Coping Up With Depression During Menopause

If there were one disease caused by biological factors that is very hard to deal with, it would be depression. Depression or the condition of feeling sad or despondent-characterized by an inability to concentrate, insomnia, and feelings of extreme sadness, dejection, melancholy, and hopelessness-is one of the visible symptoms of menopause especially for women.

Caused by the dropping of serotonin-a hormone in the brain that regulates a person's mood-levels, depression has been linked to menopause because it has been observed that women who are on the verge of this phase experience intense mood fluctuations and severe episodes of sadness and confusion.

Experts say that depression is normal for menopausal women but it should be addressed properly so it wouldn't lead to more serious health, emotional, and behavioral problems.

UNDERSTANDING DEPRESSION DURING MENOPAUSE

Studies show that 8 to 15 percent of menopausal women experience depression. Experts say that the end of menstruation or menopause triggers episodes of depression and sadness in most women because of drastic hormonal changes that are left unsettled or not addressed.

Various researches prove that women who have a history of mood disorders, those who have been depressed before-especially during 20s, those who have underwent surgical or operational procedures, those who are smoking, dealing with so many children, or those who have work that causes a lot of stress are more likely to develop depression during menopause.

Symptoms of depression during menopause include sleeping disorders, hot flushes, loss of energy or fatigue, irritability, anxiety, excessive feeling of guilt or worthlessness, difficulty in concentrating or confusion, decreased interest or pleasure in activities, drastic change in appetite, and two or more weeks of depressed mood that may lead to extreme restlessness and suicidal tendencies.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Although depression is a natural occurrence during menopausal years, experts say that this should not be neglected because it can lead to more episodes of fluctuating moods and physical implications.

Although it is hard to deal with because it involves emotional and hormonal factors, medical authorities agree that depression is treatable when addressed properly. Here are some suggestions and treatment options that can help you cope up with depression during menopause:

1. Consider depression treatments and medications. Seeking help if you are suffering from depression during menopausal years is the first step in curing the "disease." Today, there are actually many effective and well-tolerated medications available depending on your need. Being an essential part of treating depression, antidepressant medications such as Selected Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) help to increase the amount of serotonin in the brain.

Aside from antidepressants, therapies such as Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and Estrogen Therapy can help in especially in early menopausal stages. Before taking in any of these, make sure that you have consulted your physician first so you can discuss the risks and benefits of such treatments and medications. Psychotherapy is also one effective way to combat menopausal depression.

With the help of trained social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists, you can learn how to cope up with the negative feelings over menopausal years. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT that teaches better ways of thinking and behaving and Interpersonal Therapy or IPT that helps the person communicate more effectively are available for you.

2. Schedule for a physical examination. As women grown older, physical changes emerge that lead to physical health problems. Getting a thorough physical examination is one way to know if you are about to experience any physical ailments caused by depressive symptoms.

3. Try out alternative medicines, herbal therapies or remedies, and dietary supplements. Organic and herbal medications have grown popular the years for its healing properties. Today, the most popular herb used to cure depression is St John's Wort because it can help reduce effects of estrogen fluctuations.

Although many people attest to its effects, there have been no scientific studies that support the effectivity and safety of this alternative medicine. Before trying any of these herbal or organic products, make sure you inform your physician so further damage can be avoided especially if you are under any monitored medication.

4. Engage in physical activities or regular exercise. Experts agree that exercise helps treat depression by releasing your body's mood-elevating hormones that leads to a feeling of accomplishment and enhanced self-esteem.

5. Start changing your diet. Dietary changes like eating a well balanced diet and regularly scheduled meals are known to help a lot in managing depression.

Herbal Supplements For Perimenopause - Hot Flashes and Night Sweats

Perimenopause marks the interval of time in which a woman's body begins to make its transition into menopause. Perimenopause encompasses the years leading up to menopause - anywhere from two to eight years - plus the first year after a woman's final period. This entire process is a natural part of aging and signals the end of a woman's reproductive cycle.

Herbal supplements for perimenopause can ameliorate some of the more niggling or even debilitating associative perimenopause symptoms. During this period, a woman's estrogen levels rise and fall.

Herbal supplements for perimenopause can help to balance hormones. Ordinarily, the menstrual cycle may lengthen or shorten or a woman may begin to menstruate but not ovulate, during perimenopause. It's only during cycles when a woman does ovulate that she can become pregnant. Herbal supplements for perimenopause can be an important component to overall health during this time period.

The time at which perimenopause starts and how long it lasts, varies by individual. To start, a woman would typically notice signs of impending menopause, such as menstrual irregularity, sometime in their 40s. However, some women may notice changes as early as their mid-30s. Herbal supplements for perimenopause can help during this transition phase.

Herbal supplements for perimenopause are gaining in popularity not only because they help to relieve symptoms associated with perimenopause and balance hormones, but also due to the fact that they have been shown to be far safer and often just as effective as HRT (hormone replacement therapy).

Since its first appearance in the 1960's HRT became (almost overnight) the number one treatment plan for women suffering from symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause. In the case of perimenpausal patients, this included women with uneven or irregular periods (spotting). In the case of menopausal patients, these patients no longer had menstrual cycles.

Perimenopausal and menopausal women can present identical symptoms. These include (but are not limited to) hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, heart palpitations, moodiness, insomnia, reduced sexual drive, abdominal weight gain, drying skin, and hair loss or abnormal unwanted hair growth. Herbal supplements for perimenopause have been known to reduce, or in some cases, totally eliminate the symptoms associated with perimenopause and/or menopause.

In the decades following the introduction of HRT, copious amounts of scientific research has overwhelming identifying the horrifying risks associated with this type of treatment plan. Among the common risks associated with HRT are heart disease and various insidious types of cancer. A move toward herbal supplements for perimenopause is a move away from the high and uncertain risks associated with HRT.

In droves, women are rethinking traditional medicine and migrating toward herbal supplements for perimenopause.

The sales of herbal supplements for perimenopause have skyrocketed in recent years. Rather than being goaded into high-risk treatment plans pushed by corporately owned (for profit) medical entities, many women are leading the charge away from high risk treatment plans and towards effective low-risk alternatives. Herbal supplements for perimenopause are a big part of the change.

As overall health care costs continue to escalate due to technological advancements in equipment and treatment plans, some women are applying the brakes, taking charge of their own health care and administering "old-school" treatments to an age-old problem. Herbal supplements for perimenopause are a big part this "old/new again" type thinking.

Taking charge and perception are a big part of well being. Knowing in advance the very high disease risks and side effects of HRT prior to and especially during treatment, add a tremendous amount of undo and needless stress to the process. Everyone no doubt agrees that it is highly counterproductive and nearly counterintuitive to add extreme stress to any healing process.

Women who take charge of their own health regimen can immediately eliminate this type of stress from their lives. This, coupled with the additional of herbal supplements for perimenopause can go a long way toward maintaining a safe and effective alternate treatment plan.

In addition to the tremendous short and long term health care costs that can be realized by opting for herbal supplements for perimenopause, the actual overall health benefits can be tremendous as well.

Not unlike chemotherapy, HRT can put undue stress on other bodily organs and systems, other than the endometrial. Heart, liver and kidney function can also be affected (even short term) by HRT. Wouldn't it be better to consider an overall health plan that included safe and effective herbal supplements for perimenopause?

FemFlax is an all natural plant based supplement that can be added to any perimenopause and menopause symptom management treatment plan. The active ingredients have been in vivo tested to be safe and effective antigens toward common symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause, including hot flashes and night sweats.

How Can You Avoid Early Menopause?

If you are like me and most other women, then you absolutely love the idea of never having your period again! However, menopause means much more than simply not getting a period anymore. Unfortunately, some women experience an early onset of menopause. When this occurs, generally it's due to one of the three reasons listed below.

Regardless of which reason it is, the symptoms associated with early menopause are similar to those experienced during normal menopause.

