Night Sweats and Perimenopause Relief

It may begin gradually as the menopause symptoms don't necessarily start all at once. Gradually you will realize your sleep being disrupted by night sweats. Perimenopause may be the culprit while it is the prelude of menopause for the uninitiated.

This is your first sign that the hormones in your body are start changing and gearing down for you to stop releasing viable eggs. For many women being torn between joy and sorrow is very common. On one hand, soon things like tampons and birth control won't be important anymore. On the other hand, your child-bearing days will be numbered and it's natural to feel a sense of loss.

Just like menopause, perimenopause is also in essence of a hormonal imbalance. With that type of condition there come symptoms which are trying to your patience and can limit your pleasure in life. The following are just a few ways in which this natural part of your life can take its toll.

Problems with sleeping

Night sweats during perimenopause are just one of the things which can influent your sleep while this hormone change is taking place. Drenching sweats are bad enough however you may also suffer hot flashes, chills and anxiety attacks. It is impossible to be totally productive as the body isn't well rested. This is one of those symptoms which must be controlled to give you a happy and productive life while you are preparing to enter a new phase of life. There is nothing wrong with looking for hormone supplements to get a feeling of normalcy and a good night's rest.

Sex drive function

Go ahead and blush if you need to however perimenopause can have an unpleasant effect on your libido. Although you may not care however your partner probably does. In all seriousness, a decrease in sexual desire is often noticed during this period.

As noted above, this condition should not be agreed to limit your life or your experiences. It is important to get the support you need to balance your hormones and continue to enjoy your relationship in the way you usually have. If you are having night sweats during perimenopause it should at least be for a pleasurable reason.

Gastrointestinal tract problems

Perimenopause and night sweats will feel like the least of your problems if gastrointestinal tract problems become obvious. Sometimes you may be able to ignore hot flashes however constipation is something else all together. Using a hormone supplement can help you from some embarrassing not to mention painful experiences. Hormones affect every system of our bodies and regulating those balances is incredibly important.

Fortunately you can save yourself from the more unpleasant menopause symptoms and night sweats. As perimenopause is a normal part of a woman's life, she needs to take care of herself and apply menopause treatment which mention in our website for a safe way to continue to enjoy her life. Moreover night sweats relief and freedom from the other menopause symptoms is worth using.

Ayurveda - Treating Menopause (Vata) With Essential Oils

For many centuries, before the influx of pharmaceutical drugs, woman aligned with menopause and the natural aging process and supported themselves with natural medicine. Only recently, and in the west, is menopause seen as an illness that needs to be managed with strong drugs.

Sure some of the symptoms can be uncomfortable, but if you change your approach to it, menopause can be an enlightened and beautiful time in a woman's life. Ayurveda, "the science of life", offers many pleasant treatment therapies to support you through this time and also offers therapies that are specific to your body type.

Depending on your individual constitution, (dosha) you can choose essential oils to manage any uncomfortable symptoms while they also restore complete balance and harmony, getting to the root of the problem. Ayurveda 's approach is to correct the problem, not just mask the symptom.

Many cultures don't even have a word for menopause and most woman in these cultures don't experience any sudden symptoms or distressing changes, some often experiencing a normal menstrual cycle until age 65. Most likely the symptoms that are predominant in the west are the result of an aggravated constitution, compounded by stress and poor nutrition.

For vata types, I recommend warming, heating, emmenagogue and rejuvenative herbs, female hormone stimulating essential oils, and a vata-pacifying lifestyle and regime.

This is a wonderful time for a woman to reconnect with her feminine powers and the Divine Mother within. Five of my favorite essential oils for restoring balance to vata types during menopause are:

1). Jatamansi, (Spikenard): can be progesterone stimulating, good for aging skin, and is grounding and relaxing.

2). Rose: helps with irregular menstruation, migraine headaches, detoxification of the liver, and encourages patience and love.

3). Clary Sage: has rejuvenative, aphrodisiac, ant-depressant and female immune-boosting qualities, while it builds tissues in the uterus and is excellent for relieving uterine cramps..

4). Ginger: has warming qualities, is grounding and calming, helps with dizziness, is strengthening, helps to increase energy levels, regulates moisture.

5). Dhavana: decreases anxiety and fear, balances the female immune system, and is good for preventing cysts.

These are just a few of the many powerful and effective essentials oils that can be used therapeutically, along with an ayurvedic regimen to have you sailing through life and menopause feeling strong, balanced and full of vitality.

Overcoming Hot Flashes During Menopause

A hot flash is a phenomenon that precedes menopause by a couple of years. Menopause, as you are aware, is the point of time in your life when your periods stop. This is due to certain hormonal changes in your body and hot flashes are also known to be caused by the depleting production of estrogen.

So what does this decrease in the estrogen reserves of your body really mean? Apart from being a key chemical substance in the processes of ovulation and menstruation it also helps the human brain in maintaining a suitable body temperature. With menopause getting closer, estrogen quantities fall rapidly which results in the involuntary overheating of the body or a Hot Flash.

Hot flashes have variable intensity and duration and are generally classified into two categories based on the above factors. A regular hot flash is quick and reaches its maximum intensity in about a minute or so. The flash then quickly fades in intensity once it has reached a maximum value.

The second type of hot flashes is termed as 'slow' or 'ember' flashes. Ember flashes are the long lasting kind, sometimes persisting for as long as half an hour. Despite appearing just as quickly as a regular flash, an ember flash is less intense in comparison. Another difference is the non-seasonal nature of the ember flashes (regular flashes are stronger in the summer).

But no matter what their type may be, hot flashes are a sure indicator of the impending arrival of menopause. Hot flashes and other symptoms associated with the menopause can be treated to reduce the suffering. However, menopause, which ultimately causes the menstruation cycles to cease, is inevitable and cannot be avoided.

Severe hot flashes, night sweats and subsequent fatigue can be treated using several methods. One such method includes hormone replacement therapy but it may have unavoidable side-effects. A better option is to consider natural remedies and making changes to your lifestyle to assist you in overcoming hot flashes and other menopause symptoms.

Perhaps the most important factor that affects the frequency of hot flashes is the food that you consume. By controlling what you eat, you can avoid these flashes to a great extent.

You should cut on your caffeine consumption. Alcohol, coffee and tea are sources of caffeine while the much beloved chocolate also contains high quantities of the chemical.

You should also stay away from spicy foods which are known to set off hot flashes.

Stay away from the sun. Do not indulge yourself in Jacuzzis, saunas and steam rooms. Take cold showers and baths. In short, prevent over-exposure of your body to external heat sources which disturb the body temperature. These disturbances, in the absence of estrogen, are not well interpreted by the brain and a hot flash follows this confusion.

Another important step involving a change in your lifestyle is to change the way you dress. Wear cotton clothes instead of wood and silk. Your clothing should be layered to give you some control over the body temperature. Make sure that your sheets are not synthetic. Also have a glass of ice water nearby while you sleep in case you sense an approaching hot flash.

The menopause is a natural process and so are its symptoms. However, there are many natural ways to avoid discomfort once they start appearing. Therefore, you do not have to suffer in silence and can choose whichever treatment method suits you best.

Menopause Symptoms - Is an Enlarged Uterus One of Many Menopause Symptoms?

Menopause as all women know is a time for change and may have some uncomfortable symptoms. The question is whether one of the menopause symptoms could include an enlarged uterus. There are specific tests for diagnoses and treatments are available.

Causes and Symptoms of an Enlarged Uterus

An enlarged uterus is also called Endometriosis - a bulging formation that occurs in the uterus and continues to develop. It can sometimes be misconstrued as pregnancy. It is typically categorized by severe pain in the lower abdominal region. This pain occurs because of the pressure the enlarging uterus puts on the bladder. The extreme abdominal pain and possible bladder problems can be indicative of an enlarged uterus or other health conditions including pregnancy so it is strongly advised that you have the necessary exams and tests done to accurately identify the source of your symptoms.

Examinations and Tests Used to Diagnose an Enlarged Uterus

A laparoscopy is a surgical procedure used to examine internal organs. A pelvic examination is a physical examination by a physician of internal organs. An Endometrial biopsy is performed to rule out any possible malignancy as a cause for your symptoms. A hysteroscopy is similar to a laparoscopy but examines the reproductive organs specifically. An ultrasound scan and an MRI-magnetic resonance imaging test will produce images of the reproductive organs from which information can be gathered. Blood tests called a CBC- complete blood count may also be done to determine if hormone levels and body chemicals are at healthy levels.

For a specific diagnosis for enlarged uterus and or menopause a physical examination and some tests may be ordered by your doctor. These things will also help to rule out any other possible health concerns. It's better to have the test and find nothing serious than to not have them and have something serious going on.

Menopause symptoms could include an enlarged uterus because the changing hormone levels could mimic pregnancy. The uterus does change somewhat during sexual activity and this could affect the size of the uterus.

Treatment for an Enlarged Uterus

Current treatments include hormone therapies that can be very effective in treating enlarged uterus and other menopausal symptoms. Surgical examination can be done during a laparoscopy. In the past however, the typical treatment for an enlarged uterus was surgery that required a long incision or a complete hysterectomy- the complete removal of all reproductive organs.

Many women choose to use herbal supplements in treatment of menopause and they have been proven to be highly effective. If hormones are at a healthy level than it may be possible to treat it with herbal supplements but this is not known at this time.
An herbal supplement should be with only standardized herbal extracts and manufactured to meet pharmaceutical grade standards. The ingredients should have extensively tested including the metabolic route of the ingredients at the molecular level. The interactions of the ingredients should also have been tested.

All of this helps to guarantee consistent dosing and consistent quality from capsule to capsule. Herbal supplements are often chosen to avoid some of the serious side effects that can accompany traditional pharmaceutical treatments. Though they have far less side effects they should not be added to your health routine without your doctor's knowledge. Some herbs may interfere with the performance of prescriptions you may be taking for other health conditions.

Conclusion

The question was/is this: Can an enlarged uterus be one of many menopausal symptoms.
There are tests and treatments available including diagnostic imaging, physical examinations and blood tests. Treatments could include hormones but may also include the use of herbal supplements. If you have any of the symptoms listed here, consult your doctor to be on the safe side.

