Menopause and Insomnia - Progesterone May Soothe Restless Sleep by Increasing Calm Brain Nutrients

Insomnia is one of the most frequent complaints of women in the premenopause and menopause years. From trouble falling asleep, to frequent awakenings, to waking up in the middle of the night and not being able to get back to sleep. Doctors specializing in women's health are more and more attributing these menopause symptoms to the sharply declining output of progesterone and estrogen by the ovaries as women age. Uzzi Reiss, M.D., author of Natural Hormone Balance for Women, says: "You can often use ...progesterone to give you a restful night's sleep. I estimate that three-quarters of women could probably resolve a hormonal-related sleeping problem with this simple approach."

Dr. Reiss goes on to say: "Research in Germany has shown that progesterone...has a potent effect on brain chemistry. Specifically, it enhances the activity of GABA, a major neuro-chemical that calms the nervous system. Researchers have found that progesterone produces a sleep brain wave pattern similar to that from tranquilizers."

One key study on this is titled: "Progesterone Reduces Wakefulness in Sleep EEG." (EEG is an electroencephalogram, which is a technique for studying the electrical current within the brain). The research was done in Munich Germany with the aim of testing whether replacement therapy with progesterone improves sleep after menopause. Ten healthy postmenopausal women were assessed at the beginning and the end of the study with sleep EEG recordings. Progesterone was shown to reduce wakefulness and improve sleep.

John R. Lee, M.D. discusses the benefits of progesterone for better sleep in his book "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause". He says: "Many of my patients have volunteered that the first benefit they perceived from using natural progesterone was an improved sleep pattern. After years of unsettled sleep they now look forward to retiring each night because they know they will enjoy sound sleep and awake refreshed in the morning. This is one of the reasons I tend to recommend that progesterone cream be applied at bedtime."

Women should look for a natural progesterone cream that contains no artificial chemicals, colors, preservatives, fragrances, or mineral oil. Dr. John Lee says: "Even when a cream contains progesterone, it will not be effective if it is not suspended in the proper medium. Products containing mineral oil will prevent the progesterone from being absorbed into the skin. Other products haven't properly stabilized the progesterone, so it deteriorates over time with exposure to oxygen."

Natural, body-identical progesterone cream carries none of the side-effects of drug-based hormones. If a women uses too much, the only side-effect which may occur is too much drowsiness or tiredness during the day. The right kind of natural progesterone cream just might be able to soothe those restless, sleepless nights into calm, peaceful slumber.

References:

1. Book: "Natural Hormone Balance for Women" by Uzzi Reiss, M.D./O.B. GYN.

2. Study: "Progesterone Reduces Wakefulness in Sleep EEG and Has no Effect on Cognition in Healthy Postmenopausal Women", Munich, Bavaria, Germany, July 2004.

3. Book: "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause -- The Breakthrough Book on Natural Progesterone" by John R. Lee, M.D. and Virginia Hopkins.

Menopause, Bloating, Hot Flashes - And Now Acne!

If you`re suffering from acne AND menopause, you have my sympathies.

Menopause can cause a dip in confidence at the best of times. Your body starts behaving in ways that you never expected or experienced before - hot sweats, bloating, incontinence! Which is enough to knock anyone sideways. But then you look in the mirror one morning and you can see the first signs of a breakout. I don`t mean a few harmless pimples here and there, but blackheads, whiteheads and small pustules. The type where your skin looks like a ripe tomato and a new blemish seems to pops up every couple of minutes. I can tell you that it`s a horrible experience.

Your first response may be to rush out and buy the strongest medication that you can lay your hands on, and if you have really bad acne, that may be necessary, but before you do that why not try to control your breakout without visiting the pharmacist.

Acne affects menopausal women more than you may imagine, in fact it`s quite a common problem. And unlike teenagers, who are warned about the dangers of eating sweet, greasy foods, for us older ladies, things are not quite so simple.

As with almost all menopausal symptoms, it`s those pesky hormones estrogen, testosterone and progesterone that are mainly responsible for our less than perfect complexion. They fluctuate greatly as our body goes through the menopausal changes and consequently, we experience all of the associated menopause symptoms.

I was fortunate, in that I had worked in the cosmetic industry for many years and so my skin care routine was impeccable. I had always insisted on natural products, with no added color or fragrance (and animal friendly), that may cause an allergic reaction. I drank plenty of water and never went to bed without removing every last trace of make up. As I got older, I changed only my moisturizer and made sure that it was rich enough to nourish my skin, but did not clog the pores. I also exfoliated weekly without fail, which many women do not do, but which does make a big difference as the dead skin cells do not slough off as efficiently on mature skins. This not only makes the skin look dull, but the dead skin cells will block the pores and cause spots.

It is a not true to say that acne is caused because people fail to wash their faces often enough. Too much cleansing or scrubbing the skin harshly can make acne worse.. The best way to cleanse the face is to gently wash it twice daily using a mild cleanser. Be careful to remove make-up without harsh scrubbing.

If you do find yourself in the grip of menopausal acne, don`t be tempted to buy the strongest cleanser possible and literally try to dry out every last bit of oil on your skin - as this would be counter productive and leave you with flaky skin which still had pimples. Cleaning away all of the surface oils doesn't help menopausal acne, as it starts under the skin

Of course, it goes without saying, that no matter how tempting, don't pick or squeeze your spots because you can cause infection and the skin will certainly become red. By stressing and being self-conscious, you will only draw attention to yourself and stress can, in fact also trigger an acne breakout. Worrying and fretting about your face, affects your hormones and will not help your emotional state - or your skin.

In time, the acne will improve and eventually disappear completely. But in the meantime - apart from trying to maintain a sense of humor - here are a few other suggestions to help combat menopausal acne.

* Practice relaxation techniques
* Drink plenty of water
* Use gentle products that won`t aggravate your skin
* Speak to your doctor about stopping hormone replacement therapy if you think it is the cause of your acne
* GENTLY exfoliate twice a week
* Exercise will get the blood pumping, increase your oxygen intake - and help improve your complexion.

....And did I mention retaining a sense of humor always helps?

Natural Progesterone - Treat Menopause Now!

Menopause is one of the worst feelings women can face and it is defined as the end of a woman's monthly menstrual periods. Women usually begin the process of menopause around 40-55 years old! Many people view menopause as the beginning of old age. Don't be alarmed and think this way, most woman can expect to live another 30-40 years after menopause. If you are experiencing hot flashes, lack of sleep, sweating at night, dryness of the vagina, and gaining weight you more than likely are going through menopause.

If you are suffering from all these symptoms like I was, you need to try natural progesterone. Natural progesterone is absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream. It is one of the best ways to ease menopause and all the symptoms that go along with it! Natural Progesterone is originated from natural sources, such as plants. Any health store will sell natural progesterone compounds, or plants they are derived from such as wild yams and soy products.

There are millions of women worldwide experiencing menopauses right now. It is a fact of life; it does not have any effect on anyone's life expectancy although the symptoms may affect quality of life. When menopause occurs women may experience a loss of bone mass due to the fact of insufficient calcium absorption. A woman may lose 25% of her total bone mass due to menopause so it is vital to prolong menopause from happening.

As you go through menopause, progesterone cream can help you alleviate all the pain you are experiencing. There are minimal side effects using progesterone due to the fact that is ALL NATURAL. It is derived from plants and is one of the safest products on the market. After you try over-the-counter medication, prescription drugs, etc... you will see the only way to go is using progesterone through this hard time in your life. If you want to get your life back to normal and stop menopause and PMS symptoms in their tracks than you need to use progesterone as soon as possible.

Remember, natural progesterone cream can help ease the effects and symptoms of menopause but there is NO cure for it. It is a fact of life that all women must overcome. I hope everyone realizes the power of natural progesterone cream and the many uses for it. Again, this is an all natural treatment so you will not experience progesterone complications. Honestly, what do you have to lose? This is honestly the best choice in your life you could ever make and if you do your research you will see how this cream has been helping women for decades! I wish you the best of luck in overcoming menopause; this is one of the worst times in a woman's life. Understanding the hormonal changes and symptoms of menopause can help you deal with the effects easily. Don't let menopause hold you back from doing the things you want! Thank you again for reading this article and I hope it has given you some valuable information!

Hormone Imbalance and How it Affects Menopause

What is the Reason for Hormone Imbalance?

With the onset of menopause, there is a reduction in the hormone estrogen produced by the body. This routinely happens between the ages of 45 and 55. The change in hormone levels can create the imbalance referred to This can affect nearly every body system and hastens various symptoms which can be quite distressing.

As menopause symptoms can cover a wide spectrum, it can sometimes be hard to tell whether symptoms are caused by the hormone variations of menopause or another health problem.

SYMPTOMS OF HORMONAL IMBALANCE

Hormonal symptoms at menopause include:

• Hot flashes, called hot flushes in the UK


• Irritability, anger, or frustration (which is anger held inwards)


• Sweating at night


• Fatigue or a drained feeling


• Loss of libido


• Vaginal dryness


• Hard to sleep


• Depression frequently accompanies menopause


• Foggy thinking


• Variation in appetite


• Rapid heart beat (properly called palpitations)


• Reduced skin elasticity


• Ringing of the ears (tinnitus)


• Fears and anxiety

Some other conditions can arise during menopause which are not so apparent. These include:

• Arteriosclerosis


• Osteoporosis

Hormone Imbalance, Menopause Symptoms And Low Blood Sugar

Menopause symptoms are often identical to symptoms of blood sugar imbalance - low blood sugar. For example, hot flashes and variable mood can accompany low blood sugar - and may not necessarily accompany hormone imbalance. Do not choose to eat lots of sugary food to counteract this because this raises blood sugar levels which can worsen the symptoms it is meant to correct.

Can Anything Be Done About Menopause Symptoms?