Premature Ovarian Failure

One of the most prevalent causes of early menopause is premature ovarian failure. This generally results from an autoimmune disorder, which involves the immune system attacking itself. In this case, you body is under the impression that your immune system is a disease and orders antibodies to fight against it.

In some instances, these antibodies may be directed to fight the reproductive system. Early menopause can result in this case because the ovaries are at risk for getting damaged severely. If this occurs, the ovaries will not work properly and therefore lead to menopause.

Surgery

Also, reproductive system surgery can lead to early menopause. For instance, the removal of your ovaries will obviously cause early menopause. You will also experience it if you get a complete hysterectomy, or even a partial one.

One of the major downfalls with early menopause resulting from surgery is that it can be much more severe than normal menopause. This is due to the fact that everything happens all at once, instead of there being a steady reduction of hormones.

Even if your ovaries remain intact during a hysterectomy, women are still subjected to the possibility of premature menopause. This can happen when ovaries are often damaged during an operation on the reproductive system.

Once they are damaged, they will no longer function the way they are supposed to following the surgery. Tubal ligation is another surgery than can also lead to it.

Chemically Induced Early Menopause

Chemically induced menopause is another cause. Ovaries can be damaged severely during chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Menstruation may only stop for some women when the chemical treatments are being done. However, even if a woman's menstrual cycle comes back, the ovaries often times are damaged too much resulting in infertility.

When estrogen production is blocked due to cancer treatments, particularly for breast cancer, premature menopause can occur. Unfortunately, these treatments are necessary most of the time in order for people to overcome cancer.

Early Menopause Symptoms - Find Out What Are They And How You Can Deal With Them

Unlike in the earlier days, younger women are facing the symptoms of menopause. This may create a crisis of confidence in their minds. This problem has become common perhaps because of the drastic changes in their lifestyle. These menopause symptoms may occur due to several other reasons also.

These symptoms are indications that a change in the menstrual cycle or cessation of menstrual cycle is imminent. Menopause is a major physical change that occurs in the body of every woman around the age of fifty. But, since these symptoms are occurring in younger women also, they should know what these symptoms are.

The general symptoms are significant changes in the menstrual cycle, irritability, hot flashes, mood swings, sleeplessness, hormonal changes that may lead to increase in body hair, weight gain and so on.

Apart from reasons like genetics and illness, the foremost reason for early menopause is the reduced presence of estrogen in the body. Research is still going on to find out the exact reasons this is occurring in younger women. This problem may be the reason for some younger women not being able to conceive.

There are some hormone therapies that may work for a few women to combat early menopause symptoms. The problem is that no one knows exactly why some women are entering menopause earlier than normal. Some doctors prescribe certain drugs to reduce the problems created by these early symptoms.

You also have a few traditional treatments such as hormone and estrogen replacement therapies and a treatment combining both the therapies of estrogen and progesterone. These traditional treatments are done by administering pills, patches, injections and creams.

Your doctor is the right person to decide the treatment that should be given to you to help with the effects of early menopause symptoms. But you need not worry because these treatments will in no way affect your routine life.

Night Sweats - Causes and Treatments

If you believe you are suffering from night sweats, try not to be overly concerned. Most folks experience sleep hyperhidrosis at some point in their lives and in most cases it isn't the sign of anything more serious. But what are the causes? And then, what are the treatments?

In fact, many people who complain about night sweats aren't actually experiencing them. Sleep hyperhidrosis, as it is known medically, is when you experience distinct and drenching perspiration while you sleep. A little dampness on the brow during warm weather isn't really night sweating. Waking with your clothes or sheets soaking is.

This kind of perspiration while sleeping can occur regardless of the temperature in your sleeping environment. In fact, a recent study indicated that nearly 50% of people who complain to their doctors about suffering from sweats at night weren't actually experiencing them.

Night Sweats Causes

Perhaps the most frequent cause of sweating at night is menopause in older women. Hot flashes are one of the most infamous and frustrating symptoms of menopause, and the hormonal changes that causes hot flashes are often the root of sleep hyperhidrosis in older women.

Another common clinical cause of night sweats is an infection. When the human body is fighting off any kind of infection, it tends to raises your core temperature to help in the fight. Tuberculosis in particular is well-known to be associated with sweating at night.

Some more serious conditions that may lead to sweats while asleep include cancer and AIDS. However, please don't panic when you read this, as this is very rare and unlikely. You should always follow-up with a medical professional, but don't read something on the Internet and assume the worst.

Many medications list night sweats as a side-effect. A couple of the most common culprits are antidepressants and antipyretics. Antipyretics are fever reducers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and aspirin.

Night Sweats Treatments

To effectively treat your night perspiration symptoms, you first need to stand back and take a good like at your lifestyle. What could be triggering your sweating at night and what you can change to stop those triggers?

Is your sleeping environment too warm? Can you lower the thermostat or get a ceiling fan? Are you eating too many fatty foods or spicy foods during the day? Are you eating too close to bedtime? Are you drinking beverages with alcohol in the evening? All these things could cause you to experience night sweating, so where can you make adjustments?

The most direct and simple way to reduce your night sweats is to reduce your overall stress level and adhere to a healthier diet. Believe it or not, even exercising can help minimize night sweating. Just be sure to exercise early in the day and not near to when you want to hit the sack.

The most important point, however, is that if you are suffering from consistent soaking sweats while asleep, you really should consult your doctor. He or she can examine you for any underlying causes or conditions. So be proactive about addressing your sleep hyperhidrosis so you can get a better night's rest and move forward with a more positive and energetic life.

Age of Early Menopause - Is Forty the Magic Number?

The average age of menopause in the United States is fifty one, but some women go through what is called premature menopause. This is when a woman goes through menopause before the age of forty due to genetics, illness, or medical procedure.

Whether it is natural or because of surgery, it is still considered early menopause.

The symptoms of premature menopause are similar to those of natural menopause, they just occur earlier. Some of these symptoms are irregular or missed periods, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, bladder irritability, emotional changes, trouble sleeping and decreased sex drive.

If you think you are experiencing premature menopause, it is a good idea to see your doctor to make sure something else isn't going on. There are two simple tests your doctor may perform to see whether you are in menopause or not.

One is a blood test to determine if you have low levels of estradiol. Estradiol is a form of estrogen, so when the ovaries begin to shut down there is less of it in the body. When the levels of estradiol in your body are below thirty six, it can indicate that you are going through menopause. This isn't a surefire test, however, because estrogen levels vary from woman to woman.

Another blood test your doctor may do will measure how much follicle stimulating hormone, or FSH, is in your body. FSH is what causes your ovaries to produce estrogen, so when the ovaries shut down FSH levels rise. If levels are above thirty or forty, it is highly likely that you are in menopause.

Although premature menopause has most of the same symptoms as natural menopause, women who experience it under forty often feel the effects much more strongly. This is mainly because the majority of women who experience premature menopause are surgically menopausal.

Instead of the gradual decline of estrogen of natural menopause, these women experience a sudden cut off of estrogen supply. This often makes their symptoms much more severe.

In one doctor's practice, ninety percent of surgically menopausal women had severe symptoms that lasted an average of 8.5 years. Only 15% of naturally menopausal women, on the other hand, experience severe symptoms. Most of these women will only be affected by the symptoms for two years, during the time their period is stopping for good.

3 Effective Ways to Treat Hair Loss, Including Estrogen Therapy

There are various reasons why men and women suffer with excessive hair loss. All of these causes can be put into two basic categories which are physical and psychological.

Physical Causes

For the most part, hormone imbalance is the main cause for hair loss. Most people are aware that testosterone is the hormone that produces hair for their body. DHT is a deriver of testosterone which makes testosterone have the opposite effect on hair growth. It effects hair growth on certain parts of the body with the head being the main area affected. Estrogen is the hormone that controls DHT, making it possible to reverse its effects.

Younger women have the perfect balance of testosterone and estrogen which helps to keep DHT controlled. When they reach menopause, their estrogen levels become unbalanced. This causes some women to suffer with hair loss. One of the most effective ways to treat this is with hormone balancing with estrogen.

