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.

Is There Really A Male Menopause Or Is It Just A Myth?

Many men experience many emotional health changes as they reach middle age. Many have revelations that many aspirations from earlier on in life were not quite what he expected. He may begin to feel like there isn't anything to look forward to anymore in his life. Many women state they can tell their partner is experiencing a change in life, though the fact is it is probably a psychological change rather than a physiological one.

Today, many men believe they should have the ability to maintain the same sexual performance that they did at a younger age. They expect the routine will be the same, and with little complications, from foreplay and erections to ejaculation and orgasm. Of course things change, and most bodily functions (such as sex drive) vary from day to day, so the probability that they will not live up to this standard is likely. In fact, many men especially middle age men believe they are underachieving, sexually speaking.

It is essential for both men and their partner to realize that sexual performance varies, occasionally. There are no set standards when it comes to sex, and both parties should understand that, and not have expectations. A considerate and sympathetic partner is very beneficial to potency continuation in the male.

The male testosterone is crucial in male development. Beginning in the mid-forties, serum testosterone levels tend to decline as age increases. Another thing, which declines, is the weight and size of the testicles. In fact, when compared with 30 something year olds, 70 year old males are generally expected to have about 50 percent of the testosterone concentration.

Almost all older men still have a normal range of serum testosterone levels, though. In men who demonstrate a variety of levels in erectile ability, testosterone levels usually fall within normal range. This indicates that testosterone itself is not generally a cause of impotence, though I can cause a lack of sexual interest.

Scientists may disagree about male menopause, but when it comes to middle aged men, very few doubt that it does, in fact, exist though the term menopause is actually a misnomer when it is applied to men. Women's ovaries shut down during menopause, and men's reproductive glands do not. Male menopause is gradual, and not universal, while female menopause is quicker and pretty much inevitable. Women experience a sudden decline in estrogen, and men only lose about .5% of testosterone annually (beginning around age 40), and rarely reach a level below what is considered healthy. It also does not affect fertility.

Men do have some symptoms of menopause, but it seems to be less biology, and more lifestyle. This is when their habits (smoking, fatty foods etc) catch up with them, they feel vulnerable, realize life is not infinite, and have problems coping. This can result in impotence, muscle loss, depression and stress (which can also inhibit testosterone release).

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as natural male Enhancement at http://www.maleenhancementsolution.com

Relieve Menopause Hot Flashes Naturally

One of the most common symptoms of menopause, hot flashes are not something that must be tolerated. A cure for hot flashes, hot flushes or night sweats is not that hard to find. You just have to know where to look. However, products that help relieve menopause hot flashes for some women may not work for others. So, here we look at several herbal remedies that may be beneficial. Because of the health risks associated with hormone replacement therapy, natural remedies are becoming increasingly popular. Herbs and plants may not be a "new" cure for hot flashes, but they are effective, nonetheless. And we do know a lot more about them than we did at one time, so we do have "new" ways to look at them.

Hot flashes, hot flushes and night sweats are three different names for the same physical reaction to decreasing levels of estrogen. They may begin years before actual menopause and last for several years afterwards. The frequency and severity varies from one woman to the next. Researchers often describe them as "vasomotor" symptoms, because blood vessels and circulation are involved.

Typically the heat begins in a woman's chest, travels up the neck to the face and head. When they occur at night, they may interrupt a woman's sleep, increasing levels of fatigue and sometimes leading to insomnia. From the experiences of other women, we know that caffeine, alcohol, tobacco products and spicy foods can trigger them, as can anger, frustration and irritation. Regular exercise and drinking plenty of water seems to help.

Black cohosh has been the cure for hot flashes for many women. More research has been done concerning the effectiveness and safety of black cohosh than on any of the other herbs that can help menopause hot flushes. But, if you have tried it and it doesn't work for you, there are other alternatives.

Scientists are still unsure why black cohosh relieves hot flashes, but evaluations of the chemical compounds of other plants have revealed an estrogen-like substance, aptly named phytoestrogens. Isoflavones are one type of phytoestrogen. If you read the ingredients on a remedy for hot flushes, you may see "soy isoflavones" or "isoflavones from red clover". These may help menopause hot flashes because they have an estrogen like effect on a woman's body. Some researchers have been concerned that isoflavones or phytoestrogens could have the same side effects as synthetic estrogens used in hormone replacement therapy. So, here's what we know about the risks associated with long term use of synthetic hormones.

