Menopausal Weight Gain - What Causes Menopausal Weight Gain?

Almost every women struggles with menopausal weight gain when going through menopause and their number one question is; what causes menopausal weight gain? It's true that many women do not know the answer to this, but knowing could really alter the way your success in losing weight. This article will explain what causes menopausal weight gain and the purpose is to educate women on this topic to help them prevent the increase of weight during this time.

It is not unusual to gain 10-40 pounds during menopause without changing exercise levels or calorie intake; this is a result of menopausal weight gain. It is not the greatest thing to experience, I don't know one middle aged woman who is actually excited to gain weight during this time. Not only is it already a stressful time but wondering what causes menopausal weight gain just adds to the stress.

What causes menopausal weight gain? It sometimes can be difficult to pinpoint one exact answer because there may be several factors. Some factors could be your age because metabolism slows down as we age. Other factors could simply be you eat out more often, you're cooking less healthy meals, you're skipping meals to avoid cooking for one or you're less active. These are all factors that could lead to increased weight during menopause but there is one answer for this question that does remain clear.

Your body's hormones are a little on edge right now and they are producing less estrogen. Your body starts looking in other places for it which releases insulin into your body. This insulin causes a resistance which makes it twice as hard to burn calories. As an example if before you were eating 1500 calories and burning 1000, now your body only burns 500 and stores 1000. This is the simple calculation of what causes increased weight during menopause and how it all happens.

The purpose of this article was to educate you on the different factors of what causes menopausal weight gain. As you see, there are a few different factors that play a part in increased weight during menopause. There could even be more factors then what I named but the important part is that calories are the biggest factor. This is what you need to put into perspective when attempting to lose weight during this time.

How To Avoid Pregnancy During Menopause

Is there a correlation between menopause and pregnancy? Can you become pregnant during menopause? These questions are asked quite frequently and the simple answer is yes, you can become pregnant during menopause.

Expalining The Stages Of Menopause

Let's firstly describe the process of menopause. There are usually three stages and the whole process can can last for between 10-15 years. Perimenopause signifies stage one and is accompanied by irregular periods. The second phase is described as the main menopausal stage. If a woman hasn't experienced periods for 12 months then she has entered the main menopausal phase and in most women, it's accompanied by the usual symptoms such as decreasing estrogen levels along with hot flashes and mood swings. Postmenopause is usually reached when the common symptons accompanying phase two decline however, complications are still around including the threat of osteoporosis but with regular visits to the doctor, most women will be well aware of this and will be well prepared.

Pregnancy During The Early Phase

Pregnancy is still possible during the perimenopause stage. Periods become irregular during this phase and in most cases, women will become a little blase regarding the use of contraception during sex. What perimenopausal women need to be aware of is that ovulation still occurs during this phase. The fact that periods are still present, though sporadically, should be a clear indication that they are not yet "out of the woods" regarding pregnancy. It's considered a pregnancy safe zone when a woman hasn't experienced a period for a minimum of 12 months during perimenopause.

It's common knowledge that the older a woman gets the less chance there is of pregnancy occurring and this is particularly so for women in their forties. Many doctors will encourage women to nevertheless, maintain safe sex practices during this period. Despite these messages, almost one in two women are still ignoring contraception during the perimenopausal stage. Further concern is that aborted pregnancies during this age group are extremely high.

So the clear message is that yes, menopause and pregnancy are very much co-existent. Irregular periods doesn't mean the end of the pregnancy phase. Remember, ovulation still occurs and by applying the standard 12 month period free rule, women can avoid unwanted pregnancies.

If You Become Pregnant?

Many women believe there aren't many options available to them if they fall pregnant. Basically, there aren't. Either go through with the pregnancy or follow the abortion trail. Menopause is enough of a difficult time to negotiate for women let alone having to make major decisions such as whether to continue on with a pregnancy. The body is at the first stage of undergoing major changes which are tough enough to cope with on their own but coupled with the demands brought on by a pregnancy, then the stress suddenly can escalate.

Again, the message should be clear; if you are not intending on having children, then be a little more prudent during the perimenopase stage.

How to Fight Skin Aging During Menopausal Stage

It is necessary to fight skin aging during menopausal stage. This is usually the time when so many skin processes fail leading way to numerous dermis issues. Wrinkles, fine lines, dry skin and age spots are not remote problems during the menopausal stage.

In order to have younger looking skin for a longer period of time, try using the following tips. They can help you fight skin aging during the menopausal stage:

1. Try drinking supplements

Nutrition gap is very evident during this stage. The body cannot easily use up nutrients you get from food. By drinking supplements, you can augment missing nutrients in the body. Try taking vitamins loaded with Vitamins A, C and E. These are crucial for skin processes. Also try taking omega-3 fatty acids supplements. This type of supplement can actually normalize hormone production. During the menopausal stage, hormone production is not very reliable.

2. Normalize your sleep routine and get daily exercise

Sleep can help you control hormone production. This is also the time when "feel-good" hormones are released. In addition to preventing excessive dermis dryness, you are also alleviating depression and mood swings. Daily exercise can tone the muscles, prevent skin sagging and also get rid of moodiness.

3. Use a natural skin care moisturizer

Your dermis needs to be hydrated every day. Opt for natural products because they do not contain parabens and additives that are harmful to your health. Look for the ingredients CynergyTK, Phytessence Wakame and Manuka Honey. CynergyTK is an ingredient extracted from sheep wool. It is a great source of functional keratin, a kind of protein responsible for the growth of collagen and elastin. Phytessence Wakame preserves natural hyaluronic acid content in the body. This acid is vital for the lubrication of collagen. Manuka honey contains emollient properties that will keep skin hydrated all the time. It is also loaded with several vitamins and minerals that can slow down wrinkles formation.

4. Stay calm and collected all the time

Avoid stress. Stress operates the oxidation process in the body. This will then lead to the appearance of harmful free ranging radicals. Free radicals attack healthy cells in the body causing a faster aging process. After a long and tiring day, rest your body and your mind. Take a warm bubble bath or read a funny book while sipping your favourite calming tea. Get a massage at least once a month to loosen up your tired and aching muscles.

The Symptoms of Andropause

Andropause, the word for "male menopause" or PADAM - Partial Androgen Deficiency in the Ageing Male - is the time in a man's life when male androgens progressively decline with age. Tests conducted of androgen levels at age 25 and at age 70, indicate that androgen levels are only 10 percent of what they were during youth. It is a normal part of aging, although, for some men it is accompanied by a gradual and undesired decline in sexuality, mood and energy. It can also expose men to more serious health risks. For men who have reached this stage in life, it would be wise to speak with a doctor who can do a hormone profile and prescribe the bioidentical hormones to supplement the hormones that are missing.

Symptoms of Andropause:

o Low sex drive

o Low energy, fatigue

o Emotional, psychological and behavioral changes e.g., depression

o Decreased muscle mass

o Loss of muscle strength

o Increased upper and central body fat

o Osteoporosis or weak bones and back pain

o Cardiovascular risk

Recommendations:

o Include the supplements selenium, vitamin D, iodine and a multivitamin/mineral supplement. For exact dosages, contact your doctor, naturopath or homeopathic specialist.

o Have your hormone levels checked to see what hormones are decreasing and investigate bioidentical replacement for testosterone and progesterone

o Eat real, natural food

o Exercise regularly and control weight

o Avoid sugar

A news story from the BBC website speaks of the dangers of low testosterone levels. Research has found that men with low testosterone levels are three times more likely to have "a cluster of risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease and diabetes", a condition known as "metabolic syndrome", the risk factors include waist measurement over 40 inches, high levels of cholesterol, high blood pressure and high blood sugar..."

Men can achieve optimum hormonal levels by visiting a doctor who is knowledgeable in bioidentical hormone supplementation. They will test your hormone levels and prescribe the hormones you need to feel and look your best. Hormone supplementation is not just for women.

Menopause Weight Gain - 4 Tips For Losing Belly Fat After Menopause

As we age it seems to take even longer to burn fat the way we could when we were in our early twenties. This is particularly true for women who are trying to lose weight after menopause. The metabolism slows down and so does losing the excess pounds that have accumulated over the years. Chances are you need to lose 10 pounds or more and are at a loss as to how to get started.

It's common for women to have weight gain after menopause, particularly in the stomach. A pouch develops in the lower belly. The great news is, burning the fat in this area is possible with the right methods. Below are five tips for shedding that stubborn belly fat.

Tip 1 - Avoid the foods that cause weight gain such as refined carbohydrates such as bread, pasta, white rice, white potatoes, and baked goods. These foods taste great and are much too easy to eat an excess of. When these carbohydrates aren't burned, they are stored as fat. Eating them regularly makes it possible to put on extra weight over a period of time. It's best to cut back or eliminate these types of carbs all together. A better method of eating is "clean eating" such as lean meats, fresh vegetables, and fruit - basically avoid processed foods.

Tip 2 - Get strong. Strength training builds lean muscle. Muscle burns more calories than fat. Muscles also burn calories at rest. This doesn't mean you need to pump iron like a world-class bodybuilder. Moderate strength training can help build muscle and burn fat.

Tip 3 - Do more effective cardio. If you like to walk as a form of exercise, incorporate short bursts of running or sprinting as well. This is known as interval training or circuit training. The same can be done while strength training. Try jumping rope or doing jumping jacks in between your weight lifting sets.

Tip 4 - Eat the larger portions of your calories during the day. Our metabolism is working best during the day so it's best to eat a bulk of our calories during this time. In the evening, eat a light meal.