Is Holistic Treatment for Menopause Possible? Yes Indeed!

If you would prefer not to use modern medicine, then obtaining Holistic Treatment for Menopause is for you. Menopause affects your entire body, both physical and non-physical, so holistic therapy makes perfect sense. Every aspect of your being can be rejuvenated which is something a pill can't do.

Concerned about Menopause?

Reaching your 40's is a milestone and you have done a lot with your life at this point. But now you may be experiencing feelings that you would prefer to do without. Thoughts about getting "old", being depressed, self-esteem dropping, lack of sex drive, loss of energy, increase of weight, hot flashes and even night sweats just to name a few things can make any woman feel that she is no longer worthy of almost anything.

No one should experience any of these feelings. Everyone deserves to have the best in life but unfortunately life isn't perfect as we all know. However, Holistic Treatment for Menopause can help guide you to where you want to be. Holistic therapy can offer you a renewed mental and physical self while working to improve your emotions and lifting you spiritually.

It's Time to Change and for the Better!

If you are ready, and I am sure that you are, then you need to begin Holistic Treatment for Menopause. The process begins by becoming educated about what happens to the woman's body from a natural stand point. The estrogen levels are affected and can be corrected without modern medicine. Cardiovascular health can be improved through diet and exercise. The drop in metabolism can be corrected through taking "good" bacteria such as Bifidus and Lactobacillus acidophilus.

Menopausal symptoms can be stopped through one or more changes a woman can make. Making simple changes in her diet by removing certain foods and replacing them with a healthier alternative will make a positive difference. Adding certain herbs and/or natural supplements/vitamins can also decrease or even stop a number of negative side effects that menopause can cause. It's time to:

繚 decrease stress
繚 increase energy levels
繚 increase self-esteem
繚 increase sex drive
繚 increase self-confidence

Now is the time to become empowered and make a positive difference in your life. You may be thinking, how is this possible? The process is possible through Holistic Treatment for Menopause.

How to Make the Change

One excellent way to begin anew is by obtaining help from a health coach. This is an individual who has been educated and gained tools and knowledge to help themselves as well as others to get through life. Think of a holistic coach (also known as holistic life coach) as someone who provides you insight to obtaining a balanced life, as much as possible anyway. You could think of them as The Book of Life but without every answer because no person has these answers.

Health coach's can't tell you exactly why you do something but they can help guide you to a path that is healthier mentally, physically and spiritually. They work with all of you, not just one part of you. They want to help you understand every aspect about you and how they work together to make you who you are and that you are a good person and can have a happy and successful life.

Menopause Supplements - Herbal or Natural?

If you think, you may be going through early menopause you have likely considered menopause supplements for the symptoms. At some point in life all women will have to deal with the symptoms and consequences of menopause, but that does not mean endless suffering or hopelessness. It is difficult to say just when, at what age you will experience menopause, but each woman born has only a finite number of eggs and when the last egg is released the change of life as it is called is upon you.

Symptoms

Generally, a woman will not hit menopause before the age of 40, it is possible but not common. When the time does come however there will be significant changes in your body and emotions. The body can really respond wildly to lack of hormones and you could experience any of the following:

• Mood swings
• Hot flashes
• Flushing
• Irritability
• Vaginal dryness
• Lowered libido
• Body aches, particularly in the muscles or joints

There are a multitude of ways you can address these issues, but many women find menopause supplements offer the most natural relief. Hormone replacement therapy is the most common medical answer to menopause symptoms but many do not like the side effects associated with this treatment.

Supplements

Natural menopause supplements address each of your symptoms. This might sound a bit disheartening but the truth is many times you may not have all symptoms at one time. Hot flashes, mood swings and irritability are very common even in early menopause. Whether you have one or multiple symptoms here are a few supplements you can use to alleviate them:

• Ginseng- mood stabilizer
• Black Cohosh- hot flashes
• Calcium- bone loss
• Wild yam- estrogen or progesterone alternative
• DHEA- natural hormone replacement

Acupressure

Menopause supplements can help alleviate symptoms but you can also utilize ancient Chinese medicine options such as acupressure. There are points on the body where you can apply pressure to alleviate most if not all menopause symptoms. Done correctly this type of treatment has been known to relieve all of these symptoms.

What To Do

Menopause may be an unavoidable part of a woman's life but that does not mean you should suffer in silence when there are so many options available. You can choose hormone replacement therapy from your medical professional or begin with more natural menopause supplements like the ones listed above. Do not feel like you have to buck up or take it like a woman! Hot flashes, insomnia, night sweats and unexplainable mood swings do not have to be merely tolerated when there are natural supplements and acupressure to relieve your symptoms.

Agnus Castus is Often Great For Menopause Symptoms

Agnus castus is one of the most popular herbs for menopause symptoms. The reason for this is simple: agnus castus eases menopause symptoms for many women. The symptoms it can help with include hot flashes (flushes), night sweats, and irregular or painful periods.

Agnus castus is thought to act by affecting the pituitary gland.

The pituitary gland is one of the master glands of the body, situated below the brain. As this gland is affected by agnus castus it, in turn, affects the other glands of the body including the ovaries.

The interplay between the hormones is the main determinant of how well the body deals with menopause symptoms. If each hormone is present in the right amount then menopause symptoms will generally be few. If, however, one or other hormone is out of balance them unpleasant symptoms are more likely to occur.

The way agnus castus is thought to help the pituitary gland is by balancing out its hormone production such that the output of important hormones is neither too great not too small. This can create a hormone balance in the rest of the body, helping to minimise menopause symptoms.

Certainly, other factors will affect symptoms of menopause. For example, body weaknesses such as tiredness, constipation, frequent infections or digestive problems. Any of these can influence how the body works in general including the hormone balance of the body.

Similarly, menopause symptoms will be affected by lifestyle habits including diet, stress levels and the amount of exercise taken.

No one woman will react exactly the same as another in menopause. A combination of the above factors, plus her genes, will determine how well a woman deals with possible symptoms. This is why it is helpful to have an alternative practitioner who can take an objective view of what is causing menopause symptoms in a particular case.

For the majority of women - where there are no serious medical problems or other major complications - agnus castus combined with necessary lifestyle changes will prove a helpful combination to reduce or even eliminate symptoms. Sometimes the benefits can be staggering; sometimes just moderate, but still helpful.

Of course, some women will find it difficult to make a lifestyle changes which might be desirable. In this case, agnus castus on its own might still be beneficial, but the chances of this helping is less. All you can do is try it, and see what happens for you.

In general, a holistic treatment including agnus castus will consist of the following.

1. AGNUS CASTUS: if using just the untreated herb, (i.e. not an extract) take 2 to 3 capsules, or 35-40 drops of a fluid extract, before breakfast each day. (If using an extract, follow the label instructions. For guidance: a "fluid extract" is where 1 kilo of herb makes 1 litres of the fluid extract. A tincture, on the other hand, might be 4 to 1, often written "4:1"; so you'd need 4 times as much. The label will tell you the strength of a tincture)

2. DIET: use a diet high in non-starchy vegetables, as much raw as possible; some fruit - not too much; plenty of oily fish (minimal smoked fish); some lean meat; little or no fatty or preserved meats (bacon, salami); low starch, and very low sugar. Minimize food cooked at high temperatures, ie grilling frying or roasting.

3. LIFESTYLE:

1. Reduce stress to a minimum. This can be more easily said than done. But if indeed you are affected by stress, then this is most important to your hormones. High stress levels will certainly affect hormone production. If you have had stress for very long such that you now feel exhausted often, you will need practitioner support. Particularly, have your adrenal hormones checked.


2. Weight. If overweight, reduce it towards normal. Again, often more easily said than done. However, obesity and excess weight indicates a poorly functioning body in general. Your overall health as well as your hormone balance will benefit from reducing your weight towards normal. The most effective approach is through a dramatic reduction in starchy food while following the healthy diet recommendations above.

These extra factors will help to give agnus castus the best chance of working for you to reduce menopause symptoms.The more you can improve your diet and lifestyle the more likely it is that agnus castus will help your menopause symptoms.

If you come simply cannot commit to any dietary or lifestyle changes right now, then try agnus castus anyway. It is such a fantastic herb, it might be enough.

Perimenopause Treatment - Treat Menopause Symptoms Right Now!

If any of you are nearing my age you are probably having menopause symptoms like hot flashes or even night sweats. I think I am at that time in my life when I want to start thinking about perimenopause treatment. I'm getting a little tired of waking up in the morning only to have my sheets soaked and my night gown as well. And if I have one more hot flash I'm going to freaking shoot myself. Well, not really, and I know all women go through these difficulties but...

Actually that's not quite true either. Apparently many Asian women, particularly Chinese and Japanese women don't suffer from any of these issues at all...weird. But that fact of the matter is that most women, at least women of European decent, definitely have a somewhat difficult time with premenopause.

But, at least for me, I'm just not interested in taking a bunch of drugs that only suppress my symptoms. I mean, did you ever have the feeling that your doctor doesn't really know anything about the drugs he is pushing? I can't help but wonder if he is only prescribing these things because the drug salesmen tell him to.

Now menopause, and by extension premenopause, is a natural occurrence in every women's life. But that doesn't mean that any of us need to go through what could end up being years and even decades of misery. Nor do we need to dope ourselves up with prescription medication that could very well have dire side effects years down the line. There is a better and safer way...a natural way.

I have recently read about a revolutionary new method of premenopause treatment that was designed by a Doctor of Naturopathy, Dr. Holly Lucille. I don't know about you, but I love the idea of a system for women that has been actually created by a woman! At least she knows what we are all going through. And that's something that a man can really only speculate about.

So, I am pleased to announce that by going through Hollie's perimenopause treatment system, the night sweats have stopped. The hot flashes have stopped. It's not like I am never symptomatic but their effects are no longer as troubling as they were. Finally I am able to get a great night's sleep! I have to tell you it feels like heaven! It is just plain wonderful!