We know that estrogen replacement therapy can cause endometrial cancer. The endometrium is the lining of the uterus and estrogen causes the lining to build up, which, without menstruation, frequently led to cancer. Thus, doctors would prescribe an estrogen-progesterone combination therapy. The progesterone would cause the lining to be shed each month, leading to a return of monthly periods, and decreasing the cancer risk. For years, this "combination" hormone therapy was the most commonly recommended cure for hot flashes and other symptoms associated with menopause.

As with many medical treatments, the risks turned up with long term use of this type of therapy. The Women's Health Initiative recently concluded a seven year study of women using hormone replacement therapies of both types. The conclusion is that hormone replacement therapy of any type increases a woman's risk for blood clots and stroke. Combination therapy, which was thought to be safer than estrogen only, actually added the increased health risks of heart disease and breast cancer. An even longer study (more than twenty years) performed by Harvard scientists found that estrogen only increased breast cancer risks when used for more than 15 years. Typically a woman would not use hormone replacement therapy to relieve menopause hot flashes and other symptoms for many years, but when the risks are blood clots, heart disease and stroke, even short term use is rarely recommended as a cure for hot flashes.

While no long term studies have been conducted concerning women who use phytoestrogens or isoflavones to help relieve menopause hot flashes, short term clinical studies have revealed their effectiveness, lack of side effects and safety. Even the idea that phytoestrogens, which are found in soy beans, a health food, might not be safe for long term use seems silly. People eat soy all of the time and have for many, many years.

Red clover, the other most commonly used source of isoflavones, is grown for animal feed. Native Americans used the flower for tea and chewed the leaves raw. Healers used it to treat liver ailments, gall bladder ailments, ulcers, diabetes, tonsillitis, internal cancer, appendicitis, headaches and as a cure for hot flashes and other symptoms related to changing levels of hormones and aging.

Scientific research and the experiences of other women tell us that black cohosh helps relieve menopause hot flashes. Laboratory tests have revealed that black cohosh has no effect on even estrogen sensitive cancer cell lines. But, if this cure for hot flashes does not work for you, try soy or red clover isoflavones. All of our scientific and historical knowledge indicates that these are safe. For information about a woman's supplement that contains both black cohosh and isoflavones at a reasonable price, please visit the Menopause and PMS Guide.

Patsy Hamilton was a health care professional for more than twenty years before becoming a freelance writer. Currently she writes informational articles for the Menopause and PMS Guide. Read more at http://www.menopause-and-pms-guide.com.

Menopause And Your Attitude ? Does It Make A Difference?

If you?re experiencing symptoms of perimenopause or menopause, such as hot flashes, weight gain or difficulty sleeping, there?s a good chance that you?re also noticing you?re frequently moody or feeling somewhat depressed. Your moods during this transitional period may be affected by a decline in your hormone levels, as well as life events that can be common ? yet unsettling ? during midlife. It?s been well documented that taking care of yourself, as well as maintaining a positive attitude will help you ease into menopause with few bumps in the road.

I have found this to be especially true for myself and others I?ve interviewed for this piece. Allow me to take a few moments to briefly summarize my experiences since I?ve entered midlife and began noticing symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. A few years ago I started waking up during the night, drenched in sweat. I knew without a doubt that I must have had cancer or some other medical condition; I was too young to be experiencing ?night sweats? associated with menopause and middle age. So, off I went to the doctor, describing my symptoms and explaining that I would face whatever illness I had with confidence and bravery. If I must endure radiation, chemotherapy or some other type of treatment I would willingly do so in order to stay on this earth and witness the upcoming events of my children and future grandchildren. Well, no need to worry; I was simply experiencing what so many other women go through as they enter midlife and the transition into menopause.

No big deal, right? I could handle sleep interruptions, waking up soaking wet. Then, the next symptom popped up, although it was probably gaining momentum without my notice. I was fat; my midsection looked like it came straight out of a cartoon. Once again, I quickly got into ?solution? mode and decided to tackle the stubborn and unwelcome fat that had become my midsection. Fortunately, I eliminated the extra weight gain and was able to lose several inches, regaining what resembles somewhat of a youthful and toned physique.

