Aspartame, Antidepressants and Birth Control - The Triple Whammy's That Affects Menopause

Surprisingly enough, "it has been found that the fluctuating hormone levels most women experience in their perimenopause and menopausal years do NOT, in and of themselves, cause the distressing emotional and psychological symptoms of menopause..." (Dr. Christiane Northrup, "the Wisdom of Menopause") In fact, women's hormones fluctuate widely most their entire lives.

Research hasn't been able to figure out why some women suffer more because of it than others. What HAS been found though, is that the ones who suffer the most have a type of "pre-existing brain chemistry" that makes them more susceptible to the harsher menopausal symptoms.

For example, take your immune system -- if you rubbed your arm in dirt back and forth, chances are you would just get a dirty arm. No other problems. But if you broke the skin first and rubbed your arm back and forth in the dirt, you would probably get an infection. You become "susceptible."

So how does our brain chemistry become susceptible to these harsher symptoms then?

In America, I think we're becoming susceptible due to a "Triple Threat" that is becoming more and more prevalent: hormone & brain-chemistry disruption that takes place through repeated use of Diet Sodas (Aspartame), Chemical Birth Controls, and Antidepressants.

Any one of these three can cause major disruption in our hormones and brain chemistry, but all three together, in my opinion, are major factors in setting us up for that "pre-existing issue" mentioned earlier. Let's take a brief look at each one of the three.

First up: Diet Sodas (Aspartame, aka NutraSweet, aka AminoSweet)

Tons of women have been drinking Diet Sodas for years in an effort to lose weight and avoid calories. We all thought they were healthy. But according to Newsmax Health Reports, these soft drinks contain certain things called "excitotoxins" that interfere with hormone balance. They also are rumored to cause headaches, moodiness, insomnia, change in heart rates, memory loss and more (doesn't that sound a lot like menopause?) The most irritating of all is that it interferes with leptin and insulin, and so the lack of calories does NOTHING to help you lose weight. What an insult of a drink.

What makes it worse is that the top two soda brands out there both use "BPA" in the linings of their cans. BPA mimics estrogen. The Endocrine Society concluded (in 2009) that because of BPA's hormonal action at trace levels, there may be "no safe level of exposure" (ArizonaAdvancedMedicine.com). BPA shows up in 95% of American's urine according to a study by the CDC. Pretty scary stuff.

Next, let's take a look at Antidepressants

Twice as many women as men experience depression and take medication for it. Depression is a complicated subject. I won't attempt to tackle it here, and I'm not ever implying that anyone should stop taking their meds. I just want to put the awareness out there that it, too, affects our endocrine balance and brain chemistry. Some of the well-known side effects of the most common, current antidepressants include anxiety, confusion, headaches, hostility, insomnia, memory lapses, sexual dysfunction, heart attacks, weight gain and even cardiovascular problems. Again -- doesn't that sound a lot like menopause? I personally believe it is well worth the effort to explore some of the natural approaches that exist for depression (ie: 5-HTP, St. John's Wort, SAMe, etc), because as I said in the beginning of this article, it appears that these chemicals we're putting in our bodies may actually be part of the setup in the "pre-existing brain chemistry" that makes our menopausal transition so difficult here in the West.

Lastly, the final suspected culprit: Birth Control

This is a biggie. Because from very young ages, most women are on some sort of chemical form of birth control that directly alters their endocrine system. Of course it is a VERY controversial subject to begin with, but to put all polarizing issues aside, let's discuss candidly what's going on in your body, hormone-wise, when you're taking that pill. Most forms of birth control are "combination pills" that contain estrogen and progestin. Simply put, they work by preventing the ovary from releasing eggs, among other things. Some of them may even stop the menstrual cycle completely -- and when you try to quit those, it can take 9 months to 2 years for the menstrual cycle to re-regulate itself. That is pretty much total endocrine disruption. If you're in perimenopause or menopause now, there's no doubt that you were probably on some sort of chemical birth control for many, many years.

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After potentially 3 decades of altering our entire endocrine systems with various birth control chemicals, and our brain functionings with chemical sweeteners and antidepressants, it's no wonder we're messed up when we finally start to enter the age of menopause here in the Western World. But that's the downer side... I want to give everyone some HOPE!

There is a HUGE positive side to all of this: we're just now learning the effects of all the things we've put into our bodies over the years. We're really not to blame. But now that we have the internet, we can share our wisdom with many. What's neat about menopause is that it's CELEBRATED as "The Age of Wisdom" in the East. Let's celebrate it here too! We truly are coming in to the fullness of our true selves. We have SO MUCH to share. Our voice can and will be heard. And changes will be made for the better. Not only for ourselves, but for our daughters and for all future generations to come.

Female Libido Supplements - Boost Your Sex Drive and Overcome Menopause Symptoms

Living is a fast pace world tends to extract its price from your body. Long working hours, meeting deadlines and a whole lot of household chores can leave little time for you to do other things. By the time you are in bed with your hubby all that want to do is go to sleep.

Sex tends to take a backseat in life. This is a dilemma that millions of women face all over the world.

There are some factors that can further reduce your interest in sex. Some of them include relationship problems marital discord and a drop in the production of hormones post menopause.

Thankfully, there are natural female libido supplements that can rekindle your sex drive and make you enjoy satisfying and fulfilling sex. They can add some spice back to your relationship. Your partner would simple love your renewed interest in sex.

Supplements that have been launched into the market to help women get over libido and other sexual problems are safe and effective according to experts. Some of them have been featured in Fox News and the hit TV series The Doctors as well.

This has lead to a surge in the sales of such supplements.

Though there are a couple of supplements, the best ones are a mix of all natural and organic ingredients such as:

• ginkgo biloba


• ginseng


• epimedium sagitattum


• hops extract


• niacin


• melatonin


• tribulus terrestris


• DHEA etc.,

Such ingredients are highly effective in certain ways. First of all, they help boost blood flow to the genitals, Secondly, they help increase the production of sex hormones like estrogen without the side effects of hormone replacement therapy and lastly, they can help reduce stress which is one of the major reasons behind reduced libido in women.

Such supplements not only increase your sex drive but also provide relief from vaginal dryness and menopause symptoms. Vaginal dryness is a highly uncomfortable situation for most women and it tends to make intercourse extremely painful. It is needless to say that it can make women avoid sex.

By increasing the production of estrogen, such supplements help alleviate vaginal dryness. Hops extract is one of the best herbs to boost the production of estrogen naturally in your body. By increasing the production of sex hormones such supplements also help relieve menopause symptoms.

Good quality supplements do not have any side effects and can be taken along with birth control pills. However, if you are pregnant you must consult your doctor before having such pills.

So, if You Want to Boost Your Libido and Overcome Menopause Symptoms, Check Out the Best Female Libido Supplements Ever!

Peri Menopause - How to Tell If You Are in Peri Menopause

Okay, if you're between 35-45 and experiencing unusual symptoms in your life then don't assume you're going crazy. It could be peri menopause.

What...you're too young to even be thinking of menopause? Think again...there's a myth out there which seems to suggest unless a woman is in her late forties or early fifties she doesn't need to worry about menopause.

Well, the truth is, peri menopause can occur as early as the mid thirties and is likened to a scouting party feeling out the path ahead. Symptoms associated with this can lead a woman to think "she may be going around the bend" - in other words, going mad.

Peri Menopause Symptoms

Let's look at some scenarios and see if you can identify with these. For example, does a television commercial suddenly reduce you to tears; an innocent comment or even look from your partner or friend want to make you argumentative or, you're just feeling off or not in balance with your normal self.

The trouble is, too many women want to ignore even the mention of the word menopause because it suggests being old and no woman wants to think they're getting older right?

Being mentally prepared is one of the best ways to prepare for the change in a woman's life. The more you know about the big "M" the less likely it's going to be a shock to the system when it arrives.

The symptoms of peri menopause will occur over a period of time and can commence in a woman's thirties. Many confuse these with other conditions and may even think they've contracted something sinister.

Well, the first thing you should do is visit your doctor and discuss these symptoms with them before making your own self-analysis.

In a way, it will be a relief when you can finally put a name to whatever symptoms or ailments have been playing havoc in your life. But don't rest on your laurels and just accept it. Learn what peri menopause is and how it can affect you leading up to full menopause.

Let's take a look at some of the peri menopause symptoms you could likely be or expect to experience:

- menstrual changes are the main giveaway and although you shouldn't immediately assume, if it continues over a period of time then the chances are strong

- unpredictable behaviour including mood swings

- hot flashes can strike even before menstrual change however, peri menopause should be considered only when there are other symptoms present

- vaginal dryness and painful sexual intercourse

- lack of energy including fatigue and a general drop in libido

- anxiety and depression which can lead to withdrawal from social activity

8 Ways to Stop Weight Gain During Menopause

Talking to most women over 50 you will quickly find that many feel like going through menopause has caused them to gain weight! Indeed it is very common to put on weight at this time, and while some of it may be due to lifestyle changes, that does not explain why suddenly women develop a tendency to put on weight around the abdomen.

Actually this begins during perimenopause, which are the years leading up to menopause. When we were younger, our bodies produced more oestrogen, which caused us to store fat on our hips. As we age, the amount of oestrogen produced by our bodies decreases, the fat goes to our stomach instead of our hips. Women also tend to become insulin resistant when they get older which makes our bodies store fat instead of burn calories.

The bad thing about storing weight around the abdomen is the increased health risks. These risks include diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension and some cancers.
The start of perimenopause is often the start of weight gain at the average of 1 pound a year. A good recommendation to avoid that is to keep your calorie level at 1,200 - 1,500 calories a day.

To help counteract the weight gain during menopause, there are several things you can do.

o Eat a diet that contains fruit, vegetables, beans, grains, cereal, fish, extra lean meat and low-fat dairy.

o Increase fiber intake.

o Gradually reduce calories, your metabolism needs about 200 less calories than before.

o Reduce caffeine and alcohol.

o Avoid sugar.

o Keep fat intake between 20% and 35% of your daily calories

o Get 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily - find something you like to do and stick with it!

o Strength training to maintain and build lean muscle, use weights and resistance.