Menopause isn't life threatening but some have reported that it can feel like it is, because menopause symptoms can be so aggravating! Fortunately there are various things which can be done to help balance up the hormones and check menopause symptoms using a programme of natural healthcare.

You can create this programme yourself by using the ideas in this article as a starting point. You can also find ready-made programmes which you can buy off the shelf. This can be a better idea.

If possible it is better to involve experienced practitioners in complementary medicine for advice and remedial treatment. This can be expensive - but is often worth it.

Any programme you use should include diet, exercise, relaxation and herbal or homoeopathic remedies. Acupuncture can also be very beneficial at this time. A programme of this type can be a wonderful benefit at menopause by encouraging you to be pro-active in dealing with your symptoms.

Natural medicine - including herbs, homoeopathy and acupuncture can help reduce hormonal imbalance. Thus they can help deal with symptoms such as the ones mentioned here. They can help for menstrual problems - period problems - as well as menopause.

Specific Herbs for Hormone Imbalance and Menopause

Agnus Castus and Dong Quai are the two best known herbs to help hormone balance. They have been used for centuries - Agnus Castus in the West, and Dong Quai in the East. However, don't forget that the best way to use them is as part of a comprehensive approach to healthcare - including diet, exercise and rest.

Natural Healthcare For Menopause Symptoms

When hormone imbalance strikes and menopause symptoms begin use natural methods to help you manage it. These are wonderful approaches which can make all the difference between unpleasant symptoms and great relief.

How to Overcome Post Menopause Vaginal Dryness Naturally

Menopause is a quite disturbing period in a woman's life. It is not just characterized by a changes in the body but also trigger quite a few behavioral changes.

One of the most disturbing effects of menopause is vaginal dryness. Vaginal dryness is a result of a drop in the production of sex hormone estrogen. Reduced secretion of estrogen makes walls of the vagina thin and dry. This results in a lot of complications pertaining to penetrative sex. Lack of lubrication makes intercourse extremely painful. But matters do not remain limited to this.

Women also experience a burning sensation in the vagina. This can be a quite hopeless situation.

As a result of vaginal dryness, most women tend to lose their appetite for having sex.

How to Overcome Post Menopause Vaginal Dryness

There are some natural ways to get over menopause dryness.

Getting physically active is important. Not only does it ensure better blood flow to the genitals but also helps keep your hormones at an optimum level.

Not only this, you must also ensure that your body is well hydrated. The best way to do so is to drink a lot of water, You can also add fruit juices if you want. However, you must stay away from soft drinks. Not only this, you must also quit smoking. Smoking tends to aggravate vaginal dryness.

There are some foods that can also help. For instance, soy and soy products helps boost the production of estrogen. Foods that contain Omega 3 fatty acids also help boost estrogen production. Some great examples include olives, olive oil, flaxseed, nuts and beans, fish like salmons etc.,

Last but not the least, there are some natural or herbal supplements that are specially formulated for women.

Such supplements are really HOT these days and women are buying them in huge numbers to enjoy blissful ex.

Such supplements are a powerful combination of ingredients such as ginkgo biloba, epimedium sagittatum, hops extract, niacin, black cohosh, melatonin etc.,

These supplements not only increase blood flow to the genitals but also boost estrogen levels. Herbs such ass hops extract, damiana and red raspberry etc., are highly effective in relieving vaginal dryness. Besides encouraging natural lubrication, these supplements also help boost your libido and increase clitoral sensitivity so that you can climax soon after foreplay.

In addition to this, they also help you overcome menopause symptoms.

Besides such supplements, there are some natural gels or lubricants that can also be a great help. They are the perfect choice for women who do not prefer supplements or pills. Such gels are a rich blend of pure aloe, shea butter, cocoa butter, l-arginine etc., and work instantly. They not only increase blood flow to the clitoris but also provide a slippery and velvety touch to heighten response to sexual stimulation.

Such supplements and gels do not have any side effects.

So, If You Want to Get Over Vaginal Dryness and Enjoy Blissful Sex, Check out the Best Female Libido Enhancers, including pills and gels that have been featured on FOX NEWS and the Hit TV Show The Doctors!

Natural Menopause Relief Supplements and Treatment That You Should Know

Supplements that handle menopause are there and most of them are herbal; these natural products are well proven to wade off the symptoms and deliver the much needed relief. Lessening the pain and severity with a view to shutting off the prolonged episodes of this situation is the core of these supplements. The fight is all about the war on night sweats, sleeplessness, mood swings, weight gain etc.

At your door step is one component called "DON'T PAUSE" which comes with pomegranate and green tea; a quite popular refined product that is safe and delivers amazing results. It is non prescriptive and may be delivered any where with ease. This product comforts and ensures you get the most peaceful nights. All symptoms become a thing of the past and you move on with day-to-day activities without any worry.

The more direct natural supplements are black cohosh, maca root, dong quai, and red clover. Black cohosh is one of the common plants of eastern North America; known to greatly relieve all symptoms of menopause. The plant has extracts that mimic estrogen hormones; the mode of action is exactly the same. This plant estrogen stimulates the vagina wall to release the required lubricant to ease any conceived dryness. The thermostat of the body is controlled by the hypothalamus and these secretions work on this organ in the brain directly turning on the poor mechanism to control the temperature again. The same chemicals overturn leutenizing hormone levels to a manageable level that will not temper again with the body temperature. Whatever the side effects, the benefits outweigh everything.

Dong quai a Chinese product that has been in use for centuries has vitamins A, B12 and E; and is usually taken with black cohosh very well. The plant releases the same phytoestrogens like black cohosh that boosts estrogen levels in the body. A higher capacity of estrogens usually counters any symptom of menopause. Dong quai takes care of hot flashes, vaginal dryness and mood swings. It is also known to boosts blood flow in the body by widening the blood veins. While it is provided in form of tablets, its root may also be added to common tea and taken without any harm to the body.

Maca plant grown in South America by inhabitants for many years, has aphrodisiac properties because it is often taken with food. Unlike the other two plants, maca instead releases a compound called adaptogen which alone is capable of balancing the corrupted hormones in the body. When this is done, the body systems become awake and start doing its normal duty. The active ingredient found on the root has other elements namely iron, zinc, magnesium and calcium plus vitamins.

Red clover is a plant found in Asia and Europe; I must say it has the same plant estrogens just like black cohosh and works exactly in the same style. It will also provide you with other elements and vitamins and has all it takes to manage hot flashes very well. These plant estrogens stimulate an increase in production of estrogens to balance off the effect of menopause. The product is taken in capsule form and this has made it very palatable to would be users. It shuts off hot flushes within no time and increases the presence of good cholesterol in the body.

Menozac Menopause Relief Product Review - Is It the Best Menopause Treatment Solution?

Menopause is something that every woman has to go through at some time in their lives. It can be a very trying period emotionally having to deal with your emotions which can sometimes be all over the place. How to get good menopause treatment continues to be a big question for lots of women in this situation.

I know how difficult it can be to deal with the hot flashes and mood swings and that is why I want to give you some tips on something you can use for this condition called menozac menopause relief.

What is this Menozac menopause relief and how does it work exactly?

Menozac is a natural herbal remedy for menopause. It combines all the natural ingredients that have been proven over time to deal with all the problems and symptoms that come with the onset of menopause.

Menozac is used to help women deal with some of the symptoms associated with menopause such as mood swings, hot flashes, night sweats and irregular sleep patterns which drive a lot of women crazy.

Menozac is made up of natural ingredients and so you do not have to worry about the some of the side effects and harmful effects some drugs can have on your body.

It works by helping your body regulate the hormones in your system which as a result helps you with your emotions which can sometimes be all over the place when going through menopause.

Can you see how beneficial this can be for you?

For one, stress levels are reduced and any tensions in your relationship with friends and family as a result of your emotions which are a bit like a rollercoaster (up and down) become a thing of the past and you can once more begin to enjoy yourself again. Great don't you think?

All the night sweats will also be gone and you will sleep better and be a much better person in the morning for it. How good will that feel after all the things you have been through?

Sometimes it is difficult for those around you to really understand what you are going through and this can sometimes strain your relationship with your closest and dearest.

Menozac menopause relief is one of the best menopause treatment solutions available out there and it is proven to put an end to all your menopause symptoms and problems.

Lots of women that are going through menopause are always trying to find the best menopause treatment on the market. This article will be looking at the benefits of Menozac menopause relief.

Natural Treatment For Peri Menopause

Perimenopause, can last up to ten years, so it's important to find a treatment for peri menopause that alleviates some of the unpleasant symptoms.

Perimenopause, also called the climacteric, is where hormonal fluctuations begin within a woman's body. A woman's monthly cycle can become irregular, with months between them. Most women don't stop menstruating immediately. Rather, the onset of menopause is gradual and prolonged. Women begin to miss ovulating some months. And the number of ovarian follicles that are shed by the body increases, depleting the finite supply each woman has.

These hormonal changes within the body can give rise to the symptoms we associate with menopause. Symptoms include hot flashes, sweating, problems with sleeping, mood swings, depression, tiredness, headaches, vaginal pain during sex, and forgetfulness.

Not all women will experience symptoms. They depend both on what is going on individually within each woman's hormones, and what else is going on in her life. Even though the production of estrogen starts to decline in the ovaries, a woman's levels of estrogen don't usually decline during peri menopause. This is because estrogen is also produced in other areas of the body, including body fat. For many women during perimenopause, estrogen levels will actually increase.

But a woman's emotional and spiritual health impacts on her hormonal health. Stress, from work, relationships, home - or a woman's relationship with herself - can impair the natural balance within her body's processes. Unresolved life issues can also affect how the body handles menopausal changes, changes which are part of a natural process.

