Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Sudden Hair Loss - The Top 3 Common Causes and Treatments


I will never forget when my hair loss started.  It was a normal morning and I went to read the paper.  As I bent my head down and began scanning the words, strands of my fallen hair began to fall onto the paper like rain drops.  Of course, this completely freaked me out.  I went to the bathroom, turned my head over the garbage can, and shook.  Immediately, tons of hair fell out forming a little heal of hair in the garbage can.  I grabbed the trash can and thrust it at my husband (who is a medical professional.)  Even he looked at me a bit baffled and we started racking our brains about the possible cause.

Since that day, I've done tons and tons of research on sudden hair loss. Below, I'll share with you the top three common causes of sudden hair loss and their corresponding treatments.

Telogen Effluvium (TE): Probably the most common cause of sudden hair loss is telogen effluvium or shedding.  Although some people have seasonal shedding (in the spring and fall), typical TE is most commonly very pronounced shedding that is well outside of what is normal for you.  Hair will suddenly be all over the house and all over your clothes.  It's very hard to ignore or miss.

Often there's a change in your body that causes this shedding. This may be starting or stopping medications (birth control pills are a common culprit), recently giving birth, menopause or peri menopause, thyroid or adrenal issues, being ill, having surgery, physical or mental stress, etc. 

The treatment for TE depends on the trigger.  Some triggers you can't do anything about. If you just had a baby, you'll just need to wait it out and support a healthy scalp and regrowth.  You may need to address hormone fluctuations or find a medication that agrees with you more.  You may need to restore you health. What ever the cause of your trigger, you'll need to identify, address, and fix it (if it's a fixable issue.)

Alopecia Areata (AA): Often times, AA is quite sudden, occurring in only a matter of days.  This is autoimmune related loss that will sometimes appear in smooth bald, patches.  Sometimes though, the patches progress or the patient gets diffuse or all over shedding - which sometimes results in total baldness (called alopecia totalis.)

Sometimes, hair on other parts of the body are also affected or thin out and / or become bald.  You may have hair loss in areas like your eye brows, lashes, pubic hair, beard, etc (this is called alopecia universalis.)

Needless to say, this type of hair loss is hard to miss. The patches often end up being quite smooth and pain free. Sometimes, regrowth will grow in white.  There are many theories as to the cause of this.  It used to be thought that is was stressed induced.  But, now the medical community is pursuing other causes like allergies, hormones, viruses, or exposure to toxins.

Treatment for this is often corticosteroids. Sometimes this is applied in cream form to the scalp and sometimes it is injected.  There has been some promising research on herbal mixes as treatments.  Some study respondents had a good deal of regrowth from a combination of herbs like rosemary, lavender and cedar wood, among other things.

Issues That Start In The Body And End Up On The Scalp:  Another cause of hair loss that seems to come out of nowhere is problems in your body that eventually make their way onto your scalp.  Examples are yeast, inflammation, bacteria, or ringworm.  This can inflame, damage and choke out the nourishment that the follicles are receiving and in turn they die off.

Treatment for this type of loss depends on the exact cause.  Sometimes, medications are needed and sometimes, you can alleviate the inflammation and yeast with topical treatments that you can make on your own using ingredients like tea tree oil, emu oil or horsetail among others, in combination, as part of a rotation, or alone.

Memory Problems - Simple Lifestyle Changes and Menopause Supplements For Memory Lapses


The Problem - Memory Lapses

During menopause, you may experience frequent memory lapses. Hormonal imbalance is an important factor in memory problems among menopausal women.

During menopause, the estrogen level fluctuate greatly, causing physical discomforts such as joint pains, headaches, hot flashes, sleep disorder, and mental problems including mood swings, anxiety, depression and irritability.

In case of memory lapses, declined level of estrogen affects the cognitive functions of the brain. Insufficient level of this female hormone causes the brain to slow down, leading to frequent memory lapses.

In addition, stress and disrupted sleep during menopause can worsen the condition. Some women also report fuzzy thinking as an accompanied symptom.

Memory problems may impede daily life. Misplaced keys, forgetting names, failing to remember appointments or important numbers, these can be very troublesome for many women.

Simple Ways to Alleviate the Problem

The good news is that: memory lapses are reversible and preventable, with some effective treatments, such as lifestyle changes and natural remedies.

Incorporate exercise into our daily route. Regular exercise sends more oxygen to your brain and relieves stress and tension. Increased oxygen and reduced stress can help the brain function better and reduce memory problems.

Limit intake of alcohol. Alcohol is harmful for the brain function as it damages never cells and depletes vitamins in the body, which are vital for building neural connections.

Get more snooze time. Sleep is essential for proper memory functions. Lack of sleep can affect mood, judgment and memory ability. A good night's sleep can improve your memory, especially for menopausal women. Aim for 7 to 8 hours sleep a night to get fully rested.

Natural Remedies to Relieve the Symptoms

Apart from memory lapses, you are very likely to suffer from other menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, weight gain, insomnia and anxiety. These symptoms are all hormone-related and can make your memory lapses worse.

To maintain a good menopause health and reduce the hormone-related symptoms, make sure you give body all essential nutrients for a good health foundation, as well as effective herbs to fight the unwanted symptoms.

Herbs can help stimulate the brain and boost memory. Herbal supplements for menopause can regulate hormone levels and alleviate menopausal symptoms. Effective herbs include Black cohosh, Dong quai and Red clover.

When you are combining lifestyle changes and quality supplements for menopause, you are treating the problems from inside to outside, from root cause to related symptoms.

With quality menopause supplements, memory lapses may be reversed.

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

How to Adjust BHRT?


Bioidentical hormones, also referred to as natural hormones, are used to treat menopause, perimenopause, and post-menopause symptoms. These hormones are much like the hormones that are produced in the body. They are metabolized, stored, and converted into other hormones naturally. The primary advantage of BHRT is that treatment doses are individualized.

Most bioidentical hormones are chemically-synthesized from diosgenin, a cholesterol-like molecule found in plants and then altered to be identical in molecular structure to the body's natural hormones. They are available as a cream, oral, suppository or injections.

For most women, if they have been on BHRT for a lengthy period of time, or just began treatment, the dosage may have to be adjusted because women's bodies and hormone levels are prone to changes.

Symptoms that may indicate that your BHRT may require adjustment include hot flashes night sweat, insomnia, vaginal dryness, reduced sex drive, yeast infections, and painful intercourse. As well, there have been incidents of heart palpitations and dry skin and hair. If one's estrogen level is too high, symptoms can include a desire to eat sweet foods and there will be an increase in weight. There can also be such symptoms as water retention, swelling and tenderness of the breasts, as well as anxiety related symptoms. If one's progesterone levels are too low, symptoms can include: weight gain, depression, mood changes, migraines, anxiety, acne, joint pain, and a low sex drive. As well, there can be drowsiness, bloating, and yeast infections. The individual symptoms are associated with either low or high progesterone and estrogen levels. Your doctor will have you tested to find out what hormone level that is lacking, or in surplus.

Testosterone is another hormone within BHTH treatment that may require adjustment. Low testosterone levels can result in fatigue, low sex drive, muscle weakness, heart palpitations, bone loss, fibromyalgia, bladder leakage, vaginal dryness, as well as some memory difficulties. Too high testosterone levels can cause acne, insomnia, irritability, loss of scalp hair, facial hair growth, and mood swings.

The symptoms will be reversed once the appropriate hormone levels have been adjusted. The main value of hormone replacement therapy is that it can be adapted to fit your own individual hormone needs. Because everyone is unique, they require an individualized hormone replacement therapy customized to meet their individual hormonal needs. As well, eating healthy foods and exercising regularly are important aspects of successful bio-identical hormone treatment. If a woman's hormones are out of balance, her body will not effectively respond to better nutrition and exercise. As your hormones level off, one will begin to feel much better and will have improved energy, spirit, and thought processes.

Bioidentical hormones are considered one of the most effective treatments for menopausal symptoms. Many women look to bioidentical hormone replacement therapy to relieve their symptoms. Research has shown that menopausal treatment with BHRT reveals important distinctions between bioidentical and non-bioidentical hormones and replacing lost hormones because of menopause drastically relieves menopausal symptoms and improves and enhances one's quality of life.

Break Free and Control the Symptoms of Menopause Naturally


Menopause can really take its toll on the millions of women that it affects each year. While it is an entirely natural experience for any woman, the symptoms can really make have a deafening mental affect on those whom are currently going through menopause. From waking up in the middle of the night with night sweats, to spacing out during the day due to hot flashes, even suffering from chronic headaches that you never once had, or feeling more irritable and you do not know why. Surely the symptoms of menopause are those that nobody wants to be plagued with. This is why for years the medical community has sought effective and safe treatment methods to help control such undesirable symptoms. Yet to-date, there are many conventional treatment options available, but most have an array of risky side effects that are attached.

The common symptoms of menopause
A woman who is going through menopause will feel many different symptoms, which can vary slightly from person to person. Of the most common symptoms of menopause, perhaps the most undesirable are night sweats, lack of sexual interest or poor sex drive, vaginal dryness and or itching, chronic headaches, hot flashes, irritability, depression, abnormal weight gain and urinary changes. And these are but a few of the thirty-four known symptoms of menopause that plague women around the world each and every day. With all of the different treatment options that do exist, many women are fearful of the adverse and known side effects that can be attached to many of the conventional treatments currently available.

Natural remedies versus conventional treatments
Taking a look at conventional versus natural methods of treatment for menopause it is clear as to why all-natural supplements are quickly becoming vastly popular. Women have a few options when choosing a treatment method. Use hormone replacement drugs, which have been linked to a variety of uterine cancers; use synthetic, injected drugs, which have their own sets of known and sometimes dangerous side effects; or use soy-based alternatives, which have been proven to only be so effective. Perhaps this is why so many women are turning to newer supplements which contain natural ingredients that treat all thirty-four known symptoms of menopause effectively.

