that smart companies are trying to offer products that best suit their needs. As a result, everything from pills to magic sprays have hit the market offering instant relief.

Do they work? Unfortunately, these products are designed to help mask the problem, but there is no cure. As an aging female, you must be in touch with your body. Embrace change and rejoice as you transition through this new stage in your life.

If you are able bodied, happy and full of energy, the inconvenience of wild moods and night sweats are really insignificant compared to other health ailments that many of us experience while reaching the age of retirement.

Don't get yourself down if you experience the triggers often associated with "the big M". After all, like many things in life, this too will pass. Unlike serious health issues, this is not something that will last for years or cause you to be uncomfortable for the rest of your life.

And at the end of it all, if you can say goodbye to your menstrual cycle and hello to your newfound freedom, this alone is a good reason to celebrate!

To get more facts, tips, and read dozens of articles, visit our website now: symptoms of menopause

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Pre Menopause Hair

2006-12-16T12:22:00.001-08:00

Menopause - Heart Disease and HRT

by Michael Russell

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women, but because men have higher rates of heart disease it has long been assumed that estrogen is what creates that difference. Heart disease is more prevalent in post-menopausal women than pre-menopausal women, so this has also helped fuel the myth that estrogen has something to do with heart problems. Actually it is probably just due to the fact that post-menopausal women are older.

There has been a clear relationship established between amounts of natural estrogen and breast cancer, osteoporosis and endometrial cancer. The longer you have natural estrogen in you because of early menstruation, drinking alcohol, or certain medications the greater the risk of breast cancer and the lower risk of osteoporosis. However, no clear relationship has been established between natural estrogen and heart disease.

So what does put a woman at risk for heart disease? A family history of heart disease. Levels of lipids, the most common one is known as cholesterol, are also a factor. High levels of an amino acid called Homocysteine have also been shown to increase risk. (Good news is that can be lowered with vitamin B and folic acid.) High levels of C Reactive Protein produced during periods of inflammation increases heart disease risk and this protein is also increased by estrogen. Other factors that increase the risk for heart disease include personality type, diabetes, smoking, being overweight, having high blood pressure and having blood that clots easily.

In terms of Estrogen therapy and heart disease, this means that even though studies have shown that HRT reduces the risk of heart disease in women, the studies have been more observational in nature. Because the studies are observational they really have not yet answered the question if the issue is that estrogen lowers the instance of heart disease or if the instance of heart disease is lower because women who are healthy tend to be on estrogen in the first place. None of the studies done so far have been random controlled blind studies. All the women were of higher social and economic status, highly educated, thinner, non-smokers and also were more likely to have had a hysterectomy. They were more likely to have insurance coverage, therefore more likely to go to a doctor regularly and have had preventive healthcare, lowering their risk of heart disease anyway.

All in all, the evidence showing that HRT can lower the risk of heart disease is circumstantial and considering the recent studies showing links to Breast Cancer and HRT, it would seem that whatever unproven benefit of HRT does not outweigh the risk of taking it. And the American Heart Association recommends the same thing - women with heart disease should not be given HRT to prevent further occurrence and women already on HRT that have heart disease should only continue to take it if the have an additional reason to take it besides heart disease.

There are additional ways to prevent heart disease besides HRT than you can do, like lifestyle changes and drugs that can lower your cholesterol and blood pressure so if the only reason you are considering HRT is for heart disease, it's probably best to pursue those other options first.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Menopause

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

Is It Pregnancy Or Pre Menopause

2006-12-16T12:22:00.000-08:00

Isn't it Time to Find a Cure for Hot Flashes?

by Linda J Bruton

Oh, the dreaded "Change." Every woman has to go through it sooner or later, so you might as well attack those menopause symptoms head on. Every woman�s menopause experience is unique. It all starts when your hormone levels begin fluctuating. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but symptoms can begin anywhere from 2 to 8 years before menopause actually sets in. Since you may be experiencing these symptoms for over a decade you need to start finding a "cure" for hot flashes now.

Since hot flashes are often the first sign that menopause is approaching, most women want to understand how to find a cure for hot flashes that works, but doesn't further disrupt their life. Other peri-menopause symptoms include irregular periods and headaches, but they�re usually not as bothersome as the hot flashes. These flashes of fire can create problems when uncontrolled. If you�re in the work force they can cause embarrassment due to the extreme sweating that can occur. They can also cause you unnecessary anxiety. So how can you find that elusive personal cure for hot flashes?

After a little research you will find much information regarding a natural cure for hot flashes. Some women find considerable success with natural options such as increasing vitamin intake, taking time to relax, reducing stress, wearing layered clothing and drinking lots and lots of cool water. However, for many women natural remedies don�t provide significant relief from hot flashes. A common approach from the medical community is hormone therapy.

Hormone therapy, or hormone replacement therapy, can help you achieve the relief you�re longing for. There are risks involved, but even as a short-term treatment you may find that it gives you the most relief.

