Perimenopause Symptoms

What is Perimenopause?

Perimenopause describes the time preceding full menopause during which you have not had a period or regular bleeding for twelve months. It is a time when your body begins to slow down the production of certain hormones, namely estrogen, and progesterone and it is also a time signaling the loss fertility. Some women have only minor symptoms and pass through this phase of little with little discomfort but other women have much more pronounced symptoms.

What are the signs of perimenopause?

Here are some signs indicating the onset of the perimenopausal period:

Changes to your normal menstrual cycle (longer/shorter durations, a change to the volume- heavier or lighter bleeding, or periods being skipped)

Hot flashes

Nighttime sweating (during sleep)

Vaginal dryness

Erratic sleep patterns

Moods swings (depression, irritability)

Painful intercourse

An increase if urinary infections

Urinary incontinence

Losing of sex drive

Accumulation of extra body fat at the waist

Problems with memory and concentration

How long will perimenopause last?

The duration of the perimenopausal period will vary from woman to woman. Actual menopause happens between the ages of 45 to 55 with the average age being 51. But perimenopause has been known to start as early as 35 and can go on for just a few months or sometimes even a few years. There is no advance warning of its onset and no known way of predicting how long it will go on for.

The prevention or relief of the perimenopause

Unfortunately, there is no known prevention for the onset of perimenopause, but certain things may help to delay the onset such as quitting smoking if you are a smoker, keeping physically fit, and keeping your weight aligned with your BMI. In terms of relieving some of the symptoms, you can:

Use a vaginal lubricant to counteract dryness and pain during intercourse.

Analyze and avoid anything you isolate as possible causes of hot flushes such as caffeine or alcohol.

Discuss depression, irritation, anxiety and mood swings with your doctor who may be able to prescribe medication to help.

Treatments for Perimenopause

A complete and full medical is recommended before embarking on any course of medication or therapy to help to deal with the symptoms of perimenopause. Your doctor will almost certainly insist in this anyway. Estrogen or estrogen-progestogen therapies have long been prescribed for perimenopausal symptoms; however, in light of more recent links to cancer causation, this has fallen out of favor. Instead, low dose oral contraceptive medication may be prescribed. This not only helps treat the hot flashes, but also helps to regulate any irregular menstrual flow. This treatment can delay the need for full blow HRT (hormone replacement therapy) until full menopause commences. EPT (Estrogen Progestogen Therapy) has been developed to lessen the cause of cancer if you are experiencing natural menopause rather than medical menopause brought on by surgery. For any therapy including estrogen, your doctor will probably prescribe a lose dose variant for only a short period of time.

New Menopause Relief by Natural Means

As you start getting early symptoms, you'll start looking for menopause relief by natural means. Maybe you've just had your first hot flash, or suddenly you woke up from a restful sleep and find yourself completely wet due to night sweats. It doesn't seem fair, but before you distress too much and/or start looking for Hormone Replacement Treatments (HRT), try a few natural ways to relieve your symptoms. Here are a few that have been known to work:

Look to Soy to reduce the symptoms of menopause. Soy is not just hearsay, it's actually a scientific fact that about 50 grams of soy protein each day can help to reduce the frequency and intensity of menopause hot flashes and night sweats. There is one product on the market today that supplies the most menopause relief by natural means. It's called Menozac and consists of Vitamin E, Soy, Black Cohosh and Damaiana.

Speaking of Black Cohosh, this herbal dietary supplement has long been known to combat hot flashes and night sweats. This one isn't backed by much scientific proof, as most studies were less than six months long, but there is the all important word of mouth from those that have been using Black Cohosh successfully for many generations as a natural menopause treatment.

Dong Quai is another natural herb which is found in a Native Remedies solution and is said to "promote hormonal balance and help keep estrogen and progesterone levels within the normal range. This natural remedy helps keep everything in balance as hormonal changes take place during the menopause and peri-menopause states. It's also helpful in reducing the premenstrual blues (commonly known as PMS). Look for Dong Quai in Endo-Ex and Mellow Pause.

And lastly, if you're just feeling a little unhappy all the time, try a little Ginseng. While it may not give much relief for hot flashes or night sweats, it will give you a better feeling of well being as you go through these menopause symptoms.

How to Overcome Menopause Vaginal Dryness Naturally

Menopause can be one of the most disturbing period in a woman's life. This is the time when women experience a whole lot of body and behavioral changes. A drop in estrogen levels in the body triggers vaginal dryness by making walls of the vagina thin and dry.

Vaginal dryness often makes intercourse highly painful. Not only this, it is also accompanied with a burning sensation in the vagina. Most women lose interest in sex due to this and this could be a blow to your relationship since sexual gratification of both the partners is one of the most important aspects of a healthy relationship.

How to overcome Menopause Vaginal Dryness

Here are a few steps to help you overcome vaginal dryness:

1. Drink More Water- The whole idea behind drinking more water is to keep your body well hydrated. It is therefore extremely important to drink at least 8 full glasses of water everyday.

2. Eat Right- Certain foods can help increase the production of estrogen in your body. One of the best examples if such foods is soy and soy products. Besides, you must also include essential fats in your diet since all anabolic steroid hormones like estrogen are produced with cholesterol. Some of the best examples of such foods include olives, olive oil, nuts and beans etc.,

3. Herbal or Natural Supplements

Such supplements are a great way of getting rid of menopause vaginal dryness. These supplements have become a rage among women trying to get over sexual dysfunction. They are a blend of age proven herbs, minerals, amino acids and other nutrients.

These supplement:

• increase blood flow to the genitals and help boost female libido or sex drive


• increase estrogen production so as to relieve vaginal dryness, hot flashes etc.,


• boost testosterone production to help enhance your sex drive


• increase the secretion of nitric oxide which is important for increasing blood flow to the genitals


• relieve menopause symptoms and reduce stress.

Some of the common ingredients used in such supplements include ginseng, ginkgo biloba, epimedium sagittatum, black cohosh, red raspberry, ginger root, licorice root, tribulus terrestris etc.,

Not only do such supplements increase natural lubrication but also help you overcome menopause symptoms. High quality supplements are clinically approved and do not have any side effects. This is why women are buying them in huge numbers.

If you want to Get over Menopause Vaginal Dryness, check out the Best Female Sexual Enhancers that can make you Enjoy Blissful Sex!

Three Best Menopause Products

Menopause is a very natural condition to women. Reaching their middle to old age will create radical changes in their physical, emotional and psychological health. This is because their hormones are affected with the ending of their ovarian cycle. Because of this, there are many products coming out these days that help in the relief of menopausal symptoms.

For us to know which ones are best to use, here are the three best menopausal products we can get:

1. Menozac

This product is created using a number of natural herbs. That is why they often say that is come from Mother Nature. The use of herbs and plants in the treatment of menopausal symptoms are very effective and does not give any side effects to the patient. The Monozac efficiently cures anxiety, urinary problems, mood swings and vaginal dryness. It also works in controlling the appetite that can sometimes lead to weight gain. Hot flashes and chills are said to also be eliminated when taking this product.

This product works very fast from the initial use. With the Menozac, we do not have to worry about the hormonal changes that are brought by menopause and we can enjoy life to the fullest.

2. Menopol

The Menopol acts like a multivitamin for women who are going through menopausal period. It relieves all of the symptoms that come with menopause. Results can be quickly felt in the first two days of use. It is now a very popular product that is one of the three best menopausal products according to reviews. The menopol is effective in promoting hormonal imbalance and a good treatment for hot flashes, mood swings, depression and others. We can also notice the increase in the mental capacity plus increasing stamina and overall energy. It also helps boost a woman's libido even though reaching her middle age.

3. MellowPause

This is another product that is very helpful in the relief of menopausal symptoms. The MellowPause is created by using natural herbs that are used as remedies for menopause. We can get this in liquid formula. What this product does is to help reduce the hot flashes that are associated with the life change due to the ending ovarian cycle. It also helps calm women in dealing with stress so that they will be less irritable. It is a product that promotes a major boost in a person's life.

Most of the symptoms of menopause are actually just types of psychological and emotional conditions that are brought by nearing old age. What women need most is a help for them to still enjoy their life to the fullest even when their reach their menopausal age. We can still be happy at the age of 50 and above provided that we take care of ourselves. That is what the three best menopausal products do.

Vaginal Dryness & Healthy Genital Tips - Stop Dry Vagina Pain During Sex

Is your vagina dry and you do not know what has caused the vaginal dryness? First, let us make it clear that it is not a life threatening condition. However, I cannot say it will not cause discomfort and depending on different times, painful too.

The condition is treatable, but only if you seek treatment. Because of the area affected women tend to shy away due to embarrassment. Whether your vagina is dry or too wet, it is not something to blush over. If dryness becomes an issue causing friction or pain for you or your partner then you need help. Being a woman I understand how embarrassing it is having a doctor fiddle with your bits, but without help then your relationship can suffer considerably. Do not be selfish to yourself, or man, all because your cheeks redden easily, whatever the problem get it sorted.

When it comes to looking after the vagina take a leaf out of a mans' book. The vagina is sacred so treat it as such, MEN DO" why not you?

Dry Vagina

Although dryness is known in lots of cases for causing vaginal itch and burning/stinging around the vaginal opening and in the lower third of the vagina, it is the pain that might occur during sexual intercourse that women find most stressful.

Causes of vaginal dryness may include:

Sex
Diaphragms
Antidepressants
Antibiotics
Chemotherapy
Radiation
Allergens
Douches -Tampons - Condoms

Dryness is a direct result of lower estrogen levels that is a common occurrence during and after menopause. When estrogen levels reduce, vaginal tissue thins becoming less elastic, drier and weaker. Nonetheless, inadequate vaginal lubrication can occur in women at any age. It is also a characteristic sign of vaginal atrophy (atrophic vaginitis) - thinning and inflammation of the vaginal walls due to a reduction in estrogen.