Female Libido (Sex Drive) After Menopause - Facts That You Should Know


A moment ago when you think that you've finally obtained menopause under control, one of the biggest hurdles yet comes flying right at you is that you are no longer interested in sex. Hammering of libido is one of the most ordinary symptoms of menopause, with wherever between 20% and 45% of menopausal women reporting diminishes in their sex impel. If you are irritated by this lack of libido, examine and find out what you can perform to improve your sex existence after menopause.

Attitudes towards Sex after Menopause

Sex for the period of and after menopause has always been an issue of great argue and every woman feels a special way about it. In the precedent, sexual interaction after menopause was viewed with horror. Fortunately, this view about sex during menopause is gradually but surely changing and sex and menopause is now an issue that is open for conversation. And Menopausal women are now understood to be as female as they ever were.

Reasons of Decreased Libido

Throughout menopause, libido can drop to very low levels. Some women got they don't think regarding sex nearly as much as they used to before menopause. Others find they desire to have, but just aren't enjoying it. Decreased libido is consideration to be due to lowered levels of, testosterone progesterone, and estrogen present in our body during menopause. These hormones have a specific responsibility to play in making you familiarity sexual desire.

Mood Swings and Depression

Stable mood swings can make it hard to plan sex in advance, or dig up into sex at the same time as its happening. You can experience up to one minute, but you may be totally against it the next.

Potential Treatments

Many women may be happy with their own new lowered sex impel and do not desire to seek out treatment, a variety of treatment options are existing if you are experiencing a lowered sex drive as a result of menopause. Speak to your doctor about your symptoms and decide a treatment option which is right or you.

1. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): HRT is considered as the most triumphant menopause treatment. Whereas HRT may not increase your libido chemically, it may help decrease other symptoms that may be complicating your love life.

2. Hormone Creams: Hormone creams that include estrogen could be applied to the vagina in order to boost blood flow. Blood flow is supposed to allow for greater than before sensitivity and easier orgasm.

Finding A Natural Cure For Female Hot Flash


There is a natural cure for female hot flash, at least for most women. Because of the health risks associated with hormone replacement therapy or HRT, many women seek alternative treatment for hot flashes and night sweats. Researchers have evaluated many of these treatments.

For many years doctors only recommended HRT for women bothered by hot flashes and night sweats, but that trend is changing. Even though most doctors prefer not to suggest herbs and botanicals, black cohosh is now recommended as an alternative treatment for hot flashes and night sweats. Even the North American Menopause Society lists black cohosh as something that may help.

At one time women's clinics relied on equine estrogens and synthetic progesterone to help women with menopausal symptoms, but now the better clinics evaluate a woman's lifestyle and diet, before writing a prescription. Lifestyle and dietary changes may take time and some women find them frustrating.

Botanicals like black cohosh can help ease this transitional period. If a woman's lifestyle is an issue, she may not need to take black cohosh on a long-term basis, but research has shown that it does not increase the growth of estrogen sensitive breast and uterine cancer cell lines in the laboratory. So, if a woman does need to take it for many years, there is believed to be no health risks associated with its use.

Black cohosh is a natural cure for female hot flash in many cases, but there are other botanicals that can help if black cohosh proves to be ineffective. Many doctors are not familiar with the following herbs and botanicals, but clinical research has shown that, at least for some women they are somewhat effective.

Isoflavones are plant compounds that have an estrogen-like effect on a woman's body. Soy and red clover isoflavones are the most commonly seen. As an alternative treatment for hot flashes and night sweats, research has shown that dietary supplements containing soy isoflavones reduce symptoms by as much as 80%.

Mood swings trigger hot flashes in some women. There are botanicals like St. John's Wort and 5-HTP that help stabilize moods. Either of these may be an effective alternative treatment for hot flashes and night sweats. Most herbalists recommend that St. John's Wort should not be taken continuously for more than a few weeks, without a week off. One of the compounds found in St. John's Wort builds up in the liver and is not recommended for people with liver disease of dysfunction. No adverse reactions are believed to be associated with 5-HTP. It is similar to tryptophan, but the manufacturing process is safer.

Tribulus terrestris is a botanical that has been used by athletes and bodybuilders to increase endurance and stamina. Laboratory evaluation seems to indicate that the body can use tribulus to create hormones. Contrary to what some people believe, not all of a woman's hormones are produced by the ovaries. The body can make what it needs from other hormones, if they are present. Balancing hormonal levels is believed to be a natural cure for female hot flash.

There are other herbs that have been used historically to correct hormonal imbalances. Sarsasparilla and red clover are two that were used historically by Native Americans to correct symptoms associated with hormonal imbalances. Some supplement companies blend together several herbs, botanicals, plant component and vitamins to provide women with an alternative treatment for hot flashes and night sweats, as well as the many other symptoms that may be associated with menopause. To learn more about them, please visit the Menopause and PMS Guide.

The Best Menopause Natural Remedies - Treatments For All Symptoms!


When we think of menopause, we think of hot flashes, mood swings, and general discomfort. What we often forget are the other side effects of menopause that often only further exacerbate that discomfort all women must deal with at one point in their life. The menopause remedies you are learning about here will help you treat those symptoms you are suffering with no nasty side effects.

What Are The Side Effects of Menopause?

Our menopause natural remedies will help you with the following:


  • Hot flashes

  • Sleep disturbances (help increase the estrogen levels in your body which in turn improves your sleep)

  • Vaginal dryness ( boosting estrogen will help lubricate a woman's vagina, which increases pleasure during intercourse)

  • Joint and muscular pain (unknown why this is often a side effect to menopause, though menopause natural remedies do seem to help relax and rejuvenate a woman's body)

  • Skin problems (that lack of estrogen again leads to dry skin)

  • Mood swings (am I happy? Am I sad? Just what AM I? Menopause natural remedies help from the inside out, which goes a long way in stabilizing one's emotions)

  • Bladder problems (frequent urination and bladder problems are often an issue for menopausal women which is primarily linked to lowered estrogen levels)


How Can Menopause Natural Remedies Help Me?

As you can see from the list of symptoms above, the overwhelming reason why menopausal women have such a tough time is due to the sudden drop of estrogen levels in their body. Natural remedies work with your body to help restore and stabilize those levels, without any need for synthesized animal hormones or any other medications with unfavorable side effects.

What Are Some Natural Menopause Remedies I Can Use Every Day?

One of the first remedies you can start immediately is increasing your intake of certain plants that contain "estrogenic" substances. Some of these natural healing remedies include:


  • Soy beans and soy sprouts

  • Alfalfa

  • Garlic

  • Apples

  • Crushed flaxseeds

  • Sunflower seeds

  • Papaya

  • Yams

  • Olive oil

  • Cabbage

  • Beets

  • Green Beans


These foods also help those seeking acne home remedies, remedies for ADHD, natural weight loss remedies, eczema remedies, those looking for natural remedies for heartburn - for anyone looking for any sort of homeopathic cure or for natural healing remedies, changing one's diet is always the best place to start.

For hot flashes, be sure to increase your intake of water and to try and drink three cups of evening primrose oil tea daily. You can also create menopause natural remedies in your own kitchen. One tincture that I found particularly effective was the following:

2 tsp. cohosh root tincture
1 tsp. chaste tree tincture
1 tsp don quai root tincture
1 tsp. ginseng root tincture
1 tsp. licorice root tincture
1 tsp. sarsaparilla tincture

All you need to do to make and remake these menopause natural remedies is to simply mix all of the ingredients in a bowl and to take three dropper-fulls a day.

For your dry skin, look for moisturizers that contain beeswax and vitamin E. These types of moisturizers go a long way in acting as menopause natural remedies as it will relieve that dry flakey skin and help combat those looming wrinkles.

If you need some menopause natural remedies for vaginal dryness, try these two things:

First, be sure to take 2000 mg of vitamin C (either naturally or through capsule form), 50 mg. of selenium and 10 mg of beta-carotene. This will help both improve your dry skin and vaginal dryness. You can also create a soothing lotion for vaginal dryness consisting of 1 oz. of almond oil, 2 drops of geranium oil, and one 1000 iu capsule of vitamin E (broken open). Simply mix the ingredients together in a bowl and apply to both the inside and outside of your vagina twice a day.

I hope that these menopause natural remedies help you beat the menopause-blues!

Menopausal Acne: When Your Skin Goes Back to Your Teenage Years


Menopausal acne is a disturbing and actually common problem. This flaring up of skin problems normally experienced in teenage years can come back during the menopausal years as they are also marked by pronounced hormone imbalance. Hence, by experiencing strong fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels, the skin of a woman in this stage can experience menopausal acne.

Natural solutions to menopause acne are the same as those recommended to teenagers: good skin hygiene and regular cleaning with an anti-acne soap and healthy living and eating habits.

Menopausal acne is usually not a welcomed sign of menopause and a woman might find it even more disturbing to see her body image change again. She can consult her pharmacist and physician to discuss the optimal treatments for her condition. A woman should keep in mind though that as ugly as she may find her menopause acne, it will probably resolve on its own when her condition stabilizes.

It is highly recommended to all women going through menopause to drink plenty of water daily (eight to ten glasses per day on average). Drinking water regularly will also improve the condition of menopausal acne as it will ensure proper hydration of the skin.

Another very important step in treating and minimizing menopausal acne is by keeping to a minimum the amount of food rich in fat in one's diet. When a woman has a diet rich in fatty food, her sebum production is then increased thus making her skin oilier and more prone to menopausal acne.

