Herbal Remedies and Vitamins For Menopause - Relief in a Jar

Whether shopping on-line or at your local drug store, you will undoubtedly find a large assortment of herbal remedies (menopause relief in a jar, so to speak), vitamins for menopause and combos that supposedly provide everything that a woman needs for a ?healthy menopause?. The question is which one to choose. Choosing a health supplement of any kind can be difficult.

The Federal Trade Commission advises that while the benefits of some health products are well documented, others have no proven benefits and may even be dangerous. It is the responsibility of the health supplement manufacturers to insure that the products they sell are safe. These are general statements that apply to all health supplements, but apply to herbal remedies, menopause treatments and vitamins for menopause, as well. It is the consumer?s chore to evaluate the effectiveness of these remedies by ?giving them a try? or by researching the product ingredients.

This brings up one way that a consumer can spot a questionable product. Manufactures that are confident in the quality and effectiveness of their products will provide a detailed list of ingredients. The best manufacturers will even provide information supporting the use of the ingredients for any given condition. Manufacturers that make broad, non-specific statements concerning ingredients are either unsure about what the product contains, unsure about the products effectiveness or trying to mislead the consumer by insinuating that the product contains substances that are actually not included.

Let?s look at an example of what to avoid, without giving any brand names. One internet company that sells vitamins for menopause makes this statement, ?formulated to deliver essential vitamins and minerals, as well as menopause discomfort relieving herbs and isoflavones.? Sold under the heading ?herbal remedies menopause?, this product apparently contains no herbs of any kind. The list of ingredients includes a number of vitamins, but no herbs and no isoflavones. Apparently this company is hoping that the consumer will read the description, but not the list of ingredients.

None of this is meant to be discouraging. There are a number of effective herbal remedies; menopause relief (even in a jar!) is available. And, most health care professionals recommend specific vitamins for menopause health, when used in conjunction with a healthy, well-balanced diet and regular exercise. You may wonder why exercise is so important. You may think that if you take a calcium supplement you are protected from osteoporosis (a weakening and thinning of the bones), even if you do not exercise regularly. If you think this way, then you are wrong. Certain activities (or lack of activity, in this case) and substances have a canceling effect on vitamins and minerals. Lack of exercise cancels out the positive benefits of calcium supplementation.

The commonly recommended minerals, dietary supplements and vitamins for menopause or the years leading up to menopause are calcium, vitamin A, C, D, E, K, B-complex, iron, manganese, magnesium, phosphorous, zinc, potassium, fiber, isoflavones and phytoestrogens.

Isoflavones are actually a well-researched form of phytoestrogens, but are sometimes listed separately. Phytoestrogens are simply plant compounds that have an ?estrogen-like? effect on the body. Lessening levels of estrogen in a woman?s body are believed to cause both PMS and menopause related symptoms. The most common sources of isoflavones are soy and red clover. Soy, as you probably know, is a food. Red clover can usually be found under the heading ?herbal remedies menopause?, except in the case of the product mentioned above.

Dietary guidelines from the USDA recommend that people should get most of their vitamins and minerals from the food that they eat, but that in certain cases supplementation may be necessary. Specifically related to vitamins for menopause are the recommendations that people over the age of 50 should add B-complex and D supplements or foods that are fortified with these vitamins. Vitamin D is necessary for the body to efficiently absorb calcium, as is phosphorous, magnesium, manganese, iron and vitamin C.

When it comes to other products usually sold in the ?herbal remedies menopause? section of your local drug store, black cohosh will almost certainly be there. It was used historically by Native Americans to correct hormonal imbalances. Scientific studies in the nineties and the following years confirmed that it was a safe and effective alternative to hormone replacement therapy. It is not always promoted or recommended by doctors, partly because the quality of the product that a patient may purchase cannot be controlled, partly because the safety of long term use is unknown, but mostly (I think) because most doctors know very little about herbs and other natural products. Example: An article written by a doctor for a popular medical website states in the first paragraph that isoflavones may be effective for relieving the symptoms of menopause. In the last paragraph she lists a number of herbal remedies, menopause treatments and vitamins that have little evidence to support their use. Among them is red clover, which is one of the best known sources of isoflavones.

There is evidence supporting the use of a number of other natural products and herbal remedies for menopause relief. The evidence supporting the use of the other vitamins for menopause mentioned above is too lengthy to add. This article is already much longer than I had intended. For more information, please visit the Menopause and PMS Guide. Patsy Hamilton has more than twenty years experience in health care and currently writes informational articles for the Menopause and PMS Guide. Learn more about menopause and treatment options at www.menopause-and-pms-guide.com.

Menopause and Its Symptoms Q&A

Here we look at some basic questions about menopause and its symptoms, such as ?What are the symptoms of menopause?? and ?What is menopause??

What is menopause?

Technically, menopause means ?cessation of menstruation? or when a woman has no menstrual periods for more than a year, indicating that she is no longer fertile. It occurs in most women around the age of 50, unless loss of the ovaries due to illness or injury causes it to occur earlier. In some women it occurs as early as age 40. Menopause before age 40 is considered premature menopause and occurs in about 1% of all women. The term ?menopause? is commonly used to describe the period of time leading up to ?actual? menopause.

What is perimenopause?

Perimenopause is a term used to describe the months or years leading up to menopause. This is when women often say that they are ?going through menopause? and its symptoms become evident.

What are the symptoms of menopause?

Menopause and its symptoms vary. Some women experience no symptoms, other than irregular periods for several months preceding actual menopause. Most women experience hot flashes and/or night sweats. Some women have mood swings, trouble sleeping and vaginal dryness. Many women have bladder control problems. Other symptoms may include fatigue, headache, depression, irritability, heart palpitations, joint and muscle pain. Some women have decreased sex drive, are less easily aroused or less sensitive. Some experience discomfort during sex, sometimes due to vaginal dryness or to a thinning of vaginal tissue. Others enjoy sex more, once pregnancy concerns have passed. Women are unique, thus menopause and its symptoms are unique among women.

What are the symptoms of menopause caused by?

The symptoms associated with menopause are caused by decreased levels of estrogen and other hormones. Each woman is born with a limited number of egg cells in the ovaries. As the number of egg cells nears depletion, the amount of estrogen and other hormones produced by the ovaries diminishes.

What are the symptoms of menopause treated with?

For many years, hormone replacement therapy was the treatment of choice for menopause and its symptoms. Concerns over long term health risks have many doctors and their patients considering alternatives, particularly when decreasing levels of estrogen are bothersome at an early age. Lifestyle and dietary changes have helped many women deal with menopause and its symptoms. The herb black cohosh is one of the most commonly suggested remedies for hot flashes and night sweats, but a number of other herbs, vitamins and plant components may be helpful as well.

For more information, please visit the Menopause and PMS Guide.

Patsy Hamilton has more than twenty years experience in health care and currently writes informational articles for the Menopause and PMS Guide. Learn more about menopause and treatment options at www.menopause-and-pms-guide.com.

Will Menopause Be A Thing Of The Past

Italy is known for it?s food and fashion but who would have guessed they?d also have the jump on helping women potentially eliminate menopause and it?s associate symptoms using a common over-the-counter supplement ? melatonin.