However, if a woman is facing these issues, finding a treatment for peri menopause symptoms is important. Keeping the body in balance makes it a lot easier to handle other changes and issues that may be surfacing. Here are some natural options:

Homeopathy Treatment For Peri Menopause

* Ferrum phosphoricum - for hot flashes with redness in the face

* Belladonna - for hot flashes that start and stop suddenly

* Sepia - for anxiety and irritability

* Sanguinarina - for hot flashes to the face, neck and ears

* Kali Phosphoricum - for anxiety, nervousness, depression, and hot flashes

Vitamins Treatment For Peri Menopause

* Evening primrose Oil - As well as helping the skin and mood, evening primrose oil is important for the production of estrogen

* Vitamin C with bioflavanoids - This is excellent for hot flashes

* Brewers Yeast - This is a great source of calcium, which is important for maintaining bone health

* Vitamin E - helps treat hot flashes and other symptoms. It's also an excellent antioxidant

* Vitamin B complex - Vitamin B is excellent for stress, and it helps with cellular function and circulation

Perimenopause is a time for growth as well as change. Even though we may find it challenging, a time where we are guided by our bodies to look at things we thought were sacrosanct, it is ultimately a time of great renewal. The natural treatment for peri menopause options here can help support that journey, but they will in no way mitigate the need for that journey. But through the end, we will emerge happier and more whole than the place we started in.

References:

1. Dr Christiane Northrup, The Wisdom Of Menopause

2. Paul Bedson, The Complete Family Guide To Natural Healing

Coping With Anger and Depression During the Menopause

Menopause. The word is a scourge to many women. It is the shifting of one stage of life to another - from being a creator of life to a point where that is no longer possible. There are many changes which take place on the biological level which can lead to alterations in mood.

In addition to common symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, many women develop rapid mood changes, anger, and depression. These mood swings are the result of hormonal changes brought on by menopause. While there is no 'cure' for menopause as it is an entirely natural process, hormone therapy is recommended by some doctors. Even with available treatments to ease this potentially troubling period of time, it is necessary for women to learn to cope with the emotional fluctuations associated with menopause.

When a person is angry or depressed for an extended amount of time, and the menopause can last a number of years, it can lead to negative changes in body chemistry. To gain insight into your anger or depression, it is probably a good idea to get a journal or notebook and keep a running list of things that you believe are causing you to feel this way. By externalising what you are feeling, you can give your emotions a more concrete display and you can examine them.

One way to cope with menopause is to join a support group. Since every woman will one day endure menopause, there are plenty of groups available where women can share their experiences with others like them. Not all women experience significant mood changes, however, many do. It is important to speak to others who may be going through the same trials and tribulations as you are.

In addition, it is a good idea to explore methods of keeping yourself at ease and reducing stress and anxiety. Think about heading to a day spa, getting a massage, floating in a pool, meditation, purchasing a relaxation tape, taking a warm bath, learning breathing exercises, and taking up yoga.

If you have never heard of the Bach remedies, it may be a good idea to check them out. When you take Larch, Wild Rose, Gorse and Gentian together, it may help alleviate some of the symptoms of depression. There are many holistic remedies available that have provided excellent results.

You can also look into aromatherapy and acupuncture, which not only can provide relief from symptoms of menopause - they can also help you feel better all around. Hypnosis is also an interesting avenue to explore. Through hypnosis you may be able to eliminate some of the behaviors that are troubling you. Hydrotherapy, light therapy, and sound therapy are also treatments that may help you feel better and give you the peace of mind to combat the emotional symptoms of menopause.

If you are depressed for an extended period of time it is suggested that you contact a mental health professional such as a psychologist. Just a few sessions of counselling may help you get in touch with your feelings and realize that they are essentially a reaction to hormonal fluctuations. While it may be difficult to control at all times, encountering your issues up close and personally may give you the strength to overcome them.

Anger and depression are common symptoms of menopause. With help, knowledge, and support you can overcome them. There is no reason that you have to remain feeling angry and depressed for an extended period of time. You owe it to yourself to take control of your situation by seeking the help that you need or implementing coping strategies. Waiting around for things to get better won't change a thing and will probably make your life and the lives of those around you more difficult.

Managing Flatulence During Menopause

When I was in college, I took a year of physiology courses under a professor whose area of research was flatulence. The causes of flatulence, as we learned all too well, are many and complex, but there's usually a treatment for everyone.

If you happened to listen to Dr. Christine Northrup on Oprah on January 17, 2008, you heard a segment on women's relief from perimenopausal symptoms (flatulence, weight gain, and acid reflux, but flatulence in particular) just by eliminating wheat for a week from the daily diet. For some women getting rid of gluten will help, but if it doesn't work for you, there are more natural alternatives that don't require a trip to the doctor or an expensive prescription.

A study published several years ago in the medical journal Women's Health reported that:

• 9% of women aged 40 to 49 experienced constipation requiring use of laxatives, and weight gain accompanying constipation


• 39% of women aged 40 to 49 suffered acid reflux and


• 48% of women aged 40 to 49 reported excessive flatulence.

Unfortunately, these problems don't usually clear up after menopause. Many women experience symptoms that resemble irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) beginning in the perimenopausal years and continuing throughout their lives.

The consequences of celiac disease, a condition of sensitivity to the gluten not just in wheat but also to a lesser extent in barley and rye, are worse in menopause. "Borderline" gluten sensitivity may not show up until menopause. You can of course just leave the wheat out of your diet for a week to see if you get better, but there's also a saliva test for celiac disease available through your doctor. There's even a home test from ELISA technologies or from Genova Diagnostics.

If you're not wheat sensitive, what do you do? First of all, consider dietary implications for IBS-like symptoms such as flatulence and constipation. Bean-O and Lactaid, available in markets everywhere, help if you are sensitive, as most of us are, to beans or dairy products.

A surprisingly frequent cause of flatulence? The South Beach Diet. You don't really need to modify the diet. The methods of dealing with flatulence listed below are enough to assist you to getting to the maintenance phase of the diet when flatulence should not be as problematic.

The favorite remedy for flatulence is over-the-counter Pepto-Bismol. IBS-like symptoms aren't really controlled by Pepto-Bismol, but the "pink" (bismuth salicylate) in the Pepto-Bismol binds hydrogen sulfide so gas isn't smelly. You shouldn't use Pepto-Bismol if you're sensitive to aspirin. If you can't use Pepto-Bismol, an activated charcoal product may be helpful, but ask your pharmacist if you're taking a drug like Zetia for cholesterol or if you are taking Alli to help lose weight. Either product interacts with charcoal.

Other ways to reduce gassiness include:

• Don't drink liquids through a straw (especially carbonated beverages). The extra air comes out as gas.


• Don't chew chewing gums sweetened with sorbitol or xylitol. These sweeteners don't provide calories to you, but they do feed the fermentative bacteria living on your intestinal wall (and especially the bacteria you get from Activia).


• And, if you don't have acid reflux, start a meal with something bitter, the bitterer, the better. Bitter foods trigger a reflex that releases stomach acid to digest food thoroughly.

Men with IBS tend to get diarrhea. Women with IBS and IBS-like disorders tend to get constipation. Here's where avoiding sugar will really help.

When blood sugar levels are even slightly elevated, the central nervous system sends a signal to the gut to release sugars more slowly. The result is constipation.

If you use bran, keep in mind that coarse bran from cereal works better than fine bran in fiber supplements for relieving constipation, but cereals are more likely to aggravate heartburn than fiber supplements. The soluble fiber in fruits and vegetables is better still.

Prunes provide very little fiber, but they act in the gut the same way Milk of Magnesia does, causing the stool to absorb water, making it easier to move.

Exercise relieves constipation, but not a whole lot. Researchers at the University of California at Irvine measured regularity in 8 exercisers who increased their daily workouts on a stationary bike from 1.8 km to 3.0 km (about a mile a day to almost two miles a day). The effect on constipation was measurable, but very slight. A little exercise may relieve a lot of gassiness, however.

Chocolate Cysts - Learn About Treatment For Endometrioma Cysts

There are many different types of ovarian cysts and fortunately, most do not cause serious problems. A functional cyst develops as a glitch in the normal functioning of the ovaries and is rarely problematic. Other types of cysts develop as a result of abnormal cell growth. Endometrioma cysts or chocolate cysts fit this description.

Chocolate cysts occur in women who have Endometriosis of the ovaries. Under normal circumstances, endometrial tissue lines the uterus. When endometriosis is present, this tissue grows abnormally in other parts of the body. When endometrial tissue grows on the outside of the ovaries, small blood filled cysts form called Endometrioma cysts or chocolate cysts. Diagnosis of endometriosis can only be done by laparoscopy.

It is unclear what causes Endometriosis or chocolate cysts to occur but they are very responsive to hormone fluctuations in the body. They are frequently benign and often go undiagnosed until a woman is unable to conceive. Endometriosis is one of the major causes of infertility. It can cause severe pain around the time of menstruation and pain may be experienced during intercourse.

Endometrial tissue grows more rapidly when surges of estrogen occur and decrease in its absence. As a result, endometriosis often diminishes during pregnancy and after menopause. The most common traditional medical form of treatment is hormone therapy. Sometimes birth control pills are prescribed for a brief period of time to help shrink the endometrial tissue in order to allow a woman to become pregnant. Pain relieving medications are recommended to treat the symptoms.

Laparoscopy is sometimes performed to remove the adhesions that often occur as a result of endometriosis. In more serious cases surgery such as a hysterectomy or bowel resection are performed to help minimize the growth of the abnormal tissue or to relieve pain. Occasionally, a chocolate cyst can grow in size and rupture. In this case, emergency surgery may be required.

Regardless of the treatment plan recommended by a traditional medical practitioner, it can be extremely beneficial to take a holistic approach to dealing with chocolate cysts and endometriosis. Like other types of cyst development, hormones play a crucial role and hormone levels are influenced by such things as emotions, diet, stress and other lifestyle factors that can be altered.

Natural treatment methods work well in combination with traditional medicine. They can help slow the growth of chocolate cysts and improve your overall health to such a degree that recovery from any surgical treatment may be quicker. Vitamin supplements are an important component of a natural treatment plan for chocolate cysts.

