Signs And Symptoms Of Menopause - Top 12 Menopause Symptoms

Are there signs and symptoms of menopause? Absolutely! It is a logical question to ask with millions of women experiencing one or more of the signs and symptoms of menopause at this very moment! The so-called 'change' will happen, but experiencing many of the symptoms of menopause as early as ages 30's or 40's is not normal.

Some of the signs listed below are subtle and may appear to have little relationship to being menopause symptoms. Here is a list of common signs and symptoms of menopause:

1 - Allergy symptoms
2 - Chronic fatigue and morning sluggishness
3 - Craving sweets, caffeine and carbohydrates with unstable blood sugar levels
4 - Depression, anxiety and mood swings
5 - Endometriosis
6 - Facial hair growth
7 - Hair loss, thinning hair
8 - Low metabolism
9 - Symptoms of low thyroid with normal T3 and T4 levels
10 - Urinary tract and yeast infections
11 - Uterine fibroids
12 - Water retention, unexplained weight gain especially in hips, waist and stomach

Menopause is not a disease, rather, menopause is a normal natural process for a woman whereby there will be a slowing and eventually a shutdown of the reproductive system. However, the problem is that many of the signs and symptoms of menopause indicate hormonal imbalance exists and there can have been damage to the body from eating poorly, stress and obesity. With the average age of menopause being about 51 in the USA, many women in the USA and industrialized countries experience one or more of these signs and symptoms of menopause many years earlier.

In the normal menstrual cycle, estrogen is the main hormone produced for the first 10-12 days following the previous menstrual flow. If ovulation occurs, the female body then produces progesterone which continues for the next 12 days or so. If there is no pregnancy, progesterone and estrogen levels both drop at around day 28 and menstruation begins. However, if there is no ovulation, progesterone will not be produced that month. This event is called an annovulatory cycle and is a typical occurrence today for women in their 30's and 40's. The result is that the woman then has an excess of estrogen and a deficiency of the vital hormone progesterone.

Many women in their 30's and 40's are actually having fewer ovulations, creating hormone imbalance and the signs and symptoms of menopause. And when ovulation ceases at menopause, progesterone levels fall to nearly zero. At the same time, estrogen is still being produced at perhaps 50% of the premenopause levels, again leading to hormone imbalance and the resulting signs and symptoms of menopause. If the woman has had a hysterectomy, surgical menopause means the woman no longer ovulates and produces progesterone.

Besides the signs and symptoms of menopause caused by missed ovulations or hysterectomy, excess estrogen is obtained every day from other sources. Examples are birth control pills, household chemicals and pesticides, foods that have been sprayed and construction materials.

How can a woman tell if the signs and symptoms of menopause are hormone imbalance related? One way is to take an online test for hormone health and related symptoms. The health test is used daily in a leading women's health clinic, it takes just a few minutes online and it's free.

Learn as much as you can about natural progesterone and estrogen supplementation and physician-recommended natural treatments for dealing with hormone imbalance and the symptoms of menopause.

Besides symptoms listed above, read more about additional menopause symptoms at http://www.safemenopausesolutions.com/menopausesymptoms.html and take the online womens hormone health test. Olinda Rola is President of InfoSearch Publishing and webmaster of http://www.safemenopausesolutions.com - a website of natural health articles for women.

Vitamins and Supplements for Menopause

Other than pregnancy, at no other time in her life does a woman need vitamin supplements more than during menopause. As hormones rage, and other stress inducers occur, menopause vitamins can help a woman keep her emotional and physical health at optimal fitness.

During this period of life, menopause vitamins help with stress control by offering higher levels of the B Complex vitamin family. Vitamin A is also increased as hormones during this time wreck havoc with both skin and hair. Other minerals are included at higher levels that have been proven to help with conditions during menopause.

Menopause supplements on the market today often include a variety of herbal extracts that help to control hot flashes, moodiness and other common symptoms of menopause. Common herbs added to menopause supplements include Black Cohosh, Ginseng, Wild Yam, Chaste Tree and others. As more studies confirm the claims of herbal therapy for menopause, other herbs will likely be included in the menopause vitamin mix.

Menopause vitamins, taken daily, can allow a woman to feel the difference in as little as two weeks, although thirty days is a more common time frame. For women, who have minor to moderate symptoms, a menopause supplement may be the only help they need to get through this exciting time of their life.

The strong demand for menopause supplements has increased rapidly since the discovery of the long lasting effects of hormone replacement therapy. For many women, menopause vitamins, with their natural ingredients, are all the help they need to get through the menopausal years.

As more women in the baby boomer generation reach this special time in their life, the demand for menopause vitamins and other menopause supplements will only increase. By choosing safe and natural menopause supplements, they can look forward to the years after menopause to be healthy and productive.

Kitty is a nutritional advisor specializing in women's health issues. For more of her writing on related subjects, please see Women's Supplements.

Moving Through Menopause

It's a rite of passage that few women look forward to--menopause. The term refers to both the cessation of one's menstrual period, and to the time of transition accompanying this event. While many women look forward to the end of feminine hygiene products, few look forward to the hormonal ups and downs that lead to night sweats, hot flashes, and emotional difficulties. Also known as the "change of life," menopause can be quick and relatively painless or it can be a many-year process.

While menopause typically occurs as a woman ages (it generally occurs between the ages of forty-five and fifty-five), it can also result from surgical procedures that remove a woman's reproductive organs and therefore creates a hormonal state of menopause. Many of the symptoms of menopause are the same. These can include spot bleeding, hot flashes, memory lapse, mood swings, anxiety and depression, and sexual problems.

In recent years, doctors have prescribed hormone replacement therapy for many women during and after menopause to reduce the risks of developing osteoporosis. The risks of osteoporosis, which is the result of bones weakening from loss of tissue, and heart disease increase after menopause. Hormone replacement therapy replaces estrogen, which is thought to help reduce the risk of disease. However, recently, hormone replacement therapy studies showed that the treatment can actually increase incidents of heart disease and breast cancer and does not help osteoporosis. Since these studies, expert opinions have remained mixed on the use of hormone replacement therapy.

Most experts agree that the best course of action is for a woman to discuss her individual situation with a doctor. A woman can discuss the risks of using or not using hormone therapy with her doctor to make the most informed decision.

In addition to hormone replacement therapy, other treatments for menopausal symptoms include naturopathic remedies, changes in diet, vitamins, and other methods to increase overall feelings of well-being. Again, each woman must decide for herself the best options and the severity of symptoms. Some women cope with certain symptoms of menopause okay, while others are less tolerable. Each individual situation is different, and even a woman's tolerance of some symptoms may vary from month to month or year to year.

For those seeking alternative treatments, consider working with a naturopathic physician or someone trained in the use of these types of treatments. Many over the counter remedies are ineffective and some may not be safe. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate nutritional supplements. Some treatments make claims that are exaggerated or unproven, and a woman considering alternative therapies needs to be aware of the ingredients in any supplements.

Generally, the better care a woman can take of her overall health, the better. Remaining physically and mentally active can help offset some of the symptoms of menopause. Eating a healthy diet, exercising, engaging in mentally stimulating activities and spending time with family and friends can make a big difference in how a woman perceives her overall quality of life. These activities can also help a woman feel younger during a time when her body is reminding her that she's not as young as she once was.

Many resources exist to help a woman deal with menopause, including the medical profession, a wide range of organizations, books, and support groups. Becoming involved with an organization or group can be useful in comparing notes and offering mutual support. Information can also provide a woman with a sense of control when her body is acting out of control. Having tools on hand to deal with the daily fluctuations of menopause can make the transition more bearable.

Menopause does not have to be a time of misery as a woman transitions from one phase of her life to another. Many menopausal women live rich, full, and exiting lives.

Menopause Hub is an information site that contains articles, a directory and other Menopause Resources. It can be found at: http://www.menopauseinfohub.com

A Guide to Male Menopause Symptoms and Controlling Male Menopause

Let's face it, if you're living with this condition, controlling male menopause is an important issue for you.