Keep in mind that there is no such thing as spot reduction. Therefore, focusing solely on exercises for your abdominal muscles will have little effect on how much weight you lose. Our diets determine how much we lose compared to any form of exercise. However, a good workout program complements a healthy eating plan and makes losing weight much easier.

Weight Gain in Menopause - Recent Studies Conclude Menopause Itself is Not the Cause of Weight Gain

Do you know someone who has problems with weight gain in menopause? Regardless if it is you or someone you know, this article will prove to be beneficial to all of us, as we discussed the current problems and possible solutions that these women experience during this difficult stage in their lives.

There had been some reports gathered from women in the menopausal age that experienced gaining weight than any other stages in their lives. This had alarmed our medical doctors and researchers and so, they conducted some research to determine if there is a connection or relationship with weight gain in menopause. One of the respondents eagerly asked for the reason for her more fats gained during her menopausal stage despite her same mindful diet and exercise. She further explained that she found it extremely difficult to lose those fats gained no matter how frequent she went to the gym or how strict her diet was. With the collaborative efforts of specialists, their recent studies conclude that the menopause itself is not the cause of weight gain. To understand this further, here are the following explanations that you can check:

1. There is no point in arguing that women do not put on extra pounds during their menopausal period. This is because it is true for most of these women. It is somewhat saying that when you hit your menopausal age, you may be expected to put on extra pounds, but this is not because you are at this stage already.

2. The two main reasons of weight gain in menopause are slow metabolism and reduced physical activities. The majority of women who reach their menopausal age consider themselves too old to exercise that leads them to live a sedentary life. This results to decelerating metabolic rate that produces those excess fats during this period.

Menopause Symptoms - Is an Enlarged Uterus One of Many Menopause Symptoms?

Menopause as all women know is a time for change and may have some uncomfortable symptoms. The question is whether one of the menopause symptoms could include an enlarged uterus. There are specific tests for diagnoses and treatments are available.

Causes and Symptoms of an Enlarged Uterus

An enlarged uterus is also called Endometriosis - a bulging formation that occurs in the uterus and continues to develop. It can sometimes be misconstrued as pregnancy. It is typically categorized by severe pain in the lower abdominal region. This pain occurs because of the pressure the enlarging uterus puts on the bladder. The extreme abdominal pain and possible bladder problems can be indicative of an enlarged uterus or other health conditions including pregnancy so it is strongly advised that you have the necessary exams and tests done to accurately identify the source of your symptoms.

Examinations and Tests Used to Diagnose an Enlarged Uterus

A laparoscopy is a surgical procedure used to examine internal organs. A pelvic examination is a physical examination by a physician of internal organs. An Endometrial biopsy is performed to rule out any possible malignancy as a cause for your symptoms. A hysteroscopy is similar to a laparoscopy but examines the reproductive organs specifically. An ultrasound scan and an MRI-magnetic resonance imaging test will produce images of the reproductive organs from which information can be gathered. Blood tests called a CBC- complete blood count may also be done to determine if hormone levels and body chemicals are at healthy levels.

For a specific diagnosis for enlarged uterus and or menopause a physical examination and some tests may be ordered by your doctor. These things will also help to rule out any other possible health concerns. It's better to have the test and find nothing serious than to not have them and have something serious going on.

Menopause symptoms could include an enlarged uterus because the changing hormone levels could mimic pregnancy. The uterus does change somewhat during sexual activity and this could affect the size of the uterus.

Treatment for an Enlarged Uterus

Current treatments include hormone therapies that can be very effective in treating enlarged uterus and other menopausal symptoms. Surgical examination can be done during a laparoscopy. In the past however, the typical treatment for an enlarged uterus was surgery that required a long incision or a complete hysterectomy- the complete removal of all reproductive organs.

Many women choose to use herbal supplements in treatment of menopause and they have been proven to be highly effective. If hormones are at a healthy level than it may be possible to treat it with herbal supplements but this is not known at this time.

An herbal supplement should be with only standardized herbal extracts and manufactured to meet pharmaceutical grade standards. The ingredients should have extensively tested including the metabolic route of the ingredients at the molecular level. The interactions of the ingredients should also have been tested.

All of this helps to guarantee consistent dosing and consistent quality from capsule to capsule. Herbal supplements are often chosen to avoid some of the serious side effects that can accompany traditional pharmaceutical treatments. Though they have far less side effects they should not be added to your health routine without your doctor's knowledge. Some herbs may interfere with the performance of prescriptions you may be taking for other health conditions.

Conclusion

The question was/is this: Can an enlarged uterus be one of many menopausal symptoms.

There are tests and treatments available including diagnostic imaging, physical examinations and blood tests. Treatments could include hormones but may also include the use of herbal supplements. If you have any of the symptoms listed here, consult your doctor to be on the safe side.

Menopause and Weight Loss - Natural Remedies

For many women, menopause is a challenging time of transition from the reproductive years to the post-childbearing years. Menopause occurs when female hormones naturally decline, and a woman's body stops causing egg follicles to mature every month in preparation for pregnancy. Menopause is considered complete one year after a woman's last menstrual period.

Symptoms of Menopause

Unfortunately, menopause can be difficult for some women because of its often uncomfortable symptoms. These can include hot flashes, insomnia, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, loss of interest in sex, and irritability. Unexpected weight gain is another frequent consequence of menopause.

Why Women Gain Weight During Menopause

Sometimes women who gain weight during menopause haven't made any changes in their eating habits or exercise routine. This can be frustrating, prompting women to wonder what caused this sudden and unexpected weight gain. Other times, weight gain is a result of hormonally triggered overeating. Another cause of weight gain is the natural metabolic slow-down that happens as people age. This slower metabolism means excess calories or an unbalanced diet will have a far greater effect on menopausal women.

Body fat and estrogen also have a unique complementary role. Body fat helps regulate the production of estrogen, the female hormone that declines dramatically in menopause. Sometimes, the body will fight to hold on to fat in an effort to stabilize estrogen levels. Hormones and body fat also interact with each other in complex was that affect weight gain through changes in appetite, digestion, and metabolism.

Natural Menopause Remedies

Instead of turning to prescription hormone therapy, which increases the risk of breast and reproductive cancers, there are a number of natural remedies women are increasingly using to fight weight gain and other symptoms of menopause. Some of these remedies include black cohosh and sage, to regulate hot flashes; chasteberry, for moodiness and general hormonal imbalance; evening primrose oil, widely used to relieve PMS during perimenopause and control moodiness in menopausal women; and St. John's Wort, a natural anti-depressant and stress alleviator.

While these remedies have proven beneficial for many women, they do not work in a vacuum. Many women make the mistake of thinking that these remedies will prevent weight gain and other menopause symptoms on their own. The truth is, the best thing you can do to prevent or reverse weight gain in menopause is through healthy diet and exercise.

Healthy Lifestyle Choices During Menopause

Regulating hormone balance naturally by eating a nutrient-dense, whole-foods diet is a far more effective approach than herbal remedies. While herbal remedies can help supplement a good diet and exercise plan, many women find that a healthy lifestyle will alleviate symptoms without the need to spend money on these supplements and herbal preparations.

Eating a nutritious diet involves avoiding bad fats, and instead eating heart-healthy fats in moderation. Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables should form the bulk of the diet, supplemented by lean protein and dairy foods (or non-dairy foods that contain calcium). Avoid food alcohol, spicy foods, and caffeine if these exacerbate your menopause symptoms, and of course, avoid fried or fatty foods, excess sugar, and junk in general.

Add eight glasses of water per day and about half-hour of exercise as many days per week as possible, and you could be on your way to significant weight loss, even in the face of the hormonal hurdles of menopause. You're also likely to see an improvement in other menopause symptoms as a healthy diet and exercise program begins to stabilize hormone levels.

Premature Menopause Symptoms and Conditions That Cause Early or Premature Menopause

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.

Can Menopause Cause You To Shrink?

As a child growing up, do you remember comparing your height to every relative who stood still for five minutes? Remember your joy as you slowly grew taller than an aunt or your mother?

As an adult, when you re-visited some of these ladies, now getting along in years, were you surprised to discover they were shorter than you recalled? Did you just chalk it up to your - as an adult - being taller now?

The fact is, your female relatives may very well have lost several inches in height. They could, indeed, be shrinking...

The average woman stands to lose between 2 ½ to eight inches of her height once she reaches menopause. Many medical experts believed at one time that this loss was inevitable. Now the medical community realizes that it isn't.

The loss in height is related to osteoporosis, which is a lessening of the density of the bone. While this occurs in both men and women, it's more common - and more noticeable - in women. One of the best ways to prevent this - in addition to taking supplemental calcium - is through a regular fitness routine.

As you reach 40 years of age, it becomes increasingly vital to start a regular exercise program. Retaining your bone mass (and thus your height) is only one benefit of exercise. Staying fit reduces your risk of developing any of a number of health problems associated with your cardiovascular system, diabetes and even cancer.

Before you set out on your new routine, you should make it a priority to choose an exercise or group of exercises that provide you with a sense of pleasure.

Don't jump on any exercise of fitness fad because it seems to be popular. Before you commit yourself, ask yourself what activities you could visualize yourself participating in for the rest of your life. If you actually enjoy the specific exercise, you're much more likely to continue with it faithfully.

Consider, though, some type of weight-bearing exercise. This type of activity helps build the strength of bones through the stimulation of the mineralization and remodeling process. Every major muscle in your body is attached to an underlying bone by tendons. Each time you contract a muscle, a force is exerted on that bone. Any activity, in fact, that builds muscle also places stress on your bone and helps to build bone mass.