Peri Menopause Symptoms and Relief

Peri menopause may be a new term for you. It simply means the time “around” menopause. Peri menopause symptoms are caused by changing hormonal levels during the years that lead up to menopause. They may last as little as a few months or as long as ten years. Every woman is different. These differences may be related to nutrition, diet, exercise regimens, prescription medications or genetic factors. It may be that the ovaries gradually begin to produce less estrogen or estrogen levels may change suddenly from month to month. Much is unknown.

As early as their thirties, some women begin to experience changes in their menstrual periods. They may become heavier or irregular. Some women begin to experience premenstrual syndrome for the first time in their lives. Some doctors recognize these changes and refer to them as peri menopause symptoms, helping to educate women about what they can do to reduce symptoms. Other doctors leave it up to the women to educate themselves. And others suggest a variety of prescription drugs, which may or may not help.

To help regulate menstrual periods, thus relieving those types of peri menopause symptoms, some doctors recommend birth control pills. Women who take birth control pills may have less symptoms of shorter duration, but this is not always the case. Some women cannot and should not take birth control pills, because of the risks associated with them. Many women prefer not to take them, if they are not needed for contraceptive purposes. Birth control pills have known benefits and known risks. To learn more about them, a good website to visit is [http://www.fwhc.org/birth-control/the] pill.htm.

Worsening PMS symptoms may also be peri menopause symptoms. PMS symptoms vary greatly among women, from non-existent to severe. It may be helpful to keep a journal for a while, noting when symptoms like mood swings and breast tenderness appear. There are at least 100 different symptoms associated with PMS; thankfully most women do not experience them all. Women who take birth control pills do not experience PMS, because they do not ovulate, but may have similar symptoms related to varying hormone levels. Anti-depressants are commonly prescribed to relieve PMS and peri menopause symptoms, but may have side effects, including headache, drowsiness and sexual dysfunction. Regular exercise is one of the best PMS relievers, but without proper nutrition, you may not have the energy for it. A good daily multi-vitamin in addition to a healthy diet that is low in salt, fat, sugar, alcohol and caffeine will help increase energy levels and reduce PMS symptoms.

Hot flashes and night sweats may be the most frustrating peri menopause symptoms. Antidepressants may increase night sweats in some women. These symptoms are directly related to changing estrogen levels. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was at one time considered a safe treatment for all of the symptoms of peri menopause and menopause, but research has shown that those women using HRT had an increased risk of heart disease, breast cancer, stroke and Alzheimer’s.

All peri menopause symptoms, including the ones mentioned here and others are believed to be related to decreased levels of estrogen. Birth control pills and hormone replacement therapies contain synthetic estrogens, thus relieving symptoms, but increasing risks associated with synthetic hormones. Certain plant components have estrogen like effects. These components are referred to as phytoestrogens. Found in plant foods like soy and herbs like black cohosh, phytoestrogens can help relieve PMS and peri menopause symptoms, naturally without side effects.

Insomnia and other sleep disturbances are sometimes experienced in women during peri menopause. Night sweats are sometimes a major sleep disruption, but many women find that a full night’s sleep is just not possible. If you have a doctor that readily writes prescriptions and you tell him about all of your different symptoms, you may end up taking sleep aids, antidepressants and a variety of other drugs. I have known many women who were taking six or seven different prescription medications during peri menopause and still had problems.

Serotonin is one of the compounds circulating in the blood stream believed to regulate sleep and mood. It is regularly sold as a natural sleep aid, but precursors (those substances that the body uses to create serotonin) are more effective and safer for long term use. Tryptophan was heavily marketed at one time, but also had safety issues. 5-HTP is the newest alternative.

Derived from an African plant, 5-HTP is a serotonin precursor that in studies has been shown to act like a prescription antidepressant, without the side effects. It is recommended for use by women with PMS and peri menopause symptoms for many reasons. It promotes healthy natural sleep, without causing grogginess. It improves mood, without the side effects associated with prescription drugs or other herbal remedies. Studies have shown its effectiveness for migraine treatment. Women, who experienced migraines during puberty, often see them reappear during peri menopause.

Menopause Symptoms and How to Face Menopause and Its Symptoms

It's a fact that every woman faces at some time or other in her life - menopause or "the change". Menopause represents going from a reproductive phase to a non reproductive phase and the menopause symptoms and how to face menopause and its symptoms are of immediate concern to women going through this phase.

Menopause symptoms vary from woman to woman. Menopause is different for each woman but the usual symptoms include hot flashes, mood swings, vaginal dryness, fatigue, hair and skin changes, menopause weight gain, etc. Long term issues include osteoporosis and vascular and heart disease.

The transition to menopause or perimenopause involving the change in reproductive life involves the experience of menstrual cycles that are shorter or longer than usual which results from the significant fluctuations of the secretion of ovarian hormones during this time. The transition usually begins at 47.5 but can be as early as the late thirties or early forties. This varies women to women.

You may have asked yourself, if I have to go through this unpleasant phase, how long does menopause last? Perimenopause lasts for an average of 4 to 8 years. Women will experience emotional and physical changes for a number of years before they reach menopause. Menopause is the period from the last menstrual cycle and the twelve months after this last period. This usually occurs at about 51 years of age.

The length that menopause symptoms last vary from woman to woman and are due to the changes in hormones and the imbalance in the body.

Mood swings affect approximately 10% of the women going through this transition. These mood swings are characterized by drastic changes in mood over a very short time period such as laughing one minute then crying or yelling next and then falling into a depression the very next moment. A lot of these women seek solutions from traditional medicine however, more and more women are looking to natural or holistic remedies for these mood swings.

Less than 10% of women go through menopause without having some change in their menstrual cycle. Besides periods being shorter or longer than usual, the blood flow may become lighter or heavier. Birth control is usually prescribed to cause periods to become more regular.

One of the most taxing symptoms are the hot flashes experienced during this period. These begin either during the pre-menopausal stages of peri menopause or after the woman has her last menstruation. When the hot flash starts, women may feel tense, agitated, anxious and unsettled as well as have heart palpitations.

Hot flashes are usually at their worst during the first year following the last menstrual cycle. The physical manifestation of the hot flash is the skin turning pink or red as well as sweating. The severity varies from mild to very severe and some women may experience chills soon after the hot flash.

A lot of women experience the majority of their hot flashes at night which may lead to insomnia while other women experience difficulty sleeping even without hot flashes. Most women will sleep for a few hours, wake up and not be able to go back to sleep. Some women also complain about having difficulty concentrating, short term memory loss during the transition which may be due to lower estrogen level although others think that this is due to the aging process.

This transition is very stressful and affects women differently. Some women will show all the signs of menopause while others will only experience mild symptoms. It is important for each woman going through the transition to find ways to alleviate her symptoms and enjoy a full and productive life during and after menopause.

Women May Reverse Menopause Bloating With Phytoestrogens

During menopause, bloating is typically not a problem. Researchers have studied many different symptoms that are often associated with menopause, bloating is more commonly associated with pre-menstrual syndrome and occurs more often during pre or peri menopause. Numerous efforts have been made to stop or reverse menopause effects, with little success.

Despite claims by users and promoters of bio-identical hormones, this therapy does not reverse menopause. Menopause is a natural part of a woman's life. Many experts believe that a woman's attitude towards aging significantly affects the number of symptoms that she has. Others claim that it is strictly hormonal and that attitude has nothing to do with it, but they cannot explain why many menopausal symptoms respond to placebo.

According to surveys, the most common symptoms associated with menopause are hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness. In women who had not been using hormone replacement therapy, the most common reason for seeking treatment and beginning hormone use was to relieve these symptoms. About 50% of all women experience hot flashes during menopause or the years following menopause. About 10% of all women suffer from them for three or more years before menopause. Unlike other menopausal symptoms, no one is sure what causes hot flashes or night sweats.

Vaginal dryness is directly related to decreased estrogen production. Dryness and decreased elasticity of the skin are also associated with decreased estrogen levels. These symptoms typically respond well to creams containing estrogen or a combination of ingredients. There are several moisturizing lubricants specifically designed to reverse menopause vaginal dryness. Some research has been conducting concerning the effectiveness of red clover, which contains a plant estrogen, in relieving dry skin and improving skin elasticity.

About 3% of all women surveyed in recent menopause research experience a weight gain of 3 or more pounds during menopause. This is a small percentage and is not believed to be directly related to changing hormonal levels. A person's caloric needs change as part of the aging process. Those people who continue to eat follow the same diet in their 40s and 50s that they used in their 20s and 30s will likely gain weight.

Estrogen does have an affect on bowel motility and when menopause bloating is a problem it may be related to constipation. Increasing fiber in the diet should relieve or reverse menopause bloating. Dietary supplements containing estrogen-like plant components may be helpful, as well.

Osteoporosis Causes and All Natural Osteoporosis Treatment

Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become so thin and fragile that they may break easily and lead to walking difficulty, permanent disability, or even death. Other serious consequences include bone injuries, severe back pain, and deformity that require cast work, hospitalization, and even major surgery. Osteoporosis is one of the many conditions that usually occur in elderly especially menopausal women. However, there are some natural osteoporosis treatments you can incorporate to fight it.

Some possible osteoporosis causes include:

• As a part of our normal aging process in which our bodies start to produce lesser calcium and breakdown bone faster resulting in more fragile bone.


• Women are more prone to osteoporosis since most women have lesser bone density than men. Also, after menopause, women will experience rapid bone loss because of decrease in estrogen production.


• People with a family history of osteoporosis are those at the highest risk of getting osteoporosis.


• Live a sedentary lifestyle also increases risk of developing osteoporosis.


• Smoking, alcohol abuse, taking steroids and a diet low in calcium and vitamin D all may be osteoporosis causes.


• Having kidney failure, liver disease, glandular disease, rheumatoid arthritis and other aging related diseases may lead to osteoporosis.


• Certain drugs such as steroids, seizure drugs and thyroid hormone also found to cause osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis causes: menopause

Loss of bone mass is inherent in aging for both men and women, but women are more susceptible to it. This is added by menopause which every woman will go through. Menopause (especially post menopause) increases the risk of developing osteoporosis because a menopausal woman is not protected by estrogen hormone anymore. Estrogen plays an important role in bone health. For pre-menopausal women, cigarette smoking decreases estrogen level, thereby decreasing bone mass and eventually leading to osteoporosis.