Unfortunately, it isn't given much attention at all in the media, and the existence of male menopause has even been strenuously denied for years.

Importantly, after men started to adamantly speak up about their male menopause symptoms and medicine began to take the condition more seriously, a fundamental question was asked: does male menopause have a physical cause or is male menopause psychological? Meaning: is it all in the head?

The roots of the condition should not be confused with the symptoms of the condition itself, which can definitely be either physical or psychological, as you'll discover below.

Male menopause symptoms

First let's look at the different male menopause symptoms. While the well-known ones include loss of libido and erectile dysfunction, there are many more signs that emerge when one takes a closer look.

Other physical symptoms may include:

- Hypogonadism, or low testosterone levels

- Increased risk of heart disease and heart attacks - Increased fatigue and overall loss of energy.

In addition, male menopause psychological indicators may include:

- Increased irritability

- Decreased enjoyment of life

- Mood swings - Depression

Having listed some common male menopause symptoms, how can a man suffering these go about controlling male menopause?

Sometimes it's acknowledged that the root of the problem for these symptoms is low testosterone level; in such cases, testosterone replacement therapy may be employed.

Testosterone is known for its role in muscle-building, giving us a deep voice, sex drive, aggressiveness and assertiveness, energy, and in short, is the essence of what makes a man a man.

However, testosterone is a also a key hormone in other bodily functions such as cholesterol control, the regulation of blood sugar levels, and helping to create strong healthy bones.

In fact, among the giveaway male menopause symptoms is the loss of bone and muscle tissue. For this reason, controlling male menopause symptoms is a consideration in preventing osteoporosis.

Different testosterone replacement therapies used for controlling male menopause include: testosterone injections, testosterone releasing patches, testosterone creams, and testosterone pellets inserted underneath the skin.

Testosterone injections may cause emotional swings, however, as it can be difficult to maintain an even level of testosterone in the bloodstream this way since one gets a large boost at time of injection....which then levels off and falls again prior to the next injection.

Testosterone injections can also be painful, and many men prefer one of the other methods for controlling male menopause symptoms. In any event, speak with your doctor about the best course of action.

Although male menopause can occur as early in a man's life as his thirties, it most commonly occurs in the ages between 40 and 55. By the age of 55 the amount of testosterone in the bloodstream has declined in significant amounts compared to the age of 45. By the time a man enters his eighties, he possesses the same level as a pre-teen boy.

The reason male menopause symptoms are not as dramatic as women's menopause -- and perhaps why the existence of the condition was denied for years -- is that a woman's primary sexual hormone, estrogen, drops drastically with time whereas the male hormone testosterone drops gradually over time.

Whether you suffer from emotional symptoms -- irritability, mood swings, depression, or physical symptoms such as low libido, lack of energy -- controlling male menopause symptoms is important for being able to enjoy life fully again.

Although you may feel adamant that you have male menopause, don't attempt self-diagnosis; talking to your doctor about it will lead to you being a better informed individual with respect to controlling male menopause symptoms.

Learn about male menopause symptoms and discover how to naturally increase testosterone levels at http://www.testosterone-booster-guide.com

Proper Food Helps Against Menopause Symptoms

When women experience symptoms, they can ask their physician about hormone treatment. However, hormone treatment can cause more problems than solve them. A woman can however reduce the symptoms of menopause by simply adjusting one?s diet and taking certain minerals and vitamins. Here are some of the food and vitamins and minerals that could help.

For women entering menopause, they should learn how to control or limit eating saturated fats. This is because fats such as those found in commercial beef, chicken, and pork can decrease the ability of the body to produce estrogen. Women who are entering menopause also possess greater risk of heart attack.

Not all fats are bad. There are fats that are needed for good health because it is the building blocks of fats called the fatty acids. The production of hormones also relies in two fatty acids namely omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. These two fatty acids are not capable to be produced by the body.

Fish oil has lots of omega 3 acids that can help a woman suffering from the symptoms of menopause. It has been known to reduce depression, reduce risk of breast cancer and reduce cholesterol.

One source that has great amounts of omega 3 and 6 acids is the flaxseed oils. It can be taken either by tablespoon or capsules. The oils can also be used as substitute on salad dressings or even mixed with yogurt.

It is also important to limit one?s intake of carbohydrates. It does not only control your weight and also helps relive depression and mood swings. Instead of eating something sweet or fatty when you are depressed, try to control that urge.

Depression and mood swings as found out by clinical research is commonly associated with low blood sugar. Sugar is the source of energy of our body, so when the blood sugars drop, the brain becomes more agitated. This makes us the people crave more sweets like cookies, cakes and ice creams.

However, the amount of sugar our body really needs is really minimal. When the blood sugar becomes more than the body needs, the pancreas will produce more insulin that turns blood sugar to body fat. When the blood sugar rapidly increases insulin production will surge and the blood storage will turn quickly into fat. This will then lead to a person dropping energy levels.

Watch the type of carbohydrate you eat.

Try to balance your diet and the symptoms of menopause you feel will greatly be reduced. Aside from greatly reducing symptoms of menopause, you?ll also be living a healthier lifestyle.

These sites about menopause symptoms and good health are both dedicated to help you find the best information available about menopause and other health issues.

Menopause Problems? Do Something About It!

There's a lot of talk about hormone replacement therapy and their alternatives, but here's something you can do about menopausal problems such as hot flashes that doesn't involve popping pills of any kind and could be just as effective at easing symptoms.

Rest and Relaxation
Rest and relaxation play a vital role in reducing stress and maintaining proper body functioning. One of the most luxurious ways to relax is with a massage. And while you are being massaged, you can relax even more in the knowledge that you are reaping many other benefits like improved circulation, better muscle tone and more efficient elimination of body toxins and wastes ? it?s a buzz that?s really good for you on many levels.

Meditation
Meditation can help relax and calm the mind to help you find inner peace and contentment ? a vital link to appreciating the changes in life. There are many forms of meditation available through, meditation centres, yoga centres and counsellors. Something to suit everyone.

Exercise
There are few things that you can do to get the wide reaching effects of exercise! Apart from weight control, exercise stimulates your internal organs to function better, improves muscle tone, keeps your heart healthy, helps build strong bones, improves the immune system and metabolism, reduces stress, helps you sleep and relax and keeps you supple. How you choose to do it is up to you, here are some suggestions:

- Yoga: Not enough can be said about yoga. It?s benefits are not only physical but emotional and spiritual. Join a class and find out how to do it properly.

- Tai Chi: Gentle and effective. Good for people who are not normally active.

- Walking: Easiest thing to do. Join a walking group or find a friend and explore the neighbourhood. Make sure to balance you walk on concrete to build bones and softer surfaces like grass to avoid injury to knees and improve muscle tone.

- Swimming: Non-impacting and works the whole body. Provides aerobic benefits which help your heart.

- Personal Trainer: Invest in your future by getting a personally tailored program that works for you.

- Gymnasium: If you want the benefits of state of the art equipment and guidance by professionals, a gymnasium may be for you. Find a gym that suits your needs & budget.

The Natural Health Directory provides health solutions and alternative medicine resources for your mind, body and spirit. Visit our menopause resource pages for more information at http://www.thenaturalhealthdirectory.com/menopause.htm

Menopause And Memory Loss: New Research Explains Why Menopausal Women Often Feel Forgetful

Along with the hot flashes, sleepless nights and mood swings, many women also report another symptom that comes along with menopause: forgetfulness.

"We see a lot of women who are afraid they are losing their minds," said Miriam Weber, Ph.D., a senior instructor of neurology from the University of Rochester Medical Center, who conducted a study on the topic with colleague Mark Mapstone, Ph.D., assistant professor of neurology. "A lot of women complain that their thinking or their memory isn't what it used to be. Their big fear is that it's early Alzheimer's disease."

The researchers found no link between "forgetful" women going through menopause and Alzheimer's, but they did find something else: the forgetfulness doesn't stem from an impaired memory, it stems from stressed women with busy lives who have a harder time learning, or "encoding," new information.