While activities like yoga and tai chi build bone mass, one of the most widely known ways is through weight lifting. Now before you begin to form images in your head of what you believe the average weight lifter looks like, let us just add something. Weight lifting isn't necessarily the domain of just those testosterone-energized men out to out build their muscles. And if you decide to lift weights, you needn't worry about developing overstuffed muscles like the woman competitive lifters.

But, there are some outstanding - and astounding - benefits that accompany this particular exercise. Just read the results of this study conducted by Miriam Nelson, Ph.D. of Tufts University.

Dr. Nelson took two groups of post-menopausal women. Neither group was taking hormone replacement therapy nor was either group already enrolled in a fitness program at the start of the study.

One group remained sedentary, the other began a simple weight lifting program. They only exercised twice a week for 40 minutes at a time. At the end of one year, the woman who lifted weights had vastly improved results in their strength tests. In fact, their scores matched those of women in their late 30s and early 40s. And just about all the women lost inches from their body - if not weight - without changing their diets.

But the most delightful transformation in these women was seen in how they spent their free time. They were freed from the sedentary life they once lived. Some of these post menopausal women took up canoing... others began to go dancing on a regular basis... still others participated in in-line skating.

The bottom line is that there are few "fitness musts" for women over 40. In fact, the only real "must" in the fitness realm is to select an activity or two and keep on doing it. The more active you stay, the stronger your bones will be . . . the taller you'll stand for the rest of your long, healthy life!

Menopause and Weight Gain: Myths and Facts

What are the myths and facts concerning menopause and weight gain? This is a time during every woman's life when having the facts is important, so that the right decisions and choices can be made. Some of the myths are debunked, and the facts given so that you understand exactly what will happen, and what does not have to occur.

Myth: All women gain weight during menopause

Fact: Every woman is different, and a weight gain may or may not happen at any time of your life. Most research shows that the biggest time for weight gain is between the ages of thirty-five and fifty-five, and while some women may be going through the change of life at this time some women do not experience this until their sixties. Some women lose weight, some gain it, and some do not experience any weight change at all.

Myth: A change in my body composition during this time means I will definitely gain weight

Fact: It is a fact that during middle age women tend to change in their body composition, and in some cases fat may replace muscle. This does not have to mean a necessary increase of weight though, and with a healthy diet and regular exercise you can prevent any weight gain or muscle loss. Exercise to keep your muscles healthy is important, otherwise you could end up with fat instead. Muscle tissue requires more calories to sustain, keeping you at a stable and healthy weight. A healthy diet high in nutrients but low in calories will also prevent you from gaining weight during this time.

Myth: Hormone Replacement Therapy during menopause will cause me to gain weight

Fact: Hormone Replacement Therapy, or HRT as many call it, is the use of artificial hormones to replace those no longer being produced by your body. Many women are scared to take these medications because of the myth that they cause a weight gain. These drugs do have some side effects and risks associated with them, but a weight gain is not one of them.

Menopause does not have to mean gaining weight, becoming inactive, or feeling unattractive. What many women believe that putting on a weight associated with the change of life may actually be a symptom of lifestyle choices or changes that have caused you to gain weight. Some women experience psychological problems like depression caused by the physical changes that aging brings. This emotional disturbance can cause some women to eat more, or to indulge in comfort foods to feel better. This may contribute to a weight increase because of the poor food choices and excessive calories, but this gain cannot be placed on your hormone production slowing down. In middle age you may see a drop in your normal metabolic rate, but regular exercise will normally correct this. Many women today find that the change brings them greater freedom, without any weight gain to hold them back or keep them on the sidelines of life. If you do start to notice a small weight gain discuss this with your doctor.

Andropause Therapy - Male HRT

Andropause therapy or male HRT is becoming increasingly popular, with more and more conventional doctors recognizing the fact that men go through a stage in life which has many similarities to the female menopause. Like the menopause, the andropause is caused by drops and fluctuations in hormones. In men, the predominant hormone is Testosterone. The symptoms of the male and female menopause both usually begin in the 40's and are surprisingly similar.

With women, the menopause is defined as the time when menstruation stops. The time preceding the menopause (the perimenopause) is a time when the main symptoms can occur. For men, there is no such cut off point as although testosterone levels can drop significantly, men can retain fertility into old age.

Andropause Symptoms

* Irritability

* Depression

* Tiredness and fatigue

* Lack of interest in life

* Erection difficulties/impotence

* Weakness

* Lowered sex drive

Diagnosis Of The Andropause

A blood test will usually be performed to check the levels of testosterone and other hormones within the body. In addition, a doctor will usually take note of the symptoms which are being experienced and perform a physical check to confirm there is no other underlying cause for these.

Andropause Therapy

If Male HRT is decided to be the most appropriate treatment, this can be given in patch form or injected. Although this is often seen as an easy treatment, it does not come without side effects. Taking testosterone can cause weight gain, water retention, headaches, swollen ankles and reduced fertility. In addition, it should never be taken by anyone with a family history of heart disease, prostate or breast cancer (in males) or by men who have themselves suffered from diabetes, high blood pressure, or any forms of cancer.

If HRT is not considered the most appropriate andropause therapy, doctors may decide to treat individual symptoms in isolation. For example, if a man is suffering from depression as a result of the andropause, antidepressant treatment may be given. In addition, many men prefer not to use synthetic hormones because of the possible adverse effects and prefer to use a natural treatment method.

Women Over 40 and Menopause

Dear Women Over 40,

This is about Mary, a friend of mine who is 61 years old and suffering terribly with menopause. If you see yourself or someone you know with similar symptoms, seek help from your healthcare provider.

Mary cries an awful lot these days. She doesn't know the reason. Her body often feels like spontaneous combustion going on inside. Mary snaps at others during periods of over-reaction to minor incidents. At times she becomes so enraged she appears frightening to others around her.

These episodes last a short time, but Mary is quite embarrassed when it's over and often apologizes for her behavior and outbursts.

Mary feels as if she's "going crazy" and has no control of herself.

She describes how she's tried every deodorant on the market and none of them last a full day. She struggles with feminine odor, bathes twice a day out of necessity. She often wears cotton tee shirts to absorb her body perspiration.

At work, Mary has a small desk fan she uses to maintain comfort and avoid perspiration. However, she may be the only one with a fan when the temperature is not excessively warm.

Oftentimes, Mary is in a meeting or in conversation with someone face to face and Mary's face is dripping sweat. This is so embarrassing for her.

Mary is mentally, physically and emotionally challenged everyday. Why? Hormones.

There is a joke, I repeat a joke, about menopausal women: "I am out of estrogen and I have a gun". It simply means that at some point, our female hormone levels such as estrogen are extremely low, which cause a multitude of bizarre signs and symptoms. Mary's hair became so thin she was forced to wear wigs, which of course caused more warmth and perspiration.

Mary gained about 40 pounds with no change in her diet. She began to have unexplained episodes of dizziness which her doctor could not diagnose as all tests were negative.

One day Mary summoned the courage to seek counseling with a psychiatrist. He did not address her menopause, only her mental and emotional symptoms. He performed a psychological and IQ test to rule out dementia for example and arrive at a proper diagnosis. Mary was experiencing signs of clinical depression, aggravated by menopause.

She was prescribed two medications and scheduled to return in 2 weeks. Mary was animated, cheerful, clear thinking, improved memory and generally felt so much better after only 2 weeks. She asked the doctor if this was possible and he said yes.

Mary continues to have hot flashes and other menopause symptoms but she is not bothered by them, and she does not over-react to negative situations. The outrage, angry feelings and emotional roller-coaster has been greatly diminished. Thank God, she says.

Ladies, please visit my website for more on women over 40 issues.

Understanding Bad Menopause and How Natural Remedies Can Help

Hormonal Balance in Menopause

The quality of your hormonal balance during your reproductive life will affect the quality of your transition through menopause. Like puberty, menopause is an inbuilt timing mechanism and the two together are the bookends on either end of your childbearing years.

Think of menopause as a plane coming into land. If your hormones are in good shape as you enter into it, you will be lined up with the runway and come in for a smooth landing.

However if you have an existing hormonal imbalance as you commence menopause, your wings will be tipped off to one side and you will not be in alignment with the runway. The result is what is commonly referred to as a 'bad menopause' - when you crash and burn. This burning often takes the form of the dreaded "hot flashes".

Your body has a good reason for giving you hot flushes - the heat and sweat are designed to eliminate any excess oestrogen. Rather than suppress the hot flushes with HRT (which, incidentally, will only add MORE synthetic oestrogen to your body), consider removing the cause of the problem. Several herbs are very high in natural progesterone and natural progesterone is known to displace synthetic oestrogen from your oestrogen receptors.

Not all women experience hot flushes in menopause. Hot flushes are simply a symptom of oestrogen dominance and if you are in good hormonal shape you won't get them at all, or only experience them mildly. For this reason, hormonal problems in peri-menopause (from age 40 onwards) can be a blessing in disguise. They alert you that things are not quite right and give you an opportunity to seek help and give you plenty of time to bring things back into balance before your hormones begin the more intense shift of menopause. It's a lot easier (and wiser) to adjust the tilt of the wings and realign with the runway when you are a long way out than it is upon final approach.

Symptoms of Oestrogen Dominance in Menopause:

Hot flashes

Poor Memory

Mood Swings

Insomnia

Irregular periods

Heavy periods

Fibroids

All of these can be treated with natural remedies.