I decided this ?midlife thing? wasn?t so bad, but then life events have come into my world, thus testing my resolve to get through menopause with a positive and uplifting attitude. You see, I was so very proud to witness my oldest daughter graduate from college; she would be experiencing life and all of its glory, getting a good job and becoming an independent, successful and confident young woman. It was soon discovered that she and her fianc? (also a college graduate) were expecting a child. Prior to my grandson?s birth I was living with a constant worry for the happiness of these two young people ? hoping they would be mature enough to handle the responsibility of a child, marriage and all that goes with these life-changing events. Fortunately, my daughter, son-in-law and grandson are a beautiful family and excitedly expecting a new addition. So, yes, I was able to get through this particular time in my life. I didn?t sink into a deep depression, even though my hormone levels and life situation could have easily triggered such a downward spiral. I continued taking care of myself, eating well, exercising and always trying to see the positive side of situations; after all, constant worry doesn?t fix anything, right? As long as I have my health and my family, nothing can be that terrible.

Again, my ability to remain positive would be tested over and over again. As I write this particular piece, I?m at the gym on this beautiful morning working out, riding a stationary bike. Normally, I would be on the elliptical, but my leg is in a cast. Still, I keep going. Also, under normal circumstances I would be at the gym in the evening, but ? oh yeah ? I was forced to leave my job (I?ll save that story for another article). Still, I keep going. My husband is working out with me this morning and it?s nice to spend some time together. You see, he can be here right now because he?s currently without a job too (laid off due to a sluggish economy here in the Midwest). Still, I keep going.

As you can see, I?ve recently faced many life events that should keep me a little bit down, at the very least. But why? I have good health, despite my menopausal symptoms (as well as my cast), I have a wonderful family and I look forward to my future and all of the challenges and joys that will come my way. My husband is somewhat miffed about the fact that my glass always seems half full, and I guess I question why his is just plain empty. Much research has proven that there really is power in positive thinking. I'm living proof that having a positive attitude can assist women in having the ability to experience this next phase of their lives with confidence and good health, likely reducing many symptoms that can result from entering the menopausal years. I challenge you to look at life a little differently ? with much hope and anticipation. I do believe you?ll begin to feel a greater sense of well being, which may make a tremendous difference in how severe your symptoms of menopause will be.

Susan Megge is the founder of http://www.40isbeautiful.com, a website designed to assist mature women as they approach and experience menopause. Susan 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 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.

Herbal Remedies For Menopause

People becoming educated about the efficacy of herbal remedies for many medical conditions ranging from migraines to skin conditions. Many women have found more success using herbal remedies to combat their menopause symptoms than they did with prescription drugs suggested by their physicians. There are many different options available to women seeking herbal menopause remedies. It is important to learn which ones are most effective and provide the most relief for your particular symptoms.

Menopause symptoms are resultant from decreased estrogen and progesterone production in the ovaries. These hormone fluctuations can wreak physiological havoc on a woman. Among the symptoms a woman may experience are hot flashes, mood swings, night sweats, unexplained weight gain, exhaustion , and insomnia. Contain these symptoms is often very difficult and stressful. Prescription drugs can alleviate some of these symptoms; however, the prescription medications have drawbacks. Some have side effects so serious that they can be worse than the symptoms themselves. For example, some of the prescriptions made to treat hot flashes cause itchy rashes that cover the body. Other prescription medications have long term side effects, including diseases such as cancer. Often treating your symptoms with a safe, natural, herbal remedy is the optimal method for coping with menopause.

When you begin searching for an appropriate menopause symptom remedy, it might surprise and overwhelm you to see the vast quantity of available products. It can be difficult to Choose the right product. There are several people you might want to consult as you begin searching. Begin with a visit to your gynecologist. They will be able to advise you as to which herbal remedies are safe and appropriate for you. Moreover, they can also share information with you as to which methods have been effective for their other patients and which have not. In addition to your doctor, you might speak to a consultant in your local herbal store. More than likely, they have talked to other women who coping with the same symptoms. Based on this knowledge, they may be able to point you down the right path.