This is great news for all women, and a huge relief to those trying to decide which side effects to gamble on as a result of only knowing about traditional prescription drug therapies.

A six month watershed study conducted by the Menopause Center at the Madonna Del Grazie Health Institute in Rome Italy, identified a clear relationship between nocturnal melatonin production, a hormone that makes us sleepy, and menopause.

Female subjects between the ages of 42 and 62 were given either a melatonin supplement or a placebo each night for six months. The subjects were either in the stages of perimenopause and experiencing missed menstrual cycles or post menopause and their menstrual cycles had ceased entirely.

Over the course of the six-month study an amazing thing occurred. The subjects who received the daily melatonin supplement resumed menstrual cyclicity. Yes even the women who were post menopausal regained their menstrual cycles.

Symptoms typically associated with menopause such as depression, sleep disorders, hot flushes, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, appetite disorders and tremors related to anxiety and depression were remarkably reversed or significantly improved.

Natural hormone levels were restored to youthful levels and the women receiving the melatonin became fertile again.

These results are nothing short of remarkable. While this is just a single study and should be viewed with that in mind, the potential ramifications are profound. If in fact the chicken-and-egg relationship between the onset of menopause and melatonin are the opposite as previously thought ? that it is the reduction in melatonin that heralds the onset of menopause and not the reverse ? then by simply supplementing with melatonin may completely reverse menopause. At least that is what the results of this study are pointing to.

This would most likely eliminate the need for hormone replacement therapy entirely as a transitional step to menopause since women would continue to produce youthful levels of hormones on their own. It would also greatly impact several segments of the pharmaceutical industry ? anti-depressants, anti-anxiety and non-hormonal osteoporosis drugs that are now being hawked by celebrities like Sally Fields.

Imagine a world where women no longer have to fear fragile bones, or that their careers will be interrupted by the lack of energy or mental clarity suffered during menopause. How about mothers regularly giving birth at 75? Perhaps this will be a reality in the near future. We?ll just have to wait and see.

In the meantime what will be more interesting is how physicians handle this news. This study was published in December of 2005. Will it be repressed or discounted? Remember, melatonin is an over-the-counter sleep aid and doesn?t require a prescription. The pharmaceutical industry wont profit from this potentially wonderful discovery. That is unless they address it as they did the cholesterol-lowering effects of the common B vitamin - Niacin. They created an extended release version of an already perfect over-the-counter supplement called NiaSpan? so that physicians would have something to prescribe. Most physicians are reluctant to recommend over-the-counter supplements citing purity is not guaranteed.

You?ll have to educate yourself about your options when addressing menopause. Melatonin may prove to be a valuable aid for some women and may be worth examining for those of you beginning to see the symptoms of menopause.

* NiaSPan is a Registered Trademark of the KOS Pharmaceutical Company

Carl Lanore is the host of Super Human Radio - an AM Talk Radio show broadcast every Saturday at 12:00 Noon on 1080 WKJK from Louisville Kentucky. The show covers all topics related to human performance, fitness, nutrition, age management, exercise and strength training. Super Human Radio can also be heard on the Internet through Podcast by visiting www.superhumanradio.com or any of the top Podcast directories.

Menopause and Weight Gain - What's the Connection?

Numerous studies have shown that menopause and weight gain go hand in hand. There are probably many different factors that cause weight gain during menopause, but some studies suggest that the weight gain is related to decreased estrogen levels.

Gaining weight is frustrating and health threatening. It can also affect a woman?s sense of well being. A two year study about menopause and weight gain was recently concluded in Australia. 7,270 healthy women between the ages of 45 and 50 were surveyed concerning their weight and their sense of physical and mental well-being. Only half were able to maintain the same weight with which they began the study. More than one third gained 5 pounds or more. Even this small weight change negatively affected the group?s sense of mental well-being. Some sources say that the average weight gain during menopause is 12-15 pounds, if this is true, then it could account for the fact that a woman?s risk of developing heart disease after menopause increases dramatically, approaching that of a man.

Controlling and preventing weight gain during menopause is important for many reasons. During mid-life, a woman?s body tends to change from a pear shape (hips wider than waist) to a shape more like an apple, with the waist approaching the same size as the hips. Abdominal weight gain increases the risk of heart disease. And the American Cancer Society reports that maintaining an ideal weight throughout adult life reduces the risks for many types of cancer. Of major concern for cancer risks is, once again, abdominal weight gain. In menopausal women, this is where the extra pounds usually end up.

In order to try and determine the relationship between menopause and weight gain, scientists have removed the ovaries in lab animals and even one group of monkeys. During peri-menopause, a woman?s ovaries begin to produce less and less estrogen, until they finally stop at menopause. Removing the ovaries from animals simulates menopause in a laboratory setting. In all of these studies, the female animals increased their food intake (in some cases by as much as 67%) and, of course, gained weight. These studies indicate that estrogen (or the lack of it) plays a direct role in appetite. Thus, weight gain during menopause could be caused by decreased estrogen levels.

Drugs for menopause and weight gain control have known risks. Experimental drugs that have an estrogen like effect have been shown to reduce the amount of weight that lab animals gain after having their ovaries removed. However, these drugs also caused cancerous growths in the uterus. Estrogen replacement in menopausal women has been linked to an increased risk of cancer, blood clots, heart disease and stroke, when used for long periods of time. An alternative to synthetic hormones exists in the plant world.

Phytoestrogens, which are plant compounds that have an ?estrogen-like? effect on the body, are being recommended for women to help relieve the symptoms of menopause. Found in soy and red clover, if these plant components can reduce other symptoms of menopause, they may help reduce weight gain during menopause, as well. Undoubtedly, other factors play a role.

It is a known fact that a person?s metabolism changes with age. A woman who is 55 cannot eat the same amount of food that she did when she was 25 (even when levels of physical activity stay the same), without gaining weight. Thus, weight gain during menopause cannot be controlled or prevented without reducing calories and/or increasing physical activity. But, if a woman is making efforts to control her weight and nothing seems to be working, phytoestrogens might help. Adding soy to the diet or replacing higher fat, higher calorie meats with soy products is one way to accomplish this.

Some dietary supplements contain soy isoflavones. Isoflavones are the phytoestrogens found in soy. Use of these supplements may relieve symptoms of menopause and weight gain may be avoided, as well. To learn more about them visit the Menopause and PMS guide website.

Patsy Hamilton was a health care professional for more than twenty years before becoming a freelance writer. Currently she writes informational health articles, focused on women?s issues. You can read more at http://www.menopause-and-pms-guide.com.

What is Menopause Depression and How Does it Come About?

Menopause has many commonly known symptoms such as hot flashes, and several lesser known ones such as menopause depression. Most women don't realize that this normal change in their bodies puts them at high risk for depressive feelings.

While some sadness about the changes in your body is completely normal during menopause, sometimes it goes beyond a simple mourning of your old life. Up to 15% of menopausal women are clinically depressed, and most won't seek treatment, thinking it isn't serious or that they are being ridiculous for feeling this way. However, menopause and depression is a serious issue that needs to be recognized.

