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Aniexty And Menopause

2006-12-18T07:21:00.000-08:00

Healthy Menopausal Years - the Wise Woman Way

by Susun Weed

Menopause is a time of enormous change. Wise women of all times have found simple life-style changes can make their Change much easier. For optimum health during and after menopause, follow these simple steps:

Exercise a different way every day: take walks, lift weights, dance, garden, do yoga, try tai chi.
Drink nourishing herbal infusions.

We all know how important exercise is for strong bones, healthy hearts, resistance to diabetes, and weight maintenance. But did you know it prevents depression too? By yourself, or with a friend, exercise is one of the golden keys to a long, healthy life.

Nourishing herbal infusions are the second key to vibrant elder years and an easier menopause. They provide protein, minerals, phytoestrogens, and special fats needed by menopausal women. Many common menopausal problems can be connected to a lack of one or more of these nutrients.

Low protein leaves hair and skin dull, lifeless, and thin. Nourishing herbal infusions, plain yogurt, lentils, and organic meats are excellent sources.

Low levels of minerals leave the bones and heart deprived of calcium, the immune system low in zinc, and the muscles prone to pain and spasms. Nourishing herbal infusions, plain yogurt, seaweed, and organic chocolate are magnificent sources.

Insufficient phytoestrogens in the diet increase breast cancer risk and menopausal distress. Nourishing herbal infusions, lentils, roots and seeds are the best sources.

Lack of high-quality fats can lead to thyroid problems, immune system stress, lack of energy, and blood vessel disease. Nourishing herbal infusions, full-fat yogurt, organic chocolate, olive oil, organic butter, nuts and seeds are superb sources.

To make a nourishing herbal infusion:

Buy (or gather and dry) at least one ounce of nettle leaf or oatstraw or red clover blossoms or comfrey leaf.
Place the ounce of dried herb in a quart jar. (One ounce equals one full cup of dried herb.)
Fill jar to the top with boiling water. Cap tightly and allow it to brew for at least four hours. Overnight is fine.
Strain and drink 2-4 cups a day. Most menopausal women prefer their infusion iced, but you can drink it hot or at room temperature. A little mint or sage may be added to change the flavor.

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) builds energy, strengthens the adrenals, and is said to restore youthful flexibility to blood vessels. A cup of nettle infusion contains 500 milligrams of calcium plus generous amounts of bone-building magnesium, potassium, silicon, boron, and zinc. It is also an excellent source of vitamins A, D, E, and K. For flexible bones, a healthy heart, thick hair, beautiful skin, and lots of energy, make friends with sister stinging nettle. It may make you feel so good you'll jump up and exercise.

Oatstraw (Avena sativa) reduces high cholesterol, increases libido, and strengthens the nerves. A cup of oatstraw infusion contains more than 300 milligrams of calcium plus generous amounts of many other minerals. Its steroidal saponins nourish the pancreas and liver, improving digestion and stabilizing moods. Oatstraw is best known however for its ability to enhance libido and mellow the mood. Do be careful whom you share it with, or you may find yourself sowing some wild oats. In Auryuvedic medicine, oatstraw is considered the finest of all longevity tonics.

Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is better in every way than its cousin soy. It contains four phytoestrogens; soy has only one (isoflavone). Red clover infusion has ten times more phytoestrogens than soy "milk," fewer calories, more calcium, and no added sugars. Red clover is the world's leading anti-cancer herb; soy isoflavone encourages the growth of breast cancer cells in the lab. Red clover improves the memory; Japanese men who ate tofu twice a week doubled their risk of Alzheimer's disease. Soy beverage can contain up to 1000 times more aluminum than milk, according to Sally Fallon, lipid researcher and fat specialist. She believes that "the highly processed soy foods of today are perpetuating ... nutrient deficiencies ..."

Comfrey leaf (Symphytum) is free of the compounds (PAs) found in the root that can damage the liver. I have used comfrey leaf infusion regularly for decades with no liver problems; ditto for the group of people at the Henry Doubleday Research Foundation who have eaten cooked comfrey leaves as a vegetable for four generations. Comfrey is also known as "knitbone," and no better ally for the woman with thin bones can be found. And, don't forget, comfrey contains special proteins used in the formation of short-term memory cells. Its soothing mucilage adds flexibility to joints, eyes, vagina, and lungs.

Menopause can change your life. Our Wise Woman grandmothers used nourishing herbal infusions, fermented dairy products, healthy exercise, and simple whole foods to weather their Change naturally and live productively another 50 years. You can too.

For further information on these herbs, and lots more, see New Menopausal Years, the Wise Woman Way by Susun Weed, Ash Tree Publishing, 2002.

Legal Disclaimer: This content is not intended to replace conventional medical treatment. Any suggestions made and all herbs listed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, condition or symptom. Personal directions and use should be provided by a clinical herbalist or other qualified healthcare practitioner with a specific formula for you. All material contained herein is provided for general information purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Contact a reputable healthcare practitioner if you are in need of medical care. Exercise self-empowerment by seeking a second opinion.

Susun Weed

PO Box 64

Woodstock, NY 12498

Fax: 1-845-246-8081

Vibrant, passionate, and involved, Susun Weed has garnered an international reputation for her groundbreaking lectures, teachings, and writings on health and nutrition. She challenges conventional medical approaches with humor, insight, and her vast encyclopedic knowledge of herbal medicine. Unabashedly pro-woman, her animated and enthusiastic lectures are engaging and often profoundly provocative.

Susun is one of America's best-known authorities on herbal medicine and natural approaches to women's health. Her four best-selling books are recommended by expert herbalists and well-known physicians and are used and cherished by millions of women around the world. Learn more at http://www.susunweed.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susun_Weed

Holistic Menopause Treatment

2006-12-18T04:21:00.000-08:00

A Few Brief Facts About Menopause

by Michael Russell

Menopause, commonly known as "change of life" is also often thought of as a disease, but just as menstruation is a normal phase or a natural process in a woman's life, so is menopause. It is a gradual process which takes place over a period of anywhere from six to fourteen years. There is actually no particular age for menopause, like there is no particular age for the beginning of menstruation. However, the average age assumed for menopause to take place is around 52 years. It can happen anywhere around the ages of 45 to 55 years. It is difficult to say when menopause actually begins, but it is said to be complete when a woman has not had her period for about a year. It is also been found that a woman reaches menopause roughly as the same age as her mother did.

It must be noted that if you have had your uterus and your ovaries surgically removed then you would almost immediately be in menopause, as there would be no ovaries to produce estrogen. But if only your uterus has been surgically removed without the ovaries then your ovaries would still produce the estrogen and you would not undergo menopause till your time is up.

There is no direct influence of race, number of children borne, the use of contraceptives, or the first time you begin menstruating on when you would reach menopause. However smoking is thought to be a factor for early menopause.

The different terms used in menopause are perimenopause, menopause and postmenopause. Perimenopause is known as when the actual changes are taking place. Menopause is the time when these changes are all completed. Postmenopause lasts for the rest of a woman's life and it is after menopause.

When you reach menopausal age you may notice certain changes in your period. The flow of your period, the length of time of your period, the occurrence may vary, also a more common occurrence would be hot flushes owing to the changes in the levels of your estrogen. Hot flushes are where you would suddenly feel rather warm during the day or even during the night.

The reduction in the hormone estrogen during menopause causes two conditions. One is Osteoporosis - as this hormone helps in the control of bone loss. Therefore, loss of estrogen means more bone is lost than is replaced causing the bones to become weak and as a result being more vulnerable to breakage. The other is heart disease - the reduction in the production of estrogen plus the fact of age could lead to this condition. It is best if one talks to ones doctor in order to maintain a healthy life during this period. Generally what he would recommend is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).