Not a Memory Problem After All

"This is not what most people think of traditionally when they think of memory loss," said Mapstone. "It feels like a memory problem, but the cause is different. It feels like you can't remember, but that's because you never really learned the information in the first place."

The researchers tested several cognitive skills of 24 women who complained of memory problems. They found, as previous studies have, no evidence that the women, who were approaching menopause, had any more memory problems than the rest of the population.

What they did find, however, was that the women had a harder time learning new information, which could be mistakenly perceived as a memory problem. None of the women actually had an impaired ability to learn new information, the researchers pointed out.

Hectic Lives, Stress and Hormones May All Play a Part

The team compared the problem to a doctor's visit in which a patient is told something serious is wrong, then given a lot of detailed information. Chances are that when the patient gets home he or she won't remember a lot of it, simply because they were so worried and distracted at the time of the conversation. The information wasn't forgotten, it was never really heard in the first place.

Such is the case with many middle-aged women who juggle careers, kids, home responsibilities and aging parents on a daily basis.

"When people spread their attention thin, it's difficult to encode new information. When they're worried or anxious about being late for work, or the problems of an aging parent -- that sort of stress can rob your attentional resources and impact your ability to encode information properly," said Mapstone.

Ironically, not worrying about the forgetfulness could actually help to alleviate the problem, Weber said.

"What characterizes these women is that they're being pulled in a lot of different directions ... Then they're going through this dramatic hormonal change ... There really is something going on. And perhaps knowing that their perceived problems with memory do not suggest early dementia might alleviate their concerns and actually improve their functioning -- it's one less thing to worry about," he said.

Easing Menopausal Symptoms Naturally

If you're a woman in your mid-40s or early 50s and menopause-related symptoms have you feeling tired, sweaty, achy, bloated and moody, there are some simple tricks that can help.

1. Ease Stress

As the study above found, simply putting too much on your plate can lead to increased feelings of "forgetfulness" and will also certainly make you more tired and moody. Make stress-relief a priority in your life by:

Setting aside time to do something you like everyday.

Learning to say "no" if you feel overwhelmed.

Incorporating relaxation, such as taking a warm bath or doing yoga, into your daily routine.

Surrounding yourself with positive-minded friends and family.

2. Try a NATURAL progesterone cream

Producing the proper levels of progesterone in your body is key to keeping you hormonally balanced, and therefore more energized. But only truly natural versions (not the synthetic Diosgenin) are recommended. Renaissance Natural Progesterone Cream is one of the ONLY progesterone creams on the market containing 100 percent pure micronized USP progesterone powder in a topical cream. Only USP progesterone powder is bio-identical to the naturally occurring progesterone in your body.

3. Exercise

"Exercise compensates nicely for declining levels of estrogen," said Wolfgang Kemmler, PhD, who led a study on the topic. The German study of 78 early postmenopausal women found that women who exercised for one hour (with both aerobic and strength training) four days a week experienced fewer:

Migraines

Mood swings

Bouts of insomnia

... than women who did not exercise. They also had the added benefits of:

Maintaining bone mass

Losing 2 percent body fat and one inch from their waists

Reducing cholesterol by 5 percent

On the other hand, women who did not exercise lost 8 percent of their bone mass and had increases in body fat, waist measurements and cholesterol.

This article was provided by the world's #1 most popular and trusted holistic living e-newsletter -- FREE to you right now at http://www.SixWise.com! The old way of thinking: "holistic living" pertains only to personal health. The new way of thinking: "holistic living" means prevention of the negative and adherence to the positive in all SIX practical areas of life: relationships, finances, career, home environment, safety and health. With the http://SixWise.com e-newsletter, you will get holistic wisdom from the world's top experts in all six of these areas -- completely FREE with a simple sign-up (and a guaranteed no-spam policy!) at http://www.SixWise.com.

Managing Menopause

Women, if you have arrived at this time of your life called pre-menopause and menopause, take heart, it's not as bad as it's been made out to be and you can manage menopause with very little effort. The best idea is to share and learn from each other. Some women can share some tips from grandma and some can share the latest from the 21st century, and together more than half the population of the United States will transition right through.

The first stage, called pre-menopause, will begin anywhere from the late 30's to the early 40's. Slight mood changes, missing a period occasionally and slight weight gain are all indicators of this stage. There are generally two paths to choose from, either the natural or the chemical hormone replacement therapy that is available from your doctor. HRT, as it is commonly called, is very common for women to take. It is relatively easy, but side effects do include cancer, heart problems, and simply the artificial addition of a chemical into your system. Our bodies are eliminating estrogen for a reason and though we don't want to get completely depleted, this is the way the body is supposed to be behaving.

The other option is the natural way, with minimal chemicals added from the doctors' office. More and more women today are opting for this method. Natural vitamins and herbs can be used to help reduce the symptoms you are feeling and allow you to have a calm transition. Start by adding soy protein to your diet. Soy is known to work especially well in a woman's system to harmonize mood swings and strengthen her system. Women in the Orient have been using it for centuries. Next, make sure you are taking a good vitamin supplement daily. It might be necessary to add more calcium and magnesium because the woman's body needs more than a man's. Try taking some extra vitamin C, E or Lipoic acid to increase anti-oxidants in your blood stream which will fight off free radicals and consequently promote looking younger. Good tip! Two herbs that are known to support women in menopause are Dong Quai and Black Cohash, to reduce hot flashes. These tips will help you in this time of your life, but remember, wherever you are - that's exactly where you are supposed to be, so don't fight it!

This article was written by T.Potter. You can visit Herbal Menopause Relief for further information and menopause resources.

Preventive Measures To Combat Early Menopause

Menopause is a normal biological change in the life of a woman. Menopause is the long, slow process of the reproductive system. For most women this process begins silently around the age of 40 when menstrual cycles start to be less regular.

A woman can prepare herself for the onset of menopause and the symptoms associated with it. Life can be as healthy, independent and fulfilling as any of the younger stages of a woman by proper diets, exercise and habits. Here are a few tips:

1. Every woman must have a healthy diet, rich in fresh fruits, vegetable, whole grains and low in saturated fats and fatty acids. They should avoid dairy and animal products, commercial baked goods and hard margarines. They should reduce their salt intake also.

A healthy diet improves a woman's sense of well-being. It also reduces the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis (porous bones) and some cancers. A diet low in fat and rich in fruits, vegetable, whole grains, calcium and vitamin D can help you cope with menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness. It helps fight against heart disease and osteoporosis, which are the negative long-term effects of early menopause. You should take enough calcium to keep your bones strong and prevent osteoporosis.

2. Regular physical activity reduces the risk of heart diseases and osteoporosis. It also provides a feeling of emotional well being. Half an hour of brisk walking, swimming, cycling or dancing at least three times a week will help maintain joint flexibility and muscle strength. Regular physical activity and exercise also provides a good night's sleep. Also avoid alcohol, caffeine, large meals and working right before bedtime so that you may get a sound sleep.

3. A woman's sexuality is very complex. It involves physical, social, and emotional responses. Good lubrication, a caring and sensitive partner and new positions can help to alleviate pain during sex. Emotional satisfaction also reduces the risk of early menopause.

Whether you are in your 40's and just beginning your journey into menopause or are already there, a healthy diet and exercise will relieve menopausal symptoms. Other alternatives are hormone replacement therapy programs which should be discussed with your physician.

For more information about menopause and hormone replacement therapy, visit http://www.menopauseinfocenter.com and http://www.hormonereplacementtherapyinfo.co

Menopause and Sex - What Every Woman Must Know!

As we enter mid-life, changes abound . But for women, it's not only hot flashes and mood swings that can dominate. Indeed many gals discover that the most disconcerting change of all can be the change in they experience in their sex drive.

In short - it can all but disappear.

For some, replenishing those dwindling hormones -with Mother Nature or Father Pharmaceutical - can be a big help.