Psychological Causes

It has been found that many people who suffer with emotional instability also suffer with excessive hair loss issues. When there is a great deal of stress put on one's body, it causes it to react by losing hair in large amounts. You will see this happen in people that get involved with fad diets. This is due to the body being shocked from losing weight so rapidly and being deprived of essential nutrients. You will also see hair loss problems in those who suffer with various types of psychological disorders.

Treatment for Hair Loss from Physical Causes

As mentioned above, hormone balancing is one of the best ways to treat hair loss caused by physical issues. Estrogen, progesterone and testosterone are very important hormones for women. If the levels of any of these hormones are off balance, it can affect the entire body. Hormones that are not balanced properly can cause people to suffer with mood swings as well as hair loss or thinning hair. Estrogen levels are the most important to maintain as they can cause such problems as decreased sex drive, menopause and even infertility.

Treatment for Hair Loss from Psychological Causes

One of the main ways to treat hair loss that is caused by psychological issues is to work on those issues. For instance, if you are overworked, you should find ways to lesson your work load or change your hours so that you are not overwhelmed with your job. If you are dealing with stress from a recent event, you may want to seek out therapy options. This will help you to deal with the feelings so that you will learn how to deal with the stress.

Most doctors prefer to combine both physical and psychological treatments in order to get the most benefits. This would include therapy as well as an exercise program. Many people find that if they balance out their life and learn how to deal with stress, their hair loss problems are manageable. If you suffer with hair loss due to a rare psychological disorder, you should seek the advice of a psychiatrist.

Changing your Lifestyle to Treat Anxiety

As mentioned above, you will need to make some changes in your life style such as the hours you work or the amount of time you spend helping others. Some people find this option difficult as it can be hard to make so many changes. This is generally why they look to medicinal ways to treat their hair loss.

Alternative Medicine

When it comes to alternative medicine you will find that there are 2 kinds of herbal supplements that are used for hair loss. The first ones are made from phytoestrogenic herbs which are much like estrogens. These work well to increase ones levels of estrogen as they work to actually replace the lost estrogen. The trouble with this treatment is that your own body will start to produce less and less estrogen. Your body will become dependent on the herbal supplements and won't have the need to make its own estrogen.

The second kind of herbal medicine is non-estrogenic herbs. This means that they do not have any estrogen but they do work to help the body in other ways. These herbs will feed the persons hormonal glands which help them to work much better. All hormones in the body including estrogen will balance out easily with this type of alternative medicine. This is considered by many to be the best types of treatment for all types of hair loss. Not only does it help correct the problem it is also safe with no side effects to worry about.

Conclusion

In Conclusion, if you suffer with hair loss problems, you need to first find out what is causing it. Once you find the source of the problem, you can then figure out which type of treatment is best. You will need to see if your problem is physical, psychological or both. Take a look at your life style and see what changes you can make to help balance your life out.

It is always good to work in some type of exercise program as this will help to keep your body healthy and functioning as its best. There are plenty of hormone replacement therapy options including those that are all natural alternative medications. It is best to talk with your doctor so that you can see which type of treatment is best. The type of treatment you have will depend on your personal situation.

Hormone Imbalance in Women - Symptoms and Treatment of Hormone Imbalance and Menopause in Women

Hormone imbalance is an expression which indicates that something is wrong with a gland. Estrogen and progesterone are two female hormones that exist delicately in the body. Any disparity in the balance between the two can have a real bad effect on your health, thus resulting in hormone imbalance in your body.

Normally in monthly periods cycle, estrogen production taken place for first 10 days and then ovulation tells our body to produce progesterone. This way there is no disparity, but if there is no ovulation, then there would be an inequity between the two as progesterone is only produced with ovulation.

Here are some Symptoms of Hormone Imbalance and Menopause in Women:

· Depression

· Headache And Fatigue

· Fibrocystic Breasts

· Weight Gain

· Hormonal discrepancy reduces Or lowers down sex drive

· Irregular Periods

· Allergy symptoms are also discovered in some women

· Hair Loss And Mood Swings

· PMS

· Urinary Infections

· Water Retention

· Osteoporosis And Bloating

Treatment Of Hormone Imbalance And Menopause In Women:

1. Most importantly you need to create a balance between both the hormones to get rid of hormone imbalances. You can use natural progesterone creams consulting your doctor. These supplements are totally natural and have no side effects. After 3-4 months you will notice that your body is coming to its normal stage and menopause will again become regular.

2. Acupuncture is one of the safest treatment for fighting hormone imbalance and menopause. In this process thin needles are inserted into the body at several points. But this process is not easy; you need to find a high level practitioner and is also costly.

3. Herbal herbs are again very safe in treating hormonal inequity. There are 2 types of natural herbs; phytoestrogen and non-estrogenic. All these herbs have plants components are do not have any side effects. But taking herbal hers is not the best treatment for menopause. Though they fulfill the variations between the two hormones, but since you are taking hormones from outside your body, your body may get adapted to this. Your body may become less productive and there may be a decrease in the natural hormones that a women's body produces.

Vaginal Dryness Can Happen During Menopause - 6 Secrets to Relieve It

Many women feel vaginal dryness during menopause due to the thinning of the mucus membranes and the loss of elasticity in the walls of the vagina. The reduction in the production of estrogen in the ovaries may cause the thinning of the vaginal lining. This, in itself, does not cause any problems, unless the lining of the vagina becomes inflamed and dry; then it is painful.

Vaginal dryness is medically known as 'atrophic vaginitis,' and it sounds like a disease, though it is not. It can be overcome with simple remedies, such as, a good nutritional program during your menopause. This is an excellent way of preventing your vagina from becoming dry and thin. Other solutions to the problem are the estrogen replacement creams, tri-estrogen cream or triple estrogen cream, and pills that your doctor can prescribe. Certain Over-The-Counter (OTC) vaginal lubricants could be helpful too. Applying Vitamin E oil helps hydrating the vaginal membranes.

If you are on medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants or other drugs with drying potential, these can cause drying of the mucous membranes, aggravating the problem. Doctors suggest a perineal wash (area between the posterior vulva junction and the anus in females) once a day. Women need to rinse the vulvar region (the external genital organs of the female, including the labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, and entrance of the vagina) with plain water. Opening the labia gently with one hand, water is either sprayed from a squirt bottle or poured gently from a square container.

Menopause, Vaginal Dryness and Sex

Though menopause is nature's contraceptive, women need to wait at least a year before giving up on contraceptives.

During Peri-menopause, the period leading to menopause, the sexual desire gets diminishes often. The thinning of the genital membranes and vaginal dryness often lead to discomfort during masturbation and sexual intercourse.

Women who have infrequent intercourse could gently stretch the vaginal tissues by inserting a couple of fingers in the vagina during bath. This may prevent vaginismus, a muscular contraction causing the vagina to close, and pain on penetration. Maintaining regular sexual activity, and/or masturbation will help. To aid vaginal lubrication, which is delayed with age, women can ask their partners to prolong foreplay. This could make penetration easy and comfortable.

Treating Thinning of Membranes and Vaginal Dryness

繚 Start with drinking 2 liters of water and herbal tea every day.

繚 Consumption of soybean stimulates estrogen production, leading to elimination of vaginal dryness in many women.

繚 Adding canola, olive, sunflower, or soybean oil to your diet will add lubrication to your body.

繚 Doctors suggest applying intra-vaginally, natural progesterone cream once a day.

繚 In doses of 200 IU at a time, take 600 to 800 IU of Vitamin E daily. Vitamin E is contra-indicated for hypertension, diabetes or a rheumatic heart. You will need to consult your doctor.

繚 One effective way of easing vaginal dryness is to insert a Vitamin E capsule intra-vaginally.