Hormone treatment is of two kinds HRT or ERT, Hormone Replacement Therapy and Estrogen Replacement Therapy, respectively. HRT involves the hormones Estrogen plus Progesterone whilst ERT as the name implies, only Estrogen. However, ERT can only be undergone by women who have had a hysterectomy as an unlimited quantity of estrogen could give rise to uterine cancer. HRT is only recommended for women who have completely have had their periods stopped as during their period estrogen is still being produced. Hormone treatment is actually not a direct treatment for menopause but it is a preventive treatment for other health conditions. It must be noted that there could be several side effects to this treatment. However, this could be overcome by changing the dosage.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Menopause

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

Best Vitamins For Menopause

2006-12-17T10:21:00.001-08:00

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Menopause And A Few Myths About It

by Michael Russell

Menopause, it must be borne in mind, is not a disease, it is just "the next stage in your life". Here are some of the common myths:

Myth: It is believed that when you reach menopause that your ovaries dry up and waste away.

This is not true, what actually happens is that the ovaries gradually reduce the production of the hormone estrogen. This happens because the body does not require the high production of the hormone anymore.

Myth: Women lose libido at menopause.

Research has shown that there is no link between disinterest in sex and the low level of estrogen during menopause. Fifty percent of women are found to have no marked changed in libido during menopause.

Myth: Menopause causes depression.

Not true. Studies have shown that there are a greater percentage of depressed women in the thirty age group rather than in the menopausal age group, which is in the fifties.

Myth: The loss of estrogen during menopause does not have any serious consequences.

The loss of estrogen can bring about major risks in a woman's life. For example, she runs the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, colon cancer, just to name a few.

Myth: There is weight gain during menopause.

Some women actually lose weight, while some will gain weight, but it is not necessarily related to menopause. What will make you fat is probably not eating healthy food. Therefore, you should have a well balanced diet.

Myth: All women have symptoms.

It is generally thought that all women who reach menopause have the symptoms of mood swings, depression, hot flashes etc. Studies have shown that about fifteen percent of women do not have symptoms of menopause. The only symptom would be the stoppage of menstruation.

Myth: In hormone replacement therapy, the hormone estrogen is a natural hormone.

This is not true. All the hormonal drugs used in hormone replacement therapy are manufactured and are synthetic.

Myth: Menopause occurs at the age of 50.

There is no specific age for menopause. There is great variation. The average age is about 52. About one percent of women reach menopause at about 40 years or even younger. The average age span for menopause today is around 45 years of age to 55 years. However, if you have had your female reproductive organs surgically removed then you would automatically have reached menopause.

Myth: Menopause lasts only a few years.

Menopause can last from anywhere from six to fourteen years.

Myth: Menopause is very commonly mistaken for a disease.

It most definitely is not a disease; it is just another normal phase in a woman's life.

Myth: There is memory loss during menopause.

There may be occasional mood swings but there is no memory loss. Memory loss may be attributed to the aging factor and is not directly related to menopause. As men and women age, the brain reduces in size.

Myth: After menopause, women cannot enjoy sex.

It has been found that the majority of post menopausal women enjoy sex more than before menopause. This may be due to the fact that they do not have to worry about unwanted pregnancies.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Menopause

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

During Hair Loss Menopause

2006-12-17T10:21:00.000-08:00

Living with Menopause

by Kathryn Whittaker

Some women will say that menopause is a natural experience and quite enjoyable. Most women will not agree. The symptoms of menopause can be confusing and difficult for both women and everyone around them. Diet and exercise can help women ease them into the next stage of their life and it really does make a difference.

Many women go through menopause without even knowing or understanding what is going on with their bodies. The number of eggs in women�s ovaries decreases and estrogen and progesterone levels waver and then decline. Periods will be irregular for a while (different with all women) and then stop altogether. Because of the drastic hormone changes, women�s bodies go through various side effects.

Menopause side effects aren�t your everyday headaches and cramps, but instead women could suffer some serious health effects. Weight is usually redistributed and will go straight to the stomach. This is why an exercise program is encouraged. There is also an increased risk of heart disease and osteoporosis. Consuming extra calcium can help prevent osteoporosis. Cholesterol levels also rise in many women.

Symptoms of menopause that most women can expect to experience, whether mild or severe, include hot flashes, insomnia, anxiety, fatigue, mood swings, frequent urination, vaginal dryness, and even depression in some cases. There are conventional medications that can be taken to boost your estrogen levels and help minimize symptoms. One of the best ways to enjoy a healthy, happy menopause lifestyle is by eating a nutritious and healthy diet.

During menopause it is important that you keep in close contact with your doctor and schedule regular check up appointments. You will need regular physical examinations and regular Pap smears as a precaution. After menopause, be prepared to have a mammogram every year or two after the age of 40, and then annually after 50. Try and schedule a screening for colon cancer about every three to five years and a cholesterol check every three years as well. While most of these check-ups and screenings are only preventative and precautionary, it is still a good idea to have them done so as to ensure your health. Because women have a tendency to be plagued with osteoporosis and bone deterioration, some doctors will suggest an ultrasound of the pelvic area to measure bone density.

All women will have a list of questions to ask both before the menopause process starts, during the transition, and afterwards. It is important that women stay well informed about the changes going on in their bodies. One of the easiest ways to do this is stay in close contact with your doctor, and if you have embarrassing questions, ask him anyway, he�s probably been asked the same thing before.

Kathryn Whittaker. To sign-up for a Free Menopause Newsletter please visit Natural Menopause Relief Secrets or for menopause articles click here Menopause Articles.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathryn_Whittaker

Menopause Memory Loss

2006-12-17T07:23:00.000-08:00

Estrogen Deficiency and Natural Estrogen Replacment Benefits and Risks

by Patsy Hamilton

Over the years doctors and researchers have theorized that menopause is a kind of estrogen deficiency syndrome, but no one knows for sure. �Natural estrogen replacement� is a term that may be used to describe different types of estrogen replacement therapies. Equine estrogen, which is derived from the urine of pregnant mares, can be referred to as �natural�, because the source is �natural� or non-synthetic. Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy may be referred to as �natural�, because hormones from plants and animals are modified in the laboratory to be molecularly identical to human hormones. And, then there are dietary sources of plant estrogens, which are components of vitamin and herbal remedies for menopausal symptoms.

The primary role of estrogen in a woman�s body is to prepare the uterus to receive a fertilized egg, but researchers have shown that estrogen does much more than this. It affects the skin and the bones and possibly the brain. Natural estrogen replacement of any type is believed to counteract some of the affects of estrogen deficiency on a woman�s body.

The primary symptoms of estrogen deficiency are irregular or missed periods, as occurs in the years leading up to and during menopause. Women whose ovaries have been damaged or surgically removed experience menopause like symptoms, no matter what their age. Natural estrogen replacement therapy relieves their symptoms, which leads to the cause and effect theory that menopausal symptoms are symptoms of low estrogen levels

According to the North American Menopause Society, hormones play an important role in skin health. Menopausal symptoms that are almost certainly caused by an estrogen deficiency include a decline in collagen and thickness of the skin. This occurs mostly during the years immediately following menopause. The skin becomes less elastic, bruises and tears more easily. Any type of natural estrogen replacement may have beneficial effects on the skin, but most types are not recommended solely for this purpose, because of the numerous health risks associated with estrogen taken orally.