All natural osteoporosis treatment

The best natural osteoporosis treatment is to prevent it by strengthening your bones through a combination of healthy lifestyle and dietary.

• Maintain an ideal body weight.


• Eat foods that are high in calcium to promote bone growth such as sardines, salmon, seafood, soy products and green leafy vegetables.


• Foods that are rich in vitamin D e.g. salmon, mackerel, sardines, eggs, tuna, vegetable oil and cod liver oil are all natural osteoporosis treatments.


• Get 15-20 minutes of sunbathe daily to increase production of vitamin D.


• Include weight-bearing exercise, weight training and aerobic exercise in your exercise routine to prevent fragile bones.


• Discontinue smoking, avoid carbonated soft drinks and reduce salty foods.


• When needed, take high-quality supplements prescribed by your doctor.


• Avoid accidents that may injure your bones and joints.

Osteoporosis medical treatment

Osteoporosis patients will need medical treatments and nurse interventions. There are some medications that might be prescribed by doctors to treat osteoporosis such as raloxifen, alendronat and risedronate, estrogen supplements, etc. When needed, pain killer drugs e.g. dolobid, naproxen, motrin, ibuprofen, voltaren, etc. may also be prescribed.

Doing exercise routinely at an early age helps you to gain good muscle mass and strength thus decreases risk of developing Osteoporosis when you are getting old. A healthy diet regimen consists of enough calcium, vitamin D and other essential minerals for the bones and muscles will also help reduce changes of getting Osteoporosis. These are all natural osteoporosis treatments.

Osteoporosis is a problem that need to be faced by anyone in their later years and you should do all that you can to keep your bones strong and prevent osteoporosis starting from now.

How To Treat Menopause Symptoms Naturally - Natural Ways To Alleviate Menopausal Symptoms!

Menopause is not a disease or an illness, but it is a part of life. However, while undergoing this stage many women experience a variety of different symptoms. These symptoms occur due to the hormonal changes triggered by menopause. During menopause the risk of heart disease and the cholesterol levels in the blood are increased and many women also lose bone density. What is more, menopause can sometimes have very annoying symptoms that may affect a woman's quality of life.

The symptoms that often accompany menopause are:

• Excessive heat, excessive sweating, and sudden hot flushes
• Difficulty in falling asleep, night sweats and insomnia
• Urinary incontinence
• Itching and vaginal dryness
• Recurrent urinary tract infections
• Anxiety, depression and mood swings
• Burning during urination
• Palpitations
• Changes in the shape of the breasts
• Changes in vaginal discharge
• Pain during intercourse
• Weight gain

Here are some natural ways to treat the symptoms of menopause:

• Take 800 mg of evening primrose oil three times a day.
• Take 1 ounce of almond oil and one capsule of 1000 IU of vitamin E. Mix the ingredients and apply this remedy inside and outside the vagina at least twice a day. It is an effective home remedy that can reduce vaginal dryness. Almond oil mixed with geranium oil can also act as a painkiller.
• Take 50 mg of selenium, 10 mg beta-carotene and 2000 mg of vitamin C once a day to improve the skin.
• Lose weight, if you are overweight. Excessive weight can worsen the hot flushes experienced during menopause. According to a study at the University of California overweight or obese women may benefit from an intensive weight loss program. 154 women with a BMI between 25 and 50 were recruited for the experiment, which lasted for six months. The women lost 7-9% of their body weight through increased physical activity and a diet of 1200-1500 kcal per day. The results showed that a decrease in weight, BMI and waist circumference were associated with an improvement of menopausal symptoms.
• Include some ginseng in your diet. Ginseng is a rich source of phytoestrogen that helps to reduce many menopausal symptoms. Sunflower seeds can also increase the level of estrogen in the body.
• Licorice can be a useful in reducing menopausal symptoms. Taking one or two tablespoons a day is helpful in reducing pain.
• Soy products like soy flour, soy milk and soy beans are very effective supplements for menopausal pain relief. Studies have shown that women who have included soy products in their diet experienced significantly fewer problems during menopause.

The Bladder - Nocturia and Paruresis (Shy Bladder)

NOCTURIA

STEP 1. COLLECT INFORMATION

• Waking to urinate more than twice a night - nocturia - is considered a medical problem unless you are menopausal, or over 80, when it is normal, if not restful.


• As we age, there is a natural shift in the timing of urination. Instead of being most active during the day, the urinary system gets into gear at night, alas. To prevent falls, keep bathroom access well lit and forego rugs or slippers that slip and trip.


• Hypertension, diabetes, prostate enlargement, stroke, kidney disease, and even a tumor in the bladder can also cause nocturia.

STEP 2. ENGAGE THE ENERGY

Homeopathic remedies for those with nocturia include homeopathic sulphur (Sulphura) and Ferrum phos.

STEP 3. NOURISH AND TONIFY

• One of my favorite herbal remedies for menopausal women troubled by night sweats and nocturia is nettle infusion. Nettles' ability to rebuild adrenal and kidney functioning is nothing short of miraculous. I do not experience nettle as a diuretic; while the initial response to drinking 2-4 cups of infusion may be a need to urinate more often, this is due to improvement of the kidneys, not stimulation, and as they strengthen, frequency returns to normal.


• Quercetin is a strong antioxidant found in herbs and foods. It decreases urinary and pelvic inflammation, and, most importantly, inhibits cell damage in the kidneys. Find quercetin in oak bark, cranberries, AND blueberries.

STEP 4. STIMULATE/SEDATE

Limiting fluid intake to a little water only in the four hours before bed - no coffee, tea, alcohol, juice, or soda - may help.

STEP 5B. USE DRUGS

• Common drugs, such as blood pressure medications, can increase urinary frequency. Eliminate them; eliminate nocturia.


• Desmopressin acetate, DDAVP, is a prescription nasal spray that blocks the urge to urinate. Elders may find it helpful in shifting the timing of urination back toward daytime.


• On an average, men with BPH get up three times a night to urinate, and many have a difficult time returning to sleep. Of drugs tested, only doxazosin made a significant difference.

PARURESIS - SHY BLADDER

STEP 0. DO NOTHING

That's what most of those with a shy bladder do: nothing. They don't talk about it. They don't seek treatment. And in the worst case scenarios, they don't leave home for fear that someone will be aware of their urination.

STEP 1. COLLECT INFORMATION

• It is estimated that 20 million Americans, mostly men, deal with shy bladder; for 2 million of them, it is incapacitating.


• Anxiety can cause the smooth muscles of the urethra to clamp down, making it impossible to produce urine, no matter how much you want to or how much you try. The thought that someone may be watching or listening or even aware of one's urination, can produce extreme anxiety in the person with a bashful bladder. In the mildest cases, men cannot void in a public urinal with others watching. In worst cases, men cannot void in any public facility and may have difficulty at home unless they are totally alone.


• Bashful bladder is different from the difficulty in voiding that occurs when a swollen prostate narrows the urethra.

STEP 2. ENGAGE THE ENERGY

[A true tale] As the mind-altering effects of the plant took hold of me, I suddenly became terrified. I thought everyone was not only watching me, but that they could read my mind as well. My guide laughed: "They are only concerned with themselves. You are invisible to them. Set aside your big ego and your big wish to be the center of attention. You are just another human, doing human business. Laugh at your fear; send it away."

STEP 3. NOURISH AND TONIFY

• Be kind to your shy bladder with corn silk tea. If you can't get corn silk, the liquid from canned corn will have a similar effect.


• Be kind to your nerves with oatstraw infusion. Regular use of 2-4 cups a day will rebuild the nervous system, so you can handle far more stress with less anxiety.

STEP 4. STIMULATE/SEDATE

A bottle of anxiety-relieving motherwort tincture in your pocket may make your bladder less shy. A dose of 1-2 droppersful, taken on your way to the toilet, will have fast results.

STEP 5B. USE DRUGS

More than half the men answering a recent survey said they were unable to produce a urine sample on demand for a drug test, especially if they were under surveillance to prevent contamination or substitution.

Resources: www.paruresis.org

Legal Disclaimer: This content is not intended to replace conventional medical treatment. Any suggestions made and all herbs listed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, condition or symptom. Personal directions and use should be provided by a clinical herbalist or other qualified healthcare practitioner with a specific formula for you. All material in this article is provided for general information purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Contact a reputable healthcare practitioner if you are in need of medical care. Exercise self-empowerment by seeking a second opinion.

Menopause Hair Loss Doesn't Have to Be Permanent

We have all heard horror stories about the side effects of menopause: hot flashes, weight gain, rapid mood swings that take you from Princess to Evil Witch in 2.2 seconds. What about thinning hair or hair loss? Yes it can happen. And it can be disheartening to say the least. We all want to age with grace and look our very best in the years to come. Best of all, it is possible.

About 30% of menopausal women are affected by hair loss, or alopecia. It is caused primarily by the hormone fluctuations of mid-life. Progesterone drops. Estrogen drops. When the end result is a net gain in available testosterone, women begin to notice hair loss on the head, much like male pattern baldness.

Natural Solutions And What You Can Do

Menopause hair loss is mainly the result of hormonal fluctuations. If your menopause symptoms are mild or moderate, you may be able to promote balance with nutritional supplements, herbs and over the counter progesterone cream. For some women, the hair growth normalizes once the hormone roller coaster has stabilized.

Next, take a look at your diet and look for ways to optimize and improve. Poor nutrition, coupled with stress, can promote hormonal imbalance. Consider adding high quality nutritional supplements to shore up deficiencies - Vitamin B12, C, D and E are great, as well as magnesium.

Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, along with lean, healthy proteins such as fish and chicken. Don't neglect essential fatty acids, especially Omega 3's, which are found in fish oil. Watch the sweets and processed foods. Reward yourself with the occasional treat, but then go back to healthy choices.

Be nice to your hair and pamper it. Watch hair color, heat and certain kinds of hair products and avoid alcohol in hair products whenever possible. Overuse of these things can damage hair or accelerate the rate of hair loss.

Talk to your doctor. If your hair loss is sudden, or severe, it is best to check out the complete physical picture. Hormone replacement therapy may be prescribed.