In my experience the vast majority of women experience rapid and lasting relief from hot flushes and other unpleasant symptoms of menopause with flower essences and professionally prescribed herbs. You are best to consult with a professionally qualified herbalist or naturopath who specialises in Women's Health for individualised assessment and advice, rather than self treating or buying standardised remedies over the counter.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is another major concern in menopause. Contrary to what most of us have been told, oestrogen actually causes us to lose bone mass. It is progesterone that stimulates us to lay down new bone.

A word on Calcium Supplements

Make sure you are taking natural calcium.

Your liver looks at synthetic calcium and doesn't recognise it. So it doesn't know to send it to your bones. If your kidneys aren't up to filtering it out of your blood and straight into your urine and toilet, you will store it. Not in your bones, but in your joints (arthritis) and blood vessel walls (hardening of the arteries).

How to know if your calcium is natural? Do you recognise the source on the bottle? Or is it a chemical name?

Dolomite, Coral and Slippery Elm are very high sources of natural calcium. Your liver knows what they are, and your body knows how to store them in the place it stores natural calcium - in your bones.

Flower Essences can help

The good thing about flower essences is that anyone can use them. They are totally natural, and completely safe for everyone - from the cradle to the grave - and even during pregnancy.

If you take the wrong one it simply won't work. If you take too much, your body eliminates it immediately.

They are easy and pleasant to take and inexpensive, which makes them accessible to everyone.

Many flower essences can be helpful in menopause, including She Oak, Mulla Mulla and Bush Fuchsia.

Copyright Linn Wiggins

All rights reserved

The Soy Connection - Surgery Induced Menopause at the Age of 37

At 37 life was good, my four kids were all doing well, years of hard work had paid off and I finally had my dream job, I was possibly in the best shape of my life physically I thought but I was so tired there were times I felt as if I might not make it through the day. I went to the doctor and found out I was pregnant. How could I have not known? But on the other hand I had been diagnosed 10 months prior with severe endometriosis and I was told that getting pregnant again would be impossible.

Fast forward fifteen months later Gracie was 7 months and I was terribly ill. My dream job had evolved into me being allowed to work from home full time. I could sit at my desk and work but that was pretty much it some days as the pain was tremendous. I was lethargic, gaining weight and terribly unhappy. I went back to the doctor who had delivered my baby and he said my uterus was enlarged and had me come back in a few weeks. His treatment was birth control pills. I went back in a few weeks and as I had guessed it was only worse. This went on for almost a year. One day I was in so much pain I could not stop crying and I called the phone number of a gynecologist from the my insurance book. As it turned out it was the best decision I had made in a long time, this man was my angel. After the examination and a long consultation the doctor said considering my history and the newfound evidence of Adenomyosis he would recommend a hysterectomy. He asked me to read some material and watch a film. I did all of this and more. I read absolutely everything I could get my hands on. The information out there about women who had this procedure was scary to say the least! Nice normal women pre-op told stories of mood swings that could literally drive families apart, hot flashes, weight gain, night sweats, total loss of desire for intimacy, the information was not positive. In spite of it all I decided to proceed with the surgery.

In all of my research I stumbled across a soy company owned by a doctor who had developed products for his mom to improve her quality of life. She was suffering from symptoms related to menopause. This young doctor, a genius to say the least accomplished what he set out to do and so much more. His name is Dr. Tabor and his company is Revival Soy. I ordered some of the soy shakes that contain 20 grams of soy protein and 160 milligrams of soy antioxidants which is six times the amount you get from drinking only one cup of regular soy milk. I started drinking one to two shakes a day one month prior to my surgery. The surgery itself was a Godsend as it alleviated every ounce of pain I had and within 24 hours I had a new lease on life. I was also armed with the knowledge that adding the proper amount of soy to your diet with moderate exercise could totally make non-existent such symptoms as night sweats, insomnia and hot flashes. I was feeling so good I foolishly thought that possibly I was someone who would not be affected with such symptoms anyway. With this thought hovering in the back of my mind I stopped paying attention to exercise and I stopped consuming the soy shakes. I was using a HRT patch and that was it. The reality of menopause hit me like I had been struck by lightening. The slightest thing would ignite this burning fire deep within like a smoldering volcano ready to erupt through the top of my head, hot flashes became more frequent, sleepless nights were miserable and there were times I felt like I might crawl out of my skin. This was my wake-up call. I immediately re-evaluated what I was doing, added Revival Soy back to my diet and resumed walking no less than three times a week.

I also made a personal decision to stop using HRT over a year ago. At the age of 44, with the approval of my GYN who by the way is very pro-HRT has conceded that I am so incredibly healthy he believes I am fine HRT-free but I will as he advised follow up with bone density and colon screening.

I would like to note other benefits of Revival Soy are weight loss, beautiful skin, hair, nails and exercise/workout support.

Asian women were the attention grabbers of doctors because only 9% of those living in Asia experienced hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms compared to Western women who have an 80%-90% rate. The obvious difference was a diet rich in soy.

Stress, Hormone Imbalance, and Early Menopause - Understanding the Symptoms

Stress comes in many shapes and sizes, and may not even be perceived as stress at all. According to Dr. Evan Mladenoff, "Stress is an ignorant state of mind that believes everything is an emergency." Stress does not have to produce anxiety or even be perceived consciously before your internal organs believe there is an emergency situation. There are forms of "good" stress like marriage, responsibility, competition, dating, and child birth as well as "bad" forms such as financial insecurity, violence, unemployment, low self esteem, and death. In actuality, our body does not associate stress as "good" or "bad," but reacts the same way whether the stress is physical, chemical, or emotional. Our bodies were built to respond to stress and do so very well, but as stress becomes chronic (continual) the stress regulating parts of the body begin to fatigue, and no longer work as well as intended. These sluggish stress regulators make it harder for your body to stay healthy.

Stress (whether emotional, chemical, or physical) is processed in a part of the brain called the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus sends a message to the anterior pituitary gland which is a small gland in the brain that helps regulate all of your hormones. As the pituitary gland secrets hormones in the blood signaling stress, another gland called the adrenal gland responds by secreting cortisol.

Cortisol is designed to control the body's response to stress by stimulating the body to calm down. When there is to much cortisol production, or a chronic situation where cortisol is released over a long period of time, side effects occur. Many of these symptoms include disrupted sleep, poor digestion, weight gain, poor memory, and more.

As a woman, chronic cortisol secretion can contribute to menstrual disorders. High cortisol levels can lead to amenorrhea (stop menstruation), similar to heavy exercise. Excess cortisol creates a faster removal (conversion) of another hormone known as progesterone. As progesterone and estrogen become out of balance, and a woman nears menopausal age, her body often creates numerous symptoms of accelerated hormonal transition. Many women often report vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, weight gain, interrupted sleep, memory problems, heaviness in the bladder, and hot flashes as their hormones become out of balance.

The good news is, as we reduce stress through diet modification, nutritional supplementation, and light exercise we can balance cortisol, estrogen, and progesterone. In this manner, many women find relief to menopausal symptoms without resorting to drugs or surgery. As a woman transitions from an adolescent, through child bearing and later into mature womanhood, she should not have to suffer from hormonal imbalances and symptoms. Balancing cortisol is one of the many tools we have to help these transition stages to be pleasant throughout a woman's life.

Menopause and Alcoholism

Alcohol Abuse During Menopause

Menopause, especially perimenopause, causes massive hormonal imbalances in a woman's body and drastic changes to her lifestyle. The imbalance of hormone levels in addition to other stressed brought on by everyday life such as empty nest syndrome, changes at work or changes in marital status can bring on alcohol abuse in women who have never had such problems before.

Hormonal Changes and Alcohol Use

In the years prior to menopause, typically when a women is in her 40s and 50s, her body stops producing as much estrogen and the adrenal glands pick up the slack. In this transition period, estrogen levels skyrocket and plummet erratically, inducing a variety of effects such as memory loss or moodiness. The onset of menopausal symptoms can be bewildering and cause and increase in alcohol intake to ease the pain a woman feels.

Menopause normally begins when a women is in between the ages of 45 to 55. Premature menopause can be triggered by lifestyle choices like poor nutrition, heavy smoking, long term physical stress and heavy drinking. Excessive drinking has been known to cause menopause to happen up to 5 years earlier than normal.

What Happen When a Menopausal Woman Drinks Too Much

When a woman enters full on menopause, the estrogen production in her body has dropped almost entirely and menopause's symptoms will be evident. Fatigue, hot flashes, drop in libido and sleeplessness are all signs that menopause has arrived. Alcohol consumption at this point in a woman's life can worsen all these symptoms. Researchers have shown that menopausal women who drive excessively are at a much higher risk for cancer, particularly post menopausal breast cancer. One drink of alcohol per day increases risk by 7%. If three drinks are consumed everyday, the level of risk jumps by 51%. Alcohol also causes and increase in the amount of calcium excreted in urine, which leads to osteoporosis. In addition, alcohol affects the liver, pancreas and stomach lining.

What to do if Drinking becomes a problem.

Every stage of menopause (perimenopause, menopause and post menopause) are high risk years for women how drink too much. If a women finds her alcohol consumption to have risen dramatically during her menopausal years, it is important to think of the effect of hormone balances on her change of alcohol use. There are many programs out their who's aim is to treat alcohol abuse in the long term.

Perimenopause Symptoms - Learn to Tell the Signs and Stop Them in Their Tracks

What do you describe as perimenopause? It immediately precedes the full menopause and it is characterized by the perimenopause symptoms such as; vaginal dryness, hot flashes, disruptive sleep patterns, moodiness (depression, and irritability), painful intercourse, urinary infections increase, urinary incontinence, nighttime sweats (during sleep), increased body fat around the waist, memory problems and problems with concentration, and loss of sex drive.

