Saturday, August 10, 2013

Depression From Estrogen Withdrawal May Accompany Menopause and PMS


One of the current theories in the scientific community is that women may experience depression from estrogen withdrawal after the birth of a child, during menopause or during the last few days of their menstrual cycle. Numerous studies have been done concerning the positive and negative effects of plant estrogens in food. Here we look at some of the available information concerning increased consumption of specific plant foods and symptoms that may be associated with decreased levels of estrogen in women.

Scientists are still studying the affects that estrogen and other hormones have on parts of the brain, including the hypothalamus and the hippocampus, which are responsible for memory and spatial navigation, among other things. A recent study by Japanese scientists indicates that levels of estrogen in the hippocampus are greater than those in blood plasma. However, their findings do not seem to support the theory that depression during menopause is depression from estrogen withdrawal.

Reduced levels of estrogen occur during menopause because the ovaries have stopped functioning. While the ovaries are a major estrogen producer, estrogen can also be synthesized in the body, and specifically the brain, from cholesterol and other hormones. While studies have shown that plant estrogens in food, specifically soy isoflavones have the potential to reduce premenstrual symptoms and menopausal symptoms, there is no clear evidence supporting their use for the relief of depression.

A study by the Bio-Psychology Group at the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom concluded that soy isoflavones "may have potential to reduce specific premenstrual symptoms". The "specific" symptoms mentioned are headache, breast tenderness, cramps and swelling. Soy isoflavones are the best known phytoestrogens or plant estrogens. In food, however, the quantity of these components may vary. Studies have shown that women who ate muffins made from soy flour did not experience a reduction in menopausal symptoms. But, women who took a standardized supplement containing isolated soy isoflavones noted a significant reduction of menopausal symptoms.

A review of publications and studies concerning complementary and alternative therapies for menopausal (often referred to by researchers as "climacteric") symptoms by Reinhard-Hennch, Strowitzki and von Hagens concluded that black cohosh, lifestyle modifications and phytoestrogens may relieve climacteric symptoms. Specifically, they noted that black cohosh may relieve hot flashes. Phytoestrogens, hop and Salvia are promising, but less convincing at this time. St. John's wort may be helpful for moderate depressive symptoms. Phytoestrogens have a potential for the prevention of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.

This study concluded that phytoestrogens and black cohosh should not be given to breast cancer survivors, but other studies contradict this conclusion. Laboratory analysis has shown that black cohosh has no effect on estrogen-sensitive breast cancer cell lines. Studies in Japan indicate that women with a high dietary intake of soy (rich in phytoestrogens) during their lifetime have both a reduced risk of developing breast cancer and an increased survival rate when breast cancer does develop. Even scientific researchers rarely agree about the benefits of plant estrogens in food.

The most recent scientific evaluation of black cohosh does not indicate that it contains any compounds that would have an estrogen-like effect on the body. No one is sure why black cohosh relieves hot flashes, but many women swear by it (this writer included). Black cohosh was used traditionally by Native American healers to treat symptoms related to hormonal imbalances, as well as many other conditions. It was widely used because it was widely available.

Some research suggests that black cohosh works by binding to serotonin receptors. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, meaning that it transmits signals among nerves in the brain and body. Low levels of serotonin have been associated with depression. The newest anti-depressants work by inhibiting the rapid breakdown of serotonin in the body, increasing its ability to perform its many functions. 5-HTP is a dietary supplement which the body can covert to serotonin. It has been used in Europe and other countries to treat mild to moderate depression.

Whether women experience depression from estrogen withdrawal or because of changes or imbalances in levels of other hormones, low levels of serotonin or other chemicals in the body is unclear. It is known that women are much more likely to suffer from depression than are men.

What Are Pre-Menopause Symptoms - What Will You Experience During Menopause?


If you are a woman approaching your late 40s, you have probably begun to have thoughts about the changes your body will experience during menopause. It is only natural for women to feel apprehensive as that time in life approaches, particularly if they have not taken the time to research the various pre-menopause symptoms they will soon be experiencing. Educating yourself can help you to avoid the common misgivings that many women feel, and also offer you the opportunity to seek out early treatments that can often serve to minimize some of the more serious symptoms.

One of the first pre-menopause symptoms that you will experience is irregularity in your menstrual cycle. This can take a variety of forms, but usually begins with a shorter cycle - with the frequency of your periods being reduced from once every 28 days to something closer to once every 24 days. In addition, those periods may see an increase in the amount of blood flow at the onset of pre-menopause, which gradually lessens until there is little or no bleeding at all. If you experience these pre-menopause symptoms, you may be somewhat alarmed at the sudden changes. If they cause you undue concern, always consult with your physician.

In addition to changes in the menstrual cycle, other pre-menopause symptoms include the well-known hot flashes and mood swings. Both can be disconcerting, but are natural by-products of the changes in your body's hormone levels. Hot flashes can be especially bothersome, as they can be very uncomfortable and can even interrupt normal sleeping patterns. The mood swings that affect many women can make you irritable and more prone to emotional outbursts of sadness and anger.

These feelings can be aggravated by other stress in your life, and can leave you feeling disillusioned and even depressed. Many women suffer from feelings of hopelessness and loss as they endure these pre-menopause symptoms, and feel as though they are losing something very precious to them.

If you begin to feel that way, you may want to talk to a professional or a close friend or family member who has undergone these changes already. Your feelings are perfectly natural, since you are indeed losing something during this period of change. All of these pre-menopause symptoms are a sign that your body is beginning the process of ending your reproductive capacity - hence the feelings of loss.

If you are one of the millions of women for whom the effects of pre-menopause symptoms prove to be too much to bear, you can consider treatment options such as hormone replacement. While this does not end the process of menopause, it will alleviate many of the symptoms by helping to at least partially restore the balance of hormones within the body. The important thing to remember is that there is assistance available to you as you manage your pre-menopause symptoms, and that you need not suffer through the effects of menopause alone and in silence.

A Menopause Pregnancy - Seriously! I Never Thought it Was Possible


Menopause pregnancy. Can it happen? Does it happen? What happens when it happens? Well, is does happen more than you may realize but there are answers!

Menopause pregnancy is something that very few women even think about but the chance of pregnancy during menopause is a very real possibility. There are many women out there who will testify to that fact.

The chance of getting pregnant during menopause is usually at it height during the early stages that a women actually enters menopause. This early stage can actually last for 12 consecutive months on average and is one of many menopause signs and symptoms.

The problem occurs when menopause bleeding stops or becomes very intermittent. Many women believe that when their cycles become few and far between that the possibility of pregnancy vanishes like their youth.

Unfortunately, this irregularity in the menstrual cycle is just that, an irregularity. Just because menopausal bleeding has stopped does not mean that ovulation has. This is where the misconception...no pun intended...takes place.

The time of greatest vulnerability is called perimenopause which is the actual onset of menopause itself. Ovarian production slows down and periods become irregular, often for months.

The actual cessation of ovulation can take several years to complete. This false sense of security is what actually leads many a women to quite taking or using birth control methods that otherwise would keep an unwanted pregnancy from occurring.

Menopause can be and is an extremely difficult time in almost all women's lives. The very thought of complicating all that with an unexpected pregnancy makes even that difficult situation even worse.

It's not easy to have a child when we get older not to mention having a child in which no preparation has been made or foreseen. Depending on the personal situation some will decide on keeping the child while other may seek to end the pregnancy.

The main thing to remember is that until you are absolutely positive that you have actually entered menopause, do not stop whatever birth control methods you employ.

You can get a simple blood test known as FSH or follicle stimulating hormone to diagnose whether or not you are actually in menopause.

Prevention is the best medicine but knowledge is even better!

Best Menopause Vitamins


There is a great interest among women about which are the best menopause vitamins. As women enter the menopause years, the body changes and therefore nutritional needs change. It is important to stay in step with your body during this stage in order to keep in healthy and to help avoid certain health risks associated with those changes.

Menopause isn't something that can be cured because it's actually a normal stage in life rather than a disease, although to many women it certainly feels like a disease! But it does need to be dealt with properly and effectively in order to enjoy more good health during the menopausal years. One of the most common treatments is hormone replacement therapy. While that is effective in helping with the uncomfortable side effects of this time in life, it is not the only option that women can choose to help alleviate certain symptoms. Although vitamins are not hormonal substitutes and certainly will not replace those powerful substances in the body, vitamins provide an important function that can support whatever hormonal replacement therapy or natural therapy you choose.

It is important to find a vitamin that is going to give you all the nutrients you need during this time. Taking the same daily multi-vitamin that you took since you were 25 is no longer going to meet your body's needs. Women who are going through menopause need Vitamin E, Calcium, Magnesium, and Vitamin C. Your doctor or pharmacist can recommend specific intake amounts for this basic set of nutrients.