Lastly, relax. Stress can do a number on your hair and your overall health. Stress hormones can actually shock hair follicles into a resting phase. Constant stress will not allow the hair follicles to switch back to an active growth phase, and this can lead to thinning hair as well.

Menopause - Ways to Deal With Perimenopause

Perimenopause is the transitional stage before menopause occurs when a woman begins feeling some sort of irregularities in her menstrual cycle which accompanied by unpleasant menopause symptoms such as mood swing, hot flashes and unconditional irritations. Generally, menopause begins at the age of 50-55 however the perimenopause symptoms may begin bothering women from their late 30's to early 40's.

Even though menopause age sets in average 50-55 of a woman, perimenopause tends to set in average women by the age of 40-45. Some studies has been proven that over-exposure to environmental toxins is one of the main reasons for setting early perimenopause in most women, where stress is another main reason for this faster initiation of perimenopause in social scenario nowadays.

But as a woman who is in perimenopause cycle and she is still having her period, it is still possible to rebuild the lost normalcy in menstrual cycle and delay the setting of menopause by certain changing of her life style. If you are experiencing some of the unpleasant perimenopause symptoms, you should begin doing light exercise. Regular exercise can improves blood circulation level of body, logical frame of mind and brain function in order to deal with perimenopause symptoms.

Maintaining a normal stress life is a pre-requisite in order to live a healthy life and to avoid early sign of menopause syndrome. Besides you can try to lead a tranquil live. Thus you should have some healthy hobbies or some favorite pastimes to promote the well-being of leisure. Enjoying humor and funny activities is also a life style factor that maintains hormone arrangement alive and delays setting in of menopause.

By keeping a close watch on stress generation, this will helps efficiently in delaying menopause syndrome. You can try menopause remedies such as meditation, yoga, relaxation hypnosis and therapy in order to cope with the perimenopause issue.

A strict diet would definitely be useful in reducing the stress level and increase your immunity system. Moreover organic foods are free from environmental toxins. Thus it is better to take organic food to resist some minor however obvious signs of ensuing menopause.

Consumption of carbonated drinks, junk foods, tea and coffee should be avoided in order to deal with the perimenopause symptoms. As you keep the normal life style quotient, you surely can delay menopause in its true sense. Furthermore you can also take some herbs that mention in our website to deal with perimenopause naturally.

Early Menopause Signs - Causes And Treatments

It is widely held that the average age of women beginning menopause is approximately 35 to 55 years of age. Menopause is the end of a woman's monthly periods and the ability to become pregnant in the natural way. It is a progressive process that actually begins anywhere from 2 to 10 years before the last regular menstruation.

If a woman has not had her period for one full year, she is considered to be in menopause. It is recommended that if you begin missing periods that you contact your physician first to rule out any possible illness that might be the cause and also to determine if you might be pregnant. There are other early menopause signs. There are possible causes that may trigger it and thankfully there are treatments as well.

Early Menopause Signs (symptoms)

Early menopause signs will likely include more than one of the following symptoms.
Hot flashes and night sweats can cause a flushing of the skin and sweating. At night, you may wake up feeling hot and your clothes and bedding might be dampened with sweat.
Many women tend to get up and try to cool down but when they return to bed the dampness may make it feel too cold.

Vaginal dryness, reduced sex drive, breast sensitivity, and irregular periods also may occur at some time during menopause, early or not. Weight gain, mood swings, depression, and anxiety may occur as your body experiences fluctuating hormone levels.

Incontinence could be a problem for some women. Fatigue and lack of energy have also been reported. Your hair quality could change and your skin may show signs of aging. As has already been stated, if you have reason to suspect you might be beginning menopause, seek medical attention to rule out anything more serious or pregnancy, the signs of which are similar to early menopause signs.

Causes

Autoimmune disorders may be connected to early menopause. They can attack your female organs and prevent the body from making the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. These hormones are necessary for healthy functioning of the reproductive system.

Women have two x chromosomes. One is active and the other is inactive. Fragile X syndrome indicates a defect in the inactive X chromosome. This defect can trigger premature menopause.

The medications that are used in chemotherapy and radiation treatments may cause early menopause. The ovaries can be damaged with these treatments. This is not usually reversible damage. Other surgical procedures may cause ovarian damage as well.

A total hysterectomy is the complete removal of the uterus, fallopian tubes and the ovaries. This is also an abrupt reduction or cessation of hormone production which may also trigger early menopause signs. The removal of both ovaries (an oopherectomy) may also trigger early menopause.

Treatments

HRT-hormone replacement therapy is often used to treat menopausal symptoms. They are very effective in reducing many symptoms of menopause. The unfortunate fact is that they can come with some very serious side effects including heart attack, stroke, breast cancer, ovarian cancer and uterine cancer. If you are like most women, you will want to side step these side effects if at all possible.

If you are not suffering greatly with symptoms, all that might be needed is a few life style changes. A reduction of alcohol intake and quitting smoking may help reduce the symptoms. A healthy diet and regular exercise will help to raise your energy levels and may even increase your sex drive. Be open with your partner, especially during this time about what you might be looking for during intimacy.

Accepting yourself and the changes that come with aging may help to relieve some of the anxiety and depression that accompany menopause. Taking care of yourself is imperative. Seek the help of loved ones or friends particularly if you are greatly fatigued or depressed. Anti-depressants may also be temporarily prescribed to ease depression and anxiety.

The use of natural treatments including herbal supplements is an ever increasingly popular choice of many women. They are safer and have few if any side effects. Herbal supplements should use only standardized herbal extracts and be made according to pharmaceutical grade standards and undergone extensive testing of the ingredients.

Conclusion

Early menopause signs such as hot flashes, night sweat (night hot flashes) and fatigue among others may have a basis in illnesses, surgery including the partial or complete removal of reproductive organs, defects in the inactive X chromosome. Some medications (chemotherapy and radiation treatments) may cause ovarian damage and thus early menopause. It is recommended that you get regular health check-ups and follow your physician's recommendations; this will help to keep you as healthy as possible for as long as possible.

All About Menopause - Symptoms and Treatment

What is menopause?

Also called the climacteric, the term menopause refers to the last menstrual period. However links to the period between the childbearing years, the last normal menses and menstruation. At this stage of a woman's life, which usually occurs between 45 and 55 years, there is progressive loss of function of the ovaries due to aging of these, that cause hormonal changes.

It is a natural event in women's lives and should not be regarded as a disease. However the decline in hormone levels often causes problems concern as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, sleep disturbances, vaginal dryness and urinary disorders.

Hormones (estrogen and progesterone) ceasing to be synthesized were responsible for the maintenance of the female genital organs and are associated with metabolic reactions that regulate the calcium, sodium, potassium, water and fats. Due to this the woman may suffer from osteoporosis, have increased blood pressure or weight gain.

Symptoms

The symptoms observed are:

• Vasomotor instability - which consists of hot flashes suddenly flushing, night sweats, palpitations and anxiety;


• Urogenital epithelium atrophy with vaginal dryness, increased susceptibility to vaginal infections, pain during intercourse, and decreased sexual desire;


• Decreased breast size and breast tenderness;


• Osteoporosis;


• Nervousness, anxiety, irritability and depression;


• Fatigue;


• Headaches.

The most characteristic symptoms of menopause and those early and often manifest are hot flashes. Described as a burning sensation in the chest and started spreading over the face, may be associated with:

• Excessive sweating, often at night;


• Skin visibly blushing;


• Tachycardia.

The level of the vaginal mucosa, a structure which is estrogen-dependent, low estrogen is also present and vaginal mucosa atrophy is the pH rises and the vaginal secretion is reduced and can even disappear. This leads to the appearance of comirritacao vaginal dryness, pain and burning during intercourse and susceptibility to infection. Urogenital atrophy, with or without urinary incontinence, can interfere with sexual activity of women and often decreases libido, increases anxiety, affect self-esteem and marital relationships.

The vaginal dryness can be on the surface or in depth. It is manifested through irritation, burning, itching, pain and burning that are most evident during sex. The causes of vaginal dryness surface are varied as recent delivery, oral contraception, sex hurried, psychological problems, etc.. In the case of vaginal dryness, menopause resulting in detail and it is due to reduction of estrogen.

The level of the skin, skin atrophy is rendered low elasticity of tissue and a loss of subcutaneous adipose tissue that affects their wrinkle progression.

The situation arises more often is postmenopausal osteoporosis and effects are often heavy as it can lead to fractures, more or less severe. The central cause of postmenopausal osteoporosis is estrogen deficiency.

Cardiovascular disease is by far the leading cause of death in postmenopausal women in the developed world, far surpassing the mortality due to cancerous disease. In women, the incidence of myocardial infarction has an exponential increase from 50 years of age, the opposite was observed that premenopausal women are relatively protected. Among cardiovascular risk factors is necessary to emphasize the changes related to elevated cholesterol and triglycerides, hypertension, smoking, obesity and physical inactivity.

A general feeling of tiredness is usually referenced by menopausal women. In this complaint is usually associated symptoms:

• Insomnia;


• Nervousness;


• Irritability;


• Anxiety;


• Depression.

Effects of Menopause

As a result of menopause arise serious diseases such as osteoporosis, breast cancer and gynecological and cardiovascular diseases. So at this age a woman should do:

• Rasteio


• Cancer screening breast and uterus;


• Determination of risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a weakening of bones, which lose calcium, becoming more porous and therefore more fragile. Installation is a progressive disease, more common and more severe in women than in men. The symptoms are pain in the bones and frequent fractures.

Risk factors for osteoporosis:

• Thinness;


• Excessive physical activity or inactivity;


• Smoking and alcohol consumption;


• Ingestion of a little milk and dairy products;


• Family history;


• Certain medications such as corticosteroids.

Detection: Bone densitometry.

Cardiovascular Disease

After menopause the cardiovascular problems of the woman the equal of man. The woman no longer has the protection of hormones.

Risk Factors:

• Hypertension;


• Cholesterol;


• Diabetes;


• Obesity;


• Smoking and alcohol consumption.

Detection: Medical.

Breast Cancer

It is the most common cancer in women.