Women differ widely in the symptoms they experience during this phase; while some women experience very little discomfort. Others have more grave symptoms.

What perimenopause changes are experienced? At the start, changes to the menstrual cycle will be seen. These may consist of changes in the volume, duration, of bleeding. How long this phase lasts will vary with different women. Full menopause will occur in women from the age of forty-five through fifty-five years old. The perimenopause symptoms may begin as early as thirty-five and can then last from a few weeks to a few years.

A woman has no way of knowing when exactly it will start and for how long it may last. There is no way to prevention this event from happening, but it is believed that staying physically fit and stopping smoking, will delay the onset. Symptoms such as vaginal dry and painful intercourse can be relieved with the use of personal lubricants.

You should strive to identify and avoid causes of perimenopause symptoms like hot flashes. This may be brought on by alcohol and caffeine. Symptoms like anxiety, mood swings and depression should be discussed with your doctor, and if necessary he will prescribe helpful medication.

Your family history will give you clues as to how the phase may affect you. You may want to talk to your mother about her experiences. Before treating perimenopause symptoms or before starting any medication or even therapy to try to handle the symptoms, you should be certain to have a complete physical examination. After you physical examination, if your doctor determines that perimenopause is causing your symptoms, he will suggest the steps to take to either reduce or totally eliminate the problems.

Your doctor will suggest you make a few lifetime changes such as, adding flax and soy to your diet, regular exercise, with some weight training about 3 times a week, and taking vitamin E.

In the past, estrogen and estrogen-progestogen treatments had been used to treat the symptoms, but those treatments have been recently linked to cancer, so they are no longer widely used.

Oral contraception in a low dose is often prescribed to treat the symptoms. This will help with hot flashes and will regulate the periods. With this treatment also, the need for hormonal replacement therapy could be delayed.

You should start to make some changes if you experience perimenopause symptoms and you think that you are about to enter perimenopause. Above all else take care of yourself. Reduce the stress you feel, eat well, and get enough sleep. Enjoy your friendships, and gain strength and support from those relationships.

Pinpointing Menopause Signs and Symptoms

Despite the fact that menopause is a fact of life for everyone woman out there, it can still catch you by surprise. A lot of people make jokes about women not wanting to age, but with menopause, it is simply being surprised that you are suddenly old enough to be going through the change. At one point, you are not even middle aged yet; by the next, you find yourself waking up with night sweats, skipping periods, and becoming irritable. As hard as it may be for the people around us to understand, trust that when those menopause signs and symptoms sneak up on women, we are just as uncomprehending as everyone else! The good news is that you can help yourself out immensely simply being pinpointing those signs when they happen.

Understanding menopause itself is the key to recognizing its signs. It is a literally life changing event, yet the explanation behind it is nearly simplistic. Simply put, the estrogen levels in your body decline. Because estrogen triggers the release of hormones important to menstruation and ovulation, you eventually stop doing those as well. This is because you only have so many eggs between your first period and your last. The number is different for every woman of course. The point is that they are not infinite. Menopause is partly genetic. So if your mother began menopause very late in life, you likely will as well. If your mothers and your grandmothers began the process early, then there is a good chance you will too. Otherwise, there is really no telling when an individual woman will begin going through menopause. It happens when it happens. When it does happen, however, you become infertile, your periods stop - your childbearing years are over. On average, women go through menopause in their fifties.

All told, there are three parts to menopause. Some women may go through more, such as early or premature menopause, but all women go through at least the three most important ones. For that reason, the whole process can take many years to reach fruition after it has started. This, too, is at least partly dependent on genetics. The first stage is known as pre menopause or perimenopause. Your periods start getting more irregular, which has an effect on your ovulation cycle as well. That is one of the reasons why it is harder for older women to get pregnant. This stage can last as little as two years or it can run as long as six years - and that is just the average, of course. It may be more or less, it all depends on you. Hot flashes and night sweats commonly occur during this stage. Your hair, skin, and even your vagina can start to dry out, which leads to a lack of interest in sex.

Menopause itself is the second stage. It actually refers to the time following your very last period. Only after at least twelve months without a period do you actually, medically qualify as being menopausal. The symptoms of pre menopause continue during this stage.

Postmenopause is the third and final stage. Just as the name suggests, it describes the period following your very last period. The symptoms of menopause will start to decrease before disappearing altogether. You have officially started a brand new, beautiful stage of your life.

What to Expect When Going Through Menopause

Menopause, also known as the "change of life," presents itself differently in each woman. While your sister may experience hot flashes and sleep problems, for example, you may be feeling a new sense of freedom and energy, and your good friend may be hardly aware of her own change. Menopause is a normal, natural part of life and aging. Technically, it is the time of your last menstrual period, but symptoms may begin several years before that point with certain symptoms lingering for months to years after. These symptoms may be caused by changing levels of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone.

This period of change is called the "menopausal transition" or "perimenopause." As mentioned above, it may begin several years before you experience your final menstrual period. Perimenopause lasts for about one year after your last period, so after one full year has passed since your last period, you can say that you have been "through menopause." Postmenopause follows and continues through the rest of your life. The average age at which women go through menopause is 51, but some women may have their last period in their 40s while others have it later into their 50s.

Smoking and certain types of surgery can lead to early menopause. Having a hysterectomy (surgery to remove your uterus) will stop you from having any future periods, which is the definition of menopause. The difference is that, after a hysterectomy, you may not experience the symptoms of menopause since your ovaries are still producing estrogen and progesterone. When your ovaries start to make less estrogen, symptoms may appear. In some cases, your ovaries may be removed with your uterus. This is called an oophorectomy, and you will have menopausal symptoms afterward-regardless of your age-since you will have had your main supply of estrogen removed.

Signs

Since estrogen plays a role in many areas of the body and menopause decreases the amount of estrogen produced, a broad range of symptoms can occur due to menopause. Here are some areas in which symptoms may appear as a result of menopause, aging, or a combination of the two:

• Changes in your period. Your period may be shorter or longer than usual, and it may not come as regularly as you're used to.


• Hot flashes. This is a sudden rush of heat in the upper part or all of your body that may wake you up from sleep and last for about 30 seconds to 10 minutes.


• Problems with your bladder and vagina. Your genital area may become dryer and thinner, making sexual intercourse somewhat uncomfortable, and you may find it harder to hold in urine as long as you used to.


• Sleep. It may become more difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep through the night.


• Sex. You may feel more or less interested in sex, and you cannot get pregnant after one full year after your last period. You can still contract STDs, so be safe and smart about sexual partners and experiences.


• ood changes. You may become more irritable due to stress, family changes, depression, or feeling tired.


• Your body seems different. You may gain weight, develop memory problems and stiff muscles and joints, and your skin may get thinner.

Other factors

Two main problems that may not be as obvious may develop as you go through menopause:

• Osteoporosis. Since estrogen has a role in controlling bone loss, the loss of estrogen during menopause causes more bone loss than can be replaced. After some time, bones can become weak and break more easily-a condition known as osteoporosis. You can talk to your doctor about getting a bone density test as well as learning about ways to prevent or treat osteoporosis.


• Heart disease. Aging and losing estrogen due to menopause contribute to a higher risk of heart disease. You may gain weight and develop high blood pressure, which increase the risk of heart disease. Have your blood pressure and levels of triglycerides, fasting blood glucose, and LDL, HDL, and total cholesterol checked regularly by your doctor. Talk to your doctor about ways to protect your heart during this time.

Staying Healthy

Staying healthy after menopause may require some changes in lifestyle, including the following:

• Do not use tobacco. If you do smoke, it is never too late to reap the benefits of quitting.


• Eat a diet low in fat and high in fiber with a lot of fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain foods, as well as all the important vitamins and minerals.


• Get enough calcium and vitamin D to maintain healthy bones. If you do not get these through your diet, take supplements.


• Figure out what a healthy weight is for you, and make an effort to maintain that weight.


• Do weight-bearing exercises such as walking, jogging, or dancing on at least 3 days of the week to maintain healthy bones, and be physically active in other ways to maintain your overall health.

Other tips:

• If your doctor prescribes medication, be sure to take it as directed.


• If you experience vaginal discomfort, use a water-based lubricant (not petroleum jelly) or a vaginal estrogen cream or tablet.


• Get regular check-ups that include pelvic and breast exams, Pap tests, and mammograms. It is also a good idea to get screened for colon, rectal, and skin cancer. If you notice that you have a lump in your breast or a mole that has changed, contact your doctor immediately.

Coping 

Although menopause is not a disease and should not be treated, certain symptoms like hot flashes may bother you. Some ideas for coping with such symptoms may include:

• Keep track of when you get hot flashes using a diary. This will help you figure out whether they are brought on by a specific trigger that you can begin to avoid.


• If possible, go somewhere cool when you feel a hot flash begin.


• If you have noticed that night sweats wake you, keep your room cooler and use a fan.


• Dress in layers that are easily removable if you get too warm.


• Using sheets and clothes that allow your skin to "breathe" can make you more comfortable.


• When a flash begins, drink something cold such as water or juice.  

Hormone Changes

You may have heard varying opinions as to whether you should get hormone therapy to relieve some of your symptoms. There is information to help you decide, but it may still be a difficult decision to make. While you go through perimenopause, some doctors will suggest that you take birth control pills to help with heavy, frequent, or unpredictable menstrual periods. The pill can also help alleviate hot flashes and, of course, prevent pregnancy.