There is nothing better than a nice sweat to open up the pores of the skin. When exercising regularly, a woman ensures that she will keep her heart and lungs in healthy condition and will also help her skin stay away from menopause acne and keep that radiant glow. The care of a specialized esthetician after checking with one's doctor can be of great help to control and prevent menopausal acne.

There are also a lot of natural products offered on the market to help deal with menopausal acne. Discussing the options with one's pharmacist can be of great value for a woman experiencing menopause acne. Mild skin cleaning before bed time is a very good habit to control menopausal acne.

Sometimes more pronounced menopausal acne can be a problem and a topical antibiotic cream or medicated gel might be indicated. Discussing these menopausal acne treatments with your physician will prove helpful. Rarely a woman will need to use antibiotics by mouth or surgery to deal with her menopausal acne. One has to keep in mind that menopausal acne is a transient phenomenon and will get better over time as hormone levels settle.

Participating in discussion groups with women who are also going through menopause and experiencing such symptoms as hot flashes and menopause acne is a great way to find and share tricks and tips to help this condition. If such a support group does not exist in a woman's community she can decide to form one and start helping her fellow menopause women. Another valuable option is to join an internet forum dedicated to menopause problems such as menopause acne and exchange with like-minded women.

Monday, September 2, 2013

Menopause - The Culmination Of A Women's Climacteric


Menopause is the culmination of a woman's climacteric. The climacteric is a period of several years, usually beginning in the forties, during which ovulation and menstruation become irregular as the ovaries produce less estrogen. Menopause is reached when menstruation completely stops, usually by age 55 but sometimes by age 40. Commonly called the change of life, menopause involves physical and psychological changes that vary in their extent and in the effects they have on women. Although many symptoms have been blamed on menopause, only a few are direct consequences of declining estrogen, including hot flashes, vaginal changes, weakening of muscles controlling urination, and loss of bone density (osteoporosis).

Hot flashes are reported by as many as 75% of women in the year surrounding the actual menopause. The flashes or flushes are feelings of warmth and sometimes cause profuse perspiration. They last for a few minutes to an hour.

Vaginal changes include lack of lubrication and thinning of the vaginal walls, which may produce pain and bleeding during intercourse. Weakening of the urethral muscles may cause women to leak urine under the stress of sneezing, coughing, or laughing.

Lowered estrogen causes loss of bone density in about 25% of white, Asian, and Hispanic women. African-American women are at low risk for this effect, while smokers and thin women are at higher risk. Bone density loss increases the risk of fractures and the deformed vertebrae of dowager's hump.

An obvious consequence of menopause is infertility. However, during the climacteric but before final cessation of ovulation, women are still fertile and may have an increased likelihood of conceiving a child if they stop using contraceptive practices. A simple blood test can determine when a woman has become infertile.

Menopause is normal; it is neither a physical nor a psychological disorder. The meaning that menopause has for a woman may lead to worries and even depression, however. For some women, especially in the United States, menopause means declining femininity and sexual attractiveness. For others, loss of fertility signals uselessness and old age. These and other psychological reactions may combine with hormonal changes to produce additional signs associated with menopause, such as headache, nervousness and anxiety, weight gain, and memory problems.

Some women lose interest in sexual activity due to a combination of vaginal changes and concerns about femininity and attractiveness. Some women believe that sexual activity ought to cease after menopause, but that idea is not supported by medical research.

Many women welcome menopause as liberation from dealing with menstruation and contraception, and they may become more interested in sexual activity. In many Asian and African cultures, in which older women are respected sources of advice and wisdom, menopause is more likely to be welcomed than it is in cultures that eulogize youth and ignore the aged.

Treatments are readily available if the physical signs of menopause are distressing. Hormone replacement therapy, which supplies the missing estrogen by pill, vaginal cream, or patch, is the most effective treatment. It is also the treatment of choice for osteoporosis. There has been considerable controversy over the advisability of estrogen replacement for symptoms of menopause, since estrogen is associated with increased risk of cancer of the breast or endometrium (lining of the uterus). Taking progestin for part of a monthly cycle appears to prevent endometrial cancer, but it reestablishes menstruation. Women with none of the risk factors for breast cancer can probably take estrogen safely, especially if they take it for less than five years. Most physicians believe that estrogen reduces the risk of heart disease more than enough to offset any increased risk of breast cancer.

Other ways to manage signs of menopause are satisfactory for many women. Osteoporosis may be offset by exercise and calcium supplements. Exercise and a low-fat diet help to control the cholesterol elevation that is associated with higher risks of heart disease after menopause. Kegel exercises (repeated contraction of the muscles that stop the flow of urine) maintain and improve bladder control.

Many women find practical remedies effective. A drink of ice water may end a hot flash, or removing a sweater may make it less troublesome. Thirty minutes of exercise may relieve insomnia, and pain during intercourse may be eliminated by spending more time in foreplay for arousal before attempting penetration. Using a water-soluble lubricating jelly in the vagina may make intercourse more enjoyable for both partners.

Husbands and other family members play a significant role in a woman's feelings of usefulness and desirability. The church may also play a beneficial role by providing opportunities for service that draw on her accumulated wisdom and experience. In addition, church leaders should reinforce Christian teachings of respect for the aging process, opposing the contrary cultural stereotypes that produce negative reactions to menopause.

Menopause Supplements for Women - Not All of Them Are Created Equal


All women have to go through menopause. Common health complaints related to menopause include: hot flashes, fatigue, anxiety, depression, insomnia, dry skin, irritability, breast tenderness, weight gain, memory lapses, loss of libido and mood swings.

Many women choose to go for alternative menopause treatments to Hormone Replacement Therapy, either to avoid harsh side effects of HRT, or simply want a more natural treatment.

All-natural menopause supplement is one of the most convenient treatments to follow. They contain ingredients that are effective with symptoms related to imbalanced levels of hormone during menopause.

Widely used ingredients include Black cohosh, flaxseed, Red clover, Wild yam, Ginseng, St.John's wort and Dong quai. These herbs have helped many women with their menopause complaints.

However, while there are women who can't thank menopause supplements enough for their symptoms relief, we have also seen women complaining that their supplements are not working at all.

One explanation is that there is no one size that fits al. What works for one woman may not work for the other. Another possible reason is that not all menopause supplements for women are created equal.

ConsumerLab.com, White Plains, NY, tested supplements that were claimed to contain Black cohosh, soy isoflavones and Red clover isoflavones, as well as progesterone creams. Their test result showed that some supplements contained little of the listed ingredients; for example, one supplement contained only 30 percent of the isoflavones that it was 'guaranteed to contain'. Another surprising finding was that one supplement was even contaminated with Lead.

We all know how much harm contaminated ingredients can do to human body. It is also a little disappointing that many menopause supplements for women do not do what is said on the packages. After all, we pay the money because we expect them to work.

The fact is that, the potencies of herbal extracts can have anything from 5 percent to 90 percent of the active ingredients. If supplements for menopause symptoms contain too little of the active ingredients, especially for herbal extracts, there is no wonder they are not effective with menopausal symptoms.

A reliable supplement should only use ingredients that are free from contaminants, additives and preservatives. The effectiveness of the ingredients should be supported by scientific and clinical data. One of the most important things is that the menopause supplements for women should help the long-term restoration of human bodies' normal functions, instead of proving only short-term quick fix.

How to Overcome Menopause Symptoms and Boost Libido in Women


Menopause can be quite a troubling period in a woman's life. Low libido, vaginal dryness, hot flashes, mood swings etc., are some of the symptoms and effects of menopause.

This is the time when a woman needs a lot of emotional support from her partner. Not only this, one of the best ways to relive menopause symptoms is natural or herbal supplements that are specially formulated for women.

Such supplements are a mix of herbs, minerals, amino acids and other nutrients that not only boost libido in women but also increase the production of sex hormones safely so that you can overcome menopause symptoms and other effects.

Such supplements contain ingredients such as:



  • Ginkgo Biloba- This is not just a brain tonic but also helps increase blood flow to the genitals. One of the most important properties of this herb is that it helps increase the level of nitric oxide in blood. This ensures dilation of the blood vessels so that more blood can flow into the clitoris. This is great for enhancing your libido or sex drive.



  • Hops Extract- This is an excellent herb for increasing the production of estrogen in your body. Low levels of estrogen lead to vaginal dryness which can be extremely disturbing for most women. Hops extract helps boost estrogen level in your body without the side effects of hormone replacement therapy and is highly effective in relieving menopause symptoms.



  • Cayenne- Red hot peppers are great for increasing blood flow to the genitals. They are natural sexual stimulants and boost your sex drive or libido.



  • Niacin- It not only helps increase blood flow to the genitals but also increases your energy levels. It is highly effective in increasing clitoral sensitivity and increases response to sexual stimulation.



  • Melatonin- It is an ingredient that helps balance reproductive cycle in women.



  • DHEA-? It helps increase the frequency of sexual thoughts.


Such supplements also help relieve hot flashes.

Besides this, quality supplements are clinically approved and do not have any side effects. They do not interfere even with birth control pills.

So, If You Want to Overcome Menopause Symptoms and Boost Your Libido Naturally, Check out the Best Female Sexual Enhancers Ever!

Signs And Symptoms Of Menopause


Have you been feeling tired, suffering from headaches, noticing that you get irritated at the slightest thing, and just do not feel like the happy go lucky person you normally are? If you are a woman in her late forties or early fifties, chances are you are starting into the years of menopause, otherwise known as the "change of life". At first, you may just think that other people are being annoying and that life has suddenly become hard but as the symptoms continue and often become worse, you start to put two and two, together. Interestingly, most women will be into menopause for years before they "get it".

