Natural Menopause Treatment

I wanted to talk to you about natural menopause treatment. This is basically what happens when a woman goes through the transition from fertile to infertility. It's just part of life that most women in the Western world have accepted. What typically happens is that a lot of symptoms come along with this and that's the undesirable part of it. Surprisingly, most people are unaware that the Eastern world doesn't really have this problem. The symptoms of menopause are basically unheard of in the Asian countries. It is believed the lifestyle and diet eaten by most people in these countries are more natural and hence don't produce the symptoms that most women in the Western world get. I want to discuss with you natural menopause treatment.

Basically you're going to run into a lot of symptoms with this transition. The most common and popular one people know is the hot flashes. This is when you get these periods of time where you just get a fever, even though it lasts for a short period of time. There is also the night sweats that will leave you drenched in sweat in your sleep. Mood swings are another big one that women don't like to have to go through.

The good news is that there is a natural menopause treatment. In fact there is a lot of herbs that you can use. By far the best is Meca Root. It works to provide relief of all the symptoms of menopause. Sometimes it is hard for most people to ingest these herbs because they taste awful. You can get capsules for this that are full of all the herbs, designed specifically to treat menopause.

Menopause and Diet

Many women have found that special menopause diets can minimize the symptoms of menopause and make the change of life transition much easier and smoother. Menopause diets are a good alternative to prescribed medication and are good for those who worry about adverse side effects. Most all gynecologists recommend that women who are in their pre-menopause stages adopt a menopause diet and stay on it throughout the transition to reduce stress, reduce symptoms, and to ensure good health.

Black cohosh is one highly recommended herb to add to a menopause diet. Gynecologists urge that women begin using black cohosh for treatment of hot flashes. This herb is quite powerful and shouldn't be used any longer than six months. If used any longer than this, although there is no exact effects determined, there could be unknown side effects.

Japanese women intake a greater amount of soy in their everyday diet, and they are only 30% as likely to complain of menopause symptoms as women in the United States and other parts of the world. Soy includes estrogen like substances that are often used in menopause diets to help with hot flashes. The best way to take soy is through soymilk or tofu.

There are some things that, unfortunately, are a large part of most everyone's diet and are hard habits to break. However, these foods have adverse effects and can make menopause symptoms worse. Some of these are tea, alcohol, coffee, spicy food, soft drinks (with caffeine), and smoking. Try and keep high-calorie, sweet junk food to a minimum and eat as little of these as possible.

The main food experts recommend for menopause diets are fruits and vegetables, basically just eating healthy. Boost your intake of fruits such as melons, oranges, and lemons. Potassium, found in bananas, helps with women who retain water. Good vegetables are dark leafy vegetables like collard greens, spinach, cabbage, broccoli, peppers, and tomatoes. Regular fiber intake is also a healthy part of menopause dieting.

Instead of fried foods, try and stick to food that is broiled or baked. Instead of white bread and white rice eat more whole grains, like oats, rye bread, and brown rice. Try not to eat as many regular potatoes, but rather opt for sweet potatoes or pasta.

Other good things to add to your everyday diet include, oily fish like mackerel or salmon, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and unprocessed oils for cooking. Other foods that are not so conventional but are recommended are different types of seaweed (ask at your local health food store) like Nori, Kombu, Arame, and Wakame.

A well balanced, nutritious, healthy diet will help reduce symptoms and achieve optimum health in women. The key is to incorporate as many natural foods into your menopause diet as possible.

Perimenopause Treatment Myths

For many years, women believed in pharmaceutical companies when they said hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the best perimenopause treatment. Nothing could be farther than the truth! Although HRT has given some relief to women suffering from hot flashes, night sweats, and other symptoms, there are many other treatments that are natural for menopause that are safer and even more effective. HRT aggravates hormonal problems suffered by menopausal women by skewing the balance of estrogen and progesterone. A large number of unopposed estrogen and too little progesterone will place you at risk for breast cancer, blood clots, and strokes. Below are some widely-believed myths about HRT's benefits and the studies that proved them wrong.

Myth: HRT will maintain your cardiovascular health during menopause
It was widely assumed that HRT and synthetic estrogens reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. This conclusion was based on large studies that observed lower rates of heart problems among menopausal women on HRT. However, current findings show that women who recently had a stroke or heart attack are at greater risk of getting a second stroke or heart attack after they start taking HRT. Aside from that, research from the Women's Health Initiative showed that even healthy women who take HRT will have a slightly increased risk of suffering a stroke or heart attack within the first two years of therapy. This effect had a stronger association with combined oral estrogen and progestin treatments; studies show that the effect of estrogen on cardiovascular health varies according to the mode of delivery.

Because of these compelling new findings, the American Heart Association recommends avoiding HRT for the reason of preventing heart disease. In addition, women who have had a stroke, who have heart disease, or are at risk for both should avoid synthetic hormones.

Myth: HRT will help you avoid breast cancer
The decades-old myth that the oral contraceptive pill and HRT are the secrets to a woman's good health has long been disproven. Harvard University's Nurses' Health Study, the largest, longest-running study on female health in the United States, discovered that HRT actually increases the risk of breast cancer. Researchers found out that women who used synthetic estrogens during menopause had a 30% increased risk of developing breast cancer than women who did not. Some HRT treatments include progestin (synthetic progesterone) to balance out estrogen and to prevent uterine cancer. Although this combination was successful in terms of the latter, researchers discovered that progestin actually increases the risk of breast cancer by 40%. The risk for HRT-related breast cancer increases with a woman's age and the number of years she has been taking these hormones.

Myth: HRT will help stave off dementia
Dementia, a progressive cognitive disorder characterized by memory loss, impaired reasoning, and impaired language use, was thought to be prevented by HRT. New research shows that HRT actually shrinks the brain and causes cognitive impairment. These findings were confirmed by a study from the Women's Health Initiative published in the Journal of the American medical Association. Researchers looked at over 4,500 women over the age 65 who had no memory problems at the start of the trial. Half the participants took HRT, the other half took a placebo. Five years later, there were 61 cases of dementia, with 66% of them belonging to the HRT group. Not only was HRT unable to prevent dementia; it actually doubled the risk of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. While only 20% of women who have mild thinking problems will experience dementia, do you really want to risk it with HRT?

Safe perimenopause treatments
Instead of HRT, consider safe menopause treatments like natural progesterone cream. Unlike synthetic progesterone, which increases the risk of uterine cancer, natural progesterone cream fights off the excess estrogen in your body that may be triggering your menopause symptoms. You can also increase your consumption of soy and other foods with phytoestrogens (plant estrogens). Phytoestrogens are far weaker than synthetic estrogen, which means it can provide relief without causing estrogen dominance and other complications.

Depression During Menopause

Menopause is a disease associated with biological factors. It occurs in every woman as they grow old. This makes it difficult to deal with it. There are many beliefs associated with menopause depression. Some people associate menopause with depression. Some believe that menopause and depression occur simultaneously. The symptoms of menopause and depressions are similar. They include hot flashes, irritability, sleep disorders, anxiety, change in food habits, and lack of interest in any activity. Women are more prone to depression during menopause than men.

The visible depression symptoms and menopause symptoms in women are dejection, feeling extremely sad, melancholy, and worthlessness. This is caused by the less secretion of the hormone 'serotonin' in the body which is responsible for the mood fluctuations. They also experience extreme sadness and confusion. It may also trigger the feeling of suicidal tendencies in them. These things are quite normal in women. Care should be taken to handle this situation otherwise it would lead to severe health problems.

The first step that should be considered is that you should clearly understand the problem. Women, most susceptible to the disease, are those women, who had undergone some surgery, smoking, had managed many children, or had a stressful life. Apart from these, women with premenstrual syndrome and postpartum depression are also highly vulnerable to depression. Depression during menopause can be effectively treated with the help of doctor's treatment.

Some physical problems are also associated with depression during menopause. They include stressful relationships, divorce, and anxiety about the life when you grow old.
Tips for managing menopause depression are enlisted below:

Basically, there is no cure for menopause. Some doctors recommend hormonal therapy as a treatment. We can undertake some simple steps as a strategy to cope depression during menopause. They are enlisted below:

Undergo regular medical examination. It would help you to keep a track all the changes taking place in the body and take necessary precautions:

- Regular exercise and right nutrition
- Relax using meditation and yoga
- Opt for other herbal medicines and therapies that help you to curb its effects
- There are many tests available online that can be utilized to find out whether you are depressed or not
- Adopt changes in lifestyle that will foster the treatment of depression
- Join social groups wherein you can share and discuss your problem. It would help you to control your anger and frustration
- You can also bring out your feelings by jotting them down in a dairy. This would help you to overcome the mood swings
- Family members could support the patient by giving him/her a hearing to his/her problems and also helping him/her to overcome the depression
- Make a trip to a nearby garden or tourist place. Take a break from the stressful life
- Counseling sessions of psychologist may also help to overcome it

The most common symptoms of menopause are depression and frequent bouts of anger. Fighting depression is possible when proper care and support is provided to women during menopause. You can adopt different coping strategies and bring down the effect of depression. There is another option available of using antidepressants for depression treatment for women.

The most common mistake made by women is they consider menopause as a normal thing in the process of aging and don't treat them or even consult a doctor. Misconceptions related to depression during menopause should be removed and by adopting simple techniques you could easily cope up with depression. You should also change your attitude towards these bodily changes. It would assist you to deal with its effects and also bring you out of depression.

Menopause Treatment Options

Theoretically,? menopause is not a disease.? Therefore, there is no cure.? Many women opt to forgo any treatment at all, and simply tolerate many of the?symptoms associated with this normal transition. ?However, for those women whose symptoms are so severe as to interfere with their quality of life, there are many options at their disposal.

Remedies may be implemented by the woman herself for?the?conditions?associated with menopause.? For example,

Hot flashes: Several nonprescription treatments are available, and lifestyle choices can help.

• Many women feel that regular aerobic exercise can help reduce hot flashes


• Foods that may trigger hot flashes, such as spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol, should be avoided.

Heart disease: A low-fat, low-cholesterol diet helps to reduce the risk of heart disease.

Weight gain: Regular exercise is helpful in controlling weight.

Osteoporosis: Adequate calcium intake and weight-bearing exercise are important. Strength training (lifting weights or using exercise bands in resistance training) can strengthen bones.

Certain medications are beneficial in reducing many of the signs and symptoms of menopause.