Progesterone and estrogen are the two hormones utilized in hormone therapy. You may need a little progesterone, or just a little estrogen. You may need a bit of both. The process is one of trial and error, just as any medical treatment option that offers a cure for hot flashes.

Estrogen is the most common hormone prescribed for women during menopause. It is widely considered the most effective cure for hot flashes. Estrogen replacement can be taken in pill or patch form. However, since we are dealing with a hormone, there are significant health risk possibilities. These risks include blood clots, stroke, and cardiovascular disease. Recent studies have shown that it can increase the risk of breast cancer. It is recommended that you take the lowest effective dose that offers relief from hot flashes.

The other hormone, progesterone is offered in pill form, as a cream, or as a vaginal suppository. One study showed that when using natural progesterone cream, 83% of women reported reduced hot flashes.

Whatever treatment you decide upon as a cure for hot flashes will be the one that works best for you. You understand and know your body better than anyone. Listening to your body will help guide you to find the fastest and most effective remedy that is right for you.

Discover how YOU can stop your hot flashes and menopausal symptoms without Hormone Replacement Therapy at Linda Bruton's Survive Menopause site. Pick up your free special report "Coping with Hot Flashes the Natural Way" by clicking here:
http://www.survivemenopause.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Linda_J_Bruton

Herbs Pre Menopause

2006-12-16T09:23:00.000-08:00

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Hair Loss Causes - It May Not Be Genetic

by Matt Adler

Genetics is the # 1 cause of hair loss, or alopecia, affecting both men and women. In addition to our DNA there are other causes that affect us, and some are even responsible for hair loss in children. The list below details the leading causes of hair loss other than genetics.

Ringworm is a fungus, which if found on the scalp can cause hair loss. This is often found in children, and results in the hair breaking off at the scalp. Once treated, the hairs will grow back normally.

Illnesses and medical conditions may cause hair loss. This is commonly a hormonal problem which could include thyroid disease or diabetes that prevents hair production. Lupus and kidney or liver disease is also a cause. Polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormonal imbalance that causes hair loss in teenage girls and women.

Trichotillomania is just a $10 word for the psychological disorder where people twist and pull their own hair out. This is a leading cause of hair loss in children that may be nervous, anxious, or stressed out. Because this is a psychological problem, it can be difficult to stop.

Alopecia areata is a skin disease that primarily causes hair loss on the scalp, but can also affect other parts of the body. An estimated 4 million people are affected by this disease in the USA. Total hair loss can result from this condition; however, it usually results in several small bald patches. Believe it or not, this disease is caused by one�s own immune system mistakenly attacking your healthy hair follicles. Alopecia areata can begin in childhood and affects both males and females. More often than not the hair will grow back within a period of two years.

Cancer treatments used to kill cancer cells can also kill cells that cause the hair to grow. It is not the cancer itself that causes hair loss, but rather the powerful cancer drugs and treatments. New hair growth will begin once the treatments have stopped.

Hair coloring, dying, and chemical treatments may cause temporary hair loss. These treatments can damage the hair and cause them to break or fall out, but is usually not permanent.

Traction alopecia is the term for wearing your hair pulled so tightly it causes hair loss. When the hair is pulled tightly it causes tension on the scalp and can lead to hair and follicle damage which could be permanent.

Poor nutrition such as crash dieting, or eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia can cause hair loss. When the body does not get enough vitamins, minerals, or protein it cannot maintain hair growth. This is a common cause of hair loss in teenage girls. It can also affect vegetarians who do not get enough protein.

Delivery a baby or menopause resulting in hormonal changes is a common cause of female hair loss. Many times a hormone evaluation is needed to recognize what is causing the hair loss in women. This type of hair loss can often be corrected.

There are many causes of hair loss, with the primary reason having to do with the genes passed down to you by your mother and father. It is important to recognize other possible causes, as these are typically easy to correct.

For information on How to Prevent Hair Loss and other techniques, visit http://www.guide-to-hair-loss.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matt_Adler

Pre Menopause And Body Odor

2006-12-16T09:22:00.000-08:00

Embracing Menopause, Path to Peace & Power

by Susan Winter Ward

The Baby Boomers are hitting 50, and in a big way! In the next 10 to 15 years, about 40 million American women will go through menopause. When thousands of people voice concerns about social or political issues, it's news. When millions of women are going through menopause at the same time it's a sociological hot flash! What might be the effects of such an unprecedented shift? Hang on, guys, it's a country of powerful menopausal women on the move!

As a generation of about 76 million Boomers, we've always done things our way. Experimenting, pushing the edges, and demanding social changes. The entire US economy, seeing dollar signs spinning from our sheer numbers, catered to our desires and needs. From Gerber's Baby Food to the first hot cars, Corvettes and Thunderbirds, our generation has steered major business, marketing and economic decisions. Now, how will the menopause phenomena be addressed in our culture? How do you view yourself as you transition through this phase of maturity? We need to really think about what it all means and how we want it to be. We'll decide what menopause means, and do it in our unique way.