Part of the problem is that your signs and symptoms of menopause could very well be different from your sister's, your mother's, and your best friend's. That means as you begin to compare what you are feeling with other people, it never quite matches so you just assume like is being difficult. In many cases, a family member, friend, or perhaps a doctor will make a comment about menopause. Then when you begin learning about the various symptoms, it all makes perfect sense.

The key is that if you do notice things changing, pay attention. While chances are good that what you are and will be, experiencing is menopause but on rare occasion, something else could be taking place. Therefore, you might consider keeping a journal and simply paying attention to your body. As an example, thyroid disease and certain types of cancers can produce similar symptoms to that of menopause so again, you should probably start by talking to your doctor to rule out anything other than the change of life.

Now, not to make things confusing, but when you first start into menopause, you will actually be going into a stage known as perimenopause, or the beginning. You see, actual menopause does not start until you have been without a menstrual cycle for a full 12 months. Therefore, when we talk about signs and symptoms of menopause, we are actually referring to perimeopause. Regardless, hormones in the body are changing, typically fluctuating widely. When this occurs, you will begin a journey that is nothing less than adventurous!

One of the first and most complained about signs and symptoms of menopause that you can expect are hot flashes. With this, you might be sitting down watching your favorite television show and suddenly feel as if the house caught on fire. From your chest all the way up to the top of your head, you feel as if someone just lit a match - that is a hot flash. Unfortunately, hot flashes come on suddenly and without warning. To make matters worse, while most will last between 15 and 45 seconds, some women experience hot flashes for five minutes! In most cases, the first time this happens, you are a little unnerved.

Again, you will not go into full-fledged menopause until you go without a menstrual cycle for 12 consecutive cycles. However, when you head into perimenopause, you will begin to notice changes such as a lighter or heavier period, less or more frequency, or the period lasting much longer or shorter than normal. These too are completely expected when you start into the change of life but again, we cannot stress enough that if you have any kind of pain, blood clots, fever, or suspect something else, pay attention and talk to your doctor to make sure nothing more serious is going on with your body.

The second most complained sign and symptom of menopause is the night sweats. With this, you would wake up during the night with your clothing and sheets literally soaked with perspiration. Usually, the cold and clammy feeling of everything being wet wakes you up although you might experience the hot flashes too, doubling your fun. Just as with the other signs and symptoms of menopause, this is completely, harmless but if you were to notice fever, pain, or anything else that seems out of place, notify your doctor.

While most women will tell you that the hot flashes and night sweats are by far the worst signs and symptoms of menopause, husbands, boyfriends, family members, and friends would probably disagree, saying the mood swings are the worst. Typically, you would fid that the little things just get under your skin whereas before, they were not big deal. You may also find that instead of just crying at "chick flicks", you cry over everything, toast that got too dark, a bad hair day, sitting in traffic, and so on. In addition, mood swings means feeling anxious, perhaps something that you never faced before.

Although this time of your life will involve many different signs and symptoms of menopause, you need to feel confident knowing this is simply a part of aging and that all women go through this. Additionally, you may be one of the lucky ones that go through menopause with little to no problem but if not then you have a huge range of options for dealing with the signs and symptoms of menopause, ranging from prescription drugs to natural remedies. Just remember, this phase of your life will not last forever and by understanding, the changes going on in your body and looking at all your options for relief, you can and will successfully get through this a better and wiser woman.

Why on Earth Would You Not Want to Try Real Testosterone Therapy?


The human body grows older on a daily basis. While that is all fine and dandy when you are a kid, it's not always so nice when you reach your middle-ages. By the time the body reaches its forties, the brain cuts back on the number of powerful hormones, not unlike testosterone, released into one's veins. It is only natural that attractive muscles are lost and stomachs blow up big and fat. Prized energy levels take a dive, while both stress and depression tend to build up. Everybody goes through it. At least you can now depend on fantastic testosterone injections to quickly and safely improve multiple parts of your aging body.

Greg Newman is a 42 year old sales executive and father of two living in Chicago IL. For years, the man has made it a point to keep his body in excellent shape, exercising regularly and eating smart. Regardless, he recently blew up like a fat balloon. Frustrated over his new weight, Greg decided to visit a local testosterone clinic. A knowledgeable doctor then wrote him a prescription to buy legal testosterone therapy. Almost immediately, the authentic testosterone products successfully restored Greg's lean muscle mass. Meanwhile, his metabolism was sped up enormously and the weight flew right off. He now looks lean and mean, thanks to one of the best testosterone plans available. Even Mrs. Newman receives a wonderful testosterone benefit of her own after the lights go out in the bedroom, as Greg's sex drive received a healthy kick start.

Just like Greg, Amy Carter is a 41 year old business executive and mother of one from Los Angeles CA who uses amazing testosterone therapy to improve her aging body. Of course, the woman buys fast acting testosterone injections for much more than simply improving her physique. Amy fills an anti aging testosterone prescription in order to get better sleep at night. Instead of lying awake for hours at a time, she now has no trouble falling asleep and staying asleep throughout the night. When she hops out of bed in the mornings, Amy is now completely refreshed. She looks wide awake and feels totally energized. Getting to the office on time and multitasking throughout a long day at work is then easy. Amy even has enough juice running through her veins to exercise after work, as well as cook dinner for the family in the evening. Thanks to spectacular testosterone therapy, Amy's long days are now productive and happy.

When the time is right for you to learn more about fabulous testosterone plans, just remember that not every hormone supplement for sale is the same. Both medical professionals and actual consumers claim that all of the different testosterone pills, sprays, oils and creams on the market are useless scams. Only real testosterone injections have a positive effect in the human system. At the same time, you should steer clear of any and all testosterone centers located outside of the US. After all, foreign countries do not have to worry about our nation's reliable FDA watching over as buyer's general wellbeing. You could end up paying good money for worthless salt tablets being shipped from Taiwan. No thanks! At least your aging body can improve in no time when you do business with a domestic testosterone clinic.

Sunday, September 1, 2013

Losing Menopause Weight Gain


When it comes to menopause, one of the most difficult things to do will be trying to lose that menopause weight gain. Many of us just want to turn our heads away, just so we don't have to hear the whole story, or even think about it. We all know it's a big struggle to lose weight that you gain in menopause.

There are several reasons why we gain weight in menopause. One of the simplest reasons is that we are not doing the same level of activity that we were doing when we were slimmer and in our 20s and 30s. However, if only it could be that simple. Unfortunately, it's not. There's a lot of other things that happen in our late 40s and 50s that make gaining weight really easy and losing it, next to impossible.

For instance, we could have thyroid problems and end up with a disease known as hypothyroidism. This is when the thyroid gland stops producing the thyroid hormones T3 and T4. The whole metabolic system slows down and you experience fatigue, weight gain around the waist, memory loss and depression. See you doctor about this problem and he or she can prescribe medication to solve the problem.

Another problem we could face is insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is when one eats too much sugar in the daily diet. If you eat a diet high in sugar, the insulin in your blood rises fast which is bad for your weight and health. Your blood sugar levels rise and fall quickly, you lose energy and gain weight. Eventually, you could end up with diabetes.

Other hormonal problems can occur in the body which cause weight gain. Once one hormone gets out of balance - the whole hormonal systems becomes out of whack and you start gaining weight. Losing estrogen will cause you to gain stubborn belly fat. Your body is losing estrogen and what happens is it starts to make estrogen in the fat cells around your waist line. Therefore, you get a widening waist line.

Other hormones become depleted in the body. Hormones such as progesterone which decline in your late 30s will cause you to gain weight. You will start to crave bad carbohydrates, sugar-laden foods and processed food. Eating in this way with crazy hormone levels will cause weight gain.

It can almost be a losing battle with your weight, although you won't be losing much weight. Don't eat sugar or junk food. Eat a healthy diet of protein, vegetables, whole grains and a bit of fruit. Get rid of all the

Get Your Menopause Night Sweat Questions Answered


Menopause night sweats are commonly found in pre menopausal women. In fact, three out of four women in this stage experience hot flashes and night sweats. The only thing worse than waking up in a pool of sweat is waking up freezing cold in a pool of sweat. So, what causes this often too common occurrence?

When the change starts to take place, there is a hormonal balance that goes on in the body that is controlled by the hypothalamus. This section of the brain tries to balance mind and body. When hormones shift during pre menopause and menopause, the body and mind try to remain hormonally balanced. When women's nerve/hormone pathways are more sensitive to changes taking place, hot flashes and/or night sweats begin to occur.

Menopause Night sweats are actually caused by hot flashes, which are caused by the decrease in ovarian estrogen output. When you get a hot flash during the day, you are able to control it by fanning yourself, drinking cold water, and soaking up the sweat.

However, at night, when a hot flash occurs, the body has to take care of it by itself. The decrease in estrogen causes the hypothalamus to regulate your body temperature. But at this point the brain and the body are not working together. When the brain decides to lower your body temperature, your body's defense system goes into action and tries to warm itself up by releasing heat.

In order to release heat, the heart rate is increased so more blood can be circulated and the sweat glands open on the skin. This is all going on unnoticed behind your back as you sleep. If you don't wake up at the beginning of the sweat cycle, your body will continue to sweat and eventually the sweat turns into cold water, which in turn makes your body need to heat up even more. It's an unending battle and not a pleasant thing to wake up to.

That being said, menopause night sweats and hot flashes are not always brought on naturally. Stress and anxiety commonly make night sweats worse, as well as caffeine, alcohol, hot drinks or spicy foods. All of these things can work against your body's natural defenses and make matters worse.

Post Menopause Symptoms - Why Does Post Menopause Bleeding Appear When It's Supposed to Be Over?


Post menopause symptoms? I thought it's over when menopause is over? Are you kidding me? Calm down girl, it's not that bad. Do read the whole article to be better informed.

