How Menopause Can Effect Your Appetite

Menopause is a condition that all women face. It is a normal part of nature's cycle and is something that is inescapable. Most women experience menopause between the ages of 45 and 55. The ovaries stop producing eggs and estrogen and progesterone production is decreased dramatically. It is important to remember that you are not alone.

Every woman, to some extent, will experience what you are going through. True, not everyone has the same level of severity when it comes to menopause and there are a variety of symptoms involved. Besides the common symptoms of hot flashes, anger, depression, foggy thinking - a woman's body is going through so many rapid changes that nearly every system is affected in some way.

One of the common, but little known, symptoms of menopause is change in appetite. This change in appetite can work in two ways. Women can push food away and lose the desire to eat properly or they can experience a dramatic increase in appetite. Both situations can be potentially unhealthy. Fortunately, there are ways to cope with appetite changes due to menopause.

Menopause is essentially a change in a your chemical composition. It is a completely natural process. Researchers have proven that in addition to many of the symptoms previously mentioned, many women experience dramatic changes in appetite. Most commonly, women experiencing menopause experience a gain in appetite. This can lead to unhealthy eating practices and weight gain.

To cope with appetite changes you must be proactive: as with anything else, waiting around for something to get better means not a lot is likely to happen, meanwhile the pounds creep ever upwards. The bodily changes that occur during menopause do not allow your body to burn calories at the rate it used to. This means you have to make up for not only an increase in appetite, but a sluggish metabolism!

So, how can you overcome this? The answers may seem simple on the outset, but the struggle to maintain your weight is not easy. First, it is important to increase your activity level. Weight and resistance training are good bets to improve your health and metabolic functioning. As women age there is a natural decrease in activity - this is true for men as well. However, women experiencing menopause have to fight a more uphill battle.

In addition to exercise, nutrition is an important consideration. Eat healthy meals, lots of fruit and foods high in fiber. Monitor intake of high-fat foods and try to stay away from fast food and fried foods. Start each meal being conscious of keeping portion size down to a minimum - your body most likely does not need everything on the plate. Fill up on healthy, low in saturated fats foods before considering higher calorie options.

Although it does happen, it is less common for women going through the menopause to experience a reduction in appetite. While on the surface this may seem like a great way to shed a few pounds, it can lead to a lack of proper nutrition.

Should you find your appetite has diminished, make sure that you take vitamins and minerals that will allow you to keep your body functioning as well as it can. Menopause wreaks havoc on your body, so you have to counterbalance what is happening. Try to have a few small meals or healthy snacks throughout the day. If sitting down for a big meal isn't working for you, this may be the way to go!

Menopause and appetite go hand in hand. It is important for you to recognize that you are going through a natural process that only seems unnatural. Take the proper steps to control your appetite consciously and you will be better able to cope with whatever the menopause throws at you.

Stop Menopausal Hot Flashes Now, Without the Use of Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hot flashes or flushes are described as a sudden feeling of warmth or heat within the body and often with associated sweating. A hot flash can be an intense feeling of heat usually in the upper half of the body but can be experienced in the lower half as well.

The exact cause of hot flashes isn't known but they do know that factors affecting the regulatory area of the brain, the hypothalamus, regulates body temperature. When the brain senses an increase in body temperature it will release chemicals which cause the blood vessels in the skin to dilate in an attempt to release the heat. It is said that estrogen and testosterone allow the body to tolerate changes in core body temperature, therefore, as these hormones decrease in peri-menopause and menopause so does your body's ability to tolerate increased heat.

In my opinion this is only part of the problem. I believe it is more of an imbalance in the hormone family than just a decrease in estrogen and testosterone. In some women, when estrogen is balanced with progesterone, hot flashes decrease or stop altogether. Knowing what is out of balance will help you determine why you have hot flashes in the first place. Hot flashes are not normal, they are one of your body's very intelligent ways of communicating a larger problem.