Recently, I saw an ad in a prominent newspaper which targets the "senior" population. Its headline blazed across the top of the page. It implied that estrogen loss caused physical, mental and psychological degeneration. The ad also implied that the "findings" were the results of research conducted by a research institute specializing in women's health. A more critical look at the ad revealed that there was no actual study completed to support the frightening implications described, and that the ad was actually run by a major drug company which manufactures estrogen replacement drugs. Are we to believe that menopause is a disease which needs to be treated with pharmaceuticals? Are we willing to give our power away to the fear of the loss of our beauty, sexuality and our value as creative women?

I don't buy it! The physical changes associated with menopause are not a disease, but a natural transition from the child-bearing years to the closure of that phase of life. Menopause is just as natural as the onset of menstruation. In fact, we may look on menopause as a blessing. Its freedom from the ups and downs of our hormonal cycles, the end of menstrual cramps and bloated bellies, the end of tampons! We can focus our energy and become more creative, more empowered, wiser and more deeply beautiful.

Now we'll stop looking toward fashion magazines that determine our value based on what we wear and how we look. We'll inwardly honor ourselves and create a new concept of beauty and power. Its time to bury the Barbie doll image of beauty and claim a deeper, more spiritual definition of our inner beauty which we express outwardly. Enough of the "blond" jokes, and "only her hairdresser knows..." We can wear our silver hair as our crowning glory. Laugh lines on our faces reveal our joy, frown lines reveal our intensity. Its all a matter of perspective, we can create an attitude honoring who we are and where we are in our lives.

All over the world native cultures honor and celebrate this stage of life. Some Native American cultures call those women who have completed their last moon cycle "women of wisdom," a position of power and respect. As we begin to take our position as the "elder women," as the women who have experienced life, given birth, raised children, created careers, and have gained wisdom from our journeys, we can also take responsibility for how we approach and process our menopause experience. We can appreciate menopause as our special time for physical, emotional and spiritual reassessment. We can take responsibility for how we want to live the rest of our lives and honor who we are.

Honoring ourselves means taking care of ourselves. There is certainly a time when extra psychological, hormonal and spiritual support is invaluable, and there is also an invaluable gift to us from India. A rejuvenating, relaxing, energizing, revitalizing "Fountain of Youth" called yoga. Through the ageless art of yoga, we can balance our energies physically, emotionally and spiritually as we go through menopause. We can ease our transition naturally into this new stage of our lives. Yoga soothes, balances and rejuvenates all of the parts of us, bringing us to wholeness, allowing us to shine.

Just an hour of yoga three times a week is enough to make a difference. If you can make a commitment to yourself to take two or three classes a week for a month, then assess how you feel, I'm absolutely sure you'll notice the difference. The benefits of a yoga practice have been demonstrated over 5000 years...and it works if you do it!

The most obvious benefits of yoga are the increased strength and flexibility of your body, your calmer mind and a more centered feeling in your heart. But yoga works on very subtle levels as well. Yoga balances the endocrine system which controls your body's production of hormones and it calms the nervous system, reducing stress which aggravates hot flashes. Yoga is a weight-bearing exercise which strengthens your bones and helps to prevent osteoporosis. It can massage the reproductive organs and ease pelvic congestion, relieve headaches, boost the immune system, reduce fatigue and even out mood swings. Deep breathing oxygenates the blood, cleansing the organs, nourishing the nervous system and cleansing the respiratory system. Yoga brings a deeper awareness to ourselves, tuning us in to our bodies and taking us inward to that place of peace and power.

Through consciously embracing the menopause experience and deciding how we want to live the rest of our lives; by being responsible for how we choose to navigate this transition time; and by taking care of ourselves physically, emotionally and spiritually, we can regard menopause as the opportunity for rejuvenation that it is and live more fully than ever with renewed vitality, inner peace and power.

Here are a few simple yoga poses to get you started:

Begin with your breath: Sit up straight and create as much space as you can for your lungs. Take a long, deep breath. Exhale completely. Tune into how deeply you can bring your breath down into your lungs and take a couple of breaths.

Now visualize a ribbon. Inhale your ribbon as deeply into your lungs as you can, then exhale the entire ribbon. Breath your ribbon rhythmically, focusing on your breath. Allow the rhythm of your deep breathing to relax your entire body.

Benefits: Oxygenates the body, deep relaxation, cleansing and rejuvenating. Lowers blood pressure and brings attention inward.

Cat Stretches Come to your hands and knees. As you inhale, bend your elbows slightly and press your hands into the floor bringing your chest forward and upward between your arms. Lift the crown of your head and your tailbone toward the ceiling and drop your belly toward the floor. As you exhale, arch your spine up, bringing your belly button toward your spine. Draw your forehead and your pubic bone toward each other. Repeat the movement several times developing a smooth, flowing rhythm, combining your movement with your breath. Benefits: Increases spinal flexibility, strengthens thighs, arms, shoulders, tones the abdomen and massages abdominal organs.