These vitamins can be taken individually or through a multi-vitamin. However, either way, be careful to select one that is appropriate. One brand that seems to have everything a pre- or post-menopausal woman needs is "Active Woman's Multi Tab" which is manufactured by Power Surge and sold online. This vitamin has high amounts of the nutrients needed as well as added herbs that are purported to help menopause. Another brand with high reviews from consumers is Rainbow Light Just Once Menopause One Multivitamin. Both of these products can be found online.

Vitamins are an important of staying healthy during menopause, so be sure to get the advice of your health care professional or natural health care doctor. Natural vitamins and other supplements can make a huge difference in the way you feel and how well your body reacts to the hormonal changes that occur during menopause.

Menopause Bloating - The Easiest Methods to Say Goodbye


Menopause is not a health complication, but a normal natural phase of a woman's life. Resulting due to the hormonal imbalance due to their stopped secretion from the ovaries, these changes are linked to dozens of other uncomfortable symptoms in the life of a woman which have come up due to the end of her reproductive cycle. Today researchers have come up with various treatments and other options which if followed nicely can help relieve the unpleasant symptoms to a great extent if not completely. The more common symptoms a women experiences during the onset of menopause include; hot flashes, vaginal dryness, bloating, sleeplessness and many others.

The sudden decrease of hormones like estrogen the major cause of this life transition is often recommended to be tackled with therapies like Hormonal Replacement Therapy(HRT) and estrogen replacement therapy (ERT), which although must be considered only under severe cases for the side-effect they can cause can be truly detrimental on a women's health.

The scientists and research findings now starting to pay more attention towards this not so talked and discussed about issue in the past have now come up with natural relief methods like diet, herbal medicines, nutrition, vitamins and still others which relieve most of the pharmacological effects of menopause- especially including one of the major ones- menopause bloating.

Today there are a numerous natural relief options available which although safe must be first consulted thoroughly so as to avoid any complication or after-effect moreover.

The most common of all menopause symptoms- menopause bloating can now be said goodbye to with ease by following some simple steps like;

Being positive- The acidity and gas trouble is temporary and like others it will also go away easily if tackled and taken positively.

The diet- The intake of food very much responsible for this discomforting trouble can help to reduce or elevate the problem further. Eating foods like banana, cheese, eggs, yogurt and grapes says goodbye on the other hand eating apple, pear or broccoli makes the trouble intensified.

Lactose intolerance- Lactose intolerance increases with age. It is a more common problem which can be reduced by avoiding foods rich in lactose and thus eliminating its effect altogether.

Herbal tea- Including herbal remedies like teas may help you feel better and can considerably reduce the gas effect.

Eat frequently- Women eating 5 to 6 small meals rather than 3 are often less vulnerable to such discomfiture during menopause and can get off through this phase rather easily.

Get natural- Eating natural Foods like whole grains pasta, flaxseed, whole wheat bread and brown rice are very helpful to avoid bloating.

Avoid processed and canned food- Being loaded with salt avoiding such processed and canned foods can help relief the bloating problem and make the transition in a women's life get easier and more hassle-free.

Drink plenty of water- Drinking at least 8-12 glasses of water each day, to flush out toxins, also relieves the constipation more easily.

So, all in all, making the recommended changes in your eating habit and lifestyle is sure to make you feel your old self again and ward off the menopause and its related symptoms more easily and pain-free.

Understanding Menopause and Heart Palpitations


Menopause can bring a lot of symptoms to a woman. During this period, there will be a lot of changes in her hormones that will lead to several physical, emotional and psychological problems. The most common symptom is heart palpitation. This is the sudden increase in the heart beat even in times when one is not exerting too much force. Let's understand the relation between menopause and heart palpitation.

The heart palpitations that occur during menopause are said to be a result of the hormone fluctuating. It is due to the changes in the levels of progesterone and estrogen that can create confusion in the body. That is what causes the heart to beat aggressively while the body sweats copiously. Women who are taking some hormone replacement therapy or HRT will feel an increase in the palpitations of the heart during their first attempts of the treatment.

These palpitations actually go away within a few months after they begin occurring. The body just needs to be settled with the changes in the hormones. Even though menopause and heart palpitations may occur together, they are not considered as health problems for they are practically normal. What we need to understand is how to accept these changes as we age.

Some cases of palpitations occur due to stimulants. When you are entering the menopausal period, it is best to cut the regular intake of coffee, alcohol, nicotine, diet pills, decongestants and all caffeinated drinks. Stimulants only add to the increase of the heart beat which can worsen the palpitations.

Other causes of heart palpitations that need a more serious medical attention are hypoglycemia, anemia and thyroid problems. If these are added with some menopause symptoms, it can be very dangerous to our health. If this happens, we need to get ourselves checked by the doctor and see what procedures or medications can help cure it.

The usual relation of menopause and heart palpitation will only need a healthy lifestyle. Of course, as we enter middle age to old age, there will be changes in our emotional being that is related with menopause. We need to make sure that we keep a calm pace. If we get mad and irritated very easily, then I could trigger more of the palpitations. You won't notice it at first but it can happen a few hours or minutes after being furious.

Maintain a peaceful, serene and happy life. Avoid stress and anxiety as much as possible. Make sure that you know how to control your emotions before your emotions control you.

Friday, August 9, 2013

A Wild Plant That Keeps the Prostate Healthy, Eases the Symptoms of Menopause and Fights the Big C


Red Clover Benefits

Extracts from red clover have long been used in traditional Chinese medicine and Western folk medicines as a diuretic, cough expectorant (it helps clear mucus from the respiratory passages) and remedy for skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema.

But modern research has uncovered additional benefits, including an ability to help overcome symptoms associated with the menopause and prostate problems. It could even help in the fight against cancer.

Here's how it works...

Blocking oestrogen to help protect against cancer

Red clover contains plant chemicals called isoflavones. These include geneistein, daidzein, formononetin and biochanin. Isoflavones are what are known as phytooestrogens (plant derived substances that resemble human oestrogen in their make-up but which are weaker).

Isoflavones act as weak oestrogens, which means they can bind to oestrogen receptors in the body. This blocks some of the detrimental effects of naturally - occurring oestrogen, which is far stronger and linked to cancer cell growth. In particular they have been found to lower the risk of breast, prostate and colon cancer.

Geneisten is probably the most extensively studies phytooestrogens. It boasts an impressive array of anti-cancer properties. It can revert breast and prostate cancer cells back to their pre-cancerous states and delay the growth of new blood vessels within tumours. This helps prevent them from spreading.

Red clover works quickly to kill cancerous prostate cells

In terms of prostate cancer, Australian researchers have found that a supplement derived from red clover, called Trinovin, helps prevent prostate cells from advancing to cancerous stages.

This news is promising, as the disease is responsible for the deaths of over 10000 men each year in Britain. Although prostate cancer can strike at any age, it is most prevalent in men over the age of 50.

The study was carried out by researchers at Monash University in Victoria, Australia and involved 20 prostate cancer patients who received Trinovin and 18 patients who made up the control group and received no treatment. The former were given 160mg of Trinovin for between one to eight weeks, before undergoing prostate surgery.

Before and after treatment, researchers measured the patients' serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels - excess levels can indicate prostate cancer; Gleason score (grade of cancer); serum testosterone; incidence of cancer cell death, and excreted isoflavone levels.

The researchers found that among those patients taking Trinovin, cancerous cells were killed off up to five times more frequently than was the case for the control group.

Trinovin was found to be particularly effective in fighting early-stage cancerous cells.

Eat a diet rich in isoflavones

Numerous studies have suggested an important link between a diet rich in isoflavones and the maintenance of good health, particularly in terms of good prostate health.

For example, the incidence of prostate cancer is far lower in Asian countries (where the typical diet is high in isoflavone-rich foods like red clover, lentils, chickpeas and a range of beans) than it is in the West. Men is Asia consume approximately 20-50mg of isoflavone-rich foods each day, which is a great deal more than the typical British diet that only provides around 1-2mg.

Studies have also revealed that red clover isoflavones can help combat benign prostatic hyperplasia - enlargement of the prostate gland. One three-month study showed that red clover helped reduce prostate size and obstruction to the urinary passage and improved urinary flow by 10%.

Patients also reported improvements in their overall quality of life and no side effects were experienced. Red clover can provide much needed relief for menopausal and post-menopausal women

Recent research findings have found that red clover isoflavones' weak oestrogen - like action can also helping the treatment of menopause symptoms. In January 2004 the North American Menopause Society recommended the use of red clover isoflavones to help alleviate night sweats and hot flushes in menopausal women.

In Japan, where the dietary isoflavone content is very high, menopause symptoms like hot flushes are rarely reported. Red clover has also been found to improve cardiovascular function in menopausal women.

The Bottom Line: Include more isoflavone-rich foods in your diet to help ward off prostate cancer and menopausal symptoms.

Control Mood Swings With Herbal Remedies - Top Treatments You Should Try


Women are very much acquainted with the discomforts of mood swings. This is a problem commonly associated with women because of hormonal imbalance. This is usually experienced before your menstrual cycle and during the menopausal stage.