Your doctor may prescribe hormone therapy with estrogen to control menopausal symptoms. While it may cause bloating and water retention this is usually temporary. Studies have shown that therapy does not cause weight gain, It is believed that hormone therapy can reduce the risk of heart disease. It does this by preventing the storage of body fat around the abdomen and lowering cholesterol. However, hormone therapy has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer and that in itself is reason enough from some women to avoid it.

Consult with your doctor before starting any exercise program if you have any medical conditions or your fitness levels are low. Your doctor can also help with symptoms of the menopause and weight gain.

Natural Menopause Relief Secrets - 4 Natural Remedies For Menopause Symptoms

It should be understood that menopause is not a disease. Menopause is only a stage in the life cycle of a woman. Too many women, who are going through menopause, bear this in mind. Your body is beautiful. Everything, every creature is beautiful. Menopause can be a liberating experience, and I know of many menopausal women who are happy and are enjoying it. What you need is an understanding of yourself and a stronger faith in God.

The secret to living an enjoyable and meaningful life after menopause is to take care of the body early in life. Women and everyone in general should take care of their bodies early in life so that it can serve us better at age.

Some of the natural remedies to the symptoms of menopause are as follows:

Water
Water is natural but does more work in the body than many know. The importance of water for proper functioning of the body cannot be over emphasized. Early in the morning, on rising from bed, drink three to four cups of water. It is not enough to do this for a month or two. Make it a habit. If you are able to do this continually for a year, you will see what a transformation will come upon your body. The young women should keep this in mind rather than wait until old age sets in. As for those nearing menopause, water is a great help. If you take water adequately as described above, you will soon notice a reduction in hot flashes and internal heat.

Take Bitter Leaf
Bitter leaf is one of the best woman friendly plants. It is good for the body either before, during or after menopause. Bitter leaf takes care of such symptoms as hot flashes, internal heat and rheumatism. With bitter leaf around, women do not need to take artificial oestrogen which in any case has its own negative side effects. Bitter leaf does not supply oestrogen but helps the body to produce the amount of oestrogen needed for life. Squeezing the fresh leaves of bitter leaf in water and taking a glass every morning and night is advisable. This is not only good for those who are already experiencing the symptoms of menopause and those who have attained menopause. The use of bitter leaf has proven to be one of the best reliefs for menopause.

Take Honey
Menopausal women should take plenty of honey. A lot has been said about honey. Those who take honey regularly will remain fresh, healthy and strong till old age. They will go through menopause without falling victims of the symptoms. Mix four desert spoons of honey with half glass of water and drink twice daily.

The Use of Wonder Tincture
Wonder tincture is another effective natural preparation that eases the symptoms of menopause.

Stress, Hormone Imbalance, and Early Menopause - Understanding the Symptoms

Stress comes in many shapes and sizes, and may not even be perceived as stress at all. According to Dr. Evan Mladenoff, "Stress is an ignorant state of mind that believes everything is an emergency." Stress does not have to produce anxiety or even be perceived consciously before your internal organs believe there is an emergency situation. There are forms of "good" stress like marriage, responsibility, competition, dating, and child birth as well as "bad" forms such as financial insecurity, violence, unemployment, low self esteem, and death. In actuality, our body does not associate stress as "good" or "bad," but reacts the same way whether the stress is physical, chemical, or emotional. Our bodies were built to respond to stress and do so very well, but as stress becomes chronic (continual) the stress regulating parts of the body begin to fatigue, and no longer work as well as intended. These sluggish stress regulators make it harder for your body to stay healthy.

Stress (whether emotional, chemical, or physical) is processed in a part of the brain called the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus sends a message to the anterior pituitary gland which is a small gland in the brain that helps regulate all of your hormones. As the pituitary gland secrets hormones in the blood signaling stress, another gland called the adrenal gland responds by secreting cortisol.

Cortisol is designed to control the body's response to stress by stimulating the body to calm down. When there is to much cortisol production, or a chronic situation where cortisol is released over a long period of time, side effects occur. Many of these symptoms include disrupted sleep, poor digestion, weight gain, poor memory, and more.

As a woman, chronic cortisol secretion can contribute to menstrual disorders. High cortisol levels can lead to amenorrhea (stop menstruation), similar to heavy exercise. Excess cortisol creates a faster removal (conversion) of another hormone known as progesterone. As progesterone and estrogen become out of balance, and a woman nears menopausal age, her body often creates numerous symptoms of accelerated hormonal transition. Many women often report vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, weight gain, interrupted sleep, memory problems, heaviness in the bladder, and hot flashes as their hormones become out of balance.

The good news is, as we reduce stress through diet modification, nutritional supplementation, and light exercise we can balance cortisol, estrogen, and progesterone. In this manner, many women find relief to menopausal symptoms without resorting to drugs or surgery. As a woman transitions from an adolescent, through child bearing and later into mature womanhood, she should not have to suffer from hormonal imbalances and symptoms. Balancing cortisol is one of the many tools we have to help these transition stages to be pleasant throughout a woman's life.

Non-Estrogenic Herbal Supplements for Menopause

Ongoing research over the last decade has cast the efficacy and potential safety of many commonly prescribed synthetic drugs into doubt. Hormone Replacement Therapy has come under particular scrutiny during this period, with research suggesting links between long-term use of the treatment and an increased risk of heart disease, blood clots, breast and ovarian cancer and stroke. This concern over the potential side-effects of HRT has led many women to look for safer, cheaper and more natural ways to treat their uncomfortable menopausal symptoms without synthetic hormones. In this growing trend towards natural medicine, non-estrogenic herbal supplements for menopause have become a first line of treatment for many women.

What are non-estrogenic herbs?

The most effective kinds of herbal supplements for menopause are either phytoestrogenic or non-estrogenic. Phytoestrogenic herbs contain a natural compound which is very similar to human estrogen, which means they can help balance fluctuating hormone levels when they are consumed on a regular basis. Non-estrogenic herbs, however, - as the name suggests- do not contain any substance that replicates the effects of estrogen in the body. Instead, this kind of herb works by stimulating the pituitary and endocrine glands to produce more of the body's own natural hormones more efficiently.

There are many varieties of plant that can be considered non-estrogenic, but only a small number contain the nutrients needed to improve the function of the endocrine system and balance hormone levels, and fewer still have been clinically proven to be beneficial to menopausal women.

What are the benefits of non-estrogenic herbs?

Non-estrogenic herbal supplements for menopause are effective for many women because they encourage the body to produce more of its own natural estrogen, at a time when hormone production is gradually winding down to a halt. By nourishing the endocrine gland, non-estrogenic herbs help to restore hormonal balance and prevent many of the problems caused by fluctuating hormone levels during menopause, including hot flushes, night sweats, depression, mood swings and vaginal dryness. Furthermore, because non-estrogenic herbs help to keep estrogen at a healthy level, it is thought that herbal supplements of this kind could help prevent osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease, two conditions which menopausal women are particularly vulnerable to as their estrogen levels start to decline.

Recent medical research has indicated that certain kinds of non-estrogenic herbal remedies for menopause can be used as a natural alternative to Hormone Replacement Therapy. These herbs promote hormonal balance in a very similar way to HRT, but instead of introducing synthetic hormones to the body, they improve natural hormone production and work in harmony with the rest of the body. Non-estrogenic herbs are widely prescribed in countries such as Germany, France and Japan for menopausal women who report uncomfortable and distressing symptoms and they have become increasingly popular in America and across the rest of Europe. These herbal remedies for menopause generally come in capsule form and are recommended for daily use.

Causes of Sweating Hot Flashes Other Than Menopause

Have you experienced sweating hot flashes (or hot flushes); not only at night but also in the morning? For most women, hot flushes and sweating are taken as signs of perimenopause or impending menopause. But is this the only reason?

Although these bodily heat waves and night sweats are usually associated with women and is believed to be due to hormonal changes in a woman's body, there are also men who experience the same condition. Causes of sweating hot flashes and night sweats other than menopause include:

1. Idiopathic hyperhidrosis can cause the body to sweat profusely but no medical cause can be identified.


2. Tuberculosis is also a common cause of night sweats. People with tuberculosis usually have higher temperatures at night thus activating the sweat glands.


3. Infections such as endocarditis, which is the inflammation of the heart valvesl HIV/AIDS, which is the infection of the body's immune system; abscesses, which are the inflammation of the tonsils, boils, or infection of the appendix or osteomyelitis, which is an infection within the bones, are also probable causes of hot flushes or night sweats. These conditions should be attended to immediately by a medical specialist.


4. Cancer patients often experience night sweats together with fever and consistent weight loss as an early symptom of certain cancers such as lymphoma.


5. Menstruation is a monthly occurrence in women and a lot of women also experience hot flushes before and after their menstrual period. This is quite normal because the level of estrogen in women's bodies changes before and after their period. This causes their body temperature to increase triggering the night sweats.


6. Medications can also lead to night sweats as side effect of antidepressants and other psychiatric drugs. Aspirin, acetaminophen, paracetamol and other medications to lower fever can also lead to sweating. Cortisone, predinisone and prednisolone are medications that can also trigger sweating during the day and night.


7. Hypothyroidism or an underactive thyroid can also cause hot flushes that strike any time of the day.


8. Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar - a situation commonly experienced by diabetics who are taking insulin or anti-diabetic drugs - may also cause night sweating.


9. Hormonal disorders such as pheochromocytoma - tumors of the adrenal glands, carcinoid syndrome - excess hormones released by the gastrointestinal or carcinoid tumors and hyperthyroidism - overactive thyroid can all cause sweating accompanied by facial flushing.


10. Eating certain foods such as spicy food or hot spices, smoking, excessive drinking of alcohol, obesity, over consumption of sugar are also some of the instigators of sweating and hot flashes.

Both men and women are susceptible to these causes of sweating and hot flashes. If you experience sweating and rising body heat, the best thing to do is to consult with a doctor to help you rule out or identify underlying causes for it.

Natural Menopause Treatment - 3 Safe Treatments For Hot Flashes!