Child's Pose Come to your hands and knees and gently lean back as you bring your buttocks into contact with your heels. Stretch your arms out in front of you on the floor and breathe deeply. If you need support for your upper body you can

1. Place a blanket between your heels and your buttocks, 2. Between your chest and your thighs, 3. Roll up a blanket and place it between your legs, supporting your chest, 4. or all three.

Benefits: Relaxation, stretching the lower back, relaxes the spine, arms, shoulders, and legs. Pressure on the abdomen brings more circulation to the organs, cleansing, stimulating and massaging them.

Lying Bow Pose Lie on your tummy and bend your knees, bringing your feet toward your buttocks. As you exhale reach back and grasp your ankles or feet, Take a deep breath and as you exhale begin raising your feet toward the ceiling, lifting your legs and chest off of the floor. Breathe deeply. Release gently and return to the Child's Pose.

Benefits: Opens the chest, strengthens arms and stretches thighs, stimulates the endocrine system and the spinal nerves, increases spinal flexibility, stimulating, relaxing and rejuvenating.

Cobbler Sit up straight with the soles of your feet together, Allow your thighs to relax gently out to the sides as you tip your belly button slightly toward your heels. Keep your back flat.

Grasp your feet and lift your chest as you carefully flatten your back. Slowly, as you reach through the crown of your head, begin to lean forward, hinging from the hips. Find your edge and back away, inhale, then soften as you exhale forward.

You may support your thighs with folded blankets or pillows under your knees. Benefits: Opens the hips and increases circulation in the abdominal area, bringing stimulation and detoxification to the area.

Supported Cobbler You may also lie on your back on the floor with the soles of your feet together and support your thighs with blankets under your knees. This is a relaxing and restorative pose with similar benefits as the seated Cobbler pose.

Shoulder stand Lie on your back with a folded blanket under your shoulders and your neck extending beyond the edge of the blanket. Allow your head to rest on the floor. Gently bring your legs toward your chest and your feet behind your head. Bring your hands to your back near your waist for support. Walk your shoulders toward each other to support your neck and slowly raise your legs overhead. Your body weight should be on your shoulders, not on your neck or head. Try to keep your legs together, feet pointing straight up toward the ceiling. Breathe deeply. Stay up as long as you comfortably can.

Benefits: Increased circulation to the upper body, the heart, lungs, brain, endocrine system. Relieves pressure in the legs, good for varicose veins and swelling in the legs. Brings circulation to the abdominal organs, cleansing, revitalizing them. Improves digestion and elimination.

Legs up the Wall Alternative You can get similar benefits by lying on your back and stretching your legs up against a wall. If its too much of a stretch for your hamstrings, move your buttocks slightly away from the wall.

You may also place a folded blanket under your lower back for support. Rest, breathing gently, for about 10 minutes.

Susan Winter Ward, internationally recognized yoga instructor, author, and video producer, is the creator of Yoga for the Young at Heart�, a multimedia publisher which publishes an informative and inspiring collection of CDRoms, videos, audio tapes, books and television programs, as well as exciting vacation retreats. Her product line is available at: Yoga for the Young at Heart

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_Winter_Ward

Addwords Pre Menopause

2006-12-16T06:22:00.001-08:00

6 Most Common Causes of Hair Loss in Women

by Christopher Wen

There are many reasons and factors in your life that can cause hair loss. There may be internal or external stimulus that may affect your hair. Let us now take a closer look at all these factors that can cause hair loss in women.

Sex Hair growth in women is faster than in men. Also women tend to have less baldness than men because of female hormones. However, women may still suffer from hair breakage because of frequent bleaching and styling.

Hormones Some hormones in our body can cause hair loss in women. Androgen, which is a male hormone in men and women, can cause baldness in a genetically predisposed person. Another hormone Oestrogen, produced by the ovaries, counteracts the effects of androgen. Hence it is why women are less prone to hair loss than men. However, if a woman is producing excessive androgen, she is still prone to hair loss, and also other conditions such as hirsutism, severe acne, menstrual disturbances and infertility. Other hormones can also affect hair loss. Lack of pituitary hormones, uneven production of thyroid hormones can cause thinning of hair.

Pregnancy and childbirth Pregnancy in women may rest result in some temporary hair loss for certain cases. This because, during pregnancy, women produce lots of nutrition and hormones for the baby and this increase in nutrition also feed the hair. After delivery, the nutrition and hormone level return back to normal. This sudden change causes the hair to starve. Due to this, some hair loss can appear. This is known as telogen effluvium. Fortunately, this is only temporary and the hair will grow back to its normal state after about six months. Lack of thyroid hormones after a pregnancy can also cause hair thinning. About 10 percent of women may suffer from this.