Stress and work loads also aggravate the emotional instability of many women. That being said, women are more likely to experience break downs during stressful situations. Although this is a normal occurrence and even expected by most people sometimes, it is not good to always succumb under the effects of mood swings caused by hormonal imbalance.

Control this problem right away and try the following herbal remedies for mood swings:

1. Ginseng - This herbal remedy does not directly treat the imbalance of mood but it helps you achieve a better frame of mind. It improves energy levels so you are less likely to feel sad and tired. It also sharpens the functions of the brain. It triggers the production of serotonin, a "feel-good" kind of hormone that can drive away sad and melancholic feelings.

2. Winter Cherry - This herbal remedy has shown notable benefits in controlling anxiety and extreme nervousness. It calms frazzled and agitated nerves. It also helps sharpen mental functions so you can focus on your work and do things that are more important in your life. This herb also boosts energy levels.

3. St. John's Worth - This is an all-around natural remedy that can help improve the production of neurotransmitters in the brain. Neurotransmitters are responsible for hormone production that can control unnecessary melancholic feelings.

4. Passion Flower - This contains natural sedative properties. In the past, it has been used to calm frazzled nerves and nervousness. It has also shown benefits in treating irritability and short-temperedness.

Although these remedies work in normalizing mood, you also have to make sure that you have an active and healthy lifestyle. Get lots of exercise. Exercise for at least 30 minutes everyday in order to boost production of neurotransmitters in the brain. When you exercise, your brain releases more serotonin and endorphin. These are good hormones that promote happy and contented feelings.

Avoid eating foods that has estrogenic effects. Certain foods loaded with additives and parabens mimic the functions estrogen. As a result, there is an imbalance of hormone level in the body resulting to depression and mood swings.

Make the right food choices. Eat fruits and vegetables instead of junk or processed food. Also drink lots of water to purge out harmful toxins.

Ovarian Cancer Symptoms


Ovarian cancer is a difficult to diagnose disease simply because the symptoms are so similar to many common ailments and other diseases. Medical professionals did not realize this for many years, and thus they were unable to detect the cancer at an early stage.

Ovarian Cancer Symptoms

The symptoms of ovarian cancer include digestive problems such as feeling full, bloating, gas, nausea and constipation. Bladder disorders such as the need to urinate frequently, inconsistent menstrual cycles, lower back pain, pelvic pain and pain during intercourse are all symptoms as well. These symptoms are often common among women, and thus when they arise they are often ignored until it is too late.

The best way to determine whether or not these are ovarian cancer symptoms or just symptoms of a common ailment is to take note of how long they persist. If they are the result of a common ailment they will disappear within a few days to a week. However, if they are the result of cancer cells, then they will linger around and gradually become worse as time goes on.

Medical help should be sought immediately at the first sign of the cancer so that the growth can be halted.

Who is at Risk?

Ovarian cancer can affect women of all ages, but it mainly affects older women who have gone through menopause. The risk increases with age, but some studies show that the hormone replacement therapy that is administered during menopause may play a role in the development of the cancer.

According to studies, the formation of the cancer may also be related to higher levels of estrogen. Estrogen is a hormone that is produced during ovulation, as well as by fat cells. Thus those who are obese or overweight, and began menstruating at an early age, or stopped menstruating at a later age are at a higher risk.

Treatments

Ovarian cancer is highly treatable with natural remedies as well as with conventional treatments if diagnosed early enough. The conventional methods of treatments for ovarian cancer are the standard treatments such as surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. However the type of treatment a patient will receive depends largely on how far the cancer has spread.

There are also many natural ways to treat the cancer. The Gerson Therapy is widely known to naturally help cure all types of cancers with fresh fruit and vegetable juices. These juices are high in antioxidants that help to flush out the harmful toxins that contribute to the formation of cancer cells. Thus drinking lots of freshly squeezed juices and eating raw foods high in antioxidants and other essential nutrients can help to prevent cancer from forming in the first place.

What to Expect When Going Through Menopause


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

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

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

Signs

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Other factors

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


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

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


Staying Healthy

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


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

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

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

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

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


Other tips:


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

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

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


Coping 

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


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

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

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

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

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

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


Hormone Changes

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

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

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

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

Phytoestrogens 

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

Menopause Symptoms - Herbal Remedies


Menopause is a natural occurrence for women and it is something which every woman will face at some point in her life. Fortunately, studies have been done in order to provide herbal treatments and remedies for women going through this stage. Herbal remedies, as controversial as they are, can potentially provide positive effects for women experiencing menopausal symptoms. Here are some common menopausal symptoms and the best form of herbal remedy associated with each:

o Hot Flashes - Hot flashes are one of the most common symptoms for women during menopause. Hot flashes can last up to 6 minutes and can potentially occur several times within one day.

Herbal Remedy - Black Cohosh (also known as squaw root, black snake root or rattle weed) has been studied and is proven as a reputable treatment for hot flashes.

o Insomnia - Many women experiencing menopausal symptoms also have difficulty sleeping. If you suffer from sleeplessness on a regular basis, you probably suffer from chronic insomnia.

Herbal Remedies - Kava (or Kawa) is used throughout the world as a remedy for anxiety and insomnia. Other remedies proven effective for treating insomnia and sleeplessness are Valerian root and HOPS.

o Depression and Mood Swings - Although most people joke about women becoming depressed and moody during menopause, these symptoms are very serious and if not treated properly can become dangerous and harmful.

Herbal Remedy - St. John's Wart (also known as goat weed) has proven to be an affective antidepressant in reversing the feelings of depression which many menopausal women experience.

o Abnormal Hair Growth - Abnormal hair growth (also called hirsuitism) is perhaps one of the most embarrassing symptoms for women suffering from menopause. Abnormal hair growth can occur anywhere, although above the upper lip is usually a common target.

Herbal Remedy - Saw Palmetto (also known as Serenoa repens or windmill palm) is used for treating men with enlarged prostates as well as for women who are experiencing abnormal hair growth during menopause.

Menopause is a difficult time for every woman, but every woman must face it at some point. Approaching menopause with a positive attitude has been proven to reduce the likeliness of some menopausal symptoms like depression and anxiety. Researching remedies and treatments is the best way to prepare for this stage of your life. This way, when it does happen, you're aware of what to expect and the best ways to deal with it.

Hair Loss in Menopause - Treatments to Stimulate Natural Hair Regrowth


It may not seem like it, but thinning hair is a very common occurrence among women. In fact, nearly half of all middle aged women will experience some degree of hair loss. Menopause can cause changes in a woman's body which can cause her to shed hair in clumps. There are natural treatments which can lead to natural hair regrowth.

Androgenic Alopecia

Androgenic alopecia causes the strands to start thinning throughout a woman's head. Nearly half of all women will have this experience by their 50th birthday. Hormones are linked to this form of hair loss. Menopause causes a shift in hormonal levels.

Women have small amounts of the male hormone testosterone in their bodies. An enzyme known as alpha-5-reductase converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, which is also known as DHT. DHT attaches itself to the hair follicles causing them to shrink. As the follicles shrink, they become non-functional. This causes the strands to fall out. New hair cannot grow in because the follicles are now unable to hold onto hair.

Genes are also a factor with this condition. If one or both of your parents had thinning hair during middle age, there is a greater chance you will also start losing some of your hair as well.

Natural Remedies for Hair Loss During Menopause

Women can use natural remedies to help reduce hair loss. Menopause does not have to cause you to permanently lose your hair.

Horsetail is a good source of silica, a natural substance which will strengthen your strands. Green tea can reduce shedding caused by androgenic alopecia, also known as female pattern baldness. The tea contains substances which prevent the enzyme alpha-5-reductase from converting testosterone into DHT. This will allow the follicles to begin functioning again which will allow the hair to grow back.

You can stimulate natural hair regrowth and reduce thinning by applying emu oil directly to your scalp.

Hot Flashes: What Causes Them and When Will they Stop?


Every woman who is in perimenopause or menopause itself will be able to identify the symptoms of a hot flash, such as the sweating, the rush of intense heat over the upper body and face, and the rapid heartbeat associated with hot flashes. Not as many women however can tell you what causes a hot flash.

According to some sources, the causes of hot flashes vary depending on if you are perimenopausal - which is the transition into menopause - or menopausal. Although causes of hot flashes have been studied for many years not everyone has come to the same conclusion. The one facet of hot flashes that everyone does agree with is that it is a hormonal imbalance. Basically that means that during certain times of your life, specifically menopause, your body feels that too many demands are made of it, and the balance of hormones is overwhelmed. This causes your nervous system to try to compensate for the changes in your hormonal balance by changing the temperature of your skin.

Another hot flash cause could be lack of estrogen. There is a part of your brain, called the hypothalamus, which gets "confused," so to speak, with the sudden drop in estrogen. Since the hypothalamus is sometimes called the "body's thermometer", it will suddenly read that it is too hot. The brain responds by alerting your nervous system to do everything it can to rid your body of the heat.