Making important dietary changes and adding a vitamin and mineral supplement will help balance hormone levels in the body, raise immunity, improve liver functioning, and help guard against abnormal cell growth.

Helpful herbs are also included in a natural treatment plan. They provide the added benefit of helping the body rid itself of harmful toxins that may contribute to a hormone imbalance and the growth of all types of cysts.

Menopause Remedies and Menopause Weight Gain

Menopause remedies come in as many varieties as menopause symptoms. However there is a few that seem to have stood the test of time having being used in Europe and China for centuries.

We will have a quick look at the most popular menopause remedies and what menopause symptoms they address. We then finish with a brief look at menopause weight gain and how it can be managed.

Herbs and Plants for Menopause Symptoms.

China.

Chinese Medicine can be effective in many areas.

Common Treatments include:

• Bao shao yao - for hair loss.


• Qing huo - To reduce hot flushes.


• Chi shao yao - for dry, itchy skin.


• Fo ti - A tonic for the endocrine system, which works to energize and rejuvenate.


• Nuo dao gen -for night sweats.


• Ginseng - As a general immune tonic and stress reliever.


• Tu fu ling - for dry or sore vagina.


• Bao shao yao - for hair loss.


• Dong quai - for irregular menstruation and heavy bleeding.

Europe.

Like China, Europe has a long history of traditional medicine.

Herbs still recommended today include:

• Black Cohosh - Used for short term (6 months) treatment of hot flushes.


• Chasteberry - Used to treat PMS, mood swings, headache, breast fullness and for general hormonal balance.


• Evening primrose - Reported by thousands of woman to relieve PMS and mood swings.


• St. John's Wort - Known for its anti-depressant and stress relieving qualities.


• Sage - Taken as tea to help with hot flushes. However CAUTION with HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE and if taking TAMOXIFEN.

Weight Gain: Menopause.

As we age many people experience weight gain, menopause is not the only cause, our bodies' metabolism slows as we age and for most some toxins have accumulated in the body over time.

The body holds water and fat as a buffer against toxicity. A simple one line menopause diet therefore is "Eat more water rich food and less processed food" as this will reduce the bodies' toxicity.

When combating menopause weight gain the more you detoxify the less water and fat your body will need to retain as a buffer to toxicity.

The other key cause of weight gain in menopause is sugar imbalance. A high intake of sugar not only effects hormone production, causing mood swings and cravings but sugar also contributes to toxicity requiring the body to hold more water and fat as a buffer.

If you want to take things step by step start eliminating foods and record what menopause symptoms change. Whatever you remove from your diet, leave out for 7 to 12 days. This gives the body time to remove any toxicity that that particular food item may have been causing and you should see a corresponding reduction in menopause symptoms. 

Dong Quai For Menopausal Hot Flashes and PMS

Every woman needs a remedy for mood swings. Having mood swings is just part of the package of being a woman. But then again, she has her hormones to blame for that. Once a month her hormone balances shift and as a result she gets those sweet mood swings and cramps to go with them. Of course, I am talking about the menstrual cycle. Even when a woman is going through menopause and her cycle permanently stops, she will go through a series of side effects. These side effects go beyond the temperamental mood swings. Menopause also burdens women with hot flashes, night sweats, low libido, and disturbed sleep. Focusing on ridding of side effects, dong quai is an herbal extract that can help relieve a number of symptoms.

Dong quai is also referred to as Chinese Angelica. Not only is it used in Easter medicine but it is popularly used for cooking. Dong quai is also known as the female ginseng and is an herb that is home to China. The herb also contains vitamins A, E, and B12. It is one of the most widely used herbs for treating menopause because of its phytoestrogen characteristics. Phytoestrogens are plant derived estrogen. Plants that are phytoestrogens are capable of pairing with natural estrogens in the body when consumed. For this reason, dong quai is very beneficial to women lacking estrogen during the menopausal stage of their life. It is capable of relieving a number of symptoms by replenishing the body with estrogen.

How does it help? Dong quai is capable of dilating blood vessels and in turn increasing blood flow. Not only does this action help dismiss hot flashes but it helps with vaginal dryness. A common side effect of low libido and estrogen is vaginal dryness, which is part of the reason why sex drive is so low during menopause. By regulating estrogen don quai help control mood swings and relieves stress. This is also beneficial for PMS. On top of helping with side effects related to menopause, this natural herb can help with a number of other illnesses like heart disease.

The best way to consume dong quai is by taking it as a pill. You can find it paired with other herbal extracts in menopause relief formulas. Other ingredients to look for are black cohosh root, soy isoflavones, damiana, and chaste tree berry. All are known for their ability to relieve menopausal symptoms.

Early Menopause and Hair Loss

Menopause is troubling enough for women never mind adding hair loss to the equation. Both 'conditions' may cause not only physical symptoms but emotional symptoms as well. The effects of early menopause and hair loss will vary from woman to woman and even be variable for one woman from month to month.

Early Menopause Effects

With early menopause, you will likely experience irregular periods and irregular bleeding during the periods you do have. Then you have the hot flashes/night sweats, sleep problems, mood swings, increased appetite, and possibly food cravings. This could all indicate pregnancy or early menopause, a physical examination by your doctor can help to determine what your symptoms are and how they are to be treated.

Menopause is the end of a woman's fertility and a definite indication she is aging. The physical effects could be weight gain, body aches, head aches and more. The mood swings can make you feel like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. It is important to eat as healthy as possible and get regular exercise. This will raise your energy level, your stamina, and possibly your libido if it's been affected.

The emotional effects of menopause can vary from woman to woman and within one woman. Your confidence may decrease. Your sense of well-being and usefulness can be cause of concern, even causing you to doubt your femininity. You may feel undesirable and your sex drive could decrease. The constant changing hormone levels are often the culprit and once levels stabilize, many of these symptoms may be alleviated.

Hair Loss Effects

It has been said that a woman's hair is her crowning glory. When it begins to thin out or if bald spots develop, you should talk to your doctor to seek treatment. Treatment can stop further loss and may even reverse the loss you already have.

Having bald spots can be embarrassing and many women use wigs to cover it up until it improves. Some will use weaves where hair is woven into existing hair, extensions which can add length, fullness, and the appearance of a full head of hair. The best reason to use wigs rather than other treatments is there are no pills, lotions, or side effects to worry about.

Hair loss for women can be difficult to handle. If you have hair loss and its causing anxiety or concern, you might want to talk to your doctor. It could be depression and may go away with treatment of the hair loss or attaining a stronger self image.

Early Menopause and Hair Loss Treatments

Treatments for early menopause and hair loss are typically pharmaceutical. There are oral medications and topical (applied directly to the skin) treatments. While these treatments are effective, there are often some serious and possibly fatal side effects including cancer of the uterus, ovaries, and cervix. You like many women may want to opt for natural treatments to avoid these horrible side effects.

Natural treatments such as herbal supplementation are a good choice for that reason.
They have far fewer side effects if they have any, making them that much safer for you.

When purchasing herbal supplements, you want to know what you are getting. High quality herbal supplements will have been made to meet pharmaceutical grade standards.
They will have no additives, preservatives, or fillers. They will use only standardized herbal extracts because this is where the active ingredients are found and quality from capsule to capsule and bottle to bottle is guaranteed.

The metabolic paths of the ingredients will have been tested at the molecular level and the interactions of the ingredients examined. Before adding those to your health regimen, be sure to talk to your doctor. Some herbs can affect other prescriptive medications performance.

Conclusion

Early menopause and hair loss can be a double-edged sword for many women. If the loss is due to hormonal changes, once levels stabilize, your hair may come back over time. Treatments include topicals and oral medications. They can also include herbal supplements. Checking with your doctor prior to adding anything to your regimen is strongly advised. The good news is that hair loss can be treated and in many cases reversed.

How to Stop Premature Menopause Symptoms

So you just came home from a long day at work. All you want to do is hit the sack and get a good night's rest. Twenty minutes into a deep sleep, you wake up suddenly in a hot sweat and perspiration. Your clothes are drenched to the point that you have to change them to get comfortable again. These feelings came onto you abruptly and you are not sure what could be bringing on these hot flashes. Well, if you're in your 40s or even in your 30s, it's quite possible you could be experiencing premature menopause symptoms.

First, let me tell you why you are experiencing these symptoms and I can tell you how to stop these annoying flashes and other symptoms as well. Premature menopause symptoms are caused by two things: physical discomfort and the imbalance in our estrogen levels. Below are some other symptoms associated with premature or perimenopausal symptoms:

- Mood swings
- Bloating
- Breast tenderness
- Increase in fatigue
- Hot flashes
- Vaginal dryness
- Irregular periods
- Urine leakage

There are natural supplements available today that will take care and alleviate these symptoms. And using natural supplements is much healthier in comparison to prescription medicine. I have tried prescription medicine for my pains they brought on very harsh and dangerous side effects. And even though every woman is different, I know many that have experienced the same harsh effects as well. So my advice is to try a natural supplement and if that doesn't work, talk to your doctor about medication.

Relief From Fibroids Naturally - Safe & Effective Home Remedies For Uterine Fibroid Treatment

Treatment for uterine fibroid tumors is normally not necessary. However treatment becomes essential if

a)your symptoms are severe

b)you wish to have children in future.

Fibroids are a common problem that many women face. Fibroids are benign or non cancerous growths which can occur on the walls of the uterus or the cervix. Usually this develops in women who are in their late thirties or early forties.

Fibroids can cause frequent and heavy menstrual periods and bleeding in between periods. The excessive blood loss can result in anemia, weakness and fatigue. There are various options of treatment for uterine fibroids. In cases where the fibroids do not cause any problems or discomfort treatment is generally not needed. This is because fibroids tend to shrink on its own with the onset of menopause.

A healthy diet and exercise by itself will not shrink your fibroids. However it will definitely provide you relief from some of the symptoms of fibroids. Diet and lifestyle changes form an integral part of any natural plan of uterine fibroid treatment.