Researchers at the University of Melina in Italy, investigating plant or phytoestrogens found that isoflavones from red clover may be effective. Isoflavones are a type of plant estrogen and there is evidence supporting their use to treat other menopausal symptoms, so these scientists decided to investigate their effects on the skin. They concluded that supplements containing red clover isoflavones increased skin elasticity, collagen content and thickness, reducing the signs of skin aging, believed to be caused by sudden estrogen deficiency.

One of the best known of the estrogen deficiency symptoms is bone loss or osteoporosis. Until studies linked oral estrogens and synthetic hormone replacement therapy to serious health risks such as blood clots and strokes, it was often recommended to reduce the risk of osteoporosis in post-menopausal women. Lack of estrogen inhibits the body�s ability to absorb calcium and vitamin D. Vitamin D is necessary for the body to effectively absorb calcium. Sun-screen which is necessary to protect the skin may also inhibit the body�s ability to activate vitamin D found in food. For this reason the North American Menopause Society advises that a vitamin D supplement may be necessary. The latest USRDA suggests that vitamin D supplements are probably necessary for anyone over the age of 50.

The body is able to absorb calcium most efficiently when iron, manganese, phosphorous, magnesium and vitamin C are present as well. Thus, a daily multi-vitamin containing adequate amounts of all of these nutrients, as well as vitamin D, provides the best insurance that a woman�s bones will continue to receive necessary amounts of calcium. Specialized health supplements designed for women containing plant estrogens may be even more effective, as the increase in dietary estrogenic compounds may counteract the estrogen deficiency that occurs when the ovaries stop functioning.

Vaginal dryness and thinness are similar to the estrogen deficiency symptoms that affect the skin. Since vaginal dryness and thinness can cause painful intercourse, women may experience a decreased sex drive as a result. This can create a kind of �vicious circle�, because lack of sexual stimulation may cause decreased blood flow to the genitals and a decrease in vaginal health, once again decreasing desire.

On the other hand, many women have found that they enjoy an increased sex drive following menopause. They feel an increased sense of freedom, because there is no longer a risk of pregnancy. For women who have the desire, but are bothered by dryness, any of the K-Y lubricants can help and there are some that are specifically designed to act on vaginal tissue to relieve dryness. Herbal sexual stimulants including ginseng and tribulus terrestris can increase libido. Tribulus may also increase levels of circulating hormones, thus acting as a natural estrogen replacement. Not all estrogen is produced by the ovaries. The adrenals produce some and other hormones are used by the body to create estrogens.

Tribulus is often recommended as a natural testosterone booster for men. Most medical literature focuses on natural estrogen replacement for women, but some researchers, doctors and scientists believe that low levels of testosterone may cause some of the problems that women have during menopause, particularly issues related to sexual desire. Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy for women includes estrogen, progesterone and testosterone.

At least one study has shown that estrogen improves the ability of the receptors in the hypothalamus to receive and transmit signals. The hypothalamus is a part of the brain in which memories are stored, is important in regulating mood, sleep and sexuality, among other functions.

The final conclusion is that estrogen deficiency following menopause can cause any number of symptoms ranging from those that affect the skin, the bones, the genitals and the brain. Any type of natural estrogen replacement therapy may relieve these symptoms, but certain ones should be used with caution and only for the shortest time possible. Equine estrogens, in particular, were studied by the Women�s Health Initiative and increase the risk of blood clots and stroke. Large scale studies concerning the long-term safety of other types of natural estrogen replacement have not been completed.

For more information about estrogen deficiency and the special nutritional needs of women nearing the age of menopause, please visit the Menopause and PMS Guide.

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

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patsy_Hamilton

Menopause Sleep

2006-12-17T07:21:00.000-08:00

Correlating Menopause and Osteoporosis

by Nathalie Fiset

Menopause occurs when there is not enough supply of estrogen in the body. With the absence of this important hormone in a woman�s body, there are lot of adjustments to be done and changes to prepare for.

Studies show that the loss of estrogens accelerates bone loss in the span of five to eight years. One of the most common areas affected by the loss of estrogen in the body is the skeletal system�specifically the bones that lead to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis, as defined, pertains to the thinning of the bones. As the bones become thinner and thinner, it becomes weaker and breaks more easily. The bones that are often affected include those of the spine, wrists, and hips.

COMBATING OSTEOPOROSIS CAUSED BY MENOPAUSE

As women grow older and older, risks of having osteoporosis becomes greater. Studies show that aside from aging, more and more women and men suffer become prone to osteoporosis especially if he/she has a family history of osteoporosis, fair skinned like blonds and red heads, engage in low calcium diet, lives a sedentary or physically inactive, underweight, obese, smokers and those with serious illness and disease.

In order to avoid, or at least, lessen the burden of having osteoporosis, here are some recommended lifestyle changes that you can do by yourself.

1. Have enough calcium in your body. In order to reduce the risk of osteoporosis, men women alike should start taking about 1,000 mg of calcium every day that is equals to about three serves of dairy food. Calcium is naturally found in various foods and can also be added in powder form. Having enough calcium supply in your diet will ensure strengthened bones. Aside from eating foods rich in calcium, taking in calcium tablets can also support your calcium supply. For those who are drinking calcium to avoid further osteoporic problem, bear in mind that you should reach a total daily intake of 1,000 milligrams daily before menopause and 1,500 milligrams daily after menopause.

2. Physical activity is quite crucial to avoid further complications of osteoporosis. Recent studies show that people with or without osteoporosis can also benefit from spontaneous physical activity. Doing regular exercises like walking throughout your life can help in the reduction of osteoporosis risks because it reduces the rate of bone loss while protecting the remaining bone tissues. Experts say that the required minimum exercise for people who are suffering with osteoporosis is still unknown, but physical activity of 15 to 60 minutes at least thrice a week in highly recommended. Here are some of the general recommendations for exercise approved by most experts.

- Make sure that you have visited your doctor or health care provider before you start any exercise program.

- If you are already suffering from osteoporosis, avoid high impact activities or those exercise requiring sudden and forceful movements.

- Light weight-bearing exercises such as walking, dancing, and weight training are generally recommended.

- Make sure that you can sustain the frequency of your physical activity.

- Take strength training at least once or twice a week to prepare your body to more strenuous physical activities.

- Choose exercises that flexibility exercises or stretching.

- No matter how you love the water, avoid swimming because it�s not a weight bearing exercise. The buoyancy of the water will only counteract the effects of gravity and will be more difficult for you to maintain your balance.

- Choose exercises that will help you reduce bone loss, improve your muscle strength, balance, and fitness so the incidence of falls and fractures will be lessened.

Indeed, there is no easy way to address osteoporosis. Being a complex condition involving hormonal, lifestyle, nutritional, and environmental factors, osteoporosis can only be cured through proper exercise, diet, and supplements. Aside from these, medical preventions and treatments such as hormone therapy (HT), Bisphosphonates, selective oestrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), potential therapies like Tibolone (Livial) and parathyroid hormone are available today.

Dr Nathalie Fiset is a family doctor and a certified hypnotherapist. For more information go to: http://www.bestmenopause.com/osteoporosis.html http://www.aperfectharmony.com or http://www.a-1hypnosis.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nathalie_Fiset

Menopause Prescription

2006-12-17T04:21:00.001-08:00

What's The Right Menopause Supplement For You?

by Matt Ream

Nearly every menopause supplement features several key ingredients, which are designed to help soothe the discomfort of menopause. Most commonly found in any menopause supplement is that of isoflavones, which is either from soy or red clover. During menopause, women are faced with a variety of changes. Hence the term, 'change of life.' In an effort to make these changes less troublesome, a number of manufacturers have come up with a menopause supplement that attempts to ease some of that discomfort.