Lifestyle, stress and dietary habits play a huge role in the occurrence and frequency of hot flashes and night sweats. Known hot flash triggers are:

Caffeine

Physical, Emotional & Dietary Stress

Alcohol

Nicotine

Over the Counter Medications

Prescribed Medications

Obesity

Spices

Physical Inactivity

Heat

Know what your triggers are and attempt to avoid them as much as possible. Avoid closed, hot rooms and lower the temperature in your surroundings. Dress in layers and do not wear synthetic clothing as they trap the sweat. Cotton clothing allows your skin to breath. Increase your exercise routine to 30 minutes per day and get sound, quality sleep. Decreasing stress is a no-brainer but not so easy to do. Practice stress reducing techniques and mindfulness. Absolutely avoid processed foods including; boxed and canned goods, fast foods, enriched breads, sugars, sodas, etc. These non-foods put undue stress on your digestive system and ultimately your endocrine system (hormones).

So what's the problem with (HRT) Hormone Replacement Therapy? Most of us have heard the stories, read the articles and have seen the warnings. The possible side-effects of HRT are just a bit too scary for me. Breast and/or uterine cancer, heart disease, blood clots, and stroke being the most prominent. Unfortunately, some of you have even experienced one of these yourself. And, watch out ladies, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy can be dangerous as well. Natural progesterone cream is sold over the counter and being used without knowing one's hormone levels. Hormone creams and gels must be used very carefully and monitored closely with appropriate testing. One of the many problems with using the transdermal creams and gels is that they are absorbed into the subcutaneous fat tissue where they build up and can eventually saturate the tissue and over time start to spill back into the system creating an overdose of the 'free fraction' of the hormone in the body. At this point your cells will down-regulate (not accept) the hormone and you will once again have the symptoms of deficiency while you actually have too much of the hormone in your system. Routine (serum bound) blood tests cannot accurately monitor the use of transdermal creams and gels. Testing must be performed in the free state, otherwise a person will be profoundly overdosed with 'free' hormone levels by the time the blood tests detect any significant changes. I have witnessed many a website advising the use of creams and gels without regard to the individual's symptoms, history or tested levels. This is totally irresponsible and a major problem for women looking for an end to the sometimes debilitating symptoms of menopause. When administering a hormone in a 'free' form you must test for and monitor the hormone in a 'free' form (saliva or serum free). Since hormones are interactive, the problem doesn't end here. Depending on the hormone being overdosed, multiple other imbalances will stream into the system. Hormones given in amounts that exceed normal physiologic needs will cause receptor cell down-regulation (the cells will not accept the hormone once the liver can no longer clear the excessive levels). In addition, Brain, HP (hypothalamus/pituitary) dysregulation is created and atrophy of the gland as well.

DHEA is also sold over the counter. You can literally go into a health food store and buy a bottle of 25 mg capsules of DHEA. Women should not take DHEA unless absolutely necessary. Women are especially sensitive to DHEA and will not tolerate DHEA if not needed, or if given in too large of an amount. In fact, the majority of men do not need 25 mg DHEA daily. What's the big deal? DHEA can boost estrogen levels or testosterone levels and for women that could mean facial hair, deeper voice, not to mention dys-regulating the steroid hormone family even more. Hormones are very powerful messengers in very tiny amounts. Start playing with the numbers and you could be creating some very serious health problems for yourself. This goes for the men as well. For men, when taking DHEA in higher than needed amounts it will convert to Estrogen.

OK, now that I've gone on and on what are some of the solutions? Medically, I've seen recommendations for prescription drugs such as Effexor, an anti-depressant which has been successful in relieving hot flashes in low doses. The two problems I see here is that #1, it is not solving the problem and #2, there are side-effects to every medication known. You're putting a band-aid on the problem and worse than that you will, in all probability, have a known or unknown side effect from the medication. They are now performing clinical trials on the drug Menerba. From what I can gather it is a plant based drug with 10 or 20 herbs, licorice being the major player. Hmmm, maybe I'll just try some licorice?

Let's look at some of the herbs that may be of value here:

Tribulus -

Indicated for hormonal support. Tribulus is known to boost male and female fertility and libido, enhance athletic performance, stamina and endurance, restore and build vitality, relieve menopausal symptoms and is helpful in male menopause.