What should a typical fibroid diet comprise of?

Consume a fiber rich diet which is low in animal fats and fried foods. Prunes, pears, figs and apples are fruits which you can include in your diet. Substitute refined flour products with whole wheat breads and pasta. Oats can also be included in your intake since it has high fiber content. Broccoli, spinach, onion and garlic are particularly useful in treatment for uterine fibroids as they help in regulating estrogen levels.

Stay away from or reduce consumption of sugar, alcohol and saturated fats. These foods tend to make it difficult for the body to regulate the hormonal balance.

In addition to your dietary changes, follow a regular exercise routine. Excess estrogen which is the common cause of fibroids is usually due to excess body weight. By exercising regularly you will be able to maintain your ideal body weight. Moderate form of physical exercise also ensures regular ovulation. Irregular ovulation can worsen your fibroids and its symptoms.

Fibroids are caused to due multiple factors. Hence using a comprehensive plan which aims to eliminate each and every cause in a systematic manner is the best option of treatment for uterine fibroids. Natural uterine fibroid treatment methods combine diet alterations, lifestyle changes and herbal medication to treat fibroids. I got rid of my fibroid with the help of one such natural plan developed by an alternate practitioner. Although the plan took some time to produce results, it gave me permanent relief from fibroids naturally.

Menopause - An Overview of The Basics

Menopause is characterized by the cessation of menstrual periods in adult females. A woman has reached menopause when she has not had her menstrual period for twelve consecutive months and no biological or physiological cause has been identified. This signifies the end of her ability to get pregnant. It is a normal change in the body of a woman. Menopause usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. However, menopause has also occurred in women in their 30s and even in their 60s. A sign that a woman is approaching menopause is when the length of each menstrual cycle begins to vary. There is no way to determine when a woman will enter menopause. But it is generally accepted that a woman will enter menopause at about the same age as her mother. In addition, the age at which a woman begins to have menstrual periods is not related to the age of the onset of menopause. Menopause occurs because the ovaries stop producing estrogen and progesterone. These hormones regulate the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Estrogen also protects bones. Therefore, the lack of estrogen can make a woman more vulnerable to osteoporosis.

The most common symptom of menopause is a change in the menstrual cycle, but there are other symptoms to look out for including hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness and itching, heavy bleeding, fatigue, depression, headaches, weight gain and memory loss.

Menopause occurs in a series of four stages: premenopause, perimenopause, menopause and postmenopause. Premenopause is the reproductive stage. This stage lasts from her first period to her last period. Perimenopause is the stage that precedes menopause and usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 60. This stage can begin up to ten years before the occurrence of the final menstrual period. In this stage, there are irregularities in the menstrual cycle as well as symptoms of early menopause. The irregularities might include: the length of the period, the time between periods and the level of bleeding. During this time, the woman will become less able to get pregnant. The menopause stage occurs when a woman has her last menstrual period. Her last menstrual period is confirmed when she does not have a period for twelve consecutive months.

There are three categories of menopause: natural, artificial and premature. The majority of women have natural menopause. The cause of natural menopause is aging and a reduction in the estrogen and progesterone produced from the ovaries. Artificial menopause occurs because of a medical procedure such as a hysterectomy, radiation treatment to the pelvis, or the surgical removal of the ovaries. Premature menopause happens to a woman who has had her final menstrual period before reaching the age of 40. This category of menopause occurs because of autoimmune diseases, smoking, genetic factors or exposure to chemicals. This occurs in about one percent of women. Postmenopause is the stage that occurs after the final menstrual period. In this stage, the decline in hormone levels may cause health problems such as heart disease or osteoporosis. Postmenopausal women are two to three times more likely to get coronary heart disease than women of the same age who have not reached menopause.

If you want to alleviate some of the symptoms of menopause, you can try hormone replacement therapy (HRT). HRT has been shown to be an effective treatment for hot flashes and osteoporosis. However, use of HRT has also been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer, heart disease, stroke and Alzheimer's disease. You should check with your doctor before considering the use of HRT.

Understanding Menopause and the Stages of a Woman's Reproductive Life

Women reach natural menopause when they exhaust their supply of follicles in the ovary. No follicles, no ovulation thus you have entered menopause, a natural stage of a woman's life. This seems simple enough to comprehend, yet there is confusion surrounding the subject of menopause. Understanding a woman's reproductive life can help eliminate the confusion of menopause. A woman's reproductive life begins with puberty and includes the premenopause, perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause stages.

Puberty happens when a female first menstrates which marks the beginning of her reproductive years. During the reproductive years, estrogen and progesterone work in conjunction so that a woman may become pregnant. Estrogen helps maintain pregnancy and stimulates the vital process of fetal maturation while progesterone's primary function is to maintain the lining of the uterus during early pregnancy. Testosterone, is also produced in women at this time. It has different functions, but for this point it needs only to be recognized that it increases a woman's libido. The premenopause stage is best defined as a time of "normal" reproductive function in a woman. This chapter of a woman's life can last into her late 40's.

Perimenopause means "around menopause". The perimenopausal stage is caused by a fluctuation in hormones: estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. As the body ages, these hormones decrease triggering perimenopausal symptoms. This is a transitional phase of 2 to 8 years before menopause, however women can experience perimenopausal symptoms 10 to 15 years prior to menopause. The first symptoms that occur from fluctuating hormones are usually irregular periods, sleep disturbances, hot flashes and night sweats. However, women can experience additional symptoms like mood swings, loss of libido, vaginal dryness, headaches, general irritability, low energy, weight gain in spite of exercise, poor focus and concentration, insomnia and depression.

The technical definition of menopause is when a woman ceases to have a period or menses for 12 consective months. Some women who have reached menopause still menstrate. Diagnosing menopause can be easily achieved by a blood test measuring for the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). When FSH is very high, it reveals that your body isn't producing enough estrogen and signifies that you have entered menopause. At this point, a woman is no longer able to get pregnant naturally. The average age for menopause is 52, but it can occur as early as a woman's 30's or as late as her 60's.

Post menopausal years start after menopause (the 12th consecutive month without a period). Women who still menstrate into their later years should be tested to see if they have entered menopause and reached their post-menopausal years. Women can also be forced into post-menopausal years by surgically removing their ovaries or by some cancer treatments.

Now that you understand menopause, avoid it! Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy relieves menopausal symptoms and it optimizes the aging process by safely restoring the normal balance of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Menopausal symptoms don't just go away themselves. Unless you take action, the quality of your health and your lifestyle may continue to worsen. Treating these symptoms safely requires the use of bioidentical hormones.

Disclaimer: The information provided should not be construed as medical advice but as general information. Anyone interested in BHRT should consult a physician about their specific needs.

An Insight Into 21st Century Herbal Medicine - What Herbs Are Used to Treat Menopause Symptoms?

There is a long tradition of treating unpleasant and debilitating menopausal symptoms with medicinal plants. This knowledge has been passed down through the ages and now for the first time we are beginning to understand through scientific research how the plants work on the body at cellular level.

Menopause affects each woman in a unique way. An over-the-counter herbal remedy, which is aimed at the "average menopausal woman", may relieve some of the symptoms but may not relieve others. Menopause symptoms can include depression, anxiety, insomnia, hot flushes, night sweats, fatigue, loss of libido, loss of memory to name just a few. So you can see that menopause can be a complex picture, which needs to have all the symptoms addressed before the woman can regain a sense of well-being. Medicinal plants containing phytochemicals called steroidal saponins are very effective in the treatment of menopausal symptoms. An example of such a plant is Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa) (see below). The compounds in these medicinal plants may exert an oestrogenic effect by binding with oestrogen receptors in the brain. This may alleviate the symptoms of declining oestrogen levels. Although phytoestrogen derived from plants is not as potent as oestrogen produced by the ovaries, it can still have a mild oestrogenic effect and convince the body that more oestrogen is present and thereby decrease symptoms of withdrawal. The hot flushes usually correlate to surges of luteinizing hormone (LH), which are triggered when the body senses that oestrogen levels are low. If phytoestrogens are present, LH surges and hot flushes diminish.

There are many medicinal plants, which are effective in assisting a woman in her transition to lower levels of oestrogen. Some of the most commonly used herbs are shown below:

Black Cohosh(Cimicifuga racemosa).

Native to North America and now grown in Europe, the root of Black Cohosh has long been used to treat gynaecogical problems, including menopause and menstrual problems. Research has confirmed the validity of traditional knowledge. Two reviews published in 2003 in the Journal of the North American Menopause Society concluded that Black Cohosh is a safe herbal medicine. The German Commission E also supports its use to treat menopausal symptoms and menstrual problems.

How it works

The effects of black cohosh are believed to be the result ofcomplex synergistic actions of triterpene glycosides and efficacy has been supported by clinical trials in Germany and Italy. It has been proposed that Black Cohosh has a mild oestogenic effect on the body without causing an undesirable thickening of the lining of the uterus. A clinical trial, which was conducted over 12 months, found that Black Cohosh reduced the number and severity of hot flushes.

Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Native to the Mediterranean and now grown worldwide, the aerial parts of Sage have been traditionally prescribed for menopausal hot flushes. In an open trial, which lasted 3 months, a product containing Sage and Alfalfa extracts improved menopausal symptoms of hot flushes and night sweats. In a number of open studies, sage has reduced sweat production in patients with excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis). Indeed, it is recommended for excessive sweating by the Scientific Committee of the European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy (ESCOP).

How it works

Research shows that the phytochemical, thujone, which is found in the plant's volatile oil, has a mild oestogenic effect. The mechanism whereby Sage reduces sweating is subject to further scientific research.

Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa)

Wild Yam is native to North and Central America. Both the Mayans and the Aztecs used this plant medicinally to relieve menstrual, ovarian and labour pain. A more recent Western traditional use of Wild Yam is for hormonal imbalance during the menopause.