The message is delivered instantly by making your heart beat faster, and dilating the blood vessels in your skin to circulate more blood in order to produce sweat to cool you off. This is what happens when you overheat during the summer or heavy exercise, and during menopause. Your brain confuses this and thinks that your body is overheating, causing a hot flash. Since your body is cooling down when it shouldn't be, you find yourself perspiring and overheating at the oddest times.

Again, no one can tell you exactly what causes hot flashes, but there are solutions, both natural and medical, that can help you through them. Hot flashes last an average of 2 to 3 minutes but can be longer depending on certain triggers such as anxiety, spicy foods, tobacco, hot weather, and hot showers. Although there is no specific average most people agree that hot flashes occur approximately every 2 to 4 hours and can last 2 to 5 years, mostly during the perimenopausal period. For women in mid-life, this is a natural process that will improve with time.

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Early Menopause and Pregnancy Symptoms


Early menopause and pregnancy symptoms share some of the same symptoms making it very important for you to see your doctor if you suspect either and you are over 35. You want to rule out anything else more serious.

Symptoms of Early Menopause

If you are in early menopause, there is a variety of symptoms that will occur to a greater or lesser degree for all women. Some women are lucky enough to barely notice these things but for many others, the symptoms can be moderate to severe which may require medical intervention.

There are the well known hot flashes and night sweats. Unexplained changes in things including your menstrual cycle, blood sugar levels, sudden depression, and irritability have been noted.

Your moods might be extremely variable; you may lose interest in sex, or become suddenly depressed. Your hair growth and quality may change. Dryness of the vagina and water retention is common. Chronic headaches, extreme fatigue and sleep problems are also experienced by many women. Yeast infections, cramps, body aches and pains, as well as changes in blood sugar levels. You will likely experience irregularity in your period and bleeding, this is due to the ups and downs of hormone levels.

Symptoms of Pregnancy

Being pregnant can be the most joyous time in your life but, for some women there may be very uncomfortable symptoms that accompany their pregnancies. Periods become irregular, bleeding will likely change, and you might experience changeable moods, changes in blood sugar levels, fatigue, and headaches. You may experience food cravings or even aversions to certain foods or smells. Frequent urination is also very common as the pregnancy progresses.

Treatment of Early Menopause and Pregnancy

Early menopausal symptoms can be pharmaceutical including over the counter and prescribed pain relievers, muscle relaxants, and anti-inflammatory medications. Replacement of female hormones-Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a very common treatment for menopausal symptoms. There have been some very serious side effects including ovarian, breast, and uterine cancers. Many women are looking for alternative treatments.

Treatment of Pregnancy symptoms might be something to ease your upset stomach, diet changes, and monitoring by your physician. There may be some harmful effects on your unborn child with some medications. Is treatment worth the risk of your child having some health conditions that may be potentially threatening to their well-being? You and your doctor can determine the right treatments for you while pregnant.

Herbal supplements and other natural products are options many women are turning to in order to avoid the side effects associated with traditional treatments. The highest quality herbal supplements are made with standardized herbal extracts. Extensive testing of the ingredients including their metabolism at the molecular level and their interactions will have been performed. This helps to guarantee the quality from capsule to capsule and bottle to bottle.

Do not add these or anything else to your health regimen without checking with your doctor because the herbs may affect prescriptions you are already taking for other conditions. This is especially important for you if you are pregnant so that you can make sure there is nothing that will harm your baby.

Conclusion

Early menopause and pregnancy have so many similar symptoms that if you suspect that you are either in early menopause or pregnant, you should be examined by your doctor.

This will also help to rule out anything other than these conditions. It is also important for every woman to inform their doctors' of any changes in their health that may occur between visits. Together you and your doctor can make you as healthy as possible.

Herbal Treatments and Remedies for Low Female Libido


Libido is the sexual desire and a case of low libido may be present in women more commonly than in men. Low female libido can be caused by various factors which are of physical nature like certain ailments, fatigue, hormonal imbalance, pregnancy, menopause or some medication. There can be emotional factors like stress, depression, trauma or fights which may result in a low sex drive.

The herbal treatment for low female libido can be started after one determines the reason for it. It is suggested to get a medical checkup done so as to identify if any underlying ailment or illness is responsible for the lack of desire for sexual intercourse. Other treatments are Estrogen therapy and Testosterone therapy which is to normalize the estrogen and testosterone levels in the body respectively. There are creams and gels available for local applications which help in increasing the blood flow to the genitals, thereby increasing the libido. Many Herbal supplements are available too which not only address the issue of low female libido but also address other issues like vaginal dryness, stress and fatigue. It is advised to consult a doctor before taking such supplements.

Many foods and herbs are considered to be natural aphrodisiacs and can help improve the low libido. Some are also beneficial for the overall improvement of the functioning of the body. Herbal treatment for low female libido is possible by taking natural herbs such as:

1. Damiana: This is a common herb which has been used as a treatment for diminished sex drive since a long time. It is a natural aphrodisiac and is has medicinal properties.

2. Black Cohosh: Black Cohosh has help relieve cramps and symptoms due to menstrual periods. If this is causing low libido, this herb is helpful.

3. Passion Flower: Parts of this plant, like the flower and leaves are used to cure anxiety. If anxiety is the cause of low libido, this herb can help soothe the mind.

4. Horny Goat Weed: This herb increases the blood flow to the sex organs which help in heightening of the sexual senses. It also helps in condition of stress and anxiety.

5. Dong Quai: It treats the hormonal imbalances which can cause a low libido. This herb also improves the blood circulation to the sex organs.

6. Ginseng: Ginseng is not only helpful for sexual arousal but also for the overall well being of the body.

7. Shatavari: This is found in India and is recommended for females. It nourishes the reproductive system in females and therefore stimulates the libido.

8. Muira Puama: This herb increases the libido and also aids in production of hormones.

9. Licorice: Licorice can help in maintaining the balance of the hormones in the body.

10. Gingko Biloba: This is good for the overall health of the body and also to enhance the female libido.

11. Piper Nigrum: This is also a commonly used herbal treatment for low female libido.

12. Ashwagandha: This herb has been used in India since a very long time. It has many benefits including anti anxiety effect. It also helps in enhancing the female libido.

The herbs stated above are used for herbal treatment for low female libido by many. However it is better to take the herbs under supervision.

Menopause and Depression: 3 Causes And 3 Effective Treatments


The subject of menopause and depression can be as uncomfortable to discuss as it is to experience. Because it is an extremely personal subject, many women try to 'gut it out' without asking for help. It is our opinion that this is a big mistake. A little assistance upfront can bring about a huge measure of relief to both the sufferer of depression as well as his or her family members. This article was written as a resource to provide such assistance.

Here are the 3 basic causes of menopause and depression, and 3 effective treatments

Menopause and Depression: 3 Causes:

1) Unhealthy Stress Levels

Anybody with a pulse will experience stress to a greater or lesser extent. It is all part of living an active life, and is not necessarily a bad thing. But it can slowly (or maybe not so slowly) build into a truly destructive force. And menopause will make this pent-up depression even worse. All sufferers of depression should seek medical assistance prior to the onset of menopause.

2) Fluctuating Hormones

As we age, our bodies reduce the quantity of hormones that are created. It is a natural occurrence, but it doesn't have to be permanent. There are many hormone replacement therapies available to replenish the supply of estrogen, etc so that the suffering caused by the lack of hormones can be minimized.

3) Sleeplessness

As you're probably aware, inadequate sleeping habits can aggravate anybody's bout of depression. It's a good idea to maintain regular sleep cycles by retiring and rising on the same schedule. It may be beneficial for the sufferer to take a hot bath before bedtime, and perhaps they should consider a small dose of melatonin as well.

Menopause and Depression: 3 Effective Treatments

1) Seek Positive Support

A good method to minimize the problems of depression and menopause is to seek out someone in whom you can confide. A little empathy can go a long way to make everybody feel better! In addition, the sufferer should consider asking for help with some of the family issues facing the menopausal woman, such as childcare, cooking cleaning, etc.

2) Exercise Regularly

There are many documented studies that prove the effectiveness of exercise as a treatment for menopause and depression. Maintaining an active lifestyle will actually generate mood elevating compounds within the body that will make the sufferer feel much better, and look better in the bargain!

3) Enjoy Yourself

Spending time with people whose company you enjoy will lighten anybody's mood. In addition, finding a hobby or past time that you enjoy will help to handle the day-to-day problems that everyone faces.

How Menopause Affects Hormone Levels and the Libido


Many women experience loss of libido during and after menopause. Menopause affects hormone levels and women can suffer from symptoms for years until their hormone levels balance out. Many women turn to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to relieve menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, insomnia, mood swings, and loss of sexual desire. HRT, which is mainly the hormones estrogen and progesterone, does not always solve low libido problems in women.

Many doctors suggest taking a small amount of the hormone testosterone to help low female libido. Sometimes a small amount of testosterone can improve sexual desire and response in women. Testosterone can increase libido, female sex drive, sexual desire and intensity of orgasms. Why does testosterone, often thought of as a male hormone, help women achieve stronger orgasms?