Black Cohosh -

Is specific for menopausal symptoms such as reproductive problems, especially when accompanied by pain: amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, uterine pain, ovulatory pain, post-partum pain, testicular and prostatic pain, and menopausal symptomotology such as anxiety, depression and insomnia. It is mildly useful for hot flashes and is more effective when used with Chaste Tree, Motherwort, Licorice, and Dang Gui. Black Cohosh is contraindicated in pregnancy & low blood pressure.

Sarsaparilla -

This herb is getting a lot off attention for its' role in decreasing hot flashes. Although a cooling herb Sarsaparilla is more specific for inflammatory conditions of the skin, connective tissue, and bowels. That being said, it does clear blood heat and is used with other herbs to reducef hot flashes.

Red Clover -

The isolated isoflavones are being used to treat menopausal symptoms. Since it is a cooling herb it can help reduce hot flashes.

Licorice - Contains isoflavones and is used for menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. More effective when used with Chastetree, Black Cohosh, Motherwort, and Sage. High doses of Licorice is contraindicated in people with high blood pressure.

Soy - I'm going to be very opinionated here. I don't believe soy is meant for human consumption, there is a tremendous amount of controversy about the efficacy of soy and about the fact that is does not digest in the human body. BTW, soy is not an herb.

Wild Yam - What can I say, some experts swear by it and others say that is has no real benefit for menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes.

When using herbs be sure to purchase your herbs from a known and reputable source. Do a bit of research to be sure the herb is not contraindicated with any medications and/or physical challenges you may have.

No matter how long you have been suffering with hot flashes and/or other symptoms of peri-menopause and menopause, it's not too late to stop hot flashes now. The good news is - You can begin by knowing your triggers and avoiding them. Eat a healthy well balanced diet. Find a qualified herbalist or hormone specialist and discover your hormonal levels so that you can begin the balancing act for a healthier and happier you.

Using Herbs Can Help You Lose Weight During Menopause

Herbs for weight loss are a common subject of discussion among women who are going through menopause. Weight gain is a real issue for many menopausal women. Changes in hormone levels can decrease energy, increase appetite, and contribute to water retention, all of which can lead to excess weight, particularly centered around the mid-section.

There are many different potential methods for addressing this weight gain, among them herbs for menopause. Which herbs are most effective is a matter of some debate, but there are a few that are generally believed to counter the symptoms of menopause and could be a positive factor in losing weight. As with any treatment plan, you should always consult with your doctor before taking herbs or herbal supplements.

Among the herbs for weight loss most often mentioned are dandelion, chasteberry, black currant and black cohosh. All of these herbs have been used for years to ease a variety of symptoms related to menopause and each can also be beneficial when it comes to losing weight. They should be taken in moderation and you should pay heed to the potential side effects they may cause.

Dandelion is a well-known and documented diuretic. Women in Europe have used it for generations to treat urinary tract infections. It is also among the many herbs for menopause weight loss because it helps to control water weight gain without flushing important nutrients from the system at the same time. Some people have experienced allergic reactions to dandelion, so some caution should be applied.

Since hormone imbalance is such a central part of menopause, the chasteberry is one of the most important herbs for weight loss as it directly affects hormone production. Chasteberry stimulates the production of progesterone, which can help to balance out the lack of estrogen during menopause. By balancing hormone levels, you can improve appetite and increase energy, all of which may make it easier to stick to a weight loss regimen.

As one of many herbs for menopause treatment, black currant is effective on two separate counts. Not only can it help regulate water weight gain, it also contains Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids, which are central to hormone production. By ensuring that you are getting the proper amount of these vital nutrients, you can help to ease side effects of hormone imbalance that lead to weight gain.

Black cohosh has been one of the more controversial herbs for weight loss, but it is proven to combat some of the symptoms of menopause that lead to weight gain. Things like depression, mood swings and fatigue may be alleviated by taking black cohosh, and easing these symptoms can lead to increased energy and a lessened tendency to overeat.