Hormone Replacement Therapy

• estrogen or a combination of estrogen and progestin


• treats hot flashes


• reduce fracture risk by building bone mass


• improve cholesterol levels


• decrease vaginal dryness


• estrogen and progestin combination associated with increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and breast cancer


• estrogen alone associated with increased risk of endometrial cancer


• increased risk of gallstones and blood clots

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

• normally used for depression and anxiety


• effective in reducing hot flashes

Clonidine (Catapres)

• used to lower blood pressure


• effective in reducing hot flashes

Gabapentin (Neurontin)

• primarily used for treating seizures


• used to treat hot flashes

Megestrol (Megace)

• short-term relief of hot flashes


• not recommended as first-line drug

Medroxyprogesterone (Depo-Provera)

• injectable


• sometimes effective in treating hot flashes


• may cause weight gain and bone loss

Several medication options are available for the treatment of osteoporosis during menopause.? They include:

• Aldenodrate (Fosamax)


• Raloxifene (Evista)


• Calcitonin (Calcimar or Miacalcin)

There are?natural remedies?on the market which report to reduce hot flashes.? However, for many, the?clinical studies are conflicting and inconclusive.? These include:

Black Cohosh

• herbal supplement


• German studies recommend limiting its use to six months or less


• not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration


• side effects include nausea, vomiting,? dizziness, visual problems, slow heart beat, and excessive sweating

Plant Estrogens (Phytoestrogens)

• soy is an example


• safety of soy in women with breast cancer not established

Other Herbal Preparations -?avoid or take under supervision of health care provider

• dong quai


• red clover


• chaste-berry


• yam cream


• Chinese medicinal herbs


• evening primrose oil

There are several treatment options available to help alleviate the symptoms of menopause.? These treatments should be individualized for each patient.? As?many of these?methods are?not without risk, they should be implemented and monitored?under the guidance of a physician.

Soy and Thyroid, Heart and Bone Health, Risks and Benefits During Perimenopause and Menopause

Soy is the original hippie food that gave birth to the words Natural and Organic. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and the AHA (American Heart Association) for more then twenty years have questioned the risks and benefits of soy. In the meantime, soy has become an extensively overused ingredient. So while Americans consume soy either by choice or for lack of reading a label, it's uncertain whether soy has a negative effect on the thyroid and does soy in fact, offer any health benefits at all.

Tofu, tempeh, miso, soy milk, soy flour, soy chicken, soy tuna, soy protein, soy in condiments and per-prepared foods, burgers, sausage, and hot dogs, soy supplements and soy in menopause wellness formulas, soy in breads and pastas, soy in lotions, potions and hair dye, soy oil, soy cheese, soy in lipsticks, cosmetics, candles, shampoos and household cleaning products, soap, crayons, paper, and clothing. Even if you are a soy devotee, the ingredient has morphed from fermented bean curd into everything else.

Soy and the Thyroid

During perimenopause and menopause it is not unusual for women to develop thyroid problems. Since 1970, the number of thyroid incidences has more than doubled and approximately80% of thyroid disease is experienced by females.

Soy is a food that is categorized as a goitrogen. These are foods that promote the formation of goiter, a swelling in the thyroid gland, which can lead to a swelling of the neck or larynx. Soy is capable of interfering with the thyroid's normal function causing thyroid disease such as Hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone or Graves' an autoimmune disease that can cause over activity of the thyroid -- a condition known as Hyperthyroidism.

During perimenopause and menopause many women develop digestive problems that can easily interfere with daily life. Because we think we are doing all the right things to manage menopause naturally, we simply may not be connecting the dots.

Soy is it a common allergen, so even if it is not affecting your thyroid function specifically, it may be triggering symptoms of an allergic response, which include gastric upset, indigestion, gas, bloating constipation, acne, nausea, a stuffy nose, diarrhea, stomach pains, cramps, headaches, heart palpitations, skin rashes, hives, swelling in the throat, brain fog and fatigue. Also, if you take a thyroid medication for any reason soy can interfere with its proper absorption.

Christiane Northrup, MD, the author of The Wisdom of Menopause, has been a frequent guess on the Oprah Winfrey Show to talk about menopause. As an advocate of soy, Dr. Northrup suggests that women incorporate soy into their diets. Today, both Dr. Northrup and Oprah are hypothyroid. Coincidence or not, we will never know.

Thanks to Oprah she has graciously once again shared from her own unfortunate thyroid story and has created awareness for many women about soy, hormones and thyroid health.

• Some women might believe that bioidentical hormones are the right treatment for thyroid problems - and they're not.


• Some women might think that bioidentical hormones such as estradiol or progesterone are risk-free - and they're not.


• Some women might believe that soy milk and other soy foods are beneficial for thyroid function - when they can actually harm the thyroid.

Does Soy Have Heart or Bone Health Benefits?

After 19 clinical studies on soy the National Institute of Health (NIH) states "there are no significant effects on HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, lipoprotein, or blood pressure. Among the 19 studies of soy isoflavones, the average effect on LDL cholesterol and other lipid risk factors was nil.

Soy protein and isoflavones have not shown to lessen vasomotor symptoms of menopause, and results are mixed with regard to soy's ability to slow postmenopausal bone loss. The efficacy and safety of soy isoflavones for preventing or treating cancer of the breast, endometrium, and prostate are not established; evidence from clinical trials is meager and cautionary with regard to a possible adverse effect. For this reason, use of isoflavone supplements in food or pills is not recommended."

The American Heart Association has also declared that soy has little or no effect on cholesterol and is unlikely to prevent heart disease.

If you eat, drink or take soy in a supplement and are concerned about your thyroid, speak with your doctor and get tested. Until there is a clear answer to soy's toxicity and risks, please use your good sense and not marketing mania as your purchasing guide.

Male Menopause Symptoms and Treatment

Male menopause (or Andropause,) is a condition of gradual changes in hormone status. Male menopause afflicts some men between the ages of 40 and 60 of age. The hormone imbalance has the biggest impact on testosterone and cortisol (the stress hormone).

So as men age, they become experience a range of andropause symptoms that are the same symptoms that women experience in menopause. But menopause in women represents a well-defined period in which hormone production stops completely. Testosterone decline in male menopause is a slower process. Many psychological signs can manifest as a result of experiencing the various physiological male menopause symptoms.

Andropause Symptoms These male menopause symptoms include:

• Erectile Dysfunction


• Muscle Loss


• Decrease in libido or Sex Drive


• Mood changes, Irritability, Fatigue Sleep Apnea, Depression


• Weight Gain * Urinary Problems


• Hot Flashes in Men


• Gynecomastia (male breasts)


• Hair Loss

The imbalance of even one hormone causes imbalance in other hormones. Men may not experience all of the above symptoms of andropause, but instead commonly experience a combination of symptoms. While these symptoms are signs of andropause, they may also be symptoms of other conditions like adrenal fatigue and poor thyroid health.

Male menopause symptoms relief Contrary to popular opinions, none of the listed andropause symptoms manifest signs of old age. These male menopause symptoms may reduce through bioidentical hormone replacement therapy which is also called as androgen replacement therapy. This method is a lifelong treatment, since testosterone deficiency is generally a permanent condition. But, as with hormone replacement therapy in women, testosterone replacement therapy does have some potential risks and side effects. For example, some resources found that replacing testosterone may cause prostate cancer and increase the risk of heart diseases.

Natural male menopause solutions Alternative to hormone replacement therapy are natural ways. It is possible to manage testosterone levels naturally. The following three options constitute a good, safe way to start.

Exercise

Researches reported that regular exercise at least twice per week can increase muscle strength by more than 30 percent, while also boosting bone density, speeding up metabolism and pushing up production of testosterone and other sex hormones.

Nutrition

To reduce male menopause symptoms diet should contains enough good carbohydrates, protein and good fat. Studies found that protein helps maintain lean muscle mass. Lack of carbohydrates can lead to decreased serotonin levels and consequently, irritability. It also takes a certain amount of fat to keep testosterone production at healthy levels. Some studies show that alcohol decreases testosterone levels.

Supplements Vitamins B group can help with stress and boost energy.

Vitamins stabilizes production of stress hormones.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)

The number one over the counter dietary supplement for male menopause treatment is dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). This supplement builds block for sex hormones that the body naturally produces, but tends to decline rapidly with age. Some studies suggested that it's ingredients derived from yams can improve skin, sex drive, mood and strength in aging men.

Fish oil

Fish oil or omega-3 supplements is also popular supplement used for male menopausal symptoms. It have been shown to improve cognitive function, boost energy and prevent heart attacks. L-arginine L-arginine is an amino acid that helps dilate constricted blood vessels associated with erectile dysfunction.

Herbs

Herbs such as ashwagandha and ginseng are very benefit for hearth of male sexual energy.

A lot of men feel uncomfortable speaking about their andropause symptoms. So they often do not treat them. Early diagnosis, hormone replacement therapy and supplements can significantly improve male menopause symptoms.

Perimenopause Help - A Simple and Natural Treatment

Your doctor might have told you that hormone replacement therapy is the best way to get perimenopause help. What your doctor might not say, unless they have a more naturopathic philosophy, is that two exhausted adrenal glands are the real root behind your many perimenopausal symptoms. The adrenal glands are located above your kidney and are responsible for secreting hormones, including the stress hormone cortisol. In the United States, everyone loves having high levels of energy so they can stay busy and efficient all day. What this means in terms of your hormonal balance is that you live in a culture that depends on overworked adrenal glands. The key to relieving the symptoms of perimenopause is to ease up on the stress and try to lower your cortisol levels.

Cortisol and its effects on your hormones during perimenopause
Cortisol is the hormone responsible for the fight or flight instinct. It is usually released when the body encounters a stressful situation, whether it is physical or psychological. Chronic stress makes your adrenal glands work harder to produce cortisol, and high levels of cortisol in your blood create the need for more hormones like progesterone, insulin, and testosterone.

According to studies by Dr. David Zava, an expert on stress hormones, high amounts of cortisol that reach the brain through the bloodstream makes it resistant to the effects of estrogen. This is why many perimenopausal women experience the symptoms of estrogen deficiencies (e.g. hot flashes) even if they have normal amounts of estrogen. You may have enough estrogen to go around, but your brain doesn't believe it if you have too much cortisol in your system. So if this is the case and you try to treat your symptoms with hormone replacement therapy, you experience the symptoms of estrogen dominance like water retention, weight gain, and mood swings. That's why hormone therapy should not be the first solution to consider when treating perimenopause symptoms. If there's a lot of stress in your life, no amount of synthetic hormones can make the symptoms go away and help you achieve hormonal balance.