Risk Factors:

• More important:


• Family history.


• Less important:


• Early menstruation;


• Not be pregnant or breastfeeding;


• Late menopause;


• Obesity;


• Diet rich in fats and low in fiber;


• Alcoholism;


• Solar radiation.

Detection:

• Monthly breast palpation;


• Mammography.

Warning Signs:

• Change the color or texture of the breasts;


• Secretions from the nipples;


• Invagination nipple.

Cervical cancer

Risk Factors:

• More important:


• Family history;


• Less important:


• Diabetes;


• Early menstruation;


• Not be pregnant or breastfeeding;


• Late menopause;


• Obesity;


• Diet rich in fats and low in fiber;


• Alcoholism and smoking;


• Solar radiation.

Detection:

• Pap test (smear vaginal and uterine) or Colpocitologia;


• Transvaginal uterine ultrasound.

Warning Signs:

• Postcoital bleeding;


• Whitish discharge with odor;


• Pain in the basin;


• Difficulty urinating.

Ovarian Cancer

Detection: Transvaginal ultrasound.

Treatment

Estrogen replacement therapy

Estradiol is used for hormone replacement therapy. Relieves symptoms and prevents vaginal atrophy and osteoporosis. However, the risk of endometrial cancer, thromboembolism (varices, stroke, etc.). And hypertension are increased. To minimize these risks are administered at low doses and associated with progestogens. In menopausal women without a uterus are used only estrogen.

It is contraindicated when breastfeeding, pregnancy is suspected, have liver problems, or is suspected of having tumors of the ovaries, uterus or breast cancer, suffering from vascular disorders, thromboembolism or have diabetes mellitus.

It is used sometimes to apply vaginal creams containing estrogen that correct post-menopausal vaginal atrophy and with less risk.

Veralipride

It is a non-hormonal therapy for the symptomatic treatment of menopause, especially hot flashes and neurological symptoms. There are benefits in the prevention of osteoporosis and urogenital atrophy.

Is contraindicated in patients with galactorrhoea, and breast disease fibroquistica known or suspected breast cancer.

The treatment is normally of short duration, in cycles of 20 days per month. Should be made periodic examinations to the breasts.

It is an option when there is risk of thromboembolic problems (e.g. varicose veins) or risk of estrogen-dependent carcinoma.

Isoflavones

Isoflavones are substances existing in pulses, in particular soya and lentils and have a beneficial effect in the treatment of menopausal symptoms. This effect was observed in oriental women, consuming soy, which did not suffer from menopausal symptoms so intense.

The administration of these substances supplements in some cases can reduce the symptoms of menopause without apparent side effects. It should, however, be attentive to the vaginal atrophy and osteoporosis which should be treated with appropriate medication, for example, calcium and use of vaginal creams.

False Unicorn Root Strengthens Ovaries and Kidneys In Menopausal Women

It is safe to say that no woman looks forward to menopause. It is simply overwhelming with all the side effects your body feels when it goes through this stage. Sadly, every woman faces menopause as she gets older and her body bids farewell to monthly menstrual cycles and its ability to reproduce. That is a lot of change to handle all at once and it doesn't go without side effects. Menopause graces its victims with a fleet of symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, cramps, mood swings, headaches, poor libido, anxiety, and disturbed sleep schedules. False unicorn root is a natural substance that can help treat a number of these unpleasant surprises. Not only does it provide relief, but it helps strengthen the ovaries and kidneys.

False unicorn root is home to eastern United States. The herb has been used for centuries. Early settlers and Native Americans both used the tonic herb as a natural treatment for a number of things-mainly female related. It is the Native Americans that gave false unicorn root the name "Devil's Bit" as they used it as a heal-all herb. Most popularly, the herb helps support healthy female reproductive organs. It helps relieve symptoms associated with menstruation and menopause. It can help with mood swings, cramps, and edema. Edema is another name for the excess water associated with menopause and menstrual cycles. It is the water retention that makes you feel or look blooded. The plant also works to help support healthy kidneys, genitourinary health, and prostate. This is beneficial to both men and women.

Women that are pregnant should not consume false unicorn root. Although the root is useful to help reduce miscarriages, it can also cause side effects if overused. It may cause vomiting-an already dreaded side effect of pregnancy. The herb is not considered dangerous but if you are pregnant and wanting to consumer it, please check with a physician for prior approval and dose recommendations.

You can find false unicorn root naturally in a low, moist grounds. It typically grows to be up to three feet tall and just over a foot in width.

This tonic herb is superbly beneficial for strengthening the uterus and kidneys. This is important for women going through menopause. Women take quite a beating physically when going through menopause. Taking supplements to prepare the body for the change is the best thing a woman can do during this stage in her life. Herbal supplements with false unicorn root in the formula are a great way to naturally restore balance to the body.

Read This To Discover The Best Herbs For Menopause

In this article we are going to be looking at the best herbs for menopause to help you through your troubles.

The menopause can be a unpleasant time for females and signals the completion of the fertile period for ladies, in which the body loses the uterine lining, and also the hormones needed for females to stay fertile.

There are numerous symptoms to the female menopause, with one being cramps and hot flashes, not to mention a feeling of uneasiness and often depression.

The great thing about herbs used to treat menopause is the fact that they are natural and often very effective in helping women get through this period in their lives.

The first, and also most widely used, herb used to relieve the symptoms of menopause is Black cohosh.

There have been wonderful stories on this herb and consumers have reported it to aid with cramps and congestion of the uterus. On top of that, Black coshosh is believed to help lower cholesterol and also blood pressure level; well suited for clearing away those hot flushes.Herbs designed for Menopause can be found in 2 different types which are;

• Phytoestrogenic herbs

• Non-estrogenic herbs

So, let's take a closer look at these two types of herbs to help you understand their function.

1st example, (Phytoestrogenic herbs) contain a substance named Phytoestrogen that is much like estrogen present in the human body. By ingesting these types of herbs, the body hormone levels in the female body become balanced.

These kinds of herbs have been utilized in medicine for hundreds of years now however it wasn't until recently that the plants including these compounds were actually researched.

Today, scientists and medical professionals across the board understand and believe in the benefits of these plants for those going through the menopause..

The second examples of herbs used for menopause is Non-estrogenic herbs..

Needlessly to say, these do not include estrogen but still provide an adequate amount of reward for women experiencing the menopause.

As opposed to providing the body with estrogen from outside sources, these types of herbs help the body naturally produce the hormone.

The herbs this by helping to stimulate the growth and productivity of these glands.

So, the real question…Do herbs for Menopause truly work?

When it comes to natural remedies on the market, this really can depend on the consumer and her body "make-up".The good news is,Natural herbs have however, been used for a significant period of time to help adult females at this point in their lives now, adult females around the globe still continue with this medicinal approach.

A lot of people may consider herbs as a simple "placebo", but when you consider the medical research on the types of herbs used for Menopause, the benefits cannot be overlooked.

There are numerous Menopause supplements available today so for this reason alone, it can be confusing to understand just which product is going to help.

Black cohosh menopause products are also becoming quite popular nowadays so this is one to look for.

How to Treat Thin Skin After Menopause

Do you need to treat thin skin right after the menopausal stage? You should. This condition can lead to wrinkles and deep lines if you don't treat it right away. Thin dermis is more vulnerable to damages.

There are certain natural treatments that really work in improving your skin condition. Here are some of them:

1. Anti aging moisturizers
What is great about this treatment is that it is easy to use. You need only to apply it on your skin and it will do the work for you. But you have to look for a brand of moisturizer that contains effective ingredients. Opt for those moisturizers that contain CynergyTK, Phytessence Wakame and Nano Lipobelle HEQ10.

CynergyTK is an ingredient that supplies the dermis with functional keratin. This is a kind of protein that effectively regenerates collagen and elastin. If there are more functional keratins in the body, the skin becomes firmer, thicker and more elastic. It is also important to use Phytessence Wakame. This is a sea weed that can drive away harmful enzymes in the body. These harmful enzymes attack hyaluronic acid. This is the kind of acid that lubricates collagen protein. If this is protected, collagen will stay healthy and supple. Nano Lipobelle hEQ10 is an antioxidant with better benefits. It can get rid of harmful free radicals better than other antioxidants. That is thanks to its smaller molecular structure. Because of that, it can penetrate deeper into the skin.

2. Get lots of sleep
Sleep is essential for growth hormones. After the menopausal stage, the body has a hard time producing beneficial hormones. By simply getting enough sleep, you can help your body improve its production of growth hormones. These are helpful for the regeneration of collagen which will, in turn, make skin thicker and stronger.

3. Eat foods rich in proteins and omega-3 fatty acids
It is important to nourish your body on the inside. One way to ensure the strength of skin layers is to get your daily load of proteins and omega-3 fatty acids. Proteins are necessary for the regeneration of collagen. Functional keratin is derived from proteins. Omega-3 fatty acids also aid your body's normal production of collagen.

Treat thin skin using these simple ways. Even with the use of natural methods, you can prolong your skin's beauty. These tips also work well in lessening the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and saggy dermis.

Which Natural Cure for Hot Flashes Actually Work?

When someone says the word "menopause" there are two words that immediately come to mind - "hot flashes." The two terms pretty much go hand in hand. Depending on which study you listen to - between 60%-90% of women will experience hot flashes when menopause hits. One advantage with so many women experiencing the same thing is that there are multiple information sources to help guide you to hot flash relief. The overwhelming consensus is to start by exploring a natural cure for hot flashes.

Hot flashes vary in intensity and duration. One woman finds sufficient relief fanning herself while another finds herself reaching for a hand towel to wipe off the pouring perspiration. As for consistency, some women experience upwards of fifteen hot flashes a day, where another will feel a hot flash about once a month. Also varying from one woman to another is what works as a natural cure for hot flashes.

One natural cure for hot flashes is to change your diet. Some find that a low-fat diet helps. But if you find yourself losing excessive weight your menopause symptoms may worsen. Each woman will find that different foods and spices increase their symptoms. By monitoring yourself you will easily find a culprit or two.