Of course, herbs to do not provide a cure-all for any problem, including losing weight. The best method for losing weight at any stage of your life remains eating a balanced diet and exercising. But during menopause, when it can be difficult for women to deal with the effects of hormonal changes, having a little natural boost may be just what the doctor ordered.

How to Find Menopause Relief

When women begin to look for menopause relief, they can do a number of things that should make them feel better. If they have just begun to go through their midlife transformation, then they may be unaware of some of the more subtle symptoms. By reading up on the process and consulting with a certified doctor, they should be able to get back on track with their lives. Picking up a few books at the local bookstore might also serve an excellent purpose. Armed with knowledge of what to expect, they can educate others in their family about the symptoms that may arise.

Because depression and anxiety often accompany the end of the fertile years, women would do well to combat these conditions by eating right and exercising regularly. Because insomnia may accompany the depression, they should stick to a regular schedule as much as possible. By going to bed at the same time each night in a temperature-controlled room, they should sleep better. Doctors might also prescribe medication that will gently lull the body to sleep without too many side effects.

Hot flashes, of course, are often associated with menopause. Medical specialists recommend that women who experience these flashes retreat to a cooler room and rest for a bit. If they feel that their internal body temperature is swinging rather wildly from one extreme to another, they can ask their physician for additional help. Fatigue may often accompany the hot flashes, and women may in fact require some support from their significant others or children. If these loved ones can help run a few errands and cook a few meals from time to time, much appreciation will be given.

Some physicians advise their patients that they may experience physical pain from time to time. This pain can manifest in a number of ways. For example, headaches and dull bodily pains are surprisingly common. Some women may experience painful menstrual cramps, but these can be relieved somewhat through various kinds of medication. Particular doctors may even stress the importance of staying as hydrated as possible throughout the day. Proper water consumption can assist with many of the problems described here.

Ultimately, though many of the issues associated with menopause are physical, women should always ask their loved ones to support them as they go through the process. When they are feeling unwell or are otherwise having a bit of a down day, others can pick up the slack. Soon, they'll be off into the next wonderful stage of their lives without as much as a hitch.
The information contained in this article is provided for informational purposes only and is not, nor is it ever intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice or professional recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician(s) or other qualified healthcare provider(s).

Massage for Menopause

Menopause is a natural passage in a woman's life that sometimes calls for extra self-nurturing. Massage for menopause can give a woman time and space to relax, increase blood circulation and lymphatic flow, reduce pain, and encourage a positive body image.

Understanding Menopause

The medical definition of menopause is that a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 months. The time leading up to menopause is called perimenopause and most often starts when a woman is in her forties, although some women begin to experience changes as early as the mid-thirties. These changes are the result of fluctuating hormones, primarily estrogen and progesterone. By the time a woman reaches actual menopause, her body has almost completely stopped producing progesterone and greatly decreased the production of estrogen.

Some women go through perimenopause with few concerns, while other women experience a wide range of either minor or severe menopause symptoms, including:

• Headaches


• Hot flashes and night sweats


• Irregular periods


• Memory lapses


• Mood swings


• Muscle tension


• Sleep disturbances


• Vaginal dryness, which can cause painful intercourse.

How Massage for Menopause Helps

For some women, approaching menopause brings anxiety, irritability, and fatigue. One of the greatest benefits of massage is relaxation, a chance to let go of tension and concerns.

Because many women feel stress about their changing bodies, massage is also an opportunity to get back in touch with their bodies and cultivate a positive body image. Reducing the feeling of stress can also reduce the severity of some menopause symptoms.

Another benefit of massage is improved circulation and lymphatic flow, which can help relieve headaches, leg cramps, muscle and joint pain, and muscle tension. Lower back and abdomen massage can be particularly helpful for relaxing tension and simulating circulation around the reproductive organs.

What Type of Massage for Menopause?

Each woman experiences menopause in a unique way and has individual needs. Choosing a type of massage means taking these needs into account. For example:

• Swedish massage is great for relaxation and circulation.


• Aromatherapy massage with a relaxing essential oil such as lavender is also an option. Another choice is clary sage essential oil, which may help promote hormone balance.