The cause of menopause depression hasn't been pinned down yet, although theories abound. Some believe that the hormonal chaos created by the massive change in a body is the reason for the depression. Others claim the symptoms, hot flashes and and other physical changes, cause stress which leads to depression. Yet others claim it has nothing to do with the actual menopause, but more with the changes taking place in the woman's life. Children moving out, a natural decline in estrogens, losing parents to old age, and getting older herself can all be catalysts. Whatever the actual cause, menopause and depression is a definite problem.

Any woman with a history of depression is more likely to fall prey to the disease during her menopausal years. Also at high risk are women whose menopause is not natural, but caused by an emergency hysterectomy due to cancer or other complications, as are smokers and women who are normally under high stress.

The symptoms of menopause and depression can be similar and are often confused. Both cause fatigue, irritability and sleep disorders. Difficulty concentrating, feeling useless, and loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities are further symptoms of menopause depression. There is no need to suffer in silence, thinking the depression is a normal part of menopause.

Once menopause depression has been recognized, treatment should immediately follow. Conventional medicine calls for antidepressants or estrogen therapy, or even a combination of the two. However, more and more women are treating menopause and depression naturally, using herbal mood boosters and vitamins and minerals to keep their bodies in line, as well as treat the accompanying depression.

Major news shows have even done spots on the natural treatment of menopause. Many supplements for this purpose have emerged in the past few years, but nearly all of the effective ones contain herbs such as valerian root (to treat hot flashes and cramps) and ginkgo biloba (promotes mental clarity) as well as green tea (prevents excessive weight gain). Each of these herbs also plays a part in reducing depression symptoms.

Psychotherapy may also be recommended for menopause depression if it is felt that the symptoms stem from a mental source. This is particularly useful in cases where menopause was unexpected or abrupt, as in an emergency removal of ovaries and uterus. Women who had hoped to bear children or who lost their reproductive organs to disease are particularly at risk for depression which can be treated effectively through psychotherapy.

There are many treatments and many possible causes for menopause depression. Women don't need to feel helpless or alone as they go through these major life changes, and in fact, should seek ways to relieve the symptoms, not just bear them.

Mike Stevens has been studying the mood disorders for years, and has written many articles on the subject. He is a regular contributor to Menopause and Depression section of http://www.beat-your-depression.com, a site discussing conventional and alternative ways to treat depression and related mood disorders.

Menopause Symptoms Got You Down - Learn To Alleviate Menopause With

Much as we'd like to avoid it, the reality is that all women have to go through the physical and emotional issues of menopause. It can be a very challenging time, and it's important to find ways to get any help or relief that might be required.

Aromatherapy is a great way to relieve any pain associated with menopause. There are many essential oils that are wonderful for creating a feeling of calm and relaxation, which is a great help if you're suffering from cramps or stomach problems.

There are also aromatherapy fragrances that are specifically suited for helping your body feel at peace. Using these particular oils will help you to feel more relaxed and comfortable, as well as helping to reduce the pain and stress often experienced with menopause.

Many women also find that depression gets hold of them when they start to go through menopause. It helps to know that certain aromatherapy oils do a great job revitalizing your body, as well as give you a burst of energy and strength. This really helps to reduce the effects of pain, fatigue and depression that many women associate with menopause.

There are some essential oils that simply have a positive effect on the mind and body, working through the sense of smell. There are many physical symptoms that come with menopause, and these essential oils help to reduce these. Some possible menopause symptoms include:

Cramps

Bloating

Hot flushes

Night sweats

Restlessness

Weight problems

By spending some time learning about aromatherapy and what the various essential oils do, you can choose a combination best suited to alleviating your menopause symptoms, or simply to give yourself a positive boost. There's no need to worry about side effects or other problems with essential oils. You can simply give your body the rejuvenating oils it needs, and so rest easier and be more at peace.

Aromatherapy is becoming more and more widespread, as women find out the beneficial effects it can produce during menopause. It's not just a physical change; aromatherapy results in a positive emotional change as well. Menopause can be seen as the end of one phase of life, and it can be difficult to let go and realize that you'll never get that part of your life back again. So it's important to do whatever you need to do to get through this stage of your life with the minimal amount of disruption and discomfort.

For more ways to allevaite menopause with aromatherapy please visit Aromatherapy- Benefits where you will find valuable information and resources on aromatherapy massage uses, aromatherapy garden uses, aromatherapy cooking uses, aromatherapy benefits and aromatherapy bath uses that will help enhance your life by relieving stress and providing a calming effect.

Vitamins For Menopause - Naturally!

Are vitamin for menopause treatments effective? Menopause is the transitional period in a women's life where fertility functions begin to shut down and with it come a host of symptoms which in many cases, catch people off guard. So how important are vitamins in the treatment of menopausal symptoms?

The most common treatment for menopause is hormone replacement therapy (HRT). One of the biggest anomalies with this is that women will normally be offered HRT if they are exhibiting symptoms however, in many cases, these symptoms may not be menopause related at all but attributed to other health conditions. In other words, they are aging related.

Vitamins For A Healthy Body

Being prepared for the onset of menopause doesn't mean you need to stand behind a barricade and keep a lookout for it. Keeping your body healthy and ready to manage this natural occurring process is important. Good vitamin intake in association with a balanced diet means you are giving yourself every chance to adjust to menopause when it "arrives." So a vitamin for menopause treatment should be a strongly considered option.

One of the biggest benefits of vitamin supplements is their role in maintaing a healthy bone structure. Recent studies conclude that bone formation can be impaired without adequate levels of vitamin K. Estrogen levels drop during early menopause and findings suggest that vitamin K function is diminished even before bone loss occurs. So in actual fact, the suggestion is that the accepted level of this vitamin is not adequate enough during the initial phase of menopause. Vitamin K has been the subject of a host of studies in relation to menopause and may not yet be completely understood.

Benefits Of Vitamins For Menopause

What is understood though is the function of vitamins such as B, C and E. Vitamin B has long been known as an active combatant against symptoms of stress and reduced energy levels. A good B complex can aid in the recovery from energy depletion and other related symptoms.

Vitamin E has "scored many bouquets" for having an effect on the incidence of hot flushes. It has also been found useful in aiding vaginal dryness, a common complaint of menopause. Vitamin E has a further multiplication benefit when taken in conjuction with some mineral nutrients.

The benefits of vitamin C have long been known, particularly in the area of treatment for illnesses such as colds and flus however, it has also been effective in reducing incidence of hot flushes in menopausal women as well as having the ability to promote elasticity in the skin. This has a added benefits in both preventing and also treating vaginal dryness.

Maintaining a healthy disposition long before menopause is even a factor can only be helpful in transitioning this natural stage of life. A vitamin for menopause treatment should be a strong option and one you should discuss with your health physician. There are many vitamin products on the market today and they are not all created equal. You may have to probe deeper than just settling for those you see on the supermarket shelves and perhaps consider products not available in the mainstream shopping arena.