Iron deficiency Iron is required during pregnancy and if a woman lacks iron in her diet during pregnancy, she may also suffer from some hair loss. Chronic blood loss from health issues such as bleeding ulcer, haemorrhoids, and heavy periods may also lead to iron deficiency. Iron in vegetables is lesser than in meat and hence strict vegetarians may suffer from iron deficiency due to lack of iron in their diet.

Menopause Ovaries in women became inactive after menopause and hence stopped producing oestrogen. Without oestrogen, androgen produced by the adrenal glands will cause women to develop baldness after menopause.

Birth control pills Birth control pills that are androgen-dominated contains progestogens which have properties that can cause hair loss, especially on those women that are genetically predisposed. Hence, check with your doctor on the right kind of birth control pills that is more suitable for you.

Here are some of the factors that can cause hair loss in women. Be sure to check out the root cause of your hair loss issue and tackle it with the right methods.

Click for more top and latest info on hair loss in women

Christopher Wen is the webmaster for greenHealth information site where he provides articles, news, and remedies to current health issues we faced in our everyday life. Check out his blog at greenhealthinformation.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christopher_Wen

Pre Menopause And Menopause

2006-12-16T06:22:00.000-08:00

What You Need to Know About HRT

by Mansi Aggarwal

As an individual ages he or she is gripped by many physical problems. These problems have different origins. But most of the age-old troubles are a consequence of weak functioning or one can say retirement of the internal organs of the body. So as the individual plans his or her retirement from work, the body organs too propose their retreat. However, studies have revealed that women are more prone to old age problems.

The foremost reason of this their menopause that occurs at the age of 45 to 54. In some cases it might be a little later than that too.

Menopause is the term that refers to the cessation of the menstruation cycle of a woman. Once menopause occurs, the woman�s tendency to conceive expires. So she cannot reproduce any more. But as the onset of menstruation is marked with numerous hormonal changes within a girl�s body; similarly an end to these monthly periods is simultaneous to innumerable hormonal alterations.

But the pre menopause symptoms are unbearable for many women. The basic reason for this is the growing age and a increasing fragility of the body. The symptoms come with pain in the lower abdomen, irregular periods, irritating mood, night sweats, burning feeling and so forth. Many women are scared by the very thought of these indications. In fact they can be really petrifying and too troublesome at times.

So in order to minimize the threat of these pre -menopause signals, doctors devised the HRT or the Hormone Replacement Therapy. The HRT works with the aid of two basic hormones- Estrogen and Progesterone. These are naturally produced within a woman�s body. They help in regulating her menstrual cycle. When the level of these two hormones get disturbed due to age, the pre menopause symptoms start becoming evident. So, the HRT proposes to treat the imbalance of these two hormones via medicines. This therapy thus makes it easy for a woman to manage herself in those crucial times of pain and uneasiness. DES or diethylstilbestrol is a commonly known and eminent drug in this area. It is an artificial form of the estrogen hormone. Wen DES goes in the body and mixes with blood, it tries to balance the disturbed levels of estrogen and progesterone. Ths reduces the uneasiness and pain to a great extent. HRT does not just functions in its respective area. It has many uses besides this too. For instance it manages the cholesterol by reducing the bad cholesterol level in the body and incrementing the good one. It minimizes the amount of fibrinogen (that enables blood clotting) in the body. This prevents the lady from many perils such as the risk of heart attack and brain hemorrhage and the like.

But unfortunately it is not easy to opt for the HRT. There are many factors that have to be considered before going for this treatment. If the woman has a history of heart ailment, breast cancer or osteoporosis etc. she may not be able to be undertake the therapy. The lady�s age, family background, immunity system, eating and drinking habits, whether she smokes, takes drugs�many such issues have to be considered before prescribing the HRT to her. For HRT too like other therapies has a bunch of positive and negative effects and so it is not meant for every woman.

Mansi aggarwal writes about hormone replacement therapy . Learn more at http://www.hrtexplained.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mansi_Aggarwal

Pre Menopause Symptome

2006-12-16T03:22:00.001-08:00

Preventing Ovarian Cancer

by Jeanette Pollock

There are ways to reduce your risk factors for ovarian cancer. You may want to consider looking into the research and finding a good strategy that works for you. The following are a few ideas on prevention tactics you might want to add to your life so you can reduce your risk of developing ovarian cancer.

The easiest way to reduce your chance of ovarian cancer is to take oral contraceptives or birth control pills. Studies have found that these medicines have reduced the risks of ovarian cancer by over fifty percent for women who have taken them for three or more years. Those who have undergone genetic screening and have found that they have mutations of the genes that cause ovarian cancer may also get additional benefits but more study by doctors is needed to confirm this.

Another option is the tying of the fallopian tubes. This option can help significantly reduce your risks of ovarian cancer by two-thirds, that�s sixty-six percent. This is also a good option for those women who are sure they don�t want kids anymore.