But what if hormones aren't on your agenda? Not to worry - there are still things you can do!

Indeed, oftentimes small changes in areas of your life you might not even connect with sex - like nutrition, exercise, or even sleep - can make a huge difference in your ability to not only enjoy sex, but actually look forward to intimate encounters.

Here are five things from my book " Your Perfectly Pampered Menopause" that you can try right now to get your libido off and running!

# 1: Take a Nap

Although this probably doesn't sound either sexy or romantic, experts say that fatigue is the number one killer of great romance, not to mention terrific sex. Because night sweats and hot flashes may be keeping you awake at night, don't be ashamed to steal away for a cozy nap any time you get the chance. If you arrange for a rendezvous' with your partner upon waking, you may be surprised to discover how attuned you have become to what may have been "hidden" sexual desires.

# 2 : Eat Your Fruits and Vegetables

In addition to whatever " aphrodisiac" foods you may have heard of, at mid-life doctors say one of the best sex boosters is a healthy diet. Studies show that when the basic requirements for good nutrition are met, hormones function better. And that means you are less likely to feel the "bumps" in your perimenopause road as easily or as often. Also try eating six small meals a day rather than three large ones. This can help keep blood sugar stable which not only increases your energy level, but also can improve your mood and your desires.

# 3 : Quit smoking

You know it's bad for your heart and lungs - but did you know smoking can also put a damper on your sex life? In studies conducted on perimenopausal and menopausal women, doctors found that smoking as little as one pack a day had a greater ability to decrease sexual function than the hormonal changes of menopause! Smoking is also linked to a decrease in estrogen, which can impact sexual response and vaginal sensitivity. The good news: Just months after you stub that last butt, you'll see an appreciable change in your health - including a upswing in your desire for sex!

# 4: Take Time To Relax

Whether it's curling up with a great book, planting petunias in your garden, or taking a pottery class, take time to relax and watch the benefits flow in the bedroom! Indeed, studies show that stress can be the number one thief of sexual satisfaction, and, some experts say it can put a real damper on desire. The link involves an entire cascade of hormonal activity that is set in motion by your response to stress. Once it starts, it can impact a variety of physiological functions, not the least of which is mood - and desire. And, even if you have the desire to make love, being under stress can inhibit both your ability to become aroused and to reach orgasm. So, take a few deep breaths and learn to relax - and you might be surprised at how much better you feel about making love.

Menopause Sex Helper # 5: Buy New Shoes . . .

?or get a new hairdo, change your color, go for a make-over, get a facial, even lose a few pounds. Anything you can do to feel better about yourself IS going to make you feel better about relating to your partner, not just in the bedroom, but in ALL the rooms of your life! Certainly there are important physiological reasons why sex may not be on the top of your list during this time of your life. Sometimes, however, how we feel about ourselves, and even how we view the idea of aging itself, can greatly influence how we feel about having sex and even influence what we think about our own sexuality. Doing whatever you can to enhance your self image - in your own eyes- often translates into feeling better about your partner, your relationship, and ultimately your sexuality and your sensuality.

Colette Bouchez is the author of "Your Perfectly Pampered Menopause: Health, Beauty and Lifestyle Advice for the Best Years of Your Life" and director of http://www.YourMenopause.com. Visit today and get a free mid life health and beauty newsletter!

Natural Remedies For Perimenopause And Menopause Symptoms

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

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

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

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

Estrogen treatments.

Soy

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

Herbs containing phytoestrogens

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

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

Black Cohosh

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

Maca

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

Progesterone treatments.

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

Natural progesterone cream

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

Chaste tree berry

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

Lynn Donn is the webmaster for http://www.menopause-symptoms-perimenopause.com Her website includes helpful articles on perimenopause and menopause symptoms including hot flashes and night sweats. Site offers suggestions on how to ease symptoms of menopause and perimenopause naturally using black cohosh, soy and natural progesterone cream etc.

Menopause and Sex: What Every Woman Must Know

As we enter mid-life, changes abound . But for women, it's not only hot flashes and mood swings that can dominate. Indeed many gals discover that the most disconcerting change of all can be the change in they experience in their sex drive.

In short - it can all but disappear.

For some, replenishing those dwindling hormones -with Mother Nature or Father Pharmaceutical - can be a big help.

But what if hormones aren't on your agenda? Not to worry - there are still things you can do!

Indeed, oftentimes small changes in areas of your life you might not even connect with sex - like nutrition, exercise, or even sleep - can make a huge difference in your ability to not only enjoy sex, but actually look forward to intimate encounters.

Here are five things from my book " Your Perfectly Pampered Menopause" that you can try right now to get your libido off and running!

# 1: Take a Nap

Although this probably doesn't sound either sexy or romantic, experts say that fatigue is the number one killer of great romance, not to mention terrific sex. Because night sweats and hot flashes may be keeping you awake at night, don't be ashamed to steal away for a cozy nap any time you get the chance. If you arrange for a rendezvous' with your partner upon waking, you may be surprised to discover how attuned you have become to what may have been "hidden" sexual desires.

# 2 : Eat Your Fruits and Vegetables

In addition to whatever " aphrodisiac" foods you may have heard of, at mid-life doctors say one of the best sex boosters is a healthy diet. Studies show that when the basic requirements for good nutrition are met, hormones function better. And that means you are less likely to feel the "bumps" in your perimenopause road as easily or as often. Also try eating six small meals a day rather than three large ones. This can help keep blood sugar stable which not only increases your energy level, but also can improve your mood and your desires.

# 3 : Quit smoking

You know it's bad for your heart and lungs - but did you know smoking can also put a damper on your sex life? In studies conducted on perimenopausal and menopausal women, doctors found that smoking as little as one pack a day had a greater ability to decrease sexual function than the hormonal changes of menopause! Smoking is also linked to a decrease in estrogen, which can impact sexual response and vaginal sensitivity. The good news: Just months after you stub that last butt, you'll see an appreciable change in your health - including a upswing in your desire for sex!

# 4: Take Time To Relax

Whether it's curling up with a great book, planting petunias in your garden, or taking a pottery class, take time to relax and watch the benefits flow in the bedroom! Indeed, studies show that stress can be the number one thief of sexual satisfaction, and, some experts say it can put a real damper on desire. The link involves an entire cascade of hormonal activity that is set in motion by your response to stress. Once it starts, it can impact a variety of physiological functions, not the least of which is mood - and desire. And, even if you have the desire to make love, being under stress can inhibit both your ability to become aroused and to reach orgasm. So, take a few deep breaths and learn to relax - and you might be surprised at how much better you feel about making love.

# 5: Buy New Shoes . . .

...or get a new hairdo, change your color, go for a make-over, get a facial, even lose a few pounds. Anything you can do to feel better about yourself IS going to make you feel better about relating to your partner, not just in the bedroom, but in ALL the rooms of your life! Certainly there are important physiological reasons why sex may not be on the top of your list during this time of your life. Sometimes, however, how we feel about ourselves, and even how we view the idea of aging itself, can greatly influence how we feel about having sex and even influence what we think about our own sexuality. Doing whatever you can to enhance your self image - in your own eyes- often translates into feeling better about your partner, your relationship, and ultimately your sexuality and your sensuality.

To learn more visit http://www.YourMenopause.com

Colette Bouchez is the author of "Your Perfectly Pampered Menopause; Health Beauty and Lifestyle Advice for the Best Years of Your Life' and director of http://www.YourMenopause.com

Menopause Help For Menopause Signs Symptoms

Menopause help is possible for menopause signs symptoms when you understand the main underlying causes for symptoms of menopause. Menopause help IS available online since millions of women experience menopause signs symptoms each year.

