What Are the Effects of Menopause and Vaginal Dryness?

Many people do not like to speak about the effects of menopause and vaginal dryness, but the truth is, it will happen to nearly all women at some point and time in their lives and it is quite discomforting.

Every woman that experiences menopause has their own different problems with it. Some of them have night sweats, weight gain and yes even vaginal dryness. Other effects could include, a headache, insomnia, a change in the sex drive (wanting less) and even mood swings.

There are pills which are prescribed by doctors and they can help you out a little bit. If night sweats are bothering you, wear lighter clothing to prevent sweating. If night sweats are unavoidable it may help to sleep on a towel to prevent excessive moisture on your body and bed. Don't be afraid to talk to friends or your doctor regarding your daily symptoms. Doctors may be able to prescribe some medical treatments to help deal with many of the menopausal symptoms including night sweats and dryness in the vaginal area.

There is also help for the mood swings and weight gain. Mood swings might happen due to the fact that all the changes are happening and hormone levels are fluxuating throughout the day. As for weight gain, exercise is the key. Try increasing your daily amount of exercise by 20-minutes to help offset symptoms. It sounds like a lot of extra time but remember exercise doesn't have to take place in a gym. It can be done anywhere, in most cases simply walking farther and longer during your daily activities will meet the goal.

There are pills to help improve your sex drive too. Although, a lot of women do experience a lower sex drive because of their dry experience. There are various lubricating gels on the market (even for those with sensitive skin) that can be used. These are safe during sex and help the woman to have no discomfort or dryness during sex.

Many department stores carry these gels. But a lot of women prefer buying them on the internet because it can be an embarrassing experience for many. There are prescription gels you can ask your doctor about. These are specifically for menopausal women. If you find you can not afford the prescription, some places have help paying for them and sometimes you may be able to get them cheaper at different places so make sure to check around.

Testosterone For Women - The Libido Link

The significance of hormones in relation to sexuality is widely acknowledged. Androgen refers to any hormone that has a masculinising effect on either sex. They are associated with sexual desire for both sexes. The dominant androgen - testosterone - in men is produced mostly by the testes and in small quantity by the adrenal glands, and in women, in much smaller quantities, by the ovaries and adrenal glands.

It is important to realise that about 95% of the testosterone circulating in a man's blood system is bound (on a protein molecule) and therefore metabolically ineffective. The degree of impact of testosterone on an individual's sexual drive is determined by the remaining amount of free testosterone, which is metabolically active and influences the libido. For males that is about 5%; and for females the free testosterone, which produces effects on bodily tissues, is only 1 to 3% of the total testosterone. A higher level of androgen is required for male sexual desire than for female desire, so normal is different for men and women.

In terms of sexual function, estrogen enhances sensitivity to sexual activity and creates a physical climate conducive for sexual behaviour. It helps the vaginal tissue remain elastic and contributes to lubrication. Despite all of the research that has been done on the hormone estrogen, its role in sexual desire remains unclear.

In women testosterone produced by the ovaries fluctuates during the menstrual cycle, the highest amount being produced, along with estrogen, at ovulation. Androgen insufficiency in women has also been found to be associated with hypopituitarism (deficiency of pituitary hormones), adrenal insufficiency, ovarian failure, and oophorectomy (the surgical removal of an ovary). However, with menopause, the ovaries naturally decrease their production of testosterone. It is not necessarily a specific consequence of natural menopause but can occur as a secondary factor to the age-related decline in the adrenal and ovarian androgen production.

Millions of women have over the decades used hormones to treat the symptoms of both natural and surgical menopause. Typically, hormone therapy consists of supplemental estrogen, sometimes combined with progesterone. In addition to helping protect menopausal women against heart disease and bone loss, hormone therapy has been effective in treating menopause symptoms such as flashes, mood swings, sleeplessness, and the range of conditions that can adversely affect a woman's sex life, including vaginal shrinkage, dryness and loss of elasticity.

However, some women are unable to tolerate the side effects of estrogen therapy, which include headache, nausea, bloating, leg cramps, breast tenderness and engorgement, irregular vaginal bleeding and staining, and over-secretion of mucus (heavy vaginal discharge). Some of these are however due to progestin and lowering the dosage of either or both hormones may relieve these problems.