Some studies have shown that hysterectomies will also decrease the risk of ovarian cancer. However, it is not recommend to have this procedure done unless that is a good medical reason to do so. If a woman has already been through menopause or is nearing menopause then it may be a good idea to have the ovaries removed through a hysterectomy.

In addition, those who have more than one child and breast feed them for more than one year have been found to have a reduced risk of developing ovarian cancer.

However, no matter what it is always best to discuss the issues of ovarian cancer prevention with you doctor. They will be able to provide you with screening and a strategic plan to help reduce your risks of ovarian cancer. However, before speaking to your doctor it is a good idea to know your options so you can have time to think over what you would like to do.

Jeanette Pollock is a freelance author and website owner of ovariancancerdomain.com. Visit Jeanette's site to learn more about ovarian cancer prevention.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeanette_Pollock

Addwords Addwords Pre Menopause

2006-12-16T03:22:00.000-08:00

Motherly Menopause for Current over 50's

by Patricia Little

The current collection of over 50�s have been the recipients of an absolute avalanche of new and varied menopausal experiences. It has always been a topic about which no-one talked. Mothers might have attempted to answer questions but didn�t have the cultural permission or in depth knowledge to explain the myriad of content.

With the fulfillment of the God-given life span more and more mothers are around and happily working with every age range. What�s more many are now bold enough to share their experience with a desperate daughter as well as make a fortune from the apparent �unique�� experience.

Current literature may claim a mountain of apparent related issues around the mind, blood sugar, estrogen, anger, obesity, change of husband and a new cat amongst many things.

For this reason every culture and collection of ladies have not only read, interpreted, analysed and dissected the information, they would have discovered something from almost every �new discovery�. Somehow this could always be related to their own personal experience.

Mothers and daughters with little in common have discovered a new bonding process. Even those with nothing in common, and even no victories to share have a unique and special story. This may have had a time base of 7 years or seven minutes.

Copyright 2006 Patricia Little

Patricia Little is a writer and the editor of a re-released classic ebook- it will show you how to get the best of health and wealth out of all your future years. For more go to ==> http://www.Young-at-Sixty.com.

Remarkable "How I Became Young at Sixty" brings renewed vigor to your body, and hope to your mind. You Can Get your Free ebook "How I Became Young at Sixty" by going to http://www.Young-at-Sixty.com/get-your-f-r-e-e-ebook.htm.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patricia_Little

Pre Menopause Symtoms And Cure

2006-12-15T12:22:00.000-08:00

Women's Hormone Replacement Therapy - Are You In Balance?

by Jackie L. Harvey

It has been two years since the Women's Health Initiative Estrogen plus Progestin (WHI) arm of this large trial was stopped early because it caused harm. The WHI showed the opposite of what was expected--Estrogen (Premarin) plus Progestin (Provera) caused heart disease and breast cancer as well as blood clots and strokes. WHI results show that estrogen does not improve the quality of life for women. WHI estrogen plus progestin results are "evidence-based."

We now have evidence-based proof that "HRT" is harmful to women. But people are still taking Hormone Replacement Therapy and are concerned about estrogen deficiency. Why? "Little has changed because the fundamental, negative ideas about women and about menopause have not changed. Universal menopausal hormone therapy ... (is) based on a cultural belief that women are inferior and need fixing. For over twenty years I have been saying that menopause is a natural part of women's life cycle, the low estrogen levels after menopause are healthy and not abnormal. This made me unpopular--I have been labeled as "way-out" or worse. Therefore the WHI results for me were a vindication", says Jerilynn C. Prior BA, MD, FRCPC Professor of Endocrinology, Scientific Director, Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research, University of British Columbia. And, she is correct.

Two years after the WHI study little has changed. If you go to your doctor today and request HRT most will prescribe it for you. Despite the fact that The Women's Health Initiative, the largest controlled trial of ovarian hormone therapy ever performed, provided the strongest proof that Medicine (which has been strongly influenced by the Pharmaceutical Industry) causes harm for women. The website for the WHI study said, "Women should stop their study drugs immediately." Following that order led to hot flushes in many women who were on hormone therapy because their body had adjusted to that higher level of estrogen. Women who heard the news of the study in the media also often stopped their therapy abruptly. That led to severe hot flushes in hundreds of thousands of women and in virtually all women who had previously experienced them. "Because it is well known that rapid withdrawal from estrogen causes night sweats and hot flushes, all physicians should have been ready with advice for women wanting to stop estrogen." Says Dr. Prior.

For Lack of helpful information, and because the resulting symptoms of night sweats/hot flushes were so miserable, many women, in desperation, reluctantly restarted unwanted HRT treatment. It seems logical to now say that the WHI results require re-thinking of the concepts on which menopausal "replacement" and "estrogen deficiency" were based. The primary assumption that all women needed estrogen because they were deficient still needs to be addressed. I like what Dr. Susan Love said, "If estrogen deficiency is a disease, all men have it!" Destroying the concept of estrogen deficiency will be hard and may take many years to achieve. In the mean time where does that leave you and I?