Effective Herbal Remedies for Irregular Menstruation, Menstrual Cycle

Irregular menstruation can rise from a number of causes. Normally, the menstrual cycle of a woman occurs within an interval of 25-31 days. The period can be extended or shortened occasionally due to minor hormonal imbalances. In case of frequent irregularity in the cycle, like missing periods for months (other than pregnancy), periods occurring within very short intervals or extending for more than a week and heavy bleeding, one should seek proper medical consultation. It is commonly observed in women approaching menopause, and the condition is attributed to severe hormonal fluctuations of the body. Other physiological disorders may also result in irregular menstrual cycles.

Symptoms

1. Frequent alterations in the time period of menstruation.
2. Missing periods for months.
3. Heavy bleeding continuing for more than a week.

Causes

1. Hormonal imbalances in the body.
2. Cysts or tumors in the ovary
3. Approaching menopause
4. Over exercise
5. Taking contraceptive pills or hormonal tablets.

Herbal Remedies for Irregular Menstrual Cycle

Herbs are very useful in treating irregular menstrual cycles. One can regularize the cycle by following the simple and effective herbal remedies.

1. The herb Parsley is very effective in treating irregular menstrual cycles. Consuming a mixture of juices from parsley, carrot, beet and cucumber helps in normalizing the menses.

2. Tea made from fresh or dried Parsley leaves is equally beneficial in treating irregular menstrual cycles. Add 2 teaspoonfuls of parsley leaves in boiled water and keep it for half an hour. Strain the mixture and it is ready for drinking.

3. Asafetida is another popular herbal ingredient used to treat this disorder. A small amount of asafetida is fried in ghee and taken along with goat milk adding little honey. This is a very effective remedy to treat irregular periods.

4. Extract from the bark of Ashoka tree is very effective in controlling the menses. It stimulates the uterine walls and helps in normalizing the menstrual cycle.

5. Leaves of bamboo are often prescribed to regularize the menstruation flow.

6. The Chinese herb "Dong Quai", popularly known as "female ginseng" is very effective in regularizing the menstrual flow. The herb is also beneficial in treating various symptoms of menopause.

7. Drinking Aloe Vera juice is another effective herbal remedy for irregular menstrual cycles. It controls heavy bleeding and regularizes the missed periods.

8. Drinking a decoction of ginger adding little honey is also beneficial in normalizing cycles.

9. Decoction of chicory seeds is very effective in normalizing menstrual flow in case of missed periods.

Conquering Night Sweats - Sleep Hyperhidrosis and You

Night sweats catalyze a series of problems which lead to less energy and poor health. Often times the root of the night sweats is not too serious, but the accumulated problems resulting from poor and dehydrated sleep become serious anyways. And then sometimes, the root of your night sweating is serious.

Night sweats, clinically defined as sleep hyperhidrosis, is any drenching perspiration occurring at night or while asleep. It is important to recognize that many more people think they suffer from real night sweating than really do. It is not unusual for a healthy person to perspire a little when they sleep, especially if they are sleeping in a warm environment. In general, cooler temperatures than we accept for living day-to-day are considered healthier for sleeping.

True night sweats involve a real drenching kind of perspiration. It involves the kind of heat that requires you change clothing or change sheets. It is also fairly sudden and fluctuating, hence the association with hot flashes.

There are many causes of sleep hyperhidrosis, from alcohol and drugs to stress and psychological issues. Probably the most common cause of sleep hyperhidrosis is menopause. But men also experience a hormonal shift that can cause night sweat.

However, serious conditions can also lead to night sweating, like diabetes, infectious diseases and cancer. So if you are experiencing abrupt and intense fluctuations of body temperature in the middle of the night and you frequently need to change clothes or sheets, please see your doctor immediately.

Treatments for night sweats can be difficult to define in a single article because often the best treatment is to treat the underlying cause of this damp, irritating symptom. Some natural treatments include iced peppermint tea (with real peppermint) and black cohosh (particularly for women enduring menopause. Some common sense treatments which are broadly applicable include pouring cool water over key junctions of your circular system, like your wrists, and wearing wicking pajamas.

I hope this provided you with a basic foundation for how to consider your night sweats.

Detecting Menopause - Hormone Levels and Blood Test Explained

Menopause is one of the most feared times during most women's lives, and something that almost every woman begins to worry about as she approaches her forties. During the early forties, some women begin to become preoccupied with looking for the early signs and symptoms of the hormonal shifts that cause menopause, as they focus increasingly on what they perceive to be the end of their life as a fully-functioning woman.

Much of this preoccupation occurs as a result of misinformation, making it all the more critical that every woman understand the methods used for detecting menopause, including the role hormone levels and blood tests play in that process.

If you think that you may be experiencing the first signs of menopause, one way to know for sure is to have your physician test your hormone levels. When menopause approaches, your glands produce less progesterone as they begin the process of shutting down your reproductive capacity. One good method for involves measuring hormone levels to determine if there is an abnormally large amount of estrogen being produced.

When progesterone is not present in sufficient quantity to counteract the effects of estrogen, unexplained weight gains, sleeplessness, and mood swings can result, along with other symptoms. Your physician can use measurements of your hormone levels for not only detecting menopause, but also eliminating the possibility of other ailments.

The best way for detecting menopause is by measuring hormone levels with a blood test. Many times, changes in the menstrual cycle may cause confusion and fear in women during the years preceding the onset of menopause. Measuring hormone levels with a blood test becomes very important for the early detection of a host of hormonal imbalance issues, and deficiencies can be corrected with various forms of hormone replacement. Early signs and symptoms of menopause can often be minimized with these replacement therapies.

The process of detecting menopause by measuring hormone levels with a blood test is relatively simple and it is also one of the least invasive techniques that you can use. The real benefits can be seen in the early detection of menopause and other conditions, and the reduction in the need for painkillers and other medications when menopause is aggressively treated from its onset. Many women find themselves using these medications to treat the very real pain a discomfort that menopausal symptoms can cause. Early hormonal replacement techniques can help to avoid those complications.

For years, it has been commonly assumed that women should just accept the signs and symptoms of menopause, suffer in silence, and wait for the change to pass. By detecting it earlier than ever before through measurements of hormone levels with a blood test, physicians are now able to more aggressively treat the symptoms and provide a better quality of life for their female patients even during the stress of menopause.

Estrovera - Natural Menopausal Relief

Menopause is a very natural part of every woman's life and while it can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful, there are a number of products available to help treat and sometimes heal symptoms. Estrovera is designed as an alternative to Hormone Replacement Therapy and is said to treat symptoms such as excessive sweating, hot flashes, weight gain, fatigue and irritation, which are common symptoms of menopause. Since Estrovera is all natural, the symptoms can be relieved quickly and effectively without the side effects often associated with non natural treatments and hormone replacement therapies.

Estrovera is an extensively researched, natural approach for hot flash relief. It contains an exclusive phytoestrogen extract of rhapontic (Siberian) rhubarb root known as ERr 731簧that has been suggested to be comparable in effectiveness to an ultralow dose of conventional hormone therapies. This extract has also demonstrated significant reductions in other common menopausal symptoms and is effective in just 4 mg daily-with noticeable results in just 4 weeks.

Estrovera is clinically demonstrated to relieve a wide variety of menopausal symptoms, most notably, hot flashes. In addition, Estrovera may also help relieve; Sleep disturbances Poor mood, irritability, and anxiety, Physical and emotional exhaustion, Heart complaints (e.g., racing), Joint and muscle complaints, Urinary tract symptoms and Vaginal dryness and sexual problems

Phytonutrients are the key ingredients in Estrovera, and it has been found that they are very successful in easing symptoms of menopause. The main phytonutrient in Estrovera is Rhapontic Rhubarb extract which contains a compound called Err731. This works in a similar way to Estrogen, the female hormone that declines in production with age, bringing on Menopause. When used at its optimal dose of 4mg, as it is in Estrovera, most users should see an improvement of their symptoms within 4 weeks, although full results generally take up to 3 months.

Estrovera is manufactured by the Metagenics Company, which is established and extremely reputable. Also, advantageous is that there are no known side effects associated with taking Estrovera. It appears that Estrovera would be a good choice for those who experience some milder symptoms of Menopause. It is said to be most beneficial for hot flashes, and should be safe for long term use with no risk of unpleasant side effects.