How it works

The phytochemicals, steroidal saponins, may exert oestrogenic effects by binding with oestrogen receptors in the brain (part of the negative feedback mechanism of oestrogen control). So when a menopausal woman is experiencing low levels of oestrogen, Wild Yam may alleviate symptoms of oestrogen withdrawal.

St John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

Native to Europe, St John's Wort is one of the most valuable European medicinal plants for the treatment of depression, particularly the kind of depression associated with the menopause. This medicinal plant has been very well researched with many clinical trials, one of which found St John's Wort to be as effective as imipramine (a tricyclic antidepressant) in treating mild to moderate depression. In another trial, St John's Wort compared favourably with Fluoxetine (Prozac), particularly for treating depressed patients with anxiety symptoms.

How it works The key phytochemical in St Johns's Wort, hypericin, helps to elevate the biochemicals in the brain that affect mood, namely dopamine and serotonin. If buying this remedy over the counter, it is worth noting that some St John's Wort products are too low in hypericin to have a beneficial therapeutic effect. Also, this medicinal plant can interact with some pharmaceutical drugs so, if you are taking prescription drugs, this herb is best prescribed by a qualified Medical Herbalist.

Many women are now discovering that Herbal Medicine can provide a natural alternative to HRT.

Menopause - What Every Women Needs to Know

Menopause is something that happens to every woman. It is a natural part of life. The average for women who enter menopause is 52. Menopause can occur between the ages of 30 into the 60s. Menopause is different for each woman. It can occur quietly or it can be quite dramatic. Mostly, menopause is changes in a woman's reproductive system. As the supply of eggs ages, the body begins to ovulate less thus causing hormone changes. After awhile the estrogen and progesterone levels drop low enough to stop menstrual periods. Sometimes surgery can trigger menopause. Removing the ovaries, radiation therapy to the pelvis area and chemotherapy can trigger early menopause.

There is a time right before menopause that is called perimenopause. It happens two to five years before menopause. But it has been known for women to have perimenopause symptoms 10-15 years before menopause. You can have irregular periods, breast tenderness and worse premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and also low libido.

During the time leading up to menopause menstrual periods can be irregular and very heavy at times. Other symptoms include hot flashes. Hot flashes could be mild to severe. Women could experience cloudy thinking, headaches, mood swings, depression, anxiety, heart palpitations and irritability. These symptoms can happen well before menopause and keep going well after it. It is different for every woman. The hormone estrogen steadily drops for many months before and after menopause so it is possible for symptoms to get worse. After a while the hormone will level off and the symptoms usually get better, however some women have the symptoms beyond menopause, called post menopause.

Most of the time you do not need a hormone test to check for menopause. Usually between you and your doctor you can figure out if you are perimenopause or in menopause. The doctor will take a history of your period and your physical and emotional health. If you had a lot of irregular and heavy bleeding your doctor may do a few tests to rule out any infection, disease, or a complication of pregnancy. Generally, if you haven't had a period in over a year then you are in menopause.

Since menopause is a natural part of life usually no treatment is needed. If the symptoms interfere with your life then making some lifestyle changes may be in order. Try to make an effort to eat well, avoid a lot of caffeine, alcohol and stress. When you get hot flashes you can try a controlled breathing method to reduce them and emotional symptoms. If you think you need more relief after making lifestyle changes then you can try other treatment for relieving the menopause symptoms. You could try Hormone Replacement Therapy with a low dose of birth control pills before menopause begins or a low dose of hormone replacement therapy after menopause begins. There is certain blood pressure medication or anti-depressants that may be prescribed to help relieve symptoms. If you want to go the alternative route then you can try to include soy into your diet or black cohosh.

Do You Experience Menopause Hot Flashes?

Estrogen is a special hormone in our body. From the part it plays the role in puberty to the help it gives in creating life, it is an amazing substance to know. Menopause hot flashes have a relationship with this special hormone.

It is hard to believe however the hot flashes which you experience during menopause are the result of the estrogen in your body being depleted. Estrogen is normally produced by follicles development in the ovaries, the corpus luteum and your placenta when you are pregnant. Luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone stimulate the development of estrogen in your ovaries.

Whenever you don't have enough FSH or LH or if you develop too much will throw off the balance of your estrogen and cause you many reproductive problems. Minimal amounts of estrogen are also developed by other tissues such as your breasts, adrenal glands and liver. When a woman is born her ovaries contain between 200,000 and 400,000 follicles which will become the tiny eggs her ovaries will create each month.

Estrogen acts a mighty section in the process of ovulation. That is why while a women ages and her supply of eggs declines, she will begin to stop getting menses and experience menopause. As menopause happens, her ovaries stop secreting estrogen and her body will go through several modifications like menopause hot flashes.

Menopause hot flashes happen as the loss of estrogen affects the part of your brain that controls your body's temperature. When your body isn't creating enough estrogen, this part of your brain turns the heat up and causing you to have a menopause hot flash. As a response, your body tries to quickly cool itself down by circulating blood through your body at a rapid speed and sweating.

Most women begin to lose estrogen up to two years before they exactly stop having menses, so it is very possible to experience menopause hot flashes before you exactly experience menopause. Although you are ended with menopause, you will still have estrogen in your body system but just not as much as you once did. This will also triggers hot flashes in some women for up to five years after they stop having a period.

Whenever you have hot flashes, it may comfort you to notice that they won't last forever. As the diminishing estrogen in your body is balances out, menopause hot flashes will finish. Till that occurs, using an all natural product like menopause treatment that mention in our website can compensate for your body's loss of estrogen.

Hot Flash Natural Remedy - The Amazing Benefits of a European Herb is Confirmed by Clinical Studies

What is the best hot flash natural remedy?

The extract of a specific subspecies of rhubarb root, called Siberian rhubarb root has been used in Germany to provide effective relief of hot flashes, sweats and other menopausal related complaints since 1993.

Four different clinical studies published in recognized medical journals (Menopause (2006, 2007 and Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine 2008, 2009) have now been published on the herbal extract. These studies confirm the benefits of Siberian rhubarb root extract (called ERr 731 by researchers). The herb has only recently become available in the United States (2009).

Here are summaries of the four clinical studies, all showing Siberian rhubarb root extract to be very effective in the relief of hot flushes and night sweats.

Clinical study #1 (reported in Menopause, 2006):

109 symptomatic perimenopausal women received either ERr731 or placebo. After 4 weeks the group receiving ERr731 showed significant improvement in the 11 common menopausal complaints on the Menopause Rating Scale.

• at four weeks there was a significant lessening of the severity and number of hot flashes


• women taking ERr731 reported significantly less anxiety and improved moods


• at 12 weeks the group taking ERr731 showed significant improvement in vasomotor [hot flushes], psychosocial [anxiety, mood, depression], physical and sexual scores on the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life assessment.

Clinical Study #2 (reported in Menopause(2), 2009):

This study continued to follow the results experienced by subjects in Clinical Study #1 above. 80 of the subjects in study #1 were followed for an additional 108 weeks (for more than two years). The study showed that long term use of ERr731 resulted in sustained relief of menopausal complaints. By the end of the study women taking ERr731 reported an average of not more than 2 slight hot flushes per day.

Clinical Study #3 (reported in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine(3), 2008):

In this study 252 perimenopausal and menopausal women being seen through 70 gynecological practices were given ERr731 for 6 months. Women received varied doses of ERr731, most receiving one tablet daily. The study found that most of the women in the study experienced significant relief of menopausal symptoms taking just one tablet daily. Symptoms were evaluated using the Menopause Rating Scale. The average total score dropped from 14.5 points to 6.5 points, or more than 50%.

Clinical Study #4 (reported in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine(4), 2009):

In this study 112 perimenopausal women with symptomatic complaints were given one tablet of ERr731 daily. After 12 weeks the women experienced a significant drop in the number of hot flushes, from a median of 12 to 2. Women with more severe hot flushes tended to experience the greatest benefit from ERr731. This drop in the number of hot flashes is comparable to that reported for women taking an ultra low dose of hormone replacement therapy. The women taking ERr731 in this study also experienced improvement in the 10 other categories of the Menopause Rating Scale as well. The 11 categories of the Menopause Rating Scale are:

• hot flushes and sweating


• heart complaints


• sleep disturbances


• depressive mood


• irritability


• anxiety


• physical and mental exhaustion


• sexual problems


• urinary tract complaints


• vaginal dryness


• joint and muscle problems

Recent studies of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) have raised even more questions about the safety of traditional hormone prescriptions. HRT is now associated with increased risk for breast cancer and heart disease.

Siberian rhubarb root extract to the rescue. Fortunately clinical studies are confirming the benefits of a natural herbal remedy for hot flashes, sweats and other menopausal symptoms that is safe.

Menopause Herbal Supplements - Get Relief From The Symptoms of Menopause

Although a lucky few women slip through menopause untouched by symptoms, most of us aren't that fortunate. The worst part is that symptoms can go on for literally years unless you do something to get rid of them. If you're suffering through menopause, herbal supplements can be the natural solution to get rid of your symptoms.

Of course, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can do the trick as well. But if have concerns about some of the long term side effects that come with taking HRT, then you may want to try something natural.

Herbs have been used by women in years past and they worked. Maybe not as quickly as HRT, but when you're considering your health, the trade-off is worth the wait. Natural herbal remedies are a safe and effective way of reducing or eliminating the symptoms of menopause.

Menopause occurs when the menstrual cycle comes to an end. As this happens the production of estrogen tapers off, creating an imbalance. It's this hormonal imbalance that causes the uncomfortable hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and other symptoms.

With HRT, it's a one size fits all approach to dealing with symptoms. No two women are exactly the same, so why should our menopausal symptoms be treated in the same way? Herbal remedies are designed to restore the balance in the body's hormones while at the same time targeting specific symptoms. Some herbs work better at relieving certain symptoms than other herbs, so it's important to know what you are looking for.