Black Cohos is one of the most popular herbs used to alleviate symptoms of menopause. This herb is effective for a number of different menopause symptoms including anxiety, hot flashes, and night sweats. The extensive studies on this herb suggest that is very effective. Pasque Flower has also shown itself to be a beneficial herbal remedy for coping with menopause symptoms. It offers a mild sedative-like effect. An herbal combination called MellowPause might also be helpful for some symptoms. It has a soy base, and mixes the power of Black Cohosh and Pasque flower to help you fight hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and insomnia. Menocore is yet another herbal combination that deals with the same symptoms. It contains a mixture of different natural herbal products.

One final product that might be successful on your symptoms is Triatone. The ingredients include Isoflavones, Black Cohos, Dong Quai, Chasleberry, and Licorice Root. This product not only alleviates many symptoms, but it may also leave you with an overall sense of well-being. You might also desire to contact your local natural food or herb store and to find out what natural supplements they carry. In addition to their side-effect free effectiveness, they tend to cost far less than the available prescription options.
Mary Davis is an author for several popular Internet magazines, on women's health and health and wellness topics.

Menopause Weight Gain ? You Can Lose It

It?s probably safe to assume that the reason you found this article is because you?ve gradually, but progressively gained some unwanted weight, especially around your mid-section. This is somewhat surprising since you?ve not necessarily changed your lifestyle or eating habits. As a matter of fact, there?s a good chance you?ve even cut your caloric intake, but still the weight remains. Could this weight gain be associated with menopause? If you?re a woman in your thirties of forties, the answer is ?yes ? most definitely.? Weight gain, as you approach menopause, is quite common and often one of the first symptoms of menopause that women notice. This is true even if you?re still experiencing regular periods.

You see, as you approach menopause your body?s hormone levels are declining, thus causing many changes to occur. As your estrogen levels decline, your body will naturally look for other places from where to get the needed estrogen. Unfortunately, fat cells are capable of producing estrogen, which results in your body working harder to convert calories to fat.

In addition to the declining levels of estrogen, your body?s testosterone levels are also declining. As you may know, testosterone is the hormone that converts your calories to lean muscle mass. Obviously, with lower testosterone levels you?re now losing muscle mass. Since muscle burns far more calories than does fat, your body is no longer capable of burning calories the way it used to.

As you can see, your declining hormone levels are the main culprit behind all of the weight gain you?re now noticing. Don?t think for one minute that you need to accept or welcome this unwanted enemy because you can easily lose this menopausal weight gain. I recently published some inspirational quotes on my website to assist women in their everyday lives. One of my favorites comes to mind when I think about what makes so many women complacent when they?re faced with symptoms of menopause and weight gain. Jim Rohn once said ?Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.? If your goal is to lose the weight you?ve gained, the only thing that can possibly stop you from accomplishing this goal is a lack of discipline.

If you?re willing to put your discipline into high gear you will undoubtedly lose the weight you?ve gained due to declining hormone levels associated with menopause. It?s important that you understand what?s taking place inside your body so that you?re well aware that simply cutting calories will not significantly reduce or eliminate the weight around your mid-section. You must build muscle to turn your body into a calorie-burning machine. You needn?t be extreme, but an exercise routine that includes weight training at least three days a week will give you results that will astonish you.

Remember, ?Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.? Don?t be complacent. You're headed in the right direction because you researched the Internet seeking information regarding weight gain during menopause. Consider this the first step in your walk across the bridge to accomplishment.

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.

5 Simple Ways to Reduce Menopause Hot Flashes

You?re going about your business when you start feeling a bit warm, hmmm is it warm in here? Nope, no one else is stripping off their clothes and fanning themselves wildly. Guess it?s your own internal inferno causing you to feel like your burning from the inside out, another menopause hot flash, the number one complaint from perimenopausal women. This classic symptom is thought to be triggered by a decrease in estrogen and an increase in follicle stimulating hormone. This in turn causes dilation of the blood vessels in your upper body allowing more blood to the surface and abra cadabra you feel the heat and become flush (red). This can last for a few minutes or hours but most hot flashes last 30 minutes or less. You can find relief. Different approaches work for different women. Here are my top 5 picks for hot flash relief.

1.) Relax ? Yup I know, you?re a busy woman, who has time to relax anyway. But studies show that even 10 minutes of deep breathing exercises can help decrease the frequency and severity of hot flashes. They also show that at the onset of a hot flash a few minutes of deep breathing exercises can help avert the hot flash. Kind of gives new meaning to ?heavy breathing?.