For women who deny their man sex to avoid painful intercourse did you know there are vaginal lubricants that help make sex happen without discomfort (Certain lubricants consist of clear fluid that seeps through the walls of the blood vessels surrounding the vagina).

When a woman is sexually aroused, more blood flows to the pelvic organs producing more fluid. But the hormonal changes of menopause, having a baby and breast-feeding can hamper the process and prevent the action.

A decrease in estrogen levels can be the outcome of:

Menopause
Hysterectomy
Sudden effort - Exertion
Menstruation changes
Pregnancy
Childbirth
Hormonal contraceptives
Endometriosis
Stress, tiredness
Infertility drugs

How can I help prevent my vagina from becoming to dry? Easy, stop using products that is likely to increase dryness or irritate vaginal tissue. Specific soaps, washing powders, douches, scented gels and allergens that contain harsh ingredients you need stay clear of if they contain dodgy ingredients.

Another favoured option is Kegel exercises. They help increase circulation to the pelvic area which in return strengthens vaginal tissue. While lubricants are useful now and again for sex, specially formulated moisturizing creams will better the health of vaginal tissues. Particular formulas containing phytoestrogens are known for their ability to naturally replenish waning estrogen levels

Flaxseeds are high phytoestrogens and known to minimize hot flushes and ease discomfort of sore breasts. Omega-3 fatty acids is good for fighting heart disease, arthritis and balancing hormones and the outcome normally less severe

You cannot beat supplements for helping to fight different conditions. This applies to the case of a dry vagina. Consider B-vitamins and vitamin E. Vitamin A helps keep suppleness. Should you decide to take vitamins consult your doctor.

Another option is Evening Primrose Oil.

Healthy Vagina

Avoid vagina dryness and infections by maintaining a healthy vagina. If you have been fortunate and not had a problem with your bits "YET" then be ready for when you do.

A healthy vagina is moist and produces a reasonable amount of vaginal discharge. Over time discharge due to hormonal cycles and aging can alter vagina behaviours. Typical vaginal fluid would look a clear/white, pasty or of a slippery consistency, and odourless.

The body depends on the hormone estrogen and progesterone to create ample lubricating secretions for the vagina. While going through the perimenopause stage and menopause when hormones are changing, it is common for dryness to happen as less secretion is produced.

Various reasons for dryness

Be wary of soaps advertised as gentle, namely Dove and Ivory because they can dry genital tissue because they are not pH-balanced.

What you eat. Estrogen is needed to help lubricate the vagina. Since estrogen is created from cholesterol, the bodies' ability to efficiently produce and metabolize estrogen depends strongly on the fat we consume in our diet. But while there is a connection between fat in our diet and estrogen levels, it is essential to consume fats that produce health and hormonal balance instead of those that encourage disease.

Hydration is important to keep mucous membranes moist. Go easy on drinks that contain caffeine and avoid alcohol.

Medicine - Specific drugs, like allergy/cold medications, even some antidepressants tend to dry out mucous membranes including vaginal tissues. Ask your GP about birth control pills as they are noted for causing this problem because the hormones it contains are not natural to the human body.

While most people link dryness to the time of perimenopause/menopause, hormonal imbalance can happen to women who have premature ovarian failure, polycystic ovarian syndrome, anorexia, or pituitary and hypothalamus concerns; and also in those who have lately given birth, breastfeeding, have imbalanced diets and undergone cancer therapy or smoke tobacco products.

Stress has an influential impact on the system, and yet women tend to overlook the signs. By taxing the adrenals chronic stress forces down androgens which interferes with the normal female sexual response cycle. At this point it affects the stages of arousal and lessens natural lubrication.

Natural solutions for vaginal dryness

Sadly, a great deal of women who suffer with vaginal dryness continue to suffer because conventional medicines do not work for them.

Suggestions below are to help, however they may work for some whereas for others useless solutions

Add soy isoflavones to your diet. Whole soy foods are high in isoflavones and lignans and known to help.

Give your body the highest level of nutritional support. The body will always struggle to function properly without essential ingredients. For example, omega-3 essential fatty acids support healthy cell membranes and hormonal balance.

Be vigilant towards your vagina. Check it regularly with a mirror. Keeping track of any changes will help identify if dietary habits is the cause of particular issues.

Swap K-Y Jelly for a quality lubricant which contains methylparaben. Go for natural lubricant like Sylk or paraben and glycerin-free Astroglide.

Natural oil like sweet almond or grape seed after a bath is affective.

Control the condition using vitamin E suppositories. Vitamin E applied locally can help restore thin vaginal tissue.

The Right Treatment For Male Menopause or Andropause

Andropause is synonymous to male menopause which is a hormonal change in the male body.

It leads to low testosterone level in aging men. It is also believed to cause depression according to studies done at some universities.

For several years, these changes in men's body and emotion lead them to experience some sort of midlife crisis, very similar to the experience of women in their midlife. This is the male version of menopause.

The majority of men suffering from andropause or male menopause find it hard to accept that the hormones that 'complete' their manhood are decreasing. The truth is, around 25 million of American men between age 35 and 55 experience andropause.

Andropause is already seen as a culprit in the process of normal aging for men, because it is a lowering of testosterone level.

If you fall in the age bracket mentioned, you should be aware of possible symptoms that you may already have.

Here's some of the symptoms of Andropause / Male Menopause

• Decreasing of energy
• Lowering of sex drive
• Constant depression
• Lowering of strength and stamina
• Decrease of life's enjoyment
• Frequent grouchiness and sadness
• The declined in the strength of erections
• The sports ability is slowly deteriorating
• Falling asleep right after having dinner
• Lowering of performance at work

Testosterone replacement therapy, according to medical specialists is the best way of treating the lowering testosterone level in males Even so this treatment is currently receiving some negative attention because of the risks associated with it. Doctors and their patients even weigh the risks first before they decide on treatment.

Testosterone injections lessen the symptoms of Andropause. However, it may increase the risk of a stroke, gynecomastia or the enlarged breasts, temporary sterility, and toxicity of the liver.

In case this information is starting to get you discouraged, there is still another option which will not be harmful to your body. Many researchers found that patients get satisfactory results in using the formulation of potent herbs as Andropause medication.

These are supplements that can be bought over the counter and will naturally increase the level of your testosterone while reducing the symptoms of Andropause. It will also eliminate a large number of side effects as compared to the hormone replacement therapy.

These natural supplements will help you generate more of the testosterone that your body originally produce. This means that you will no longer need to take testosterone from the other sources, considering the fact that this only results in the slowing down of your natural testosterone production. So you will not have any negative side effects which may be caused by taking the injections.

Therefore, after weighing the pros and cons most men suffering from Andropause are more likely to opt for these natural herbal remedies than injections.

If you plan on purchase these herbal supplements, it is advised that you analyze the products first. Make sure that the product will: augment physical performance, stamina and endurance, while maintaining the heightened intensity of testosterone as well as your energy.

Choose the products that will offer you the most benefits as well as utmost performance.

Our next article: Male Menopause Symptoms - Depression.

All Natural Menopause Supplements - What's So Natural About Them?

We have heard about the magic powers of natural herbal remedies on health problems. With more and more menopausal women turning to all natural menopause supplements for their symptoms relief, this article is to help you understand the common symptoms during menopause as well as helpful natural remedies to fight them.

Loss of libido - Tribulus

Loss of libido is a common symptom among menopausal women. Around one third of women over the age of 50 experience decreased libido.

If you have a partner, a low libido may put strains on your relationship. Do you know there are some effective herbs to enhance your desire and energy, without side effects?

Tribulus is a popular herbal remedy in the treatment of low libido. It is known to increase testosterone production and boost sex drive, by increasing reproductive blood flow.

Anxiety and Depression - Damiana

Menopause can lead to many mood disorders, such as anxiety, mood swings, irritability and depression. The root cause for this is the fluctuations of your hormones during menopause.

Many women report amazing results after taking supplements including Damiana, which is an amazing herb to help relieve anxiety and depression. It can manage hormonal fluctuations during menopause. When the hormone levels are balanced, your mood disorders may be eased as a result.

Hot flashes and Night sweats - Dong quai

If you are suffering from hot flashes and night sweats during menopause, you are not alone.

Around 75 percent of Caucasian women get hot flashes in their perimenopausal years leading up to the actual menopause.

Night sweats, which is intense heat and sweating during night time, can disrupt your sleep and lead to other problems including memory lapses and anxiety.

Are these conditions affecting your work and family life? Try Dong quai - the Queen of all herbs for women's health issues.

It has been used for more than 1,000 years for the treatment of hot flashes and other menopause symptoms. Dong quai contains phytoestrogens, and herbalists use the root of Dong quai to help relieve health problems associated with menopause.

Dong quai is included in most all-natural menopause supplements on the market.

Cardiovascular Disease and Osteoporosis - Red clover

Do you know the most serious health problems for menopausal women? Osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women aged 65 and older, and the second-leading cause of death in women between the ages of 45 to 64.

Osteoporotic fractures are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in older women.

Estrogen protects women against bone loss and cardiovascular disease. But menopausal women lose this protective weapon when their estrogen production reduces or stops eventually.

Red clover contains isoflavones, plant-based chemicals that imitate the effects of natural estrogen. It also helps remediate hormones that are fluctuating and getting too high or too low, which in turn diminishes menopause symptoms.

Other helpful herbs include Chasteberry, Sarsaparilla and Piperine.

Some menopause supplements contain only one or a few of these herbs. But if you educate yourself on this subject and learn to read the ingredients label, you can find quality all-natural menopause supplements that contain a good number of working ingredients.

For more information and reviews on supplements for menopause , please visit my website today.