Recognize the onset of menopause and it's symptoms along with menopause news and reviews at:http://www.infomenopause.com

Lose Menopause Weight Gain

As you approach menopause, it?s not unusual to gain weight, especially around your mid-section. You have likely not changed your eating habits or level of activity, but the weight continues to accumulate, even if you?re still experiencing regular periods. Most women begin to notice this added weight while they?re in their thirties or forties, and are frustrated by the fact that the weight is not quite as easy to lose as it was a few years prior.

The weight you?re now noticing is perfectly normal and is the result of declining hormone levels as you approach menopause (perimenopause). As your estrogen levels decline, your body will naturally look for other places from where to get the needed estrogen. Since fat cells are capable of producing estrogen, your body begins to work harder to convert your calories to fat.

In addition to the declining levels of estrogen, your body?s testosterone levels are also declining. Because testosterone converts your calories to lean muscle mass, lower levels of testosterone will result in the loss of muscle. If you no longer have the necessary muscle mass to burn calories, the food you?re consuming will result in fat accumulation.

Fortunately, if you have the determination to lose the extra weight you?re now carrying around, you will do so successfully. The only obstacle between you and a successful weight loss would be a lack of determination and discipline on your part; I sincerely doubt this is the case due to the fact that you found this article because you?re obviously looking for solutions.

Now that you understand the havoc your hormones are capable of wreaking, you now have a clearer picture of what it is you need to do to lose the weight you?ve gained due to declining hormone levels. You see, simply cutting calories is no longer enough to reduce or eliminate the weight you?ve gained around your mid-section. Muscle plays a crucial role in weight loss, so it?s imperative to build muscle in order to have your body burn calories around the clock.

I?m not suggesting anything extreme, but getting into a regular exercise program, which includes cardiovascular workouts, as well as weight training at least three days a week will result in a much leaner body.

Congratulations on taking the first step toward having a body that is healthy, beautiful, lean and toned.Susan Megge is the founder of http://www.40isbeautiful.com, a website designed to assist mature women as they approach and experience menopause. Susan, a health and fitness expert, started experiencing symptoms of menopause several years ago and researched various avenues to deal with these symptoms naturally. This led to her discovery of the significant role that exercise plays in making menopause a very manageable, and even wonderful time in a woman's life. Susan Megge is the author of "Being Beautiful Beyond 40," a book dedicated to helping women to be inspired, confident and beautiful as they approach menopause.

Exercise Your Way Through Perimenopause

It?s unfortunate, but most women don?t realize how crucial a role regular fitness and exercise is to reducing many symptoms associated with perimenopause. As women approach menopause they begin to gain weight, especially around their mid-section. This abdominal weight is quite common and the result of declining hormone levels, which may cause the metabolism to slow down significantly.

As you may know, excessive abdominal weight plays a significant role in contributing to heart disease, the number one killer of middle-aged and older women. Not to worry; the weight you?ve recently gained can be managed quite easily by simply getting into a regular fitness or exercise routine. Fitness and consistent exercise really are the keys to decreasing weight and avoiding the pitfalls of aging. By committing to a regular exercise routine - one which includes weight training - women will change the muscle-to-fat ratio, enabling them to increase their metabolic rate and burn calories, even at rest.

In addition to weight gain, women in their thirties begin to lose bone mass at a rate of approximately 1% per year. This rate increases to 2%-3% per year after menopause, but studies have shown that exercise can actually increase a woman's bone density, thus reducing the risk of osteoporosis and the incidence of falls and bone fractures associated with osteoporosis. Unfortunately, osteoporosis often goes undetected until bone fractures occur, but by taking preventative measures, such as consistently exercising, women can indeed reduce this risk.

Exercise and fitness can also be beneficial in reducing the incidence of hot flashes, a common symptom women experience as they approach menopause. Hot flashes can contribute to impaired sleep patterns and a decreased energy level. Additionally, hot flashes can also affect one's overall mood, which has the potential to negatively affect both personal and professional relationships. While estrogen replacement therapy has been shown to decrease these symptoms, for many women a regular exercise routine appears to be a very viable alternative.

In summary, making fitness and exercise a priority will benefit most women who are experiencing symptoms of perimenopause, and the positive results - both physical and emotional - are well worth the extra time you?ll spend once you begin and continue a regular exercise routine. It's easy to make excuses to not make time to ensure that exercise is a priority, but it's crucial to understand that being regularly active will lead to overall good health now and in the future. The only results you'll see from your added physical activity will be those that are extremely beneficial to you and those you love.

Susan Megge is the founder of http://www.40isbeautiful.com, a website designed to assist mature women as they approach and experience menopause. Susan, a health and fitness expert, started experiencing symptoms of menopause several years ago and researched various avenues to deal with these symptoms naturally. This led to her discovery that menopause can be a very manageable, and even wonderful time in a woman's life. Susan Megge is the author of "Being Beautiful Beyond 40", a book dedicated to helping women to be inspired, confident and beautiful as they approach menopause.

Premature Menopause Symptoms and Conditions That Cause Early or Premature

Premature menopause symptoms occur in some women because of genetics, medical procedures or illness. Unlike perimenopause, which is a natural condition that refers to the years leading up to or around menopause, premature menopause refers to menopause that occurs in a woman under the age of 40. Premature menopause symptoms are basically the same as the symptons of menopause.

Premature menopause symptoms include irregular periods that are heavier or lighter than usual and hot flashes. Some women experience vaginal dryness, irritable bladder or bladder control issues, mood swings, dry skin, sleeplessness and decreased libido. These are typical symptons of menopause; the number and degree of severity that a woman experiences varies.

Medical procedures that can cause premature menopause include chemotherapy or radiation therapy and surgical removal of the ovaries. Radiation therapy does not always cause premature menopause, as treatment does not always damage the ovaries. Hysterectomy sometimes includes removal of the ovaries, but not in all cases. Surgical procedures performed to treat colon and rectal cancer sometimes involves removal of the ovaries. Cervical cancer that does not respond to surgery and radiation sometimes leads to the removal of most of the organs in the pelvis, including the ovaries.

Some women appear to be genetically predisposed to premature menopause. If your mother or sister was diagnosed with premature menopause then you should see your doctor if you begin to have any of the symptons of menopause listed above. Premature menopause symptoms are similar to the symptoms caused by numerous other more serious medical conditions. Thus, it is never safe to assume that you are experiencing premature menopause without first consulting your doctor.

Other conditions that increase the likelihood of premature menopause include Graves? disease, hypothyroidism, lupus or another autoimmune disease in yourself or a family member. Unsuccessful attempts to become pregnant for a year or more could be due to premature menopause. Symptoms can be minor and sometimes unnoticed. If you have concerns consult your doctor. If you interested in information about perimenopause, natural menopause or premenstrual syndrome, please visit the Menopause and PMS Guide.

Patsy Hamilton was a health care professional for over twenty years before becoming a freelance writer. Currently she writes informational articles focused on women?s health for the Menopause and PMS Guide. Visit us at http://www.menopause-and-pms-guide.com

Severe Menopause Symptoms Affect Some Women's Relationships

Most women experience hot flashes and other relatively minor symptoms. Some women suffer from severe menopause symptoms that affect their quality of life, their relationships, their jobs and their overall health. Bleeding during menopause or the time leading up to it may be irregular.