As for relaxation and stress reduction: just do it! Not only can it be a natural cure for hot flashes, but a regular part of a healthy lifestyle. Every one has stressors in their lives and the onset of menopause doesn't help. Yoga, meditation, massage and relaxation exercises are a great way to begin your natural cure for hot flashes.

A less popular natural cure for hot flashes is the use of Chinese medicine. Well, less popular in North America. This little used method is long in tradition when treating hot flashes. The Chinese doctor will first determine if you are experiencing "hot" or "cold" menopause. "What?" you may say, "of course it's a hot menopause." In Chinese medicine this term is not referring to the physical temperature, but the type of menopause. A natural cure for hot flashes in Chinese medicine includes acupuncture and herbology.

Acupuncture involves the combination of your inner wind, energy or spirit. Achieving balance by following Chinese acupuncture may result in a natural cure for hot flashes. Not all women find relief through acupuncture, but again, some do.

Herbology is, in short, the study of herbs and their relation to each other. Herbology is a significant natural cure for hot flashes in Chinese medicine. The doctor understands which herbs work together in order to help. However you never want to experiment with herbs without knowing what you're doing. There is a possibility of concocting a harmful mixture.

If you find yourself wondering about the nature of your sudden flushed face and warm upper body, it may be time to find a natural cure for hot flashes. With the plethora of available resources, you will easily find one or ten tips that will significantly alleviate your sudden discomfort!

The Best Menopause Solution - Solve Menopause Problem in 6 Months

How long is your menopause?

Although everybody has different menopause, it is a long transition which lasts about 5 - 10 years.

How long are menopause treatments?

After the Women's Health Initiative study in 2002, it is sure that hormones cause cancers. Nowadays, in order to reduce menopause symptoms, doctors suggest the lowest doses and the shortest time of hormone treatments. This shortest time is at least two years on synthetic or bio-identical hormones.

What causes menopause?

Doctors tell you that menopause is caused by estrogen deficiency. It is wrong! Menopause is the end of your childbearing years, so the body does not need high levels of estrogen any more. Ironically, high levels of estrogen will cause cancers after childbearing years, because the main function for estrogen is to stimulate breast and uterine tissue growth during puberty and pregnancy. Of course, estrogen will stimulate breast and uterine tissues too, if your body has high levels of estrogen after menopause.

In fact, menopause is caused by fluctuating hormones. A woman has two fluctuating hormone transitions: puberty - the beginning of menstruation, and menopause - the end of menstruation. Just like a car starting and stopping, it can be a little rough. No wonder you get irregular periods during puberty and menopause.

Obviously, the best solution for a problem is to solve its cause. Since menopause is caused by fluctuating hormones, not estrogen deficiency, the best treatment for menopause is to balance the ebbs and flows of hormones, instead of adding synthetic or bio-identical hormones.

Temporarily, all hormones treatments for menopause mask daily symptoms without addressing the underlying cause - your fluctuating hormones. Therefore, you have to take hormones for many years. Eventually, the body can manage to reach its new peaceful hormone levels in 5 - 10 years, even if you do not take any hormones. So, either synthetic or bio-identical hormones improve your quality of life by masking your daily menopause symptoms during the long menopause journey. However, you have to take high risks: cancers.

Uniquely, a cool herbal formula Menopause BalanZ addresses the underlying causes by balancing your fluctuating hormones, so it can float you through the whole menopause transition in 6 months.

How can herbs possibly provide a balancing effect on your hormonal fluctuations?

Studies have shown that many herbs have a balancing or buffering effect on the body. Herbs can maintain your hormones in a health range: when your estrogen levels are low, the herbs will promote estrogen production. However, when your estrogen levels are too high; they will block its production? Herbs regulate hormone production by feedback loops. Just like market feedback, if the storage of a product is low in warehouse, the company will produce more. If it is high, the company will not produce it at the moment.

In fact, vegetables have the balancing effect too. Since cancers are caused by over-stimulating body systems, this is why eating more vegetables can reduce cancer risks and all other health problems. Remember that every mom says: "Eat your vegetables!"?

In short, hormones are for making symptoms; cool herbs are for solving problems.

Ayurveda Remedy: Healing Constipation During Menopause

It's unfortunate, that Western medicine and the media have led women to believe that they need to struggle and be uncomfortable during the transitional time of menopause. But that couldn't be farther from the truth.

Ayurveda, the 5000 year old system of medicine from India, offers several natural solutions to common complaints of menopause. Ayurveda remedies offer concrete solutions that don't just treat a set of symptom,s but rather,it looks at treating the underlying cause and imbalance to restore harmony, health, and balance to the whole body.

To heal and reverse constipation during menopause we need to learn and implement three simple concepts.

The first is to address the underlying cause of constipation...usually dryness in the body. This may sound obvious and dumb, yet most mainstream and over-the-counter solutions don't address the underlying cause. As a matter of fact, they can make it even worse by often causing the unwanted side effect of diarrhea, which causes the body to lose even more valuable moisture.

In Ayurveda, treatment is based on your individual body type, called your "dosha". During menopause our bodies begin the transition to more "vata" characteristics....cold and dry. So the first important step is to determine your body type.

Then the second step is to eat a "dosha" balancing diet. Common complaints of vata types are dryness, constipation, feeling mentally scattered, anxiety, insomnia.....also just happening to be common complaints of women in menopause. Following a "vata" pacifying diet, especially during early fall and Winter, will help to restore moisture to not only the colon and digestive tract, but also to the skin, lips, tissues, and sexual organs.

Thirdly, I highly recommend that women learn to do an ayurvedic treatment therapy at home, called Abhyanga. It is a self massage with a dosha pacifying massage oil that restores moisture to al the tissues of the body. It helps to calm and relax the entire body and mind...allowing your energy to focus on the job of complete and easy digestion.

In Ayurveda, healing occurs by following the principle of like attracts like. When there is an abundance and imbalance of dryness throughout the body it can be relieved my adding warm, moist foods and oils, both to the diet and to treatment therapies.

As menopause progresses women ultimately enter a vata stage of life which is characteristic of dryness as skin becomes less supple, Yet, this can be avoided by nourishing and hydrating the body and tissues and alleviating and reversing constipation.

Constipation is not the problem, it is just the symptom. Dryness throughout the body is the underlying cause 90% of the time.

Menstrual Irregularity and PMS Treatment

Menstrual Irregularity means when there is change in the regularity schedule of periods. There can be a sudden bleeding for 2 weeks or you can miss periods for a month or two. Perimenopause is the gradual process of reaching menopause. You can go through the perimenopause period for months or even years during which the flow might suddenly increase or decrease. The periods become erratic.

Menstrual irregularity can be due to physical change where there is an imbalance in the hormones or psychological reasons which can change the balance of bodily functions. It can occur due to stress, excessive weight gain or weight loss, uterine cancer or abnormalities etc. It has been also observed that a vegetarian woman is more susceptible to have irregular periods than a non vegetarian woman due to the high amount of fiber intake in the diet which causes the estrogen levels to drop resulting in irregular menstrual. Other symptoms are hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, headaches and problem in sleeping.

Menstrual Irregularity can also occur if there is premature ovarian failure where the ovaries of women near her 40s stop functioning normally.

The PMS becomes worse since the body is getting ready for a drastic change again. Premenstrual Syndrome is a state where the level of progesterone decreases and there is an increase in the levels of estrogen, resulting in hormonal imbalance. Day to day work looks like a challenge and due to the mood swings; emotional outbursts, irritability it becomes quite frustrating dealing with the biological changes which are beyond control.

At times decreasing the intake of sugar, caffeine and salt and regular exercise helps deal with stress level that tends to build up during this phase. A visit to a Doctor is must during this period who would probably advise PMS vitamins or Hormone Replacement Therapy. At times magnesium levels need to be increased which should be done under the care of a Doctor.

Some women have got lot of relief from taking herbal medication while others have fallen for the ancient therapy of China- acupuncture which helps to regularize the blood flow and the periods. Another way to treat PMS is using bio-identical hormones which contain estrogen and progesterone.

At times PMS stirs a physiological mayhem bringing unresolved emotional issues at the forefront leading to depression. The best thing to do during such a time is to address and resolve the issues which are draining you emotionally. One way to handle PMS is to stay positive. Stress management can also help in improving the PMS condition.

To deal with acute PMS also known as PMDD (Premenstrual dysphonic disorder) in wherein the women is usually tensed, has mood swings, feels hopeless, anger and anxiety, the only medication approved is an antidepressant.

Botanical treatment where herbs and plants are used to help deal with PMS is also used as an alternative but some doctors are not aware of it and others don't recommend it since this has not yet been approved broadly.

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When Menopause Hormone Levels Stabilize, Symptoms May Abate

Menopause hormone levels may be the cause of symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness. Menopause hormone replacement therapy attitudes among doctors, researchers and experts vary. Most agree that if a woman chooses this type of therapy, she should use the lowest dosage possible for the shortest period of time. Long-term use of hormone replacement is believed to carry more health risks than benefits.

As menopause hormone levels stabilize, most women find that many symptoms abate on their own. Vaginal dryness is still a problem for many women, but estrogen creams and other preparations can this symptom. Red clover and soy isoflavones have shown promising results in laboratory research, both for vaginal dryness and symptoms relating to the skin. These plant components have an estrogen-like effect on a woman's body and may help increase the levels of estrogen in the blood stream. Once the ovaries shut down, estrogen is produced in small amounts by the adrenals and the body can convert cholesterol and some hormones to estrogen. Low levels of estrogen are also believed to cause hot flashes and night sweats, but no one is sure.

Menopause hormone replacement therapy attitudes have changed since the release of data from the Women's Health Initiative which indicates that this type of therapy increases a woman's risk of developing blood clots and stroke. For many years it was the treatment of choice for all menopausal symptoms, but mild symptoms are now often treated with lifestyle changes, dietary changes or herbal supplements.

Using bio-identical hormones to stabilize menopause hormone levels is believed to be safer by some, but no long-term research has been conducted concerning their use. Bio-identical hormones are designed to be molecularly identical to a woman's own hormones. The hope is that the body will not react adversely to this type of therapy. It is more expensive than traditional hormone replacement and is not available from all doctors.