If your symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, or vaginal dryness are bothering you and interfering with your lifestyle, your doctor may recommend taking estrogen and possibly progesterone, which is referred to as "menopausal hormone therapy (MHT)." You may hear people call it hormone replacement therapy (HRT) as well. Taking these hormones can help with your symptoms and prevent bone loss due to menopause.

Although taking hormones may seem like the perfect solution, it does come with certain risks. Because of this, the FDA suggests that women use the lowest dose that works for the shortest amount of time necessary. Unfortunately, your symptoms may return as soon as you stop taking hormones. Talk to your doctor or health care provider if your symptoms have been bothering you. He or she can help you decide how to best manage menopause with the options and treatments available. You can see a gynecologist, geriatrician, general practitioner, or internist to help you, but make sure that whomever you choose is supplied with your medical history and your family medical history, which includes your risk for heart disease, osteoporosis, and breast cancer.

Remember that your decision is never final. You can and should review your choices with your doctor during your yearly checkup. You may develop different needs over time, and since the medical field is always growing, our knowledge about menopause and its treatments can change as well.

Phytoestrogens 

Phytoestrogens are estrogen-like substances found in some cereals, vegetables, legumes (including soy), and herbs. They might work in the body like a weak form of estrogen. Researchers are trying to discover whether phytoestrogens relieve some symptoms of menopause and if they might also carry some risks. Be sure to tell your doctor if you decide to try eating a lot more foods that contain phytoestrogens or to try using an herbal supplement. Any food or over-the-counter product that you use for its drug-like effects could change how other prescribed drugs work or cause an overdose.

Stomach Cramps - Things to Ponder During Menopause

Menopause is a transition stage in a woman's life when she stops menstruating for over 12 months continuously. When menopause sets in, the ovaries stop production of eggs, resulting in irregular menstrual activity that eventually ceases. Other hormonal changes occur and symptoms like stomach cramps, pain in the leg, irritability, mood swings, hot flashes and decrease in bone density accompany menopause.

Menopause usually occurs between the ages of 40 and 55, and is a natural event in every woman's life. It comes with its own string of health issues, be they physical or emotional, and can be a particularly trying time for those who suffer side effects of menopausal symptoms. They are just ways in which our body reacts to the decrease in production of female hormones.

Menopause and Stomach Cramps: Symptoms

Some women (the luckiest of the lot) may experience few symptoms, while others complain of mild to severe ones. However, the reassuring part is that the variation is normal. Women experiencing pelvic pain or cramps during menopause may recall suffering the same right before or during their menstrual periods and this may have a link to their hormonal cycle.

A common phenomenon during menstruation, this pelvic pain is termed as dysmenorrhea. However, if these stomach cramps occur during menopause and are severe enough to interfere with daily activities, then the cause may be an underlying condition and should be checked by a doctor.

Menopause and Stomach Cramps: Treatments

Stomach cramps experienced during menopause may be for a long period or occur infrequently for a short spell. If intense uterine contractions occur due to the hormonal changes taking place during menopause and are too prolonged, medical treatment for the cause may be necessary to get relief. Some Over the Counter (OTC) drugs are available to reduce pain and discomfort associated with them and those medications that do not contain steroids are preferable.

Other pleasurable options (since most of the gentler species would consider a pleasurable option to a merely therapeutic one) are, for menopausal women to enjoy a good, long soak in a hot bath or use a heating pad on the abdomen. The heat from the hot water or pad helps in increasing the blood flow and this reduces these or muscle spasms.

Menopause and Stomach Cramps: Psychological Counseling

A nutritionally balanced, healthy diet, regular physical exercise, sufficient rest, cutting back on alcohol intake and cigarette smoking also helps in reducing them during menopause. If the stomach cramps are so severe that they prevent you from enjoying your routine activities and timely rest does not help, it can be due to some other physical or emotional/behavioral disorders.

This kind of abdominal cramp can manifest itself in other ways and worsen behavioral symptoms like irritability, hostility, aggressive behavior, anxiety and depression. For treating this properly, it is very important for a woman to speak to someone she can confide in about any troublesome issues she may be facing or seek medical/psychological counseling to bring out the underlying issue so it can be dealt with effectively.

Doctors recommend a positive change in lifestyle and advice all such women to eat a balanced diet, take their vitamins on time, incorporate regular exercise in their life and learn to take things easier. These tips go a long way in reducing stress, the underlying cause for stomach cramps and menopause discomfort.

Menopause and Diet

Many women have found that special menopause diets can minimize the symptoms of menopause and make the change of life transition much easier and smoother. Menopause diets are a good alternative to prescribed medication and are good for those who worry about adverse side effects. Most all gynecologists recommend that women who are in their pre-menopause stages adopt a menopause diet and stay on it throughout the transition to reduce stress, reduce symptoms, and to ensure good health.

Black cohosh is one highly recommended herb to add to a menopause diet. Gynecologists urge that women begin using black cohosh for treatment of hot flashes. This herb is quite powerful and shouldn't be used any longer than six months. If used any longer than this, although there is no exact effects determined, there could be unknown side effects.

Japanese women intake a greater amount of soy in their everyday diet, and they are only 30% as likely to complain of menopause symptoms as women in the United States and other parts of the world. Soy includes estrogen like substances that are often used in menopause diets to help with hot flashes. The best way to take soy is through soymilk or tofu.

There are some things that, unfortunately, are a large part of most everyone's diet and are hard habits to break. However, these foods have adverse effects and can make menopause symptoms worse. Some of these are tea, alcohol, coffee, spicy food, soft drinks (with caffeine), and smoking. Try and keep high-calorie, sweet junk food to a minimum and eat as little of these as possible.

The main food experts recommend for menopause diets are fruits and vegetables, basically just eating healthy. Boost your intake of fruits such as melons, oranges, and lemons. Potassium, found in bananas, helps with women who retain water. Good vegetables are dark leafy vegetables like collard greens, spinach, cabbage, broccoli, peppers, and tomatoes. Regular fiber intake is also a healthy part of menopause dieting.

Instead of fried foods, try and stick to food that is broiled or baked. Instead of white bread and white rice eat more whole grains, like oats, rye bread, and brown rice. Try not to eat as many regular potatoes, but rather opt for sweet potatoes or pasta.

Other good things to add to your everyday diet include, oily fish like mackerel or salmon, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and unprocessed oils for cooking. Other foods that are not so conventional but are recommended are different types of seaweed (ask at your local health food store) like Nori, Kombu, Arame, and Wakame.

A well balanced, nutritious, healthy diet will help reduce symptoms and achieve optimum health in women. The key is to incorporate as many natural foods into your menopause diet as possible.

Tips For Delaying Menopause Symptoms

Menopause is an inevitable phase of a woman's lifecycle, a period where they undergo a sea of emotional as well as physical changes. This phase signifies the end of the fertility period as hormonal changes cause the ovaries to discontinue producing eggs due to which menstruation ceases. The average women experiences menopause after crossing the age of 50 but it isn't uncommon to see women aged between 35-40 years suffering from menopause symptoms.

No woman looks forward to menopause because it is period where you experience tremendous mood swings, anxiety, irritability, loss in sex drive and host of other problems. Additionally, following menopause, a female loses her reproductive ability which means that she can no longer have children. This is the reason why most women hope that menopause occurs to them as late as possible. And though you can't prevent menopause, it is very much possible to delay the symptoms provided that you incorporate a few lifestyle changes. In this article, we give you tips for delaying menopause symptoms.

Avoid smoking as smoking women are more susceptible to an early menopause. It has been found that women who smoke more than 10 cigarettes a day are 40 percent are more likely to get an early menopause than non smokers. Studies reveal that nicotine acts on the central nervous system and causes it to secrete hormones that are involved with menopause. So if you are a smoker, then it is about to time to kick the butt.

The second tip is to follow a balanced diet. Menopause is most likely to occur when the estrogen levels in the body drop drastically, so in order to prevent this from happening, eat foods that boost estrogen levels. In this regard, foods such as soy and whole grains can help as they are rich in estrogen while herbs such as dong quai and black kohosh too have been known to postpone menopause symptoms.

One other way to boost estrogen levels is by taking Vitamin E supplements. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that acts as estrogen substitute and supplements of these can boost estrogen levels. However consult with your doctor before taking these so that you are saved the side effect risks.

Lead an active lifestyle. It is important that you exercise everyday as regular exercise keeps the blood flowing and plus boosts the body's hormone production naturally. This can go a long way in delaying menopause.

However a word of note here, all of these methods may help you to delay menopause but ultimately you will have to face the symptoms. So be headstrong and think of it as a passing phase that occurs just once and you will surely be able to get over it.

Menopause - Sex After Menopause

However sexually active you were before the menopause, you can be sure that its onset will cause physical and psychological changes that will in some way change the way you feel sexually. While some women find their new situation liberating because they don't have to worry about menstrual cycles and pregnancy, others find that their sex drive decreases making sex difficult or uncomfortable.

- How does menopause decrease libido?

During the menopause, the levels of sex hormones in the body decrease dramatically. With a reduction in testosterone which is responsible for sexual desire and lubrication, progesterone which maintains libido, and estrogen which enhances sexual sensitivity, it is no wonder that physically we may feel less sexy during and after the menopause.

These physical changes often make it harder for a woman to reach orgasm as their sexual response is slower. Because the walls of the vagina become thinner as estrogen levels decrease, some women find intercourse uncomfortable, or even painful, and a few even experience bleeding.

The menopause symptoms often mean women don't feel much like having intercourse. Sex might be the last thing on your mind when you are having trouble sleeping and experiencing hot flushes.