How to lower cortisol levels and heal the adrenal glands for perimenopause relief
The easiest and simplest way to heal your tired adrenal glands is to rest! If try to prop up your overworked adrenals with caffeine and synthetic hormones without taking time off, you'll end up feeling worse than ever. Here are a few things you can do to lower your cortisol levels.

Get a massage
What better way to reduce stress than to get away from it all, even if it's only for an hour? A full body massage at a spa will do wonders for your stress levels. The soothing strokes of the massage therapist will melt away the tension in your body and place your mind in a more relaxed state. For best results, get a massage at least once a week.

Get enough sleep
Staying up late will only aggravate your exhausted adrenals. Try to get at least eight hours of sleep every evening to feel refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to take on the next day's challenges. Have a hard time falling asleep? Take a natural supplement like melatonin to induce sleepiness into your overactive mind.

Find a creative outlet
Focusing your energies on a hobby or creative outlet will not only get your mind off the stress of everyday living. It will give you a higher sense of purpose and make you feel more accomplished! If there's a hobby you've always been meaning to take up, now is the best time to start.

Avoid caffeine and other stimulants
Caffeine and stimulant herbs like ephedra cause stress in the body and excite the adrenal glands into producing even more cortisol. Try limiting your coffee intake to a single 8 oz cup a day and avoid other caffeinated beverages like soda and energy drinks.

What Are the First Signs of Menopause? Irregular Bleeding Explained

Among the many early signs of menopause is irregularity in a woman's menstrual cycle. Typically, this irregularity first appears in the form of changes in both the frequency and intensity of menstrual activity. In perimenopause - the period directly preceding menopause, the length of the cycle will ordinarily shorten. 28 day cycles will shorten by as much as three or four days. As a woman progresses through perimenopause, the cycle gradually lengthens, with menstruation frequently being skipped altogether for months at a time. As a result, irregular bleeding occurs as one of the first signs of menopause.

Irregular bleeding generally entails an increase in the amount of blood flow during menstruation in the early stages of perimenopause, which eventually becomes lighter in the later stages until only light spotting occurs. These changes in the intensity of menstruation often occur as a result of the body's failing to release an egg during the period in which ovulation should occur. As a result, the body receives no natural signal to begin menstruation - if that happens frequently enough, the entire uterine lining can begin to be shed which then causes longer periods of bleeding. Perimenopause is an unpredictable period in life, and even this shedding can self-correct if menstruation begins again before the uterine lining is gone.

There are a number of ways to determine if you suffer from irregular bleeding, and whether you need to consult with your physician. If menstrual bleeding requires you to use a pad at least once an hour during any period lasting as long as 24 hours, or if the menstruation persists for any longer than 7 days, you should meet with your doctor for an examination. In addition, if you have had no menstruation for six months and it suddenly begins again, this may be a sign of something more serious.

Your irregular bleeding can be evaluated by your physician by performing a biopsy of the uterine lining. The first thing your doctor will want to do is to rule out any possibility of cancer. An alternative to the biopsy involves the use of ultrasound via a vaginal probing. All of these tests are designed to determine whether irregular bleeding is a normal part of the menopausal process or whether there are other health concerns involved. Where the bleeding is merely one of the first signs of menopause, irregular bleeding is often treated through the use of progesterone therapy. In cases where something more serious is occurring, your doctor may discuss such options as a hysterectomy.

Although it is one of the first signs of menopause, irregular bleeding need not be a cause for major concern unless the irregularity is severe. In most cases where women seek counsel for their irregular bleeding, they do so to alleviate other menopausal symptoms and to improve their quality of life as they make this hormonal transition. However, if you are at all alarmed by the frequency, duration, or intensity of your menstrual cycle as you approach your menopausal years, you should never hesitate to seek the advice of your doctor.

How Bioidentical Hormone Treatment Can Help with Menopause

Hormones are natural chemical substances naturally produced by the body. They are sort of chemical messengers that intervene in multiple vital processes. Only a small amount of hormones is necessary to alter metabolism. Surely, you have heard this funny word many times before: "I wish I had your metabolism; you eat all the time and never get fat." But what is really metabolism?

Metabolism is mainly a huge number of chemical reactions necessary to support life. Metabolism has two sides, like a coin, indivisible from each other. One is catabolism -responsible for breaking down organic matter, so as to produce "fuel" for the body: energy and all the nutrients needed to function-, and the other is anabolism, that uses this energy produced to build up proteins, nucleic acids, and -yes- hormones needed to function.

Only a very small amount of hormones is needed to alter metabolism. Hence, it is easy to conclude that any "unbalance" produced by a lack or excess of certain hormones can really turn life into a nightmare.

Psychologically, menopause is like a tsunami to most women. Even though some of them will not admit it, motherhood is their key purpose in life. This does not mean that they are willing to devote their whole life to giving birth and raising children, but, in their fantasies, the possibility of becoming a mother is always there, in a corner of the mind. The final termination to this fantasy reflects the unavoidable passing of time. All these notions are emphasized by the fact that our culture venerates youth, despises old age and everything that has to do with it, and tends to equal youth to beauty.

Needless to say, during menopause the natural production of hormones gets upset, because the female body ceases to prepare itself for conception every month. Because of this lack of purpose, reproductive hormones -such as estrogens, progesterone and testosterone- are produced in decreasing quantities. And this is the primary cause of all uncomfortable, annoying symptoms that take place during this particular moment of female evolution. Since hormones are such a delicate matter, hormonal therapy is no simple decision to make.

Bioidentical hormones are hormones, either extracted from nature or synthesized in a lab, that are an exact match to the body's natural hormones. The advantages are many. Firstly, they will be more readily absorbed by the body, thus enhancing their effectiveness. Secondly, after a blood screening, the physician will determine the exact amount of hormones needed and which ones. The goal is to restore the natural balance of the body. And the word natural is key in this matter. Unsupervised or faulty administration of hormones can make the remedy worse than the disease. This simply does not happen with bioidentical hormones.

Menopausal hormonal unbalance can bring several annoying disorders. Some of the most common are sudden hot flushes, skin dryness, acne, and hair loss. The list of little annoying discomforts seem endless: fatigue, lack of motivation, poor sleep, mood swings, crying spells, poor memory, migraine, make your pick. Bioidentical hormone treatment will provide relief from these nasty symptoms.

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Menopause Supplements - A Natural Menopause Treatment

For many years, the most highly recommended menopause treatment appeared to be hormone replacement therapy (HRT), however in later years a large research called the Women's Health Initiative concluded that the long-term use of estrogen or progesterone, as well as estrogen blend therapies triggered a greater chance of blood clots and stroke in women.

Because the initial symptoms of menopause can happen years previous to real menopause (that's when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months) alternative therapies would be the best choice.

Menopause signs, symptoms and conditions that could appear as much as a decade before true menopause can include:

Intermittent or Sporadic Menstrual Cycles

The early symptoms of menopause that sometimes develop can be a change in monthly period periods.

Although for many women this may seem to be normal, it's important that you visit your doctor regularly and be sure to report any changes such as heavy or abnormal bleeding, spotting between cycles or after intimacy or menstrual periods that last quite a bit longer and/or become more frequent as opposed to what you're normally accustomed to.

Natural herbal remedies that may help to correct hormonal imbalances include Red Clover as well as Dong Quai and Wild Yam; all known to help manage and also normalize monthly cycles.

Mood Swings, Depression, Anxiety

These types of psychological symptoms are often due to changing hormonal levels during peri-menopause and menopause.

They may well often also be symptoms of pre-menstrual syndrome, especially if you find that they tend to happen around the last one or two weeks previous to your menstrual period.

They can be triggered just by varying life situations or life incidents that result in cumulative emotional stress.

Any time these types of symptoms affect ones quality of life, it's always best to visit a medical doctor. In the instance that you've suffered from thoughts of suicide, do not delay in seeking medical attention.

An effective alternate that helps deal with psychological issues is 5-HTP.

5-HTP is utilized by your body to create serotonin. Serotonin is responsible for sleep, emotional state as well as libido and small quantities of 5-HTP can even be found in foods such as turkey.

The behaviour of 5-HTP is very much the same as that of prescribed antidepressants, so it's always best to consult with your doctor beforehand.

Increased Symptoms of PMS, Fatigue and Breast Tenderness

Fatigue as well as breast tenderness are a few of the first symptoms of menopause, but they are also symptoms of PMS, which often (not to seem overly repetitive) is also one of the first symptoms of menopause. In fact many women who have rarely ever experience PMS symptoms in their younger years may suddenly begin to experience these symptoms in their later years.

The symptoms of PMS are usually presumed as being created due to reduced amounts of estrogen. Usually encouraged as an optional menopause treatment, phytoestrogens contained in soy and red clover may often help to eliminate the symptoms of PMS. Phytoestrogens are actually plant components that have an estrogen-like effect in a woman's body.

Decreased Libido, Vaginal Dryness, Painful Intercourse

Many women will often experience a diminished sexual libido as well. This often can also be effected if vaginal dryness becomes a problem and creates discomfort or pain during intimacy.

Hormonal changes and changes in the cervix of a woman's body may very well bring about this problem and can potentially also trigger this discomfort during intimacy, however it's always best to speak with your doctor to exclude any possible other causes.

Tribulus terrestris is a natural herb that's ideal in helping to increase libido naturally by helping to regulate hormone levels. Vaginal dryness can often be treated topically with the use of lubricants.

Urine Leakage or Urgency

Most women consider this to be an aspect of simply growing older and it's no doubt among the top unpleasant first symptoms of menopause.

Normally, it's triggered by a decrease in estrogen, however it could also quite possibly be related to other health problems.

A natural menopause treatment that can help strengthen the pelvic muscles such as performing Kegel exercises daily can really help.

As well, slimming down if you are overweight can also be extremely helpful. Be especially wary concerning excess visceral belly fat.

It's important to eliminate overly processed foods and become (or remain) physically active.

Hot Flashes and Night Sweats

Caused by changing estrogen levels, hot flashes may not always be the very first symptoms of menopause you'll notice, nonetheless they are unquestionably probably the more readily familiar ones.

Red Clover is a natural herb that's known to be an effective menopause treatment. It's been shown in many different scientific research studies to safely and effectively minimize hot flashes and night sweats.

Night sweats are similar to hot flashes only that they tend to happen while sleeping and can interrupt your sleep patterns plus likely leading to sleep problems.