Many studies have shown that black cohosh effectively relieves hot flashes and night sweats. Laboratory research indicates that this plant poses no health risks to women. Long-term studies have not been conducted among women who use this herb, but it has a long history of use in traditional medicine. Native American healers used it for many purposes, including correcting hormonal imbalances.

Until recently, menopause hormone replacement therapy attitudes among doctors, researchers and other experts were positive. It was believed that estrogen replacement could lower a woman's risk of developing osteoporosis and heart disease. Other drugs have now been approved for women with bone density issues and it is suggested that women should increase their intake of calcium, vitamin D and magnesium.

Many other symptoms may be associated with fluctuating menopause hormone levels. Mood swings and trouble sleeping can be relieved by learning stress management techniques and, of course, there is no health risk associated with this type of treatment plan.

To learn more about natural products that can relieve menopausal symptoms, please visit the Menopause and PMS Guide.

Herbal Treatment for Menopause

Is Herbal Treatment for Menopause really effective? What a downright silly question to ask. Is your body a natural product? Yes it is so why wouldn't you use something natural to treat your body? If you have realized that you are going through "the change", do you seek council from your doctor, do you talk with your mother, do you talk with your friends or do you consult with an herbalist?

Hopefully you will do all four including research on your own. Your body is unique only to you and only you know how you feel and how certain things react after you ingest them. Herbs have been used for centuries for a number of ailments including menopause; in fact, the pharmaceutical companies didn't exist until the 19th century.

When you are searching for answers and are inquiring about the Herbal Treatment for Menopause, you will probably be given a number of different responses. The answer will be based on that person's perception and knowledge of menopause. You want to take everything you learn and then formulate your own opinion and then move forward from that point.

There are a number of herbs that will alleviate various menopausal symptoms that you can use. It is a good idea to think about what symptoms are bothering you the most and begin there. You certainly don't want to overload your system right away. Your body is going through a natural process and you want to keep it functioning as "normal" as possible. What are some of the herbs you can use as part of your Herbal Treatment for Menopause?

繚 Aloe Vera
繚 Black Cohosh
繚 Chasteberry
繚 Dong Quai
繚 Evening Primrose
繚 Ginseng
繚 Isoflavones and Soy
繚 St. John's Wart
繚 Vitamins A, C and E

Before taking any of the herbs/supplements noted above, it is best to understand more about the herb and what amounts would be best for you; at least to start out with. When you first begin taking an herb, give it some time and if it's not producing results find another and give that one a try. The herbs won't hurt your body as they are natural, but you do want to ensure that you take only the recommended dosages.

Black Cohosh is a common herb that is used in Herbal Treatment for Menopause. Black Cohosh will help with multiple menopausal symptoms such as night sweats and hot flashes. The recommended dosage can be 20mg to 60mg 3 times a day. This herb is considered a phytoestrogen and may not always work as well with women who have had surgical menopause.

Isoflavones and soy are plant estrogens can help with night sweats and hot flashes in the short term. For long term, may help with cholesterol and the woman's bones; however, these may have a negative effect if large amounts are taken that estrogen levels are further affected and have influence on breast cancer.

If you are dealing with mild/moderate depression which many of us do during this time of our lives, St. John's Wort can help for short term (about 2 years) if the daily dosage is 1.2mg per day. If you do take this herb, be sure to cover up when in the sun as the skin's sensitivity increases and it could interfere with antidepressants prescribed by your doctor. For this reason, it is a good idea to discuss taking herbal supplements with your doctor or other specialist first.

Reaching your 40's and entering into the menopause stage may bring about a number in changes in your body that you don't like. Don't despair because these issues can be resolved safely and effectively and one way to do this is through an Herbal Treatment for Menopause.

Early Menopause Signs/Symptoms Can Be Relieved

Early menopause signs, symptoms and complaints vary from one woman to the next, as does the age at which a woman begins to experience them. Menopause symtoms can be frustrating or challenging, but a positive attitude helps.

According to a survey conducted in September of 2006 by Johns Hopkins the menopause symtoms that significantly affect a woman's assessment of her quality of life are mood changes and feeling tense. The women who participated in the study were asked about hot flashes, vaginal dryness, sore joints, bladder control problems and headache, but, interestingly, the majority of the women did not feel that these symptoms affected their quality of life.

Mood changes that are commonly reported as early menopause signs, symptoms and complaints include increased feelings of frustration, irritability and sadness. Some women even experience mild depression for the first time in their lives. Women who have had problems with depression or anxiety in the past are even more susceptible to becoming depressed once again.

Doctors, scientists and researchers are not sure what causes depression during menopause. It could be related to changing hormonal levels. Women have a higher risk than men of experiencing a major depressive period at some point in their life. Most experts believe this is all related to the, sometimes drastically changing hormonal levels that accompany pregnancy, childbirth, monthly cycles and menopause. Symtoms of depression should always be discussed with your health care professional.

Many different therapies can reduce tension and stress. Most of them, you can do on your own, without prescription medication or hormone replacement therapy. Stress management techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, deep muscle relaxation and yoga can all relieve tension. As can regular exercise of any type. If you are not accustomed to regular exercise, it is always advisable to check with your doctor, particularly if you are overweight or have other health issues. In general, most women can safely begin an exercise regimen of 20 minutes, every other day, gradually increasing to 30 minutes every day.

Aerobic exercise is probably the best natural stress reliever. And, studies have shown that women who are under a great deal of unrelieved stress have more severe early menopause signs, symptoms and complaints. Chronic stress can, over time, lead to depression. Regular exercise can relieve depressed feelings and possible prevent the necessity of further treatment.

Some women begin to have early menopause signs, symptoms and complaints in their late thirties. Changes in menstrual periods and more severe premenstrual symptoms may be related to menopause. If a woman stops menstruating before the age of 40, it is considered premature menopause. Sometimes this happens naturally and may be a result of genetics. In other cases it is caused by treatment for a medical condition, such as removal of the ovaries due to cancer. Women who experience an unnatural premature menopause typically have more severe menopause symtoms and medication is often necessary.

Symptoms of Menopause

Menopause is a natural part of the aging process for women. The medical definition of menopause refers to no longer having the inability to reproduce and have children. A woman is no longer fertile. Menopause also involves hormonal changes and a drop in estrogen levels. There are many symptoms associated with menopause which can be uncomfortable or unpleasant for women. There are numerous things that you can do to feel better during this natural life cycle change.

Menopause Symptoms: Over 70% percent of women experiencing menopause will have symptoms related to the condition. There is the pre-menopause state known as "perimenopause" where hormone levels already begin their decline. This usually begins in your early 40s. Hot flashes and night sweats are the more common symptoms associated with menopause. Additionally you may experience a lower libido and irregular menstruation. The hot flash is similar to a warm sensation that may feel like a flushing over the entire body. These can be mild or more severe. If they occur at night they can also induce the common night sweats associated with menopause. Irregular menstruation means you may have your period twice in a given month or skip a month or two between cycles. The lightness or heaviness of your period can also vary. Loss of sexual interest: This can lead to a lack of interest in sexual activity due to the hormonal imbalances that are occurring.

Fatigue: This is also common. Many women will feel consistently tired and weak. This can have a very negative impact on their lives as it makes it difficult to keep up with daily activities. There can also be an increase in facial hair with some women as well as thinning of the hair on the scalp. Irritability: Many women suffer from moodiness with changing emotions that can be rather intense at times. In more severe cases a woman may feel a sense of panic. This could lead to panic disorder which is associated with feelings of intense anxiety. This could be a brief episode or become a more serious problem. Depression can also occur with menopause.

Difficulty Sleeping: You may experience frequently waking up at night and in general your sleep may not be as restful. Memory Lapses: There can be some mental confusion that occurs and difficulty concentrating. This can also be connected to not getting enough sleep. Weight Fluctuations: Many women will gain excess weight particularly in the stomach region. This is in part due to the slowing down of the metabolism and the natural redistribution of fat that occurs as women age. You can prevent this from happening by changing your diet and exercising to increase your metabolism.

Some women experience varying levels of incontinence where they will urinate accidentally during common everyday activities such as sneezing or laughing too hard. This can be terribly uncomfortable and embarrassing for many women. The reason that this can occur varies. It could stem from a loss of sensation that you need to urinate to a weakening of the bladder muscles themselves.

In addition to weight gain you may have abdominal bloating and some fluid retention. Irregular Heart Rate: Another common complaint is rapid or irregular heart rate. If this occurs you need to be careful and see a doctor immediately if you experience any discomfort.

Changes in Skin and Nails: Menopause will signal the more rapid onset of aging which will affect the skin and nails. As collagen levels decline the skin will develop increased wrinkles. Fingernails may become dry and brittle and break more easily.

Lifestyle Factors to Make Menopause more tolerable: Good nutrition is essential. Healthy eating can lessen many of the symptoms associated with menopause. Having adequate amounts of calcium is important for bone health and to prevent osteoporosis. Some good food choices include yogurt, cheese, sardines and dark green vegetables. Avoid consuming bad fats but eat good fats in the form of omega-3 fatty acids. These can be found in fatty fish such as salmon and tuna, olive and flax seed oils. Increase Vitamin C by eating fresh fruit such as oranges. Include foods high in fiber to help your digestive track and bowels stay regular. Limit your intake of processed foods such as hot dogs and premade frozen and canned meals. Excess sugar can be very unhealthy and can lead to weight gain and blood sugar fluctuations which could make your other menopause symptoms seem even more uncomfortable.

Exercise: Getting regular and appropriate exercise is such an important factor in your good health. It goes without saying that exercise is important at every age and will help to naturally boost your mood and increase your energy levels. Women's bones become frailer with menopause and regular exercise helps to strengthen them. Exercise will also help with the dreaded weight gain that is common. When you exercise your body releases endorphins which make you feel happier and less stressed. Try to find an exercise program that you would enjoy participating in. It could be as simple as walking every morning for 20 to 30 minutes. Or you might like to join a gym and find classes and programs that you could commit to on a regular basis. Remember as with any lifestyle or dietary change always consult with your medical doctor before undertaking particularly if you suffer from any disease or ailment or are taking prescription drugs.