You may feel uncomfortable about the changes to your body caused by the menopause, which could include increased weight around the stomach, sagging breasts and thinning hair. These factors can really knock your sexual confidence and lead you to reject your sexual partner. In turn this can lead to feelings of guilt and depression which only make the situation worse.

- How does menopause increase libido?

For many women the post menopausal phase is the most pleasurable sexually. Some find that without the worries of contraception and menstruation, they are able to relax and enjoy lovemaking more than they ever have before. Many find they are able to be more sexually adventurous after the menopause.

For those that are in a trusting long term relationship, this can be a time when the children are grown up, and as a couple you have more time to focus on each others' needs. The hormonal ups and downs of your menstrual cycle are finally over, and the emotional stress that they can bring is a thing of the past.

- Increasing libido post menopause

If you are finding sex after menopause difficult, here are a few things you could try:

~ Build up to intercourse slowly, perhaps using massage or taking a bath with your partner

~ If intercourse is painful you could limit this and use other methods of pleasuring each other; this may even spice up your sex life as you are inspired to experiment

~ Don't avoid intercourse completely as it does improve the muscle tone and lubrication of the vagina

~ Try masturbating to help you to become aroused more easily and achieve orgasm

~ Water based lubricants can make sex more comfortable and pleasurable

~ A hormone cream, such as natural progesterone cream, can help to keep your vaginal area healthy

~ Avoid highly perfumed bath products as these will increase vaginal dryness

Although the menopause can have a dramatic impact on your body and mind, it does not have to mark the end of your sex life. Take time to relax and enjoy the freedom of sex without contraception, or simply use this time to become more intimate with your partner.

Fibromyalgia and Menopause Facts For Women

Are you suffering the symptoms of menopause? If they include symptoms such as muscle stiffness and soreness, tenderness around the knees, elbows, hips and other joints, or pain and numbness in the hands or feet, then you may have the beginning of what's known as fibromyalgia. What is it? It isn't a disease as such but a condition that affects the joints and soft tissue including the muscles, and also includes fatigue in most cases. It also affects mostly women, which leads many doctors to believe it may be related to menopause.

The reason many doctors and others believe that fibromyalgia is related to menopause is that the majority of sufferers are not only women, but women over the age of 40 (approximately 80% according to statistics). So how are they related? That remains to be seen, but many researchers believe that an imbalance in hormones is partly to blame, even though they cannot find evidence of which ones specifically as of yet. Current focus is on the brain chemicals that control sleep cycles and mood, hormones released by the pituitary which are sensitive to estrogen, and possibly even changes in growth hormones. This link is likely because many women who suffer fibromyalgia are approaching menopause, have recently had a baby and are over 35 years of age, and women who have had either a tubal ligation or a hysterectomy.

The worst part about fibromyalgia is that there is no cure as of yet, only treatments that can help ease the symptoms. Treatments vary according to varying symptoms but include certain exercises specific to affected areas, pain relieving medications or muscle relaxants to help ease discomfort, and in some cases injections of analgesics to specific areas. There are other therapeutic treatments such as massage therapy, heat therapy, and a new therapy called hydrotherapy which involves movements in the water that help with circulation and don't involve putting pressure on the joints like other forms of exercise.

Some doctors and health specialists think that diet can play a role in helping to prevent fibromyalgia, eating more holistic foods that are full of nutrients such as phytochemicals and antioxidants, for instance. Eat more organic foods such as fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, and even dried fruits. Drink plenty of water each day, which many people hear about but fail to follow through on, make it a habit. Some dieticians believe that lowering your intake of sodium rich foods and completely eliminating additives such as monosodium glutamate (MSG's) and artificial sweeteners like Aspartame can help to relieve symptoms of fibromyalgia. Recent studies show that the practice of eating a vegan diet may even help alleviate symptoms.

How to Fight Menopause

What is menopause?

Menopause marks the end of female fertility which generally occurs around the age of 45-50 with a little variation. At this time the menstrual cycle stops. Various diseases develop after menopause in women. Therefore, you can use the following formula to maintain your fertility and delay menopause.

Using black cohosh:

Black cohosh is a flowering plant which is abundantly found in Eastern North America. It contains phytochemicals which relieve symptoms of menopause. Black cohoshes contain phytoestrogens, specifically isoflavones. They are believed to bind the estrogen receptors in your body. The plant estrogen almost acts like a natural estrogen, helping to retain the lubrication in your vagina. It also regulates the normal temperature. The bones of the body are strengthened by the natural estrogen. Black cohosh has a direct effect on your hypothalamus. It is positioned at the base of human brain. The hypothalamus regulates the temperature and hormone production. Since black cohosh has a direct effect on the hypothalamus, it can bring about positive changes. The terrible menopause symptoms like night sweat are also reduced with the use of black cohosh. Consuming black cohosh also helps to reduce anxiety and depression which are the common menopause symptoms.

Using Dong Quai:

Dong quai or Chinese Angelica is a common herb which abundantly grows in China. It is a common eastern medicine and is widely used for cooking purposes. The nickname of this plant is "female ginseng". Dong quai has a great effect on female body and is widely used in treating symptoms of menopause. Dong quai contains phytoestrogens. This hormone acts as natural estrogen hormone in females and binds the estrogen to the estrogen-receptors of the body. This increases the level of estrogen in blood. This increased estrogen has the ability to reduce a number of menopausal symptoms. Dong quai is also a good source of Vitamins E, A, and B12.

Maca Root:

The Maca root when combined with food is considered to give sexual benefits. The maca root, looks radish is also beneficial and reduces the symptoms of menopause in women. Therefore it is widely used all over the world. Maca root consists of calcium, magnesium, zinc, and iron as well as Vitamins B1, B2, B12, C, and E. Maca Roots keeps a balance between estrogen and progesterone level in the blood.

Red Clover:

Red clover grows abundantly in Europe and Asia and came into existence in North America for grazing purposes. It is also known as cow clover, bee-bread, and purple clover. Red clover is now considered to have a beneficial effect on all menopause symptoms.

How to Get Rid of Menopause

What is Menopause?

Menopause is the name given to the process by which the female reproductive system shuts down as a person passes through middle age. The ovaries stop producing estrogen and menstruation ceases. Once this happens the body goes through a period of adjustment to the reduced hormone levels, which is why some women experience symptoms such as hot flashes and mood swings. The onset of menopause usually occurs between the ages of 40 to 60 and lasts anywhere from six to thirteen years with diminishing symptoms as time passes.

Menopause is usually diagnosed by symptoms alone, but a blood test can also be preformed to confirm the diagnosis. If you suspect the onset of menopause you should see your doctor immediately.

Early Menopause Symptoms: Pre-Menopause

When menopause is about to begin, there is usually a span of time where periods become irregular; shorter or longer, heavier or lighter, or occur with uneven frequency. This is called perimenopause. It's a good idea to see your doctor about any dramatic changes to your menstral cycle even if you suspect perimenopause is the culprit. More information about perimenopause can be found here.

Menopause Symptoms: The Signs of Menopause

Don't let the size of this list scare you, not all women experience menopausal symptoms and not all women who experience symptoms experience all of these symptoms. Here are the most common:

* Hot flashes

* Night sweats

* Trouble sleeping

* Pain during intercourse

* Vaginal itchiness, dryness, or bleeding

* Increased urination frequency

* Increased urination urgency

* Incontinance

* Joint pain

* Muscle pain

* Back pain

* Thinning or sagging skin

* Mood swings

* Irritability

* Fatigue

* Impaired Memory

Menopause also increases the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, bone loss, and other diseases. You should see your doctor for a personalized risk assessment.

Premature Menopause

About one percent of women experience menopause before the age of 40. There are a number of reasons a women may hit menopause early, including thyroid disease, diabetes, and having undergone chemotherapy. Premature menopause is diagnosed by measuring the levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) in the blood. When menopause occurs, blood FSH and LH levels spike.

Male Menopause

Before you start laughing you should know that just as women undergo a process where their reproductive system shuts down, so do men. In men the process is called andropause and involves the cessation of testosterone production. Men who experience andropause are usually between the ages of 40 and 60, and the process is usually much more gradual then that of menopause. More information about andropause

Treating Menopause Symptoms

Unfortunately, menopausal symptoms vary so widely from woman to woman that there isn't a single miracle cure to rid you of the suffering. If you're in the midst of menopause and looking for relief, the very first place to go is to your doctor to discuss your symptoms along with possible treatments for them.

The second place you should look for advice is from your mother. It is very likely that your experience of menopause will be very much like your mothers experience so she should have plenty of advice and experience to relate to you.

Aside from these two people, you should read and learn as much as possible. Menopause is a very complex process which cannot be covered adequately in a single article (that's why there are links to other resources scattered throughout this page). The more you know, the better prepared you will be to cope with the symptoms, and safeguard against the risks. You will find that a lot of the advice you read will point to general good health practices; working out, eating right, not smoking, taking supplements, etc.