It is recommended to take 1 tablet daily at breakfast with a glass of water. The tablet should be taken at the same time each day or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.

Menopause - How Do You Get Menopause Support?

Menopause support is the most important things a woman needs during menopause. That doesn't just mean medical care, which is important as well. It also means having the support while handling the huge changes during menopausal stage.

Many menopause symptoms are unpleasant and in certain cases, it can increase the risk of a woman's health, even if only temporarily. Every woman needs to feel and know she has the support from her loved ones during menopausal stage. The following is a few suggestions to relief the menopause symptoms.

Menopause Remedies

You need to learn about the various forms of menopause remedies, especially if you or your loved one is in the midst of menopause. It will give some support to the woman who experiences the menopause symptoms, if you are showing you care in this way. Menopause treatments can be natural menopause remedies and hormone-replacement therapy or nothing at all. Each woman's choices about her health care should be respected as they are different. By knowing about the options available to her, you are clearly showing your concern for her and compassion.

Patience From The Loved Ones

A woman who goes through menopause doesn't lose her ability to reason although all the myths floating around. There are certainly some menopause symptoms like mood swings that occur during menopausal stage. They are just like the ones women experience in the early stages of puberty.

More upsetting to must be the side effect of hot flashes. They can happen at any time, and it can be very embarrassing to the woman if happen in public. The kindest thing that you can do when hot flashes occur is to speak soothingly and give a cool cloth for the face and neck.

Continue To Enjoy Life

Finally, you should encourage the menopausal woman to continue to enjoy her favorite activities. Getting caught up in the emotional side of menopause symptoms is one of the worse things she can do. It is very important to continue to participate in favorite hobbies and spending time with loved ones during menopause.

You should keep providing emotional menopause support in any way you can. It is the best way to show you care about her. There are some menopause treatments that mention in our website, which can naturally control the side effects and menopause. Whether it normally occurs menopause or premature menopause, the lady in your life needs your support and love.

Perimenopause Periods

On average, American women reach menopause at age 51. Menopause is defined as a consecutive and uninterrupted time-span when a woman has not experienced a menstrual cycle for twelve months. Even if the woman in question were to have just a couple abbreviated spotty perimenopause periods within this time span, she must begin counting anew from the time of this (new) last period to be considered menopausal.

Menopause is not like a traffic light. Perimenopause periods do not abruptly stop at a given time, but gradually. The time span prior to menopause when periods can be spotty or irregular is referred to as perimenopause. Women usually experience perimenopause in their 40s.

In addition to spotty and irregular periods, many women also experience some of the physical symptoms commonly associated with menopause. These symptoms fortunately are not as severe or as chronic as the same or similar symptoms experienced during menopause.

Perimenopause is a naturally occurring event that every woman must face. As a woman ages her endrocrine system begins to fail as oestrogen and progesterone levels start to deplete. Again, perimenopause is a naturally occurring event and signifies the beginning of the end of a woman's reproductive years.

Though somewhat rare, a woman may still become pregnant during perimenopause. As long as a woman still has periods she has the capacity to become pregnant. There are quite a few methods of combating the symptoms associated with menopause, especially hot flashes and night sweats. Care should be given when considering certain over-the-counter or prescribed meds as they could interfere with the reproductive system. A woman needs to be certain beforehand if she is still wants to become pregnant or if anti-menopause symptom type drugs will inhibit possible pregnancy. A discussion with a primary physician or specialist should alleviate concerns on this topic.

Perimenopause periods are a normal part of a woman's life that comes with advanced age. A woman may present irregular or spotty periods or be plagued with minor menopause type symptoms, or both. However, a woman must present either one or the other to be considered perimenopausal. A woman with regular monthly periods, who exhibits no menopausal type symptoms or signs of hormone imbalance, is not perimenopausal.

Women who present moderate to severe menopause type symptoms may consider hormone replacement therapy (HRT). HRT traditionally introduces processed female oestrogens directly into the body in an effort to restore lost oestrogens and rebalance hormones. Some treatment plans also introduce progesterone in an effort to prevent endometrial cell build up.

Since its introduction in the mid-60s, HRT has come under severe criticism as HRT has been proven to have a direct link to elevated instances of heart disease, arterial disorders, and various types of uterine and endometrial cancers.

In spite of these alarming concerns, physicians still promote HRT as the top choice for treating menopause and perimenopause symptoms. However, some physicians have backed off a bit and now only recommend HRT for an abbreviated time period and many now only advise HRT for no longer than a six-month interval.

Unfortunately, women may experience perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms for ten years or more. Women who have been afforded a modicum of symptom relief during HRT find that hot flashes and night sweats return with a vengeance once treatments stop.

This begs the question; "If symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause can last for ten years or more and if HRT is only grudgingly recommended for a short six months, why even bother to begin HRT, especially when the elevated health risks are taken into account?" Perimenopause periods are neither a good thing nor a bad thing but rather a gradual downsizing of the female reproductive process.

In some parts of the world women of perimenopausal and menopausal age are revered for their knowledge and wisdom, especially in matriarchal societies. Unfortunately, Americans seem to have a real love affair with youth and attempting to retain youthful looks well into advanced years. Billions are spent annually in various efforts to maintain a youthful looking appearance. It is unfortunate that we as a society do not honor and embrace the natural aging process.

Women experiencing elevated physical symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause can take solace in the knowledge that safe and effective alternatives to HRT are available. Various types of holistic, herbal and plant based treatments and supplements are available to manage perimenopause and menopause symptoms, some hundreds of years old.

Sorting through the alternative menopause and perimenopause symptom treatment claims can be a daunting process as there is a certain level of natural skepticism associated with these remedies due to the lack of conclusive, supportive, and/or clinical evidence available in reference to the efficacy, safety, and effectiveness of the product described.

Personal research on perimenopause periods is the best tool for preparedness. Armed with a knowledge of the various types of treatment alternatives and research into the active ingredients can lay the groundwork for making the best choice.

Joint Pain Relief Through Natural Remedies and Herbal Treatments

Every individual is in the risk of having joint pains, be it due to aging or some other factors. Whatever may be the cause; it is very often unbearable and demand emergency treatment. Age related joint pains like arthritis must be controlled through proper medication and remedies to prevent crippling and disability of the body. Free movement is greatly impaired in acute cases of arthritis related joint pains with frustrations creeping in gradually. Women experience problem after menopause due to the drastic drop in the estrogen levels.

Knee, shoulders, back and hip joints are mostly affected due to aging whereas some may experience pains in the wrists, fingers, ankles and heels.

Symptoms

1. Swelling and inflammation followed by acute pain.
2. Redness and tenderness of the joints.

Causes

1. Due to wear and tear of the cartilage due to aging.
2. Autoimmune disease
3. Gout
4. Physical injuries
5. Infection at joints
6. Low hormonal levels in women after menopause.

Treatment

Apart from the usage of over the counter NSAID's and steroids, following treatments are of great help in providing relief from the this problem and that too without any serious side effects.

1. Exercises play a great role in reducing various types of pains, especially swimming. Swimming in a heated pool gives the best results.

2. Bathing with Epsom salt or magnesium sulfate. This particular compound has good anti-inflammatory properties which are well absorbed by the skin. About 40 minutes of bathing gives good results.

3. Massaging with a mixture of camphor oil, menthol and eucalyptus oil on the affected areas alleviates the pains.

4. Joint pains due to arthritis can be reduced by drinking few cups of green tea regularly. Green tea has special constituents that protect the cartilage from wearing out.

5. Elimination of certain foods like meat, beef which are high in protein helps in reducing this problem. The protein can be substituted by vegetables and fish.

6. Dairy products should be avoided excluding the low fat yoghurt.

7. Alcohol consumption must be stopped totally.

8. The herb Boswelia Serrata has high anti-inflammatory properties and enhances the blood circulation to the joints that helps in reducing the pains.