Insomnia

Speaking of sleep problems, insomnia can be caused by night sweats as well as a number of other menopause symptoms.

While not necessarily recognized by many medical doctors as a symptom of menopause, an effective alternative menopause treatment which can be very effective is 5-HTP.

Not every women will experience every one of these symptoms and there are a few other symptoms I've not included.

Post Menopause Symptoms (How to Find Natural Relief)

Experiencing post menopause symptoms after going through the inconvenience and grief of menopause may strike any woman as being a bit unfair. After all, menopause has earned the stigma of being a negative phase that all females must go through; so much so that plenty of them think post menopause should bring a semblance of relief.

With the right frame of mind and natural methods to address post menopause symptoms, this is actually possible. Natural remedies are tried-and-tested methods to treat the most common post-menopausal symptoms mentioned below. It is encouraged to consider them before going for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) which can have harmful side effects that include certain types of cancer.

Vaginal dryness and itchiness are only some of the most annoying post menopause symptoms a woman can experience. Taking into consideration that, technically, a woman is post menopausal for the rest of her life once she enters this stage, an itchy or dry vagina can really set anyone on edge all the time and put one's sex life on indefinite hold.

The walls of the vagina get thinner with age and provide less lubricant than before menopause set in. The best natural solution would be to buy a water-based, non-irritating lubricant for sexual intercourse. Homeopathics also recommend using organic ingredients to combat post menopause symptoms of vaginal itchiness and dryness.

For instance, essence of belladonna is said to instantly relieve a painfully dry and oversensitive vagina. A sitz bath infused with comfrey root done for 5-10 minutes several times a week can help keep vaginal tissues strong and flexible. Comfrey in ointment form can also be used as lubricant for sexual intercourse. It's also advisable to drink plenty of water and avoid caffeinated drinks such as coffee, tea, and soda. Other things you should cut down on or avoid altogether: refined food, white sugar, steroids, and stress as these can exacerbate both the drying and itchiness. A smart thing to do is to take a specially prepared herbal supplement designed specifically to relieve post menopause symptoms.

Bladder problems, especially incontinence, can also rear their ugly heads as post menopause symptoms. Commonplace things can trigger it: a sneezing fit, laughter, coughing, lifting heavy objects, and even stress. Incontinence is understandably embarrassing. People joke about springing a leak at inconvenient times, but it really is no laughing matter once it happens to you. Stress incontinence is usually the result of weakened pelvic muscles. In this light, certain pelvic exercises such as Kegel can aid women and help control incontinence. Kegel exercises done regularly (anywhere at any time) can tone up voluntary vaginal muscles to improve stress incontinence. Certain yoga postures that require deep breathing and doing pelvic floor muscle squeezes also help.

Perhaps one of the most serious post menopause symptoms that needs to be addressed right away is high blood pressure. Hypertension among post-menopausal women is directly caused by reduced estrogen levels in the body. Blood flow slows down because of thinning blood vessels. Because of this, post-menopausal women can feel dizzy, drowsy, nauseous, and have palpitations. High blood pressure is dangerous because it puts a strain on the heart and can give way to heart diseases.

Before getting prescriptions for hypertension medication or going for HRT, take a good and thorough look at your lifestyle first. Are you still actively smoking? Do you eat healthy? Do you drink regularly alcoholic beverages? If yes, it is high time to quit. One of the most effective methods in battling post menopause symptoms is to give up harmful vices and take up healthy and sound habits like eating high fiber foods and exercising daily. These aren't too hard to accomplish. Adding fresh fruits, vegetables, cereals, and grains to your diet and doing 20-30 minute walks a day should already do wonders in normalizing your blood pressure.

Some Interesting Facts About Menopause

Menopause is actually three distinct phases: perimenopause, menopause and post menopausal. In the United States, the average age of menopause is 52 years old.

There is wide age range for menopause, it can occur naturally between 40 and 60 years old. If menopause happens earlier than 40 years old, this is considered premature menopause.

If menopause happens earlier than 45 years old, this is considered early menopause. Early menopause can occur due to genetic disorders, illness, medical treatment or surgery.

Women who have early menopause due to surgery usually have more serious symptoms such as hot flashes due to the sudden hormone imbalance.

Due to the aging baby boomer generation, about 6,000 women are going into menopause very day, this makes 2,000,000 women each year. Since baby boomers are the largest generation in history, this is unprecedented. This number will decrease dramatically for the next few generations.

Not all women get menopause symptoms

In women that do report symptoms, hot flashes are the most common, with 90% of women with symptoms reporting hot flashes.

Hot flashes are usually the worst at the beginning of perimenopause, this may be due to the body adjusting to the hormone imbalance that is taking place.

Women with more education and higher incomes report better overall health and fewer symptoms.

Employed women fair better than unemployed women, they also report better overall health and fewer symptoms.

Only 10% of women report depression, anxiety or other negative emotions about menopause.

Depression and anxiety are reported more in the US than in other countries.

In 2002, the Women's Health Initiative stopped a study into to the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in menopausal women. This study was stopped before its conclusion because it revealed serious health risks involved in HRT use, these risks included heart disease, breast cancer and blood clots. Prior to this study, HRT was the treatment of choice for menopause, but after this study, HRT use dropped almost overnight.

Menopause might not be as bad as you expect, over 80% of women say that menopause didn't impact their quality of life at all.

Menopause is unique for each woman, many factors such as diet, exercise, stress levels, genetics and outlook can all influence menopause.

Women who smoke go into menopause earlier than non-smokers.

Post menopausal women have an increased risk of heart disease and osteoporosis.

Asian women who live in Asian countries have virtually no hot flashes. Studies have been done to determine why this is the case, it has been widely attributed to higher consumption of soy products.

Soy may or may not work to control hot flashes. Some studies have shown that it reduces the intensity, but not the frequency of hot flashes. Other studies have shown that soy consumption may interfere with the body's ability to produce estrogen and progesterone, the hormones responsible for controlling menstruation and ovulation. This would mean that soy is actually working at cross purposes with the body.

In cultures where older people are more respected and aging is viewed as a positive experience, women have less symptoms and problems associated with menopause.

According to a Gallup poll from 1998, 51% of post menopausal women between the ages of 50-65 reported a greater sense of happiness than women in other age groups. The other age groups reported as follows: only 10 % of women in their 20s reported being happy, 17% of women in their 30s and 16% of women in their 40s.

Natural Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy - A Pharmacist's Awakening

What really kept me learning about BHRT in the beginning of my compounding (about 6 years ago) was the simple fact that I (even as a pharmacist) did not know that there were three different estrogen entities in the human body. I was in fact running under the assumption that all estrogens were the same. The fact that nature made E3 (weak /80%), E2 (strong/10%) and E1 (intermediate strength/10%) in a unique strength and number was intriguing. I also knew nature is accurate or we would not exist. Why would nature need a set of molecules like E3 that are both very numerous and weak? In fact, E3 reminded me of tamoxifen. Tamoxifen was an older shielding, nonbioidentical, manufactured molecule that was given to women to prevent the recurrence of breast cancer. Hence the concept of BHRT's shielding approach was learned and adopted. I learned that a hormone really has at least three functions:

1) To act on its own receptors
2) To shield /buffer another hormones receptors and
3) To act as a potential filler hormone when it is metabolized by our biochemistry.

Thus, if you introduce a foreign molecule to the human body one or all three of the above functions can get messed up. This reminded me of medroxy-progesterone = MPA (also known as Provera) and the difference in HDL lowering displayed between natural progesterone and MPA in the PEPI study and for mpa alone in the much bigger WHI study. MPA greatly reduced our good cholesterol = HDL, while natural progesterone did not..

BHRT follows the human body as follows: with bioidentical molecules that fit human biochemistry; molecules in the right ratio and titrated to the lowest effective dose; molecules that work together to provide a shielding effect against over stimulation by the estrogen signal; by mimicking and paralleling the female menstrual cycle where possible. In essence, with menopause the protective shield comes down and the net estrogen signal is over-amped. It comes down mainly because the shield progesterone was about 90% made by the ovaries that are no longer working to capacity. Two other shielding hormones E3 and testosterone are usually lowered as well in menopause. The state of the adrenal and thyroid glands factor in as well. Since the net estrogen signal is what caused a female to grow her uterine lining when she was still cycling you could call the net estrogen signal proliferative in nature or "a cellular go signal".

Thus, menopause is probably not a healthy state to be in as this "go signal "is amped up leading to a host of symptoms, potential and documented cellular changes and a lowered quality of life. It should be noted that conventional therapy rarely focuses on shielding and balancing of bioidentical hormones. Conventional therapy seems to be more concerned with the older, imbalanced way of giving hormones and the negative studies involving foreign, nonbioidentical molecules such as horse estrogen and MPA. Conventional therapy seems to equate the different molecules and therapy in the WHI study with the BHRT molecules and their very different therapeutic approach in general. Sorry doctors, not all estrogens are the same ( the molecules differ in structure for peats sake) and the therapeutic approach and the concepts of balance and shielding do matter!

Robin Small (B.Sc.Pharm), Compounding Specialist and PCCA member

Conquer the Symptoms of Menopause and Hormonal Imbalances

As a woman there are few things more unpleasant than waking up from a deep sleep in the night sweating. While this menopause symptom is normally associated with menopausal women it can happen to anyone no matter male or female with a hormone imbalance. Moreover pregnant women, menstruating women and even men with a deficiency somewhere in their body system are all prone to night sweats.

It has been well known that stress can influent our bodies and lives in some really profound ways. Our bodies are designed to manage stress on a temporary basis. Some stress like the flight or fight instinct are essentially beneficial in saving our lives or protecting someone else.

It is when stress in chronic and intense for a long period of time which our bodies begin to suffer. This type of long term stress can lead the hormonal system to reduce its production of mood regulating hormones or to shut down totally. Here are just a few methods in which chronic stress can harm lives by damaging hormones.

Gastrointestinal tract

As night sweating is just one of the symptoms of a hormonal imbalance, other issues often arise when the gastrointestinal tract is disturbed by this imbalance. Constipation and other digestive irritations are often caused by a hormonal imbalance. This particular one is noramlly brought on by birth control use or pregnancy.

Some women have gone through gastrointestinal tract troubles when undergoing fertility treatments. Of course any additional symptoms will cause more emotional stress that in turn creates more problems with the imbalance. It is very important for your overall health to seek treatment to solve this problem.