Sleeplessness During Menopause: Helping To Get A Good Night's Sleep

Sleeplessness in a woman during menopause may encompass various symptoms. Studies all show that a lack of adequate sleep may lead to irritability, a lack in concentration and a weak immune system. This article is for women who are experiencing certain sleep disorders due to menopause. A woman may often find that menopause is a stressful time to go through. She experiences various symptoms that she might find upsetting. It is important for a woman to understand what her body is going through at this time of her life. This article will discuss the treatment options that may be taken to ease her sleeplessness.

For a woman who is going through menopause, the inability to sleep properly is upsetting. On average, healthy adults need about seven to eight hours of restful sleep each night. Many women during menopause do not achieve a sufficient amount of sleep. This may eventually start playing havoc with their emotions and normal everyday life. It may put a heavy strain on personal and work relationships causing emotional disturbances. Fortunately, the inability to sleep may be controlled and also treated.

Sleep and Peri Menopause

The most common sleep disorders in menopausal women are sleep apnea and insomnia. These sleeping symptoms are closely correlated with other menopausal symptoms. Sleeplessness and night sweats may disrupt a sleep pattern by causing menopausal women to wake up several times at night. This may then lead to anxiety or depression or other frustrating debilitating symptoms. A woman might experience fatigue, increased irritability, damage to relationships and an inability to concentrate in her daily tasks.

The main reason why women develop the inability to sleep during menopause is the fluctuation in hormones. Hormones like progesterone, testosterone and estrogen are all very important hormones that play an important role. When these hormonal levels start to fluctuate, it may affect the ability to sleep well. During menopause, progesterone and estrogen levels gradually decrease, fluctuating moment to moment. This imbalance of hormones may cause a host many other symptoms.

Three approaches may be considered in treating sleeplessness and the quality of sleep. These are lifestyle changes, alternative medicines or drugs. Simple changes may help to improve the quality of sleep and overall health. Meditation and yoga are great techniques for reducing stress. Regular exercise and a healthy diet may help make a positive improvement in sleep. Diet is very important for better health. Eliminating nicotine, caffeine and alcohol may help in getting a good night's sleep.

Phytoestrogen herbs may be used in treating progesterone imbalances in women. Black Cohosh is an example of a phytoestrogen herb. Several phytoestrogen herbs contain estrogenic components that are produced by the plants soy or wild yam. Phytoestrogens mimic the natural occurring estrogen in your body. Studies show that herbal treatments may successfully treat hormone imbalances. When the cause of hormone imbalances is treated, then your sleepless night may improved.

Healthcare physicians may recommend lifestyles changes to help with hormone imbalance. It is sometimes not that easy for a woman to change her lifestyle routine. Complementary medicine may be an option to drug therapy, which has proven to be very helpful in treating hormone imbalances and improving sleep.

Sleep and Progesterone, a natural choice

Natural progesterone cream may be a safe and successful hormone replacement therapy to improve sleep. Natural progesterone gently balance's a woman's hormones to the body's natural state. Natural progesterone cream contains bio-identical progesterone molecules that are identical to progesterone found in a woman's body. Many healthcare physicians who use natural progesterone treatment instead of ERT or HRT, have achieved successful results.

Dr. Dalton, of England, documented in the1950's that natural progesterone cream is a treatment for depression and mood swings. Dr. Prior, of Canada, documented the effects on runners when progesterone was low. Dr. John Lee used natural progesterone treatment for all hormone imbalances from infertility, PMS symptoms and symptoms during the transition of menopause. Dr. John Lee used natural progesterone cream instead of HRT or ERT for decades.

Many Doctors use bioidentical progesterone cream as a natural hormone replacement therapy, mainly because it safely reduces most of the symptoms caused by menopause including difficulty concentrating. Progesterone is usually a precursor to all other hormones inside the body including estrogen and testosterone. Progesterone balances the ratio of low estrogen or high or low progesterone. Natural progesterone cream is the only bioidentical hormone that may efficiently achieve relief for your symptoms. Natural progesterone cream addresses the cause of hormone imbalance, therefore may help relieve your symptoms.

Natural progesterone cream treats a hormonal imbalance at its own source. It is the only natural remedy that addresses the cause of hormone imbalance. The cause of hormone imbalance is the ratio of estrogen to progesterone and decline of all hormones.

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

Menopause Medication - Know Your Options

Menopause Medication: How Do You Decide Which Is Right For You?

If you are like most women, you are understandably confused when confronted with all the information, some proven, some scary and some downright ridiculous, when it comes to the treatments available for you and your menopause medication arsenal. How about some objective, sensible advice on how to research your options and choose a plan that will work best for you? Well, read on to get some of the best and most up-to-date information available which you will need to make the right decision regarding your personal regimen. Which is right for you? Prescription, natural therapies, or a combination? Let's look at them all.

Available Choices in Prescription Medication

Pills, oral or vaginal, creams, gels, rings; the choices seem to be endless. Let's look at our options in prescription medication often used during menopause.

Prescription medication which does contain hormones

• Birth control pills can relieve symptoms during perimenopause, but are not used after menopause. There are many contraindications to using birth control pills and only you and your healthcare provider can decide if they are right for you.


• Low-dose vaginal estrogen, which is available in cream, a pill inserted vaginally, or ring form, helps with localized symptoms such as vaginal dryness and loss of elasticity, but at a much lower dose that is not absorbed as much as when taken in oral pill form.


• Hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, is also available in many forms such as pill, patch, vaginal ring, gel, or cream form, and is probably the most widely used form of medication used for the symptomatic treatment of menopause. However, it has been shown to have significant health risks for some women. To provide relief, experts recommend only the lowest dose possible be used for the least amount of time. Talk to your healthcare provider to get more information on whether this medication is a good option for you.


• Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is a form of hormones usually made from plants. Because it is believed to most closely resemble those hormones made by our own bodies, they are thought by many to be a safer bet than those available in the traditional form. There is quite a lot of controversy surrounding this form of hormone therapy, so be sure to do your homework and discuss this with your healthcare provider. Experts on both sides of the debate still feel that any form of hormone therapy should only be used in as low a dose and for the shortest time possible.

Prescription medication which does not contain hormones:

• Antidepressant medicines have been shown to decrease the amount and severity of hot flashes in some women.


• Clonidine, a high blood pressure medicine, may also help decrease hot flashes, but there could be problems with low blood pressure.


• Neurontin, a medication used to control seizures among other uses, can also reduce hot flashes. However, there are possible and significant side effects.

Hyperthyroidism, Menopause, and Natural Treatment Methods

Many menopausal women who have hyperthyroidism and Graves' Disease have symptoms which they assume to be normal, but usually can be controlled by following a natural treatment protocol. Some of the common symptoms which these women experience include fatigue, night sweats, hot flashes, mood swings, and many other symptoms. Once again, these symptoms usually can be reduced, and in some cases completely eliminated by following a natural treatment protocol under the guidance of a competent holistic doctor.

The question you may have is "if these symptoms aren't normal in menopausal women, then why are they so common?" There are numerous reasons why women who are in menopause experience these symptoms. One of the primary reasons is due to a hormone imbalance, specifically involving the hormones estrogen and progesterone.

There is a great book about the benefits of natural progesterone which was written by Dr. John R. Lee. The title of the book is "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause". This book discusses many different conditions in menopausal women which can be helped through natural progesterone. And the reason why natural progesterone is so effective is because many women have a progesterone deficiency.

Should Natural Progesterone Be Given For All Menopausal Symptoms?

Even though natural progesterone can help many menopausal women, I don't agree that everyone with menopausal symptoms should be given this. The first thing which obviously should be done is to confirm that the person has a progesterone deficiency. This can easily be determined through proper hormone testing. I personally use a company called Diagnos-Techs to conduct hormone testing on my patients, but there are other companies out there as well.

When it is determined that someone has a progesterone deficiency, natural progesterone is usually necessary under two situations. The first situation is if the woman had a complete hysterectomy. In this case the woman will most likely need to take natural progesterone for the rest of her life. The second case would be a woman who has a severe progesterone deficiency. In this situation it is frequently necessary for a woman to take bioidentical progesterone, although it should only be on a temporary basis.

Can Natural Progesterone Help With Hyperthyroidism?

Taking natural progesterone alone won't cure a hyperthyroid condition. However, many people with hyperthyroidism have a progesterone deficiency. In this case, taking natural progesterone is necessary to correct the hormone balance, which in turn is probably necessary to cure the hyperthyroid condition. On the other hand, there are other factors which cause a hyperthyroid condition to develop, so anyone with hyperthyroidism or Graves' Disease looking to restore their health back to normal will need to address these other factors as well.

There Are Risks With Taking Natural Progesterone

While taking natural progesterone is sometimes necessary, one needs to keep in mind that there are always risks involved with bioidentical hormones. Many people think that just because they are natural they are harmless. But it's easy to overdose on bioidentical hormones, and this is why it's a good idea to consult with a competent natural endocrine doctor, rather than try to self-treat your condition.

A competent holistic doctor will determine whether or not you have a progesterone deficiency, and if so, whether or not taking natural progesterone is necessary. If it is necessary they will be able to tell you what dosage you should take, and for how long you should take it. For your hyperthyroid condition they will also be able to put you on an individualized treatment protocol to help restore your health back to normal.

In summary, some menopausal women with hyperthyroidism and Graves' Disease can benefit from taking natural progesterone to help manage their symptoms. However, most of these women don't need to take any bioidentical hormones, as many can have these hormone imbalances corrected naturally. The wise thing to do is to consult with a competent natural endocrine doctor, who will put you on a natural treatment protocol to not only correct your hormone imbalance, but it can potentially restore your thyroid health back to normal as well.

Stomach Cramps - Things to Ponder During Menopause

Menopause is a transition stage in a woman's life when she stops menstruating for over 12 months continuously. When menopause sets in, the ovaries stop production of eggs, resulting in irregular menstrual activity that eventually ceases. Other hormonal changes occur and symptoms like stomach cramps, pain in the leg, irritability, mood swings, hot flashes and decrease in bone density accompany menopause.