2.) Dress the Part ? Almost goes without saying but dressing in layers and wearing natural fibers like cotton and linen can help. The point is when you?re heat is on you can do the strip down with some dignity. In the ?heat of the moment? your focus is on cooling down not what you?ll look like when it?s over. I know I?m not up for showing off what?s underneath my pretty exterior.

3.) Exercise ? Sounds completely illogical I know, exercise gets you hot and sweaty and ditto for the hot flash but exercise improves circulation which in turn can help your body cool down more efficiently during a hot flash. Just think two birds with one stone get fit and fewer hot flashes.

4.) Watch What You Put in Your Mouth ? No I?m not suggesting a diet. My thought is that they don?t work anyway. Many women do find that certain foods and beverages will trigger a hot flash. I suggest paying attention to what you were eating and/or drinking before a hot flash and watch for a pattern. The more common culprits are alcohol, caffeine, sugary foods, and spicy foods. Though not a food or beverage smoking is also a fairly common trigger.

5.) Flaxseed ? I know you hear about the benefits of flaxseed from all over these days, but it really is extremely beneficial. Along with its many health benefits it can also help reduce hot flashes and ease other menopause symptoms. The common recommendation is 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed each day. Be sure to give it some time though it can take up to two months for the full effect to be felt.

You can see the pattern here. The first line of defense boils down to taking care of yourself. Many women are so used to putting themselves last on the list that this is foreign to them. I want you to know that no, the world will not stop turning if you put yourself on the top of your ?To Do? List. Actually you may find you have a little more zing in your step and a bit more zip in your engine. That may help you tackle the other 823 things on the list and you?ll be a lot cooler!

Cathy Brennan, owner and lead coach of Pathways Coaching, is a Professional Coach specializing in Menopausal Women. She thrives on helping her clients maneuver through the menopause transition and design a life that they can?t wait to greet each morning. She has been a Professional Coach for 5 years and in the health and wellness field has 25 years experience as a Registered Nurse and Holistic Health Practitioner.She has had coach training at Coachville and is a member of the ICF and IAC. Cathy lives in rural Connecticut where she enjoys gardening, yoga, reading, and hiking. Married to Tom for 20 years, they enjoy their 4 innovative, fun loving children, an adorable grandson, a sweet golden retriever, a lively bernese mountain dog and 3 very active cats. To contact her call 860-774-0006, e-mail coach@pathwayscoach.com, or go to www.pathwayscoach.com. For a free menopause assessment go to http://www.assessmentgenerator.com/H/cRcoachcmb1156881430.html

An Effective Natural Menopause Treatment

Natural menopause treatment is truly appreciated by many women having the symptoms of menopause. They seem to prefer alternative medicines because the use of hormone replacement therapies might be harmful. Natural menopause treatment is known to be effective with its teas, elixirs and topical applications. Natural menopause treatments decrease the symptoms and this is why so many women try them before starting traditional hormone replacement.

The old saying that the cure can be worse than the disease can be applied here. The side effects of traditional menopause treatment are not really pleasant and you should pay attention to the correct dosage. Apart from that, symptoms are not fully controlled even when having traditional treatment. After all natural menopause treatment is much safer than the traditional hormone replacement therapy. Herbal remedies are commonly used in natural menopause treatment. They might be black cohosh, dong quai, maca root and red clover.

All of them contain phytoestrogens which are like the natural estrogen and their main function is to increase the level of the hormone in the body. Black cohosh is the thing that decreases menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness. It also helps to reduce the irritability and it stabilizes mood swings. If you are taking black cohosh, it is also good to know that it reveals depression and anxiety. It also fights against night sweats and heart palpitations. Dong quai is herb that also treats menopause symptoms naturally. What this herb does best is to dilate blood vessels. When dong quai is combined with black cohosh is it most effective.

Another herbal medicine is maca root. It works as a hormone regulator and helps the stimulation of hormone production. It's most vital function is that it restores libido and increases sex drive. Red clover is the last herb mentioned-above which is used in a natural menopause treatment. It contains high levels of phytoestrogens which work against mood swings and hot flashes. Red clover also protects the organism against osteoporosis. Another thing this very effective herb does is to increase good cholesterol in the blood stream which automatically means lower risk of heart disease for those women taking it.