Well, the ovaries make the hormones estrogen and progesterone, both of which decline after menopause, but they also produce small amounts of testosterone. During and after menopause, testosterone levels decline also. Premenopausal women may also experience low testosterone elevels, which can be measured by a simple blood test. Some women fear that testosterone will make them grow facial hair or develop deep voices. This simply has not been proven and is not likely since the testosterone dose is very small. But some experts caution that the long-term side-effects of HRT in women are unknown. Some doctors believe HRT can put women at greater risk for developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer.

Women who suffer from low libido should have a thorough medical examination to determine if there are any underlying physical factors that are the cause of her sexual problems. Sometimes sexually transmitted diseases or even high blood pressure may cause low female libido and loss of sexual response. If a woman is has difficulty with sexual arousal and response, the problem could be emotional and she may benefit from professional counseling or therapy or evn female libido enhancement. Each woman has her own symptoms when going through menopause and each woman should be treated as a unique individual.

No woman wants to feel the loss of libido and lack of sexual desire. There are many developing remedies for the ease of menopause symptoms, which specifically address low female libido. Women should educate themselves about all of the treatments on libido enhancers that are available for them and not be afraid to ask for what they need and want to regain their sexuality.

Early Menopause Signs/Symptoms Can Be Relieved


Early menopause signs, symptoms and complaints vary from one woman to the next, as does the age at which a woman begins to experience them. Menopause symtoms can be frustrating or challenging, but a positive attitude helps.

According to a survey conducted in September of 2006 by Johns Hopkins the menopause symtoms that significantly affect a woman's assessment of her quality of life are mood changes and feeling tense. The women who participated in the study were asked about hot flashes, vaginal dryness, sore joints, bladder control problems and headache, but, interestingly, the majority of the women did not feel that these symptoms affected their quality of life.

Mood changes that are commonly reported as early menopause signs, symptoms and complaints include increased feelings of frustration, irritability and sadness. Some women even experience mild depression for the first time in their lives. Women who have had problems with depression or anxiety in the past are even more susceptible to becoming depressed once again.

Doctors, scientists and researchers are not sure what causes depression during menopause. It could be related to changing hormonal levels. Women have a higher risk than men of experiencing a major depressive period at some point in their life. Most experts believe this is all related to the, sometimes drastically changing hormonal levels that accompany pregnancy, childbirth, monthly cycles and menopause. Symtoms of depression should always be discussed with your health care professional.

Many different therapies can reduce tension and stress. Most of them, you can do on your own, without prescription medication or hormone replacement therapy. Stress management techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, deep muscle relaxation and yoga can all relieve tension. As can regular exercise of any type. If you are not accustomed to regular exercise, it is always advisable to check with your doctor, particularly if you are overweight or have other health issues. In general, most women can safely begin an exercise regimen of 20 minutes, every other day, gradually increasing to 30 minutes every day.

Aerobic exercise is probably the best natural stress reliever. And, studies have shown that women who are under a great deal of unrelieved stress have more severe early menopause signs, symptoms and complaints. Chronic stress can, over time, lead to depression. Regular exercise can relieve depressed feelings and possible prevent the necessity of further treatment.

Some women begin to have early menopause signs, symptoms and complaints in their late thirties. Changes in menstrual periods and more severe premenstrual symptoms may be related to menopause. If a woman stops menstruating before the age of 40, it is considered premature menopause. Sometimes this happens naturally and may be a result of genetics. In other cases it is caused by treatment for a medical condition, such as removal of the ovaries due to cancer. Women who experience an unnatural premature menopause typically have more severe menopause symtoms and medication is often necessary.

Calcified Fibroid - Older Women


While fibroids occur in the uterus, older women are more prone to develop a calcified fibroid. Women that are going through or have gone through menopause experience a decrease in estrogen. While this might be good at alleviating some of the other symptoms of fibroids like the heavy menstrual bleeding, it can also lead to the development of calcium deposits in the fibroids.

Treatments

Some suggested treatments for a calcified fibroid include lowering your calcium intake. There are also different types of drugs you can take to try to shrink or dissolve the calcium deposits in the fibroids. These treatments may help with the fibroid, but they can lead to other complications like osteoporosis. You shouldn't take a calcified fibroid lightly, but you should be aware of what the treatment risks are. Since menopausal women are already more prone to developing osteoporosis, you may want to look more closely at surgeries or non-drug treatments that won't interfere with your calcium intake.

If you have fibroids, you should look at options for long-term treatments. Gather as much information as you can and discuss your options with your doctor. Since calcium deposits in fibroids usually occur in menopausal women, a simple removal of the uterus may actually be the best option. There is no such thing as too much information and the more you have the better aware you are of your options. This can be a huge benefit when deciding on what is right for you with your doctor.

Just remember to do as much research on these tumors before you decide on the best treatment for you personally.

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Anti-Aging Treatments For Andropause, Also Called Male Menopause


There is no specific age, but somewhere in the range of 40, some men begin to experience confusion, personality changes and stressfulness. They seem to lose their perception of objectivity along with their sense of self. There world appears to be spinning out of control.

But what's at the center of this phenomena?

According to scientist, menopause or the reduction of hormonal levels occurs in both women and men. For men, the transition period is called andropause. The symptoms usually start in the early forties when the effects of time for some people begins to bring about internal complications. These internal changes can impact some men in terms of social, career and family interactions.

Furthermore, scientist state that the symptoms become increasingly visible and pronounced as the man reaches the ages between 50-70. Symptoms such as the decline of levels of energy and virility, also getting exhausted far more easily, and rapid mood swings. Many men indicate erectile dysfunction as the most notable event throughout andropause. Apart from this, patients also indicated nervousness, irritability and depression.

Scientist are also researching how andropause is linked to: loss of hair, smaller testicles, lessening of sex drive, erectile dysfunction, exhaustion, depression, reduced muscle strength, low semen volume, and reduction of bone density.

Men suffering from andropause can also experience heart palpitations which are due to the decrease of testosterone level. This condition can influence men's behavior in unpredictable ways. Some men grow to be further family oriented, while some seem to want to relive their adolescent years.

Medical treatment is available to relieve these symptoms, while some men due to masculine pride are reluctant to acknowledge that there is a problem that needs to be treated. Since the andropause stage may very well be extraordinarily stressful for some men, it is advisable that spouses or other family members need to be be far more aware and supportive. Andropausal men must be encouraged to be more self aware to manage their intake of fatty foods, cigarette consumption, and alcohol. Men experiencing these symptoms are encouraged to eat healthy foods, to exercise and to get adequate rest.

For Male Menopause Treatments, Low-Calorie Diet May Be Your Best Option


Male menopause, also andropause, is a reality of life for men as they age. Many men suffer low testosterone levels after the age of 45. The best remedy for male menopause, however, is not necessarily testosterone injections. For many men, all that is needed is diet.

Unlike menopause in women, menopause in men is a process of gradual decline without clear beginning and end. Males lose interest in sex. They lose physical agility. They feel tired all the time. There is no single medical test that can identify the onset of andropause, but there are symptoms that usually relate to changes in male hormone levels. Men can ask themselves these questions:


  • Do you feel tired after eating?

  • Do you have problems with attention, focus, and memory?

  • Are your breasts larger than they used to be?

  • Are your erections smaller than they used to be?

  • Do have less interest in sex than when you were younger?

  • Does your non-erect sex organ seem smaller than it used to be?

  • Do you need a lot of sleep even when you are not physically active?

  • Have you been treated for broken or fractured bones?

The more questions men answer "yes," the more likely there is an underlying hormonal issue. All of these symptoms all can be tied to declining levels of testosterone. Testosterone replacement, however, is not the first line of treatment.

The first line of treatment for men's midlife decline is diet. That's because fat cells make estrogen. The more fat a man accumulates, the more estrogen his body makes. The fat cells in a man's buttocks, by the way, destroy testosterone 1000 per cent faster than belly fat.

Hormone production in the fat cells is not a continuous process, so symptoms may get better and then get worse. The first thing to do, however, is to lose weight with a low-calorie diet to deprive fat of the fuel it needs to make female sex hormones.

Just do it gently. Fat cells are reservoirs for xenoestrogens, the chemical compounds in our polluted environment that mimic the effects of the hormones in women's bodies. These include the growth hormones fed to industrially produced cows, pigs, chickens, and turkeys, the phthalates used to make plastics, and a variety of paints, solvents, and plasticizers, as well as gasoline.

You don't want these chemicals pouring into your system faster than your liver can detoxify them. That's why men need to lose weight naturally and at a reasonable rate. If you choose to lose your pounds fast, at least choose natural methods.

Getting a Grip on Menopausal Dizziness and Vertigo


It's not just the risk of osteoporosis that makes menopause quite the irksome adventure, it's also all the different symptoms that go along with it. Even though not every menopausal woman will experience the same physical or psychological problems, it is important that you are aware of the most common symptoms. The reason is because you may be suffering from a symptom but are not relating it to menopause.