Information on herbal menopause remedies and symptom-specific remedies can be found further down this page.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Hormone Replacement Therapy involves manually replacing the hormones that your body has stopped producing. It has been shown to greatly reduce the symptoms of menopause as well as the incidence of osteoporosis, however - it has also been shown to increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, breast cancer, and stroke. The decision to begin HRT is not one to be taken lightly, you should talk with your doctor and stuff your brain full of as much information as you can stand. Here are some good starting points:

* National Library of Medicine - Hormone Replacement Therapy

* MayoClinic.com - Hormone Replacement Therapy: Benefits and Alternatives

Menopause Home Remedies

Sometimes it can seem as if menopause is causing you to fall apart. Don't let it get you down, here's some remedies that can help you keep it together. Anything that is good for your overall health will help with your menopause symptoms. Take supplements daily, there are some formulated specifically for a woman's body as it undergoes menopause. There are also many herbal menopause remedies that may help.

night sweatsHot Flashes and Night Sweats

Ah, the most common symptom of menopause: hot flashes and night sweats. A hot flash is a sudden, intense sensation of warmth that travels through the body and often is accompanied by chills and sweating. Hot flashes can last from 30 seconds to 30 minutes and are often accompanied by a feeling of anxiety.

While there are no known ways to stop a hot flash that has already struck, many women have observed that there are environmental factors that seem to increase the frequency of hot flashes. Those are: Hot and humid weather, anxiety, alcohol, caffeine and other stimulants, spicy foods, and lack of sleep. The use of black cohosh has also been reported to help with hot flashes.

Painful Intercourse

Vaginal thinning and dryness are an unfortunate effect of menopause, especially since they're not always accompanied by a diminished sex drive. The bad news is that the thinning and dryness will continue to increase, the good news is that it can these effects can often be negated through regular sexual intercourse. The phrase "use it or loose it" comes to mind. Personal lubricants can help with the dryness and itchiness.

Bladder Control

When menopause begins, the muscles that surround the bladder begin to weaken and a sense of impending urination or some accidental leakage can result. This can be controlled by exercising these muscles through the use of Kegel exercises. Kegel exercises are designed to strengthen the muscles in your pelvis and can really help with the bladder control problems associated with menopause.

To perform a Kegel exercise, contract your pelvic muscles as if you were trying to tighten your vaginal opening, hold the contraction for a three-count and relax. Follow the link in the previous paragraph for more detailed instructions.

Wrinkles

Your skin becomes more prone to stretch marks and wrinkles during and after menopause due to the body producing less elastin and collagen. Start a daily routine of applying a high quality lotion to your body to keep your skin hydrated and elastic.

Avoid Cellulite in Menopause - What You Can Do About Menopause Cellulite

Menopause is a condition that all women are subjected to. There is no way for the ladies to get rid of this problem they reach a certain age in their life. Many find it unbearable, especially to those people around them that stands witness to the physical and emotional change that is going on in their body -- but the worst problem that crops up during this condition is the formation of cellulite.

Everyone, especially females, are prone to this physical problem; in fact, many women who have undergone menopause find this in their body and will do anything to get rid of it to restore their confidence in their own appearance.

Facts

Cellulite is subcutaneous fat build-up under your skin. Hormones and genetics play a big role in its appearance, but a person's daily habits also contribute to this condition. Women are prone to this problem, but there are men who acquire one during the phase in their life.

Excessive eating habits, unhealthy lifestyle, and lack of physical exercise can lead to this condition. Women during and after menopause are prone to this problem, due to the changes in and out of their bodies during menopausal. The best way to get rid of this problem is to prevent it from happening before it gets a hold on you.

Watch Your Diet

One of the common phases in menopause is the abnormal eating habits. Women who are under this condition tend to eat a lot when they get depressed or visited by anxiety attacks. If you aren't careful, then what you eat will end up with the build-up of fat under your skin that can be very stressful to remove.

If you are unable to control your eating problems during menopause then you better ask your friends or family members to keep tabs of it for you. You can consult your health care provider to come up with strategies to help control eating habits and avoid the build-up of subcutaneous fat in various areas of your body. Some make use of herbal diet pills, such as hunger suppressants, to control their uncontrollable urge to eat.

Indulge In Physical Exercise

One way to fight this condition, as well as keeping track of your menopause problems is to indulge in physical exercise. This is a healthy way to avoid wallowing in anxiety attacks and depression that is commonly found in menopausal women; as well as giving you the chance to sweat out the subcutaneous fat out of your body.

Menopause - Don't Take Artificial Sweeteners For Midlife Weight Control

As women approach menopause, it is natural to gain weight. You can notice the belly area accumulates more fat; so many menopause women try their best to find sweeteners with fewer calories.

Unfortunately, artificial sweeteners make you gain weight. When researchers followed more than 1,000 people for 8 years, they found that on average, for each diet soft drink consumer per day, the chances of becoming overweight jumped about 37%.

Moreover, artificial sweeteners are dangerous too.

1. Don't add artificial sugars to hot coffee. Aspartame is an artificial sweetener. It has similar effects on the body as monosodium glutamate (MSG). Moreover, when liquid aspartame is heated to above 85 degrees, it breaks down into DKP and formaldehyde, both of them are toxins, and cause cancers, brain damage and more problems.

2. Artificial sugars make you chemically and physically addicted to them. Some studies have found: "fake" sugars increase the preference for sweets.

3. Diet sodas are loaded with artificial sugars. Since fall 1983, the FDA approves NutraSweet for carbonated soft drinks and other liquids. Many people complained horrible health issues, including depression, hypertension, dementia, nausea, sickness, headaches, migraines, dizziness, etc.

The good news is that those extra pounds you gain during peri-menopause will go away once you get past menopause.

Also, diets with high sugar and fat will increase hot flashes. Diets with low sugar and fat, as Asian women have, will reduce hot flashes.

So avoid artificial sweeteners and reduce sweeteners as much as you can during menopause. If you really like sweeteners, use sugar from natural sugar canes.

Natural Menopause Relief Secrets - 4 Natural Remedies For Menopause Symptoms

It should be understood that menopause is not a disease. Menopause is only a stage in the life cycle of a woman. Too many women, who are going through menopause, bear this in mind. Your body is beautiful. Everything, every creature is beautiful. Menopause can be a liberating experience, and I know of many menopausal women who are happy and are enjoying it. What you need is an understanding of yourself and a stronger faith in God.

The secret to living an enjoyable and meaningful life after menopause is to take care of the body early in life. Women and everyone in general should take care of their bodies early in life so that it can serve us better at age.

Some of the natural remedies to the symptoms of menopause are as follows:

Water

Water is natural but does more work in the body than many know. The importance of water for proper functioning of the body cannot be over emphasized. Early in the morning, on rising from bed, drink three to four cups of water. It is not enough to do this for a month or two. Make it a habit. If you are able to do this continually for a year, you will see what a transformation will come upon your body. The young women should keep this in mind rather than wait until old age sets in. As for those nearing menopause, water is a great help. If you take water adequately as described above, you will soon notice a reduction in hot flashes and internal heat.

Take Bitter Leaf

Bitter leaf is one of the best woman friendly plants. It is good for the body either before, during or after menopause. Bitter leaf takes care of such symptoms as hot flashes, internal heat and rheumatism. With bitter leaf around, women do not need to take artificial oestrogen which in any case has its own negative side effects. Bitter leaf does not supply oestrogen but helps the body to produce the amount of oestrogen needed for life. Squeezing the fresh leaves of bitter leaf in water and taking a glass every morning and night is advisable. This is not only good for those who are already experiencing the symptoms of menopause and those who have attained menopause. The use of bitter leaf has proven to be one of the best reliefs for menopause.

Take Honey

Menopausal women should take plenty of honey. A lot has been said about honey. Those who take honey regularly will remain fresh, healthy and strong till old age. They will go through menopause without falling victims of the symptoms. Mix four desert spoons of honey with half glass of water and drink twice daily.

The Use of Wonder Tincture

Wonder tincture is another effective natural preparation that eases the symptoms of menopause.

Facts About Perimenopause - How it Affects You

Perimenopause happens 12 months before the actual menopausal cycle. Females will experience a gradual cessation of their menstrual cycle until it permanently stops that marks the start of the menopausal stage. In most cases, this condition happens at the age of 35 in average, but can be seen late in some women.

Female may discover hormonal imbalance even earlier than the actual menopause cycle. Estrogen levels will start to drop when women reach the age of 35 or may even start late around 40's. This continuous decline happens 12 months before menopause so it might be best to prepare yourself with information beforehand to avoid or take steps to counter the signs and symptoms that come with it get rid or eliminate any discomforts afterwards.

Facts

This condition is often attributed to the gradual decrease of a woman's menstruation, which is attributed to the decrease of their reproductive function that is common sign of old age. Women under this stage of their life might experience hormonal imbalance as their estrogen levels decrease over time. In most cases, this occurs when there is less or no progesterone is produced.

Symptoms

It was observed that the menstrual cycle of the female species will eventually stop when perimenopause symptoms appear. Emotional and behavioral changes are the most evident among the other signs of this condition, which is often seen as mood swings, depression, anxiety, and irritability without any triggers at all. Women are mostly confused when they are under a sudden bout of sadness under a very normal day -- which eventually leads to depression and its risks when left unchecked.

Women under this condition may also experience hot flashes and night sweats. Sexual behavior is affected as well, such as taking longer time in reaching an orgasm or painful intercourse attributed to dryness around the vagina. Men have also seen less sexual drive from their partners when they undergo perimenopausal stage.

There are other symptoms attributed to this condition but may vary from one woman to another. Some experience tender breasts while others do not. Other signs and symptoms include muscle and joint pains, back pains, dryness to the skin, weakness or fatigue, hair loss, weight gain, sleeping problems, water retention, and so on.

Countering The Signs

It's true that the signs and symptoms of perimenopause might be very uncomfortable to some, but there are certain ways to fight the condition to make it more bearable.

For example, women suffering from sleeping problems due to this condition might want to take herbal supplements to help correct the problem. Same can also be said for headaches, body aches and pains, and so on.