• Deep tissue massage may work best for a woman who has a lot of tension or pain. Or if a woman doesn't want a deep massage, myofascial release is also an option.


• Energy work, such as reiki or polarity therapy, may be the best choice for a woman who is feeling particularly sensitive or vulnerable.


• Lymphatic drainage massage can be a good choice if a woman is feeling bloated or has swollen joints.


• Acupressure, shiatsu, or reflexology from a properly trained practitioner may help balance hormones.

The most important thing for a woman to remember is to choose a massage therapist who listens to her and adjusts the massage to fit her needs, which can easily change from one massage session to the next.

Finding a Massage Therapist

Look for a properly trained and qualified massage therapist. If you live in a location where massage therapists are licensed, make sure the person is licensed. A competent massage therapist will ask questions about why you want a massage and about your physical condition, medical history, lifestyle, and stress and pain levels.

Perimenopause Symptoms - Natural Remedies For Hot Flashes

A staggering 88% of American women suffering from perimenopause symptoms are more or less tormented by hot flashes. Hot flashes are not life threatening. They just make your life miserable. Suddenly, you're hot and uncomfortable. You can have a soaker or merely a moist upper lip. Night sweats disrupt your sleep which can cause poor concentration, memory problems, irritability and exhaustion during the day. The frequency, duration, and intensity vary widely from woman to woman and also for individual women during the various stages of menopause.

A hot flash is a sudden, intense version of what the body normally does to cool down when it is overheated: Blood vessels near the skin dilate and you break into a sweat. But why, when a woman is sitting at her desk or driving down Main Street, does her body suddenly think it is overheated? The causes of such thermal chaos are only partly understood. Hot flashes are linked to the fluctuating hormones that cause so many perimenopause symptoms, but other factors can cause your temperature control to go out of whack.

Instead of hormone replacement therapy, look at safer, less drastic measures first because you should always begin with the least aggressive approach to treating your menopausal symptoms, and because living a healthy lifestyle makes sense regardless of what else you do.

Here are some ideas that have helped many women find relief:

• Keep a record of when hot flashes occur and what you were eating or doing, or how you were feeling at the time. Look for your "triggers." Some common triggers are: hot or spicy foods, alcohol, caffeinated drinks, cigarette smoke. Watch out for hot tubs, hot beds, hot rooms, hot weather, and hot showers. Avoid saunas. Sugar and, alas, chocolate were the biggest triggers for me.


• Many women find that stress tops the charts as a trigger. Was that hot flash at work a random hit, or were you feeling under pressure at the time? Was it a full day of pressure without a break? This is the time of life when nature forces you to slow down and take care of yourself or else everything gets worse.


• Paced breathing. Two studies found that slow, deep breathing reduced the frequency of hot flashes by 39 percent and by 44 percent.


• Dress in light layers, so you can peel off one layer after another as you get warmer. Make sure the layer beneath the jacket you wear to work is something you won't mind showing if you need to take your jacket off during a meeting. Avoid turtlenecks. Don't wear wool or synthetics, and be wary of silk. That leaves cotton, linen, rayon, and more cotton.


• Try to notice the subtle signs right before a hot flash starts. You can often stop a hot flash or lessen its intensity by drinking cold water or touching something cold like metal or window glass. If you're home, an ice pack to the back of the neck can be very effective. The trick is to catch it early, before it really gets going.


• Sip ice water to cool down your insides. Be sure to drink enough water to replace the fluids lost by sweating.


• Cooling exercise. Yoga is perfect and can also help balance your endocrine glands, reduce stress, and teach you the paced breathing exercises.


• Dietary supplements such as black cohosh, red clover, soy, and vitamin E can help control your hot flashes.

Remember that what works for one woman may not help another. If one strategy doesn't provide relief, try another and discover what works for you.

Safe Menopause Relief and Natural Progesterone Cream

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

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

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

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

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

How does natural progesterone cream work?

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

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

How do you apply it?

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

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

How long does it take to work?

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

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

Is natural progesterone cream for everyone?

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

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