Vitamin deficiency

Another way that hormonal imbalance influent the body is in a vitamin deficiency. The vitamin D, groups B complexes and folic acid are the first ones to be targeted. High stress levels have been known to erode the proper levels in the body and cause some unpleasant symptoms such as night sweating. You could take a vitamin supplement to your routine however without the hormone imbalance being cured, it's not likely to help your menopause symptoms. For that reason, you need to adjust your hormone balance.

Sex hormones

Besides the sex hormones are often affected by hormonal imbalances as well and this is where women are usually affected. Remember the menopause, birth control and pregnancy reference? It is the sex hormones being off kilter which most often causes night sweating.

Fortunately night sweating and the other symptoms related to hormonal imbalances can be corrected. Using an all natural product like menopause treatment which mention in our website is an excellent option. Having your sleep disrupted by chills, hot flashes and night sweats can be safely and effectively stopped.

More Natural Remedies for Night Sweats, Hot Flashes and Insomnia in Menopause

Over one billion women in the world are age 50 or older, with the average age of menopause being 51 翻. When a woman reaches menopause, she arrives at a time of life with more freedoms. It's the end of her monthly menstrual bleeding, and the beginning of a time when her wisdom and experience can lead her to new and fulfilling horizons. One third of a woman's life is lived after menopause.

However, for many women, the steep drop in estrogen and progesterone that ends the menstrual cycle can also lead to menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, migraine headaches, anxiety, fatigue, bone loss and insomnia. This article brings to light new research on natural remedies that can ease menopause and support women in enjoying their liberty and creativity.

A hot flash, also called hot flush, is a sudden feeling of warmth and often a breakout of sweating in the upper half of the body. When they occur at night, they are called night sweats. Hot flashes are caused by a reduced function in the body's temperature regulation, which is brought about by changing hormone levels. When estrogen in women, or testosterone in men is depleted, a rapid increase in skin temperature can occur due to dilatation (widening) of the skin blood vessels -- and it can become frequent. This process of blood vessel dilation is the body's way to release the heat.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) drugs can provide some relief for hot flashes and night sweats, but at a considerable price. The Women's Health Initiative study, which followed 16,608 women being given hormone replacement therapy, discovered a high risk of breast cancer, coronary heart disease, and stroke from the use of these drugs.

One natural remedy proven in a research study to relieve hot flashes may come as a surprise to some, as it is such a well-known, widely used vitamin with many benefits. It's the famous vitamin C. The study was called "Non-Hormonal Control of Vaso-Motor Flushing in Menopausal Patients", published in the journal: "Chicago Medicine." Vasomotor refers to the nerves and muscles causing blood vessels to constrict or dilate. Extensive research indicates that vitamin C strengthens blood vessel membranes and acts as a potent antioxidant.

In the vitamin C study, A total of 94 patients were studied, all of who had reached menopause. They were given 200 milligrams of vitamin C and 200 milligrams of bioflavonoids six times daily. Therefore each subject received 1200 mg of both the bioflavonoids and vitamin C each day. The results: 67% of the subjects reported complete relief from hot flashes and 21% reported partial relief, giving this combination an overall 88% success rate.

And another remedy: Exercise may be one of the most effective ways to reduce both hot flashes as well as heart trouble. From the April 2007 issue of the Annals of Behavioral Medicine comes a study from Steriani Elavsky, a kinesiologist. Kinesiology is the study of human movement and motion. The study included 164 menopausal women in their 50's who were experiencing hot flashes and insomnia. They were put into three different groups - walkers, yoga-doers and sedentary non-exercisers, and were studied for four months.

Elavsky concluded: "We found a significant association between changes in cardiorespiratory (heart and lung) fitness and changes in menopausal symptoms. Women who experienced decreases in menopausal symptoms in the study also experienced improvements in all positive mental health and quality-of-life outcomes."

Night sweats and hot flashes can become a form of insomnia in which a woman wakes up drenched in sweat and unable to sleep. Regarding mineral deficiency at the time of menopause, the pioneering nutritionist Adelle Davis says, "The amount of calcium in a woman's blood parallels the activity of the ovaries. During the menopause, the lack of ovarian hormones (estrogen and progesterone) can cause severe calcium deficiency symptoms to occur, including irritability, hot flashes, night sweats, leg cramps, and insomnia. These problems can be easily overcome if the intakes of calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D are all generously increased and are well absorbed."

So make good use of Vitamin C, get some regular exercise, and stock your cupboard with absorbable forms of calcium, Vitamin D and magnesium.

Coping Up With Depression During Menopause

If there were one disease caused by biological factors that is very hard to deal with, it would be depression. Depression or the condition of feeling sad or despondent-characterized by an inability to concentrate, insomnia, and feelings of extreme sadness, dejection, melancholy, and hopelessness-is one of the visible symptoms of menopause especially for women.

Caused by the dropping of serotonin-a hormone in the brain that regulates a person's mood-levels, depression has been linked to menopause because it has been observed that women who are on the verge of this phase experience intense mood fluctuations and severe episodes of sadness and confusion.

Experts say that depression is normal for menopausal women but it should be addressed properly so it wouldn't lead to more serious health, emotional, and behavioral problems.

UNDERSTANDING DEPRESSION DURING MENOPAUSE

Studies show that 8 to 15 percent of menopausal women experience depression. Experts say that the end of menstruation or menopause triggers episodes of depression and sadness in most women because of drastic hormonal changes that are left unsettled or not addressed.

Various researches prove that women who have a history of mood disorders, those who have been depressed before-especially during 20s, those who have underwent surgical or operational procedures, those who are smoking, dealing with so many children, or those who have work that causes a lot of stress are more likely to develop depression during menopause.

Symptoms of depression during menopause include sleeping disorders, hot flushes, loss of energy or fatigue, irritability, anxiety, excessive feeling of guilt or worthlessness, difficulty in concentrating or confusion, decreased interest or pleasure in activities, drastic change in appetite, and two or more weeks of depressed mood that may lead to extreme restlessness and suicidal tendencies.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Although depression is a natural occurrence during menopausal years, experts say that this should not be neglected because it can lead to more episodes of fluctuating moods and physical implications.

Although it is hard to deal with because it involves emotional and hormonal factors, medical authorities agree that depression is treatable when addressed properly. Here are some suggestions and treatment options that can help you cope up with depression during menopause:

1. Consider depression treatments and medications. Seeking help if you are suffering from depression during menopausal years is the first step in curing the "disease." Today, there are actually many effective and well-tolerated medications available depending on your need. Being an essential part of treating depression, antidepressant medications such as Selected Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) help to increase the amount of serotonin in the brain.

Aside from antidepressants, therapies such as Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and Estrogen Therapy can help in especially in early menopausal stages. Before taking in any of these, make sure that you have consulted your physician first so you can discuss the risks and benefits of such treatments and medications. Psychotherapy is also one effective way to combat menopausal depression.

With the help of trained social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists, you can learn how to cope up with the negative feelings over menopausal years. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT that teaches better ways of thinking and behaving and Interpersonal Therapy or IPT that helps the person communicate more effectively are available for you.

2. Schedule for a physical examination. As women grown older, physical changes emerge that lead to physical health problems. Getting a thorough physical examination is one way to know if you are about to experience any physical ailments caused by depressive symptoms.

3. Try out alternative medicines, herbal therapies or remedies, and dietary supplements. Organic and herbal medications have grown popular the years for its healing properties. Today, the most popular herb used to cure depression is St John's Wort because it can help reduce effects of estrogen fluctuations.

Although many people attest to its effects, there have been no scientific studies that support the effectivity and safety of this alternative medicine. Before trying any of these herbal or organic products, make sure you inform your physician so further damage can be avoided especially if you are under any monitored medication.

4. Engage in physical activities or regular exercise. Experts agree that exercise helps treat depression by releasing your body's mood-elevating hormones that leads to a feeling of accomplishment and enhanced self-esteem.

5. Start changing your diet. Dietary changes like eating a well balanced diet and regularly scheduled meals are known to help a lot in managing depression.

Understanding Menopause and Heart Palpitations

Menopause can bring a lot of symptoms to a woman. During this period, there will be a lot of changes in her hormones that will lead to several physical, emotional and psychological problems. The most common symptom is heart palpitation. This is the sudden increase in the heart beat even in times when one is not exerting too much force. Let's understand the relation between menopause and heart palpitation.

The heart palpitations that occur during menopause are said to be a result of the hormone fluctuating. It is due to the changes in the levels of progesterone and estrogen that can create confusion in the body. That is what causes the heart to beat aggressively while the body sweats copiously. Women who are taking some hormone replacement therapy or HRT will feel an increase in the palpitations of the heart during their first attempts of the treatment.

These palpitations actually go away within a few months after they begin occurring. The body just needs to be settled with the changes in the hormones. Even though menopause and heart palpitations may occur together, they are not considered as health problems for they are practically normal. What we need to understand is how to accept these changes as we age.

Some cases of palpitations occur due to stimulants. When you are entering the menopausal period, it is best to cut the regular intake of coffee, alcohol, nicotine, diet pills, decongestants and all caffeinated drinks. Stimulants only add to the increase of the heart beat which can worsen the palpitations.

Other causes of heart palpitations that need a more serious medical attention are hypoglycemia, anemia and thyroid problems. If these are added with some menopause symptoms, it can be very dangerous to our health. If this happens, we need to get ourselves checked by the doctor and see what procedures or medications can help cure it.

The usual relation of menopause and heart palpitation will only need a healthy lifestyle. Of course, as we enter middle age to old age, there will be changes in our emotional being that is related with menopause. We need to make sure that we keep a calm pace. If we get mad and irritated very easily, then I could trigger more of the palpitations. You won't notice it at first but it can happen a few hours or minutes after being furious.

Maintain a peaceful, serene and happy life. Avoid stress and anxiety as much as possible. Make sure that you know how to control your emotions before your emotions control you.

A Remedy For Hot Flushes Is Easy To Find, If You Know What To Look For

A remedy for hot flushes, hot flashes or night sweats is not that hard to find. You just have to know where to look. Products that help menopause hot flushes in some women may not help in others. So, here we look at several herbal remedies that may be beneficial. Because of the health risks associated with hormone replacement therapy, natural remedies are becoming increasingly popular. And, many of them can work.

Hot flashes, hot flushes and night sweats are three different names for the same physical reaction to decreasing levels of estrogen. They may begin years before actual menopause and last for several years afterwards. The frequency and severity varies from one woman to the next. Researchers often describe them as "vasomotor" symptoms, because blood vessels and circulation are involved.