There are two basic types of herbs that can be used to relieve menopausal symptoms; phytoestrogenic and non-estrogenic herbs. Each type does something different.

Phytoestrogenic herbs contain natural plant estrogen. Plant estrogen can replace the estrogen in a woman's system and by doing that can directly relieve her symptoms.

Red clover and black cohosh are two of the most common phytoestrogenic herbs and they are known to regulate the estrogen levels in the body.

On the other hand, non-estrogenic herbs do not contain natural estrogen. They work in a different way. They stimulate the endocrine system in the body to produce its own natural estrogen. The herb macafem is known to help relieve menopausal symptoms.

Non-estrogenic herbs are thought to be even safer than phytoestrogenic herbs as they don't add estrogen directly to the body.

How well herbal remedies work will vary from woman to woman. Some factors that may affect their effectiveness include the severity and kind of symptoms, other medication being taken, and when menopause began.

The bottom line is that many women have gotten relief from menopausal symptoms by using herbs. But it can be tricky to try to figure out what and how much to take.

Probably the most foolproof way of taking an herbal remedy is in supplement form. Supplements are made with optimal amounts of specific herbs, so you know what you are getting and what to expect. Because of that, to treat the symptoms of menopause, herbal supplements may be your best bet.

Menopause - Signs of Beginning Menopause

Menopause occurs for many women between the ages of about 40 to 55 years of age. There are signs of beginning menopause that can be mistaken for other things. If you suspect you are heading into medicine, talk to your doctor. S/he will likely do tests to rule out anything including pregnancy. If you are going through menopause there are things you can do and treatments available to help relieve some of the unpleasant symptoms that go along with it.

Menopause Signs of Beginning Menopause

You may notice some irregularity in your periods and you may also note some irregular patterns of bleeding as well. Your moods may vary with noted irritability. You may start to get lower back aches and feel bloated or more bloated than usual.

As menopause progresses you may get the notorious hot flashes and night sweats. Night sweats are simply hot flashes that occur at night resulting in sweating and possibly waking you up with the damp clothing and/or bedding. Weight gain may also occur because there may be water retention. Your sex drive may decrease and vaginal dryness could make intercourse really uncomfortable. Depression and anxiety are experienced by many women throughout menopause. If you suspect you are entering menopause, it is suggested that you have your doctor check you out. This is basically to rule out anything else that could cause similar symptoms such as PMS and pregnancy.

Menopause is a process that can last from 2 to 10 years. You are said to be in menopause if you have not had a period for one full year. Menopause is the end of menstruation and the end of fertility as the ovaries stop producing eggs and hormones that support pregnancy. Also, the symptoms will vary from woman to woman in both occurrence and intensity. They may also vary from month to month. Thankfully ladies, there are treatments available to help ease some of the most bothersome symptoms.

Lifestyle Changes

Changing just a few things in your lifestyle could help relieve some of you menopausal symptoms but may also help to improve your overall health. Reducing how much alcohol you drink and quitting smoking can improve your overall health. Eating healthy will benefit your health as well. Regular exercise can help improve your energy level, your stamina, and even your sex drive. This is true for those in male menopause.

Treatments include those pharmaceutical and natural treatments for both men and women. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is very effective in treating female hormones. It involves boosting estrogen and progesterone levels with either synthetic or natural hormones. There is evidence that says they may also increase the risks of heart disease, stroke, and cancer (ovarian, breast, and uterine).

Pain relievers and anti-inflammatories both over the counter (OTC) and prescribed may be used. Body aches and pains may be part of your menopausal experience. Headaches are also relieved with pain relievers.

Natural treatments can include natural hormones but may also include herbal supplements. Herbal supplements should be made to meet pharmaceutical grade standards. High quality supplements will only use standardized herbal extracts that ensures quality from capsule to capsule and bottle to bottle. The ingredients' interaction should have been examined and the metabolic path of the ingredients tested at the molecular level. This guarantees that the supplements are safe, pure, and effective.

It assures the consumer (you) that you are getting what the product label says you are getting. Be sure to talk to your doctor before adding anything to your health regimen including herbal supplements because the performance of any prescriptions you may be taking for other health conditions could be affected by some herbs.

Conclusion

Menopause - signs of beginning menopause are also similar to other conditions including PMS and pregnancy. Irregular periods and bleeding, mood changes and the hot flashes are among them. If you suspect you are entering menopause, it will be to your benefit if you have your doctor examine you to rule out any other reason these symptoms might be happening. There is a variety of treatments from pharmaceuticals to natural supplements and over the counter, and even prescribed medications as well. Your doctor can help you to find the treatment that best suits your needs.

Memory Problems - Simple Lifestyle Changes and Menopause Supplements For Memory Lapses

The Problem - Memory Lapses

During menopause, you may experience frequent memory lapses. Hormonal imbalance is an important factor in memory problems among menopausal women.

During menopause, the estrogen level fluctuate greatly, causing physical discomforts such as joint pains, headaches, hot flashes, sleep disorder, and mental problems including mood swings, anxiety, depression and irritability.

In case of memory lapses, declined level of estrogen affects the cognitive functions of the brain. Insufficient level of this female hormone causes the brain to slow down, leading to frequent memory lapses.

In addition, stress and disrupted sleep during menopause can worsen the condition. Some women also report fuzzy thinking as an accompanied symptom.

Memory problems may impede daily life. Misplaced keys, forgetting names, failing to remember appointments or important numbers, these can be very troublesome for many women.

Simple Ways to Alleviate the Problem

The good news is that: memory lapses are reversible and preventable, with some effective treatments, such as lifestyle changes and natural remedies.

Incorporate exercise into our daily route. Regular exercise sends more oxygen to your brain and relieves stress and tension. Increased oxygen and reduced stress can help the brain function better and reduce memory problems.

Limit intake of alcohol. Alcohol is harmful for the brain function as it damages never cells and depletes vitamins in the body, which are vital for building neural connections.

Get more snooze time. Sleep is essential for proper memory functions. Lack of sleep can affect mood, judgment and memory ability. A good night's sleep can improve your memory, especially for menopausal women. Aim for 7 to 8 hours sleep a night to get fully rested.

Natural Remedies to Relieve the Symptoms

Apart from memory lapses, you are very likely to suffer from other menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, weight gain, insomnia and anxiety. These symptoms are all hormone-related and can make your memory lapses worse.

To maintain a good menopause health and reduce the hormone-related symptoms, make sure you give body all essential nutrients for a good health foundation, as well as effective herbs to fight the unwanted symptoms.

Herbs can help stimulate the brain and boost memory. Herbal supplements for menopause can regulate hormone levels and alleviate menopausal symptoms. Effective herbs include Black cohosh, Dong quai and Red clover.

When you are combining lifestyle changes and quality supplements for menopause, you are treating the problems from inside to outside, from root cause to related symptoms.

With quality menopause supplements, memory lapses may be reversed.

Signs And Symptoms Of Menopause

Have you been feeling tired, suffering from headaches, noticing that you get irritated at the slightest thing, and just do not feel like the happy go lucky person you normally are? If you are a woman in her late forties or early fifties, chances are you are starting into the years of menopause, otherwise known as the "change of life". At first, you may just think that other people are being annoying and that life has suddenly become hard but as the symptoms continue and often become worse, you start to put two and two, together. Interestingly, most women will be into menopause for years before they "get it".

Part of the problem is that your signs and symptoms of menopause could very well be different from your sister's, your mother's, and your best friend's. That means as you begin to compare what you are feeling with other people, it never quite matches so you just assume like is being difficult. In many cases, a family member, friend, or perhaps a doctor will make a comment about menopause. Then when you begin learning about the various symptoms, it all makes perfect sense.

The key is that if you do notice things changing, pay attention. While chances are good that what you are and will be, experiencing is menopause but on rare occasion, something else could be taking place. Therefore, you might consider keeping a journal and simply paying attention to your body. As an example, thyroid disease and certain types of cancers can produce similar symptoms to that of menopause so again, you should probably start by talking to your doctor to rule out anything other than the change of life.

Now, not to make things confusing, but when you first start into menopause, you will actually be going into a stage known as perimenopause, or the beginning. You see, actual menopause does not start until you have been without a menstrual cycle for a full 12 months. Therefore, when we talk about signs and symptoms of menopause, we are actually referring to perimeopause. Regardless, hormones in the body are changing, typically fluctuating widely. When this occurs, you will begin a journey that is nothing less than adventurous!

One of the first and most complained about signs and symptoms of menopause that you can expect are hot flashes. With this, you might be sitting down watching your favorite television show and suddenly feel as if the house caught on fire. From your chest all the way up to the top of your head, you feel as if someone just lit a match - that is a hot flash. Unfortunately, hot flashes come on suddenly and without warning. To make matters worse, while most will last between 15 and 45 seconds, some women experience hot flashes for five minutes! In most cases, the first time this happens, you are a little unnerved.

Again, you will not go into full-fledged menopause until you go without a menstrual cycle for 12 consecutive cycles. However, when you head into perimenopause, you will begin to notice changes such as a lighter or heavier period, less or more frequency, or the period lasting much longer or shorter than normal. These too are completely expected when you start into the change of life but again, we cannot stress enough that if you have any kind of pain, blood clots, fever, or suspect something else, pay attention and talk to your doctor to make sure nothing more serious is going on with your body.

The second most complained sign and symptom of menopause is the night sweats. With this, you would wake up during the night with your clothing and sheets literally soaked with perspiration. Usually, the cold and clammy feeling of everything being wet wakes you up although you might experience the hot flashes too, doubling your fun. Just as with the other signs and symptoms of menopause, this is completely, harmless but if you were to notice fever, pain, or anything else that seems out of place, notify your doctor.

