Hot Flashes Are The Most Common Symptoms Of Menopause - But Relief

Hot flashes are symptoms of menopause, but may begin several years before menstruation actually stops and can last for several years afterwards. A hot flash may occur at any time of the day, but there are certain triggers that can worsen the severity and increase the frequency.

Doctors do not know exactly what causes hot flashes. They are considered a ?vasomotor? symptom, because dilation of the blood vessels and changes in circulation are involved. They are believed to be directly related to decreasing estrogen production by the ovaries, a natural part of the aging process. Since, estrogen replacement therapy relieves hot flashes; lack of estrogen is probably the cause.

When a hot flash occurs at night, usually referred to as night sweats, it can interrupt a woman?s sleep, leading to insomnia, decreasing energy levels and overall sense of well being. A recent study indicates that the majority of peri-menopausal women do not feel that hot flashes affect their quality of life as much as emotional changes and mood swings, but mood swings sometimes trigger hot flashes. When a person is angry or frustrated, body temperature raises and anything that raises body temperature can trigger a hot flash.

Sometimes referred to as hot flushes, these sudden changes in body temperature are not believed to threaten a woman?s health. No medical treatment is required, unless they happen frequently, are severe or disruptive to a woman?s life. Most women can get relief by using an herbal supplement called black cohosh. This herb was used historically by Native American healers to correct symptoms related to hormonal imbalances, to help regulate menstrual cycles, as a diuretic and a mild sedative.

Research has shown that women get as much relief from hot flashes when using black cohosh as they do from estrogen replacement. It is highly recommended for women who can not risk estrogen replacement therapy, because of previous cancers or other concerns. Because, the Women?s Health Initiative found that the health benefits of hormone replacement therapy do not outweigh the risks, most doctors no longer recommend this treatment unless numerous symptoms are present and are severely impairing a woman?s ability to function, her relationships or her quality of life. Black cohosh, on the other hand, is being recommended more and more.

There are a number of substances that can trigger hot flashes. Experts advise women to avoid caffeine, salt, alcohol and nicotine. Spicy foods can also bring on a hot flash. For more information about the symptoms associated with menopause and ways to relieve them, 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.

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

Male Menopause

Male menopause is the result of decreased levels of the male hormone, testosterone. Most commonly, reduced testosterone is reported by those suffering from underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, obesity or high blood pressure. These diseases are common in men over the age of 45.

While some reduction in testosterone levels occurs normally as men age, there are several conditions in which there may be a more rapid decrease. Testosterone production can be interrupted at any age through damage to the testes. The testes make testosterone, and they may be damaged due to an injury, surgery, radiation, infection, or chemotherapy. Testosterone production is mediated by parts of the brain called the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. So if either or both are damaged or not working properly at any age, they do not send the signals required for normal testosterone production to the testes, resulting in reduced testosterone levels.

When testosterone levels drop, men may experience symptoms similar to what women experience when going through menopause. These symptoms include reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, depression, fatigue, and muscle weakness. Testosterone deficiency has also been linked to osteoporosis in men.

Significant testosterone deficiency can be treated with hormone replacement therapy. However, most men experience a very gradual reduction in testosterone levels as they get older, and do not require any treatment. Also, hormone replacement therapy carries an increased risk of prostate cancer, and should be carefully considered. If a decision is made to undergo hormone therapy, the treatment can be administered through injections, oral medications, implants and patches. To treat symptoms such as depression, doctors may prescribe anti-depressants. Because obesity is a major factor implicated in testosterone deficiency, a doctor may also recommend certain lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and regular exercise.



Early Menopause provides detailed information on menopause, early menopause, male menopause, menopause and osteoporosis and more. Early Menopause is affiliated with Endometriorsis And Infertility

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 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. Get the information you are seeking now by visiting Natural Menopause Treatment

Know Menopause.....Is this it?