Typically the heat begins in a woman's chest, travels up the neck to the face and head. When they occur at night, they may interrupt a woman's sleep, increasing levels of fatigue and sometimes leading to insomnia. From the experiences of other women, we know that caffeine, alcohol, tobacco products and spicy foods can trigger them, as can anger, frustration and irritation. Regular exercise and drinking plenty of water seems to help.

The most commonly recommended remedy for hot flushes is black cohosh. More research has been done concerning the effectiveness and safety of black cohosh than on any of the other herbs that can help menopause hot flushes. But, if you have tried it and it doesn't work for you, there are other alternatives.

Scientists are still unsure why black cohosh relieves hot flashes. Evaluations of the chemical compounds of other plants have revealed an estrogen-like substance, aptly named phytoestrogens. Isoflavones are one type of phytoestrogen. If you read the ingredients on a remedy for hot flushes, you may see "soy isoflavones" or "isoflavones from red clover". These may help menopause hot flushes because they have an estrogen like effect on a woman's body. Some researchers have been concerned that isoflavones or phytoestrogens could have the same side effects as synthetic estrogens used in hormone replacement therapy. So, here's what we know about the risks associated with long term use of synthetic hormones.

We know that estrogen replacement therapy can cause endometrial cancer. The endometrium is the lining of the uterus and estrogen causes the lining to build up, which, without menstruation, frequently led to cancer. Thus, doctors would prescribe an estrogen-progesterone combination therapy. The progesterone would cause the lining to be shed each month, leading to a return of monthly periods, and decrease the cancer risk. For years, this was believed to be a safe remedy for hot flushes and other symptoms associated with menopause.

As with many medical treatments, the risks turned up with long term use of this type of therapy. The Women's Health Initiative recently concluded a seven year study of women using hormone replacement therapies of both types. The conclusion is that hormone replacement therapy of any type increases a woman's risk for blood clots and stroke. Combination therapy, which was thought to be safer than estrogen only, increased the risk of heart disease and breast cancer, as well. An even longer study (more than twenty years) performed by Harvard scientists found that estrogen only increased breast cancer risks when used for more than 15 years. Typically a woman would not use hormone replacement therapy to help menopause hot flushes and other symptoms for many years, but when the risks are blood clots, heart disease and stroke, even short term use is rarely recommended as a remedy for hot flushes.

While no long term studies have been conducted concerning women who use phytoestrogens or isoflavones to help menopause hot flushes, short term clinical studies have revealed their effectiveness, lack of side effects and safety. Even the idea that phytoestrogens, which are found in soy beans, a health food, might not be safe for long term use seems silly. People eat soy all of the time and have for many, many years.

Red clover is grown for animal feed. Native Americans used the flower for tea and chewed the leaves raw. Healers used it to treat liver ailments, gall bladder ailments, ulcers, diabetes, tonsillitis, internal cancer, appendicitis, headaches and as a remedy for hot flushes and other symptoms related to changing levels of hormones and aging.

Scientific research and the experiences of other women tell us that black cohosh can help menopause hot flushes. Laboratory tests have revealed that black cohosh has no effect on even estrogen sensitive cancer cell lines. But, if this remedy for hot flushes does not work for you, try soy or red clover isoflavones. All of our scientific and historical knowledge indicates that these are safe. To learn more about them and about natural products that can be used to relieve other symptoms related to menopause, please visit the Menopause and PMS Guide.

A Unique Natural Hot Flash Treatment - From The Ocean

In my quest to identify Hot Flash Natural Treatments I've discovered an unlikely source which comes from the ocean and that unique source is Kelp...

If you have problems with hot flashes, along with other challenging menopausal discomforts and are seeking a natural solution, then you've come to the right place.

I am on a mission to "unearth" as many natural remedies or treatments for hot flashes as possible. In my pursuit I've "discovered" Kelp which is a variety of seaweed. It is found along rocky sea shores throughout the world.

Oh my! Kelp is so awesome... here's the scoop... In my research of Kelp I found that it is loaded with nutrients which include over 70 minerals and trace elements. I can't believe that I am just now realizing the incredible benefits of Kelp.

Please pay attention to this. In addition to the over 70 minerals, Kelp possess trace elements, growth hormones, enzymes, vitamins, proteins which include iodine, potassium, magnesium, iron and calcium.

Kelp supports the thyroid gland, which is a key sex gland stimulator, can lessen and may even stop menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, weight gain, moodiness and menopausal tension. When Kelp is taken daily it may promote emotional balance.

As a bit of a bonus here are a few more benefits of kelp for all around physical and emotional well-being.

Additional reported benefits of Kelp:

1.) Strengthen immunity

2.) Effectively fights viral condition

3.) Improve liver function

4.) Suppress AIDS

5.) Supports healthy digestion and lessens constipation

6.) Reduce hair loss

7.) Combat against heart disease and cancer

8.) Support lowering of cholesterol level

How Do I Take Kelp?

Kelp can be taken as a supplement, dried, granulated or even in powder form. Kelp is easy to consume you can add it to drinks, used for flavoring in the manner salt is used, add it to meals for seasoning and even eat the powdered kelp directly.

The miraculous Kelp can be easily attained at your local health food store. A side note, I bought Kelp this past weekend at my local health food store in the powered form.

I wanted the dry Kelp (seaweed) but the store only sold the powered form. It has a very distinct taste... rather fishy...now what else would I expect knowing that the source is the ocean.

The second time I tried it I added a heaping tablespoon of Kelp to a half glass of apple juice. Granted the apple juice didn't totally masked the distinct taste of Kelp but it does make it a bit more palatable.

Because I know that Kelp is loaded with all sorts of good "stuff" to keep my body healthy I drank it down in a matter of seconds...

Honestly, I don't know about you but I am literally blown away by the magnificent health benefits of Kelp...

The more I research natural remedies the more I come to the realization that "Mother Nature" seems to hold the "keys" to our wellness...it is the original Source for our health and wellness. Kelp has been added to a viable hot flash natural treatment.

To your excellent health,

Note - Please remember that it is always important to consult your health practitioner before beginning any remedies to make sure they won't harm your health nor have any adverse effects. The information provided on this site is for educational purposes only. This publication, and the product contained herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Relieving Menopause Anxiety And Depression

A woman goes through many life-altering changes with her body and one of those is menopause. Menopause occurs during the later years of a women's life, usually after forty, but before seventy. There are many reasons you may experience menopause at a certain age that may be linked to genetics. Once you start experiencing menopause you will have a myriad of symptoms to battle with natural or medicinal remedies. It is important that you seek a physician's advice regarding treatment so that you can feel as comfortable as possible. Menopause anxiety and depression are two symptoms you may have during the change.

Menopause anxiety and depression are caused by a hormone imbalance. You feel as if you are on an emotional rollercoaster. You feel tense, sad, angry, a loss of involvement, and fatigued. You may also experience insomnia related to menopause anxiety and depression.

The physical symptoms you may feel during menopause anxiety and depression are headaches, tense shoulders, neck pain, and chest pain. These symptoms are perhaps easier to deal with than other physiological affects your body has. Natural treatments for physical pain can include lavender bath oils, lavender soap, and lavender spray for your rooms, massages, and meditation. Yoga has been found to help relax tensed muscles enough that you can deal with the other affects of menopause anxiety and depression.

Another herb you may take is St. John's Wart. St. John's Wart has been found to be extremely helpful treating menopause anxiety and depression. You will need to follow the label and speak with a physician before taking this herb to make sure you do not overdose and cause other physiological affects.

If you find a natural remedy is not helping to relieve your menopause, anxiety or depression you might decide to try medications. There are medications for helping anxiety or depression. You have probably heard of Zoloft or Prozac. These are just two medications that are used to treat the above problems and help when you are experiencing menopause.

It is extremely important that you seek a physician's advice. You should only take these drugs if you find your life is severely affected by menopause anxiety and depression. You doctor can help you determine this. Sometimes it is only necessary to take these medications for a few weeks before reverting back to herbal remedies or you may need to take these medications for the duration of the menopause depending on the severity of your symptoms. The result you and your doctor are aiming for is relief so be open to getting your body balanced.

Can I Get Fibroids After Menopause?

Since the production of fibroids is thought to be directly related to the production of estradiol, which is lower after menopause, women can get fibroids after menopause, although they are not usually noticed as much at that time.

If a woman doesn't take a hormone replacement after menopause, then often, fibroids will stay small, since estradiol levels are low. However, they never go away, just lie in wait until they can once again soak up estradiol and progestin and grow.

Often, fibroids after menopause are small, unless the woman decides to begin hormone replacement therapy, as this can cause the fibroids to increase in number and size. The hormone progestin is thought to have the biggest effect on the growth of fibroids after menopause. It has not yet been determined scientifically about how well fibroids grow after menopause. Some of the symptoms of fibroids after menopause are:

1. Pain or pressure felt in the lower abdomen or bladder region.

2. Women may feel the need to urinate with greater frequency due to the tumor pressing against the bladder as it grows.

3. Lower back pain may be felt depending on where the fibroid is located, and pain during sex can also occur if the tumor is close to the vaginal wall.

4. Cancer risks for these growths are very rare, but should be monitored to make sure they do not grow too big.

When wondering about fibroids after menopause, women want a solution to their problem that doesn't involve surgery. There exists an all-natural way to stop the symptoms of these tumors and eradicated them all within six months! The best part is, once they are gone, they will never grow back with this treatment.

Natural Perimenopause Treatment For Women

What is it that nearly all women over the age of 50 have in common? If you said hot flashes, you probably have already started perimenopause - the time in a woman's life when those symptoms of menopause begin. Actual menopause isn't until a full 12 months occurs without a period, which seems like an eternity for most women going through this phase of life.

So what can be done to lessen the symptoms of perimenopause? First of all, you must realize by now that not all women have the same symptoms of menopause, nor do they have them at them age as every other woman. Some women don't experience these symptoms until much older, after 50 or so. Other women start perimenopause in their mid-thirties, although that is rare according to statistics. Why is this so? For several reasons, among them heredity, environment, eating habits, smoking habits, and just general lifestyle can affect the severity of symptoms a woman experiences.