9. The roots of Ashwagandha are beneficial in treating Rheumatoid Arthritis.

10. Ginger roots are also used for this treatment, which prevents the production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes, which are responsible for this problem.

11. Women need sufficient dietary calcium supplements like low fat milk, yoghurt to prevent the weakening of bones and joint pains after menopause.

12. Application of turmeric and lime paste or drinking milk adding turmeric is a good remedy to alleviate joint pains.

13. Massage with Rumatone Gold oil give good relief.

The Effects of Menopause On Relationships

Do you sometimes think about the effects of menopause on your relationships? How the rapid mood swings, irritability, and other emotional symptoms are affecting your loved ones? What toll the lack of motivation and crashing fatigue is having on your family obligations?

You maybe have a husband or partner and children who have not yet left home. You've always been there for them.

Now, you feel too tired, depressed or irritated to do what you normally do to maintain your family's well-being. Your loved ones feel confused. They don't understand what's going on.

You too feel miserable, because you feel helpless to control these emotions. Yet, it is obvious that your nearest and dearest are suffering with you.

For couples,the effects of menopause can have far-reaching consequences.

The emotional and physical changes taking place in your body can have a significant effect on your intimate relationship.

The physical symptoms of menopause such as hair loss, dry skin or developing acne; and weight gain, make many women self-conscious about their appearance, even if this wasn't the case before.

Women who already suffer from issues of self-esteem are greatly affected and this is reflected in the way they approach issues of intimacy. Menopause symptoms such as vaginal dryness and loss of libido, can significantly affect one's intimate relationship.

If these changes are not understood and dealt with, communication breaks down; and silence and confusion take over, leaving the relationship at risk for infidelity, separation or divorce.

And, as if that wasn't bad enough, menopause occurs at an age in a woman's life when family structures are changing.

Children are becoming young adults, while parents are aging. Most likely you will face bereavement from the death of a parent during this phase.

It is also a time when you may have to face the prospects of retirement. All these concerns can contribute to stress and added strain on your relationships.

How To Protect Your Relationships Through Menopause

There is a way that you can protect your relationships from the effects of menopause.

Small adjustments in your overall outlook and daily routine should help you make it through the change of life with your relationships intact.

Below are some suggestions to help you make these adjustments:

• Stay connected with your family, and friends. When you're feeling fatigued, irritable or depressed, there is a great temptation to withdraw from those closest to you. Don't! Make an extra effort to ensure that you spend time together, even when you don't feel up to it.


• When the change of life is over, as it will be, and as you head further into your later years, friends and family will become more important. It is then, that you'll be glad to have them at your side.


• Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Menopause brings with it an increased risk for debilitating and life threatening diseases, such as osteoporosis and heart disease. Poor health can only strain your relationships further. A nutritious and balanced diet, combined with exercise will reduce the risk of diseases and the burden that comes with it.


• And, besides keeping fit and healthy, engaging in an exercise or other physical activity can be a great way to stay connected with your loved ones or build new relationships.


• Avoid alcohol or tranquilizers. Alcohol and tranquilizers are both depressants. If you are going through troubling mood swings or bouts of depression, alcohol and/or tranquilizers may simply make it worse or create other undesirable effects.


• Engage in a productive activity. Involving yourself in church or charity work, sports activity or hobby, provides a sense of self-esteem and achievement. This will make you feel better about yourself and will improve the way you interact with others including family and friends.


• Find your inner strength. Learn and practice calming techniques such yoga and meditation. Read a book. Find spiritual strength in prayer. Calming activities will help you maintain emotional balance and keep mood changes in check.


• Write it down. Keeping a journal or diary, will allow you to write down your thoughts, problems, plans or anything else going through your mind. This will help you gain a sense of perspective on your situation, and help to reduce your emotional stress.

Finally do keep in mind, that what you are going through is a phase. It will take some years, but it will pass.

Natural Insomnia Treatments - How to Get Help for Chronic Insomnia

Insomnia is defined as difficulty in falling asleep or staying asleep long enough to feel rejuvenated and function efficiently the next day. It can happen to people of all ages and both genders, although it seems to be higher in women than men.

Further symptoms include waking up frequently or after a little sleep and then inability to fall sleep again. Normal sleep requirements vary according to the age group but an adult needs seven to nine hours of sleep a day.

Types of Insomnia

Many people experience some insomnia, usually lasting for short durations of a few days to a month - this is transient or acute type. Other people suffer long-term insomnia lasting several months or years - chronic insomnia. Chronic insomnia is the most serious sleep disorder among other types of insomnia.

Causes & Treatments of Chronic Insomnia

How to get help for chronic insomnia is through different methods. To apply insomnia treatments in chronic cases, one must understand the causes to begin with.

Stress

Stress and worry is possibly the number one reason for insomnia. This is because the body reacts to stress in ways that increase alertness and wakefulness. Relaxation programmes such as meditation, yoga and deep-breathing exercises are good insomnia remedies that work to lower the stress and anxiety.

Noise and Activities

An interrupted sleeping environment from noise can affect one's sleep. So insomnia relief can be as simple as a quiet, noise-free bedroom. Certain activities also contribute to sleeplessness - watching television, doing office work or intense exercise just before bed or while in the bed. Some athletes suffer insomnia due to excessive exercise regimes. Home remedies of insomnia can be just to avoid these activities.

Sleep Routine, Menopause and Pregnancy

Paying attention sleep routines provides a non-medicated method of insomnia remedy. The body functions best on regularly patterns of waking up and going to bed. Changing this regularity can lead to chronic sleeping problems. Some women also experience menopausal insomnia related to hormones. Additionally, incidents of pregnancy insomnia are also due to the hormonal changes that take place at this time.

Mental and Body Health

Poor body health can also contribute to disturbed sleep. Disease such as gastrointestinal illnesses, asthma, cardiac conditions, overactive thyroid, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, arthritis and other joint problems and enlarged prostate are connected to poor sleeping. Mental health problems sometimes have insomnia-like symptoms. These include depression, post-traumatic stress, and schizophrenia among others. In such cases both the main illness and the secondary sleeplessness are dealt with in the treatment for insomnia.

Narcotics and Stimulants

Narcotics and stimulants can also lead to insomnia. In treating insomnia doctors advise against taking caffeine, cigarette smoking, alcohol and use of recreational drugs. Some insomnia remedies, both over-the-counter and prescribed, have side effects of disturbed sleeping patterns. Examples are drugs for high blood pressure, epilepsy and asthma, non-steroid anti-inflammatory treatments, antidepressants and certain hormone therapies.

Medical Treatment

Medications can be given by insomnia doctors. According to research, 95% of cases are treated with medications such as sedatives and sleeping tablets. For people who associate sleep or the bedroom with negative feelings, remedies for insomnia through psychotherapy may be prescribed. Chronic insomnia can be treated with hypnotic meditation for controlled durations. Whatever the case, often several methods are used to get help for chronic insomnia.

MS Symptoms in Women - 3 Frequently Asked Questions

There are twice as many women as men diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. It is therefore not surprising that many questions asked by women, their families and partners alike are about MS symptoms and women.

Many women diagnosed with MS are diagnosed in their 20s and 30s, a time when many of them are thinking about starting a family or are planning on having one in the not too distant future. Older women newly diagnosed with MS may also have questions. The information they receive at this time is very important and can make a big difference in their lives.

Needless to say, they could be experiencing heightened anxiety about pending discussions with their doctor or MS nurse about having children, menopause and what this could mean for them on an individual basis and as a family.

Can I still have children?

The diagnosis of MS raises a lot of questions for everyone. One of the main questions women in particular ask about MS symptoms in women is whether they can still have children.

According to research, MS does not affect your menstrual cycle and there is no information available to suggest it affects the fertility of a woman. In fact, women diagnosed with MS can use the full range of contraceptive pills and devices available on the market and are advised to think very carefully about their choice of contraception.