First, here are the most common symptoms of menopause:

? Anxiety and depression
? Endometriosis
? Fibroid tumors
? Foggy, fuzzy thinking and memory lapses
? Hot flashes and night sweats
? Inability to handle stress
? Irregular menstrual cycles
? Light or heavy menstrual flow
? Lumpy or tender breasts
? Mood swings
? PMS
? Sleep problems
? Vaginal dryness
? Water retention and bloating
? Weight gain

To obtain menopause help for menopause signs symptoms, understand female hormones, the menstrual cycle and how hormone imbalance happens. In a healthy menstruating woman, estrogen is the main hormone produced for the first 10-12 days following the previous menstrual flow. Ovulation then signals the female body to produce progesterone, which occurs for the next 12 or so days. Progesterone and estrogen levels will drop at around day 28 if there's no pregnancy, and menstruation begins.

However, if there is no ovulation, progesterone cannot be produced that month. This is called an 'annovulatory cycle' and is a typical occurance today for women in their 30's and 40's. Without ovulation and progesterone production, the woman then has an excess of estrogen, a deficiency of progesterone and definitely needs menopause help.

And once ovulation no longer happens at menopause and after, progesterone levels fall to virtually zero. At the same time, estrogen is still being produced, leading to hormone imbalance, menopause signs symptoms and the need for menopause help. If the woman has had a hysterectomy, surgical menopause means the woman no longer produces progesterone. Besides the problems created by missed ovulations or hysterectomy, excess estrogen is also obtained from other sources such as birth control pills, household chemicals and pesticides, foods that have been sprayed and construction materials used in homes.

Physicians refer to the hormone imbalance condition of excess estrogen in the body as "estrogen dominance". Symptoms of estrogen dominance include low sex drive, bloating and weight gain, headaches, mood swings, irregular periods and excessive menstrual bleeding. If unopposed estrogen in the female adult increases beyond what is desirable and healthy, you will definitely experience menopause signs symptoms. On the other hand, when your hormones are balanced, you will no longer need menopause help since you feel alert, energetic and ready to take on the challenges of everyday life.

How can a woman tell if the menopause signs symptoms being experienced are because of hormone imbalance? An easy way is to take the online test provided by a leading womens health clinic for menopause signs symptoms. It takes just a few minutes and is free. Learn more about your health, premenopause and menopause symptoms, what the symptoms are telling you and what to do about it based on your answers to important questions. Read more about menopause help, hormone imbalance and physician-recommended natural treatments for eliminating menopause signs symptoms.

Read more about menopause help and take the hormone health test at http://www.safemenopausesolutions.com/womens-health-clinic.html - Olinda Rola is President of InfoSearch Publishing and webmaster of http://www.safemenopausesolutions.com - a website of health articles for women.

Menopause The Issues

Menopause commonly occurs when a women stops ovulating and her periods ceases. Most women reach menopause between 45 and 55 , with an average age around 50. But some reach it before 40, which is known as premature menopause or premature ovarian failure.

The first thing to note about menopausal symptoms is that there is a surprisingly long list of them, and that no list is really comprehensive, because every woman experiences menopausal symptoms in an individual way. Hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, a decline in libido and changes in the menstrual cycle are very common menopausal symptoms, but there are many others. Some very fortunate women experience these symptoms only mildly, or not at all, while for others the menopause phase can prove a very challenging stage in life

Emotional and mental symptoms are also very common, and can be very distressing. These may include mood swings, depression, irritability, difficulties in concentrating, mental confusion and memory problems.

A decline in libido is another very common menopause symptom. This may be exacerbated by vaginal dryness, and a thinning of the skin around the cervix, which can make intercourse uncomfortable.

Hormone Replacement Therapy HRT has been the standard of care for menopause for women since the 70's. In fact, more than 47 million women every year receive prescriptions for this treatment. However, in recent years this form of treatment has come under attack as it is being thought that it causes an increase in heart disease.

For women who are fearful of HRT as a course of treatment for menopause, there are other means of treatment. The most popular forms of alternative treatment involve the use of plants and vitamins to suppress the symptoms of menopause.

Menopause is a fact of life. You need to know that today you have chooses to help you get though the menopause cycle. There are alternatives to conventional treatments. For alternatives in dealing with menopause, and answers to questions that you my have about menopause go to. http://ment2pause.com

Menopause, Modern Medicine, and the Celebrity Spin

The medicalization of menopause is a process that has subtly been going on since the 1930's, although it wasn't until the 1960's that it really picked up momentum in the public eye. This medicalization has transformed the understanding of what is a natural process, into one defined as a disease.

When you define something as a disease, then treatment becomes compulsory. And the implication is that if you don't get treatment, or what is defined as acceptable treatment, then you are being irresponsible and negligent in your own health. Women's menopausal experiences were for a long time dismissed as the product of their own imaginations, then later embraced by pharmaceutical companies and subverted to push their shiny new pills.

And given that HRT has been so widely taken up by women, and is still used despite its risks, it has been a successful approach by the drug companies.

The celebrity factor in promotional campaigns has been very effective at selling both the idea of menopause as a disease, and the promises of hormone replacement therapy. The FDA and their comparative bodies in most countries require that product claims are verified by appropriate and legitimate studies. But celebrities in interviews are not subject to those rules, which are designed to protect the public from misleading and harmful information. So when an actress or aging supermodel enthusiastically enacts the lines of the drug company's scripts - that menopause is fraught with risks of diseases like alzheimers, heart attacks, colon cancer, cataracts, teeth loss, bone fractures and more (p43), in the guise of 'education' and personal sharing, this is seen as legitimate. There is no reference to the fees they were paid for this work, the source of their information, or its scientific validity (or lack thereof). Nor is their any mention of the fact that even initially, though there were short term benefits, the long term effects of hormone replacement therapy were not known. These celebrities were either ignorant themselves of their own status as human guinea pigs, or didn't care.

Menopause is sold with the language of 'decline', as though once a woman's estrogen 'dried up', so did she. She was relegated to an image of being 'less' than she was before, with the implication being that her value and contributions as a person were defined by something that time would take away. Unless of course she accepted the 'help' of the drug companies with their 'medicine' for her newly defined 'disease'. So instead of being supported as her body moved into another phase of its life, women were basically told they were losing what defined them as 'women', as though one hormone was responsible for what made them unique individuals. As though femininity was characterized not by their own choices and expressions, but driven by hormones. And as though 'femininity' was equated with youth, and that once this passed, women would not enjoy their 'best years' as they would otherwise. And, of course, if a woman wasn't feminine, in the appropriately defined way, then she was not really a woman...

Add to this mix the spectre of diseases that women would supposedly be in greater danger of getting, despite the fact that if scientists really knew the single cause of these diseases they would have triumphantly been marketing the cure to everyone - regardless of gender. When doctors treat alzheimers, heart attacks, colon caner, cataracts and teeth loss, they do not have one treatment for men and one for women. And in most cases, they don't guarantee a cure with their treatments anyway. So this suggests not only do they not have the cure, but they don't fully understand the cause. The murky waters of risk assessment are both complex and already muddied.

Women were given estrogen only in the early years of medical promotion. As studies emerged which showed women taking estrogen were more at risk of developing endometrial cancer, progestogen or progestin was added to form the combined hormone replacement therapy that became known as HRT. It was advertised for a long time as reducing the risk of heart disease, amongst other things. But in 1998, a high quality study, the HERS trial, found that in the group of 3000 older women they were studying over 4 years, who all had some form of heart disease, those on HRT were not in fact protected from heart attacks after all. And during the first year of the study, there was a higher incidence of heart attacks in the women on HRT compared with the placebo group. This was completely the opposite of what the drug companies had been advertising, based on their own observational studies, as opposed to the randomized control trial that the HERS study was.

The HERS trial was not the only one that would raise some niggly little facts about the menopause gravy train.

If you'd like to learn about yoga as a way to improve your mental and physical health, read this article on yoga benefits. Its a great way to improve our ability to cope with changes, such as menopause brings. See also this site on vitamins.

When Is My Menopause Started?

There are some women who wondered and worried about what will happen when they reach menopause. Menopause is not a scary moment. So, don?t be scared.

In fact, menopause can be a positive experience. It is a chance for all women to focus more on themselves and make changes that will improve their health.