Women may skip periods for months in a row, only to be surprised by one at the most inconvenient time. Some women experience very heavy menstrual bleeding during the years leading up to menopause, which is technically when a woman has not menstruated for 12 consecutive months.

Sometimes, when a woman is experiencing severe menopause symptoms like irritability, depression or mood swings that are affecting her relationship with her family or her co-workers, her doctor will recommend hormone replacement therapy. Hormone replacement therapy may also be recommended for women who are experiencing signs of osteoporosis, vaginal dryness causing painful intercourse and night sweats that are interrupting normal sleep cycles.

As menopause approaches, the ovaries begin to produce less of the hormone estrogen. Needed during a woman?s reproductive years to thicken the lining of the uterus, estrogen also influences the body?s ability to absorb calcium and use it for rebuilding bones and keeping them strong. It has an influence on cholesterol levels, keeping them normal. And, it is responsible for maintaining the vagina. Without estrogen the walls of the vagina become thin and dry. This can lead to painful intercourse, vaginal tearing and bleeding during menopause after or during sex.

Estrogen taken alone increases a woman?s risk for cancer of the endometrium, which is the lining of the uterus. Taking progesterone decreases that risk by causing the endometrium to be shed each month or monthly bleeding during menopause. After taking estrogen and progesterone continuously for several months or more depending on the woman, monthly bleeding during menopause may be lessened or stop completely.

Although hormone replacement therapy was the treatment of choice for moderate to severe menopause symptoms for many years, the Women?s Health Initiative study indicates that the risks may outweigh the benefits. The benefits, other than relieving severe menopause symptoms, are believed to be a reduced risk of osteoporosis, colon cancer and heart disease. But, the study concluded that long-term hormone replacement therapy actually increased the risk of heart disease, breast cancer, blood clots and stroke.

In estrogen only therapy, which does not cause bleeding during menopause, there is an increased risk of endometrial cancer, blood clots and stroke, but there appears to be no increased risk of breast cancer or heart disease. Because of the risks, hormone replacement therapy is not recommended as often, nor recommended for long term use. Women who have a family history of certain types of cancer may be discouraged from using it at all. Women who have had breast cancer are generally discouraged, as well.

Since many women can not take hormone replacement therapy or choose not to, researchers have evaluated some of the herbs and plants that were used historically to relieve hot flashes and other more severe menopause symptoms. Black cohosh, among others was found to be effective. To learn more about black cohosh and other alternatives to hormone replacement therapy, please visit the Menopause and PMS Guide.

Patsy Hamilton was a health care professional for over twenty years before becoming a freelance writer. Currently she writes informational articles focused on women?s health for the Menopause and PMS Guide. Visit us at http://www.menopause-and-pms-guide.com

Perimenopause Symptoms and Solutions

Have you recently noticed that you?re gaining weight around your abdomen or mid-section, you?re not as energetic as you once were, your periods are somewhat irregular and you simply have an overall feeling of ?blah?? If so, there?s a good chance that you?re experiencing symptoms of perimenopause (the transitional period leading to menopause). In fact, hormone fluctuations during perimenopause can result in many of the symptoms you?re noticing.

As with many women?s conditions, the onset of perimenopause can affect every woman differently, and symptoms can range from being very mild and hardly noticeable, to extremely severe and uncomfortable. Common symptoms of perimenopause include hot flashes or night sweats, difficulty sleeping through the night, weight gain (especially around the mid-section), vaginal dryness, mood swings or depression and feelings of confusion. Most women don?t experience all symptoms associated with perimenopause, but it?s quite likely that you?ll notice at least some changes occurring as you approach menopause.

Believe it or not, there are remedies available to reduce these symptoms, resulting in a much more comfortable and even enjoyable transition as you enter the menopausal years. If you?re like many women, there?s a good chance that you?ll want to do all you can to reduce the severity of your symptoms by making a few simple lifestyle changes. For instance, if you?re experiencing hot flashes, try to avoid triggers that can contribute to the frequency and/or severity of this uncomfortable symptom. Many women have reported that consuming hot or spicy foods, alcohol and caffeine can bring on hot flashes. Also, if you?re feeling stressed or simply find yourself in a warm room you may notice that there?s a greater likelihood that you?ll experience hot flashes. If this is the case, do what you can to avoid these triggers. If you can, try to get into a regular exercise routine, as physical activity and exercise have been shown to reduce the incidence of hot flashes.

If you?ve noticed that your sleep patterns are no longer patterns at all, but instead broken and interrupted periods of restless sleep, there?s a good chance this can be blamed on your declining hormone levels as well. If you want a good night?s sleep (and who doesn?t?) it?s a good idea to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day. Don?t, however, do so near your bedtime. Similarly, you?ll want to avoid smoking, consuming large meals and working right before you turn in for the night. It?s recommended that you keep your bedroom dark, quiet and cool so that you?re more likely to stay asleep once you?ve gone to bed. If you should happen to wake during the night, it?s a good idea to get up and read until you?re sleepy enough to fall back to sleep.

If you?ve experienced mood swings associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS), there?s an increased chance that you?re sensitive to hormone changes and will, therefore, probably notice some moodiness and memory problems as you begin to experience symptoms associated with perimenopause. Staying active and getting a sufficient amount of sleep will certainly help to alleviate these symptoms. Not only has exercise been proven to reduce or eliminate several perimenopausal symptoms, but it has been my own personal savior as I began gaining weight, experiencing night sweats and becoming moody and lethargic. When I began a regular exercise routine, one which included weight bearing exercises, the overall improvement in my physical and emotional states was absolutely astonishing.

Of course, some women will simply need to turn to other solutions to eliminate or lessen the severity of perimenopause symptoms. Vitamin E and some herbs have been known to reduce the incidence and severity of hot flashes. If you should choose to consider vitamins and herbs to assist with your symptoms, it?s a good idea to work closely with someone who is quite familiar with herbs and vitamins to ensure that you adjust your dosages as needed.

Hormone replacement therapy can help women who are experiencing more severe and difficult symptoms of perimenopause. As with many treatments, hormone therapy poses some risks, in addition to the possible benefits. It?s best to discuss the benefits and risks of hormone therapy with your doctor so that you?re better able to make a well-informed decision regarding this treatment. If you should decide to use hormone therapy, try to use the lowest dose that helps you, and for the shortest period of time needed.

Remind yourself that this can be the start of a wonderful period in your life. Treat your body well and the results will include a healthy, beautiful and energetic you.

Susan Megge is the founder of www.40isbeautiful.com, a website designed to assist mature women as they approach and experience menopause. Susan, a health and fitness expert, started experiencing symptoms of menopause several years ago and researched various avenues to deal with these symptoms naturally. This led to her discovery that menopause can be a very manageable, and even wonderful time in a woman's life. Susan Megge is the author of "Being Beautiful Beyond 40", a book dedicated to helping women to be inspired, confident and beautiful as they approach menopause.