There are a many great options available these days for natural menopause treatment. Whether you are dealing with symptoms such as sweats and pain or you are looking for some type of treatment for hot flashes, there is likely to be a herbal remedy for you to try.

Black Cohosh is an incredibly popular choice for those that are dealing with the symptoms of menopause. Black cohosh has been known to help avid the onset of night sweats and has been able to help ease the symptoms of anxiety and depression. In a recent study done by health care professionals, black cohosh has been able to do wonders in the treatment of hot flashes it has also aided in a reduction of heart palpitations.

Black Cohosh can be taken up to two times per day for around six months but you should most definitely consult with your doctor if you believe you need to continue taking the herbal remedy beyond six months.

Maca Root is another useful and natural menopause treatment. Maca root assists with increasing the amounts of estrogen in a woman's body then creating a balance between estrogen and progesterone. Maca Root also contains levels of helpful vitamins such as Vitamins B1, B2, and B12.

Maca Root can be taken up to three times a day in 900mg capsules otherwise it can be boiled into a tea. You should always try Maca Root with some type of food because without food this herbal remedy may cause an onset of abdominal disturbance or early pain.

Red Clover is able to increase the amounts of estrogen in a woman's body, which in turn help to reduce the onset of menopausal symptoms in the body. It is a known perimenopause treatment and Red Clover can help reduce symtoms such as hot flashes and mood swings. Red Clover may even reduce the chances of a woman developing osteoporosis if it is taken early. Red Clover has been linked to the reduction in heart disease issues in menopausal women.

Red Clover is normally taken in capsule form, 400 to 500 mg doses two times per day and can give relief to pre or post menopausal signs and symptoms.

You should keep in mind that herbal remedies as a treatment for hot flashes or natural menopause treatment can be very potent. Even more so, it can also be helpful to you in many ways if taken early in life. It is a very smart decision for you to consult with a health care professional before trying any type of remedy.

This is just a small start to the different varieties of natural menopause treatments that are available on the market today. The internet provides us with a wealth of information on all these options and others that were not mentioned. Even after all the research for finding the best supplements one can still be overwhelmed by the various options to consider.

Natural Menopause Remedies And Red Clover

Many women are looking for natural remedies for menopause, and red clover is one of the safe and effective herbal remedies. It has long been used in traditional medicine and has been shown to help with hot flashes, insomnia, irritability and night sweats.

The news about hormone replacement therapy has motivated women everywhere to find alternative treatments for these symptoms of menopause. You know there must be a way to find natural menopause relief, but you want to be safe and not experience any side effects. Red clover is certainly one of the best herbal remedies available today.

What about scientific studies?

Red clover is the subject of current study in scientific circles and the preliminary results look very promising. Of course, this comes as no surprise to natural healers and herbalists. Nevertheless, it is always encouraging when science and traditional healing agree.

Red clover is rich in bio-active compounds, which are considered to help in menopause. Some of the chemicals in the plant bind with estrogen in the tissues and produce a subtle physiological action. Soy and kudzu, which are cousins to red clover, work in a similar manner by regulating responses in the bodies cells to help balance hormones. This explains why red clover is effective: it helps balance hormones, and menopause symptoms are caused by an imbalance.

What about side effects?

The good news is that no scientific study has demonstrated any negative side effects from using red clover. Of course, common sense always is in order, and you should talk with a herbalist or naturopath if you have any uncertainties or questions.

How much should you take?

Should you decide to use red clover as a stand alone supplement, you should look for capsules containing extracts of organically grown clover, and it should include at least 40 mg isoflavones or 8% isoflavonoids per capsule. Usually the leaves are mixed with the flowers to maintain a balanced formula that is most effective in treating menopause symptoms.

How long have women used red clover?

There is evidence of women using red clover in teas, tinctures, infusions, and extracts from ancient times, but nobody really knows just how far back it's use goes. Certainly, any herbal remedy that endures for thousands of years should be investigated.

Red clover is also commonly used to treat sore throats, ulcers, bronchitis,sores and eczema for centuries.

How to Boost a Woman's Sex Drive During Menopause

For many women who are approaching the age of menopause, say between late thirties to mid-forties, you most likely have already discovered that your sex drive isn't what it used to be. This is something that varies greatly from one woman to the next, but the odds are that menopause has at least slowed down your libido somewhat. What to do? Let's explore some possibilities here.

The main reason for this loss of interest in sex is of course the decrease in hormones, particularly estrogen. Estrogen is a mood-elevator to some degree, and as such when there is less of it in the body a subtle change takes over. Not only is a woman's mood less than happy, her sex life can suffer due to the lack of desire and sometimes real physical pain of having sex. As you advance into menopause, the vagina will actually begin to dry and shrink somewhat which can lead to a pain that is quite debilitating during sex.

So what can be done about this? There are ways to help ease the symptoms of this dryness, such as using lubricants during sex. Also, an attempt can be made to decrease this trend by trying to boost the hormone testosterone in the body which can be another hormone lacking at this time. Believe it or not, the same hormone that boosts sex drive in men does the same for women.

There are over the counter medications that can help to boost testosterone - one is called DHEA, or Dehdydroepiandrosterone, which is a steroid hormone produced chiefly by the adrenal glands. It can also be made by the ovaries and the brain. It is the most prevalent adrenal steroid in the body and serves a precursor to the human sex steroids, testosterone and estrogen. Unfortunately it decreases in supply as we age, so a supplemental dosage can help to increase the libido in some women.

Since not all doctors are in agreement that DHEA is safe and effective, some prescribe other testosterone boosting medications such as Estratest, which is a combination estrogen and testosterone prescription approved for hot flashes and other menopause symptoms. If you have any worries, you should ask your doctor before trying anything to be safe. The bottom line is what works for some doesn't work for others, but you won't find out if you don't at least try, right?

Natural Hot Flash Relief - Herbal Supplements For Menopause

Many women are in need of hot flash relief for this debilitating condition that can come on suddenly.

Modern prescription medications for menopause symptoms bring with them a number of side effects, so many women are turning to natural remedies for menopause symptoms.

Hot flashes are waves of heat that course through the body. The skin grows increasingly red and there is excessive perspiration. They can be experienced at any time of day or night and often come on without warning.

The symptoms of menopause are brought on by hormonal changes in the body, and traditional treatments include hormone replacement therapy. Several herbs can mimic the effects of hormones in the body and even stimulate their production, so herbs for hot flash relief are an excellent option for many.

Hot Flash Remedy Herbs

• Dandelion is a good herbal tonic for the liver, and poor liver health can make hot flashes worse. By improving liver function, toxins will be more easily flushed from the body, which will help prevent symptoms such as headaches. This herb also contains a number of nutrients that are essential for strengthening the bones, which may be weakened by menopause.


• Black cohosh is another excellent remedy for hot flash relief. Studies have proven its effectiveness at combating the symptoms of menopause.


• Fennel contains natural plant estrogens, which can help to regulate menstruation and bring the symptoms of menopause under control. Fennel tea is readily available and is the recommended method of administering the herb for reducing bloating and hot flashes.


• Red clover is a rich in isoflavones which are necessary for treating hot flashes and can supply the estrogen that the body requires. However, this herb should not be used by women suffering from hormone-related cancers.


• Chasteberry is also known as vitex agnus castus and is one of the main remedies for menopause and regulating overall hormone function. It can keep hormone levels balanced and is useful for easing the depression and anxiety associated with menopause.


• A tincture of motherwort can help to reduce the severity and length of hot flashes. It is also useful for balancing the emotions so can help with mood swings. The tincture is preferable to the tea, as the tea has a very bitter taste.


• Essential oils of thyme and basil may be beneficial when inhaled or used as massage oil.


• Using nettle infusions can ease anxiety and boost energy levels. It is a good hot flash remedy when they occur at night.


• Sage is a useful herbal remedy for hot flashes as it contains plant estrogens which can help to regulate hot flashes and night sweats.

Menopause Facts - What Conditions Affect Its Timeline

Most women experience menopause when they reach a ripe age of 50, but there were some cases that females with the young age of 35 might be able to experience some of the signs and symptoms attributed to this condition. Aside from the physical differences from one female to the other, there are also other factors that contribute to the onset of pre-menopausal symptoms, as well as the actual menopausal stage.

Pre-Menopausal

Women at the age of 35 to 40 may experience the signs and symptoms of pre-menopausal before going into the actual menopause. There have never been a definite clue as to why some women go into this condition and others do not. There may be a possibility that an outside factor influenced the degradation of a woman's reproductive function that causes it to show signs of menopausal at an early age.

One signal of this condition is the fluctuation of a woman's menstrual cycle. It may just be a simple spotting at first but may increase to serious bleeding issues that might lead to complications or hide a much greater risk to their bodies.

Another indication of pre-menopausal is the physical and emotional changes in a specific individual. Hair loss and skin dryness are just two of the basic signs that marks the start of the pre-menopausal cycle before reaching the actual menopausal stage.

Hormonal imbalance due to the decline in estrogen production in the human body might cause negative emotions to appear -- such as sadness anxiety, irritability, unreasonable anger, and depression. Other symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, sleeping problems, decreased libido, and so on.

Factors Affecting Its Appearance

Medical experts today are always on the look-out for possible conditions as to why menopause happens at different timeline. Studies show that women get into this condition when they reach the age of 50 and above, but there were rare cases that females experience the onset of this natural cycle at the age of 35. Asian women are known to experience this more than those in other countries.

This condition sparked the theory that there might be environmental factors that causes women to go into this condition at an early age. Pollution, diet, stress, as well as living environment might influence its appearance. There were also observations that women who have undergone specialized treatment methods have a higher chances of induced menopausal -- such as chemotherapy, surgery, or other radioactive treatment for serious health problems.

Menoclear For Menopause Relief

Menopause can be a very frustrating and uncomfortable stage in any woman's life. It is something that many women are eager to treat to escape from nasty symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings and fatigue. The herbal medicine market recognizes this and therefore there are hundreds of possible remedies each claiming to help control side effects and bring women back to a normal, comfortable state.