Symptoms after menopause, for technicality's sake, are signs experienced by women after the regular menopausal period. Medically speaking, these signs appear after the 12 months of a woman's last menstruation.

Common symptoms beyond the regular stage

The period after menopause can still produce some bothersome symptoms like vaginal itching and dryness, cramps, urinary incontinence and high blood pressure; although the last three can also be due to natural aging.

Post menopause bleeding

Arguably the most worrisome of symptoms beyond regular menopause, post menopause bleeding is when a woman bleeds after not having experienced a monthly period for a solid 12 months.

It doesn't matter if it's only spotting or minimal bleeding, if there is blood beyond the regular stage of menopause, then it is post menopause bleeding.

Possible causes

A woman may bleed even when she is supposed to be over the menopausal stage for a number of possible reasons. These reasons include drastic weight loss, hormonal imbalance, stress and vitamin or nutritional deficiency.

Or it could be a symptom of something more serious like infection in the bladder or urethra. Cystitis and hyperplasia could also cause bleeding. In more serious cases, uterine cancer might be the reason.

Be informed and take control

You might be getting scared because of what you've read so far. However, remember that getting informed is the best first step towards addressing a health-related issue.

Just because some of the possible reasons for post menopause bleeding and other after-menopause symptoms are quite serious does not mean you automatically qualify under the "serious" condition.

To ease your worries, the first thing you need to do is to see a doctor and have yourself tested. You also need to take control of your diet and daily habits. Eat right, exercise and engage in relaxing activities.

Post menopause symptoms, on their own, will pass over time. However, it is still best not to ignore them and to get diagnosed to make sure that what you are having are just regular after-menopause experiences.

The Link Between Panic Attacks and Menopause


Panic attacks happen to everyone, to teenagers and adult men and women alike. However, not many people are aware of the fact that women who are in the perimenopausal and menopausal stages are also susceptible from panic disorders. When they are in the initial phase of menopause, women may fear that something unfortunate would happen soon. The anxiety leads to such attacks. It has been said by the medical experts that the hormonal changes have psychological and physical effects. They can make women more fidgety for no reason at all. It is imperative that everyone be educated with the link between panic disorders and menopause so that they can be guided accordingly.

The symptoms are just the same. It includes rapid breathing, dizziness, chest pains, hot flashes or sudden chills and even fainting at times. There are different things that can trigger a menopausal panic attack. Most of the time, it is linked with the changes in the hormonal levels as hormonal imbalances can induce more stress. Of course, there are still the frequent problems that can contribute into the occurrence of an attack. Worries about job, family and other things can be the causes. At times, it is not triggered by anything. They can come unannounced.

If left untreated, it can lead to phobia. Frequent panic attacks can worsen your physical and mental health in the long run that is why it is important that it will be dealt with as soon as possible. Do not lose heart though as you are not totally powerless to shield yourself from it. Prevention is better than cure so they say. You can help yourself. Follow the tips below.

• Acceptance is important. If you would admit that you have attacks at some time, the thought will penetrate into your system and it will help you to guide yourself with the symptoms you would experience.

• Identify what makes you feel afraid and what triggers it? Although the attacks may happen anytime and the fear you would feel does not have any connection with your actual situation, there might be a pattern you can find if you will look at what happened previously. Try to find out what can causes your depression and deal with it once you did.

• Keep in your mind that menopause does not and cannot make a person insane. Yes, you might be experiencing fear for no reason at all but that may be caused by the hormonal changes in your body and not your own doing.

• Find something worthwhile you can do. Divert your attention to activities that are beneficial so that your focus will be shifted from what causes your anxieties. Get a hobby.

• Do not blame other people. Remember that it is no one's fault. Treating someone badly and then realizing afterward that you should not have done it will only contribute to your stress that might already be too high. If you will be able to maintain good relationship with key people around you, you will cope up with your panic disorder faster.

• Make it a point that you relax. Take a break from the stressful work. Even mommies can have a day off. Learn relaxation techniques like proper breathing as it will come in handy when you are in the middle of a stressful situation. Doing yoga in a regular basis proves to be beneficial. Find a "safety valve" that will suit you.

• Hormonal replacement therapy and some supplements may help you. This can alleviate menopausal symptoms. If you would stay healthy, physically and mentally during the premenopausal and menopausal stages, there will be lesser chances that you would have episodes of panic attacks.

• Learn breathing techniques. Deep breathing eases the tension in the body and relaxes stiffened muscles. You can seek help from vocal coaches on how you can do it effectively.

Women who are in the menopausal stage and experience panic attacks, should not take it lightly as it can have adverse effects if you will not do anything to cure panic attacks. Aside from the additional discomfort to menopausal symptoms that it can bring about, the attacks can lead to agoraphobia and may interfere with your life. It may ruin your job, your family and everything else that is important to you. At the onset of the warning signs, it will be best to consult your doctor right away.

Menopause Relief - How to Get Rid of Dry Eyes


Typically, when you think about finding menopause relief you don't automatically think of dry eyes. Yet over 60% of women are affected by dry eyes, and much of the reason is directly related to the hormonal change during menopause.

Dry eyes can be very annoying, and it can also cause scarring on the cornea, develop into ulcers and even lead to infections. The eye fluids normally carry away dust and debris, once this ceases there is a higher incidence of infections.

What are some dry eye symptoms?

Everyone experiences dry eyes occasionally. It could be from fatigue, overuse, weather, contact lenses, or a lack of sleep. When the symptoms don't go away, or increase you should see your doctor.



  • Sensitivity to light




  • Mucus that stings.




  • Irritation from wind or smoke




  • Itchiness




  • Tears that run down the cheek




  • Scratchy feeling




The conventional treatments

Conventional medicine usually prescribes eye drops, or blocks the drainage system. These are useful in the short-term, but do nothing to treat the underlying cause. Dryness of the eyes is regarded as a sure sign of an internal imbalance.

The two main causes

Dry eyes are primarily caused by two things: too little oil production by the glands, or too much evaporation of the tears. Usually people are affected by both causes.

Obviously, if your lifestyle includes hours of staring into a computer screen, or gazing into a microscope, your eyes can become dry. Lasik surgery also can cause dry eyes because the nerves are cut, thus affecting the stimulus to blink and produce tears.

Diets low in fatty acids also fail to provide the needed nutrients for the oil in tears. Medication can also have the same affect.

Menopause, hormones and dry eyes

During menopause, the hormones responsible for lubrication in your body begin to diminish. This explains the vaginal dryness, dryness of the joints, and dry eyes. Too little estrogen, testosterone and progesterone is being produced, and the result is the various symptoms of menopause.

When the hormones are in balance, your eyes are clear, bright and full of life. When they are out of balance, it is often plainly visible in the eyes. There is a reason for such expressions as, The eyes are the window into the soul. Very often, when a person is depressed, it is plainly evident by their eyes.

What can you do to get rid of dry eyes naturally?

One of the recommended treatments for dry eyes is to have a diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. This is usually done by eating certain fish and nuts. Many women also supplement their diet with fish oil to get the Omega-3 fatty acids. This is a very simple and inexpensive way to find menopause relief.

This often has the result of helping the entire body become lubricated. The dry eyes disappear, the creaky joints become more supple and the vaginal dryness is reduced. This is so much more beneficial that simply taking some drops or blocking the drainage!

By approaching health in a holistic manner, the entire person is viewed as a whole. Everything is related, and a lack in one area might easily show up in a seemingly unrelated manner. Yet, this is how nature is, one beautiful cycle of life and healing.

Dealing with Energy Drain from Male Menopause


Male menopause is a problem for a large number of men between 40 and 60. They experience a number of side effects, many of which are similar to the side effects women experience in female menopause. Perhaps the most difficult side effect to overcome is the energy drain associated with male menopause.

Amidren is one of the products that can be used to effectively treat the energy drain resulting from male menopause. During male menopause, men experience plummeting levels of testosterone. Testosterone is then converted to estrogen. This wavering hormonal levels result in low energy. Amidren is a five stage treatment that addresses all of the side effects of male menopause, including low energy. Several ingredients in Amidren specifically address low energy. Many men who take Amidren report that their energy levels greatly improve. Some even claim that their energy level has never been better.

Ginseng has been used for centuries in order to improve energy levels. There are many energy drinks that contain ginseng, but ginseng supplements and ginseng root are more effective. There are very few side effects associated with regular ginseng usage. Some people have difficulty sleeping and experience nausea and headaches. If these symptoms occur, it is best to discontinue use of ginseng. Some grocery stores sell ginseng root in the produce department. Ginseng supplements and ginseng tea can be found in grocery stores, health food stores, and on the Internet.

Reiki has been used by many people in order to improve their energy levels. Reiki is a practice where the practitioner lays their hands on a patient so that they can bring positive energy into the body. It is a relaxing and peaceful experience. Reiki has become increasing popular because it is not invasive and there are no known negative side effects. There are many Reiki practitioners across the country. Ask at your local health food store or look in your local yellow pages in order to find a local Reiki practitioner.

Acupuncture can also be used to help treat the low energy associated with male menopause. Many people are afraid of acupuncture because they fear needles, and for those people, acupressure can also be used to treat low energy. Acupuncture and acupressure can address many different health concerns, but is especially effective in the treatment of low energy. Treatment only takes thirty minutes to an hour every week, which most people use as a time to relax. You can find acupuncture practitioners in your local telephone book.

If you are looking for a treatment for low energy as result of male menopause, make an appointment to discuss your concerns with your doctor or holistic practitioner. They can best direct you to the treatments options that will address your specific concerns.