Organic Woman's Bread offers a generous amount of soy isoflavones, which equals nearly 80 mg, and also contains fiber and flax seeds. Flax & Soy Granola, offered by Zoe Foods, contains ingredients that are believed to help minimize the hot flashes that occur during menopause. Flax and Soy Bars, which are common snack items, are available for those with the munchies.

Many people take a menopause supplement without giving any thought to safety or how their system will react to it's consumption. The unfortunate truth is that certain types of medication and/or a menopause supplement, both over the counter and prescription, may present serious risks to some individuals if used in excessive amounts or if not taken in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

Prior to purchasing or using any type of menopause supplement, make sure to read the outside packaging for any warning or cautionary notices. In addition, pay close attention to the instructions and guidelines for usage, which must be followed responsibly. When selecting a menopause supplement, it is important to note most will not cause side effects if used properly. Supplements are designed to help individuals meet their nutritional and/or replacement needs.

If you are purchasing an over the counter acne medicine, never use a product that has been opened or appears to have been tampered with. It is best to purchase a product that is factory sealed and, if your product of choice is not sealed, consider ordering it online where it is kept out of high traffic areas prior to being shipped. This is simply a good idea so that everyone passing through any given store doesn't have the opportunity to open or use the product before you buy it.

Aside from an actual menopause supplement, some women find relief in aromatherapy, herbs, dietary supplements, etc.

The information in this article is to be used for informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice. Anyone with questions regarding the use of a menopause supplement should consult their physician for further information.

Melissa Ream is the content editor at Symptoms of Menopause Now. She has collected the best and most current information on the symptoms of menopause available on the internet.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matt_Ream

Menopause And Use Of The Birth Control Pill

2006-12-17T04:21:00.000-08:00

Tips in Coping With Menopause

by Nathalie Fiset

One of the major milestones in the life of a woman is menopause. This is the period when the woman will no longer have their monthly periods. This also means that this is the end of their being fertile. Once a woman goes into menopause, they can no longer bear a child.

Menopause occurs when a woman�s ovaries run out of eggs. There is also a decrease in the production of some sex hormones like estrogen, progesterone and to some degree, androgen. A woman has in her lifetime about half a million egg cells in her ovaries. From these half a million eggs, only about 400 to 500 eggs mature and are released during the menstrual cycle. The rest of the eggs degenerate.

When a woman is still in her reproductive years, hormones are secreted by the body to thicken the lining of the uterus. These hormones, progesterone and estrogen prepare the body to nourish the egg. If this is fertilized, then it will develop into a fetus, a baby. If not, secretion of the hormones will lag down and the lining will slowly thin down. This is when menstruation occurs.

Because of age, ovaries of women will slowly decrease its secretion of the hormones. This often starts when they are in mid-30s. In their late 40s, they will often have irregular menstrual cycle because of the fluctuating levels of the hormones. By the time a woman reaches 40 years old, their period will eventually stop. This is menopause.

Menopause can be hard for some women especially when they are not prepared for it. Because the female hormones will stop its secretion, women may feel several changes in their bodies. Most common of these are hot flushes, weight gain and bone problem. Below are some tips that help you cope with menopause.

1. Make it cooler

Hot flushes may be solved by medications but some people do not opt for this due to costs or fear of side effects. To help minimize this, try to wear light clothes. Wear many layers, which you can take off when you hot flashes start. There are also mini fans that you can carry with you in your bag. They are battery operated so there is no need to look for an electric fan

2. Engage in physical activity

Expect to become heavier during menopause. When your pants suddenly won�t fit you, don�t be surprised. It is not because you have suddenly been eating a lot lately but because of menopause.

Because of the changes in the body particularly in the hormonal levels that the body secretes, women gain weight during menopause. To combat this, it is good to engage in physical activity. This also strengthens the bones, which tends to weaken during this period in life.

Another advantage in engaging in physical activity especially in sports is the fact that it will also help you maintain your weight. Remember that metabolism will naturally slow down as you grow older. So whether or not you are menopausal, physical activity will benefit you.

3. Take your vitamins

One of the important things that a woman should do to cope well with menopause is to take vitamins regularly. Hormonal changes in the body weaken the bones. This is why it is vital that women have adequate calcium intake. They should also watch the levels of their vitamin D in the body.

Vitamin D and calcium play a major role in reducing their risk of developing osteoporosis, which frequently occurs in women who are in their menopausal ages. Osteoporosis is a bone-thinning disease that may lead to bone fractures. Women undergoing menopause is recommended to take at least 1200 mg per day of calcium and about 400-600 IU of Vitamin D for calcium absorption.

Dr Nathalie Fiset is a family doctor and a certified hypnotherapist. For more information go to: http://www.bestmenopause.com/treatment.html
http://www.aperfectharmony.com or http://www.myalpha-power.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nathalie_Fiset

Menopause Clinics In London

2006-12-16T10:21:00.001-08:00

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

by Patsy Hamilton

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patsy_Hamilton

Menopause Drug

2006-12-16T10:21:00.000-08:00

Give Menopause its Assigned Role

by Patricia Little

Menopause has been promoted as a most important, time consuming challenge ridden time of a lady�s life. Certainly some of us experience more side effects than others but it is also an expected time of life where changes abound and become the basis for the second half.

These other changes of similar or more necessary importance must be recognized, addressed and worked on for the next phase.

Families are growing up and moving into a variety of new phases. Some are getting involved in serious study. Jobs with a career focus are being sought whilst relationships outside of the household are increasing and possibly growing into the permanent long term relationship that has been encouraged. Even you or a husband could be moving into a higher position that has been sought for more than half a lifetime.

Most previous roles are still relevant and very important but new attitudes bathed in love and wisdom must be taken on at a similar level. In most cases it�s of little relevance to promote the natural role of �change of life� in order to build the new friendships and advice.

From a natural point of view a basic healthy diet is essential in order to maintain a level of respect from family and friends.The vast array of �new� menopausal behavior must be quietly dealt with whilst necessary change to family situations becomes vital.

Copyright 2006 Patricia Little

Patricia Little is a writer and the editor of a re-released classic ebook- it will show you how to get the best of health and wealth out of all your future years. For more go to ==> http://www.Young-at-Sixty.com.

Remarkable "How I Became Young at Sixty" brings renewed vigor to your body, and hope to your mind. You Can Get your Free ebook "How I Became Young at Sixty" by going to http://www.Young-at-Sixty.com/get-your-f-r-e-e-ebook.htm

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patricia_Little

Para Menopause

2006-12-16T07:21:00.001-08:00

Baby Boomers Meet the Challenges of Menopause

by Melanie Votaw

When Erma, now in her 60's, began to experience menopausal symptoms, her Japanese herbologist told her this: The energy her body and spirit had used to menstruate could finally be directed wherever her heart desired. Anthropologist Margaret Mead said, "There is no more creative force in the world than a menopausal woman with zest." She said it more than 20 years ago, and it has never been more true than it is today.

A member of the Baby Boomer generation turns 50 every seven seconds, and as the last boomers begin the journey of menopause, it is the healthiest, most aware, and most youthful generation of women who have ever experienced it. 1957 saw the largest number of births in North America, and all of the women born in 1957 will turn 50 next year. Most of them will experience menopause by the year 2012, if they haven't already.

Despite the huge 50+ population in North America, western culture holds to an antiquated reverence for youth. Yes, it's ironic to call celebrating youth "antiquated," but it is an apt description. This attitude simply gives menopause a bad name.