MenoClear is a supplement based like many others, on the concept of using a natural herbal remedy. MenoClear contains a list of tested ingredients each used to target problems such as hot flashes. One of the main ingredients in MenoClear is Protykin. Protykin is an extract of Polygonum Cuspidatum, which is well known for its detoxifying effects on the body. Originally used in Chinese medicine this ingredient is also known to be beneficial to women in other ways such as improving cardiovascular health and reducing the effects of premature aging.

Another active ingredient in Menoclear is black cohosh. This ingredient stemming also originally from Chinese medicine is used as a replacement of estrogen, which the body lacks during menopause. Research shows that the active ingredients can help minimize hot flashes by 57% and help ease intensity by 38%. Countries all over the world use this ingredient for many different reasons but a very important reason is for regulating a healthy female reproductive system. This extract is most effective for the menopause in regards to hot flashes. Black cohosh should not be taken for a very extended period of time however so amounts taken should be monitored.

Soy Isoflavones are also found in MenoClear which is a supplement highly recommended by many herbalists. Soy isoflavones have been found to be effective for hot flashes during the menopause in term of intensity and frequency. This is wonderful news for women going through the menopause as hot flashes can be extremely uncomfortable, inconvenient, distracting and lets not forget, embarrassing if combined with excessive sweating which is common.

Other ingredients in MenoClear are thought to combine to fight the likelihood of other health issues such as breast cancer and heart disease. MenoClear must be taken regularly for women to experience the full effects. The list of powerful ingredients may dramatically reduce menopausal symptoms and their all-natural properties are healthy for the body. There is a night version of this supplement available so even sleepless nights can be targeted which is a relief for many busy women.

Herbs-Good For Menopause?

There are such serious side effects to traditional menopausal treatments that there has been a huge surge of interest in natural treatments such as herbal supplements. Herbal supplements are safer with far fewer side effects and just as effective. There are many herbs that might benefit your menopausal symptoms but we will only go over just a few of the most used herbs and how they work. How to choose the supplement with the highest quality is important for you to understand.

Herbs for Menopause

Black Cohosh works by decreasing the luteinizing hormone that is largely responsible for many of your menopausal symptoms. Its effectiveness then is from its ability to reduce the levels of this hormone. If this hormone increases, you will experience the typical symptoms such as hot flashes.

Red Clover extract is not as well known as Black Cohosh. It works because it contains isoflavones (substances similar to estrogen). The effects of red clover extract tend to differ according to the stage of menopause you might be experiencing. It is believed that the isoflavones act as weak estrogens.

Chasteberry is very popular in Europe because it contains both estrogen and progesterone-like compounds. This makes it popular for treating menopausal symptoms.
It is possible that this herb helps reduce the luteinizing hormone as does Black Cohosh.

Dong Quai has been around for centuries. It is not known if it is as effective as Black Cohosh. Dong Quai is used in the Native American cultures. It is also thought to have mild estrogenic effects.

Wild yam is supposed to be effective as estrogen replacement therapy. According to some studies that have been done on wild yam, it may help post-menopausal vaginal dryness. Wild yam may also be beneficial in treating premenstrual symptoms.

Choosing a High Quality Supplement

High quality supplements will use standardized herbal extracts. This helps to assure you that you will get the same dose from capsule to capsule and bottle to bottle. The most active ingredients are also found in standardized herbal extracts.

They are manufactured according to pharmaceutical grade standards. The ingredients are put through a lot of testing to determine each one's metabolic path at the molecular level.
The interaction of the ingredients is examined making sure that they are compatible and will benefit you.

Conclusion

Herbal supplements are safer, purer, and have nothing artificial in them. The ingredients are tested rigorously and they use only standardized herbal extracts. This helps to guarantee you that you will get quality dosage from capsule to capsule. Before use consult your doctor as some herbs may affect the prescription drugs you might be taking.

Menopause: The Emotional & Psychological Impact

Menopause, which literally means the cessation of menses, represents the stage in a woman's life when her reproductive capacity has been brought to an end. There are many hormonal changes that lead to the cessation of menses. The main cause is the drop in oestrogen.

Hormonal Changes

It has been traditionally assumed that depression and other psychological problems are a direct cause of menopause. However, recent studies have revealed that this is not necessarily true. Researchers have discovered a rise in the incidents of depression in women ranging form 35 to 43 years old, which is a lot before menopause. In most cases, menopause occurs between 49 and 51, although some women may experience it before 40.

Most hormonal changes occur during the few years before menopause, which are referred to as the perimenopausal stage. These changes may increase the production of serotonin, a chemical in the brain connected to depression. This is why mood swings are not uncommon during this period. Another hormonal change during the perimenopausal stage is the decrease in the oestrogen level.

Psychological & Emotional Impact

Oestrogen, which is linked to depression, explains why there are higher depression rates in women than in men. However, as the oestrogen level decreases before menopause, the risk of depression should also decrease.

The increased depression rate encountered during menopause suggests that it is not actually the hormonal changes, but the psychological impact associated with this stage that causes the problems. For most women, the changes in status and fertility associated with menopause affect a wide range of other aspects, such as the way they view themselves and their sexuality.

Menopause is also associated with some changes in body tissues. Breast tissues become less firm, while the genital organs become smaller. Between 50% and 75% of women experiencing menopause have hot flushes, which consist of brief body temperature rises accompanied by sweating and skin flushing. These hot flushes can cause not only physical discomfort, but also occasional social discomfort and sleeping disorders.

Attitude

While everyone agrees that dealing with all the physical changes that occur during menopause is not easy, most psychologists feel that depression during this stage is more a matter of attitude. The changes associated with menopause can be viewed from a different angle. During this stage, women can explore their creativity and social potential and expand their contribution to society. The fact that they are now freed from the fear of pregnancy gives them the opportunity to rejuvenate their sex life. Unfortunately, most women feel that the end of their fertility is the end of their sexuality too.

Psychologists state that women who have a positive attitude on the changes that happen in their body look healthier and are likely to have an increased interest in sex. In contrast, those who believe in the myth that menopause is the end of their womanhood, the start to lose their attractiveness and vitality and look older. Other studies have proved that negative attitudes on menopause also increase the unpleasant symptoms associated with it, such as hot flashes, fatigue, night sweats, sleeping disorders and aches.

The Menopausal Survival Guide

Attitude

According to one of the leading American experts on menopause, Dr. Karen Deighan "a positive attitude and a little preparation" can make a huge difference in the way women experience menopause. Targeting menopausal symptoms before they occur is essential to getting through this stage of life.

"Menopause is not a disease. It is a normal event; a passage from one stage of life to another."

Menopause is in many cases the time when women enter "the most productive and lucrative stages" of their career, fulfilling their professional aspirations. It is also the time when many children leave home - giving women the opportunity and time to focus on themselves. According to Menopause Signs, "Menopause can be a time of unprecedented self-confidence, freedom and financial liberation for women."

Also, a recent American study found that stress, a lower income and attitudes toward aging had a significant effect on the way women experienced menopausal symptoms. Having a positive outlook on life changes the way women go through menopause.

Dr. Sheryl Kingsberg, of Case Western Reserve University in Ohio, reveals that life expectancy for western women is more than 82 years of age, which means that a third of a woman's life can take place after menopause. She reminds women, "Menopause is not a disease. It is a normal event; a passage from one stage of life to another."

Avoiding menopausal weight gain

Women often struggle to maintain their weight as they grow older.

It is estimated that up to 90% of menopausal women experience some type of weight gain in the period leading up to menopause (perimenopause) as well as during menopause.

Hormonal imbalances in combination with genetic factors, stress and the loss of muscle tissue associated with aging may leave women with a few extra inches on their waistline. Also, menopausal women, especially those experiencing debilitating symptoms, are often times less likely to exercise. In addition to this, "women experience a metabolic slowdown of about 10-15 percent at midlife compared to earlier in life, making our bodies more efficient at taking in and storing fat," according to Christiane Northrup, M.D., internationally known author and speaker with an empowering approach to women's health and wellness.

The weight acquired during menopause no longer distributes itself equally, tending to settle instead in the belly area. Many women gradually gain 5 to 15 pounds during menopause and unless they adapt their diet, the weight gain may be even more prominent.

As women grow older, they can expect a change in their bodies. Although a slight weight gain can be expected (and may even ease certain menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes) excessive weight gain is problematic as it can lead to high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, and even certain types of cancer. If you are carrying many extra kilos, your menopausal symptoms may also be worse as a result.
According to the Mayo Clinic: "Gaining as little as 4.4 pounds at age 50 or later could increase the risk of breast cancer by 30 percent."

To avoid or combat this weight gain, it is important to increase the amount of exercise and to be consistent in one's exercise regime. Crash diets should be avoided at all costs during menopause as they wreak havoc on the metabolism. Women should rather take steps to alter their lifestyle and improve their health. Avoiding refined sugars and opting instead for a rich and varied lower-calorie diet is very important. However, losing too much weight can also be dangerous as it may lead to a greater risk for osteoporosis.

Eating right

A nutritious diet in combination with plenty of exercise leads to better physical and mental health during menopause. Research has shown that women in their 50's need approximately 200 fewer calories than women 10 or 20 years younger just to maintain their weight, let alone to drop a few pounds. This means women will need to change their eating habits as they will most likely not be able to eat like they used to. Controlling which foods you intake and the portion sizes, rather than calories is the most effective route. Also, do not skip meals, as this will only lead you to overeat later. It is suggested that menopausal women eat three meals a day, rather than skipping breakfast or lunch as the food eaten later in the day is more likely to be stored as fat due to the slowing down of the metabolism. Personal trainer Kristin McGee, a personal trainer who works with menopausal women in their 50's and 60's, suggests following the simple rule: "Eat like a queen in the morning, a princess at lunch, and a pauper at dinner!"

Menopausal women should enjoy a diet consisting of plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, nuts, seeds, fish, poultry and low-fat dairy products - all in small portions. "Be a grazer, not a gorger!" MedicineNet suggests.