Menopause usually occurs between the ages of 40 and 55, and is a natural event in every woman's life. It comes with its own string of health issues, be they physical or emotional, and can be a particularly trying time for those who suffer side effects of menopausal symptoms. They are just ways in which our body reacts to the decrease in production of female hormones.

Menopause and Stomach Cramps: Symptoms

Some women (the luckiest of the lot) may experience few symptoms, while others complain of mild to severe ones. However, the reassuring part is that the variation is normal. Women experiencing pelvic pain or cramps during menopause may recall suffering the same right before or during their menstrual periods and this may have a link to their hormonal cycle.

A common phenomenon during menstruation, this pelvic pain is termed as dysmenorrhea. However, if these stomach cramps occur during menopause and are severe enough to interfere with daily activities, then the cause may be an underlying condition and should be checked by a doctor.

Menopause and Stomach Cramps: Treatments

Stomach cramps experienced during menopause may be for a long period or occur infrequently for a short spell. If intense uterine contractions occur due to the hormonal changes taking place during menopause and are too prolonged, medical treatment for the cause may be necessary to get relief. Some Over the Counter (OTC) drugs are available to reduce pain and discomfort associated with them and those medications that do not contain steroids are preferable.

Other pleasurable options (since most of the gentler species would consider a pleasurable option to a merely therapeutic one) are, for menopausal women to enjoy a good, long soak in a hot bath or use a heating pad on the abdomen. The heat from the hot water or pad helps in increasing the blood flow and this reduces these or muscle spasms.

Menopause and Stomach Cramps: Psychological Counseling

A nutritionally balanced, healthy diet, regular physical exercise, sufficient rest, cutting back on alcohol intake and cigarette smoking also helps in reducing them during menopause. If the stomach cramps are so severe that they prevent you from enjoying your routine activities and timely rest does not help, it can be due to some other physical or emotional/behavioral disorders.

This kind of abdominal cramp can manifest itself in other ways and worsen behavioral symptoms like irritability, hostility, aggressive behavior, anxiety and depression. For treating this properly, it is very important for a woman to speak to someone she can confide in about any troublesome issues she may be facing or seek medical/psychological counseling to bring out the underlying issue so it can be dealt with effectively.

Doctors recommend a positive change in lifestyle and advice all such women to eat a balanced diet, take their vitamins on time, incorporate regular exercise in their life and learn to take things easier. These tips go a long way in reducing stress, the underlying cause for stomach cramps and menopause discomfort.

Wild Yam Restores Sex Drive During Menopause

Going through menopause is rough no matter how you look at it. Just the thought of going through menopause is enough to make a woman have a break down. The emotional stress is just part of the care package that menopause gifts to women-ha! Their sex drive takes a pummel, they get night sweats, lose sleep at night, and get frequent hot flashes. Plus, just imagine the trip that a woman's partner goes through as their woman goes through this stage. It's bad enough that she is mood swinging and tossing and turning through the night, but her sexual desire has now also left. At least sex drive can be replenished easily. For example, wild yam is crazy popular for helping woman make it through menopause. Wild yam increases sex drive while eliminating a number of other menopause symptoms.

What is it that depletes the sex drive in the first place? You can only imagine the effects that a low amount of estrogen takes on the body. With low estrogen comes low libido. Without libido, there is no sex drive. The term libido literally refers to a person's sex drive and desire. When a woman goes through menopause her libido can be so low that she has little to no desire for sexual activity. During this time sex could be painful and dry and no fun to her. In past history it was thought that women didn't have any business in the bed after they were were not able to reproduce anymore. Thankfully times have drastically changed for the better. Some women do not need a libido boost during this period of their life while others could use a daily assist like wild yam.

Also known as Dioscorea villosa, wild yam has been used to treat menopause by nutritionists since the 1800's. It is a colic root that is home to North America and China. It has been used for treating menstrual cramps, upset stomachs, coughs, and for problems during pregnancy. In the 1950's diosgenin was found in the root of wild yam. Just so happens that diosgenin is a phytoestrogen. Phytoestrogen plants are those that have natural estrogen found in them. Diosgenin can be chemically changed into progesterone. Did you know that this is how birth control was originally formulated in the 1960's?

Wild yam is best used when paired with other high quality extracts. Natural relief supplements are an effective solution for women looking to relieve the side effects associated with menopause. Not only can they relief hot flashes and night sweats but they can restore libido.

Andropause or Male Menopause and How to Get Over It Naturally

It is not just women who undergo hormonal change in their bodies with age. Men too experience a drop in their testosterone levels as they advance towards middle age. Since testosterone is the hormone that controls a series of vital body functions is men, a drop in its production leads to a lot of changes in their body as well as behavior.

Andropause or male menopause is a result of a drop in your testosterone levels. Men, generally, begin losing testosterone at about 1-1.5% a year after the age of 30. This sums up to a loss of 10-15% by the age of 40 and this is when you begin feeling the effects.

One of the most disturbing effects of Andropause is low libido and erectile dysfunction. It can out any man under a huge amount of stress.

Another disturbing effect is mood swings and irritable behavior. Testosterone is a hormone that can affect your mood levels significantly and lack of testosterone in your body can lead to depression as well.

Not just this, low testosterone can also make your bones weaker. Men with low testosterone levels often find it difficult even to bend or stoop.

One of the ways to get over male menopause is with the help hormone replacement therapy but HRT has so many negative effects that it is best to stay off it. Thankfully, testosterone is a hormone whose production can be increased naturally in your body.

Here are some simple steps to beat male menopause:

1. Begin Exercising

Have you ever noticed men who workout regularly are not just in better shape but also look younger, healthy and happy.

This is because exercise is not just great for boosting testosterone levels and blood circulation in your body but is also great to beat stress.

Short and intense workouts work the best when it comes to boosting testosterone production in your body.

2. Reducing Stress

Chronic stress can affect your health in multiple ways. Not only does it affect the state of your mental health and well being but is also bad for your testosterone levels. It tends to increase Cortisol level in your body that inhibits testosterone production.

Lowering stress can give boost to your testosterone and energy levels.

One of the best ways to beat stress is with the help of yoga and deep breathing exercises.

3. Natural Testosterone Supplement

Natural testosterone supplements have become extremely popular among men. These supplements are a perfect combination of herbal extracts and other natural ingredients that stimulate the production of testosterone in your body.

Unlike HRT, these supplements do not have any side effects.

They can ensure a complete body makeover for men. Not only do they ensure a robust libido and harder erections but also help lift your mood levels. They can also strengthen your bones and increase your energy levels tremendously.

Not just this, such supplements can also help boost your HGH levels so that you can overcome age effects.

So, if You Want to Get Over Andropause, Check out the Best Testosterone Booster for Men that has Become Quite a Rage with Men All Over the World.

Natural Remedies For Perimenopause And Menopause Symptoms

More and more women are seeking natural alternative treatments for symptoms of menopause, for a variety of reasons. Perhaps the most compelling reason for many is the association between conventional hormone replacement therapy and a number of serious health risks, including an increased risk of breast cancer and blood clots, although the link has by no means been proven, and the issue is currently the subject of serious debate among women's health experts. Many women have experienced unpleasant side effects resulting from conventional HRT, including nausea, headaches and vaginal bleeding. Many women simply feel apprehensive at the thought of taking drugs which have been manufactured synthetically.

The whole notion of returning to old fashioned herbal treatments and folk remedies has a certain comforting, romantic appeal. Some of the herbal medicines which are being rediscovered have been used to treat a range of ailments for literally thousands of years. There is a commonly held belief that medicines derived from natural sources are necessarily free from the risk of negative side effects, harmful interactions and allergic reactions. This is simply not true. Whatever kind of medication you choose to take, it's essential that you fully understand how it works, what dosage level is appropriate for you, and what objective research has been done on its effectiveness and its potential hazards. Your doctor is the best person to provide you with professional, individual advice and attention. Information you find online and in women's health publications is a useful supplement to your doctor's advice, and it's wise to read as widely as you can to get an overall picture of the issues. Your health is the most important thing you have, and while you are free to make your own choices about treating menopause symptoms, it's vital that you make these choices with your eyes open.

Most experts believe that all of the common symptoms of menopause are caused by the dramatic decline and fluctuations in the body's levels of estrogen and to some extent progesterone, and the imbalance between them. Approaches to alleviating symptoms generally focus around restoring these hormone levels. Natural treatments are typically made from extracts of plants containing substances which are very similar to the estrogen and/or progesterone produced by the ovaries. The effectiveness of these treatments relies on the assumption that these phytoestrogens and plant progesterones have a similar effect in the body to the body's own natural hormones. Some herbal treatments work by stimulating glands to produce natural hormones more effectively, rather than restoring the hormones artificially.

Another approach is to treat each symptom individually. There is a range of natural treatments which focus specifically on alleviating common symptoms such as hot flashes, depression, libido problems, vaginal dryness and fatigue.

Estrogen treatments.

Soy

By far the richest source of phytoestrogens (sometimes called "isoflavones") is soybeans, and foods made from soy extracts. Soy can be consumed in the form of tofu, soy cheese, meat substitute products such as soy burgers, breads and muffins made with soy flour, and soy drinks, sometimes known as "soy milk". Some studies have shown that consuming soy beverages or breads made with soy flour twice daily can reduce the severity or the number of hot flashes, but results have been inconclusive and inconsistent. Soy powders and pills contain much higher levels of phytoestrogens than soy foods, and may have a more significant effect in alleviating menopause symptoms than soy foods, but little is known about the potential hazards. Consuming soy extracts and soy foods may have a range of other health benefits, including reducing the risk of osteoporosis, cancer and heart disease, and lowering cholesterol. Some studies suggest that phytoestrogens may actually help to reduce the risk of breast cancer by blocking the overproduction of natural estrogen in the body.