The question you are probably asking is, "how can I find a way to get relief from these horrible symptoms!" There are some ways to find relief, so pay attention. This could mean the difference between getting sleep or having many restless nights enduring hot flashes and night sweats, or worse. First of all, decide right now that you will take care of the only body you have by eating the right foods, getting more exercise, and finding ways to relax and relieve your stress. What's that, you haven't heard that last one before? Yes, stress is a killer and you should by all means learn to manage it better!

How can you manage your stress better? There are several ways, including exercise (back to that already?), massage, aromatherapy, meditation, long hot baths, and even hypnosis. One great way to reduce stress is to simply stop and realize that life is too short to be in a hurry all day, so make a conscious effort to sloooowww down! Easier said than done, but with practice and a real effort you will soon notice a difference.

Of course I should also mention the bad habits that some of you may have, including smoking cigarettes, eating too much, and drinking too much alcohol. Of course it's well known that a little red wine is actually good for your heart, but a bottle or two a day is certainly not recommended! Moderation in everything is a good rule to live by, except for exercise. I have never heard of anyone dying of too much exercise, so if you want to do that every day I'm sure your health will improve greatly.

Treating Osteoporosis Naturally

Here's how it happens . . . Bone is made up of living tissue, mostly collagen, which forms a framework for the bone. Calcium is a mineral which is added to this framework to make the bone hard and strong.

During childhood and teenage years, new bone is added faster than old bone is removed. After 30, this reverses. It's more likely to develop if you don't reach optimal bone mass during your early years. This is why treating osteoporosis naturally with the right calcium supplements along with minerals and vitamins can make an enormous difference and actually prevent it from happening in the first place!

In osteoporosis, the bones become brittle and porous due to loss of calcium and all of a sudden break. The bone density loss can occur long before the advanced symptoms and you may not even realize you've got it until a simple fall or accident causes a fracture. Natural osteoporosis supplements are well worth taking to avoid such pain in the future.

Symptoms in advanced osteoporosis are bone pain, joint pain and spontaneous fractures. Any bone can be affected but the most vulnerable and crucial areas will be the hips and spine.

Osteoporosis can strike at any age and affects approximately 60-70% of women and 30-40% of men. 50% of all women between the age of 45 and 75 show some degree of osteoporosis and out of those, 33% suffer serious bone deterioration. Women are more likely to develop osteoporosis than men because they lose bone tissue (through losing calcium) more rapidly than men, especially after menopause. This is why supplements for natural osteoporosis treatment are essential.

Osteoporosis is approximately the 12th most common cause of death (eg following a hip fracture). In the US alone it costs $3.8 billion to treat people with osteoporosis (and not using natural treatments). Compare that to the small cost of calcium supplements as a natural treatment for osteoporosis!

Preventing Osteoporosis - A Natural Approach

An overwhelming body of opinion favours calcium supplements as an alternative and natural treatment for osteoporosis. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body and 99% of body calcium is found in the bones and teeth. However as you get older your body is less efficient at absorbing calcium and other nutrients.

The most recent clinical research clearly points out that our diets are critically deficient in calcium and the only way to get enough calcium to treat osteoporosis or prevent it is through using good, absorbable calcium supplements and a sensible diet.

• Supplement with a good source of calcium and other minerals (liquid is always best) - most people consume less than half the amount of calcium needed to build and maintain bones.


• A well balanced diet with plenty of green leafy vegetables.


• Exercise - particularly weight-bearing exercises.


• Avoidance of processed foods, cigarettes, alcohol and carbonated drinks.

Detecting possible signs of osteoporosis is essential for prevention and cure.

A bone density test may be useful to detect signs of osteoporosis. However these are normally done on the large bones and it's the small bones that will actually give you the indication that you're losing bone tissue first.

A natural approach to treating osteoporosis is to first determine if you're suffering a calcium deficiency and are at higher risk.

In his book, 'Rare Earths Forbidden Cures' , Dr Joel Wallach lists the common signs of calcium deficiency: receding gums (osteoporosis of facial bones and jaw bones), kidney stones, bone spurs, cramps and twitches (e.g. eye twitches), lower back pain, Tinnitus (ringing in the ears is actually osteoporosis of the ear bone), high blood pressure can sometimes be a calcium deficiency, poor blood clotting, Arthritis, bad PMS, cracking bones and joints.

Highly active or athletic people - if you sweat heavily, your loss of minerals, particularly calcium, will be much higher! You need to replace all those minerals you've sweated out!)

Risk factors:

• Women (especially post-menopausal).


• Age - the older we are the more bone tissue we lose. Older men and women need to consume more calcium.


• Body size - small thin-boned people are at greater risk because they have less bone mass.


• Lactose intolerance and celiac disease can lead to calcium deficiency.


• Diets high in processed food which are high in phosphorus and prevent calcium from being absorbed.

Treating Osteoporosis Naturally

Whilst there are a number of drug treatments offered by conventional medicine, the general consensus is that treating osteoporosis naturally with supplements and early prevention methods haven't been used to their full advantage.

When it comes to treating osteoporosis naturally, the use of nutritional supplements with calcium as a focus have produced spectacular results. The following supplements for treating osteoporosis naturally are recommended:

• Calcium & magnesium supplements from a high quality and highly absorbable source at 2000 mg and 1000 mg per day respectively for the first 30 days.


• Colloidal calcium, magnesium, boron (can be found in plant derived minerals) digestive enzymes taken 15 minutes before meals. (improves absorption of calcium from food and supplements).


• Vitamin D (lack of vitamin D can cause a calcium deficiency as it helps the body absorb calcium).


• Calcium is highly absorbable (up to 98%) in organic plant derived colloidal minerals and water soluble chelated form. (i.e. Liquid calcium supplements with vitamin D, magnesium and manganese are excellent).

Dietary Tips for Natural Treatment and Prevention of Osteoporosis

1. Natural sources of Calcium: some dairy products such as yogurt and cheese (milk is not a good source as it contains a high amount of protein and will prevent calcium from being absorbed), Dark green leafy vegetables (eg broccoli and spinach), Tofu, Almonds, Foods enriched with calcium (eg some orange juice is enriched with calcium supplements).


2. Natural sources of Vitamin D: Egg yolks, Salt water fish, Liver NB Your skin will make Vitamin D following direct exposure to sunlight.


3. Drink eight glasses of pure, filtered water every day (you need water to eliminate toxins).


4. Eat a variety of foods with a low fat, high protein intake.


5. Eat organic, fresh foods wherever possible.

Exercise and Lifestyle for Osteoporosis

Exercise is important as a natural treatment for osteoporosis because bones respond to exercise in the same way as muscles - they grow stronger. (If you have osteoporosis, plan your exercise programme with your physician.

Weight-bearing exercise is best because the bones respond by becoming stronger (e.g. walking, hiking, jogging, stair climbing, weight training, tennis).

If there's one thing that conventional medicine and natural osteoporosis treatments have in common, it's exercise.
Many accidents and falls will occur around the home since this is where you spend most of your time. If you have osteoporosis, keep your home uncluttered and obstacle-free. Have things within easy reach. Do use a walking stick or other aid for support. Make sure stairs are well lit. Don't rush! Treating osteoporosis naturally can start right in your own home!

Treating osteoporosis naturally - things to avoid:

• Smoking affects the lungs and is bad for the bones and bad for your osteoporosis.


• Excessive alcohol - can contribute to bone loss.


• Processed foods (Many processed foods are high in phosphorous. Diets rich in phosphorous upset the phosphorous to calcium ratio and may result in calcium deficiency.)


• Some medications can cause bone loss, particularly medications prescribed for arthritis and asthma.


• Excess sugar and caffeine lead to a loss of calcium from the bones.


• Carbonated drinks neutralize stomach acid - the result is decreased absorption of calcium into your bones.

Summary

1. Our risk of developing osteoporosis rises as we get older and affects men and women.


2. There are many warning signs for osteoporosis such as grinding joints, bone spurs, receding gums and high blood pressure - all signs of a calcium deficiency .


3. Treating osteoporosis naturally involves supplementation with liquid minerals - particularly calcium, magnesium and other trace minerals along with a good multivitamin.


4. Lifestyle is important - reduce your intake of sugar, caffeine and alcohol (these all cause calcium to be lost from the tissues); increase your intake of fresh food - particularly green leafy vegetables.


5. Weight-bearing exercises such as yoga, light weights are an excellent strategy for preventing and treating osteoporosis naturally.

Menopause - Synthetic Or Bio-Identical Hormones For Menopause

What is the best hormone for menopause treatment: synthetic or bio-identical hormones? You may choose bio-identical hormones, but you may be wrong.

Although body-made estrogens are the best estrogen for menopause, they are totally ignored by medical science. Of cause, drug companies do not want you to remember that the human body can make estrogen, because they can not make money from you. How about doctors? They never talk about body-made hormones besides synthetic or bio-identical hormones for menopause.

The bottom line is that sufficient estrogen is essential to good health, and excessive estrogen is dangerous to your health. There are three types of estrogens for menopause: body-made estrogen, bio-identical estrogen and synthetic estrogen.

Both synthetic and bio-identical hormones are foreign hormones to your body. Your body can't tell the difference, and only drug companies can tell the difference. The bottom line is that synthetic hormones are from natural resource (horse urine; bio-identical hormones have to be synthesized in the lab in order to be absorbed by the human body, since the human body can't use plants' hormones.

Some chemists may argue that bio-identical hormones have the same chemical structure as body-made hormones. However, the chemical structures of body-made hormones are dynamic: they are changing every moment. The bio-identical hormones have only a fixed structure, so they are not bio-identical at all.

Above all, it doesn't make sense to argue synthetic or bio-identical hormones, since even body-made estrogens can cause cancers when they are excessive.

"Do I have estrogen deficiency or not" is the right question to ask. If you do have estrogen deficiency, either synthetic or bio-identical hormones can do the job, but don't overdo it.

Menopause: Cessation of Menstrual Cycle

The anatomy as well as physiology of the female reproductive system is quite complex when compared with the male reproductive system. Menopause is a very prominent stage in the life cycle of all females. It can be simply defined as the absence of the menstrual cycle for at least 12 months. The transition of the menopause starts with varying menstrual cycle length and finally terminates into menstrual period. The menopausal transitional period is often referred to as perimenopause phase although it is not a medical term but is often used while dealing a layman. Postmenopuase period is known to commence after the last menstrual period. Menopause can also be described as a phase of the female's life when the function of ovaries terminates. Ovaries are the female reproductive organs, located in the pelvis, one of each side of the uterus. Each ovary resembles an almond in its shape and size. They are known to produce ova as well as the female hormone estrogen.