There's no way of predicting exactly when your menopause will occur. In other words, each of us has an internal biological timer that is programmed before birth to set off the hormonal events that trigger both the start and the end of menstruation.

It seems most likely that our individual genes determine the age at which we experience menopause.

But there are things you could do to understand more about menopause. The first step is to learn all you can about the physical and emotional changes that may be ahead of you. In a survey asking women what was the worst thing about menopause, most said, "Not knowing what to expect." One woman added, "You wish someone would tell you -- but you're too embarrassed to ask anyone."

In past generations, many women were too embarrassed to discuss menopause, even with other women friends. Today, thanks in large part to the rise of the women's movement; menopause is talked about more openly.

Many women still remain in the dark about the details of menopause. One survey, for example, found that most women think the average woman experiences menopause at age 45, when the actual average age is between 50 and 51. Also, most women significantly overestimate the length of time the average woman experiences hot flashes, believing it to be five years rather than two.

Although most women experience similar symptoms of menopause, not every woman experiences all the symptoms.

Here are some symptoms you can acknowledge:

- Some women may have frustrating symptoms that start during perimenopause and continue once they have reached menopause.

- Hot flashes have become the hallmark symptom of menopause. Hot flashes are a feeling of sudden flush or warmth, often followed by sweating. They can cause serious discomfort and sleepless nights for some women.

Other symptoms that can start in perimenopause, but also might continue once you reach menopause include:

- Night sweats (hot flashes that happen while you sleep)

- Sleep problems

- Mood changes (mood swings, depression, and irritability).

- Vaginal problems, including vaginal dryness and irritation that can cause pain during sex and pelvic exams, and frequent vaginal infections; urinary problems, including burning or pain when urinating, or leaking when sneezing, coughing, or laughing problems with concentration or memory; less interest in sex and changes in sexual response;

- Weight gain
- Hair thinning or loss

Riana Lance writes about health in some publications. Twice a week she informs her health tips and knowledge in a newsletter. Subscribe to get your free twice a week newsletters so you can stay healthy for the rest of your life from Heathifica.com

Menopause- Testing Time for Women

For many women this period becomes one of the most testing times of all. It will not be proper to say that menopause is a simple passing stage in the lives of females, in fact it is not! Menopause is surely a worrying and difficult time of life for every woman during which she undergoes a lot of changes, physically, as well as mentally. All she needs is support from her dear ones and she will silently sail through this tough period of life.

Previously, menopause was not talked about, but now, women are starting to look at, talk about and own their Menopause. They are taking more responsibility for their own lives. As women get older their thoughts and feelings take a new direction. They become more acutely aware of health, their relationships with family and friends, the economic security and their own inner selves.

This period is the gateway to a transition to a new phase of life for a female. According to Germaine Greer, "Women need to devise their own Rite of Passage, a celebration of what could be regarded as the restoration of a woman to herself". In a society which often regards ageing as useless, it is no wonder many women see Menopause as fearful and confusing. We need to be conscious of our own strengths, self worth and wisdom.

As the time for menopause comes nearer, there are a hell lot of questions in the mind of a female like how to approach the same situations now? Is Hormone Replacement Therapy better? It can become confusing for most of them, but there are alternatives. Physicians are more aware today and understand their needs in a better fashion. They recommend a simple life style with nutrient diet and regular exercise which will help a woman during menopause gain sufficient energy and patience to boost up her self confidence which usually goes down.

Doctors say that 15% of women have no problems when their periods cease. 70% of women, however, experience some symptoms and changes. These can be hot flushes, insomnia, mood swings, and lack of confidence, crying for no reason, weight gain and other changes.

Maybe the biggest concern at this stage is Osteoporosis. As we get older our bone density becomes thinner and more liable for breaking up easily. With a good healthy diet and a general health conscious, women can definitely fight up against osteoporosis.

A small walk in the near by park and some yoga can do wonders for some. Remember, Menopause is not a disorder but, like puberty, is a period of physical and emotional change which affects some women more than others.

Remember, it is your Menopause, your Rite of Passage, so find out as much as you can about the Natural Remedies and as much as possible about the good and not so good aspects of the H.R.T. There is plenty of information out there - talk to your friends: there are some very good books and support groups available.

Harison, an associated editor to Epharma.md, is a contributing author to the http://www.epharma.md for distinct article sites/journals. Please feel free to visit the website http://www.epharma.md/diet_pills.html for more information on Diet Pills related issues. Or write to him AT harison.james@gmail.com. Any comments and /or suggestions will be highly appreciated. Please note that this article is not a substitute for medical advice.

Natural Remedies For Perimenopause And Menopause Symptoms.

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

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

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

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

Estrogen treatments.

Soy

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

Herbs containing phytoestrogens

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

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

Black Cohosh

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

Maca

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

Progesterone treatments.

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

Natural progesterone cream

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

Chaste tree berry

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

Lynn Donn is the webmaster for http://www.menopause-symptoms-perimenopause.com Her website includes helpful articles on perimenopause and menopause symptoms including hot flashes and night sweats. Site offers suggestions on how to ease symptoms of menopause and perimenopause naturally using black cohosh, soy and natural progesterone cream etc.

Herbs Bring Menopause relief

Today, the number of women turning to herbs for menopause relief is staggering. With great concern about hormone replacement therapy in recent years, we now see women interested in avoiding chemicals and toxins, preferring a natural path. Because there are so many women now seeking alternatives to traditional treatment for menopause, more investigation is being done to find new options in addition to those that have been used by naturalists for hundreds of years. If you are like so many women who want to find relief from night sweats, hot flashes, joint pain, insomnia, and depression the natural way, then we believe this article will expose you to some excellent options.

First, a great herb for menopause relief, especially when it comes to many of the annoying symptoms is called Dong Quai. In Chinese medicine, Dong Quai, the root of the angelica sinesis plant, helps with many menopausal symptoms. Interestingly, while many women will use this natural herb for menopause relief alone, in Chinese medicine, it is always used as a supportive herb. Regardless, many studies have been performed whereby women taking 1500 mgs of this herb three times a day had improvement in symptoms.

Another popular herb for menopause relief is red clover. Affordable and easy to find, this herb has been used in the United States for more than 100 years. Containing phytoestrogens, which are hormone-like substances, found in certain plants such as soy, red clover is wonderful for treatment of vaginal dryness and hot flashes. Typically, a woman would take between 40 and 60 mgs for about 12 weeks. The reason this is not a long-term treatment option is that red clover has been shown to stimulate cancer cells in the breast.

Next on the list of herbs for menopause relief is black cohosh. This herb is a member of the buttercup family and considered one of the most popular, natural treatment options for menopause. You can purchase black cohosh as a supplement from a health food store or in brand form such as Remifemin. When it comes to anxiety, depression, night sweats, and hot flashes, black cohosh works exceptionally well. Other herbs for menopause relief to consider include evening primrose oil, chaste tree berry, tribulus, St. John's Wort, soy, and ginseng, which seem to ease symptoms overall.

In addition to herbs for menopause relief, you have many other options such as vitamin E. In recent years, a number of studies have been performed showing that vitamin E brings relief for miserable hot flashes. Wild yam is also an option, which can be found in many types of progesterone creams. For this, women experience fewer and less intense hot flashes, the number one complaint among menopausal women. With so much negative attention on hormone replacement therapy, you might consider herbs for menopause relief. In many cases, the natural approach is more successful in treating the body during the change of life than traditional drugs.
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Author Dawn M. Olsen takes the subject of menopause relief to the next level through education, diet, and the latest in alternative remedies in her new eBook "Menopause A to Z - A Definitive Guide to Modern Menopause", available online now at http://www.menopauseatoz.com .

Understanding Menopause

Menopause refers to a stage in woman?s life characterized by a permanent cessation of her menstrual activities. It implies that a woman stops having her monthly menstrual periods for the rest of her life, after she achieves the menopause. A normal healthy woman reaches the menopause between the ages of 40-50. Menopause marks the end of a woman?s fertility and reproductive years. During the menopause, production of the estrogen hormone reduces drastically in a woman and her ovaries stop producing eggs.