Saturday, August 31, 2013

Natural Bioidentical Hormone Replacement for Women - Alleviates Menopause Symptoms


Hormone imbalances are a source of distress and can have a significant impact on health, weight, wellbeing and how people age. Hormones decline in both the sexes and many people find it quite difficult to deal with the symptoms of aging and hormone imbalances. They look for anti aging solutions that may or may not be appropriate.

Women who seek various anti aging solutions such as herbs, supplements and medicine for sleep, anxiety, depression and weight as well as, beauty treatments such as Botox, peels, laser therapy and herbs may not be addressing the root cause of the symptoms. While there is no magic bullet, there is hope and help.

For many women the symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, loss of hair, weight gain, loss of libido and self esteem are common and can interfere with sleep, memory, productivity and wellbeing. Natural hormone replacement helps alleviate these symptoms by addressing the root cause.

Natural hormones are also known as bioidentical hormones. That means they have the exact same chemical structure as the hormones made in your body. These differ from synthetic hormones made that have similar and different effects. Bioidentical estrogen is available in pills, patches and gels approved by the FDA and manufactured by major pharmaceutical companies. Bioidentical progesterone is available in capsules or vaginal gels. Both can also be compounded into creams, capsules or other forms by compounding pharmacists.

All of your hormones are interrelated and can be affected by diet, stress, exercise, sleep and lifestyle. It may be beneficial to consider an evaluation by a physician who understands functional, anti aging medicine and has experience with natural, bioidentcal hormone replacement therapy as well as the effects of lifestyle and genetics on aging and hormone balance. Having a thorough evaluation and measuring hormone levels is a more holistic approach to aging well.

Reasons to be Evaluated For Hormonal Replacement

1. Symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and lack of libido. Natural hormone replacement therapy can alleviate these symptoms.

2. Menopausal women may also experience lesser-known symptoms such as anxiety, depression, insomnia and loss of self esteem which can have a profound effect on the quality of life. Many are prescribed anti-anxiety and anti-depressants as well as sleep medication. It is worthwhile to measure hormone levels and replace hormones that are low which may contribute to these symptoms.

3. Conditions such as osteoporosis, weight gain, high cholesterol and memory can be improved with natural bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.

Most people experience significant improvements in a matter of weeks and treatment is covered by most insurance plans. Experience the benefits of sound sleep, relief from hot flashes and night sweats and renewed energy, confidence and libido.

Treatment Options For Fibroids


You may have been diagnosed and wondering what your treatment options are for fibroids. Very often, you will hear the term "watchful waiting" uttered by doctors, which basically means doing nothing. This is because fibroids naturally shrink during the menopause. However, for many women, there comes a time when their fibroids are causing severe problems which are affecting their quality of life and quite rightly, they deserve some relief!

"Watchful waiting" is all very well if your symptoms are very mild or if you are close to the menopause. If neither of these apply though, you simply cannot be expected to live a life which is marred by fibroid symptoms.

Treatment options for fibroids can broadly be broken down into two categories-Conventional and Natural.

There is a school of thought which feels that conventional treatments focus much more on treating the symptoms of many conditions rather than getting to the root cause and eliminating them altogether. As far as fibroids are concerned, this certainly seems to apply, with an emphasis on treating all bodily organs individually. On the other hand, natural treatments tend to focus on the body as a total unified "whole", and recognises that the body must be restored into a state of balance for healing to take place.

Conventional Treatment

This can include surgery and/or drug treatment. Drug treatment can often take the form of birth control pills or anti-androgen pills. Metformin is sometimes prescribed, which improves the performance of insulin. Anti-inflammatory drugs are also sometimes prescribed to help with cramping pains. There is also a group of drugs called GnRH (Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormones). These will help to shrink fibroids dramatically, but are only suitable for short term use, due to their side effects and are normally only used prior to surgery. Another of the treatment options for fibroids is the IUD, or Coil. This will help to reduce heavy bleeding.

Of course, most drugs have some side effects, and this is very true of those which can be prescribed for fibroids.

Surgery is another of the treatment options for fibroids available.

A Myectomy will remove individual fibroids or groups of fibroids. Depending on the size and location of your fibroids, this will be done either through an abdominal incision or vaginally. Another method is to block the blood supply to the fibroids by injecting the vessels with plastic "beads", the theory being that the fibroids will shrivel and dry up. A procedure called "Endometrial Ablation" can also be used whereby heat is introduced into the womb. This effectively removes the womb lining and is unsuitable for women who may wish to have children.

Finally, in extreme cases, a hysterectomy may be recommended. This is major surgery and the loss of the womb can have both deep physical and mental side effects. It should therefore be avoided if at all possible.

The main drawback with conventional treatment options for fibroids that it focuses on treating the symptoms of fibroids and not the root causes. This means that although you might feel relief in the short term, the root causes are still there, meaning that your fibroids will regrow even after surgical removal.

Natural Treatment

This focuses on the fact that disease and illness cannot exists in a healthy, balanced body and so the emphasis is on looking at holistic methods. By building a strong immune system, cleansing the body of all unwanted toxins and pollutants, taking proper exercise and eating a healthy, balanced diet, the internal balance can be quickly restored and certain diseases reversed, providing no permanent damage has been done. One of the most crucial things to remember though is that for natural treatment to work effectively, you must be prepared to make significant lifestyle and dietary changes.

What Does the Latest Hair Loss Research Say?


The latest hair loss research has revealed some very interesting facts that have been hidden for thousands of years and have the potential to cure balding once and for all.

The newest developments even further differentiate the differences between men and women's hair loss. It wasn't long ago that the general consensus that one enzyme (5 alpha enzyme type 2) was the primary driver of balding in both men and women. While research suggests that this probably is still the case in men there is evidence to suggest that many other types of enzymes, as well as hormone receptors and blockers in the scalp may be at work. Surprisingly, this latest hair loss research hasn't brought us any closer to a cure.

As far a treatments there really haven't been any ground breaking developments in recent years. The latest hair loss research has yet to come up with an oral medication for women's balding and thinning hair. This is particularly disappointing since a number of years ago when finasteride (Propecia) was introduced for men it was thought that it would be perhaps only one or two years at the most before a female version was released. This has not been the case and the stumbling block seems to be with feminization of fetuses in pregnancy and the treatment of menopausal women. This lack of progress has been particularly frustrating for menopausal women due to the double emotion challenges presented by both menopause and menopausal induced hair loss.

While new answers delivered in the form of ground breaking treatments haven't been easily forthcoming some of the older remedies such as minoxidil have proven to be very good particularly in slowing hair loss. One research study showed that minoxidil was effective in slowing hair loss in nine out of every ten cases. The same study showed that new growth was recognized in only able three out of every ten cases. So some good and some not so good, right!

Until the day when the latest research on hair loss reveals its hidden secrets there are four steps that everyone experiencing balding or thinning hair should implement.

*Diet: A balanced diet high in the B vitamins, protein, and adequate amounts of magnesium, zinc, and calcium seems to be the formula that has produced the best results.

*Topical follicle maintenance: Good nutrition is not much good unless the hair is able to receive those nutrients. By gently massaging almond oil and/or pumpkin seed oil into the scalp you will be both stimulating the scalp and keeping follicles healthy and open. The non natural option minoxidil discussed above is also a good alternative as well.

*Reduce stress: Life is full of stress. Examples would be divorce, loss of a loved one, job loss, poor job performance, and financial misfortune. Stress tends to cause circulatory problems as well as opens the door to other diseases such as diabetes both of which can accelerate the balding process.

*Check for any underlying factors: Occasionally there is a hidden underlying factor that can be identified through a scalp biopsy or blood test. Often, once the underlying problem is identified and cleared up hair re-growth will resume.

In summary, you should not let the failures of the latest hair loss research get in the way of stopping and/or reversing balding and thinning hair. Currently there are a number of excellent hair re-growth options worth considering. If you would like to learn more about the causes of balding, the latest hair loss research, or view an information video click here.

Low Ovarian Reserve, High FSH Levels and Early Menopause - And Then Pregnant at 40!


My Story:
At the time my journey into fertility began, I was 39 years old. I had realized that if I wanted to have a child, it was going to have to be "now or never". I was busy relocating to the Netherlands from South Africa and my husband and I had decided that we would start trying for a baby as soon as possible after moving.

Unlike most couples with fertility issues, we hadn't yet even tried to fall pregnant. Because of my age, I went to a renowned fertility clinic, just to check what was actually going on with my body. I had always had the regular gynecological check-ups, but I wanted to check that everything was in order.

I never expected the bad news - the worst possible news, delivered early in the morning on Christmas Eve: "I'm sorry, but your test results confirm that you have NO eggs left, you are in premature menopause and your only options of having a baby are either a donor egg or adoption..."

I fainted from the shock and when I came round, I found a nurse standing there, stroking my cheek with a cup of tea in the other hand. She said: "...you will go through a mourning period and when you are ready, you can chat to the doctor about our donor egg program..." I said; "I'm sorry, I refuse to believe it, that's ridiculous - and I have to get out of here right now!" I drove to my parent's home in tears. (My husband was in the Netherlands at the time and that made it even worse.)

The first thing my mother said to me was: "Don't buy the bad news!" "Don't believe it." And we started doing research and taking action. Taking action makes you feel much better. It immediately takes you out of the victim role and puts you into survival mode!

After doing loads of research, I discovered a lot of the information as well as coming to the realization that the medical profession was offering no solutions. They gave me NO hope of having a baby with my own egg, so I decided to try some the holistic treatments, as I had to do something...

The things I tried that worked for me were: acupuncture, Chinese herbs, reflexology and DHEA, amongst other things. Please consult a medical professional, Chinese medical practitioner or homeopath first and DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE.

My story continued:
After doing an extensive amount of research and putting everything I discovered into immediate action, I decided to see if my fertility situation had changed, so I made an appointment with another fertility specialist, this time in the Netherlands...