The truth is that women needn't "pause" when menopause arrives. In 1998, 752 women between the ages of 50 and 65 were polled by The Gallup Organization, and more than half of them reported they were happier than ever. Numerous other cultures look at menopause as a joyous rite of passage like puberty, marriage, and giving birth.

Yes, menopause often brings symptoms that may need to be addressed, but we live in a time when significant research has finally been conducted, offering us numerous ways to manage menopausal discomfort.

Eight Healthy Ways Boomers Are Managing Menopause

So, what can you do when the transition begins? Here are eight tips to manage "the change."

1. Chrystle experienced menopause early at age 45 and found that Evening Primrose Oil significantly reduced her hot flashes. When she ran out of the oil (which can be taken in pill form), she found out in no uncertain terms how effective the supplement had been � her flashes doubled!

2. If you're like Chrystle, wear layers so that you can be prepared when a hot flash strikes. This will help you avoid uncomfortable perspiration when you're in a social situation.

3. Synthetic and "natural" hormones (sometimes called "bioidentical" hormones) can often combat the vaginal dryness that comes with menopause, or you can simply use a water-based lubricant if sex becomes uncomfortable. There's certainly no reason whatsoever why a woman experiencing menopause should reduce her sexual activity. After all, you can finally say goodbye to tedious birth control!

4. Of course, when hormone levels start to change, this can also cause a reduction in libido. Hormone treatments can sometimes help, as can homeopathic remedies which work to balance hormone levels. Dr. George Dodd, a researcher in aromachology, the science of how smells influences behavior, has developed an aromatic patch that stimulates the emotions that influence sexual desire. And while you attend to the hormonal fluctuations, it also helps to do whatever you need to stimulate your mind sexually. Try to find new ways to turn yourself on.

5. Some women have found acupuncture, aromatherapy and herbs to be very helpful in dealing with menopause.

6. If the hormones cause emotional symptoms, be sure to nurture yourself! Learn stress reduction techniques such as meditation, and take the time you need to care for yourself. The kinder you are to yourself if you experience tears or anger, the easier it will be to deal with these symptoms.

7. All of the things that will help you through the symptoms of menopause are the very same things that will improve your health at any age. You'll simply notice the positive results more than you would prior to menopause. Reduce alcohol, caffeine and refined sugar intake, as well as meat consumption, especially since animals are sometimes injected with hormones. Try to give up smoking, as it will not only increase symptoms but will make you more vulnerable to osteoporosis. Exercise, on the other hand, will reduce symptoms and decrease your risk of osteoporosis. And, of course, drink plenty of water!

8. Most importantly, maintain a positive attitude. Think of everything as a rebalancing of your energy. You can even think of hot flashes as a way of burning stress away, and some women "surf" through their hot flashes by maintaining a sense of humor.

Whatever you do, never forget that being in your twenties � with all of its inexperience and uncertainty � has never been all it's cracked up to be!

Melanie Votaw is an author, freelance journalist and keynote speaker.
Email: melanie@myscentuelle.com
Web: http://www.myscentuelle.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Melanie_Votaw

Musical Play Menopause

2006-12-16T07:21:00.000-08:00

Types of Hysterectomy

by Ada Ozoh

Hysterectomy is the second most common major operation performed in the Western world after cesarean section. About 30% of women over 50 in the US have had a hysterectomy.

There is a lot of unreasonable fear surrounding this procedure. Some of these fears come from reports from other women who have had a hysterectomy. These reports depend on their own expectations and preconceptions. When it is performed by an experienced gynecologist and for the right reasons, a hysterectomy can significantly improve your quality of life and even save it!

Reasons for having a hysterectomy

1. Fibroids - this is the most common reason for having a hysterectomy. It may be the only way to treat very large or multiple fibroids.

2. To control uterine bleeding � very heavy, prolonged, irregular and does not respond to non-surgical treatment. In the absence of a tumor, infection, pregnancy or endometriosis, this is known as dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB). It is often caused by hormone imbalance.

3. Endometriosis � when it is widespread and painful.

4. To treat descent (prolapse) of the uterus � Hysterectomy is recommended when the symptoms are very severe and Kegel exercises or vaginal estrogen have been unable to provide relief.

5. To treat widespread and uncontrollable pelvic infection.

6. Ectopic pregnancy � e.g. in cervical pregnancy or pregnancy outside the uterus where the placenta os attached to the uterus and cannot be removed.

7. To remove cancer in the vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes or ovaries.

8. To treat some life-threatening conditions affecting organs close to the uterus where treatment is difficult without removing the uterus e.g. cancer of the rectum or bladder.

Types of Hysterectomy

1. Abdominal hysterectomy � this is carried out by making a cut (incision) in the abdomen and removing the uterus. This method is best for extensive painful endometriosis, very large uterine fibroids and cancer. It allows the surgeon to have a better look at the uterus and other pelvic organs. You are likely to have a longer hospital stay than with the other two methods. It also has more complications during and after surgery.

2. Vaginal hysterectomy � the uterus is removed through the vagina. It is ideal for cases of uterine prolapse and for removal of a moderate-sized uterus. This usually has fewer complications than the other two methods.

3. Laparoscopic hysterectomy � here the uterus is removed with a laparoscope. This allows smaller incisions to be made.

Hysterectomies can also be divided into different types based on what tissues and the amount of these tissues that are removed:

1. Subtotal hysterectomy - here only a part of the uterus is removed. This type of hysterectomy is usually done if you want your cervix left behind, or where total removal would cause injury to nearby organs like the rectum or bladder.

2. Total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) - here the whole of the uterus is removed completely.

3. Total abdominal hysterectomy + bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO) - here the whole uterus is removed along with both ovaries.

Should the ovaries be removed?

Should normal ovaries be removed during a hysterectomy performed for conditions that are non-cancerous? Generally, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is recommended for postmenopausal women. By this time, the ovaries have stopped functioning and it removes the risk of ovarian cancer.

However, removal in premenopausal women has been more controversial. Ovaries of premenopausal women are still producing sex hormones. Their removal at this time leads to surgical menopause. Note that even if the ovaries are conserved during hysterectomy their function gradually diminish due to reduction of blood flow after hysterectomy. So you will tend to experience menopause several years earlier than you would without a hysterectomy.

On the other hand, if you have a strong family history of breast cancer, your risk of developing breast cancer will be reduced by 50% if both ovaries are removed.

Ada Ozoh is a women's health expert. For up-to-date information and resources especially related to menopause, visit her women's health website at MenopauseLifestyle.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ada_Ozoh

Menopause Itching Skin

2006-12-16T04:21:00.001-08:00

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Stop Hot Flashes

by Ross Bainbridge

Hot flashes affect most of the menopausal women in America, and some other persons under certain medical conditions. It is a hot feeling in the upper body, particularly the neck and face. The patient turns red in the face. Sweating, heart palpitations, dizziness and headache may accompany it. When the attack is over you feel chilly. It is caused by hormonal fluctuations that take place during menopause. Through some mechanism, the blood vessels get enlarged and more blood flows. This causes the flushed face and feeling of excess heat.

The most effective treatment had been hormone replacement therapy. But its side effects, specially the chances of getting cancer, make it a last resort. There are other management techniques and herbal medications available to treat hot flashes. For the persons prone to hot flashes, some things trigger them. By keeping a record of certain lifestyle events and the occurrence of hot flashes, you may be able to pinpoint the trigger and stop the attack.

Among the possible triggers, stress takes the first position. In an interesting study, menopausal women from Hong Kong, Pakistan, Mexico and Japan had only a 10% problem of hot flashes. In America it is 75%. The main difference identified is stress.