Even when using natural menopause treatments you should not exceed the recommended dosage and should also be directed. Whatever type of alternative medicine you want to try, it's best if you consult your primary care provider. He might give you sound advice which remedies and therapies are the most suitable for you. Another thing you should do is keep a proper diet and exercise. These two things definitely have positive impact on our health in general, so they also help the reduction of menopausal symptoms.

There are some women who shouldn't use natural menopause treatments because they are not right for them and might have negative effects on them. Before starting any kind of natural menopause treatment you should very carefully read the labels. To conclude with, natural treatments have helped many women live easily in their menopause. If they can work for the others, they might be effective for you, as well.

Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning women's health. Learn more at http://www.thewomenshealthjournal.com/womens-health/womens-health/an-effective-natural-menopause-treatment.html

Menopause And Weight Gain

If you're like many women who are thirty-and-forty-something, you've probably noticed that you're gaining weight that stubbornly refuses to take its departure. You're also probably thinking that this extra weight couldn't possibly be due to menopause - after all, you're still experiencing regular periods.

Weight gain in pre-menopausal women is quite normal because menopause actually occurs in three major stages and can take 15 years or longer, depending on your age and family history. The first stage of menopause is known as perimenopause, and symptoms include spotting, hot flashes, night sweats, irritability, irregular periods and weight gain.

Most women will notice weight gain as one of the first symptoms of menopause, especially around the abdomen. This is due to the fact that their hormone levels are declining drastically.

One of the hormones that will have an effect on women as they approach and experience menopause is estrogen, which is the female sex hormone that is responsible for causing monthly ovulation. During your menopausal years, your estrogen levels decline rapidly, causing your body to eventually stop ovulating. This is the hormone that seems to play a big role in menopausal weight gain. When your ovaries produce less estrogen, your body will look for other places from where to get needed estrogen. Fat cells in your body can produce estrogen, so your body works harder to convert calories into fat to increase estrogen levels.

Another hormone responsible for your new body is androgen, which can be blamed for sending your new weight to your middle section. In fact, weight gain during these menopausal years is often referred to as ?middle age spread? due to the rapid growth of the mid-section. Often, this is one of the very first signs of menopause.

Women also experience a drop in their testosterone levels during these years. While it?s true that testosterone is known as the ?male hormone,? women have testosterone too, and this hormone helps your body to create lean muscle mass out of the calories that you consume. Since muscle cells burn more calories than fat cells do, with higher testosterone levels you?ll have increased metabolism. Because your body is producing less testosterone during menopause you?ll notice a loss of muscle, an increase in body fat and a much lower metabolism. Muscle burns more calories than fat does, so the more muscle you have, the higher your metabolism will be. As you know, the lower your metabolism, the slower your body burns calories.

Women can benefit a great deal by committing to a regular exercise routine. It's important to know that weight training plays a very important role in losing the extra weight you've gained. You can keep the weight off by building muscle to help burn calories.

In summary, every woman's hormone levels decline at some point in their lives. Yes, this is going to result in some uncomfortable symptoms, but it's certainly not the end of the world. You can naturally reduce a lot of menopausal symptoms by simply making some lifestyle changes that will help to make you look and feel beautiful and energized.
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.

Hot flashes and other common menopause symptoms

Menopause is a natural life process for women. It

usually occurs in your early or mid-forties, and,

unfortunately, it is accompanied by a number of

symptoms that can be quite concerning to most

women. Some women experience very few changes

during this time, while others report noticeable

symptoms. The more you know about menopause, the

better prepared you will be to manage any

menopause-related problems that might come your

way.

These symptoms can be an indication of menopause:

Achy joints - hot flashes - temporary and minor

decrease in the ability to concentrate or recall -

changes in sexual desire - extreme sweating -

headaches - frequent urination - early wakening -

vaginal dryness - mood changes - insomnia - night

sweats - conditions commonly associated with PMS

....

Also, increased allergies, rapid heart beats,

breast soreness, tenderness, sudden weight gain,

hair loss, electric shock sensation, in body or

head, osteoporosis, fatigues.

One of the first symptoms most women see in

menopause is irregular or missed periods. When

menopause starts to occur, the estrogen and

progesterone levels, stimulated by the ovaries,

are seriously decreased. This means that the

ovaries no longer get the signal to release the

egg, which means that a woman will often notice a

disruption in her normal monthly cycle.