While most women will tell you that the hot flashes and night sweats are by far the worst signs and symptoms of menopause, husbands, boyfriends, family members, and friends would probably disagree, saying the mood swings are the worst. Typically, you would fid that the little things just get under your skin whereas before, they were not big deal. You may also find that instead of just crying at "chick flicks", you cry over everything, toast that got too dark, a bad hair day, sitting in traffic, and so on. In addition, mood swings means feeling anxious, perhaps something that you never faced before.

Although this time of your life will involve many different signs and symptoms of menopause, you need to feel confident knowing this is simply a part of aging and that all women go through this. Additionally, you may be one of the lucky ones that go through menopause with little to no problem but if not then you have a huge range of options for dealing with the signs and symptoms of menopause, ranging from prescription drugs to natural remedies. Just remember, this phase of your life will not last forever and by understanding, the changes going on in your body and looking at all your options for relief, you can and will successfully get through this a better and wiser woman.

Safe Menopause Relief and Natural Progesterone Cream

Women everywhere are looking for safe menopause relief. The symptoms of menopause can be devastating, especially when they persist for years and literally nothing seems to help.

There are many safe ways to get natural menopause relief, and one of the most effective is natural progesterone cream. It is safe, easy to use, relatively inexpensive, and, for most women, has no harmful side effects.

Many women have tried powerful drugs, such as HRT and anti-depressants, with some success, but the side effects were as bad as or worse than the menopause symptom! Any woman suffering from the unpleasant symptoms, including anxiety and tension, would do well to ask her physician for advice on using natural progesterone cream.

Often over-the-counter creams contain wild yam, which is great. However, if the wild yam is not converted into progesterone, the body simply cannot metabolize it into progesterone. It is important for the cream to contain USP progesterone in order to get the desired help.

The cream is topically applied, just rub it in according to the directions. The dosage is not really critical, a little experimentation will show you how much you need. There are countless testimonials of women who suffered from headaches, insomnia, fear, hot flashes, night sweats, low sex-drive ; these women have all found safe menopause relief in such a simple way. It is so simple that it is often just overlooked.

How does natural progesterone cream work?

Because it is a cream and applied to the skin, the progesterone is absorbed into the bloodstream. A pill, on the other hand, is digested and must pass through the liver, which absorbs much of the progesterone.

A woman's body requires a balance between estrogen and progesterone in order to maintain a healthy condition. During menopause this balance is very often disrupted, with the ensuing menopause symptoms. Natural progesterone cream can be a tremendous help in restoring this balance.

How do you apply it?

Most OTC formulations have almost exactly the same dosage as the body would normally produce on it's own. Apply approximately ¼ teaspoon by rubbing it into the skin. It is preferred to avoid fatty areas, since the fat will absorb the progesterone.

Some formulations have very high quality base creams that can have a wonderful effect on the skin, while others may irritate sensitive areas such as the breasts or buttocks.

How long does it take to work?

In our day of instant gratification, we expect immediate results. Many women do experience very quick results and report such things as finally getting a good night's sleep, reduced anxiety, no more hot flashes, etc.

In order to experience the maximum benefits, it is recommended that a 3 month trial period be used. This gives the body a chance to adapt and find a new balance. Remember, hormones actually change the tissues and cells of the body, so give it some time. Lasting menopause relief is a process of healing.

Is natural progesterone cream for everyone?

Check with your physician before starting any therapy. Generally, however, almost any woman can greatly benefit from the cream. Women with problem periods or excessive bleeding should avoid using the cream and seek medical help.

Overall, natural progesterone cream is an effective, safe and reliable treatment for the discomforts of menopause. Any woman who suffers from the symptoms of menopause should certainly take a close look at this simple, yet effective natural menopause remedy.

Natural Menopause Relief - What Really Works?

Having a horrible time with perimenopause or menopause symptoms and need a natural menopause relief? Can't get a good night's rest because of hot flashes? Are you experiencing a woman's worst nightmare and gaining weight? Do your family and friends thing sometimes you are just grouchy and in terrible moods? If you are experiencing even one of these symptoms, you could be experiencing menopause or perimenopause symptoms. However, it's nothing to be alarmed about because there are natural menopause relief supplements available that will alleviate these horrible symptoms.

Perimenopause is the stage that leads to menopause. You may have missed your period a few times a year for example. You may not be at full blown menopause yet, but it's highly likely you're experiencing the same symptoms as a woman in menopause is experiencing. The remedies I am going to tell you about can help you in the perimenopause stage as well.

The menopause stage happens when hormonal imbalances start to change in a woman's life. Progesterone and estrogen are two hormones that play an important role in regulating a woman's activities. If one is reduced lower than normally, then hormonal imbalances occurs which leads to the menopause stage. This stage includes symptoms like weight gain, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood swings and more.

I have been through the perimenopause stage and is now comfortable living in the menopause stage of my life and boy, have I been through some ups and downs. I dreaded being a woman and having to go through these horrible symptoms.

However, it was not all bad. I am just recently living happily now than when I was younger. And it's all because I discovered a natural menopause relief that contains natural herbal supplements that alleviated these symptoms almost instantly.

It is vital that you try a herbal supplement rather than a prescription medicine to stop these symptoms. I have also taken prescription medicine and had horrible side effects. And this was medicine that my doctor prescribed. Every woman's body is different so there is no guarantee as to what ingredients may trigger something. What works for me may not work for you. However, using natural herbal supplements, you are much less likely to experience any side effects because they are natural and thus, safer for your body.

Loss of Libido During Peri-Menopause: Get Your Sex Drive Back Naturally

Loss of libido or low sex drive may affect up to 40 percent of women and is actually very common during peri-menopause. For a woman who is experiencing a lack of sexual desire during peri-menopause, this article may set her mind at ease in knowing that she may be helped and that she is not alone. By understanding what her body is going through, this article may offer some natural solutions. It is very important for a woman to understand an open, honest dialogue with her partner may help. Other signs and symptoms of menopause are vaginal dryness as well as irritation. These symptoms maybe linked to loss of libido.

The Cause of Low Sex Drive
Like most menopausal symptoms, a lack of sexual desire is usually caused by a hormonal imbalance. A reduction in the level of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone may be responsible for a reduction of a woman's sexual drive as well as loss of energy. Other factors may also be responsible for this common symptom of peri-menopause. There may be a physical cause such as sexual dysfunction, vaginal dryness or a hysterectomy. A psychological cause may be from stress or concerns about growing older. It may be that relationship problems, such as a lack of any meaningful intimate communication may contribute to or exacerbate the situation.

How to treat low sex drive naturally is a personal choice. Loss of libido may be treated with various methods. Lifestyle changes including diet as well as exercise may help, not only for loss of libido, but also for anxiety and stress as well.

Recommended Treatments:

• Bio-identical Hormone-Natural Progesterone Cream


• Acupuncture


• Herbal Remedies

Recommended Foods:

• Kidney beans, liver, red meat and oysters (zinc)


• Buckwheat, almonds, leafy greens (magnesium)


• Dairy, nut, fish (protein)


• Soy milk, tofu (soy products for vegetarians)

Recommended Exercises:

• Yoga for relaxation and flexibility


• Kegel exercises strengthen the vaginal muscles


• Aerobics for circulation and heart health


• Stretching for stress relief, relaxation and improved muscle tone

Boost your libido with Progesterone

Progesterone is an important hormone in maintaining the sexual health of a woman. The levels of progesterone significantly decline, as women transition into menopause. This decline of hormones causes fatigue, irregular periods and other symptoms of menopause. Loss of libido or low sex drive is probably the most difficult symptom for a woman to deal with during her change of life. An unpleasant drawback is it may cause relationship problems, unless each partner understands the cause may be a decline of progesterone. Bio-identical natural progesterone is the choice for many women and men. The woman's partner may feel rejected. The woman may feel unattractive and withdraw. Talking to each other and discussing anxieties and fears may ease the emotional side effects. Counseling may be beneficial to both partners.

Natural Ways For Treating Low Libido or Loss of Libido

Three approaches should be considered when treating low libido or loss of libido. These are lifestyle changes, natural progesterone cream or drug therapy. Naturopathic doctors recommend a stepladder approach to all health issues. It is always recommended to start with the safest option before progressing to the next level of treatment. Lifestyle changes involve minimal risk but a lot of self-discipline. Simple lifestyle changes have been proven to improve your health. Treatments such as herbal remedies, natural progesterone cream along with diet and exercise, is the safest initial approach before using prescription drugs. Always start with one safe natural treatment and see how effective it is before you use HRT drug therapy. An alternative approach involves no risk and a very effective way in treating lack of sex drive. It might involve a few different therapies.

A popular approach is herbal remedies and bio-identical hormones. Bio-identical Natural Progesterone Cream with Wild Yam and Chaste Tree Berry is very popular with health care professional and is used by women of all ages. Alternative remedies may be effective, safer than drugs and a valuable option. A natural progesterone cream is the only practical option for treating a hormonal imbalance right at its own source. Natural progesterone cream is the only natural remedy that addresses the cause of hormone imbalance. The source of hormone imbalance is the ratio of estrogen to progesterone and the general decline of all hormones.

Hormone estrogen replacement therapy (ERT), is another option for women who are suffering with a low sex drive. There are certain risks involve with estrogen hormone replacement therapy such as an increased chance for developing certain cancers in women. Now, there are clinically proven options for HRT that are safe and effective. Natural progesterone cream is a bio-identical hormone cream that gently balances hormones and provides relief from many menopause symptoms including loss of libido. A woman does not have to feel that a low sex Drive and loss of libido is a problem that is going to stay with her for the rest of her life. By understanding that this is actually a very normal condition that happens in every woman's life, she may relax in the knowledge that she has help and options. The milestone stages of ever women's life begin with the start of her menstruation, childbearing years, perimenopausal years and they end with Menopause. Each stage needs to be embraced and empowered. Natural progesterone cream helps women restore their natural balance and restore their libido, increase desire and increase happiness.

This is for education only. It is not intended to treat, prevent or cure a medical disease. If you have a medical condition, please consult a health care professional.