Herbs containing phytoestrogens

Red clover has been used in Asia for thousands of years to treat skin conditions, asthma, bronchitis, kidney stones, joint disorders and breast inflammation. It is thought to work by improving circulation and stimulating urine and mucous production, or "purifying the blood". Red clover has been recently discovered to contain high levels of phytoestrogens, and its usefulness in the treatment of menopause symptoms is being investigated. Some studies have shown the herb to be very effective in reducing hot flashes and improving bone density and strength, while others have been inconclusive.

Dong Quai is an important herb used in Chinese medicine, and has been used to treat PMS, menstrual irregularities and menopause symptoms for thousands of years, although its effectiveness has yet to be clinically verified by Western health practitioners. It is also believed to dilate blood vessels, and is used to treat high blood pressure and circulatory problems.

Black Cohosh

Black cohosh is commonly believed to contain phytoestrogens, although clinical studies to confirm this have been far from conclusive. It is a perennial plant native to North America, and is also known as black snakeroot, bugbane, rattleroot and macrotys. The plant has a long history of usefulness as a medicinal treatment, first by Native American people and more recently by alternative health practitioners, and has been used to treat a range of gynecological ailments including menopause symptoms, infertility, inflammation of the uterus and ovaries, and to induce lactation, bring on menstruation, and alleviate labor pains. It has also been used to treat rheumatism, fever, coughs and colds, hives and backache. Some studies have shown that taking pills made from black cohosh extract is very helpful in providing short term relief from a range of menopause symptoms including hot flashes, depression, mood swings and anxiety. However, little is known about the effects of taking the treatment in the long term, and some negative side effects have been reported, including headaches, stomach and gastric discomfort and weight gain.

Maca

Peruvian Maca root is believed to work by stimulating glands in the body to produce their own estrogen and testosterone. Maca has been cultivated in the Andes region for perhaps thousands of years, and has been used as a treatment to increase energy, enhance libido and increase fertility. Maca root is claimed to provide a range of benefits, including alleviating PMS symptoms, reducing depression and stress, increasing athletic ability and creating a general sense of well being. It is also claimed to be effective in treating a wide range of menopausal symptoms, including mood swings, depression, irritability, anxiety, fatigue, hot flashes, reduced libido, sleep disturbances and breast tenderness. Objective clinical research into the effectiveness and the potential hazards of taking Maca root supplements is very scant.

Progesterone treatments.

An alternative view of the causes of menopause symptoms places more emphasis on the role of progesterone, and the imbalance between progesterone and estrogen. "Estrogen dominance" is a recently identified syndrome, and is believed by a small number of doctors to be the cause of severe PMS and menstrual problems in early adulthood, and a range of severe symptoms as menopause approaches. Advocates of progesterone treatments believe them to be free from the health risks and side effects associated with estrogen based treatments.

Natural progesterone cream

Natural progesterone creams usually contain extracts from Mexican wild yam, which contains a substance which is believed to be similar to the progesterone produced in the body. The creams are applied to the parts of the body where the skin is thinner, such as the breasts, inner thighs, inner forearms or stomach, and are believed to pass through the skin and circulate through the body. Many women have found natural progesterone creams to be very effective in treating menopause symptoms, but there is no evidence to show that the creams lower the risk of breast and uterine cancer, or are free from the risk of side effects as is sometimes claimed.

Chaste tree berry

Chaste tree berry, sometimes known as Chasteberry or Vitex agnus castus has been used since ancient Greek times to treat a range of ailments. It is believed to stimulate the production of progesterone, and has been shown to be very effective in alleviating severe PMS and a range of menopausal symptoms

Natural Treatment of Menopause With Homeopathy

The best natural treatment of menopause is with a modality that personalises you, that takes your symptom picture and matches that to the most appropriate medicine. No other treatment than homeopathy pays so much attention to your uniqueness, to your personal symptoms.

Those who are new to homeopathy can find this wonderfully refreshing, or rather challenging. That often comes down to the differences between men and women. Women, who are normally very much in touch with their bodies, love it. Men, who aren't, don't. Or it takes them time to get used to it, as they discover their body.

But, it's not all plain sailing. You need to know what you're doing. So the best natural treatment of menopause has to be that provided by a professional homeopath.

However, for various reasons, not everyone can consult with one. Luckily, you can also home prescribe with homeopathy. This is limited to about 40 of the most common medicines (out of about 5000 in 2010 and growing daily). This may sound as if you can't do much. But the common home prescribing medicines are very versatile. They have many uses in various maladies. So you can help yourself a lot.

The homeopathic medicine Sepia is one of the top medicines for menopause. As with all homeopathic treatment, you need to be able to match some of your symptoms to those of the medicine before you can expect it to do you any good. A bad match will result in nothing other than wasted time.

The hormonal symptoms of Sepia are:

• flushes of heat with weakness and perspiration


• periodic, every 28 days


• ailments from taking hormonal medication


• bearing down sensation in the uterus, as if everything would fall out


• history of prolapse


• history of miscarriage


• tends to be cold


• tends to be irritable, even angry


• better for vigorous exercise, occupation, in the evening, on their own


• worse in the afternoon, in company

You don't need all the above symptoms for Sepia to work for you, but you do need some, or to 'feel' the energy of the medicine from the symptoms it has.

Maca For Hot Flashes - Does It Really Work?

Hot flashes are no doubt one of the most irritating and uncomfortable consequences of passing through menopause. While medical science does not yet understand the exact causes of hot flashes, significant links between imbalanced hormone levels, especially estrogen, can contribute to the condition. This link is also seen in natural health practices which report that efforts to balance hormones in menopausal women are often met with a reduction in symptoms such as hot flashes.

One of the most promising natural remedies - as well as one of the most prescribed - is the use of raw maca powder to alleviate the discomfort of hot flashes. Maca is an herb that grows only in the high Andes mountains, at elevations of above 14,000 feet. It has been used traditionally by people indigenous to the area to boost their energy and vitality while living in such an oxygen starved environment. It was also used consistently by Spanish troops as they conquered Latin America.

Over the past 25 years Maca has been rediscovered by modern natural medicine. Maca is truly a unique herb. It belongs to a small group of plants that can be called "adaptogenic." An adaptogenic herb is able to "adapt" to the conditions of a given body and support the body to balance its system on its own.

Although Maca is a powerful aid in fertility treatments as well as in natural muscle building, its most promising use is as a natural hormone balancer. The herb stimulates the body to produce whatever type of hormone is necessary for it to achieve ideal balance. For example if a man is experiencing a low sex drive due to low levels of testosterone, Maca can stimulate the body to bring the levels of the hormone up and thereby reestablish his sex drive.

Similarly, if a woman who is entering menopause is experiencing hot flashes due to low levels of estrogen, Maca encourages the body to produce higher levels of the hormone, which in turn creates a more balanced system and can lead to a reduction of all the symptoms of menopause.

One of the great advantages of taking maca for hot flashes is that there are absolutely no know side effects. Unlike pharmaceutical drugs, which come with a large list of warnings, Maca is a simple whole food that the body can easily process.

The best way to take Maca for hormonal balance is to use a powder mixed either in water or juice. The fine grains of the powder create a large surface area with which can more easily be absorbed by the intestines. This absorption allows for the nutrients in the herb to make it into the blood stream and to the endocrine system. High quality maca has a pleasant taste sort of like malt flavor.

When choosing Maca for therapeutic use, it is important that you purchase a maca powder that is organic, raw and fresh. This will give you the greatest chance of success. The dosage should be about 1 teaspoon per day in the beginning, working up to 1-2 tablespoons until you begin to feel the symptoms disappear.

One final note is that Maca isn't only for hormone relief. Many people who start taking it for that reason end up continuing to use it because of how much energy it gives them.

Menopause, Weight Gain and Hormone Replacement Therapy

With the onset of menopause, there is a possibility of gaining weight due to the changes in the hormone levels. A few symptoms of menopause include vaginal dryness, sleeplessness, dry skin, hot flashes and bladder problems. To be relieved of these symptoms, one can undergo a treatment or a therapy known as hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

What is Hormone Replacement Therapy?

In hormone replacement therapy, estrogen and progesterone are given in either in form of pills, skin patches or vaginal creams. Studies have proven that hormone therapy not only reduces the menopausal symptoms but also the risk of osteoporosis and increases the life span. Hormone Therapy can also be administered on a woman who has undergone hysterectomy. However, only estrogen is prescribed for them. For decades both men and women have used this therapy.

There are basically two types of therapy - estrogen and progestogen-estrogen therapy. In estrogen therapy, a low dose of estrogen is prescribed to prevent or relieve the symptoms of menopause.

While in the progestogen-estrogen therapy, combined doses of estrogen and progesterone is given. Progesterone is given in the synthetic form under the name progestin. This therapy is administered for a couple of weeks every month.

How Can Hormone Replacement Therapy Help Me Lose Weight?

A couple of years before the onset of menopause, the hormone levels reduce and as a result there is an increased craving for sugar or for food rich in sugar. As one nears menopause the body produces less estrogen and the body starts using the estrogen stored in fat cells. At the same time, the level of testosterone declines leading to the reduction of lean muscles. Lean muscles help in burning fat. When there is a decline in the lean muscles fat is accumulated leading to weight gain. This weight gain is due to the hormone imbalances and it is very difficult to shed the weight gained at the time of menopause. Only way to avoid weight gain is through hormone replacement therapy. According to ones body condition with the help of a medical practitioner one can choose one of the hormone therapies.

Cardiovascular risk and weight-gain are frequently observed at the onset of menopause. Studies have been conducted to prove that HRT or the hormone replacement therapy tends to reduce weight gain during postmenopausal.

The studies have come to the conclusion that hormone replacement therapy not only prevents weight-gain but also enhances weight loss due to the significant increase in the lipid oxidation. It has also been revealed that hormone therapy favorably influences the plasma lipids, insulin response and energy expenditure.

Natural Remedies For the Symptoms of Menopause

To learn about menopause along with both popular and effective natural remedies for its symptoms, keep reading.