He seemed a lot more positive initially, especially after seeing that my FSH levels had gone down substantially. I then proceeded to go through a whole new batch of fertility tests, a repeat of what I had already gone through in South Africa, as well as a number of new tests. Now feeling a lot more positive, I was not expecting the news that I received next!

"I'm very sorry, but your test results indicate that you are not a candidate for IVF, as we are not sure how many eggs you have and we don't think that you will respond to hormone treatment. There is, however a very slim chance that you could fall pregnant naturally, as your FSH levels have dropped, but we won't take you on as a patient as we feel it will be a waste of time and money". I was of course again devastated. I really thought that after everything I had been doing, that I would at least now have a chance of starting an IVF program, so I started looking at other fertility clinics as options. I was more determined than ever and followed my holistic regime religiously as it was the only thing that was giving me hope.

Not long after this, I started to feel different. My instinct told me I was pregnant. I did two pregnancy tests, which were both negative. Very disappointing, but as I was still feeling a bit strange and had noticed some changes in my body, I decided to do one last test, on the morning of my 40th birthday... POSITIVE! I was pregnant! What an incredible birthday gift from God!

I still sometimes can't believe the journey I went on, in order to be where I am right now. I am so happy being a mother to our beautiful, healthy baby boy - what an incredible blessing!

The human body has an incredible ability to heal itself, along with the grace of God and natural medicine, a positive attitude and the incredible love and support of family and friends.

Sex For Women Over 60!


One of my patients came to me last week complaining about his wife. He said she just wasn't interested in sex anymore. He added, "After she turned 60, her desire for sex disappeared. Is there such a thing as a female Viagra?"

This is a question I get frequently from men who are having sexual difficulties with their spouse. It appears that sex is one subject most women hate to discuss with their doctors. Women over 60 may come to me for treatment of a physical nature but when it comes to sex, it usually boils down to a "don't ask, don't tell" policy. Sexual problems fall into a "quality of life" category verses one that is life threatening so it is a subject that is rarely talked about.

It is natural to assume that women over 60 no longer have a desire for sex because their production of estrogen has been dramatically reduced during menopause. At the same time, their ovaries decrease the production of testosterone, the hormone connected to sexual drive or libido. Although some women experience a drop in sexual desire after menopause it does not mean that their sexual relationships have to be less fulfilling.

Although sexual problems are not considered an illness you shouldn't hesitate to get treatment if you are having symptoms. Even if there is no equivalent to Viagra for women, there are a number of natural remedies to help boost the female libido.

Increase Your Sex Drive Naturally

For many women over 60, vaginal dryness is a major problem that can cause discomfort during sexual intercourse. You may shy away from sex rather than find out what you can do to enjoy your body and your sexual desires. Don't be embarrassed to ask your doctor about some of the treatments that are available including lifestyle adjustments, hormone therapy, and natural remedies.

There are many alternative treatments being researched to counteract the effects of menopause and increase sexual desire. Herbs with estrogen like properties that work to restore hormonal balance in women may be helpful in improving sexual ability and satisfaction.

o Natural Estrogen - known as phytoestrogens that can be found in certain foods. There are two types of phytoestrogens; isoflavones found in soybeans, chickpeas, and other legumes and lignans found in flaxseed, whole grains and some fruits and vegetables.
o Black cohosh - has long been used for treating menopausal symptoms in particular for the relief of hot flashes.
o Dong Quai - believed to increase libido and help prevent vaginal dryness
o Wild Yam - touted as a natural source of progesterone to improve vaginal dryness
o Shunthi - helps with sexual arousal by pumping blood to the genital areas of a female system
o Avena Sativa - helps to lower anxiety and improve sensitivity of female sex organs
o Chasteberry - boosts the body's progesterone production and normalizes estrogen/progesterone ratio
o Other foods and spices - coffee, cola, and chocolate have reputations as libido-enhancers. Anise, fennel, sage and parsley are reputed to boost sex drive.

Overcoming a diminished sex drive is no different than dealing with most health problems. Following a healthy lifestyle by eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, exercising moderately, and cutting out saturated fats, will contribute to your overall feeling of well being. You may also find an increase in your libido as you gain the confidence to fully enjoy your own sexuality.

Low Libido Not True in All Women

Not all women over the age of 60 have unfulfilled sexual relationships. Since they no longer have to be concerned about having a monthly period or an unwanted pregnancy very late in life they can be more spontaneous. With the addition of herbal remedies and hormone therapy, women are learning to enjoy new found sexual freedom after menopause. Here are a few statistics that may surprise you.

o A study of 2,000 U.S. women ages 45-80 found 60 percent had been sexually active in the previous three months, researchers said.
o The study, published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, also found 43 percent of the women reported at least moderate sexual desire, challenging conventional wisdom that women lose interest in sex due to their own physical problems.
o Researchers at the University of California-San Francisco said half of all sexually active participants described their overall sexual satisfaction as moderate to high. More than one-quarter of women age 65 years or older remained moderately or highly interested in sex, and more than one-third of women in this age group had been sexually active in the past three months.
o Among sexually inactive women in the entire group, 39 percent reported the most common reason was a lack of interest in sex, followed by 36 percent reporting lack of a partner, 23 percent citing physical problems of their partner and 11 percent saying there was a partner's lack of interest.

Just because you are over 60 doesn't mean you have to live with low sex drive. If you are suffering from vaginal dryness, hot flashes, or low libido, there are remedies out there that can help bring back enjoyment to your sex life. Join the ranks of the thousands of women over 60 who experience fulfilling sexual relationships. Remember to consult your doctor before taking herbal treatments as they may interfere or interact with other medications you may be taking.

Hair Loss and Menopause


Women with menopause are prime candidates for hair loss. Statistics show that about 50 percent of women experience some hair loss while going through menopause, and about 66 percent worry about thinning hair or bald spots during post-menopausal stages. This is a natural stage in a woman?s life that starts between the age of 30 and 70 but typically starts during the mid 40s or mid 50s. Symptoms of menopause usually manifest themselves about three months after a woman enters the stage.

The exact cause of hair loss in women is not clear to medical researchers, but they have linked it closely to the reduced production of female hormones, estrogen, which leads to androgenetic alopecia. A woman also naturally produces testosterone, which is the male hormone. But before she enters menopause, the level of testosterone produced by the body is kept in check by estrogen. As she enters menopause, the higher level of testosterone combines with an enzyme called 5 alpha reductase. The combination of these two substances creates dihydrotestosterone or DHT. When DHT reaches the hair follicles, the woman starts to experience hair loss.

Anemia, thyroid disorders, fungal infections, and stress can also cause hair loss in a woman who is in menopause.

Estrogenic treatments, such as soy isoflavones or hormone replacement therapies can be taken in an attempt to remedy the problem. Just as the symptoms take 3 months to show any manifestation, treatments would need to be taken for about 3 months to determine if it is working or not.

Though it may not seem evident, women may experience hair loss just as much as men, but the effects are not the same. It is very rare for a woman to have bald spots; hair loss usually produces a thinning effect, which makes styling very challenging.

How a woman reacts to hair loss differs from one to another. It may cause her to feel less feminine, which can lead to depression and, in severe cases, anxiety. If conditions lead to deterioration in quality of life, it is recommended that professional assistance is sought to address the problem.

Some tips for women experiencing hair loss: cut the hair in short layers as this adds more fullness and body; use soft brushes instead of combs; using mousse or gel instead of hair spray can add body to the hair without harming it.

Friday, August 30, 2013

Thyroid and Menopause


Thyroid hormone secreted by the thyroid gland has many vital functional roles to play in the human body. The thyroid gland secrets two important hormone which in turn helps to regulate the body metabolism. They are thyroxin hormone and triiodithyronine hormone. They are chemically indicated as T3 and T4. T4 is a more stable form of hormone as compared to T3. In depth knowledge about the hormones indicates that both are required ay essential limits to maintain the body metabolic rate.

When the thyroid gland stops to function or starts to dysfunction, the result is the onset of two common thyroid hormone syndromes called hyperthyroidism, which occurs due to undue secretion of the thyroid hormone. Another common syndrome includes the hypothyroidism where the gland secrets very less quantity of the hormone against the required levels. Both the cases are the result of thyroid gland dysfunction.

Unfortunately, as the thyroid gland is the home for the endocrine gland system, any change in the thyroid gland activity might have an over all impact on the activity of the other important glands as well.

Menopause has a direct impact on the activity of the thyroid gland. However vice versa can not hold true. With the onset of menopause, the thyroid gland might have some kind of disturbances in working and secretion of the thyroid hormone. This imbalance of the hormonal level can lead t either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. However the symptoms of both the thyroid hormone imbalance and menopause are very similar. One should not confuse one for the other. It however becomes very difficult to distinguish between the two and a misguidance can lead to drastic side effects. It is always better to do a thyroid hormone test before taking medications for the menopause problems.

The relationship between the two exists that during the menopausal stage there is imbalance in the oestrogen and progesterone hormone levels that can in turn have an drastic impact on the thyroid hormone production. Studies also state that, more than 30 to 40% of the women suffer from thyroid hormonal imbalance in their premenopause stage.

The common symptoms of the thyroid problem includes weakness both physically and mentally, forgetfulness, poor memory, depression, exhaustion, sleep disorder, hair loss. Although the symptoms of thyroid disorder and menopause overlap with each other, they can be strongly differentiated with the highlight symptom of menopause which is hot flashes, vaginal dryness in contrary to the thyroid disorders like swelling of the neck, hands, legs and hair loss from the eyebrows and eyelashes. In extreme cases discolouration of hair is also not uncommon.