It can take 5 years for a woman to achieve the final menopause stage. If a woman has not experienced any menstrual periods for a year, the condition is known as menopause. When a woman is in her puberty stage or childbearing years, her ovaries release an egg every month. This release is known as ovulation. Ovaries also produce the hormone estrogen. This hormone instructs the uterus to build up a lining. This lining allows the implant and growth of the fertilized egg.

As the women nears her menopause years, the production of estrogen decreases. As a result, she will experience irregular menstrual cycles. The irregularities include skipped periods, light or heavy menstrual flow. A woman could also experience random bleeding as well.

Symptoms of Menopause
Menopause is a natural and biological process. It is not a disease. It is just a transition period of a woman?s life. 75% of women experience some or all of the troublesome symptoms during the menopause. There are no common symptoms as every woman?s body would react in a unique way towards the menopause. Here are some of the common symptoms that women show during the phase of menopause.

Hot flashes are landmark signs of menopause. As the level of estrogen drops in a woman, her blood vessels expand rapidly. This causes her skin temperature to rise. This can further cause hot flashes or a sudden spread of warmth to her shoulders, head and neck, starting from her chest. This sudden gush of warmth causes a woman to sweat, and when the sweat evaporates from her skin, she feels chilled, and slightly faint. Women also experience raid heart beating and a feeling of anxiety. The face of a woman looks flushed. She might experience red blotches on her neck, arms and chest area.

These hot flashes usually last up to 30 seconds and in some cases up to several minutes. There is no common frequency or duration of hot flashes as they vary from a woman to woman. Women often experience hot flashes during the initial years after their menopause.

Hot flashes affect the life of a woman directly. If they happen during night, they can disrupt the sleep. They cause night sweats. A woman can often wake up and have trouble getting back to sleep again. This results in lack of restful and refreshing sleep, which can have a knock on effect in the morning.

Irregular periods
As a woman approaches her menopause stage, she experiences irregularity in the menstrual periods. Periods become either long or short. Menstrual bleeding becomes heavier or lighter. A woman might experience skipping of periods. These symptoms mark the onset of menopause.

Vaginal thinning
As a result of menopause the production of estrogen decreases. As a result of it the organs such as urinary bladder, vagina, uterus, and urethra become weak and shrink. When bladder and urethra become weak and shrink, they can lead to infection, leakage of urine and painful urination.

As the tissue lining of vagina shrinks a woman experiences pain during intercourse. A woman might also suffer from vaginal dryness, irritation and itching.

Changes in appearance
During the menopause transition, a woman on an average gains 5 pounds of weight. Initially this weight was believed to get concentrated on hips and thighs of a woman. New researches have shown that the weight might settle in a woman?s abdomen too.
A woman might experience wrinkling of the skin, fullness in breasts, and thinning hair.

Behavioral and emotional changes
A woman might experience fatigue, irritability and frustration during menopause. She might experience decreased concentration and memory loss. These changes are a direct result of hormonal fluctuations in her body during menopause.

Weak bones
As a result of menopause the density of bones in a woman?s body tends to decrease. She starts losing calcium from her bones following the drop in estrogen levels. This can lead to a condition of weak bones known as osteoporosis. A woman also becomes susceptible to fractures.

The menopause is completely a natural phenomenon marking the end of a woman?s reproductive term, but not the end of her life. It is a transition time, the symptoms of which can be effectively managed.

Michael Jason writes articles on a number of different topics. For more information on Menopause symptoms please visit http://www.menopause-guide.org/ and for additional Menopause related articles please visit the following article page http://www.menopause-guide.org/menopause-articles/

Promensil Natural relief from Menopause Symptoms

Promensil Natural relief from Menopause Symptoms

Promensil provides natural relief from the menopause symptoms such as night sweats and hot flushes. Promensil also maintains general well-being and bone health at this important stage of a woman's life. Promensil has been the subject of medical tests worldwide which show its ability to relieve menopausal symptoms.

Promensil tablets are derived from red clover, a legume which contains isoflavones beneficial to human health. It is also used as dietary supplement. As a dietary supplement, Promensil provides you by means of natural isoflavones which are effective within relieving menopause disorders, such as hot flushes, as well as maintaining well being in addition to quality of life.

It has been researched has that the reason menopausal symptoms is due to differences within diet, in addition to specifically within the low intake of isoflavones phytoestrogens within the Western diet.

Falling estrogen levels during menopause bring physical changes requiring lifestyle adjustments that can be debilitating for some women. With increasing age in addition to declining estrogen production, isoflavones become increasingly important, taking over the role of the body's estrogen.

This is where the unique combination of isoflavones within Promensil helps the women. Promensil assists women by the supplementation of isoflavones to help in managing the symptoms of menopause naturally.

Advantages of Promensil

Natural relief from Menopause Symptoms Helpful in maintaining bone health after hot flushes

Promensil Cautions

Promensil is not recommended for use during pregnancy or lactation. It is not recommended for use by children. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist, consult your healthcare professional.

Promensil Natural relief from Menopause Symptoms

For more details or any query go to: http://www.herbsmd.com/sp/xq/asp/store.nov/qx/default.htm

Don't Suffer Male Menopause Any Longer

Many men do suffer from Male Menopause, it usually hits men aged between 35-55, so what can men who find themselves in the grip of Male Menopause do to get back to a normal and happy life.

Many men do suffer from Male Menopause, it usually hits men aged between 35-55, so what can men who find themselves in the grip of Male Menopause do to get back to a normal and happy life.

The best advice I can offer is to accept it for what it is and not something to be ashamed of or something to worry about.

Male Menopause comes in many forms, anxiety, depression, erectile dysfunction, loss of self esteem, lack of energy, loss of interest, etc.

How do you overcome the effects, well the most important thing to do first is to openly discuss it with your doctor and your partner.

Don't "suffer" alone, this will only make matters worse, so accept it, discuss it and face life with a positive attitude.

Garry Munro is a successful consultant, speaker & coach in the area of self-development.
Based in Sydney Australia he runs his own business "Minds Alike" and works with small business owners and individuals assisting them to set & achieve their goals.
Visit his blog site at http://www.mindsalike.blogspot.com for more articles on success, business and self motivati

Herbal Menopause Treatments

Herbal Menopause Remedy
Menopause is a transition that marks the stop of menstruation. Although this is a life change which should be embraced as another stop in life's natural stages, some women's experience with menopause has more to do with pain and discomfort. Since the 1960's physicians have prescribed estrogen supplements to reduce hot flashes and other menopausal problems. However, as with most drugs, hormonal therapy is not without risk. There is, in fact, an increased incidence of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, stroke, heart attack, and uterine fibroids. According to scientific research and observation, many women get as much relief from vitamins and herbal remedy as they do from hormonal drugs.

Herbal Menopause Remedy
Menopause is a transition that marks the stop of menstruation. Although this is a life change which should be embraced as another stop in life's natural stages, some women's experience with menopause has more to do with pain and discomfort. Since the 1960's physicians have prescribed estrogen supplements to reduce hot flashes and other menopausal problems. However, as with most drugs, hormonal therapy is not without risk. There is, in fact, an increased incidence of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, stroke, heart attack, and uterine fibroids. According to scientific research and observation, many women get as much relief from vitamins and herbal remedy as they do from hormonal drugs.

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Herbal Menopause Remedy Products we recommend include:

Menocore - Menocore is a botanical alternative medicine formulation which contains a blend of all natural herbal extracts developed to ease the transition and provide effective Menopause Symptoms Relief from the onset and duration of typical menopausal symptoms. Menocore has been developed as a natural alternative support product, formulated with the best-known combination of high-potency phytoestrogen botanicals which have a long empirical history of relieving menopausal symptoms, and supporting the body's hormonal balance.