About Menopause

Typically, menopause will start in a woman's early 50s, but that's not definite. Some women experience menopause earlier and others later. Menopause is by definition, the end of a women's reproductive age when she ceases to menstruate.

The perimenopause, or stretch of time leading up to menopause, is marked by irregular periods and generally begins when a woman is in her 40s. Menopause can go on for many years - however, once a woman hasn't had a period for a full year, she is considered post-menopausal.

Menopause Indicators

The symptoms of menopause include irregular periods, hot flashes, disturbed sleep, night sweats, emotional distress, vaginal dryness, dry skin, weight gain and a decreased libido.

Treating Menopause

To alleviate the symptoms of menopause, most treatments focus on adjusting hormone levels and introducing lifestyle changes. These can both help limit the physical and emotional impact that menopause has on many women's lives.

Natural Remedies for Menopause Symptoms

Black Cohosh Herb

Black cohosh is remarkably effective at reducing a number of menopausal symptoms. It can help with everything from hot flashes and insomnia to anxiety and mood fluctuations. It's also an anti-inflammatory and mild sedative, meaning it can help alleviate high blood pressure and anxiety.

Black cohosh has been proven to help alleviate menopausal annoyances in multiple clinical studies. It's even been shown to be just as effective as small estrogen doses but without the side effects, like thickening of the uterine lining. However, women with a history of breast cancer in their family should not take black cohosh.

Dong Quai Herb

Dong Quai is an herb that has been shown to decrease symptoms of menopause. Simply boil 1 tsp of the root or take 3 ml twice a day. Don't ingest Dong Quai if you're also taking anti-coagulant medications.

Liver and Adrenal Tonic

Any form of stress on the adrenal and liver will increase and aggravate the symptoms of menopause. However, a relieving tonic can help mollify those symptoms. Simply combine black cohosh, Dong Quai, wild yam, licorice, burdock, milk thistle and bupleurum and boil into a tea to drink three times every day.

These natural remedies for menopause aren't going to "cure" your menopause, but they will help you deal with the uncomfortable symptoms associated with this important life change. In addition to these herbal remedies, you can make a big difference by focusing on developing a very healthy diet and the amount of daily exercise that you're getting.

6 Effective Natural Home Remedies for Menopause

Menopause refers to the end of the reproductive life in a woman. The transition from a reproductive phase to a non reproductive phase is slow and happens over a period of time. This is a natural aging process which happens to all women in their early 50s. The main reason for this is the decline in the production of the female hormones. The term menopause means the end of the menses or the monthly menstruation cycles. This means the ovaries stop releasing the eggs and the hormones responsible for the shedding of the uterine lining. The fertile phase of a woman ends with the onset of menopause.

This condition occurs 12 months after your last menstrual period. This natural biological process triggers many physical and psychological symptoms in the woman. Some of the symptoms of menopause are irregular menses, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, decreased fertility, mood swings, thinning of hair, increased abdominal fat and disturbances in sleep pattern. These symptoms appear over a period of time and differ from woman to woman. The two stages of menopause are perimenopause and postmenopause. Perimenopause is the stage in which one experiences the symptoms and this stage can last for a couple of years or longer. There are ways to reduce the symptoms one of them being following the natural remedies for menopause.

The main cause of this condition is the natural decline in the levels of the female hormones like estrogen and progesterone which regulate the menstruation. The ovulation starts declining and as a result causes fertility to decline. The woman starts experiencing irregular periods before they finally stop. Another cause of menopause is total hysterectomy in which the uterus and the ovaries are removed. This immediately ceases the periods and causes the symptoms to show. Radiation and chemotherapies can also induce menopause in the woman.

This biological process is not a disease so there is no cure for it, but there are natural remedies for menopause which can help ease the symptoms in a woman. Natural remedies can reduce the intensity of the symptoms and be effective in dealing with this natural process. Some of the natural remedies for menopause are as follows:

1. Vitamin E: Intake of vitamin E can help reduce the hot flashes that women experience during this phase.

2. Foods rich in estrogen: Eat foods that contain estrogen naturally. Include soybeans, cucumbers, apples, wheat, cabbage, oats, papaya, sunflower seeds, yam, garlic, beans and beets in your diet.

3. Herbal remedies: Herbal remedies are a natural way to help ease the signs of menopause. Natural herbs like Valerian root is used as an aid to sleep better. Ginseng is used to reduce stress and anxiety and to boost the immune system. Evening Primrose can help reduce the hot flashes, Chasteberry is effective in improving the mood swings and headaches, Black Cohosh is used to treat hot flashes and Saint John's Wort is helpful in treating depression in women.

4. Magnesium and Calcium: Include these two in your diet to prevent osteoporosis and to boost the energy levels.

5. Diet: Eat a healthy well balanced diet which is rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals for overall health of the body.

6. Exercises: Exercising regularly helps to keep the body fit and to boost your stamina and energy levels. Practice meditation and yoga for relaxation of the mind and body.

Use these natural remedies for menopause to reduce the symptoms.

Menopause Natural Remedies - Why These Options Are Worth Women's Consideration

A number of menopause natural remedies have gained support from both patients and health professionals due to increased emphasis being given to natural cures. In here, we'll take a look at some of the more popular menopause natural remedies to provide women around the world with much-needed help to make informed choices.

Herbs for menopause

There are certain herbs for menopause relief that have been touted by natural menopause treatment supporters and one of the most heard-of is black cohosh. This flowering plant is said to be very effective in reducing hot flashes and night sweats. It contains phytochemicals which had been know to relieve the effects of several menopausal symptoms.

Another plant-based cure that is highly recommended by followers of herbal medicine is dong quai which has been known to help offset estrogen deficiency.

Maca root, a plant said to help in normalizing sex drive, is also believed to be effective in balancing estrogen and progesterone levels in the body and is a much favored menopause symptoms reliever.

Phytoestrogens as natural menopause treatment

Among the many plant-based natural remedies for symptoms of menopause, those that contain phytoestrogens garner some of the most intense interest and attention from natural cures enthusiasts. Several supplements based on phytoestrogens, like Menozac, have come out of the market lately. Phytoestrogens are chemicals found in plants and they supposedly function as naturally-produced estrogens in the body.

These chemicals are said to partly make up for estrogens lost by women when they enter the period of menopause. Soybeans are considered as the richest source of phytoestrogens.

Alternative methods that bring relief

Aside from supplements and herbal medications, there are several other ways by which women around the world are finding relief from the effects of menopausal symptoms. One of this is yoga. Any form of exercise, for that matter, actually brings relief. However, yoga has been highly touted not only for its physical, but also for its psychological effects.

Acupuncture is another natural and alternative method used to treat symptoms of menopause. It is said to prevent depression and is considered a top notch option for curing headaches.

Whether you prefer menopause natural remedies or scientifically modern methods, keep in mind that simple lifestyle changes such as exercise, proper diet and enough sleep should still be part of your treatment program. And oh, do visit your doctor as he still knows best.

Surgical Menopause - What You Should Know Ahead of Time

It is inevitable. A natural part of every woman's life is the eventual transition into menopause. Even years before the last menstrual period, one can experience signs of menopause, called perimenopause.

Apart from the natural menopause transition (perimenopause to postmenopause) that most women will experience, some may face a few more challenges.

Premature Ovarian Failure. The average age for women to reach natural menopause, is around age 45-50. Some however, go through menopause in their 40s or even earlier. For most of them, diagnosis of Premature Menopause or Premature Ovarian Failure is a rather shocking experience. Many younger women with these conditions have not yet started a family and learn that it is now too late.

Surgical Menopause. Also called medical menopause, or sudden menopause, occurs when the ovaries are removed before the natural menopause, causing a sudden drop of the ovarian hormones (estrogen, progesterone and testosterone). After surgery, symptoms may start very quickly, and quite often they are intense. Women who have a total abdominal hysterectomy (ovaries and uterus removed) will experience the most significant, life-altering symptoms, if hormone therapy intervention does not begin at once.

Many women will be reassured by their doctor and told that they will feel better after the surgery. (My doctor told me that I would feel better than I had in years.) The reality is, it's just not true for a lot of women. Why do the symptoms tend to be so extreme? There are a multitude of theories, but common sense tells me that it is most likely due to the abrupt hormone withdrawal. It can be like hitting a brick wall. Some women report hot flashes and mood problems within days of their surgery; others report that the symptoms appear more gradually. Severe and profound fatigue, along with joint and muscle pain can often begin.

Since the adrenal system steps in to pick up the slack on hormone production, the severity of problems can be directly related to a woman's adrenal health at the time of the surgery. The mainstream medical community, especially in relation to severe menopause symptoms, does not often recognize the issue of adrenal fatigue. However, in my own opinion, and based on my own experiences, this is absolutely a factor in quality of life after surgical menopause.

Here are some things to consider:

- The younger the woman going through surgery, the more potential for severe symptoms;

- Have a hormonal blood work-up before hysterectomy; you can always look back at those tests and see what the levels were before the surgery and try to achieve those levels again;

- As a young woman, it is important to look for a specialist in natural hormonal therapy- someone who is informed and kept up-to-date with the newest medicine and side effects surgical menopause may have;

- There is still little information about the long-term affects surgical menopause has, at a younger age, so do your research and stay informed. Researchers are just now finding out how surgical menopause can relate to heart disease, osteoporosis and general health.

The symptoms most women will experience are night sweats, insomnia, hair loss, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, bladder infections, weight gain, anger, depression and loss of libido. Some of these problems can be resolved with herbs and nutritional supplements; more severe issues may require medical intervention and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.

When faced with the decision about this type of surgery, it can be a bit overwhelming. You will definitely feel more comfortable if you can perform a good amount of due diligence in advance. Surgical menopause can be a traumatic and confusing event. It's also a good idea to speak with your doctor ahead of time about hormone replacement options. With some illnesses and conditions, hormone replacement therapy is extremely tricky. Go ahead and seek out one or two practitioners who know and utilize supplements and bioidentical hormones. Should you need their expertise, you'll be glad to have their names and contact information close at hand.