Despite the fact that estrogen therapy may reduce the somatic symptoms of menopause, it often does not provide adequate restoration of the woman's sexual desire. Several testosterone products originally developed for men have found application with naturally and surgically menopausal women with low sexual desire. The testosterone formulations used with women include products that can be administered as a pill, a patch, or a cream that is applied topically to the vulva, wrists, or thighs.

Often, estrogen when used alone is some women, is enough to maintain normal female well-being, including sexual desire and activity, but testosterone often needs to be added to ensure robust, dependable sexual desire and response. Besides boosting sex drive, the hormone can help relieve hot flashes and other conditions related to menopause; and thus an effective option for women who cannot tolerate high levels of estrogen.

Several studies have also concluded that testosterone-estrogen therapy is far more effective than estrogen alone among postmenopausal women. Most women have reported more frequent intercourse, greater interest in sex and increased clitoral sensitivity on testosterone. Some women have also been noted to experience less depression and fatigue than those on estrogen alone.

However, because testosterone effects in women have not been widely researched and no testosterone therapy has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of female hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), most physicians apparently prescribe the hormone "off-label". It is mostly prescribed to patients who have tried estrogen-based hormone therapy without success (and in few cases, to premenopausal women who are found to have "extremely low" levels of testosterone).

Side effects of testosterone include secondary male sexual characteristics, aggressiveness, and deepened voice, growth of facial hair, enlargement of the clitoris, acne, weight gain, and liver damage. In addition, it has been shown to lower the rates of HDL, the "good" cholesterol, while increasing heart-harmful LDL cholesterol - the exact opposite of what estrogen does. In the very low dosages prescribed for women, however, these side effects are very unlikely to occur and can be controlled additionally by reducing the dosage further when necessary.

Other doctors have started offering a new alternative, DHEA. It is an androgenic hormone that is produced in the adrenal glands of both sexes but starts to decline before age 30. DHEA is closely related to testosterone and in fact, the body has the ability to convert DHEA into other hormones, including estrogen and testosterone.

The hormone plays an important role in sex drive. Taken as a supplement, it is also said to bolster the immune system and delay the physical signs of aging. But little is known about the long-term effects of taking DHEA. Because it is weaker than the testosterone used in Estratest (not approved by the FDA for any indication - nonetheless on the market - a situation that is said to exists because of "complicated legal reasons"), DHEA produces fewer side effects but appears to be equally effective in restoring libido.

Japanese Medicine Supplements And Menopause

If you were told that Japanese women suffer up to 80% less menopause symptoms than other women in the world would you wonder why? You bet you would! Well, this is true. For thousands of years, Japanese woman have gone through the menopausal years much easier than other women have. They do not have the same degree of symptoms as other women and when faced with symptoms, they know exactly what to do to make them stop. Well, if you have entered the early menopausal years, having monthly periods light, heavy, or infrequent, coupled with things like night sweats, moodiness, and hot sweats, chances are you are eager to learn the secret. In this article, we will address Japanese medicine and supplements, and menopause!

One of the most popular types of Japanese medicine and supplements for menopause is Black Cohosh. In addition to being used in Asian, Black Cohosh is also very widely used in Europe. While this particular herb helps with many menopausal symptoms, it is most beneficial in treating hot flashes and night sweats. Typically, doctors will recommend you not take this herb for longer than six months since some preliminary studies show that Black Cohosh when taken long-term could increase the risk of endometrial cancer.

While Black Cohosh is certainly beneficial, the most popular type of Japanese medicine and supplements for menopause is soy. The reason is that soy contains phytoestrogens, which are estrogen-like substances. When you go through menopause, the body stops producing estrogen. With this, you will start to have irregular menstrual cycles, which could mean heavier or lighter periods, or longer or shorter periods. By taking soy, the body's low estrogen levels can be replaced but naturally.

Japanese women will consume soy or soy products on a daily basis. The interesting thing about this is that only 35% of women in this country complain of menopause symptoms. Because of this, researchers have taken notice and over the years, have been trying to determine first, if there is in fact a connection and two, just how that connection works. While soy is considered a perfectly normal Japanese medicine and supplement for menopause, for women in other countries they should start slowly by incorporating soymilk and/or tofu into the diet. Then over several weeks, increase the amount of soy being consumed until you reach between 40 and 80mg of these isoflavones each day. The result should be a noticeable improvement in the menopausal symptoms.