Estrogen Dominance not estrogen deficiency, according to Dr. John Lee is at the crux of our dilemma and bringing our hormones back into balance will be the key to hormonal health.

STEP 1. Become informed. The "Let's Talk About Hormones" video provides valuable information on hormone balancing. Dr. Lee's "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause" has just been updated. Information is the key to your power!

STEP 2. Evaluate your own hormones with a saliva test whether you are on hormones currently or not. Find out if you have adequate hormone levels or are truly deficient.

STEP 3. Work with someone who understands the issues. Dr. Lee felt that most women can themselves oversee their hormonal challenges. If you must select a healthcare provider choose one who like Dr. Prior says, "I will never again prescribe estrogen as a pill. There is now overwhelming controlled trial evidence that pill forms of estrogen cause unacceptably high rates of clots and perhaps, through clotting, also increased strokes and heart disease. There are not yet strong data but it is likely that estrogen given through the skin (as a gel, cr�me or patch) will be less likely to activate liver clotting factors and thus safer. To me it means "bio-identical" or "natural" kinds of estrogen and progesterone both given in physiological doses."

STEP 4. Just know that balancing hormones is not just about taking additional hormones but about diet and lifestyle changes. I believe that we have a unique opportunity, right now, as women on this second anniversary of the initial WHI results. We can become pro-active about our own hormone health and share with those women around us who are struggling with their hormone challenges. Women reaching out to other women will have a greater effect than waiting for the research to catch up. Each of us must practice living with these important ideas. Then hormonal health will be ours.

This Article Is Copyright 2006 Jackie L. Harvey & Saliva Testing com

Jackie Harvey is a nutritional speaker who shares her interest and information on hormone health and hormone saliva testing throughout North America in her popular "Let's Talk About Hormones" seminar. Visit her website SalivaTesting.com for a schedule of events in your area and for more information about her Best Selling 1-hour DVD "Let's Talk About Hormones with Jackie Harvey". Click For More information on Women's Hormone Saliva Testing and Saliva Test Kits.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jackie_L._Harvey

Soy Menopause Pre Menopause Health-xpert Com/patch

2006-12-15T09:22:00.000-08:00

Cessation Menopause

by Ryan Fyfe

Menopause refers to the physiological stopping of menstrual cycles that is associated with advancing age in species that experience such cycles. More specifically menopause occurs as the ovaries of the species stop producing estrogen, which in turn causes the entire reproductive system to slowly come to a halt. During this time of shutdown, the body is continually trying to adapt to the changing level of hormones which is the cause of the symptoms we commonly know:

- Increased depression

- Anxiety

- Irritability

- Mood swings

- Lack of concentration

It isn't uncommon for a woman to have increasingly scanty and random menstrual periods along with the above symptoms. The typical time for this cycle is about one year, but can swing to as little as 6 months, and to as great as 5 years in extreme cases. Physiological Menopause is part of a normal aging process, and on average occurs as 50.5 years of age. Some woman experience menopause at a younger age, at it should be noted that it can also be surgically induced by procedures like hysterectomy.

There is several different factors which can attribute the timeline of menopause. An example of such is: both fraternal and identical twins will on average reach menopause before other women; approximately five percent of twins will reach menopause before they turn forty. There is no way to predict in advance how long, or when menopause will exist, but if you spend some time going over it with your doctor you will be able to have a better idea.

Feel free to reprint this article as long as you keep the article, this caption and author biography in tact with all hyperlinks.

Ryan Fyfe is the owner and operator of Menopause Area - http://www.menopause-area.com, which is the best site on the internet for all menopause related information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ryan_Fyfe

Hair Menopause Pre Thinning

2006-12-15T06:22:00.000-08:00

The Symptoms of Menopause

by Kathryn Whittaker

Overall, medical professionals agree that there are at least 37 indicators of menopause, ranging from the mild and easy-to-overlook, to the more dramatic and potentially disruptive to your lifestyle. While the average age of onset for menopause is between 50 and 52, bear in mind that most women start experiencing the symptoms several years beforehand. Here is brief information about the more common symptoms, followed by a list of the remaining ones. When you read this, don�t be worried. Every one is merely a sign that your body is functioning like a normal woman�s body should!

1. Hot or cold flushes:

Many women report having hot of cold flushes, as well as feelings of associated clamminess or sweatiness. Indeed the hot flush has become one of the more �stereotypical� signs of menopause. Both hot and cold flushes reflect a change in your body�s internal thermostat, a factor that is regulated by the hypothalamus. During menopause, less estrogen is produced by the ovaries. The hypothalamus detects this drop in estrogen levels, and responds by altering your body�s temperature hence causing these otherwise unexplained feelings of hotness or coldness.