A single egg or ovum is produced from either the right or the left ovary during each menstrual cycle. The egg then enters the Fallopian tube and finally reaches the uterus. The female hormones secreted by the ovaries participate in the development of secondary sexual characters in the female like development of breasts, body shape and body hair. These hormones also participate in the regulation of menstruation and pregnancy. Estrogens are also known to provide protection to the bones and osteoporosis develops in a female if ovaries fail to produce adequate amount of estrogen. Perimenopause is different for each woman and researchers are still under dilemma about the factors governing this phase, so study is under execution.

Commencement of menopause

In general menopause is known to enter a female's life at the age of 51 but no one can predict that when a female is going to enter menopause. The age at which menstrual cycle starts in the life of a female is also not correlated with the onset of menopause. Majority of the females are known to enter menopause between the ages of 45-55 but menopause can also occur at the age of 30, 40 or 60 years. Perimenopause is characterized by irregularities in the menstrual cycle followed by typical symptoms of early menopause and can commence 10 years prior to last menstrual period.

Conditions affecting menopause

Certain surgical as well as medical conditions are known to cast their spell on the timing of menopause. These conditions will be dealt one by one.

1. Surgical removal of ovaries

Surgical removal of ovaries from an ovulating female is known as oophorectomy and it results in immediate menopause and the condition is sometimes also designated as surgical or induced menopause. In this condition there is no perimenopause and the female automatically experiences the signs and symptoms of menopause. The ovaries can often be removed along with the uterus and this procedure is known as hysterectomy. If uterus is removed without removal of ovaries then they function normally and produce female hormones but such a female is not able to menstruate. In this situation symptoms of menopause occur naturally. The woman can experience other symptoms of menopause like hot flashes and mood swings. These symptoms cannot be correlated with the cessation of menstruation. Such a female is liable to get affected with premature ovarian failure before commencement of menopause within 1-2 years after hysterectomy. If this condition arises then the female will not experience the symptoms of menopause.

2. Cancer chemotherapy and radiation therapy

Cancer is also known to affect ovarian function. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are given to a female depending upon the type and location of cancer. If these treatments are given to an ovulating woman then they result in cessation of menstruation and symptoms of menopause come into play. The symptoms may arise during or after treatment.

3. Premature ovarian failure

This condition can be defined by the appearance of menopause before the age of 40. This condition is common among 1% woman population. The exact reason behind premature ovarian failure is although unknown but it is believed that autoimmune diseases and genetic factors are associated with it.

Symptoms associated with menopause

Each woman experiences a different set of symptoms. Some women experience few or no symptoms of menopause while some experience a wide variety of physical as well as physiological symptoms. The major symptoms are:

1. Irregular vaginal bleeding

Vaginal bleeding may become irregular at the onset of menopause. Some females have little problems with abnormal bleeding during perimenopause while others have excessive bleeding. Menstrual periods may occur very frequently within short intervals or may get farther and farther apart before terminating completely. There is no usual pattern of bleeding during perimenopause but it may vary from individual to individual. If a female is experiencing irregular menses then she must consult the doctor as whether the problem is due to perimenopause or some other clinical condition is associated. The abnormalities associated with the menstrual cycle during the perimenopause are also responsible for the declination of the female fertility as egg production in the ovaries also becomes irregular. However, a female under the perimenopausal state can become pregnant and should take contraceptives if she is not interested to become pregnant.

2. Hot flashes and night sweats

Hot flashes are very frequent in the females undergoing menopause. A hot flash may be defined as a feeling of warmth spreading throughout the body but is more intense on the head and chest region of the body. It is sometimes associated with flushing as well as perspiration. They may last from 30 seconds to few minutes. The exact cause of hot flash is although not known but it is believed that is the result of a combined action of hormonal and biochemical fluctuations brought about by the declining estrogen levels. One cannot predict when hot flashes will arise and for how long they will appear. Hot flashes are known to occur in 40% of females under the age group of 40 having normal menstrual cycles. So hot flashes can appear even before menopause. Hot flashes end up within 5 years in 80% of the females entering menopause and sometimes they can run for about 10 years. Sometimes hot flashes are coupled with night sweats resulting in awakening, difficulty in falling asleep again resulting in daytime tiredness.

3. Urinary symptoms

Urethral lining also undergoes changes just like the tissues of the vagina and becomes drier, thinner, loses elasticity due to declination of the estrogen levels. These changes increase the risk of urinary tract infections as well as urinary leakage. Urination may also occur suddenly with coughing, laughing and lifting of heavy objects.

4. Vaginal symptoms

The vaginal tissues also become thinner, drier and lose elasticity as the estrogen levels fall. The symptoms include vaginal dryness, itching or pain during intercourse. The vaginal changes also increase the risk of vaginal infections.

5. Emotional and cognitive symptoms

Women entering perimenopause experience a variety of emotional symptoms like fatigue, irritability, memory problems and rapid mood changes. It is difficult to explain which behavioral symptom is directly associated with the hormonal changes. Emotional and cognitive symptoms are very common among women so sometimes it becomes difficult to determine whether these changes are due to menopause or not. Night sweats during menopause can also result in fatigue and irritation.

6. Other physical changes

Weight gain is very common among women during menopause. The distribution of fat may also undergo change and may get deposited more in the waist and abdominal areas rather than the hips and thighs. Wrinkles may also appear on the skin. As the body continues to produce small levels of male hormone, testosterone, some females may develop some hairs on the chin, upper lip, chest or abdomen.

Complications associated with menopause

1. Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is very common among the females undergoing menopause. Osteoporosis is the deterioration of quality and quantity of bone resulting in increased risk of fracture. However, the density of bone tends to decline normally in the females during the fourth decade of life but it declines rapidly during the menopause. Age and hormonal changes during menopause act together resulting in osteoporosis. The process can occur slowly for many years. Women may remain unaware of these changes unless and until she encounters a painful fracture. The treatment of osteoporosis includes slowing down the rate of bone loss as well increasing bone density and strength. The treatment includes lifestyle changes like cessation of smoking and drinking alcohol, regular exercise with adequate intake of balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D. calcium and vitamin D supplements are prescribed for those females who do not take a diet rich in these nutrients. Medications responsible for preventing bone loss include alendronate, risedronate, ibandronate and teriparatide.

2. Cardiovascular disease

Females before menopause are at decreased risk of cardiovascular diseases when compared with men but the frequency generally increases as they approach menopause. The incidence of heart diseases is very high both among men and women in the United States. Coronary heart diseases are two-three times higher in the women reaching menopause. This may be due to the declining levels of estrogen and the women in post menopausal stage are advised not to undergo hormone therapy in order to avoid the risk of heart attacks.

Treatments available for menopause

Menopause is a normal part of life that cannot be combined with a disease. However, the treatment of related symptoms is possible so can be taken into consideration.

1. Hormone therapy (Estrogen and progesterone therapy)

Hormone Therapy (HT) or Hormone Replacement Therapy (HPT) or Postmenopausal Hormone Therapy (PHT) is a treatment that administers doses of both estrogens and progesterone. It is administered in order to prevent the symptoms associated with declination of estrogen levels like hot flashes and vaginal dryness and is still the most effective treatment available but studies have indicated that the women receiving HT have increased risk of breast cancer, heart attacks. Women receiving only estrogen therapy also have higher risk of endometrial cancer. Hormone therapy is available in the form of oral pills and transdermal forms. Transdermal hormone products are already in the active form so they don't have to get converted into activated form in the liver. As these products have no effect on the liver they are prescribed for majority of the females. There has been an emerging interest among the researchers for the use of a bio-identical hormone for the perimenopausal women. These hormones have same chemical compositions like those produced naturally inside the body. These products are prepared in the laboratory from the naturally derived plant products and are approved by the U.S.FDA so are in market. They are also used transdermal in the form of creams or gels. The use of hormone therapy is based on the decision of both the patient and the doctor.

2. Oral contraceptive pills

Oral contraceptive pills are other form of hormone therapy that is prescribed to the females undergoing perimenopause in order to treat irregular vaginal bleeding. Before prescribing these pills the doctor must check that whether the irregular vaginal bleeding is due to perimenopause or some other factors are associated with it. These do not provide relief from hot flashes but prevent a female from becoming pregnant.

3. Local hormone and non-hormone treatments

Vaginal estrogen deficiency is also treated with the local hormonal treatments. These include vaginal estrogen ring, vaginal estrogen cream or vaginal estrogen tablets. Local and oral estrogen treatments are sometimes combined. Vaginal moisturizing creams or gels or use of lubricating agents during intercourse are non-hormonal agents used to prevent vaginal dryness. Application of Betadine topically on the outer vaginal area or soaking in a bathtub or warm water may also relive the symptoms of vaginal pain or burning sensation after sexual intercourse.

4. Antidepressant medications

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of drugs most frequently used to control the symptoms of hot flashes and have given positive results in 60% of the women. The common examples of these drugs include venlafaxine, citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine and sertraline. However, antidepressants are associated with some side effects like sexual dysfunction.

5. Plant estrogens or phytoestrogens or isoflavones

Isoflavones are chemical compounds present in soy and are plant derived estrogens. The structure of these plant estrogens is exactly similar to those produced in the body but their effectiveness is somewhat lower in comparison to the body estrogens. Their estrogen potency is estimated to be about 1/1,000 to 1/100,000 of that of natural estrogen. Two types of isoflavones namely, genistein and daidzein have been derived from soybeans, chickpeas and lentils that are considered to be the most potent phytoestrogens. Some studies have shown that these compounds help in relieving hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause. Women suffering from breast cancer are also prescribed these phytoestrogens if they do not want to undergo hormone therapy (HT) during menopause transition. Some researchers have however shown that excessive intake of these plant derived estrogens result in over-growth of the tissues lining the uterus which can result in the development of cancer.

6. Vitamin E

Some women have reported that intake of vitamin E supplements can also help in relieving hot flashes but this fact lacks scientific support. Taking a dosage of greater than 400 IU of vitamin E is not safe as it increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

7. Black Cohosh

Black cohosh is an herbal preparation popular in Europe often prescribed against hot flashes. The North American Menopause Society does not support the short term usage of this herbal preparation

8. Non-pharmaceutical therapies

Survivors of breast cancer or females not interested to take oral or vaginal estrogens are prescribed vaginal lubricants however, they are not very effective.
So it can be concluded that menopause is a natural state of body and the symptoms can be controlled by the medications mentioned above.