Okay, so what other Japanese medicines and supplements are for menopause? Japanese arrowroot is another type of isoflavones that includes daidzin, daidzein, genistein, and puerarin. These chemicals are extracted from kudzu and in the past few years, the chemicals have been carefully studies to determine what effect on the body they have. What these studies have shown is that arrowroot helps reduce inflammation and relieving muscle pain. Since women going through menopause often deal with joint and muscle pain, arrowroot is just one more tool in the toolbox so to speak in fighting against these types of symptoms.

Keep in mind that the isoflavones in kudzu is actually a part of a larger group of chemicals - phytoestrogens. Just as with soy, these natural chemicals replace lost estrogen, which provides relief for hot flashes, night sweats, and even helps fight against bone loss associated with menopause that can cause osteoporosis or osteoarthritis. In fact, although not really understood, some experts now believe phytoestrogens can help with mood swings. Just remember that phytoestrogens foods, herbs, and spices have been used for thousands of years, safely. However, this type of Japanese medicine and supplement for menopause should be used only in low doses to prevent further imbalances within the body.

Next on the list of Japanese medicines and supplements for menopause is Dong Quai, which has been shown to be highly beneficial for menopause symptoms. In fact, recent studies show that symptoms are reduced by as much as 30% in women taking Dong Quai. This herb acts like an estrogen but contains B vitamins, muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatory factors, and even some progesterone-like substances that help with menopausal symptoms. Japanese women commonly use ginseng, which has normal hormonal qualities. Ginseng helps with hot flashes, night sweats, and can even help with mood swings. Finally, if you are having trouble with anxiety, depression, and insomnia, Kava Kava is an excellent solution.

Stay Cool! How to Handle Hot Flashes During Menopause

Welcome to the hot flash sisterhood! Most women (about 80%) experience hot flashes and night sweats to some degree, and for some of us they become bad enough to negatively impact our lives. The good news is that we can do something about them. The choices are many and there are pros and cons to everyone. In a nutshell, your options are: Natural and herbal remedies, Hormones of some form or another or Lifestyle changes

Natural and Herbal Remedies

There are numerous natural and herbal remedies for hot flashes. Some plants contain Phytoestrogens (plant-based estrogen) that mimics the activity of the estrogen our body produces naturally.

Soy, Black Cohosh, Red Clover and some others are well-known and readily available. Most supplements for the treatment of hot flashes contain a combination of these herbs (i.e. Black Cohosh, Licorice Root, Dong Quai, Wild Yam, Chaste Berry). A well researched and popular supplement is Remifemin. It contains standardized Black Cohosh and has been used in Europe since the 50s. It is now available in the US.

Maca Root is also popular for the treatment of hot flashes. It works on balancing the system in your body that regulates the hormones. A popular product in this category is MacaFem.

A downside of herbal remedies is that it may be several weeks before you can feel the benefits. Additionally, not every herb or supplement will work for every woman AND what may work during peri-menopause may not help with post-menopausal hot flashes.

Be sure to use only standardized supplements from resources you trust. Several investigations have shown that the supplement market is rife with products that either don't contain what they claim or worse, are contaminated with substances that may be dangerous.

Hormone Therapy

Hormone Therapy is still the most effective and fastest way to treat hot flashes. We have come a long way since the media reported results from a study that showed an increase in breast cancer and heart problems with the use of Estrogen. Now we have not only better guidelines for the use of hormones, but also many more options. The guideline for any kind of hormone treatment is to treat for the shortest time in the lowest dosage that is effective.

Traditional Hormone Replacement Therapy with conjugated estrogen (sometimes together with progesterone) was the standard hormone treatment for decades. It is still widely prescribed by doctors despite the possible side effects.

Bioidentical hormones are a new, and many claim a safer, way to use hormones. They are available by prescription in many forms (patches, creams, suppositories, pills). They can be either compounded (made to your specification by a compound pharmacy) or they are available from your pharmacy in standard dosage.

Lifestyle Changes

By far the safest option to deal with your hot flashes are lifestyle changes. Unfortunately, this option requires the most commitment and time to implement. Some of the easier changes are:

- Wear layered clothing

- Use special sheets and night-wear (using fabrics that wick the moisture away from the body)

- Use a fan and lower the temperature in the room

- Drink plenty of fluids, especially non-sugar, non-carbonated drinks

- Do deep breathing exercises to help relax

- Avoid hot flash triggers such as spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine and nicotine

Exercise has been proven to reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flashes. Regular exercise will also help to maintain a healthy weight. Women who are overweight have a harder time with hot flashes.