What Is The Best Diet During Menopause - The Answers Are Here

What is the best diet during menopause? Many of the answers are related to phytoestrogens and menopause symptom relief. It may all seem a bit redundant, but I wanted to provide as much information as I could in an easy to understand format. There are so many factors to consider when designing a diet for menopause. The truth of the matter is that this is a health diet that can be used in the years leading up to menopause, follows the recommendations of the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society and can be easily followed for life.

What is the best diet during menopause to prevent osteoporosis?

Low fat sources of calcium, include milk, yogurt and cheese, but can also be found in non-dairy foods, such as fish, spinach, broccoli, kale, some legumes and soybean products. Whenever the subject of phytoestrogens and menopause comes up, you will usually see references to soy isoflavones, which brings us to the next question.

What is the best diet during menopause to relieve hot flashes?

Hot flashes are related to decreasing levels of estrogen. Some plants have compounds that have estrogen-like effects on the body. These compounds are called phytoestrogens. It is believed that the effectiveness of black cohosh for relieving hot flashes is related to the phytoestrogens in the plant. It is known that soy isoflavones are phytoestrogens and menopause symptoms like hot flashes may be relieved by increasing or adding soy into a woman?s diet.

What is the best diet during menopause to prevent weight gain?

Low in fat, rich in complex carbohydrates like vegetables, fruits, whole grains and low in simple carbs like sugar, white bread, white rice, etc...

What is the best diet during menopause to improve sleep?

Soy (again) comes out close to the top for its high tryptophan content. Tryptophan is an amino acid that aids the body in the absorption of protein and the production of serotonin. Serotonin transmits signals among nerve endings in the brain and body and is important in regulating sleep cycles. Increasing foods in the diet that contain tryptophan can improve the quality of your sleep. Other than soy, the best dietary sources of tryptophan are chicken breast, yellow fin tuna, beef tenderloin, lamb loin, turkey breast, halibut, shrimp, salmon and snapper. However, beef tenderloin and lamb loin are high in fat and both the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association recommend that you avoid red meat. Studies have shown that carbohydrates increase serotonin levels, as well, which may be why women crave simple carbs during PMS.

What is the best diet during menopause to increase energy?

We need carbohydrates for energy. Although most of the recent research has focused on the effectiveness of phytoestrogens and menopause relief and many of the popular diets are ?low-carb?, if you do not get enough complex carbohydrates in your diet, then you will be tired. When you are tired, you are more likely to grab something sweet. This will backfire and you will end up even more tired. The whole thing becomes a vicious cycle. It is also important to make sure that you get enough B-complex vitamins in your diet. Broccoli, cauliflower and other cruciferous vegetables are good sources of B vitamins. Cottage cheese is another good choice.

What is the best diet during menopause to improve mood?

This question leads back to tryptophan, carbohydrates and possibly phytoestrogens. Anything that increases levels of serotonin improves mood. It is not only important in regulating sleep cycles, but mood, as well. Studies have shown that it also affects appetite and may help women avoid gaining weight during and after menopause.

What is the best diet during menopause, overall?

Expert opinions do not always agree when it comes to phytoestrogens and menopause and research is on-going. At this time, all of the research indicates that dietary sources of phytoestrogens are safe and effective. Experts do agree that for overall good health during menopause and throughout life, the best diet is low in fat and rich in ?nutrient dense? foods, which are foods that contain lots of vitamins and minerals, but not a lot of calories. The best food selections are soy (found in meat-less burgers, tofu and many other items, including flour), chicken breast, turkey breast, tuna, shrimp, salmon and other fish, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, kale and other fruits and vegetables of all kinds. Oatmeal and other whole grains, wild rice, nuts and seeds.

Go easy on the salt. Limit your caffeine. A recent study showed that women who drink four or more caramel colored sodas (coke, pepsi, etc) per week have more osteoporosis than women who don?t. Don?t smoke, limit alcohol and watch the spicy foods. Alcohol, caffeine, salt and spicy foods can all trigger hot flashes and worsen their intensity. For the answers to more questions about diet, vitamin supplements, phytoestrogens and menopause, please visit the Menopause and PMS guide.

Patsy Hamilton was a health care professional for over twenty years before becoming a freelance writer. Currently she writes health related informational articles for the Menopause and PMS guide. Please visit www.menopause-and-pms-guide.com to learn more about menopause and premenstrual syndrome.

Early Menopause Signs/Symptoms Can Be Relieved

Early menopause signs, symptoms and complaints vary from one woman to the next, as does the age at which a woman begins to experience them. Menopause symtoms can be frustrating or challenging, but a positive attitude helps.

According to a survey conducted in September of 2006 by Johns Hopkins the menopause symtoms that significantly affect a woman?s assessment of her quality of life are mood changes and feeling tense. The women who participated in the study were asked about hot flashes, vaginal dryness, sore joints, bladder control problems and headache, but, interestingly, the majority of the women did not feel that these symptoms affected their quality of life.

Mood changes that are commonly reported as early menopause signs, symptoms and complaints include increased feelings of frustration, irritability and sadness. Some women even experience mild depression for the first time in their lives. Women who have had problems with depression or anxiety in the past are even more susceptible to becoming depressed once again.

Doctors, scientists and researchers are not sure what causes depression during menopause. It could be related to changing hormonal levels. Women have a higher risk than men of experiencing a major depressive period at some point in their life. Most experts believe this is all related to the, sometimes drastically changing hormonal levels that accompany pregnancy, childbirth, monthly cycles and menopause. Symtoms of depression should always be discussed with your health care professional.

Many different therapies can reduce tension and stress. Most of them, you can do on your own, without prescription medication or hormone replacement therapy. Stress management techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, deep muscle relaxation and yoga can all relieve tension. As can regular exercise of any type. If you are not accustomed to regular exercise, it is always advisable to check with your doctor, particularly if you are overweight or have other health issues. In general, most women can safely begin an exercise regimen of 20 minutes, every other day, gradually increasing to 30 minutes every day.

Aerobic exercise is probably the best natural stress reliever. And, studies have shown that women who are under a great deal of unrelieved stress have more severe early menopause signs, symptoms and complaints. Chronic stress can, over time, lead to depression. Regular exercise can relieve depressed feelings and possible prevent the necessity of further treatment.

Some women begin to have early menopause signs, symptoms and complaints in their late thirties. Changes in menstrual periods and more severe premenstrual symptoms may be related to menopause. If a woman stops menstruating before the age of 40, it is considered premature menopause. Sometimes this happens naturally and may be a result of genetics. In other cases it is caused by treatment for a medical condition, such as removal of the ovaries due to cancer. Women who experience an unnatural premature menopause typically have more severe menopause symtoms and medication is often necessary.

To learn more about early menopause signs, symptoms and ways to improve or relieve your symptoms, please visit the Menopause and PMS guide.

Patsy Hamilton was a health care professional for over twenty years before becoming a freelance writer. Currently she writes health related informational articles for the Menopause and PMS guide. Please visit www.menopause-and-pms-guide.com to learn more about menopause and premenstrual syndrome.

Know Menopause and Symptoms - But What Should One Know?

To know menopause and symptoms, one should understand healthy and normal menopause symptoms and unhealthy health conditions.