For instance, many menopausal women who suffer from dizziness have no idea that this is a common symptom of their condition. Dizziness may be directly related to menopause due to changes in the body. For instance, due to lower estrogen levels, changes occur in the blood vessels within the nervous system which can result in dizziness. Furthermore, hot flashes, night sweats and migraine headaches are other menopausal symptoms that can lead to dizziness and vertigo.

Dizziness could also be indirectly related to menopause by being a side effect of medications you are taking to treat other symptoms such as hormone replacement therapy.

Despite the cause of your menopausal dizziness, this symptom can be irritating, and in some cases dangerous. Imagine what could happen if a woman, who suffers frequent dizzy spells, becomes dizzy while driving a vehicle, riding a bike, crossing a street or walking down the stairs. This could result in an accident with possible, serious consequences. In addition, a severe case of dizziness may lead to vertigo.

Vertigo is a serious condition that can cause headaches, dizziness, a spinning sensation, imbalance and falling. Vertigo is often followed by nausea and sometimes vomiting. The condition is made worse with motion. Vertigo occurs when otoliths (calcium carbonate particles) are misplaced in the inner ear's semicircular canals.

Excessive dizziness and incidences of vertigo should be brought to your doctor's attention. Your health care provider can examine and diagnose your condition, and provide you with treatment options to help with your symptoms.

That being said, some common ways to treat menopausal dizziness include:

Eating - Most women are constantly on the go and fail to provide their body with the energy and nutrients it needs. Many women do not eat a proper breakfast, nor do they have snacks when they are hungry. Furthermore, they drink too many dehydrating fluids such as coffee, tea and soda, and not enough water to help their body stay hydrated. During menopause, your body is going through too many hormonal changes and cannot handle a poor diet.

Therefore, if you are experiencing dizziness, try improving your diet and eat foods with protein, and natural energy such as fruit. Also, be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day!

Relax - Stress leads to many negative emotional side affects including depression, anxiety and headaches. You can reduce the stress you feel by engaging in meditation and exercises that promote deep breathing such as Yoga and Pilates. Furthermore, getting a good night sleep can also help with dizziness.

Herbal treatment - A popular herbal remedy is inhaling lavender oil from a cloth. This treatment has been used for centuries to treat swooning (lightheadedness). As an extra bonus, it smells wonderful.

Note: Talk to your doctor before treating your dizzy spells with herbal remedies or over-the-counter medications.

Always remember that while dizziness is a common symptom of menopause, excessive dizziness may be a sign of something far more serious than menopause such as a brain tumor. Thus, before you brush your dizzy symptoms aside, take the time to seek the opinion of your doctor.

Surviving Menopause Symptoms


Women dread menopause. There are a variety of reasons for this. Not only must they deal with the psychological aspects of not being of "child-bearing" age anymore, women must also navigate through the arduous symptoms involved in going through "the change". Night sweats and hot flashes are famous among females in their 40's and 50's. But even more distressing than the night sweats and hot flashes are problems with weight gain, depression, irritability, moodiness, vaginal dryness, lack of libido, and a host of other problems associated with menopause. Dealing with all of these symptoms can be extremely overwhelming, no matter who you are.

Finding a way to put up with the symptoms of menopause or diminish them is important to most women. There are some herbal and homeopathic treatments out there to help women cope with certain symptoms but few herbs or homeopathic remedies exist to cure all of the problems in one fell swoop. However, for women who are dealing with a particularly pesky symptom, these herbal and homeopathic treatments can be remarkably helpful.

Synthetic hormones, which are artificially created, have been in use since the 1930's to help women deal with their hormonal changes. Unfortunately, synthetic hormones have been correlated with a host of very negative and undesirable side effects (like breast cancer). Though some women still take the risk and go ahead and use synthetic hormones to cope with menopause, there are other, less risky options available.

Bioidentical hormones are derived from plants, and developed to be identical to those produced by the human body itself. They have been proven useful to help alleviate the symptoms of women going through menopause. Using bioidentical hormones in treatment often takes care of all the symptoms related to menopause rather than chipping away at the problem one symptom at a time. Women often feel rejuvenated and young again. As a result, they feel as though they can enjoy their golden years rather than dreading them.

Dealing with the harsh symptoms of menopause is not easy. Luckily, many women have found relief using different forms of treatment to calm these symptoms. While herbs, homeopathic treatments, and synthetic hormones have been in use for some time to allow women to cope with menopause, bioidentical hormones are a more natural approach. The health repercussions of menopause can also be avoided to keep older women looking and feeling healthy for many years into their future.

Anxiety Disorders And The Menopause Link


In today's society women struggle to survive and do more than they are able to, at work and at home. The demands, especially at work, are increasing and more is being demanded of you. Maybe you are also experiencing relationship issues or coping with other persistent problems (children, aging parents, etc).

Many women will experience extreme nervousness, generalized anxiety and sometimes full-blown panic attacks during menopause. For millions, these feelings are overwhelming and can interfere with their daily activities. Anxiety attacks refer to a combination of negative emotions including extreme fear and worry, often accompanied by physical sensations such as palpitations, chest pain, dizziness and shortness of breath. If you have not been correctly informed, anxiety attacks can indeed be terrifying. It is important that you know about and understand the hormone-based causes.

What causes Anxiety attacks during menopause?

The causes for anxiety attacks are divided into psychological and physical. However, physical causes (hormone imbalances) are primarily responsible for this issue in menopausal women.

o Psychological causes for Anxiety attacks

Here we have the ones related to uncommon disorders- rare hereditary diseases provoked by chemical imbalance in the brain, and those related to life stresses, fatigue, etc. If these cannot be controlled, your emotional stability is lost, culminating in anxiety attacks. However, these cases are temporary and anxiety attacks usually stop when the stressful event is over.

o Physical causes for Anxiety attacks

Hormonal imbalance is the main cause for anxiety attacks during menopause. Sometimes a trigger is something external, such as very loud noise. At other times, the feelings will seem to appear out of nowhere, without explanation or warning.

Estrogen hormones have a great effect on your mental state, as they regulate the levels of cortisol- the hormone that produces stress and anxiety. Thus, if your estrogen drops, cortisol cannot be controlled, leading to producing more stress and anxiety. Also key is the health of your adrenal system. The adrenals can normally assist with hormone production; however if your adrenals have become severely fatigued, you may not be properly manufacturing enough estrogen, DHEA and progesterone. Without proper levels of these hormones, even a small stress event can rapidly escalate into an anxiety attack.

What do I do about Anxiety attacks during menopause?

The most important step in relieving your anxiety is to find out whether your problem has a psychological or physical nature. If there is an extreme psychological disorder, you may need to be treated by a psychologist or other trained mental health professional. There may be a legitimate need for prescription medications to control the symptoms.

You may ask yourself "Why is this happening to me?" because maybe you have never experienced an anxiety disorder before and taking antidepressants or anxiety medication is a concern to you. There are alternative treatments available in many cases. Work with your doctor to explore all possible health issues. Hormone testing should reveal any imbalances, which can usually be corrected with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, medical massage therapy, acupuncture -- or a combination of these therapies. It will take weeks or many months to fine-tune the treatment, but you have a great chance of full recovery.

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

What to Expect When Going Through Menopause


Many women dread the idea of oncoming menopause, but it is completely manageable with the right information and treatment.

Menopause is scientifically described as the permanent cessation of the primary functions of the ovaries, meaning the woman no longer ovulates. Menopause typically occurs during the late 40's or early 50's, representing the end of the woman's fertile years. Menopause itself occurs when a series of natural biological changes cause the ovaries to stop producing the hormone estrogen. Menopause can occur naturally or as a result of a hysterectomy.

Hysterectomies cause what is called surgical menopause. Surgical menopause is slightly different from natural menopause. With both types of menopause, women experience hot flashes; night sweats, irritability, mood swings, and decreased sex drive. Symptoms of surgical menopause are typically more severe, but are dependent on the individual woman.

Natural menopause is broken into three stages: perimenopause, menopause, and post menopause. Preimenopause occurs when estrogen production begins to slow. Women experiencing preimenopuase have symptoms such as erratic periods, hot flashes, and vaginal dryness. This stage usually occurs during the late 40's.

Menopause is characterized as the passing of the final menstrual period. After a full year of no menstrual activity, a woman is considered to have gone completely through menopause. Postmenopausal is the final stage of life after the final period.

There are also many health implications that increase after menopause. Women that have gone through menopause are at a much higher risk of developing osteoporosis, Alzheimer's, and coronary artery disease.

Though menopause is unavoidable, there are some types of treatments that make it much more manageable. Hormone replacement therapy is a form of treatment given to women that have received a surgical hysterectomy. These hormones help the body continue to produce estrogen and delay t he onset of menopause. Hormone therapy usually consists of progestin and estrogen. Hormone therapy was first developed as a tablet, but is now available as a gel patch, skin spray, and implant. Hormone therapy relieves patients from hot flashes, vaginal dryness; improve sleep quality and joint pain. It is also extremely effective in preventing bone loss and osteoporotic fractures.