A healthy diet with lots of vegetables and fruits, low in processed foods and sugars, will help with your symptoms. Vegetables and fruits contain chemical substances (Isoflavones, Lingans, certain vitamins) that will help with your hot flashes. However this is a long- term change that requires a lot of commitment.

If your life is negatively impacted by hot flashes, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor. There are doctors that specialize in menopausal women and you can find a list at the American Menopause Society Website.

Menopause can be a time of resetting our priorities, and this may be a great chance to start leading a healthier life. Plus it will help with our hot flashes as well. You may start with trying some of the herbs or supplement together with some lifestyle changes and see if this will work for you. There are lots of options to deal with your hot flashes that range from simple lifestyle changes to hormone therapy.

Chaste Berry Tree Helps Hormonal Imbalance During Menopause

Too many people, especially in western cultures, often hard to believe how beneficial it can be to take natural herbs and extracts for medical issues. However, many studies have found that some plants when used correctly can be very effective for a wide variety of medical and hormonal problems.

Chaste tree berry is a Mediterranean fruit tree that plays an effective role in defeating menopausal symptoms in women. Chaste tree berry is no new discovery; it has been used as a herbal medicine for thousands of years and in many different cultures. This natural extract can be used to combat a wide variety of female reproductive issues. It especially effective with keeping a comfortable hormonal balance throughout the stages of the menopause.

Chaste tree berry can be used throughout every stage of a woman's reproductive life from first menstruation to perimenopause and menopause. The way that chaste tree berry balances the hormones in women is by regulating levels of different hormones; reducing the amount of some and increasing others to a harmonious level. Some say that chaste tree berry is effective in treating infertility as it tends to swing more towards balancing the gestagens in the body which are hormones that prepare the body for pregnancy. These hormones along with estrogen are suddenly lacking at the start of menopause which can cause a list of negative side effects. These are most commonly hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue and a low sex drive.

Other uses for the substance are for paralysis, pains in the limbs and neuropathic muscular weakness. As this extract is so effective in balancing hormones it is used for the treatment of acne in men and women. The berries can also be used in cooking as a substitute for black pepper.

In terms of the treatment of menopause, many supplements contain caffeine to combat fatigue but can leave women unable to sleep at night. Replacing caffeine with energizing ginseng and taking chaste tree berries can aid a good night's sleep after an alert day. This herb is slow acting so dedication is required to really see its true effects. As a tincture 20 drops one or two times a day should be taken. The herb can also be taken in a capsule form in 20-40mg. It can also be consumed as a tea with the same measurements. It is mostly preferred to being taken in a formula that has other effective menopause relief ingredients in the formula. Chaste tree berry should be avoided as a relief for menopause if exogenous hormones are also being taken such as with menopausal hormone replacement therapies.

Tips on How to Survive Menopausal Symptoms

Obviously you don't think of menopause when you are only 14 years old, but often hear your mother and friends talk about it. They are usually making jokes about it, but is it really something to joke about?

As soon as you start nearing the 30s, you start wondering about it more and more. It is a fact like the day you were born that you will have to pass through it... It's like death, you can't skip it and you can't go around it.

Making it worst is all that symptoms awaiting you that you can see ruining other people's lives. Think about it... hot flashes, night sweats, brittle nails, depression and not to mention vaginal dryness, discharge, itching, burning and God forbid incontinence.

This doesn't sound like the way I want to spend my golden years! Do you?

Menopause doesn't really have to be such a horror in your life. Today the world of Medicine is so advanced and for every problem, there is a cure in the form of some tablet or syrup. Today, you just have to decide... natural or generic!

You get so many medicines today for menopause and you can even refill your "lost" hormones by using (hormone replacement therapy) HRT. The only thing you need to decide is if it is worth all the possible side effects. I mean, is it worth risking getting endometrial cancer, breast cancer, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), ovarian cancer, heart attacks, gallbladder disease, breast pain, nausea, bloating, fluid retention, negative mood swings and not to mention taking progestin with estrogen during HRT increases the intensity of the tissue in the breast making mammograms more difficult to interpret.

Luckily there are safe and natural ways too of overcoming these symptoms and surviving menopause. We will discuss just a few ways of overcoming these symptoms and show you how to stay sane during this time of your life.

Knowledge is POWER!

Never think that you do not need to know about menopause.... that will be one of your biggest mistakes. If you know what to look for or what to expect, you will immediately recognize it if the big "M" comes knocking on your door. Even better than recognizing it, will be the ability to stand your ground and be able to ease the symptoms of menopause.