These disorders can be over come by sufficient dietary supplementation of iodine and iodine rich foods that can drastically improve the condition. Zinc supplementation is also required at the same time to prevent hair loss and poor memory problems. When these symptoms do not subside even upon these treatments, it is better to approach the doctor for any kind of advanced therapy or some simple operations to activate the gland again.

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Menopause and Hot Flashes - Get A Good Night's Sleep


Have you ever experienced waking up in the middle of the night with your night gown drenched in your own sweat? Oh, the dreaded hot flashes strike again!

Hot flashes can be considered as one of the most clearly demonstrated symptoms of menopause and are caused by the hormonal changes that take place in a woman's body during this period. As the estrogen and progesterone levels start to decline, the normal sleeping patterns might likewise be affected since these hormones are also known to have key sleep inducing effects. Although experts agree that a person's sleeping habits normally change as he or she ages, hot flashes and night sweating may greatly interfere with a woman's sleep especially as she enters her menopausal years.

According to studies, these episodes of hot flashes and night sweating generally start as a woman enters perimenopause (the 8 to 10 year period before the onset of menopause). Consequently, deviations from the normal sleeping patterns can also be observed during this time. Difficulty falling and staying asleep, waking up several times during the night to urinate and more brief awakenings can all be the order of the day once perimenopause begins to take over.

The sleeping patterns only tend to get worse as a woman enters her menopausal years. She might then experience increased episodes of hot flashes and more severe insomnia symptoms. She might also suffer from heart palpitations and other sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome.

If you are one of the women tormented by these symptoms, you surely need immediate help. To get a much needed good night's sleep, why not try some of these practical remedies:

Breathe - Focused deep breathing works wonders! Studies show that it may help in lowering the core body temperature and thus, prevent the onset of hot flashes. It may also help you in subduing stress. So if you ever feel a hot flash coming, try to slow down your breathing and take deep belly breaths.

Cool it down - For maximum benefits, try cooling down your room temperature to about 64 degrees during the first 4 hours of sleep. It will greatly reduce the possibility of hot flashes and night awakenings. Just be sure to throw in an extra blanket for your partner to keep him from freezing!

Try hormonal therapy - Hormonal treatments may help you in keeping your hormone levels in check. Estrogen therapy is still regarded as the best treatment for hot flashes. However, you really need to consult with your physician before you get on with it so that you will understand the pros and cons of the treatment.

Put out the heat with soy - The incidence of hot flashes can be greatly reduced if you take soy daily! According to studies, the isoflavone content of soy exerts estrogen-like effects, which may lessen the incidence and intensity of hot flashes. For best results, be sure to include at least 20 to 50 grams of soy-based products such as tofu and soy milk in your daily diet!

Get help from herbs - There are several herbs that can help relieve the symptoms of menopause. Red clover, black cohosh and wild yam are just some of the herbs that can effectively control hot flashes.

The hot flashes associated with the onset of menopause should not mean the end of a good night's sleep for you. Just follow these suggestions and you can be sure that you will be better rested during the night!

The Best Natural Products For Menopause


Menopause is not just a simple or ordinary female condition. It is something that all women will undergo but does not want to due to several reasons. When a woman reaches her menopausal age, her ovaries will stop producing hormones. That is why the estrogen level in her body will drop and menstrual cycle will end. This will create an extreme change in her personality and whole well-being. Women will start having several symptoms and signs that is associated with menopause such as night sweats, depression, anxiety and many others.

There are lots of products these days that will help ease the menopausal symptoms. Here are the best natural products for menopause:

繚 Menozac

What we need to have when entering our menopausal age is something that will stop or at least relieve the related symptoms. That is what the Menozac do. It is a scientifically made product that wills relief symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, night sweats, anxiety, palpitations, vaginal dryness, insomnia and urinary changes. This is one of the best natural products for menopause. It is made by all-natural ingredients like herbs and other plants that are used for the relief of menopause symptoms. They are all combined in the Menozac product which makes it so effective.

It helps in the overall well-being of a woman so that she will always enjoy life even though she has reached her middle age and will almost reach old age.

繚 Promensil

The Promensil is considered as one of the best natural products for menopause for its effectiveness in relieving symptoms of menopause such as hot flushes, and night sweats. It also helps promotes the strength of bones and maintain the cardio vascular health of the patient. It is also made by natural ingredients like essential herbs and plants. One is sure to have a relief from menopausal indicators so that they can better enjoy their middle age life.

繚 Menopol

This is another natural product that for menopause that offers very effective relief from lots of symptoms. The Menopol actually works like a multivitamin. It is not a type of strong medication so we do not have to worry for any side effects to the liver. It is also made with natural herbs which make it safe for everyone to take. Symptoms like vaginal dryness, hot flash, mood swings and many others can all be treated by just one product that is the Menopol.

Those are the best natural products for menopause based on the different product reviews. They are the best among all the other menopause products that are made from natural ingredients. We can always get them from drug stores, or maybe order them online. Take a part in using them and feel the relief from any menopausal problems.

Prescription Drugs For the Treatment of Menopause


There are a few anti-depressants which appear to be effective. Effexor (a serotonin/norepinehrone reuptake inhibitor) is known to assist in the reduction of hot flashes and the severity of depression.

Hot flashes are experienced by more than 60% of women going through menopause. Prozac is commonly prescribed and seems to be quite useful for women who are experiencing mild to severe mood swings. In addition Prozac has been shown to assist women who are having anxiety discomforts or a general uneasiness about themselves.

For some hot flashes may be a simple warming of the body while others have a sense of great heat as if a wave for overcoming them. Hot flashes generally do not travel to the lower extremities but are rather focused on the face and chest area. Women may appear to have a flushed face.

A rapid heartbeat accompanied by perspiration and a chilly sensation. It is important for woman who are certain they are going through this change to not overlook symptoms which may be similar to stroke or heart attack as these are not related and can be very serious if gone untreated. Hot flashes may last anywhere in increments of up to 30 minutes throughout the day and women may perspire throughout the night. There are no drugs to correct this naturally occurring event.

Just take the medicine to ease the symptoms. Women with a higher coping ability seem to sort through this rather well. It is also advisable for women to be a part of some sort of support group, whether it is their family unit or something outside the home.

Many women have a very difficult time accepting this and are often susceptible to long bouts of depression which could lead to very serious forms of apathy and even agoraphobia. Speaking with others who are experiencing the same thing will greatly increase a woman's ability to fly right through it.

Women who are experiencing high blood pressure due to menopause (hypertension) are often times prescribed Clonidine which has also been reported to relieve a great deal of hot flashes experienced. Side effects of Clonindine are insomnia, constipation, dry mouth, drowsiness which of course can make this drug a not so ideal candidate for treatment.

Other medicines commonly prescribed are but not limited to Zoloft, Anafranil, Norpramin, Adapin, Tofranil, and Aventyl. While these primarily focus on the depression aspect of menopause it is believed that these medicines also assist women in coping with other symptoms such as confusion and hot flashes. The drug of choice is specific for the woman going through this change of life and is advisable to speak directly with her primary care provider to determine which medicine works best for her.

However in this case it is best to take up natural remedies then consume medicines.

Water Retention - 7 Natural Tips to Relieve Bloating


When women reach a point where they stop ovulating, it is called menopause. It indicates the end of fertility in women. Menopause affects different women differently. For some, menopause starts early, but most would experience it around the age of 50.

There is a reduction in the production of estrogen and progesterone in the body during and after menopause. The reduction of estrogen and other hormones in the body leads to many symptoms, and women resort to various ways and medications to replenish the depleted estrogen.

Retention is caused by an excessive accumulation of fluid in the body. It occurs in women during menopause or perimenopause often because they are taking estrogen replacement hormones. Too much water in the body is an indication of weak adrenals or kidneys, the circulatory system, or perhaps the heart.

Retaining water and/or bloating during menopause or perimenopause can easily be cured. The kidneys become fatigued on overloading, especially when you bloat due to fluid retention. It would be advisable to limit the intake of fluids.

Menopause and Ways to Reduce Water Retention

If you often bloat with water retention during menopause, try the following:

繚 Reduce salt intake - Excessive sodium in the blood leads to retaining water in the tissues. It would be ideal to cut down on junk foods. Avoiding salty fries, pepperoni pizza and other foods containing hidden salt, some types of salad dressings, cereals and canned soups would be a good start. Inculcate the habit of reading labels before buying food off the shelves.

繚 Get exercising - Start walking, bicycling, and similar activities. These can help reduce water build up in your body. With age, you generally tend to reduce such activities, when you actually need to do the exact opposite!

. Although ascorbic acid - Vitamin C - increases water output from the kidneys, its excessive use could stress your kidneys and there is a likelihood of increase in retaining water in the future. There are certain things you can try to increase the output of water from your body.

繚 Tincture of Dandelion - About 10 to 20 drops of this tincture is a great way to reduce your water levels. It helps in removing excess fluid from the cells, nourishing and toning your kidneys, the adrenals and the liver. It increases the ability to digest food and aids hormones to ease menopausal change.

繚 Dong Quai - When used regularly, it relieves bloating, and has a diuretic effect - increase in the discharge of urine. This oil also has a mild sedative effect, soothing the intestines and bladder.

繚 Helpful Foods - Eating asparagus, corn, cucumber, grapes, and watermelon may be helpful. Reduce intake of parsley, celery, black tea and coffee in order to avoid water retention.

繚 Other Remedies - Certain oils, such as cypress, geranium, juniper, lavender and rosemary, may help reduce water retention in your body. These essential oils may be used in the form of baths, gargles, mouthwashes, vaporizers, inhalants, as well as compresses and massages.

Trying these remedies, including reduced salt intake, will help in reducing water retention.