Hot spicy food, caffeine and alcohol are the other triggers that need attention. Alcohol, especially red wine, can release epinephrine, which is a trigger for hot flashes. Avoid hot environments. Try to keep your thermostat on the lowest tolerable temperature for you. Hot baths may also act as a trigger, as the skin blood vessels dilate naturally. While hormonal changes may be a natural physical occurrence for menopausal women, it is the emotional pressure that brings on many disorders including hot flashes. Anxiety, panic disorders, depression and suppressed anger are all good triggers.

Identifying the triggers and avoiding them is a good way to go in managing hot flashes.

Hot Flashes provides detailed information on Hot Flashes, Menopause Hot Flashes, What Cause Hot Flashes, Hot Flash Remedy and more. Hot Flashes is affiliated with Bladder Infection Symptoms.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ross_Bainbridge

Maca Menopause

2006-12-16T04:21:00.000-08:00

Popular Home Remedies for Hot Flashes and Why They Work

by Patsy Hamilton

More and more women are looking for natural hot flash relief or �home remedies� for hot flashes. For many years the treatment of choice was hormone replacement therapy (HRT), but the medical community has now identified the risks associated with long-term use of HRT. Since some women begin to suffer from hot flashes, bed sweats and other menopausal symptoms five or six years before their menstrual cycles end and then may continue to have them for several years afterwards, it is not unusual for a woman to need relief or treatment for ten years. The longer she uses HRT, the greater her risk of developing serious medical conditions including cancer, heart disease, blood clots and stroke.

There are several types of home remedies for hot flashes. There are the things that you avoid, because they may trigger hot flashes or worsen their severity. There are the things that you can do to relieve or possibly prevent the frequency of them. And then there are herbs, botanicals and even some foods that may provide hot flash relief. First, we�ll look at the things that typically trigger hot flashes; those things to be avoided.

Caffeine, Nicotine, Alcohol & Other Triggers

Caffeine and nicotine are stimulants. Stimulants increase blood pressure and cause blood vessels to dilate. One of the body�s natural reactions to stimulants is �flushing�. While decreased estrogen production causes hot flashes or �flushes� during perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause, anything that would ordinarily cause flushing, can trigger hot flashes. Even though alcohol is a depressant, rather than a stimulant, it still dilates the blood vessels, increases blood pressure and can trigger hot flashes.

Other hot flash triggers may be unique to the individual woman and may require a symptoms diary to identify them. For example, many women find that spicy foods trigger hot flashes. Certain vitamins, over the counter drugs, prescription and illicit drugs (like marijuana) may trigger hot flashes, if they increase blood pressure or cause the blood vessels to dilate. When drugs or vitamins are necessary for other health reasons, it may not be possible to avoid them. Herbal home remedies for hot flashes may be helpful, in these cases, but prescription drugs can interact with some herbs. Your doctor, pharmacist or herbalist should be able to advise you about any herbal remedies that should be avoided, if you are taking medication.

Things That Help

Hot flash relief may be a simple matter of wearing loose fitting, lighter weight or cotton clothing. Cotton allows perspiration to evaporate, cooling the skin off more quickly and making you feel more comfortable. Dressing in layers can also help. You can take layers off as your body heats up and put them back on, if you become chilled afterwards, as many women do.

Regular exercise provides hot flash relief for many women. It may be that the heat you generate while moving around helps the body stay at a more comfortable temperature throughout the day. Diet can also be a factor, which brings up the last of the home remedies for hot flashes.

Dietary, Herbal and Botanical Home Remedies for Hot Flashes

A lot is being said about soy beans for menopausal symptoms. Soy beans contain a compound called isoflavones, which are plant estrogens or phytoestrogens. These phytoestrogens may have an estrogen-like effect on a woman�s body, provide hot flash relief and possibly relieve other menopausal symptoms. While some experts suggest that adding soy to the diet may be a better choice than dietary supplements that contain the active compound, the research conducted thus far indicates that dietary supplements decrease hot flashes much more effectively than food products such as soy flour. For women who are allergic to soy, isoflavones can be found in other plants, such as red clover.

Black cohosh is one of the most popular home remedies for hot flashes. Researchers have found it to be even more effective than soy isoflavones. Sarsaparilla is an ancient remedy for hormonal imbalances and may provide hot flash relief. Ginseng is effective for some women, not for others. Chasteberry, although often recommended, does not appear to reduce hot flashes, but can be helpful for other menopausal symptoms. Wild yam is sometimes recommended because it contains a compound that can be used to create synthetic hormones. Dong Quai root is another one of the home remedies for hot flashes, but some scientific studies have found that it is ineffective for hot flash relief, though it may improve other symptoms. For more information about these and other supplements that may be helpful during menopause, please visit the Menopause and PMS Guide.

Patsy Hamilton was a healthcare professional for over twenty years before becoming a freelance writer. Currently she writes informational articles for the Menopause and PMS Guide. Visit http://www.menopause-and-pms-guide.com to learn more about menopause, PMS and natural remedies.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patsy_Hamilton

Peri Menopause Pmdd

2006-12-16T01:21:00.001-08:00

Menopause Symptom Severity Varies From Woman To Woman

by Patsy Hamilton

Although all women eventually experience menopause, symptom severity varies from mild to severe. Complimentary and alternative medicine for menopause has become increasingly popular, since research has shown that hormone replacement therapy can cause other serious health problems.

For many years hormone replacement therapy was the treatment of choice for women experiencing moderate to severe symptoms associated with menopause. In the seventies researchers learned that estrogen replacement increased a woman�s risk of developing cancer in the lining of the uterus. Adding synthetic progesterone to estrogen was believed to be safer. But, the most recent research indicates that any type of hormone replacement therapy increases a woman�s risk of developing blood clots and stroke. An increased incidence of heart disease and breast cancer has been found in women using hormone replacement on a long-term basis. Experts currently suggest that if a woman chooses hormone replacement therapy, she should use the lowest dosage for the shortest possible time.

When menopause symptom severity is mild to moderate, relief may be achieved by making lifestyle and dietary changes or by adding appropriate herbal and dietary supplements. Researchers have evaluated many different types of complimentary and alternative medicine for menopause, with varied results. Different treatments work for some women and not for others. It may take some time and a little effort on an individual woman�s part to find the safest and most effective treatment plan.

When menopause symptom severity is moderate to severe, most doctors still recommend hormone replacement therapy. However, depending upon the symptoms that a woman is suffering from, it may be possible to reduce the severity of her symptoms by changing her diet and/or lifestyle. The most common symptoms are hot flashes, night sweats, and trouble sleeping, vaginal dryness and mood swings. Researchers evaluating the effectiveness of complimentary and alternative medicine for menopause typically focus on these symptoms.

Research indicates that if a woman chooses to use hormone replacement therapy, it is usually because of hot flashes and night sweats. Complimentary and alternative medicine for menopause that has been shown to relieve hot flashes and night sweats by at least 40% includes acupuncture, soy isoflavones and black cohosh. Certain anti-depressants have been shown to provide some relief, but are not approved by the FDA for this purpose. Stress management techniques carry many health benefits, no health risks and should definitely be added to any treatment plan, regardless of the menopause symptom severity. Other experimental drugs are currently being evaluated, but these are not yet available.

There has been some research evaluating the effectiveness of low-dose estrogen replacement and it may be effective for some women, but it may still be risky, particularly for women with a personal or family history of breast cancer. Soy isoflavones are plant components that have an estrogen-like effect on a woman�s body. They are believed to be safe, but there has been no research concerning long term use. It is considered wise for women at high risk for cancer to avoid these types of plant estrogens or use them in moderation.