Tibolone is a non-hormonal therapy that has also been proven to aid against hot flashes and some pharmaceutical relief. Tibolone is a popular alternative to hormone therapy and is a natural ingredient in Mexican yams. With these treatments women are able to effectively manage menopause and continue living life in a normal manner.

Understanding Endometriosis Hip Joint Pain


Millions of women in America, and all over the world, as much as 5 to 10% of the female population, suffer endometriosis and hip joint pain can be one of the symptoms. So it is important to be aware of endometriosis signs and symptoms and the various treatment options that can help alleviate endometriosis hip joint pain.

While some women may have endometriosis and feel no different than their peers, most women with endometriosis suffer progressively worsening pain in line with their monthly periods.
The common symptoms of endometriosis are pelvic tenderness, heightened pre-menstrual syndrome, constipation, diarrhea, dysmenorrhea (pain before and during periods), painful urination, and pain during sexual intercourse, chronic fatigue and cramping among many others.
Hip pain or pain that radiates from the buttock and down the leg are common in women where endometriosis has effected the sciatic nerve. Also, endometriosis in the groin area can feel like hip pain.

On occasion endometrial adhesions can restrict the hip ligaments, causing pain and limping. Hip joint pain that worsens in a cyclical fashion in line with the menstrual cycle will usually be caused by endometriosis.

Endometriosis is characterized when endometrium cells, similar to the tissue that lines the womb or uterus, attaches itself to other organs found in the abdomen and around the hip joint. The reason behind this is still not entirely understood.

At first, it was hypothesized that endometriosis occurs due to a condition called retrograde menstruation, where menstrual blood flows backwards into the pelvic cavity instead of out of the body. This has largely been discounted however, as it has been found that most women experience retrograde menstruation without necessarily developing endometriosis.

More recent research has shown that the condition may possibly be an immune response towards the spreading of endometrial cells. Some studies have also discovered genetic links with regards to endometriosis. However all studies have been inconclusive regarding the actual cause of the disease. Further research is still being conducted to find its etiology.

Because the extent of endometriosis varies very widely among its sufferers, treatment options are also varied. The effectiveness and safety of these treatments should be subject to careful evaluation as a lot of them have side effects that you should be aware of.

Some sufferers may be given medical treatment, however these can cause premature menopause or can stop ovulation. Some women may just opt to relieve the hip and pelvic pain caused by endometriosis using pain killers either taking over-the-counter drugs or stronger prescription pain medicine.

Conservative surgery is also an option. This type of treatment aims to surgically destroy or remove endometriosis and return the effected organ systems to their original state as much as possible.

This is done in hope of relieving the hip joint paint associated with the condition as well as the infertility that can result from it. Most surgeries, especially those in the U.S., are done using a laparoscope, making the procedure minimally invasive.

Alternative treatments have also shown a lot of promise and anecdotally have been successful for a number of women. Traditional Chinese Medicine treatments like acupuncture and Chinese herbal treatments can provide relief. Also, acupressure and aromatherapy can be used to alleviate symptoms. Even you diet can make a big difference to your symptoms.

Keep reading to sign up to our free Endometriosis newsletter where you can discover more about the natural ways of treating endometriosis symptoms.

Endometriosis hip joint pain is not a laughing matter. If you experience some of the symptoms that you've learned about here, it's best to consult with your gynecologist to address the matter immediately. It is also wise to go to your doctor periodically to keep your reproductive health in check.

Herbal Remedies and Vitamins For Menopause - Relief in a Jar


Whether shopping on-line or at your local drug store, you will undoubtedly find a large assortment of herbal remedies (menopause relief in a jar, so to speak), vitamins for menopause and combos that supposedly provide everything that a woman needs for a "healthy menopause". The question is which one to choose. Choosing a health supplement of any kind can be difficult.

The Federal Trade Commission advises that while the benefits of some health products are well documented, others have no proven benefits and may even be dangerous. It is the responsibility of the health supplement manufacturers to insure that the products they sell are safe. These are general statements that apply to all health supplements, but apply to herbal remedies, menopause treatments and vitamins for menopause, as well. It is the consumer's chore to evaluate the effectiveness of these remedies by "giving them a try" or by researching the product ingredients.

This brings up one way that a consumer can spot a questionable product. Manufactures that are confident in the quality and effectiveness of their products will provide a detailed list of ingredients. The best manufacturers will even provide information supporting the use of the ingredients for any given condition. Manufacturers that make broad, non-specific statements concerning ingredients are either unsure about what the product contains, unsure about the products effectiveness or trying to mislead the consumer by insinuating that the product contains substances that are actually not included.

Let's look at an example of what to avoid, without giving any brand names. One internet company that sells vitamins for menopause makes this statement, "formulated to deliver essential vitamins and minerals, as well as menopause discomfort relieving herbs and isoflavones." Sold under the heading "herbal remedies menopause", this product apparently contains no herbs of any kind. The list of ingredients includes a number of vitamins, but no herbs and no isoflavones. Apparently this company is hoping that the consumer will read the description, but not the list of ingredients.

None of this is meant to be discouraging. There are a number of effective herbal remedies; menopause relief (even in a jar!) is available. And, most health care professionals recommend specific vitamins for menopause health, when used in conjunction with a healthy, well-balanced diet and regular exercise. You may wonder why exercise is so important. You may think that if you take a calcium supplement you are protected from osteoporosis (a weakening and thinning of the bones), even if you do not exercise regularly. If you think this way, then you are wrong. Certain activities (or lack of activity, in this case) and substances have a canceling effect on vitamins and minerals. Lack of exercise cancels out the positive benefits of calcium supplementation.

The commonly recommended minerals, dietary supplements and vitamins for menopause or the years leading up to menopause are calcium, vitamin A, C, D, E, K, B-complex, iron, manganese, magnesium, phosphorous, zinc, potassium, fiber, isoflavones and phytoestrogens.

Isoflavones are actually a well-researched form of phytoestrogens, but are sometimes listed separately. Phytoestrogens are simply plant compounds that have an "estrogen-like" effect on the body. Lessening levels of estrogen in a woman's body are believed to cause both PMS and menopause related symptoms. The most common sources of isoflavones are soy and red clover. Soy, as you probably know, is a food. Red clover can usually be found under the heading "herbal remedies menopause", except in the case of the product mentioned above.

Dietary guidelines from the USDA recommend that people should get most of their vitamins and minerals from the food that they eat, but that in certain cases supplementation may be necessary. Specifically related to vitamins for menopause are the recommendations that people over the age of 50 should add B-complex and D supplements or foods that are fortified with these vitamins. Vitamin D is necessary for the body to efficiently absorb calcium, as is phosphorous, magnesium, manganese, iron and vitamin C.

When it comes to other products usually sold in the "herbal remedies menopause" section of your local drug store, black cohosh will almost certainly be there. It was used historically by Native Americans to correct hormonal imbalances. Scientific studies in the nineties and the following years confirmed that it was a safe and effective alternative to hormone replacement therapy. It is not always promoted or recommended by doctors, partly because the quality of the product that a patient may purchase cannot be controlled, partly because the safety of long term use is unknown, but mostly (I think) because most doctors know very little about herbs and other natural products. Example: An article written by a doctor for a popular medical website states in the first paragraph that isoflavones may be effective for relieving the symptoms of menopause. In the last paragraph she lists a number of herbal remedies, menopause treatments and vitamins that have little evidence to support their use. Among them is red clover, which is one of the best known sources of isoflavones.

Home Remedies For Vaginal Dryness - Effective and Safe Natural Treatment


When vagina is not properly lubricated then this condition is called vaginal dryness. Due to this problem lovemaking also becomes less pleasurable and our daily activities also become uncomfortable. It is most common during the period of menopause and it is also the common cause of painful sex. This problem is very common among the old women and it also affects the women of all ages.

Some of the common symptoms of vaginal dryness include itching, dryness, a feeling of pressure, pain or light bleeding with sex, irritation, burning and also pain or light bleeding with sex.

Vaginal discharge is caused by a variety of conditions. If exact cause of the vaginal dryness is known then it becomes easy to find out its exact solution. Some of the common causes are decreased in estrogen level which usually occurs during the period of menopause, chronic yeast infection, douching (a process of cleaning vagina with a liquid preparation as it causes an inflammation and also disrupts the chemical balance), vaginal bacterial infection, and certain medications for the problem like cancer, allergy, ulcer, blood pressure and antidepressant. The other cause of this problem includes vaginal trauma, sexually transmitted disease and also benign or malignant tumor.

Various treatments are available for this problem like skin patch, cream, oral supplements and also some home remedies. You can enjoy the lovemaking by the help of lubricants and moisturizers.

You must not use yoghurt, hand lotions, soaps, vinegar or bubble bath to get relief from the discomfort caused by the vaginal dryness. These products may not ease your problem but at the same time increase irritation and cause infection.