The Side Effects of Progesterone Loss

You have probably heard something about the side effects of progesterone loss if you are a woman. Unfortunately many doctors and medical health care professionals are often vague about what this means really. Some women think it is only a issues for menopausal women while others walk around oblivious to the condition till it starts to affect them.

There are certain times in a woman's life as a progesterone cream or other menopause treatment may be necessary. The truth is hormone imbalances don't just affect women who experience menopause, it also happens throughout a woman's life. Menopause, pregnancy and birth control mishaps are all times when a woman may have her hormones out of whack. This imbalance affects different people in many different ways and below is a few of the side effects of progesterone loss.

Night sweats and trouble sleeping

There is a serious risk involved in not getting the sleep and rest you need. Your immune system and concentration levels reduce when this symptom is allowed to get out of control. Many women prefer to use all natural estrogen creams to help with this problem.

If you aren't in the age of menopause, many doctors are unwilling to do something to correct your imbalance. As a result you may having a loss of energy and drive to do much of anything. Even if you are experiencing menopause, progesterone creams are an excellent alternative treatment for menopause.

Lack of libido

Another nasty symptom which affects women with a hormone imbalance is a lack of sex drive. The lack of progesterone in the system can lead to vaginal dryness and cause intercourse to be painful and your libido severely decreases. However there is no need to live with this risk to your relationship and feeling of well being. In spite of what you may be told, no woman of any age should just live with discomfort and pain, she should have every opportunity to enjoy every part of her life. So natural estrogen creams can help you regain that special part of your life.

Skin problems

Another common complaint with progesterone loss will be skin problems. Acne is often a troublesome that caused by hormone imbalance. Since you left those years behind you when you graduated from high school, then there's no hurry to go back.

The potential side effects of progesterone loss are too numerous to mention here however you can find relief with menopause treatment which mention in our website. A progesterone cream USP is a prefect way to avoid harmful medications and feel better naturally.

Can Acupuncture Help Control Menopause Symptoms

The treatment for migraines and other menopause symptoms is not the same in every part of the world. Different cultures have different medicine practices and beliefs. However, it is interesting to note that the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture, is becoming a popular therapeutic method in Western culture to treat a variety of psychological and physical conditions including menopause.

TCM views menopause as the time in a woman's life when her body shuts down her natural monthly reproductive cycle because she can no longer reproduce. However, it is believed that her body stops menses to conserve her qi (body life energy), so as she ages she can retain all of her resources.

Unlike women in western culture, for most women in the East, menopause is rather uneventful. It is thought the reasons for this is because Western women lead a more fast-paced, stress-ridden lifestyle, and tend to consume poorer diets. Thus, as a result, women in Western culture tend to experience far more intense menopausal symptoms than their sisters in the East.

Despite the real causes of menopausal symptoms, the fact remains that Traditional Chinese Medicine does not consider menopause to be a syndrome. The thought is that women suffering through menopause have a variety of qi problems such as constrained liver qi and kidney yin deficiency. In other words, their qi is imbalanced and is wreaking havoc on their mind and body.

Thus, the goal of TCM is to uniquely treat each woman based on her specific symptoms. This means that different techniques aside from acupuncture may also be suggested, such as Chinese herbs, lifestyle or dietary changes and exercises - all of which are used to help restore balance to the body.

How does acupuncture work? Acupuncture is based on the belief that there are approximately 2000 acupuncture points (trigger points) throughout the body. These trigger points are linked to one another via a group of 20 different meridians (pathways). Meridians are responsible for conducting qi between the surface of the body and the internal organs. Qi has a specific affect on each point it passes through. When qi properly flows throughout the meridians and all its points, it maintains a healthy balance in the mind and body.

During an acupuncture treatment for menopause, an acupuncture therapist will help a woman bring balance back to her body by focusing treatment on the trigger points related to her symptoms. Only some trigger points are used, and will vary depending on the symptoms. Thus, every menopausal woman is treated individually based on her problem.

Acupuncture is administered through the use of tiny, solid needles that are inserted into the targeted trigger points. The purpose of the needles is to help stimulate the meridians to encourage qi production. This might mean needles could be inserted into the shoulders, arms, legs or even the feet. If inserted properly, needles shouldn't cause pain or bleeding; however, their may be slight discomfort or a tingling or numbing sensation which fades fast. Treatment is often very relaxing, and sessions usually last for 30 minutes.

Does acupuncture benefit menopause? Yes. Research has found that most women who participated in different acupuncture studies found relief from menopausal symptoms including:

o Hot flashes

o Insomnia

o Stress

o Anxiety

o Vaginal dryness

If you are interested in using acupuncture for alternative or complimentary treatment to ease menopause symptoms, it is imperative that you visit a qualified and experienced acupuncture therapist, in order to realistically determine if this method is an effective treatment option for you.

Remember, no two women are treated the same, and acupuncture therapy is often long term, ongoing treatment.

When Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy Can Be Misleading

Natural hormone replacement therapy uses what are called bioidentical hormones. These natural hormones may or may not be made from plants. They could be made in a lab from a plant extract, or they could be made from other chemicals. The reason they are called natural hormones is because they are identical to the hormones that are in your own body. This means when they are metabolized, the breakdown products are also similar to what your body knows from metabolizing its own hormones.

It can be confusing looking at the source of a supplemental hormone. This is because synthetic hormones can actually be made from 'natural' substances. A good example of this is Premarin, which is made from the urine of pregnant mares. This may seem like it makes it a good candidate to be considered natural. However, Premarin, and other synthetic hormones, are structurally quite different to our own hormones. This is true of their breakdown products as well.

Because the breakdown products are also structurally different, synthetic hormones expose women to foreign chemicals that can cause side effects and potentially other harm over a period of time. Some synthetic hormones are even made from plants. So don't assume a plant derived hormone is 'natural' (and hence safe), unless it is also a bioidentical hormone.

Bioidentical natural hormones include:

Estrogen:

* dermestril septem

* elleste-solo MX40 & MX80

* estraderm MX

* evorel

* femseven

* oestrogel

* aerodiol

* hormonin

* ovestin

* climaval elleste-solo progynova

* estring

* vagifem

* ovestin

* ortho-gynest

Progesterone:

* crinone

* cyclogest

* gestone

Natural hormone replacement therapy medication is available as pills, creams, gels, patches and sprays. They have much fewer side effects than synthetic HRT, although some women may not respond to them. In that case, synthetic hormones may be the best option.

Before taking any form of hormone replacement therapy, even a natural hormone, it is worth making dietary changes, and exploring the use of herbs and phytoestrogens. Vitamins may help as well.

There are three types of phytoestrogens - isoflavones, lignans, and coumestans. Isoflavones are relatively well known. They are found in soy products and things like chick peas, lentils, and red clover (a herb). Try eating more tofu, and drinking more soy milk. These are often supplemented with calcium as well. It's better to consume isoflavone rich food rather than taking isoflavone supplements, as the protein in the foods are needed to make the isoflavones active in the body. If you do decide to take an isoflavone supplement, make sure it has soy protein in it, or take it with a glass of soy milk.

Lignans can be found in flaxseed, as well as many fruits, vegetables, and cereals. Coumestans are found in alfalfa and bean sprouts.

References: Dr L E Corio and L G Kahn, The Change Before The Change

Natural Remedies For Night Sweats That May Surprise You

Do you suffer from night sweats or hot flashes? If so, then you know just how miserable they can be! But, instead of talking about what causes night sweats--and the frustrations of excessive sweating--I'm going to offer you some natural remedies. Some may surprise you!

I myself suffer from night sweats and hot flashes, and, to me, the most annoying part of them is waking up in the middle of the night drenched in sweat and having to scoot over to a "dry spot" because my sheets are soaked. The next morning is no fun either, because, quite frankly, I don't always have time to do laundry on a daily basis--nor do I have a week's worth of linens!

I'm saving the best for last, so let's start with several herbal (plant) remedies that can cool your system and increase oxygen, while replacing vitamin B, vitamin C, magnesium and potassium (which can be depleted by hot flashes). Some of these nutrients can also be found in food or by taking supplements. You might try:

• Dong Quai: An emmenagogue that has been reported to help relieve menopausal problems such as hot flashes, as well as mental and emotional upset.


• Black Cohosh: Used for the treatment of dysmenorrheal and menopause. Clinical studies have shown it to relieve hot flashes and depression.


• Licorice Root: Believed to reduce estrogen while increasing progesterone. This root is very powerful and useful in treating a number of conditions such as female hormonal problems, abdominal pains, insomnia, infection, peptic ulcers and malaria.


• Motherwort: Relieves many symptoms such as frequency and duration of hot flashes, stressed nerves and insomnia and anxiety.Sage & Alfalfa: A 2005 study at the School of Public Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, found that in a controlled trial, sage and alfalfa reduced severe hot flashes by 60% compared with a placebo.


• Evamist Spray: Developed by Dr. John Buster, a reproductive endocrinologist at Women and Infants Hospital, Buster's spray is made naturally and is an alternative to estrogen patches, pills and gels. You simply hold the spray to your skin, the hormone absorbs in the body, and the hot flashes will likely fade.

(Editor's note: If you have a nutritionist or herbalist, discuss your options before testing herbal remedies. As with any medicine, herbs are quite powerful and a particular one may be more suited for you than another.)

And, now for the most exciting remedy of all! Bamboo Sheets! I know it probably sounds a little crazy, but if you understand the properties of bamboo sheets, then you'll realize why they'll make all of the difference in the world when you're suffering from night sweats.

As I mentioned above, my frustration comes when waking up in the middle of the night covered in sweat, but bamboo sheets have brought me great comfort and peaceful sleep. Why? Even though I still have night sweats, my sweat is absorbed and wicked away so quickly that I don't wake up in a puddle. Instead, I wake up with a damp coating of sweat and the sheets above and below me are about 10% damp compared to 100% drenched. I simply roll over to the other side of the bed and within an hour the sweat is literally gone--evaporated into thin air!