Another common symptom of menopause is a hot

flash. More than seventy five percent of women who

go through menopause experience hot flashes, in

varying degrees of severity. This makes a woman

feel flush. For example, she can be standing in a

room that is only seventy degrees, but she will

overwhelmingly feel as if someone has turned the

temperature up to ninety degrees. In the very next

moment, though, she may feel as if the room is

only forty degrees, and she is suddenly shivering.

These hot flashes can be accompanied by other

symptoms like dizziness, heart palpitations, or

faintness. Most hot flashes last up to ten

minutes, but not all women experience them to that

terrible degree. Some women simply acknowledge

them and move on. Poor diet and stress levels in

the woman's body have been shown to have a

negative effect on the entire process. Most women

will experience this symptom for five to six

years, though some women have them for the ten to

twenty years prior and following menopause.

Hot flashes typically lead to another common

symptom of menopause, insomnia. Because hot

flashes can occur both during the day and through

the night, many women will find that they wake up

drenched in their own sweat. Often they must get

up to change their clothes and their sheets to

escape the level of sweat that the body has

produced. If a woman is a light sleeper anyway,

and most are after they have children, it can be

impossible for her to fall asleep again.

Interestingly enough, though, night sweats aren't

the only thing that cause these sleep

disturbances. The hormone levels in the blood also

have an effect on the quality of a woman's sleep.

Fixing these hormone levels can sometimes

eliminate sleep difficulties.

Learning to identify the common symptoms of

menopause can help you learn to deal with them on

a much healthier level. Be sure to contact your

doctor if any of your symptoms are causing serious

problems in your life.

Birgit Jurock lives in Roberts Creek on the

Sunshine Coast in British Columbia. Read more

articles about menopause at

http://www.naturalmenopausetreatments.com

Birgit Jurock lives in Roberts Creek on the

Sunshine Coast in British Columbia.

Why Worry About Menopause?

As a woman who wants to know about the symptoms of menopause, it is important to have a deeper understanding of what menopause really is. This deeper understanding will give you more insight into what to expect as menopause starts.

There are many women who don't have all the true information about menopause, except some myths and none-fact information about menopause. Such information only ends up confusing you, instead of helping you.

Menopause is simply the permanent end to menstruation of women. The time that this occurs varies from women to women. In the United States, for example, most women start experiencing menopause from their late 40s. Many other women, start experiencing menopause in their early 50s.

While some women happily and patiently look forward to it, others get scared of it. For those who look forward to it, they could be tired of monthly menstruation and look forward to menopause knowing they would no longer menstruate. This is especially true for ladies who always have painful menstrual periods.

For those who get scared of it, they could still be expecting to bear children and so don't want menopause since it will signal an end to child bearing.

Whichever category you fall into, menopause signals the end of your ability as a lady to bear children. Menopause in most women is preceded by 10 to 15 years during which the ovaries gradually stop producing eggs and sex hormones. This period is also known as the climacteric period.

Instead of worrying stiff about when menopause will start and the symptoms, it?s more important to start preparing your mind and body for it. If you need to bear children, start early before your late 40s and early 50s. This will ensure you get done with child bearing before menopause catches up with you.

Want to Discover 4 Menopause Secrets? Menopause Menopause Symptom Menopause Symptons Menopause Symtoms