As women move toward their forties and begin to experience many changes in their bodies they begin to question why. Menopause or perimenopause is often one of the last thoughts. The myriad of symptoms associated with perimenopause can be confusing and overwhelming. To add to the confusion and overwhelm each woman's transition through perimenopause and menopause is different. The symptoms experienced and their severity vary drastically. The information available often varies widely from viewing menopause as a disease to the view of 'it's all in your head'. It's no small wonder women are confused. Clinically speaking menopause is defined as the cessation of menstruation for 1 year or more. Perimenopause, also referred to as climacteric, is the period of time prior to cessation of menstruation when the bulk of symptoms occur. This transition commonly begins between the ages of forty and fifty five and last for two to seven years. It is not unheard of too begin later or earlier. Menopause is not a disease. It is a natural transition process for women similar to adolescence, only this time moving out of the child bearing years. There is a wide variety of symptoms associated with menopause. Here are the most common twenty. 1. Change in Menstrual Cycle - frequency, duration, flow 2. Hot Flashes/Night Sweats 3. Insomnia 4. Weight Gain 5. Headaches 6. Mood Swings 7. Irritability 8. Depression 9. Infertility 10. Change in Body Odor 11. Decreased Sex Drive 12. Fatigue 13. Forgetfulness/Brain Fog 14. Hair Loss/Thinning Hair 15. Frequent Urination/Stress Incontinence(leaks) 16. Dizziness/Light Headed 17. Increased Anxiety 18. Increased Facial Hair 19. Vaginal Dryness 20. Increased Bloating and/or Gas

It is important to note that these symptoms may be from other causes so it's always advisable to check with your health care provider.

What exactly is responsible for all these symptoms? A woman's body is undergoing hormonal changes. Usually the first change is a gradual decline in progesterone. During this time estrogen levels generally remain stable. Estrogen and progesterone play a check and balance act in a women's body, so when they are out of balance symptoms occur. As perimenopause progresses progesterone continues to decline and estrogen levels begin to fluctuate greatly, again triggering symptoms. At the same time the hormones associated with ovulation and follicle growth, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), are increasing resulting in changes in ovulation. The medical tests for menopause traditionally measure FSH and LH levels and increased level is considered a positive result. The problem with this method is that it doesn't measure estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone levels which can not only confirm menopause but assist in a treatment plan. There are two other testing methods that are thought to be reliable. Salivary hormone testing measure free hormones in the saliva and can easily be done at the same time for several days to determine a women's personal baseline. The other is a blood test for free (unbound) hormones in the blood. These are options to discuss with your healthcare provider especially if you are considering hormone replacement therapy. Ultimately developing an individual holistic approach is the best way to manage the menopause transition.

Cathy Brennan, owner 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 has 25 years experience as a Registered Nurse and Holistic Health Practitioner. To contact call 860-774-0006, email coach@pathwayscoach, or visit http://www.pathwayscoach.com. For a free Menopause Assessment go to http://www.assessmentgenerator.com/H/cRcoachcmb1156881430.html

Cathy Brennan, owner 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 has 25 years experience as a Registered Nurse and Holistic Health Practitioner. To contact call 860-774-0006, email coach@pathwayscoach, or visit http://ww

Proper Food Helps Against Menopause Symptoms

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Watch the type of carbohydrate you eat.

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

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

Dealing With Menopause

Menopause is a normal stage of life. Some women may feel that the onset of menopause signals an end to youth and vigor but this is not true.
Many women feel that as they approach menopause they will become old and unattractive but this is simply not true. It is a normal part of life. Menopause that occurs before age forty is referred to as premature but in some cases menopause begins as early as thirty-five. Once ovulation (the releasing of eggs) stops, menstruation ceases. Menopause can be gradual with menstrual periods becoming irregular before complete cessation or it can occur all at once. The symptoms may be different in each woman but even gradual hormonal changes can affect the physical and emotional states dramatically. There are women who have no symtoms at all while others experience severe symptoms. Hormone levels vary as estrogen production slows causing emotional upsets such as anxiety, depression and extreme mood swings. Although these conditons can be treated with medication, most women adapt well on their own.

Among the symptoms that may be experienced are achy joints, hot flashes, changes in sexual desire, difficulty concentrating, headaches, frequent urination, mood swings and insomnia. What some women do not realize is that pregnancy can still occur even at the onset of menopause as long as there is menstruation even if it is sporadic. Precaution should still be taken during this time. Hot flashes which are sudden rises in hormonal levels are probably the most common symptom of menopause and can occur for several years afterward. Physicians may prescribe hormone replacements and vitamin supplements. Regular exercise can help reduce episodes of hot flashes.