Medication prescribed to treat some of the symptoms of MS or depression may impact on the menstrual cycle; contraceptive pills may interact with these drugs so discussing contraceptives with your doctor or MS nurse is advisable.

When thinking about having a baby, women with a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis should discuss their plans with their doctor or MS nurse. Your doctor should be able to advise you about changing or stopping drugs that affect your menstrual cycle as there may be alternatives that you can use to treat the symptoms of MS whilst minimizing or eliminating the effects on your menstrual cycle.

They will also be able to help you think of any issues, such as the impact of any medication you may be taking on your unborn child and whether you may be able to stop these safely. You would also be able to think through how you would cope or manage your symptoms during the pregnancy and after the birth of your baby.

Since MS symptoms in women do not affect you r menstrual cycle or fertility you can definitely get pregnant and have children if you so desire.

Will I have a difficult pregnancy and birth?

Pregnancy can be a very pleasant experience for women with MS. Research suggests that relapse rates decrease considerably especially in the third trimester, between the 6th and 9th month of pregnancy.

On the other hand, symptoms such as bladder and bowel problems, fatigue, balance and back pain may increase. Many women without MS also report an increase in some of these symptoms.

Many women worry about whether they will have complications and difficulties during their pregnancy and the birth of their baby, women with a diagnosis of MS are no different.

Research has found that MS symptoms in women do not increase the likelihood of complications or difficulties in pregnancy and birth and these women are just as likely to have normal pregnancies and births like any other woman in the general population.

However in the first 3 months after birth, a time when both babies and new mom are vulnerable, the relapse rates of MS symptoms in women increase.

Good planning with your partner, family and doctor or MS nurse can mean adequate support is available during this time; for example, your partner may take leave from work or a family member can stay with you whilst your partner is out. More frequent access to your doctor or MS nurse can also be arranged.

How does MS affect menopause?

Older women and younger women alike have questions about menopause and particularly how MS symptoms in women affect menopause.

Hot flushes, brittle bones, night sweats and tiredness are usually associated with menopause and women without MS can find this a difficult time in their lives to cope with; this can be the same for women with MS who already experience tiredness as part of MS.

There is ongoing research into whether menopause has a negative or positive impact on MS symptoms in women.

The good news is women with multiple sclerosis can use the range of hormone replacement therapies available on the market that are used to treat some of the symptoms of menopause.

Pau D'Arco A Natural Antibiotic & Powerful Anti-Fungal

We can be grateful to American Indians for a multitude of herbal and natural medicines. Pau d'arco has a been used as a medicine by the indigenous people of the rainforest. The Pau d'arco tree is a broad-leaf evergreen that grows to a height of 125 feet and produces violet colored flowers which accounts for it's often being called the "trumpet tree". It grows well in Peru and Argentina high in the Andes. It can be found growing in the low-lying areas of Paraguay and Brazil. It's use goes back in history to before the Incas. Pau d'arco tree was used to make hunting bows and as a medicine. It was observed by indigenous people that when the tree was alive and even after it was cut down, it never developed growth of mold, mildew, or fungi.

The Guarani and Topi Indians refer to the tree as "tajy, which means "to have strength and vigor" i.e. good health. Tribal medicine people peeled off the tree's bark in long strips. They then separated the inner and outer layers and used the inner bark to make healing teas. Pau d' arco has crystalline oxygen infused in it's inner bark, which is rich in iron, calcium, selenium, vitamins A, B-complex and C., magnesium potassium and sodium. These pau d'arco nutrients make give it antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal action which stimulates the immune system and fights disease. Indigenous people of South America have used pau d'arco for treating malaria, anemia, colitis, respiratory problems, colds, cough, flu, fungal infections, fever, arthritis and rheumatism, poor circulation, skin irruptions and sexually transmitted disease.

Lapachol, which is a photochemical, is present in the inner bark of pau d'arco trees has been documented as an effective natural medicine for use in treating abscesses and tumors. However, for it to be used to treat conditions such as cancer, the amount of lapachol, found in pau d' arco, required to provide and effective dosage, would be toxic if used as the exclusive treatment. It can however, be used along with other cancer treatments. Pau d'arco is given free by the Argentina government to cancer patients and also leukemia patients because of it's blood purifying qualities and because it has been know to reduce pain caused by cancer and it's treatment because of pau 'd arco's anti-inflammatory effect.

Pau d'arco contains selenium which is one of our body's natural defenses against yeast infections, vaginally as well as for topical skin treatment. It's antifungal action aids in the elimination of candida. Because of it's antifungal properties, it is useful for fighting fungi that promotes athlete's foot and other skin infections caused by fungi. It has also been shown to be effective in treating other infections such as tuberculosis, pneumonia, strep, and dysentery. Pau d'arco has a cleansing ability so is very useful for relieving intestinal infections, destroying parasites, and restoring colon health. A number of infection fighting substances known as napthoquinones seem to destroy certain disease causing bacteria, without destroying beneficial bacteria. This makes it an excellent natural antibiotic.

As a preventative, pau d'arco has been shown to help build our immune system with the stimulation of macrophages that fight disease. Pau d'arco has a high iron content that contributes to the elimination of wastes, the assimilation of nutrients and increasing oxygen supply to needed areas of the body. It helps improve hemoglobin and red blood cell corpuscles.. It therefore can be used for relief from chronic fatigue. Pau d'arco blood cleaning qualities makes it an excellent anti-allergy, anti-rhumatic, astringent, and cardiotonic. It is also often used to balance high blood pressure. It helps tone, balance and strengthen the heart. Pau d'arco helps to neutralize the poisons involving the liver which aids the liver in it's blood cleansing function.. By improving the health of our blood and it's flow we greatly increase the effectiveness of our immune system.

Pau d'arco is very useful in treatment and relief of colds, flu, herpes and hepatitis because of it's antiviral qualities. It therefore is an excellent alternative or synthetic prescription or over-the -counter cold and flu "treatments" that often only suppress symptoms without actually curing the cause or may carry the risk of unwanted, sometimes harmful, side effects e.g drowsiness, etc.

With our concern about the undesired side effects of prescription antibiotics i.e. destroying beneficial bacteria or becoming ineffective because of bacterial mutation, we can find in pau d'arco ,a powerfully effective natural antibiotic alternative. As is true of many natural health care remedies, pau d'arco has many general health care benefits beyond the specific intended purpose. For example, if we use pau d'arco for relieving a cold, we will also benefit from it's cleansing action of our blood and liver, fighting of yeast infection, elimination of intestinal parasites, etc. We an also benefit from it's general immune building properties while treating a specific health condition. Once again, we benefit from the experience and wisdom of indigenous people, as they discovered and developed the use of pau d'arco another of Nature's powerful gifts, a natural antibiotic.

What Benefits Can Bioidentical Hormone Treatments Give Me Once I Turn 35 Years Old?

Bioidentical hormones get their name because they are made in a laboratory to have the same molecular structure as hormones produced naturally by the body. Synthetic hormones are different by intention. This is because a personal assessment of the individual is necessary before treatment can be administered with bioidentical hormones. Compounded bioidentical hormones allow doctors to match them individually to each woman. This is not an option when dealing with mass-produced products.

Hormone balancing may begin in the forties, but some women begin the treatment while in their mid-thirties. Menopause is a natural part of a woman's life cycle and there is no way to stop it from coming or to reverse it. Menopause is the point in a woman's life marked by the decline of ovarian production of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. It is defined as a period in which the woman does not menstruate for a full year. The progression to this point may begin much sooner.

Leading up to menopause, women often notice a change in their periods, as they become shorter in duration. Women may also notice certain symptoms such as sluggishness, lack of a libido and a decline in strength. Apathy, depression, forgetfulness and agitation may also be symptoms that women notice as they approach menopause. Women may begin to notice a change in their menstrual period in their forties, while others experience changes much sooner.

Fortunately, however, bioidentical hormone therapy may be beneficial to women looking to find relief for the various symptoms associated with menopause. The symptoms of menopause can be very frustrating and may significantly disrupt women's lives in some cases. As a result, finding relief from the symptoms of menopause can be very important to many women.