You might think, "But you still have to wash your sheets since they're damp. They'll smell like sweat!" You'd be wrong. Another wonderful trait of bamboo sheets is that they are odor resistant! (We've done case studies on bamboo socks, t-shirts and sheets and found this fabric to resist odors under the worst of circumstances.) They also:

o Absorb sweat and wick it away. Bamboo fabric is made from viscose from bamboo. The individual fibers have cross sections filled with micro-holes and micro-gaps, which gives bamboo fabric the ability to absorb 3-4 times the moisture of cotton. The same characteristic gives it its amazing wicking abilities.

o Thermal regulate. Bamboo fabric stays 2-3 degrees cooler in warmer temperatures and 2-3 degrees warmer when it's cold.

These qualities alone make bamboo sheets the best natural remedy for night sweats, but you'll also find bamboo sheets to be the softest sheets you have ever slept on, and they are antimicrobial and hypoallergenic! Give them a try!

Menopause Hot Flashes - The Bane Of Every Menopausal Woman's Existence

Menopause and the HOT FLASH. It has happened to virtually every woman who is sliding into menopause - you feel this sudden flush of warmth or heat traveling up your torso into your face and you think the temperature has just risen. Nope, chances are that you just experienced menopause hot flashes and while these episodes can occur on their own, there are some triggers that can set the events in motion for a stereotypical hot flash.

Defining Causes Of This "Heat"

One of the most agreed upon reasons for menopause hot flashes is the decrease in estrogen levels in the body. When a hot flash occurs, a fluctuation in these hormonal balances occurs in the part of the brain that controls body temperature. The results are menopause hot flashes that can feel like a pulsating wave of heat that starts from the upper torso area to your face. Sometimes, you may even sweat and can also be the cause of any night sweats that may occur.

Some things can trigger these menopausal hot flashes like hot or humid weather or even spicy or hot foods. Caffeine can raise body temperature to cause the hot flashes and alcohol can contribute to them as well. Taking hot baths or showers will exacerbate these flashes as well as stressful situations.

Facts And Statistics

The fact of the matter is that menopausal flashes are fairly common in as many as eighty percent of the women who are peri-menopausal or even full blown menopausal. These hot episodes can last as short a time as a few seconds or linger on for twenty to thirty minutes or longer. Typically, these menopausal hot flashes start several years before other symptoms of "the change" manifest themselves.

While many women may experience frequent menopausal hot flashes for a couple of years, some unlucky women suffer through them for five or more years. The norm is typically that women will see a decline in both intensity as well as frequency of these flashes of heat as they age.

Self Treatment

Because menopause hot flashes are a result in dropping levels of estrogen, you need to take herbal remedies that can somewhat substitute some of what you are missing with a plant-based estrogen. Black cohosh, evening primrose oil and even red clover have been known to help with supplementing and substituting in some of the lower estrogen levels in your body.

Additional Vitamin E will help as well as the consumption of soy products either through supplementation or through your diet more naturally. Yoga, acupuncture and exercise have also been known to alleviate menopausal hot flashes. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) should not be an option unless your symptoms are so severe that it requires a drastic treatment as HRT. Other hints to help cool your jets is to take a cool shower and dress in layers so that you have the option of taking layers off one at a time for comfort. Wear breathable cotton clothing and put all cotton sheets on your bed too. There are a number of little ways to make those menopause hot flashes more bearable.

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www.HealthCoachingForWomen.com

Get Relief From Menopause Symptoms

Whenever you're feeling uncomfortableness from the menopause symptoms, there are a lot of therapies and home remedies that can help you. Fortunately, many women only feel mild symptoms and don't need treatment to deal with their menopausal signs. However, this isn't the case for the other women who experience moderate to severe symptoms and require some form of menopause treatment.

Symptoms of Menopause

Menopause can be an embarrassed stage in a woman's life. While dealing with menopausal symptoms such as night sweats, hot flash and depression, women are always tried to look for a new way to treat it. Although these symptoms went through by each woman are as unique as the women themselves, there are some symptoms of menopause, which are more basic than other people.

There is some number of possible physiological and psychological symptoms, which can be happened during menopause. The most common physical symptoms are hot flashes, night sweats, decreased libido, vaginal dryness and some even facing mood swings, insomnia and anxiety. Luckily, there are some therapy choices, including natural remedies and medical treatments to help relief both the physical and mental menopause symptoms.

Medicinal Treatments for Menopause Symptoms

For those who are dealing with the symptoms of menopause, medical intervention may can help. There are various of medication and over-the-counter medicines that you could apply depend on the menopausal symptoms that you are trying to relieve. Birth control pills could be useful for symptoms during perimenopause because they can help control moodiness, irregular periods, hot flashes and vaginal dryness. In addition menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) can be good for severe symptoms of menopause. Besides medications which used to cure depression, epilepsy and high blood pressure can also relieve hot flashes and moodiness successfully.

It is important that you talk with your personal doctor about your menopause symptoms and the best treatments available. There are numerous possible side effects, which can accompany MRT as well as other medical treatments. Therefore, discuss with your doctor and weigh the risks versus the benefits of any treatments you are going to apply. You might get that you would prefer to try some alternative treatment for your symptoms before trying medications or MHT.

Natural Remedies for Menopause Symptoms

Besides attempting any medication to treat your menopausal symptoms, there are a lot of natural menopause remedies which you can try. Some possibilities that can relieve menopause like herbs, natural progesterone and dietary changes, which can help to relieve the symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes and night sweats. However, keep in mind that many of these treatments are unproven, and you need to do research and consider the risk before applied.

Sex For Women Over 60!

One of my patients came to me last week complaining about his wife. He said she just wasn't interested in sex anymore. He added, "After she turned 60, her desire for sex disappeared. Is there such a thing as a female Viagra?"

This is a question I get frequently from men who are having sexual difficulties with their spouse. It appears that sex is one subject most women hate to discuss with their doctors. Women over 60 may come to me for treatment of a physical nature but when it comes to sex, it usually boils down to a "don't ask, don't tell" policy. Sexual problems fall into a "quality of life" category verses one that is life threatening so it is a subject that is rarely talked about.

It is natural to assume that women over 60 no longer have a desire for sex because their production of estrogen has been dramatically reduced during menopause. At the same time, their ovaries decrease the production of testosterone, the hormone connected to sexual drive or libido. Although some women experience a drop in sexual desire after menopause it does not mean that their sexual relationships have to be less fulfilling.

Although sexual problems are not considered an illness you shouldn't hesitate to get treatment if you are having symptoms. Even if there is no equivalent to Viagra for women, there are a number of natural remedies to help boost the female libido.

Increase Your Sex Drive Naturally

For many women over 60, vaginal dryness is a major problem that can cause discomfort during sexual intercourse. You may shy away from sex rather than find out what you can do to enjoy your body and your sexual desires. Don't be embarrassed to ask your doctor about some of the treatments that are available including lifestyle adjustments, hormone therapy, and natural remedies.

There are many alternative treatments being researched to counteract the effects of menopause and increase sexual desire. Herbs with estrogen like properties that work to restore hormonal balance in women may be helpful in improving sexual ability and satisfaction.

o Natural Estrogen - known as phytoestrogens that can be found in certain foods. There are two types of phytoestrogens; isoflavones found in soybeans, chickpeas, and other legumes and lignans found in flaxseed, whole grains and some fruits and vegetables.
o Black cohosh - has long been used for treating menopausal symptoms in particular for the relief of hot flashes.
o Dong Quai - believed to increase libido and help prevent vaginal dryness
o Wild Yam - touted as a natural source of progesterone to improve vaginal dryness
o Shunthi - helps with sexual arousal by pumping blood to the genital areas of a female system
o Avena Sativa - helps to lower anxiety and improve sensitivity of female sex organs
o Chasteberry - boosts the body's progesterone production and normalizes estrogen/progesterone ratio
o Other foods and spices - coffee, cola, and chocolate have reputations as libido-enhancers. Anise, fennel, sage and parsley are reputed to boost sex drive.

Overcoming a diminished sex drive is no different than dealing with most health problems. Following a healthy lifestyle by eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, exercising moderately, and cutting out saturated fats, will contribute to your overall feeling of well being. You may also find an increase in your libido as you gain the confidence to fully enjoy your own sexuality.

Low Libido Not True in All Women

Not all women over the age of 60 have unfulfilled sexual relationships. Since they no longer have to be concerned about having a monthly period or an unwanted pregnancy very late in life they can be more spontaneous. With the addition of herbal remedies and hormone therapy, women are learning to enjoy new found sexual freedom after menopause. Here are a few statistics that may surprise you.

o A study of 2,000 U.S. women ages 45-80 found 60 percent had been sexually active in the previous three months, researchers said.
o The study, published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, also found 43 percent of the women reported at least moderate sexual desire, challenging conventional wisdom that women lose interest in sex due to their own physical problems.
o Researchers at the University of California-San Francisco said half of all sexually active participants described their overall sexual satisfaction as moderate to high. More than one-quarter of women age 65 years or older remained moderately or highly interested in sex, and more than one-third of women in this age group had been sexually active in the past three months.
o Among sexually inactive women in the entire group, 39 percent reported the most common reason was a lack of interest in sex, followed by 36 percent reporting lack of a partner, 23 percent citing physical problems of their partner and 11 percent saying there was a partner's lack of interest.

Just because you are over 60 doesn't mean you have to live with low sex drive. If you are suffering from vaginal dryness, hot flashes, or low libido, there are remedies out there that can help bring back enjoyment to your sex life. Join the ranks of the thousands of women over 60 who experience fulfilling sexual relationships. Remember to consult your doctor before taking herbal treatments as they may interfere or interact with other medications you may be taking.