• Whole grains

In addition to plenty of exercise, it is recommended that menopausal women eat whole grain foods, which can reduce constipation, as well as reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

Whole grains include rye and wholemeal bread, wheat cereal and oats, brown rice or wholegrain pasta, which are rich in nutrients, fibre, vitamin B, minerals and selenium. Whole grains are preferred to white rice, white bread, potatoes and pasta, which are calorie-rich but nutritionally empty.

The United States Department of Agriculture suggests "It's important to substitute the whole-grain product for the refined one, rather than adding the whole grain product." Women should look at the food label to ensure that the product names "one of the following whole-grain ingredients first on the label's ingredient list: 'brown rice,' 'bulgur,' 'graham flour,' 'oatmeal,' 'whole-grain corn,' 'whole oats,' 'whole rye,' 'whole wheat,' 'wild rice.'" However, Dr Christiane Northrup warns that even women who "have eliminated refined grains [...] may still have problems with whole wheat, whole rye, whole oat, or millet flour" due to a high carbohydrate sensitivity.

• The 'good fats'

Substituting certain types of fats and oils for others can make a huge difference to how you feel, as well as reducing cholesterol levels and improving heart health and slowing the hardening of the arteries. Dr Christiane Northrup saw her female patients "complain of sallow skin, brittle hair and nails, susceptibility to infection, inability to concentrate, and weight gain despite their rigid diets. None of these women were getting enough healthy fat."

It is suggested that women limit their intake of saturated fats, which are known to raise blood cholesterol and increase the risk of heart disease. Saturated fatty acids include butter, whole milk and cream, eggs, chocolate and red meat. The USDA suggests a limited consumption of these foods. Trans fats, contained in fried foods, crackers, cookies and snack foods also increase LDL cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease.

Monounsaturated fatty acids are preferred to saturated fats as they may lower cholesterol levels and lower the risk of coronary heart disease. Foods with a high content of these fats include avocados, nuts, olive oil and canola oils.

Omega-3 fats have been linked to reducing the severity of menopausal symptoms, especially psychological stress, mood swings and depression.

Omega-3 fatty acids could reduce the 'psychological distress' and depression associated with menopause.

Although more research is necessary, a Canadian study recently found that omega-3 fats had a positive effect on women's mental state. Omega-3 fats are contained in fish, including salmon, halibut, cod, catfish, trout, sardines, and herring, as well as in krill, shrimp and clams, green-lipped mussel, raspberries, flaxseed, walnuts, pecan nuts and hazelnuts.

• Fruits and vegetables

Menopausal women benefit from a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, as they are naturally low in fat and contain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibre. Fruits such as plums, strawberries, apples, pears, grapefruit and raspberries contain boron, a mineral that seems to increase estrogen levels in middle-aged women. Some fruits and vegetables also contain phytoestrogens, a plant form of estrogen, which may "potentially diminish some of the discomforts caused by lower estrogen levels during menopause," according to Medicine Net. More research is needed to confirm these positive effects.

Dr Christiane Northrup suggests women choose fruits and vegetables that are rich in colour as "the deep pigments in these foods contain powerful antioxidants. Go for broccoli, green leafy vegetables, berries, red, yellow and green peppers, and tomatoes, and vary your choices through the seasons, " she suggests. "Antioxidants combat cellular damage from free radicals, which are known to be a cause of chronic conditions such as heart disease, cataracts, macular degeneration, and cancer," she confirms.

Substituting high-calorie foods with fruits and vegetables can also be part of a successful weight loss strategy.

• Protein foods

Lean meat, poultry, fish, beans, peas, eggs, nuts and seeds are all high in protein and should be an integral part of a menopausal women's diet, eaten at almost every meal. Women should choose the leanest cuts of beef (and at least 90% lean ground beef), pork and skinless chicken and turkey. Some organ meats such as liver are fairly high in cholesterol, as are egg yolks. Processed meats may have a higher sodium content.

Beans, peas, lentils, soy, carob and nuts are all legumes, known as sources of plant protein, as well as nutrients like iron and zinc and dietary fibre. Beans are an excellent choice for menopausal women as they are a low-fat source of protein and they contain fibre and many vitamins and minerals. They also keep women feeling fuller for longer and contain plant-based estrogens, phytoestrogens.

Soy has been praised for its role in lowering the risks of heart disease and its positive effects on bone health. Recent studies have shown that the phytoestrogens contained in soy products such as soy milk, tofu or soy nuts may also ease problematic menopausal symptoms, especially hot flushes. According to HealthCastle Nutrition:

"In Japan, where soy foods are commonly consumed daily, women are only one-third as likely to report menopausal symptoms as in the United States or Canada. In fact, there is no word in the Japanese language for 'hot flashes.'"

"Soy products have been taken by women and promoted for relief of menopausal symptoms," according to Australian women's health expert Dr Jane Elliott. The results obtained from research studies are limited but "new research currently being undertaken is looking at a compound derived from soy," she confirms.

Nuts and seeds such as sunflower seeds, almonds and hazelnuts contain vitamin E, which women have also reported as helpful for certain menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes. Flaxseed, which contains both omega-3 fatty acids and lignans, has also shown promising results in treating menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and mood swings. According to dietician Jane Reinhardt-Martin, "Cross-cultural research shows that women whose traditional diet features a high intake of soy and flax have, on average, a milder menopausal experience."

• Dairy products

A menopausal woman's dairy intake should be composed of mainly low-fat sources. The USDA warns that cheese, cream and butter do not retain their calcium content but dairy products, as well as dark leafy greens are good sources of calcium. A range of calcium-fortified juice and soy beverages are also available. According to Menopause Matters, "During menopause an adequate daily calcium intake is especially important to help protect and maintain bone density as bone loss accelerates."

•Which foods to avoid

During menopause, it is best to limit or avoid processed foods, canned soups, salted nuts, margarine, processed baked goods or ketchup, as well as high-sugar foods. High-sugar foods include soft drinks, syrups, jams, sweetened coffee beverages, cookies, cakes, pies, pastries, frozen desserts, ice-cream and sweet yogurts and should mostly be avoided. Menopausal women are at a stage in their lives where they must be more conscientious about calorie intake than ever in order to prevent weight gain.

Drinking right

Menopausal women should be drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water a day. In addition to keeping you hydrated, drinking more water can reduce food cravings. Menopausal women can enjoy diluted fruit juices, vegetable juices, herbal teas, low fat milk and mineral water but it is best to avoid sweet sugary drinks.e

•Drinking tea

Green tea contains strong antioxidants and has anti-cancer properties. Similar claims have also been made about black tea. Although more research is still necessary, studies have shown that several cups of green tea a day could be effective in relieving hot flashes and sleep disturbance for menopausal women.

•Drinking coffee

Menopausal women should limit their intake of caffeine, which may improve their hot flushes and stabilize sleeping patterns. It has been suggested that a high caffeine intake during menopause may trigger night sweats.

•Reducing alcohol

Alcohol should be consumed in moderation amongst women undergoing menopause. Alcohol, as well as spicy foods, has been labeled as of the triggers of hot flushes. "Research indicates that menopausal women who drink excessively are at much higher risk for the common types of cancer, especially post-menopausal breast cancer, GynOb reports.

"One serving of alcohol can increase the risk of cancer by 7%. However, three servings of alcohol per day increases the risk by 51%."

Exercise and Fitness

•Staying active

Staying active is one of the most important aspects of getting through menopause. Dr Jane Elliot stresses the importance of "a healthy lifestyle, including exercise" for menopausal women.

Research has shown that women who undertake regular physical exercise enjoy better health than women who are sedentary.

•The benefits of exercise

There are numerous benefits to exercise during menopause: regular exercise can help women lose weight or prevent menopausal weight gain, strengthen bones and reduce the risk of breast cancer. In addition to this, exercise improves the function of the immune system, decreases the risk of heart disease, improves moods, may have a positive effect on depression or anxiety, regulates sleep patterns, increases self-esteem, boosts the metabolism and results in more energy and a better outlook on life.

•How much exercise is enough?

According to the Mayo Clinic, healthy menopausal women should undertake "at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity a week" as well as "strength training exercises at least twice a week." Dr Jane Elliott suggests that women do more: "At least 30 mins of exercise a day. The best exercise is the one you will keep doing regularly." Her advice is choosing an activity you enjoy. "So if you hate the gym, don't go there. For many women 30 mins brisk walk daily is a very good start."

Exercising with a friend can be a great way to keep up your fitness regime. It's fun!

•Which types of exercise

According to personal trainer Kristin McGee, it's important to work the core muscles with exercises such as the plank, especially since fat tends to settle in the belly area. McGee also suggests mixing up the types of exercises you do, such as yoga and swimming. The Women's Menopause Health Center suggests enjoying other calorie-burning day-to-day activities such as mowing your lawn, taking dance classes, or playing catch with your children or grandchildren.

A healthy lifestyle is the key to overcoming the obstacles that may arise during the menopausal transition. A recent American study explored "how and why midlife women think about health in general" and the various influences which contribute to a healthy lifestyle during menopause. It found that a majority of the menopausal women associated guilt with not making enough effort on healthy lifestyle choices such as their exercise and diet regime. It's never too late to start!

The information published in the Menopause Survival Guide is based on wide ranging research into the condition, however, our sources and the resulting content is only intended as a guide. Each woman needs to assess the available information and speak with a professional health practitioner before applying any of this content or beginning any exercise or diet program.

Hot Flash - The Fever That Creates Havoc

Hot flashes are known to be the trademark sign for menopause. During these moments blood vessels dilate reacting to a change in estrogen levels. Symptoms are an overwhelming sensation of warmth due to a rise in skin temperature. Women may also feel a strong sense of anxiety due to the extreme skin flush and reddening of the face that accompanies these hot flashes. Even a change of heart rate can occur during these menopausal moments.

In the United States approximately sixty to seventy-five percent of menopausal women are plagued by these symptoms. They can vary in frequency from hourly, once a day, to even ten times a day! Needless to say, these symptoms are quite unpleasant for women and sometimes very disabling. For instance, feeling an onrush of perspiration while turning red in the face and neck for about two minutes during an important business meeting! This is surely enough to create social and personal havoc for even the most centered professional woman. There's just no way to turn the hot flash off once it starts. It's somewhat impossible to hide the hot flash fever!