Acupuncture has no known health risks. The results from research concerning effectiveness are mixed. Some trials have shown a reduction in menopause symptoms severity, while others have shown no more benefit than placebo.

Of the many herbs that have been recommended as complimentary and alternative medicine for menopause, black cohosh is the most effective. Research has shown that it can reduce menopause symptom severity by nearly as much as hormone replacement therapy. However, researchers have been unable to isolate an active component. It does not appear to have any estrogen-like effect and is considered a safe choice for women with a risk of breast or endometrial cancer. The plant was used historically by Native American healers for many different purposes, including correcting hormonal imbalance. It is available in many different health supplements for women. For more information about choosing an appropriate health supplement or for general information about menopause and PMS, please visit the Menopause and PMS Guide.

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

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patsy_Hamilton

Menopause Dry Skin

2006-12-16T01:21:00.000-08:00

Menopause, Hormone Replacement and the Ovary

by Michael Russell

Each and every menopausal woman has hormonal requirements, which may be two to four times higher than other women. Thin women tend to have higher needs because they tend to have very little production of estrogen from their fatty tissue. Furthermore, it is the thin, fine-boned menopausal woman who has a greater risk of osteoporosis and may need to take a greater amount of estrogen to prevent this.

Modern-day hormone replacement therapy has become so safe and effective in the prevention of many problems that every menopausal woman should be aware of its benefits. As long as no medical risk is identified, this form of treatment is an option about which you are entitled to make your own informed decision. However, it is true that menopausal women differ in their for hormone replacement. Some women say that they can't live without it - they feel ancient, decrepit and lifeless without estrogen in their bodies - while others hardly seem to notice when their ovaries finally stop producing estrogen. There are also some menopausal and postmenopausal women who actually feel worse on hormone replacement, no matter what different forms and dosages are tried. Menopausal women should not be made to feel they must take hormone replacement or else terrible things will happen to them. Rather, they should be given the information they need to make an informed decision. The benefits of hormone replacement therapy vary for different individuals.

More than half of American women have a hysterectomy by the age of sixty-five. Hormone replacement therapy is simpler for women who have had a hysterectomy. In these cases, most experts agree that progesterone tablets are not necessary. An exemption here is the woman who has a past history of endometriosis, a disease in which cells from the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) are found growing outside the uterus and grows instead in the abdominal cavity. Endometriosis can be reactivated by estrogen replacement unless sufficient progesterone is taken to balance the estrogen therapy. Women with a past history of endometriosis should take low-dose progesterone tablet continually along with estrogen. If a woman has no past history of endometriosis, she can take estrogen by itself in the form of estrogen tablets, patches, or injections.

If the ovaries are spared during hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus) in a woman not yet approaching menopause, they will usually function normally for many years after the operation. On the other hand, menopause may arrive two or three years earlier than it would have otherwise. It is not uncommon for a woman to find that after hysterectomy, her ovaries do not work as well as they did before. She may complain of symptoms of estrogen deficiency. This is because the removal of the uterus causes a reduction in the blood supply to the ovaries and thus the ovaries no longer secrete adequate amounts of sex hormones. If this happens, a woman can accurately be called premenopausal.

If the ovaries are removed during hysterectomy, then the arrival of menopause is abrupt and often severe symptoms of estrogen deficiency occur. This is particularly evident in younger women. Thankfully, estrogen replacement in the form of tablets, patches, can stop unpleasant menopausal symptoms.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to href="http://menopause-treatments-guide.com/">Menopause

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

Menopause Physical Symptoms

2006-12-15T11:21:00.000-08:00

Cancer: Chemotherapy -- Do Unto Others As You Would Want Them Do Unto You!

by Chris Teo, Ph.D.

At the First World Congress on Cancer held in 1994 in Sydney, Australia, Dr. Ernesto Contreras, told the congress participants of an incident in which his good friend, a lung specialist, came to see him one day in his office. The excerpt of the conversations went as below:

Lung specialist: Ernesto, I am scared. I have been a heavy smoker and I have a shadow in my lung. I come to you, even though I don�t believe in what you do � Let�s make this clear from the beginning. If you find I have cancer, I don�t want to take any of the medications I use for cancer, because they don�t work.

Dr. Contreras: Why do you prescribe them to your patients?

Lung specialist: Because I am different!

Dr. Contreras: Why are you different from your patients?

Lung specialist: I won�t take the medications but I will prescribe them!

In a survey conducted among 118 doctors in the US, it was found that doctors would not use chemo-drugs on themselves, if they had cancer (Journal of Oncology, Nov. 1987). Why is this so?

For your information, I and my own family members also take the herbs that are being prescribed to cancer patients. I sometimes took Capsule A herbs, Pain tea and LL-tea, my wife took Capsule A, Utero-ovary tea, Stomach Function tea and PMS capsules. My daughter Irene took Capsule A for her juvenile migraine. Albert, our youngest son took Capsule A for sinus problems and has been taking Lung Tea herbs for his asthma. My sister-in laws was on Menopause capsule, Pain tea, etc. This just goes to show that I have that much confidence in my herbs. All these herbs mentioned above are being prescribed to my cancer patients as well.

I wonder, if any doctor would dare bring home antibiotics, steroids, chemo-drugs, etc., and give them to his family members!

One doctor friend once told me: As a doctor, I am obliged to ask people to go for chemotherapy, radiotherapy, etc. But as a friend and acting on my own personal basis, I would not ask my relatives to go through them! So, he bought some herbs for his aunt�s cancer! Such an attitude is very understandable. Any doctor who dares to go against the establishment or perceived norms would be made an outcast and labeled a quack.

Since my school days I had this ingrained into my head: Do unto others as you would have them done unto you. In my childhood days, I also learnt this from the village bully: Heads I win, tails you lose!

Unfortunately, this is the reality of how the world operates.

For more information about complementary cancer therapy visit: http://www.cacare.com, http://www.NaturalHealingForYou.com, http://www.BookOnCancer.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Teo,_Ph.D.

Menopause Skin

2006-12-15T10:21:00.000-08:00

Early and Late Menopause

by Ada Ozoh

Most women expect to continue having a monthly period and be able to have children well into their 40s, though maybe with greater difficulty. So it can be a nasty shock for some women when they start having menopausal symptoms in their 30s. This can be devastating, and happens in about 1% of women.

What is early menopause?

Early (premature) menopause refers to a situation where a woman stops menstruating completely before the age of 35 years.

Causes of early menopause

1. Removal of the ovaries through surgery.

This is the commonest cause of early menopause. For menopause to occur, both ovaries must be removed completely. Possible reasons for surgical removal of both ovaries include:

-Ovarian cancer

-Severe pelvic infection which may damage the ovaries

-During a hysterectomy for other problems

The removal of the ovaries during hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) is attracting a lot of controversy. Some gynecologists do this routinely to avoid development of disease of the ovaries if they are left behind e.g. an ovarian cyst or cancer.

Others argue that most women will not develop these diseases in their lifetime. So women are subjected unnecessarily to the effects of menopause by removing ovaries that are still functional.

2. Radiation treatment

Some women may need radiation therapy for treatment of cancer in the abdomen or pelvis which damages the ovaries. Shielding the ovaries may help to prevent this.

Some women may opt to have some of their eggs removed and stored to stop them from being damaged during radiation treatment. These can be used later for in vitro fertilization.
Note that even routine x-rays of the pelvis may damage the ovaries.

3. Removal of the uterus (hysterectomy)

After a hysterectomy, you may experience menopause several years earlier than if your uterus was left intact. This is because the procedure inevitably damages the blood supply to the ovaries which eventually shrink and stop functioning.