To know menopause and symptoms means realizing that as a woman ages, the reproductive system will slow and eventually shut down. The woman's regular menstrual cycle will become lighter and less frequent and will eventually cease functioning. This menopause symptom is normal and expected when the woman is in her late 40's or early 50's.

The problem is -- a woman should know menopause and symptoms that mean there are underlying health problems, the most common being a condition called 'hormone imbalance'. Certain symptoms of menopause are signs that health problems exist that should be corrected. If not, the woman is at higher risk for more serious health problems.

Here are examples of such symptoms:

1 - A craving for sweets and/or carbohydrates, accompanied by fluctuating blood sugar levels

2 - Hair growth on the face

3 - Loss of hair or thinning hair

4 - Sluggishness, lack of energy

5 - Urinary tract infections or yeast infections

6 - Fibroids

7 - Weight gain, especially in the hips, waist and stomach, with no change in dietary habits

To know menopause and symptoms, one should know that many women in the western industrialized countries experience one or more of these symptoms of menopause much earlier than the average age of menopause which is about 51 in the USA. A crucial question that should be answered is -- what is a leading cause of menopause symptoms in women?

The answer is related to hormone imbalance. Hormone imbalance can be caused by stress, obesity, poor nutrition, excess estrogen and the lack of ovulation and progesterone. Is it possible to know menopause and symptoms and the role of hormone imbalance in causing premature menopause symptoms? The answer is -- YES!

There is an online test for a woman's hormone health related to menopause and symptoms that can indicate hormones are out of balance. The most frequent condition is too much estrogen and too little progesterone, the two basic hormones required for a healthy woman. This health test has been developed by a leading womens health clinic, it is used in their practice every day, it's available to women online and is free.

If you're a woman in your 30's, 40's or older and you sense your health is not what it should be, take the womens health test online and see what the clinic recommends for your health situation. Understanding what is healthy and normal and what is not is vital when the issue is your energy, your health and well-being.

Copyright 2006 InfoSearch Publishing

Know menopause and symptoms that are signs that the online hormone health test should be taken to see what might be recommended by the womens health clinic appropriate for your symptoms, your age and health conditions. For men, read more about the male menopause symptoms and natural treatments for improving health. 

Menopause Symptoms And Solutions

You?ve recently noticed some changes in your physical appearance, your level of energy and/or your overall mood. Could it be that these changes are associated with menopause? If you?re a woman approaching middle age, yes, the symptoms you?re experiencing could very well be associated with menopause, even if you?re still having regular periods. You see, as you approach menopause, your hormone levels begin to decline, which can result in many of the symptoms you?re currently experiencing.

Obviously, the onset of menopause affects every woman differently, and symptoms can range from being very mild and hardly noticeable, to extremely severe and uncomfortable. Common symptoms of menopause include hot flashes or night sweats, difficulty sleeping through the night, weight gain (especially around the mid-section), vaginal dryness, mood swings or depression, feelings of confusion and hair thinning on your head. You?ll not necessarily experience all symptoms associated with menopause, but it?s quite likely that you?ll notice at least some changes occurring as you approach this time in your life.

Fortunately, there are remedies available to lessen these symptoms and make life much more comfortable and even enjoyable as the menopausal years approach. If you?re like many women, there?s a strong possibility that you?ll want to do all you can to reduce the severity of your symptoms by making a few simple lifestyle changes. For instance, if you?re experiencing hot flashes, try to avoid triggers that can contribute to the frequency and/or severity of this annoying and uncomfortable symptom. Many women have reported that consuming hot or spicy foods, alcohol and caffeine can bring on hot flashes. Additionally, feeling stressed or simply putting yourself in a situation where you?ll be in a hot place can contribute to the onset of hot flashes. If you?ve noticed that this is the case for you, do what you can to avoid these triggers. If you can, try to get into a regular exercise routine, as physical activity and exercise have been shown to reduce the incidence of hot flashes.

If you find that your sleep patterns are no longer patterns at all, but instead broken and interrupted periods of restless sleep, there?s a good chance this can be blamed on your declining hormone levels as well. If you want a good night?s sleep (and who doesn?t?) it?s a good idea to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day. Don?t, however, do so near your bedtime. Similarly, you?ll want to avoid smoking, consuming large meals and working right before you turn in for the night. It?s recommended that you keep your bedroom dark, quiet and cool so that you?re more likely to stay asleep once you?ve gone to bed. If you should happen to wake during the night, it?s a good idea to get up and read until you?re sleepy enough to fall back to sleep.

If you?ve experienced mood swings associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS), there?s a greater likelihood that you?re sensitive to hormone changes and will, therefore, probably notice some moodiness and memory problems as you approach and experience menopause. Staying active and getting a sufficient amount of sleep will certainly help to alleviate these symptoms. Not only has exercise been proven to reduce or eliminate several symptoms associated with menopause, but it has been my own personal savior as I began gaining weight, experiencing night sweats and becoming moody and lethargic. When I began a regular exercise routine, one which included weight bearing exercises, the overall improvement in my physical and emotional states was absolutely astonishing.

Of course, some women will simply need to turn to other solutions to eliminate or lessen the severity of menopause symptoms. Vitamin E and some herbs have been known to reduce the incidence and severity of hot flashes. If you should choose to consider vitamins and herbs to assist with your menopausal symptoms, it?s a good idea to work closely with someone who is quite familiar with herbs and vitamins to ensure that you adjust your dosages as needed.

Hormone replacement therapy can help women who are experiencing more severe and difficult symptoms of menopause. As with many treatments, hormone therapy poses some risks, in addition to the possible benefits. It?s best to discuss the pros and cons of hormone therapy with your doctor so that you?re better able to make a well-informed decision regarding this treatment. If you should decide to use hormone therapy, try to use the lowest dose that helps you, and for the shortest period of time needed.

Remember, this can be the start of a wonderful period in your life. Treat your body well and the results will be extremely beneficial now and in the future.

Susan Megge is the founder of http://www.40isbeautiful.com, a website designed to assist mature women as they approach and experience menopause. She is a grandmother, who started experiencing symptoms of menopause several years ago and researched various avenues to deal with these symptoms naturally. This led to her discovery of the significant role that exercise plays in making menopause a very manageable, and even wonderful time in a woman's life.

The Importance Of Fitness During Menopause

Learn About the Crucial Links Between Fitness and Menopause

Did you know that a regular fitness or exercise routine plays a major role in reducing the symptoms of menopause? One particular symptom of menopause is weight gain, which, unfortunately seems to develop just as a woman finally reaches a point in her life when she's mature and self-confident, and then the fat starts piling on. This weight gain is quite common and the result of declining hormone levels which causes the metabolism to slow down significantly, even in pre-menopausal women.

The majority of women will especially notice an increased amount of fat deposition around their mid-section, which plays a significant role in contributing to heart disease, the number one killer of middle-aged and older women. Not to worry; this weight can be managed quite easily by simply getting into a regular fitness and exercise routine. Fitness and consistent activity really are the keys to decreasing weight and avoiding the pitfalls of aging. By committing to a regular exercise routine, one which includes weight bearing exercises, women will change the muscle-to-fat ratio, enabling them to increase their metabolic rate and burn calories, even at rest.