Home Remedies for Vaginal Dryness

1. Make a habit to drink 8-10 glasses of water per day as it will fight against the dryness of vagina.

2. For the lubrication of vagina, aloe vera gel, saffron, ashwagandha must be taken with the milk in right proportion. It is very effective remedy for reducing the problem of vaginal dryness. Aloe due to its valuable moisturizing properties keeps the female reproductive organs hydrated and youthful.

3. Take a glass of water and add a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds and allow it to boil for 10-15 minutes. It will keep our system healthy and also increases the libido of a person. It also maintains the level of blood sugar.

4. To treat the dryness herbal oils is another way to lubricate the vagina.

Herbs for Endometriosis Treatment - Essential Herbs To Control Endometriosis Symptoms


Endometriosis is a condition in which the endometrial cell grows and implants on other tissues other than the uterus. These implants can grow in any part of the body such as in the pelvis, fallopian tube, bladder, bowel and ovaries. In rare cases, they can also grow in the lungs, thorax and armpits. As in normal menstruation wherever these implants grow, they respond to hormonal changes and bleed. But when they grow in other parts of the body apart from the uterus, there is no exit for the blood to get out of the body and therefore they are trapped inside the tissue. This can cause severe pain as the blood dried up and form cysts.

For treating this health condition, doctors normally prescribe synthetic hormones, oestrogen, usually in the form of birth control pills. But this approach does not always produce the desired outcomes for certain groups of women that are taking this kind of medications. In some instances, there were reported cases of side effects by the women using these synthetic hormones.

Therefore, to treat this health condition, herbal remedy should also be considered. The reasons being that these herbs are readily available in most health stores, they are inexpensive and most importantly they do not cause any side effects. Certain medicinal herbs can be used to control the symptoms of this condition. Some of these herbs contain natural elements which are similar to the synthetic hormones used for treating endometriosis.

The followings are some of the herbs which can be used to control the symptoms of endometriosis;

1). Dandelion Tea

This herb is very important because it helps to suppress the pelvic pain normally experienced by those suffering from endometriosis.

2). Colic Root

This herb helps to suppress the pain originating from bowel movement. It also reduces the painful cramps associated with menstruation, particularly for women suffering from endometriosis.

3). Vites Agnus Castus

This particular herb performs multipurpose function. It helps to treat various kinds of reproductive problems in women, and also helps to reduce the pain and cramping symptoms that normally accompany endometriosis.

4). Black Cohosh

This herb can help with endometriosis. They are useful for maintaining the oestrogen level. This is a hormone which causes endometriosis when it is abnormally produced in the body.

5). Flaxseed

This herb is very rich in lignans which are believed to help control endometrial cancer.

In addition to herbs for endometriosis treatment, you should also maintain a proper intake of nutritional supplements such as vitamins B, C and E, zinc, iron, magnesium and folic acid. They can help to improve the symptoms of endometriosis.

Why Am I Having Allergies During Menopause?


Menopausal changes that occur during change of life have been linked to over 34 symptoms, some of which are quite unusual. Unlike the familiar menopausal symptoms of hot and cold flashes, heavy unusual sweating, irritability, mood swings, and lapses in memory, for example, many menopausal women are experiencing unexpected allergic reactions. And so, instead of seeking relief from the predictable symptoms, some women find themselves asking, "Why am I having allergies during menopause?

Change of Life Reactions to Substances And Pollens

Allergy is described by Webster's Dictionary as, "Abnormal or pathological reaction to environmental substances as pollens, foods, dust, or microorganisms." Pollen is described as, "Dustlike, usually yellow grains containing the male reproductive cells of flowering plants." Many people, especially children may suffer from various reactions to pollens. However, for many women, any substance during menopause is their first encounter.

Reacting to various substances during change of life is of great concern to the women who are affected. Some of the frequently reported symptoms include: bouts of severe hay fever that present like the common cold; reactions from various foods, fragrances and or perfumes; and asthmatic attacks. I was surprised when a close friend recently told me that her doctor prescribed "an Asthma-pump" for her. With further inquiry, she revealed being thrown in a quandary when she developed frequent bouts of asthma. She said no one in her family has asthma, and she had no prior history herself. However, after many years of being menopausal, she had several frightening experiences with difficulty breathing; tightening in her chest; and wheezing. After various potions and remedies, she was referred to a Pulmonary Specialist who has been added to her list of doctors.

Another acquaintance related a similar story of developing unusual skin reactions during change of life. After months of being menopausal, she reported breaking out in hives and itchy skin on several occasions. Concerned, she visited several doctors, and finally, an Allergist, who determined that her reaction was to fish. The doctor informed her that these reactions during change of life were becoming quite common; and that her skin condition was due to the fish with a hormone-menopause connection. Her avoidance of fish has relieved her symptoms.

The Allergy-hormone Connection

Some women might never experience allergies during menopause. However, for women who do, they can be assured that although the symptoms might be subtle and challenging to diagnose, many doctors are making the connections between these unusual hormonal responses change of life. Women are therefore being encouraged that a visit to the doctor should not be rushed. Time should be spent to explain to the doctor (a) any physical, mental, or lifestyle changes that occurred since her last visit (b) all symptoms being experienced - no matter how mild (c) ask what the doctor thinks might be causing the changes (d) if the doctor suggests treatment, ask for explanations and for alternate treatments (e) explain any past, present and family history that might be related to the allergies. The information you provide your doctor might assist in making a connection between the possible causes of your allergies during menopause.

How to Overcome Male Menopause - Andropause - Naturally


Just like women, men experience hormonal changes as they age. While not every man experiences something akin to menopause in women, all men to begin to experience a decline in testosterone levels beginning in their 30s. This decline can be as much as 10% for each decade of age. There are effects from this decline which go far beyond the well known effects on the libido which a lack of testosterone can cause. Testosterone also influences bone density and metabolism - the decline in testosterone in men as they age corresponds with a decrease in metabolic rate and resulting tendencies toward weight gain.

This drop in hormonal levels has been known for some time, but no solutions were available for the problem until recently. Instead, research has gone on into treatments for erectile dysfunction and other sexual health issues linked to this decline. The prescription drugs available for the treatment of these sexual health problems tend to fix only the symptoms rather than the underlying cause. There are alternatives which can treat the problem naturally by encouraging the body to increase its own testosterone production.

As a younger man, your body largely takes care of itself; but as you get older, you have to put in some effort to stay in good health. A healthy diet, getting plenty of sleep and engaging in regular exercise can go a long way towards restoring your testosterone levels and improving your overall health. You can also use natural dietary supplements like Provacyl to help. Provacyl is made from natural herbal extracts and nutrients which are formulated to promote testosterone production and overall male health. It's made from only natural ingredients and has no side effects and is available without a prescription.

Provacyl contains ingredients like gingko biloba to increase circulation, Muira Puama to promote testosterone production, DHEA and ingredients which encourage production of human growth hormone to increase metabolism and promote the building of new tissue.

Monday, August 5, 2013

Homeopathic Remedies For The Treatment Of Menopause Symptoms


Homeopathic medicines have long been used for the treatment of menopause symptoms and it has been proved to be useful in curing them too. This is because homeopathy treatment is not based on the medical condition but on the symptoms that an individual has and thus the medicines have better effect than those which are found over the counter.

Here are some of the homeopathic medicines which would be beneficial for you if you are suffering from the menopausal symptoms.

Calcarea Carbonica - This is a homeopathic medicine that is recommended for menopause which is accompanied with night sweats and hot flashes. It is often seen that women who suffer from these symptoms also suffer from a feeling of chilly. This medicine is also recommended for women who suffer from the problems of heavy flow as soon as they approach the stage of menopause. It is also accompanied with leg cramps. Those of you who suffer from a feeling of fatigue or anxiety along with heavy flow before menopause this medicine will also be helpful to you.

Lachesis - It is another good homeopathic remedy for menopausal symptoms. It works best if you are suffering from the menopausal symptoms of severe headaches, or insomnia. Even if you are suffering from problems such as memory loss, erratic thinking, anxiety and problems of concentration, then also you can try out this remedy. It is also good if you are suffering from the problems of heart palpitations which might worsen when you are lying on your left side. It can also increase the libido in women.

Oophorinum - It is another homeopathic medicine that works well for related symptoms. But this is a medicine that is suggested to women only when they have induced menopause, which is caused by the surgical removal of ovaries. Therefore this medicine should be used by women who have their ovaries removed and have the problem of hot flashes constantly.

Sepia - It is another good homeopathic medicine for the menopausal problems. If you have bouts of hysterical tendencies, then this medicine is recommended to you. It is also good if you are suffering from other menopausal problems such as agoraphobia which is the fear of going out and the fear of meeting with friends. It is even useful for those who are feeling claustrophobic or suffer from poor memory and become irritable or over sensitive during menopause.

Another good remedy is the Natrum Muriaticum. This is beneficial for menopausal dryness, vaginal pain and vaginal thinning. It is also recommended for excessive and heavy flooding before menopause. If you are suffering from a fear of rejection or abandonment and betrayal then also this medicine can help.