4. Infections

Mumps in early childhood may damage the ovaries leading to early menopause.

5. Auto-immune diseases

These are diseases where your body�s defense system starts to attack organs and tissues of the body, thinking that they are foreign, meaning that they lose the ability to recognize self. This can lead to rheumatoid arthritis, some types of thyroid disease and SLE (lupus). The ovaries may also be attacked and destroyed.

6. Genetic abnormality

Some women who have incomplete chromosomes may experience early menopause.

Late Menopause

This is menopause which takes place after the age of 55 years. If you are overweight or have uterine fibroids, it would not be unusual for you to still be menstruating in your 50s.

Dangers of late menopause

1. Increased risk of breast cancer
2. Increased risk of uterine cancer

If you are still having periods in your 50s, have a medical check-up just to rule out any health problems. If your doctor gives you the all clear then assume this is your own normal pattern.

Ada Ozoh is a women's health expert. For up-to-date information and resources, especially related to menopause, visit MenopauseLifestyle.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ada_Ozoh

Menopause Pills

2006-12-15T07:21:00.000-08:00

What Is Menopause And Tips On Managing Its Symptoms

by Beverly Raven

Menopause is defined as the ending of the menstrual cycle due to the advancement in age of the species that experiences such cycles. Many people refer to the onset of menopause as "the change of life". Typically, the onset of menopause occurs when the ovaries cease to produce estrogen, which will eventually be the cause of the reproductive system shutting down. When this process begins to occur symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, depression and lack of mental focus are quite common. Additionally, women can experience a need to urinate frequently along with vaginal dryness and erratic menstrual cycles.

The duration of menopause typically lasts for about a year but can range anywhere from six months to as long as five years. Usually, menopause is simply something that occurs due to an advancement in age although it can also be brought about by procedures such as a hysterectomy or by the start of illnesses such as cancer.

The average age of women suffering from menopause is about fifty years old however, there are many cases of younger women experiencing menopause at younger ages. This is often defined as premature menopause and some instances premature menopause is brought about by disorders such as thyroid disease or diabetes. A very interesting fact concerning premature menopause is that many fraternal as well as identical twins suffer from menopause around the age of forty. Health care professionals have not yet totally discovered the reasons for this occurring. Women that are post-menopausal have an increased likelihood of developing osteoporosis and it is recommended by many doctors that they begin taking some type of calcium supplement.

The following are some extremely common symptoms of those that are suffering from the onset of menopause. Women can experience hot flashes, chills as well as night sweats and other disruptions in normal sleeping patterns. Vaginal itching, bleeding in addition to incontinence and the need to urinate frequently are also very common symptoms of menopause. Many women also experience mood swings, high irritability, decreased sexual desire and slight memory loss. Women over the age of fifty are warned against the dangers of osteoporosis once they have reached post menopause.

There are several ways in which women that are experiencing menopause can find relief from the symptoms that they are experiencing.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a very common treatment for those suffering from menopause. However, this type of treatment raises some arguments from some health care professionals. Some in the medical field believe that HRT is not very effective and can cause more harm than good to women undergoing treatment as many have experienced side effects such as heart problems related to the treatments.

A change in the dietary habits of some women have shown to have produced a reduction in the symptoms commonly associated with the onset of both premature menopause and menopause. Adding a comfortable exercise routine to compliment the positive dietary changes has been able to produce even more beneficial results in the treatment of menopausal symptoms.

Some women that have been diagnosed as going through menopause have chosen to treat their symptoms with herbal remedies such as black cohosh and red clover. Others have increased the amount of calcium that take to help ward off the effects that menopause can have on their bones.

The best possible way to be able to handle and treat either the onset of menopause or premature menopause is to become well educated on the subject. Ask your doctor all the questions that you can think of and never be afraid of asking a question you might think is silly. If you have friends or relatives that have gone through menopause talk to them about their experiences and the things that they did to treat their symptoms. The Internet is a plethora of information about both menopause and the treatments used for its symptoms. You may also be able to find online support groups if you find yourself needing some support in dealing with this change in life. Being well informed will help you be able to make the choices that are going to be the most beneficial to you whilst treating menopause.

Learn more about menopause remedies at MenoRemedies.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Beverly_Raven

Menopause Formula

2006-12-15T01:21:00.000-08:00

Introduction to Angina

by Janie Jonah

Angina is a form of heart disease where the blood flow to the heart is restricted by a blockage in one or more of the arteries that carry blood into the heart. Usually, the first sign Angina is a pain in the chest, not unlike a squeezing or pressing sensation. Angina is also referred to as heart disease or coronary heart disease. Other symptoms or conditions associated with angina or more generally heart disease are a high cholesterol level, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, a family history of heart disease, especially early on in life and menopause in women is also a condition that can suggest or contribute to developing heart disease. As always, prevention is better than cure so let us look at how you can help prevent developing angina or heart disease. Most actions we can take to prevent heart disease are those that can prevent the onset of some of the symptoms of heart disease mentioned above. Your doctor or health physician can help you with these steps which are controlling high blood pressure or a high cholesterol level. Maintain a healthy diet. A dietitian can help you with this. Developing an effective dietary or meal plan along with moderate regular exercise can help avoid angina.

Once diagnosed with heart disease there are a number of medications that your doctor may or may not prescribe depending on the severity of your condition. Some of the medicines sufferers are prescribed are beta blockers, calcium channel blockers and nitrates. Those at risk of a second heart attack are usually prescribed to take aspirin everyday. This helps thin the blood.

Bypass is a surgical procedure where a vein or artery is sewn in place around the arteries of the heart, to provide an increased blood flow to the heart. This is usually done when most other procedures are not an option, like angioplasty, which is what we will look at next. Some sufferers may need heart surgery to treat their condition, one of which is called angioplasty. A very small balloon is inserted into an artery in the leg or arm. This balloon is then pushed up to the artery around the heart where it is used to push open the blockage.

Now that we have looked at what angina and heart disease is, let us look at how you could can look out for the signs that may lead to a diagnosis of angina or heart disease. Stable angina is quite hard to diagnose as it may present it's self when the person is being active, and it will then go away rather quickly at rest. Some of the activities that can lead to symptoms of angina are moderate participation of sport or exercise like walking, dancing, light exercise in the gym or even just climbing stairs. Some of the symptoms you may experience while being active are difficulty catching your breath, you may also have pains in your chest, arms and neck. Symptoms like these are indicative of severe angina. If the symptoms do not go away, your doctor may prescribe a medication called nitroglycerin.

"So how does this lead to a heart attack?", you may well be asking at this point. When your symptoms become irregular, in that they can no longer be described as begin purely stable or severe, this is called unstable angina, and is very strong indication that you are at higher risk of a heart attack. If your symptoms do not go away after resting from activity, or after taking your medication, seek medical help immediately. Get someone to take you to hospital or at least phone your doctor, but it is better to go directly to hospital, to be examined. They may order a set of tests, one being an ECG (an abbreviation of electrocardiogram). This test will allow them to see if there is any damage to the heart or arteries around it. X-ray's may also be taken to show whether you are getting enough blood to the heart. Another test they my perform is a stress level test by monitoring you while walking on a treadmill. A test called a cardiac cauterisation can also my taken. With this test, a thin tube is inserted into a artery and pushed up to the artery close to the heart. The dye injected into the area can also show if blood flow to the heart is restricted.

Author: Janie Jonah

PerfectDrugRx - Canadian Discount Pharmacy

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Janie_Jonah