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.

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