2. Periods of rapid or irregular heart rate:

This is one of the lesser-known and more frightening symptoms of menopause. In fact, some women say they feel as if they are having heart failure, palpitations, or a panic attack. Despite research into this matter, the medical community has no clear answer as to why heart arrhythmia occurs in some menopausal women. It often begins during the lead-up to menopause proper (during the �peri-menopause� phase) and naturally it causes concern. It is important to report this symptom to your physician to eliminate other, potentially more serious causes.

3. Moodiness, ill temper and feelings of irritability:

See-sawing emotions can make menopausal women feel as if they are on a rollercoaster they can�t control. Like pre-menstrual-syndrome, feelings of irritability or moodiness during menopause are very common and easily explained. They are caused by natural hormonal fluctuations. Most women learn to cope with mood swings by doing regular exercise, or performing relaxation techniques such as meditation, and yoga.

4. Becoming easily upset and teary:

Because their hormones are changing so dramatically, menopausal women can also find they become teary and emotional at the drop of a hat, and sometimes for no reason at all. Again, dealing with unpredictable mood swings isn�t easy but by learning coping mechanisms, such as breathing exercises and relaxation techniques, you can start to lessen the impact.

5. Disrupted or disordered sleeping patterns:

For various reasons, menopausal women can often develop calcium deficiencies. Because calcium acts as a sedative on the human body, this deficiency can lead to restlessness, an inability to fall to sleep, as well as poor sleeping patterns throughout the night. Naturally, this can be extremely frustrating and tiring for women. Not surprising, a lack of quality sleep can also compound other problems such as feeling emotional or experiencing moodiness. The answer for many women is a calcium supplement, as well as engaging in gentle relaxation exercises to help them better sleep.

6. Unusual or irregular menstrual cycles, including lighter or heavier bleeding:

Since menopause is the cessation of menstruation, it seems self-evident that women would experience changes to their menstrual cycle, finally culminating in a failure to menstruate at all. What women might not know is that disturbances to their periods can occur well before menopause begins. Indeed some women report unusually long or short periods, different bleeding patterns, as well as skipped periods well before menopause takes place.

7. Decrease or loss of libido:

With menopause comes a decrease in hormonal levels, including a drop in estrogen levels. This can cause a reduction in libido or lowered interest in sex. That said, some research points out that although many menopausal women report having a lower libido, their level of sexual activity nevertheless remains steady, suggesting the relationship between normal menopausal hormonal changes and libido is a complex one.

8. Vaginal dryness:

As mentioned earlier, menopause involves a reduction in estrogen. Estrogen is the so-called �female� hormone, which amongst other things, is responsible for maintaining healthy, supple vaginal tissue and lubrication. When estrogen drops, as it does during menopause, this leads to vaginal dryness. An unfortunate consequence can be painful sexual intercourse.

9. Gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea, indigestion, gas and bloating:

Many women aren�t aware that balanced hormones help keep their gastrointestinal tract functioning normally. Indeed, it�s not until there is an imbalance (such as there is during menopause) that they come to realize how important hormones are to digestion. For instance, estrogen is a stimulant for the gastrointestinal tract, and therefore the drop in estrogen levels can cause any number of symptoms, such as gas, constipation, diarrhea and indigestion. Likewise changes to progesterone levels during menopause can cause disruptions to your usual bowel patterns. Menopause also places pressure on your liver, leaving it less energy to do its usual cleansing duties.

Other symptoms of menopause include:

10. Anxiety

11. Morbid thoughts and feelings of dread and apprehension

12. Mental vagueness and inability to concentrate

13. Memory loss

14. Incontinence and �frequency� of urination

15. Unusual sensation on one�s skin, such as phantom itches, and crawling skin

16. Sore joints

17. Muscle tension and soreness

18. Tender breasts and hypersensitive nipples

19. Headaches and migraines

21. Feeling bloated

22. Depression

23. Changes to, or worsening of, existing health problems

24. Exacerbation of allergies

25. Weight gain and metabolic imbalances

26. Thinning or loss of hair on the head

27. Increase in facial hair

28. Giddiness, loss of balance and light-headedness

29. Strange or unpleasant body odors

30. Increased perspiration

31. Poor circulation, tingling sensation in limbs and extremities

32. Sensitive and/or bleeding gums

33. Gingivitis

34. �Burning Mouth Syndrome� or the sensation of one�s tongue, or mouth burning as well as strange taste in the mouth

35. Osteoporosis

36. Tinnitus (ie. Ringing or strange noises in the ears)

37. Lethargy

Not all women will experience everything on this list or may go through a combination of several. The secret to getting through menopause is to remember that each symptom is normal and will eventually pass.

Kathryn Whittaker has an interest in Menopause topics. For further information on Menopause please visit http://www.natural-menopause-relief-secrets.com/menopause.html or http://natural-menopause-relief-secrets.com/blog/2006/08/11/the-symptoms-of-menopause/

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