Decreased estrogen can cause osteoporosis which is a loss of bone mass. Bones become more brittle and injuries are more likely to occur. Chances of ostroporosis increase where there is a family history or the woman is a smoker. Symptoms usually do not occur in osteoporosis until it is already advanced. Menopause may also bring a change in sexual desire which could be an increase or decrease depending upon the individual. Vaginal dryness can occur and the use of over the counter lubricants may become necessary. Women should consult their physician to see if hormone therapy would be right for them. Hormone therapy can prevent osteoporosis, improve moods and eliminate hot flashes but there are risks including increased risk of breast cancer and risk of heart disease.

The decision to take hormone therapy should be weighed carefully based on the severity of symptoms, chance of osteoporosis and other risk factors involved. Ask the physician to explain all options thoroughly. Many symptoms can be alleviated with proper rest, diet and exercise. Most women find that menopause is not the devastating period of life that they expected it to be but rather a new beginning. For many women a new life experience is just starting now that the children are grown and they have time to pursue different directions in their lives. They may be embarking on a new career for the first time in years, going back to school to continue an education that was put on hold or planning to retire and just relax. Menopause is nothing to fear. It does not represent old or unproductive. It only means change and change is the only constant there really is.

Darlene Zagata is a freelance writer and poet. Her work has appeared in several electronic and print publications. Darlene is the Editor of the Health department at RITRO.com and she co-authors a column with her son at RaisingASon.com. She is also a Review Editor for MyShelf.com and an Editorial Reviewer for The Writer's Room Magazine. Her book of poetry "Aftertaste" is now available at Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble. Her first book of fiction, "The Choosing" is currently in the process of publication.

Menopause and Weight Loss

During menopause, many women report that the challenge of weight loss becomes even more difficult. The need to lose weight haunts women most of the time, and now more men are reporting the same struggle. When women hit menopause, weight gathers around the waist and hips; despite our best efforts to diet and exercise.

What we know is that this additional body fat is linked to your hormones. Most women follow a conventional low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet with lots of processed foods. Eventually this diet creates a condition known as insulin resistance; see Dr. Schwarzbein's book on the book list. When you are insulin resistant, your body converts calories into fat even when you are dieting. Menopause feels like a losing battle, but it doesn't have to be.

When you are stressed, as the body typically is during menopause, stress hormones block weight loss. Despite adequate food, the body acts as if it's in a famine and stores all spare calories as fat.
This leads to a metabolic disorder called adrenal fatigue.

Many women combine a high-stress life with a low-fat, high-carb diet which creates a powerful hormonal imbalance which causes us to gain weight. Yo-yo dieting exacerbates the problem.
Also, when a woman is on a high-carb diet she is often barraged with a craving for sweets. The body can't maintain optimal blood sugar and serotonin levels, so you snack and drink caffeine to feel better. That makes your insulin resistance worse and the vicious cycle of gaining weight is accelerated.

During perimenopause, women lose estrogen which is an added factor to this problem. As estrogen decreases, the body needs extra fat resources. Other factors that play into this problem, are unresolved emotional issues, food sensitivities, digestive issues such as yeast, and even heavy metal toxicity.

So what do we do?

The most important step is to GET HEALTHY!

Follow an eating plan like the one in the Schwarzbein Principle or the Zone Diet

You need protein at every meal, low carbs, very little to no processed food, and lots of fruit and vegetables

Drink plenty of water

Take nutritional supplements

Try Supplements Designed for Menopause

Stop weighing yourself, use your clothes as a gauge (focus on your health not your weight)

Start exercising - walk 4-5 times a week for 30 minute (it boosts metabolism)

Get help for emotional eating - you have to face your fears to get through them

Reduce the stress in your life, make time for fun and relaxation - strive for BALANCE

Learn to love yourself during menopause and accept who you are and at what stage in life you find yourself

Menopause can make weight loss even more challenging for both women and men. But with the right knowledge and some hard work, it can be done.

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