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

Menopause and Insomnia

Insomnia is a very common symptom reported by numerous women at the onset of menopause. It is characterized by sleepless nights and often uncomfortable sleep such as tossing and turning in an effort to get comfortable. If you are primarily a mentally active person, it can become very difficult to calm the mind. You feel restless and irritable. Welcome to the change of life.
Insomniacs sleep is chock-full of waking up at frequent times during the night, waking up too early, and light sleep where the ticking of a hand clock may jolt you awake. This condition occurs during menopause because it is a side-effect of other menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and general physical and mental discomfort. When your body is dealing with night sweats, it's easy to have your sleep interrupted, which makes it even more difficult to be sharp and at your best during the day.
Consuming stress-inducing foods loaded with things such as caffeine can further stimulate tension, so it is important to maintain a caffeine-free diet. Avoid drinking coffee as late in the day as possible. Do not over stimulate your nervous system. Release tension by learning hatha yoga postures or how to breath deeply and mediate.
Try altering your sleep arrangements. If you find that your pillow is not soft enough, or maybe it's too elevated for your head, make adjustments. If you find that the polyester blankets you're lying on does not relax the contours of your body - switch them. It takes effort to accommodate these changes and make yourself as comfortable as possible.
Exercise also preps the body for restful sleep. Scientific studies suggest eating fat loaded foods are not recommended before bedtime. So a steady, healthy is a great plus. Insomnia can be treated by consuming foods that increase the serotonin levels in your brain so that your body relaxes. Serotonin is responsible for aiding with sleep by calming your brain. Drink a glass of warm milk before bedtime to help calm your nerves.
There are many causes for insomnia that stem from menopause. Depression is characteristic of this transition and can negatively influence your sleep. Decreasing estrogen levels can cause the on-set of depressive symptoms. In the menstrual cycle, ovulation causes progesterone (which has soothing effects on the mind and body) to be released.
Irregular cycles may cause anxiety to build-up, as a result of the lack of this happy hormone. For some people, taking melatonin is enough to get a restful night. For others, a prescription sleeping pill is necessary. Some women swear by black cohosh to help with body flushes as well as natural sources of progesterone.
In any case, it is important to consult with your doctor in order to decide together what treatment is best for you.
The information in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice.



Cathy writes frequently on mid-life issues for women and men particularly menopause, and a copy of her book can be found at http://www.howtoconquermenopause.com
To read a sample of this book go to http://www.everythingmenopause.com/currentissue.html

Menopause and Loss

As reported by numerous females, menopause, the final stage in the cycle of female menstruation, contributes to a significant loss of libido. One of the more common complaints from women (and their partners) is the loss of sexual desire and drive. This absence disrupts the sexual lives of countless couples, and therapy is often sought after as an answer to this problem. In the following paragraphs, we will discuss causes, external factors such as physical pain that prevents sexual intercourse, solutions for restoring estrogens, and life situations menopausal women face that contribute to their hormonal causes for libido failure (i.e. body image.)

The period before menopause is known as the pre- or perimenopause period when some loss of libido occurs. The hormone called progesterone is responsible for this downfall and is key to causing a resulting hormonal imbalance. Remember, the job of hormones is to regulate certain processes in the body. An insufficiency in hormones disrupts this balance and creates problems. Loss of libido is not restricted to having a lack of sexual desire. Vaginal dryness and discomfort can force women to avoid having sex altogether. Creams and gels are used to combat this problem. The emotional changes associated with menopause can also affect sexual desires, as women often feel overly aggressive, irritable, and sometimes depressed mental conditions that require peace time instead of hot and heaviness.

Estrogen is the primary sex hormone in a woman. As discussed earlier, a loss of estrogen leads to a loss of sexual desire. Remember, women also produce testosterone (in low levels), and testosterone is also responsible for promoting sexual drive. Lack of energy and depression occur because of these decreased levels, plummeting libido to close to non-existent. In order to restore libido, hormone therapy is highly recommended. Doctors can prescribe testosterone in a liquid form to keep you alert and increase what youve lost. There are gels and creams (such as Alura) designed to directly stimulate the clitoris. These creams often leave you with a tingling feeling that can help you achieve multiple orgasms.

There are over the counter medications out there that combat loss of libido. There are progesterone creams with bio-synthetic qualities that restore safe amounts of progesterone in the body to increase sex drive. There is also something called Phytoestrogen Cream that help balance the levels of available amounts of estrogen in the body and provide homeostasis when there are plummeting estrogen levels.

There are other things that affect menopausal womens level of libido. Not all women have the same levels of sexual drive. For example, 65-year-old women who have already undergone menopause are more likely to have less sexual desire than 49 year old women who has just finished the final stages of their menstruation.

Menopause also affects the way women look at themselves in terms of body. Distorted views on body shape during menopause, when thought is greatly affected, can also decrease the desire for sex. If a woman is taking medicine for depression during this period, her libido can increase more than someone off the drug. Outside factors such as work-related stress, can also determine libido levels in a woman and usually require a shift in perspective to regain balance. In a lot of ways, menopause is a reshaping of who we are and what we want out of life.

About The Author

Cathy Taylor is a marketing consultant with over 25 years experience. She specializes in internet marketing, strategy and plan development, as well as management of communications and public relations programs for small business sectors. She can be reached at Creative Communications: creative-com@cox.net or by visiting www.menopauseinfo.org or www.internet-marketing-small-business.com