Bioidentical hormone therapy may help women overcome hot flashes, mood swings, night sweats, weight gain, poor libido and memory loss. This treatment may also benefit women experiencing PMS, uterine bleeding, insomnia and other conditions.

As with many treatments, there are certain risks associated with bioidentical hormone therapy that women should discuss with their doctor before beginning treatment. It is hard to determine the extent of risks associated with bioidentical hormone therapy because further clinical trials and research is needed, but risks associated with hormone replacement therapy may include an increased risk of certain cancers, blood clots, gallbladder disease, heart attack, stroke, breast pain, etc. It is very important to discuss all of these risks with a trained professional prior to treatment.

Easy Home Remedies For Menopause Mood Swings

For many millions of women all over the world, going through the menopause is a time of great stress, discomfort and some hardship. Because it is a time of life when your hormone balance is completely askew, it can often be very difficult to keep a grip on everyday life, hard to keep everything in perspective when everything seems unremittingly gray and heavy.

For the fortunate few, the menopause is on the other hand a time that they simply sail through without any undue pressures or stresses, without either physical discomfort or psychological problems of the kind that it is probably fair to suggest the majority of women suffer whilst enduring the menopause.

The physical causes of the menopause are widely understood, as are many of the symptoms of this particular phase of every females life, such as the inevitable hot flushes, persistent headaches, dizziness and light-headedness. In addition, many women feel depressed and anxious as well, further adding to their general malaise and feelings of unhappiness.

Most women should start to keep an eye open for the first signs of menopause from age 45 onwards, because the majority of women go through this phase of their life between the ages of 47 and 53. However, it is not unknown for women in their 20s and 30s to suffer premature menopause, which is often a sign of ovarian problems that need medical attention.

Because the menopause is caused by hormonal imbalances, many women turn to hormone replacement therapy as a way of dealing with their condition but many medical professionals consider that rendering HRT is an extreme solution that should only be reverted to in the most pressing of circumstances. Hence, whilst many women who are fortunate enough to be the recipients of HRT report that the therapy makes them feel better and that they enjoyed other side benefits such as improved memory, it is not a solution that will automatically be made available to everyone.

Thus, it is fortunate that there are many other natural 'treatments' that you can learn about in 'Natural ways to overcome the menopause' that you can start using as soon as the first signs of menopause strike.

Many of these things are straightforward, logical and easy to implement, with such basics as regular exercise forming an integral part of any logical natural 'treatment' program for dealing with the menopause.

There are also plenty of herbs that you can use that are widely believed to offset the most unpleasant side-effects of the menopause, and again, there is plenty of detail about all of these herbs contained in 'Natural ways to overcome the menopause'.

This really is a 'natural menopause treatment' bible that any woman can use to deal with the worst effects of the onset of menopause. Assuming that you want to get through the menopause as easily as possible, this is a book that I would recommend you should consider, because it will help you deal with the menopause far more effectively (and painlessly) than you might otherwise do.

Different Kinds of Natural Menopause Remedy

Menopause is a stage in women's life where they experience so many changes both physically and emotionally. Since there are hormonal changes during this stage, it can be very difficult for some women. Women who are undergoing the menopausal stage will undergo several physical changes or reactions like hot flashes, reduced vitality, and night sweats. Without proper remedies, these changes can make women uncomfortable all throughout the stage. Today, those women who are undergoing the menopausal stage can now have the proper menopause remedy that will help them relieve or cope with the physical changes that they are going through.

There are many natural and safe remedies for menopause. There are herbal medicines and teas that women can take to help them during the stage. One of these is the Agnus Castus or Chaste tree. Agnus Castus is available in tablet form and can help in regulating the hormones like estrogen and progesterone. These hormones tend to become low during the stage so the herbal tablets can help women increase their hormonal levels and regulate the menstrual cycle.

Another menopause remedy is the Black Cohosh which is sometimes called Black Snakeroot or Squawroot. This is another herbal medicine that assists in the production of estrogen and helps in treating or relieving hot flashes. Black Cohosh also affects the menstrual flow of women to help them during the menopausal stage. This can be taken in tablet or tea form depending on the availability and preference.

Helonias can help in increasing estrogen and progesterone levels and at same time helps the uterus and ovaries. The women's reproductive system is changed during menopause and Helonias can greatly help the system in adjusting during the stage. Helonias is also used in treating different problems that affect the body like endometriosis, ovarian cysts, and infections in uterus. Helonias is available in tablet form but there are also other variations so that women can choose according to their preference.

Another remedy for hormonal changes is St. John's Wort. St. John's Wort is used to relieve painful effects of the menopause both physical and emotional. Depression and decreased vitality that are caused by the stage can also be relieved using this remedy.

Sage can also help in relieving hot flashes and night sweats during menopause. This herb has thujone substance that helps in regulating menstruation and aids the adaption of the body to the hormonal changes. Sage can be taken in tea form.

The last natural remedy for menopause is the White Peony that relieves hot flashes and night sweats. This herb helps in reducing the body temperature and relieves uncomfortable and unnecessary high temperatures during menopause. The root of White Peony is used to create tea that women can drink every day.

There are a lot of natural and safe menopause remedy that are available for women to use. These remedies are used to relieve different uncomfortable changes in the body to help women overcome the stage and easily adapt to the changes.

What is Estrogen Replacement Therapy (ERT)?

As we mentioned in other articles, endometriosis grow somewhere else other than the endometrium also reacts to hormonal signals of the monthly menstrual cycle, building up tissue, breaking it, and eliminating it through the menstrual period. Hysterectomy always is the last resource in treating endometriosis for woman who has exhausted all the treatments without success, or endometrial tissues has become cancerous, her doctor may suggest some kinds of hysterectomy. If the varies were also removed in the endometrial hysterectomy, then estrogen replacement theory may be necessary to restore the level of estrogen in the woman body.

Estrogen is produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands. It helps to regulate the menstrual cycle and reproductive organs in woman's body. The removal of ovaries causes hormone imbalance of reproductive system resulting in all kinds of symptoms of menopause. In that case, your doctor may suggest estrogen replacement therapy (ERT).

I. What is estrogen therapy

Estrogen replacement therapy helps to restore the balance of hormones in the women reproductive cycle caused by menopause state or temporary menopause state or the removal of ovaries after hysterectomy. By giving the additional estrogen to the patient body through injected, oral or patches, it helps to reduce the symptom caused by low level of estrogen.

Since women with hysterectomy may require different amount of estrogen intake, please make sure check with your doctor to see which form of estrogen therapy is worked well for you.

II. Types of estrogen hormone

1. Estrone
Estrone is produced by adrenal glands mostly in body fat and muscles. Without supporting from the ovaries, the level of estrone is dropped significantly causing hot flush.

2. Estradiol
Estradiol is produced by the ovaries. Since the ovaries are removed, level of estradiol also is dropped significantly. Therefore, you doctor may suggest entinyl estradiol, which is a synthetic estrogen to be taken because its effects are similar to those of estradiol. There are other kind of estrogen, such as plant base or animal mixture of estradiol and estrone (conjugated estrogen) which can be converted to estradiol by our body including sodium estrone sulphate and sodium equilin sulfate cenestin, enjuvia, premarin.

3. Estriol
Estriol is another estrogen hormone that is produced by placenta. It is produced in great amount during pregnancy. Estriol is an important indicator of a fetus's well-being.

II. Benefits and Risks

Unlike women in menopause, women with removal of ovaries normally only need to take a small amount of estrogen.

1. Benefits
a) Reduce hot flash
b) Reduce vagina dryness
c) Risk of itching around the vagina area
d) Reduce the risk of osteoporosis

2. Risks
a) Increase risk of breast cancer
b) Increase risk of blood clots in lung and leg
c) Risk of heart attach and stroke
d) Increase the risk of live damage
e) And sometimes unusual vagina bleeding.