Along with the hot flashes some women experience headaches, fatigue, weight gain, dizziness and insomnia. Sleep deprivation during this stressful time can be the worst and mostly likely to exasperate an already draining situation. Most women will continue to experience hot flashes from one to seven years from the onset of menopause. Listed below are some popular remedies to treat hot flashes . . .

#1 Diet - increase intake of fruits and vegetables.

#2 Vitamin E - has been proven in clinical studies to be effective in relieving hot flashes.

#3 Vitamin C and Hesperidin - have been proven in clinical studies to be effective in relieving hot flashes.

#4 Black Cohosh -clinical studies in the United States, Australia and Germany have proven that this extract relieves hot flashes. It was also widely used by Native American Indians.

#5 Exercise - enhance endorphin output through a regular fitness program.

Endorphins definitely have a roll in hot flashes.

One thing we know, hot flashes have been around for ages. We can trace them back beyond our Native American history. So, in order to avoid them we must tune into our diets, load up on Vitamin E and C, take Black Cohosh and exercise to release endorphins. Exercise based on stretching such as Pilates or Gyrotonic® would be highly recommended at this time.

These methods performed properly in Pilates or Gyrotonic® equipment strengthen the core, back, increases range of motion, flexibility and most importantly, improves circulation. All women that are perimenopausal, menopausal or postmenopausal should become physically active today in order to free ourselves from HOT FLASH FEVER!

How to Minimize Menopause Bloating With Preventive Measures, Food and Exercise

Menopause bloating is not unusual. The uneasiness you feel in your stomach and or intestines, is due to excess gas, air, wind, flatulence, or any one of these commonly known names. Many people refer to this sensation in the stomach as feeling puffy, bloated, distended, or stuffed. The gas develops from swallowing air or from eating disagreeable foods. The hormonal changes during menopause are considered responsible for increased flatulence and discomfort. There are three (3) ways to minimize menopausal bloating. These include, preventive measures, use of food, and exercise.

Prevention of Menopause Bloating

If you are a menopausal woman who experience excess gas, you should not feel bloated everyday. If this occurs, there might be a need to consult with your doctor to see whether there are other reasons for the unpleasant feelings. In order to help prevent ordinary menopause bloating, it is important to know your body and yourself. For example, know what foods you like and the ones that like you. This might change as you become more mature and experience hormonal changes.

It is not uncommon, for example, for some women to develop excess gas from foods that were previously enjoyed. This occurs sometimes as the body adjusts to unstable hormone levels. The foods frequently include dairy products or seafood. At first, it might be difficult to understand what is causing the bloating. To help solve this problem, try eating only one type of food at each meal. Then, see whether you become bloated after eating this particular food. You can then find other food substitutes that can help you minimize feeling bloated.

Menopause Bloating and Foods

Common foods that result in extra gas and bloating for some menopausal women include: cabbage, eggs, beans, peas, dairy products - such as milk and cheese. Excess gas might also form in the stomach from eating foods high fats, high sugar foods and drinks, fizzy drinks - including sodas; and from chewing gum (especially for extended periods of time).

Menopause Bloating Relief

Women might find menopausal bloating relief with the use of various foods and beverages. For example, soy foods can be substituted for dairy products. Hot beverages, teas, soups and broths, are also helpful. Eating small frequent meals will prevent the stomach from being empty for long periods; and will relieve the sensations of feeling stuffed from digesting larger meals.

The stomach and gut have naturally occurring bacteria that aid digestion. These can be destroyed by taking too much of certain medication such as some antibiotics or strong laxatives. Discuss with your doctor before taking any medication (including over-the-counter). Further, some foods can help in replacing or growing good bacteria in the stomach, for example, Yogurt, especially those containing Probiotics. Women have also found relief from stomach gas through exercise.

Menopause Bloating Exercise

Special exercises can be fun while being helpful in relieving puffy feelings. For example, some Yoga poses, crunches, sit-ups, and stretches have been found to move the gas around and out of the body. A 5-10 minute walk, for instance, will help to move the gas around and out of the body. A deep breathing exercise: 5-10 even breaths have a calming effect, relax the body, and aids expulsion of flatulence.

This simple exercise can also help to minimize flatulence or air in stomach or intestines (if you have no personal or medical conditions that this will affect): Lay flat on stomach, face down, across your bed. Bend your knees 4-6 times. This stretches the abdominal muscles and allows the gas to escape (Consult with your doctor before doing this or any exercise).

Although menopause bloating is fairly common, it is not necessary to suffer discomfort. Moreover, you should not feel puffy everyday. Prevention of feeling bloated might not be totally avoidable. However, the feelings can be minimized when you substitute disagreeable foods for those that are less gas forming; and by trying simple exercises that can be both beneficial and fun.

Endometriosis After Hysterectomy Are Relapses Common?

Experiencing endometriosis after hysterectomy is a likely possibility, and is why treatments such as mirena may still be needed. This may come as a surprise to you, especially if you have been under the impression that a total hysterectomy (removal of the entire uterus, ovaries, and part or the entire cervix) can provide relief from the painful symptoms caused by endometriosis.

Although it does sound logical that the removal of the organs infected by endometriosis would put a stop to the disease, this, unfortunately, is not the reality for a number of women. In fact it is estimated that 10-15 percent of women with endometriosis, who undergo a hysterectomy, experience an endometriosis recurrence after 1 - 3 years following the procedure, and as many as 50 percent have a recurrence after 5 years.

How can the return of endometriosis after hysterectomy be possible? First and foremost, there is no cure for endometriosis. Secondly, it's a known fact that implants (endometrial tissue) can be found outside of the uterus and ovaries, and can occur throughout the pelvic cavity and beyond (I.E. bowels, bladder and rectum). Therefore, if implants occur in areas outside the uterus, a total hysterectomy will not remove all of the disease.

That being said, there are surgeons that will attempt to remove any implants they find in other regions aside from the reproductive organs. However, there is still a high possibility that some of the disease will be left behind, as some implants are microscopic and can go undetected.

Another problem that can cause endometriosis after hysterectomy is hormone replacement therapy. If a woman undergoes a total hysterectomy, she has lost her ovaries, and is, therefore, in full blown menopause. Although menopause can be beneficial in relieving endometriosis symptoms, because it stops the production of estrogen (the hormone that feeds the disease), the female body requires a certain level of estrogen in order to function properly.

In other words, while endometriosis may no longer be a problem, unpleasant menopause symptoms due to lack of estrogen (I.E. hot flashes, headaches, vaginal dryness, bone loss, etc.) will be. Hence, women who have undergone a total hysterectomy, and do not take hormone replacement therapy, may find relief from their endometriosis but not their menopausal symptoms, or vice versa. These women often find themselves in a no win situation.

Are their ways to treat endometriosis after hysterectomy? Yes. The following are some treatment methods you may want to consider -

- Control your diet - Find out what foods you should avoid that can trigger endometriosis symptoms or make them worse.

- Medical therapies - There are different remedies such as oral contraceptives, and the drugs Progestin and Danazol, which help to prevent the growth of endometrial tissue. You may also consider taking over-the-counter medication such as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - I.E. aspirin, ibuprofen) to help alleviate painful symptoms.

- Alternative remedies - non-drug therapies that may be useful include acupuncture, acupressure, aromatherapy, hypnosis, messages, herbal remedies, etc.

Essentially, when it comes to treatment, the best course of action you can take is to talk to your doctor about your options to find out which ones are right for you.

Finally, if you have endometriosis or know someone who does, and are thinking about having a total or partial hysterectomy, it is imperative that you explore other treatment options first. The chance of a recurrence of endometriosis after hysterectomy is high enough that it shouldn't be ignored. There is no reason to put your body through the stress of such extreme surgery, when there are other options available to you.

Menopause Relief - Get the Relief You Need Fast and Easy!

If you want to go through the change with less pain and discomfort, then you need to know how to get menopause relief fast. Every woman goes through the change and there is no stopping it, but you can make it less painful and have less hot flashes. There are ways to get the relief you want and to get through your change without as much trouble. Here are some natural menopause relief techniques to use.

First, when you feel a hot flash coming on you can put something cold on your body, which will make it a shorter hot flash and it will be less hot as well. This is a good way to lessen the effects of your hot flashes, but it is not always possible since they can actually be so intense that they wake you up. You could really get through your change better if you had something that was better for you.

Second, if you want real menopause relief you can get it from a natural menopause relief aid. There are some great ones out there and you just have to find the right one that can help you through the change. This is very important because your going to experience these symptoms for up to 10 years so you need to know how to relieve them and you cannot get anything from your doctor to help you.

Last, you can also keep your life as normal as possible to help with menopause relief. You should occupy yourself as much as possible and exercise and eating right will help as well. When you do these things and you keep a good attitude towards this change you will have less stress on yourself and you will have less hot flashes. They will also be less intense as well.

Menopause - What Does a Woman Go Through?

Menopause is a transition from being a reproductive woman to being a non-reproductive one. This is a normal process which occurs only in women and therefore is an especially woman related issue.

Menopause is not a single day activity, instead it is a process that may go on for some years and make it difficult to handle for a woman because of the amount of hormonal activity that takes place during this period of time.

Some first signs of menopause are that the periods become irregular and unpredictable, at times the flow would be very thick and quite a lot at other times the flow would reduce and hardly reduced to a trickle. This keeps the woman on the edge. Apart from this the time between periods which was normally predictable changes, now the periods could come earlier or not come for months and start suddenly after skipping a month or two.

Estrogen, the female hormone's release to is uneven, the one which was stable throughout the years now either is produced more or produced less, other related hormones too start becoming unpredictable. This leads to terrible mood swings in women, without they knowing about it. At times when things are going on all right women would experience elation, happiness, etc.

However, difference in hormone release will start making her irritable, angry, scared, depressed, sad, etc. this is the period of emotional turmoil for the woman. Since so many hormonal changes are taking place she becomes unpredictable, this is the time when she needs complete emotional and physical support from her family.