Think about it, think about it...mmmmm

Probably one of the most important steps you can take in the fight against menopausal symptoms is to be mentally prepared for the onslaught. This just means that you have to know as much as possible about this time in your life, but without becoming obsessed with it. How do you do it? Simply by reading, listening and sitting down with your doctor and discuss the signs and symptoms, how it will affect you and the people around you as well as treatment options. One can never know too much.

Food, food... glorious food!!

Food containing plant estrogens has been proven to control cholesterol and help relieve some menopausal symptoms. This is the best remedy to relieve the symptoms of menopause and help you have a fulfilling life the natural way.

The following foods are known to contain plant estrogens: flaxseed oil, nuts, celery, parsley, Lima beans and soy products. Consuming a well balanced diet with all of these estrogen rich foods will certainly ease the menopause period.

Exercise regularly

A proper diet and a good workout are indispensable to ease the menopause period. There is a saying that says a healthy body houses a healthy spirit, and that is so true. A lack of exercise will increase the menopausal symptoms as well as the intensity of the symptoms. With a lack of exercise also comes the risk of weight gain, osteoporosis and cardiac problems may tag along.

We have just discussed a few very important steps to ease your menopausal symptoms, although there are many more ways to assist in this battle. There are things to do which will help with each symptom specifically and there are herbs, medication and natural remedies that may eliminate all the symptoms. We recommend NaturaPause, the safe and natural solution to your menopause.

Information on Menopause Dryness

Menopause is a time of many changes for a woman. Your periods end and so does your fertility. Other symptoms that may accompany the onset of menopause include hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. Other lesser known symptoms are body aches and pains, headaches, and dryness. There are different types of this dryness that may occur. There is available information on menopause dryness.

Types of Dryness

With the variable levels of the hormones during menopause, specifically testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone, there will likely be some very uncomfortable symptoms.
Dryness is one of those symptoms. Dryness can be anywhere on the body. Let's take a look at what connection exists between menopause, hormone levels, and dryness.

Menopause may cause dry skin around the mouth and the nose. Eyes can become dry. Testosterone supports the lacrimal gland. This gland keeps the eyes moist and helps to produce tears. If testosterone becomes low, your sight could be affected. Your eyes may feel gritty, burn, or very tired. They may look red and be sensitive to light. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you are taking other medications as some of them can worsen dry eye.

Estrogen during menopause can cause dry skin and other areas of the body as well. Fluctuating estrogen levels can also cause vaginal dryness. Estrogen keeps the vagina moist by producing certain acids. Without estrogen or lower levels of estrogen, the vaginal lining could stiffen making intercourse very uncomfortable. Your body will become dryer with decreasing estrogen.

Remedies

Eating Omega-3 rich foods can be of benefit to the eyes and wearing sunglasses in the out of doors can also keep eye fluid from evaporation. Adding canola, olive, or flaxseed oil to your diet can help to maintain the dryness of menopause.

Quit smoking! It has been proven that smoking can escalate menopause in female smokers. Smoking is also known to make menopausal symptoms even worse. Smoking is often linked to other diseases such as lung cancer and Emphysema.

Remember the old adage - drink eight 8 ounce bottles of water daily? Drinking plenty of water will help to keep your body and eyes lubricated. Water can benefit your over-all wellbeing.

Moisturizers such as lubricating eye drops and body lotions can help to keep your skin moist. In a skin lotion, you want to be sure that it contains petrolatum (Vaseline), water, lanolin, and/or mineral oils.

Lip balms can also be used to keep your lips from becoming chapped. Lips can crack and bleed making even speaking painful. There are prescriptive treatments for extremely dry lips.

Herbal supplements are used for many conditions including easing menopausal symptoms. The ingredients should be standardized herbal extracts - this gives the guarantee of the same quality in each capsule and bottle. The ingredients should be tested extensively and they should be made to pharmaceutical grade standards. Before using the supplements, talk to your doctor because some herbs may affect the performance of prescriptions you may be taking for other health concerns.

Conclusion

Menopause brings on enough changes for women and then comes the dry skin. If you have dry skin, talk to your doctor. Simply eating a healthy diet, drinking enough water, and the use of moisturizers can help to alleviate the symptoms. Relief can be found for the symptoms that may be plaguing you right now. There is a wealth of information on menopause and information on menopause dryness.