In addition to weight gain, women in their thirties begin to lose bone mass at a rate of approximately 1% per year and that rate increases to 2%-3% per year after menopause. Studies have shown that exercise can actually increase a woman's bone density, thus reducing the risk of osteoporosis and the incidence of falls and bone fractures associated with osteoporosis. Unfortunately, osteoporosis often goes undetected until bone fractures occur, but by taking preventative measures, such as getting into a regular fitness routine, women can indeed reduce this risk.

Exercise and fitness can also be beneficial in reducing the incidence of hot flashes, a common symptom of menopause. Hot flashes can contribute to impaired sleep patterns and a decreased energy level. Additionally, hot flashes can also affect one's overall mood, which has the potential to negatively affect both personal and professional relationships. While estrogen replacement therapy has been shown to decrease these symptoms, for many women a regular exercise routine appears to be a very viable alternative.

Simply stated, making fitness and exercise a priority will benefit most women who are approaching or experiencing menopause, and the positive results, both physically and emotionally, are well worth the extra time required to begin and continue a regular exercise routine. It's easy to make excuses to not make time to ensure that fitness is a priority, but it's crucial to understand that being regularly active will lead to overall good health now and in the future. The only results you'll see from your added physical activity will be those that are very beneficial to you and those you love. Susan Megge founded http://www.40isbeautiful.com to assist women with issues related to menopause, such as weight gain, hot flashes, mood swings, etc. Susan Megge is the author of "Being Beautiful Beyond 40," a book dedicated to give women the confidence and inspiration to experience menopause with minimal symptoms and learn to embrace these years.

Menopause's Secret Phytoestrogen Natural Plant Estrogen Rebalances Women Men Hormones Level

Populations consuming a diet high in soybean phytoestrogens (that mimic human estrogen) have lower incidences of several diseases, including breast and prostate cancer. Human estrogens and phytoestrogens There are not one but three different kinds of estrogen made by the human body: estradiol, estrone, and estriol. In fact, it is possible that taking phytoestrogen supplements may carry the same long-term risk of cancer as estrogen alone (see estrogen replacement therapy). To avoid some of the known risks of estrogen, some women take phytoestrogens, or plant-based estrogens. [2] phytoestrogen estrogen (anti-estrogen). phytoestrogen estrogen trong Soy contains high levels of isoflavones, which are weak forms of plant estrogen (also called phytoestrogen). Here's one theory: Once digested, the soybean's phytoestrogens mimic the activity of a woman's natural estrogen hormones. Critics feared that soy phytoestrogens could increase a woman's total estrogen level. But also, phytoestrogens can be helpful if your estrogen levels are high... Populations consuming a diet high in soybean phytoestrogens (compounds that mimic estrogen) have lower incidences of several diseases, including breast and prostate cancer. When estrogen levels are low (as in menopause) empty estrogen receptor sites can be filled with phytoestrogens that can exert a weak pro-estrogenic effect.

Identifying the phytoestrogenic activity of soybean isoflavones would benefit the nutritional health of the population in general, particularly women. The implication is that exposure to pathogen attack or other plant stresses may influence potential phytoestrogenic compounds in soybean in the field. sojae, which induce phytoestrogen levels in soybean cotyledons (seeds) several fold over non-induced cotyledons. Individual soybean phytoestrogens can effect a number of physiological events in mammals. Soy sauce contains very little phytoestrogen content, and many processed foods made from soybean concentrates have insignificant levels of phytoestrogens. An overall reduction in phytoestrogen levels of 12-14 percent was observed in the genetically altered soybean strains. Techniques are being determined by ARS scientists to manipulate phytoestrogen levels in soybean seed and soy-based products to maximize health benefits by their consumption. Soybean meal is an ingredient common to standard natural ingredient diets which contains a class of phytoestrogens called isoflavones. To provide growers with value added specialty varieties with phytoestrogen profiles of commercial value to major soybean utilizers. To provide growers with soybean varieties with high and consistent phytoestrogen content. To identify molecular markers in the existing maps of the soybean genome linked to genes controlling phytoestrogen content.

The present study tests the hypothesis that administration of a phytoestrogen-rich diet enhances motor and cognitive performance in young and aged mice. "These results show that women who are at risk for osteoporosis may directly benefit from eating a phytoestrogen-rich diet. For women who still get hot flashes in spite of a high phytoestrogen diet and/or use of phytoestrogen supplements, stronger therapy might be necessary. For many women, a safe and natural phytoestrogen supplement or high-phytoestrogen diet will do the trick. A Western diet contains amounts of phytoestrogens too low to allow their levels in plasma to become high enough for biological activity. Reducing the amount of phytoestrogen foods in one's diet may be helpful. There are plenty of ways to add phytoestrogens to your diet. But loading up on supplemental phytoestrogens won't undo the effects of a poor diet, he cautions. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of low levels of intake of phytoestrogens in Western habitual diet on vascular function. Short-term effects of phytoestrogen-rich diet on postmenopausal women. Restoring phytoestrogen intake http://www.phuketherb.com/phytoestrogen-natural-plant-estrogen.html

Wirat Muenpan is the webmaster of Menopause's Secret Phytoestrogen Natural Plant Estrogen Rebalances Women Men Hormones Level To Free BREAST SPRAY $ 40 at http://www.phuketherb.com online since 2001

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Menopause and Diminished Sex Drive

Is a diminished sex drive after menopause a serious health issue?

Many otherwise healthy women experience a diminished sex drive after menopause.

This does not happen to every woman. Each woman is different and her health is a very unique thing.

Studies indicate that at least fifty percent of women encounter a drop in sexual activity either because of loss of libido or vaginal dryness. However, ten percent of menopausal women actually report an increase in their libido during this time.

When women go through menopause, there is a drop in several different hormones. This is a normal part of aging and is not a health problem.

However, it can create problems for a woman who normally had a healthy sex drive and after menopause, has a diminished sex drive.

The hormones that drop after menopause are estrogen, testosterone (Yes! It effects both men and women), and progesterone, among others.

Hormones decline naturally with age and for some women, this means they are just not as interested in sex as before menopause.

This can mean that women are not as easily aroused as before, and that they are less sensitive to touching and stroking than they were before menopause.

This is often frustrating for women who had a healthy sex drive before menopause.

Some women choose to have HRT, which is hormone replacement therapy. Taking small amounts of testosterone can help to increase your sex drive and your pleasure related to orgasm. However, some women choose not to do this, because HRT has been linked to some health problems, such as an increased risk of breast cancer.

The other problem is that the hormones used in HRT sometimes do not have the same effect as the hormones produced naturally in the woman's body.

There are no quick answers to the health question of menopause and a diminished sex drive.

Most women consult their doctor to address this health issue, and some even consult a therapist to address any underlying causes of a diminished sex drive. Most women feel that improving communication in their marriage and making sure they have a healthy marriage can improve their sex drive.

Each woman must make her own decisions about whether or not to have HRT after menopause. For some women with a diminished sex drive, this seems to be the answer.

For others, there may be other health concerns. This is a decision that is best made with plenty of research and talking with a knowledgeable doctor.

Sources: webmd.com

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