Menopause is also a time, when she starts experiencing the process of aging. There will be exhaustion, disinterest, self doubt, complete lack of confidence. Her sexual activities too will see a low and she will not really be interested in having sex.

This will be the time when women lose shine and glamour they possessed, however, after menopause, life can become the same again, though a little slower. This process lasts anywhere between 3 months to a year, however, after things have settled down, you will find life beginning to get normal only at a different level.

During menopause you should be careful about quite a lot of things, firstly, as a woman, your nutrition will need to be taken care of. During menopause, women tend to lose weight, this can also lead to malnourishment and related health problems in addition to existing ones. You can check out several pills and medicines, especially created for women going through this time, this is so that women get normal and some additional nutrition so that they can go through this tough time smoothly.

Menopause can be a testing time for some women, whereas it may go easy and unnoticed in others, whatever the reason, menopause is the time when woman is going to mature into a whole new person as interesting and charming as she ever was. Therefore, women going through menopause need to remember, this is not the end of the road, this is just a small stop in road of life.

Dealing With Post Menopause Problems

The term post-menopausal sometimes needs a little clarification. It is usually applied to women who have completed the menopause, meaning they have not had a period for over twelve months. This can be due to a natural menopause, or a surgery induced menopause. Women who are taking hormone replacement therapy are not considered to be post menopausal as they may experience symptoms of the menopause when they stop this treatment.

Common post menopausal problems can be experienced any time from the onset of the menopause onwards. After the menopause, women never really stop being post menopausal. Most of the physical and emotional problems that women encounter after the menopause are caused by decreasing hormone levels, particularly estrogen.

Conditions relating to the vagina and bladder are often experienced post menopause because these parts of the body require estrogen to remain healthy. Thinning of the tissue in these areas can cause incontinence, bladder infections, growths or polyps in the uterus, and vaginal dryness, as well as an increased risk of uterine cancer.

Other serious physical conditions linked to post menopausal women are osteoporosis and heart disease. Osteoporosis is common as women begin to lose bone density more rapidly due to reduction in estrogen. Risk of heart disease is increased due to atherosclerosis, or the hardening of their arteries.

Emotionally, post menopausal women may experience depression, fatigue due to insomnia, hot flashes and night sweats, and a reduction in self confidence and libido. Although these emotional responses can be triggered by hormonal changes, they may also be related to other factors. Reaching the menopause, and the changes happening in her body, may make a woman feel old, unattractive and worthless and these feelings can trigger depression and lack of sex drive.

So what can post menopausal women do to limit these common problems? Exercise is one crucial way to control these conditions. While we are not talking about running marathons, some exercise such as walking, gardening and light aerobics can have a wide range of benefits.

Exercise keeps bones, joints and cartilage healthy, guarding against osteoporosis as well as arthritis. It reduces the risk of heart disease by stimulating circulation, controls weight, and enhances emotional wellbeing.

Maintaining a healthy diet is another way for post menopausal women to remain problem free. They may want to think about supplements such as vitamin D and calcium to guard against osteoporosis. Not smoking may not only put off the menopause by a couple of years, it will also reduce the risk of heart disease and osteoporosis. Using progesterone creams may keep the vagina and bladder area healthier, and make intercourse more comfortable and therefore more appealing.

There are many problems associated with post menopausal women, but by exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy lifestyle they don't have to mean a huge decrease in quality of life.

Vitamins For Menopause - Three to Keep the Weight Off

Women going through menopause are at risk for becoming overweight or obese. As your hormones fluctuate, it becomes harder to redistribute fat evenly across the body, and you may start putting on weight on your abdomen. If you don't watch your diet and lifestyle, weight gain can easily lead to obesity, which can place you at risk for hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis, and cancer. The good news is that the risk for obesity and its related conditions can be reduced by good nutrition, regular exercise, and vitamins for menopause. Here are the three most important vitamins that can help you shake off those extra pounds.

1. Vitamin D

Current research shows that obesity is associated with low blood levels of vitamin D. While scientists are still trying to explain the relationship between the two, the most popular theory states that vitamin D deficiencies can interfere with the body's production of the hormone leptin. Leptin is a hormone secreted by fat cells and is needed to regulate weight. It appears that if there are low levels of leptin in the body, the brain believes that there is too little fat and sends impulses that spur you to keep on eating. Obesity itself was also found to aggravate vitamin D deficiencies because the nutrient gets deposited and trapped in body fat, unable to perform its actions.

Increasing your vitamin D consumption can be as simple as spending more time under the sun; sunlight is the best source of vitamin D, which is easily absorbed by the skin. Make sure you slather on lots of sunscreen though - too much sun exposure is the primary cause of wrinkles and other more serious health problems. Vitamin D can also be found in cod liver oil and in deep sea fatty fish like salmon. One of the easiest and safest ways to get it is through vitamin supplementation. The average dose of vitamin D is 2,000-3,000 IU for a 150-pound woman.

2. Choline

The accumulation of liver fat has been found to cause obesity and insulin insensitivities. Lowering your fat consumption is one way to stave off weight gain, but you can expedite the process by increasing your choline consumption. Choline is a vitamin B-like substance that works together with folate and inositol. Choline has been found to reverse liver damage, lower cholesterol, and even prevent certain types of cancer; without this nutrient, fats can remain trapped in the liver. Although our body produces small amounts of choline, it is important to increase your dietary consumption of this nutrient if you want to prevent weight gain. The recommended daily dosage is 450mg.

3. Inositol

Like choline, inositol is part of the vitamin B family and is good for reducing menopause symptoms in general. However, it has also been found to increase the effectiveness of choline in terms of getting rid of fat from the liver and redistributing body fat. Inositol also combines with choline to create a lipid called lecithin, which helps bind cholesterol and fat molecules to water so they can be easily excreted from the body. Cell membrane structure is also made out of lecithin. Finally, inositol improves the body's absorption of thiamin, prevents eczema, and promotes the growth of healthy-looking hair. Inositol is available in 500mg supplements, but it should be consumed with choline and other B vitamins for best results.

Natural Menopause Relief Remedies and Herbal Supplements

Menopause is sometimes termed as the opposite to menarche. The ovary is one of the key organs which are found in women and it controls all important reproductive functions. The Menopause can be said to be stoppage of the monthly menstrual cycle causing serious complication. The natural remedies are best way to cope up with the problem. Some of the early symptoms of the disease are hot flashes, weight gain ugly heads, night sweats, and mood swings. Beet root juice is one of the helpful supplements in fighting against the Menopause. The diet should be proper and healthy enough so that the person has enough reason to take that.

Minerals and vitamins should be an important part of the diet. The vitamins and calcium should be taken properly to make the diet appropriate enough. Almond oil mixed with geranium oil should be taken which can also act as a pain reliever. Liquorices can be a helpful object in reduce the menopause symptoms. It can be taken as one or two table spoon a day and helpful in lessening the menopause pain. Estrogen is an important element which can lead to several complicated situation so proper balance can be struck to maintain the specific estrogen level.

Daily 8-10 glass of water needs to be consumed to avoid the vaginal dryness. Smoking, alcohol should be totally stopped. Sunflower seeds can also increase the estrogen level in the body. Diet must comprise of green vegetables, grains, milk and cheese, fruits, sprouts. Carrot juice is a very beneficial remedy against the menopause. Some of the supplements like pantothenic acid; B6 can be taken for the best use. It is better to treat such kind of disease under the natural home remedies the medicines can cause serious side effects worsening the situation.

Late Menopause can be very dangerous and it can cause several kinds of complication in the body. Consuming just 2 grams of Indian spikenard can be helpful in reducing the menopause complications. Evening prime rose oil is also a helpful element in menopause. If nothing seems to be right a proper medical help can be beneficial as it can help you time to time. A gynecologist who has sufficient experience in this field can be consulted for better result. The menopause entirely affects the endocrine glands which causes the unbalance of the reproductive system. The change varies from one person to another depending upon the body structure. Menozac is an effective menopause relief herbal supplement used by women all around the world.

Periods & Menopause - What Happens to My Monthly Cycle When I'm in Menopause?

Usually, it is approximately five years before menopause occurs that you will notice changes to your menstrual cycle. In these peri-menopause years, a woman's ovaries will start to become less responsive causing with menopausal changes within the body. Although hormones are still actively working during peri-menopause, this is the time when your cycle will change in comparison with your younger years.

As you hit menopause, you will find that your periods become more erratic. Some months they may arrive several days early and the next surprisingly late. With all of these changes, you will be now be less fertile. Eventually the periods will become lighter until they stop completely. Sometimes this will be a gradual process and other times they will stop abruptly. Usually, the gradual tapering is the one you are more likely to experience.

Although menopause signals the end of monthly periods, women may find that as they get closer to menopause, symptoms may intensify. Stomach cramps, back pain, bloating, swollen and tender breasts, mood changes and fatigue are some of the symptoms from which you may unfortunately suffer each month.

The hormones primarily responsible are estrogen and progesterone as they have the responsibility for a woman's bleeding each month during menstruation. Estrogen and progesterone also effect our moods and emotions.

When they think they are approaching menopause and their periods are irregular, some women like to use a menstrual diary to keep track. Keeping a diary helps women to feel empowered about the changes they are experiencing. It is inconvenient and frustrating coping with irregular periods as menopause approaches, but being organised will make things that little bit easier.

Natural Relief for PMS - Herbal Supplements and Natural Relief for PMS

Symptoms of PMS such as fatigue, being irritable, craving certain foods, and anxiety/depression to name just a few, can be treated with medications, many of which have accompanying side effects. Some of these side effects can be very serious.
In an effort to avoid the potential side effects of many prescriptive treatments, many women are seeking out natural relief for their PMS symptoms.

Herbal supplementation for many conditions including PMS can benefit from herbal supplements. There are ways to help ensure you are getting one of the highest quality supplements. There are a few specific herbs that benefit premenstrual symptoms and even some menopausal symptoms.