Triatone - The ingredients of Triatone: Black Cohosh, Dong Quai, Licorice Root, Chasleberry, and Isoflavones - Have all been proven to help reduce hot flashes associated with menopause. Soy ingredients such as these, help produce isoflavones which have similar properties to human estrogen. Isoflavones can bind to the body's estrogen receptors and help offset the drop in estrogen that occurs during menopause.

MellowPause - While soy has been shown to have positive effect on hormone balancing, MellowPause's combination of ingredients make it effective for not only hormone balancing, but helps with other menopausal symptoms such as irritability, mood swings and insomnia.

Menopause is the point at which a woman stops ovulating and menstruation ceases, indicating the end of fertility. Menopause is as natural a progression in life as puberty. For most women, natural hormone production begins to slow down when they reach their thirties, and continues to diminish as they age. Many women experience few if any symptoms during this time but others may suffer from some or all of the following; anxiety, dry skin, fatigue, feelings of bloating, headaches, heart palpitations, hot flashes, insomnia, irritability decreases interest in sex, loss of concentration, mood swings, night sweats, reduces stamina, urinary incontinence, vaginal dryness and itching and weight gain.

Learn more about hebal menopause remedies at Herbal Menopause.

J. Ratliff is an avid health writer for Askwellness.com.

Herbs to help with menopause

Question : I HAVE been on an 80 per cent vegetarian diet for about five years now. I take spirulina regularly. Two years ago my period started to become irregular. It came twice in a month for two consecutive months. The medication prescribed by the doctor only helped to relieve the symptoms for only a few months. Am I approaching menopause? I am 43.

Answer : AS you are a vegetarian, the risk of getting not enough vitamin B12 is there as this vitamin is mostly obtained from meat and animal products. But you are on the right track supplementing with spirulina. Your irregular periods seem to indicate menopause.

A woman would normally go through menopause between the ages of 45 and 55 due to reduced oestrogen and progesterone production by the ovaries. The age varies according to several factors. One of these is body weight. Overweight people tend to menopause later. Common symptoms of menopause include amenorrhoea (absence of period), irregular periods like you are having now, increased or decreased flow, hot flushes, heart palpitations, low libido, tingling, chills, nervousness, excitability, inability to concentrate, forgetfulness, depression, fatigue, irritability, insomnia, headaches, muscle and bone aches, and gastrointestinal disturbances. There may also be changes in frequency of urination, stress incontinence, unwanted hair and drying up of vaginal secretions and vaginitis. If menopause has been confirmed by a doctor, you may try taking a herbal supplement to help women cope with menopausal symptoms. This is a safer alternative than hormone replacement therapy. A good herbal supplement should contain black cohosh, dong quai, soya, red clover and sage.

Black cohosh is effective in treating perimenopausal symptoms and those arising from a lack of oestrogen and progesterone, such as hot flushes and night sweat. It is anti-inflammatory and may help to relieve menstrual cramps.
Dong quai, also known as 'female ginseng', helps to restore balance in a woman's reproductive system by toning up the uterus, nourishing the blood and stimulating healthy circulation. Soya is high in isoflavones and is beneficial for menopause-related hot flushes, osteoporosis and certain types of cancer. Recent evidence shows that red clover helps improve heart health in menopausal women.

Sage is for digestive disorders associated with PMS and excessive perspiration especially at night.

www.medical-explorer.com

Women and Menopause

Menopause is an irreversible process and inseparable of the aging in a woman's reproductive system, after which she can no longer menstruate. Climacteric is the general term for the time from the period of this transition to the early postmenopausal phase of a woman's reproductive life cycle.

Menopause is an irreversible process and inseparable of the aging in a woman's reproductive system, after which she can no longer menstruate. Climacteric is the general term for the time from the period of this transition to the early postmenopausal phase of a woman's reproductive life cycle.

Perimenopause refers to the time before menopause when vasomotor symptoms and irregular menses often commence. Menopause, by definition, begins 12 months after the final menses and is characterized by a continuation of vasomotor symptoms and by urogenital symptoms such as vaginal dryness and dyspareunia.

Symptoms

The symptoms can be attributed by the facts that some women just stop having periods. Others go through several years of symptoms. The most common symptom of menopause is hot flashes. Other physical symptoms might be aching joints and muscles, fatigue, weight gain or skin changes. Blood tests can confirm menopausal status.

Most of the common symptoms that occur during menopause can be illustrated as follows:

Hot Flashes: A hot flash is a feeling of severe heat in the upper part or all of the body. The face and neck may become flushed, with red blotches appearing on the chest, back, and arms. This is often followed by teeming sweating and then cold shivering as body temperature readjusts. A hot flash can last a few moments or 30 minutes or longer.

Genitals: Problems with dryness, itching, pain during sexual intercourse, or irritation of the tissues in and around the vagina;

Urinary System: Problems with abrupt or frequent urinating;

Mental Health: The menopausal woman shifting from raging, angry moods into depressive, doleful slumps with no apparent reason or warning.

Blood Vessels: Quick body temperature changes (hot flashes) and waking during the night

Brain/Nerves: Moods that change frequently or a tendency towards sadness or anger.

Bone: A higher risk of weaker bones, osteoporosis, and bone breaks;

Heart: Acceleration of risk factors associated with heart attacks and other heart problems

Skin: Problems with thinner skin, wrinkling, and blemishes as estrogen levels drop.

Lifestyle & preventions

Although menopause is a natural occurring thing of life that cannot be prevented, there are simple steps you can take to help make this an easier experience.

1.Quit Smoking. Smoking increases the chances of heart diseases, cancer and osteoporosis.

2.Regular Exercise. Exercise helps keeping heart healthy, bones and muscles strong, and energy level and metabolism high.

3.Healthy diet. A healthy diet impacts every aspect of your health - from heart health to cancer risk to bone health.

4.Stay cool during hot flashes. Avoid things that can cause or increase the intensity of hot flashes, such as hot drinks, alcohol, spicy foods, hot weather or hot rooms.

5.Ease vaginal dryness. Use of over-the-counter water-based lubricants can be used to ease the discomfort of intercourse due to vaginal dryness.

6.Improve bladder control. You can improve bladder control with exercises. Anyone can do these and at any time.

7.Talk about it. Menopause is a normal, natural part of life. Talk to your doctor about what you are experiencing. Share with your partner know how you are feeling.

8.Relax and de-stress. Stress and a hectic lifestyle can certainly increase and intensify any symptoms you may experience. Relaxing will give you an over-all sense of well-being.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a
medication-based system of replacing the estrogen and possible progestin lost during menopause. Estrogen Replacement Therapy (ERT) contains estrogen only and is usually prescribed for women who have had surgically-induced menopause. Traditional Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) contains both estrogen and progestin and is usually prescribed for women experiencing natural menopause.

Benefits of HRT

HRT is beneficial in both protecting a woman against the long term effects of menopause as well as treating the immediate symptoms. By replacing the estrogen lost, HRT helps to prevent osteoporosis and may protect against heart disease. In addition, HRT relieves the hot flashes and vaginal dryness that many women experience.

Risks of HRT

In recent studies, women who have undergone HRT have experienced higher incidences of breast and endometrial cancers. For this reason, doctors are being encouraged to prescribe HRT for the shortest amount of time possible, and to encourage women to take other measures to protect against heart disease and osteoporosis.

To prevent bone loss:

Maintain a healthy diet and exercise. Other treatments for preventing bone loss and osteoporosis (severe loss of bone) include calcium tablets and Vitamin D. These can be taken separately or combined in a pill.

To prevent heart disease:

A healthy diet and regular exercise can help to keep your heart healthy as you age. If your cholesterol is high, however, you may need cholesterol-lowering drugs. These drugs are called the "statin" drugs, such as lovostatin, simvastatin, and pravastatin.

Thus, Physical changes do occur with menopause and with aging. But the changes that happen during this period can be minimized by healthy living and a sense of purpose in life. So start exercising and lead a happy and healthy life.

John Hilton is the contributing editor to www.affordable-prescriptions.md, Please send feedback at john.hilton001@gmail.com