Finding High Quality Supplements

Natural supplements are not standardized by the FDA. This means manufacturers can pretty much put almost anything they want in their supplements. It has been discovered and has been well documented in the media, that some companies list ingredients on their product labels that are not in the supplement. Sometimes, the percentage of active ingredients is misstated and the content may be far less or greater than the label states.
Too much could trigger side effects while too little will render the supplement virtually useless to you.

Check out various companies. The supplement, in order to give you maximum benefits, should only contain standardized herbal extracts. This helps to guarantee that you are getting the same amount of ingredients from capsule to capsule. High quality supplements will be made to meet pharmaceutical grade standards and the ingredients' metabolic pathways examined at the molecular level. The interaction of the ingredients should be examined as well. This helps to guarantee quality, safety, and efficacy of the supplements.

Herbs for Natural Relief for PMS

There are a group of herbs that together effectively treat PMS symptoms. Some of the most common herbs that can be used in supplements for PMS and menopause as well are listed and described below.

Black Cohosh - decreases the level of the hormone called the luteinizing hormone. This hormone is maybe what triggers the symptoms that are common in both PMS and menopause. Red Clover Extract contains isoflavones. They are very similar to estrogen. It's effect can vary according to the phase they may be in. Chasteberry is popular in Europe. It has both estrogen and progesterone like compounds. It may also help to stabilize the luteinizing hormone in a similar way as Black Cohosh. Dong quai has been in use for centuries. It is also used in Native American culture and it is believed that it has mild estrogenic effects. Wild Yam is believed to be a natural estrogen replacement. It may benefit PMS and Post-menopausal vaginal dryness.

Conclusion

Natural relief for PMS, particularly herbal supplements are becoming more popular as many women strongly desire to avoid some of the associated serious side effects of prescriptive medications and treatments. For consistent quality from capsule to capsule and bottle to bottle, the herbs used in the supplement should only be standardized herbal extracts. Rigorous testing will have been done on the ingredients. This helps to give you the maximum benefit of the supplements. You can check out various companies or ask your pharmacist for help in choosing the right supplement for your needs.

Natural Bioidentical Hormone Replacement for Women - Alleviates Menopause Symptoms

Hormone imbalances are a source of distress and can have a significant impact on health, weight, wellbeing and how people age. Hormones decline in both the sexes and many people find it quite difficult to deal with the symptoms of aging and hormone imbalances. They look for anti aging solutions that may or may not be appropriate.

Women who seek various anti aging solutions such as herbs, supplements and medicine for sleep, anxiety, depression and weight as well as, beauty treatments such as Botox, peels, laser therapy and herbs may not be addressing the root cause of the symptoms. While there is no magic bullet, there is hope and help.

For many women the symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, loss of hair, weight gain, loss of libido and self esteem are common and can interfere with sleep, memory, productivity and wellbeing. Natural hormone replacement helps alleviate these symptoms by addressing the root cause.

Natural hormones are also known as bioidentical hormones. That means they have the exact same chemical structure as the hormones made in your body. These differ from synthetic hormones made that have similar and different effects. Bioidentical estrogen is available in pills, patches and gels approved by the FDA and manufactured by major pharmaceutical companies. Bioidentical progesterone is available in capsules or vaginal gels. Both can also be compounded into creams, capsules or other forms by compounding pharmacists.

All of your hormones are interrelated and can be affected by diet, stress, exercise, sleep and lifestyle. It may be beneficial to consider an evaluation by a physician who understands functional, anti aging medicine and has experience with natural, bioidentcal hormone replacement therapy as well as the effects of lifestyle and genetics on aging and hormone balance. Having a thorough evaluation and measuring hormone levels is a more holistic approach to aging well.

Reasons to be Evaluated For Hormonal Replacement

1. Symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and lack of libido. Natural hormone replacement therapy can alleviate these symptoms.

2. Menopausal women may also experience lesser-known symptoms such as anxiety, depression, insomnia and loss of self esteem which can have a profound effect on the quality of life. Many are prescribed anti-anxiety and anti-depressants as well as sleep medication. It is worthwhile to measure hormone levels and replace hormones that are low which may contribute to these symptoms.

3. Conditions such as osteoporosis, weight gain, high cholesterol and memory can be improved with natural bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.

Most people experience significant improvements in a matter of weeks and treatment is covered by most insurance plans. Experience the benefits of sound sleep, relief from hot flashes and night sweats and renewed energy, confidence and libido.

Vaginal Dryness - Symptoms, Causes And Natural Remedies

When a woman reaches menopause there are a lot of changes that take place in her genital area. A lot of women have reported that they experienced vaginal dryness, itching, urinary discomfort and a very painful sexual intercourse when going through the phase of menopause. The good news is that these days all of the above conditions can be easily treated through herbal lubrication remedies, hormone replacement therapy and others. In this article we are going to discuss in detail about some of these problems and find out some of the effective remedial measures which should provide you with immediate relief.

What Is Vaginal Atrophy?
In a woman there are glands located near the neck of the womb which are responsible for lubrication and fluid production helping in keeping skin and tissue around the vagina moist, tight and supple in nature. The production of these fluids is directly dependent on the levels of estrogen in the body; during menopause there is generally a decrease in the production of estrogen which leads to problems like Vaginal Atrophy or dryness in the vagina which can further lead to itching and burning as well.

Does Vaginal Dryness Affect All Women
This condition does affect a large majority of women but not all of them. As we are well aware every individual is unique so some women will experience less discomfort during menopause while others might find it hard to cope with it.

Remedial Measures To Treat Vaginal Dryness
As we discussed earlier in the article these days there are lot of things a woman can do to live a normal life even during menopause. Here is a small list of things you can do to keep your sex life normal at any stage in life.

1. Water Intake
There have been reports which state clearly that women who do not drink enough water will have a dehydrated body which can further aggravate problems in the vaginal area. Hence it is advised to drink enough quantity of water to help the body in keeping the vaginal walls moist and reduce chances of infections.

2. Eat Healthy Food
There are some foods which are rich in estrogen content like carrots. Such foods should be taken regularly to provide the body with required estrogen levels.

3. Natural Lubrication Creams
There are natural lubrication creams made from herbs which can provide comfort to their vaginal dryness, itching and burning problem as well as prevent and treat any type of vaginal infections.

4. Maintain A Healthy Lifestyle
Exercise regularly, eat healthy and keep a special watch on your hygiene and you would certainly be able to lead a normal life even before during and after menopause.

Perimenopause Treatment - Beware of HRT

It might be tempting to get a quick fix for hot flashes, but consider a different perimenopause treatment besides hormone replacement therapy (HRT). HRT may be inexpensive and easy, but its long-term risks outweigh the benefits - not to mention that it will likely further aggravate the symptoms of menopause! This outcome occurs because HRT causes estrogen dominance, a condition where there is far more estrogen than progesterone in the body. On the other hand, products that are natural for menopause-related symptoms will provide relief from your symptoms without causing estrogen dominance.

How is estrogen dominance related to traditional perimenopause treatments?
Estrogen dominance was a term coined by Dr. John Lee, the first doctor who published shocking findings on the dangers of HRT. His research was premised on the fact that a woman can experience serious health problems if she has normal or excessive estrogen, but little or no progesterone to balance out estrogen's effects on the body. Progesterone inhibits estrogen's effects on the body, e.g. when estrogen increases fat accumulation and weight gain, progesterone burns fat for energy. For these reasons, Dr. Lee suggested that giving progesterone supplements would benefit menopausal women more than estrogen-only HRT. However, his work was shunned by the medical community despite mounting evidence against HRT and the damage it causes. It's easy to see why - when Dr. Lee's research first came out in the 1980s, everyone was still caught up in the hype of estrogen HRT pushed by pharmaceutical companies.

Despite what you might be led to believe, HRT promotes unopposed estrogen. Women these days are very susceptible to becoming estrogen dominant, even when they are menopausal. The beauty products and cosmetics we use are laden with xenoestrogenic preservatives - manmade chemicals that behave like estrogen when they enter the body. Cows and chickens are also fed estrogen so they can grow and fatten up faster. On the other hand, we aren't exposed to the same levels of progesterone. Taking HRT will only skew the balance of estrogen and progesterone, causing estrogen dominance and increasing the risks of various health problems.

Risks of estrogen dominance caused by medications for perimenopause
Below are just some of the risks faced by menopausal women when they take HRT.

Increased menopause symptoms
While restoring your estrogen levels might reduce hot flashes initially, it may also cause increased weight gain, poor sleep patterns, headache, anxiety, and depression if left unopposed.

Fibrocystic breasts and breast cancer
Researchers from Harvard University discovered that the longer your exposure to estrogens, the greater your risk of fibrocystic breasts (breast cysts) and breast cancer. In their Nurses' Health Study, a study that tracked the health of 70,000 women for almost 20 years, they discovered that menopausal women who used estrogen had a 30% increased risk for breast cancer than women who didn't take HRT. The risk for breast cancer was 40% more among women who took estrogen and progestin (a manmade progesterone). Those who were taking HRT for over five years had an elevated risk that increased with their age. The Nurses' Health Study supports early evidence that HRT plays a significant role in the onset of breast cancer, even if progestin is added to balance out the estrogen.

Blood clots
Studies show that an increased risk of blood clots among menopausal women is triggered by two things: cigarette smoking and the use of synthetic estrogens.

Gallstones and liver problems
If you have a liver disorder, then you should definitely avoid HRT; estrogen affects the function of the liver enzymes. Research shows that women taking HRT have twice the risk of developing gallstones that require surgical removal.

Uterine cancer
Four to eight out of every one thousand menopausal women will develop uterine cancer because of HRT. Although the risk of uterine cancer is decreased when progestin is added, research shows that progestin will place you at risk for breast cancer. Other risk factors like cigarette smoking, a family history of uterine cancer, and abnormal uterine bleeding will also increase the likelihood of HRT-related uterine cancer despite the presence of progestin.
Unlike the symptoms of menopause, which are temporary, the side effects of HRT may last a lifetime. Avoid these risks and consider making lifestyle changes or using natural progesterone or phytoestrogens (plant estrogens) for perimenopause and menopause relief.