Lupron And Endometriosis What You Need to Know

Lupron and endometriosis is something a woman can consider if she has been properly diagnosed by her doctor, and knows that the symptoms she is suffering are caused by endometriosis and not interstitial cystitis.

What is lupron? Lupron Depot, or simply Lupron, is a hormone that has two main stages. First, it stimulates the ovaries so that they increase production of estradiol, which is the strongest of the three estrogens women produce. Second, the hormones that send messages to the ovaries to produce estrogen significantly decline. Therefore, lupron causes a dramatic decrease in estrogen levels in the body which cause women to experience side effects that mimic menopause.

Lupron and endometriosis treatment is short term therapy that last no longer than six months. Lupron is administered to patients by doctors or nurses via an injection.

After the first injection, the fist stage of lupron (increase in estradiol) occurs. During this time, the patient will likely experience an increase in their symptoms. These symptoms will begin to subside after a few weeks when more injections are administered and stage 2 (dramatic decrease in estrogen levels) occurs. As treatment progresses, women generally have lighter or heavier periods, or may experience a complete stop in their menstrual cycle.

Unlike many of the medical treatments for endometriosis, lupron is not a contraceptive, and lupron and endometriosis treatment is not considered safe during pregnancy. Therefore, you will need to abstain from sex or use other forms of contraceptives (I.E. condoms, diaphragms, or non-hormonal oral contraceptives). Should a woman suspect she is pregnant while taking lupron, she should contact her doctor immediately.

Is lupron right for you? Lupron and endometriosis treatment has been FDA approved; however, before you determine whether or not this treatment is right for you, it is essential that you first know the pros and cons of lupron prior to making your decision, and consulting your doctor for more information and recommendations.

The positive side effects - While Lupron can provide pain relief during treatment, its purpose is to provide considerable pain relief for several years. One clinical trial found that more than 60% of women that suffered from mild endometriosis, who participated in the study, were successfully symptom free for five years after stopping treatment. On the other hand, just over 25% of women who suffered from severe endometriosis had the same successful results.

The negative side effects - The following are the negative side effects that may occur from lupron and endometriosis treatment:

o Hot flashes

o Night sweats

o Palpitations

o Syncope (fainting or dizziness caused by insufficient blood flow to the brain)

o Tachycardia (rapid heartbeat)

o Headache

o Depression

o Nervousness

o Vaginitis (vaginal inflammation often resulting from bacterial infection)

o Loss of libido

o Tenderness or pain in the breasts

o Acne

o Weight gain

Many of the above symptoms mirror menopause symptoms, which is to be expected especially during treatment, due to the low levels of estrogen in the body.

Some women believe that lupron and endometriosis is a dangerous combination. Many women who have received the injections claim to have suffered from severe side effects such as cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat), chest pain, confusion, depression, bone pain, loss of vision, extreme fatigue, and high blood pressure. Some women claim that these side effects lasted for a prolonged period of time after treatment was stopped.

Nevertheless, lupron is considered an effective and medically safe treatment for endometriosis, and most of the women who undergo the treatment find that the negative side effects they may experience during treatment are a small price to pay for the long-term relief of their painful endometriosis symptoms.

Are their alternatives to lupron? Yes. If you feel lupron and endometriosis are a risky combination, talk to your doctor about alternative remedies such as -

o Medical remedies - oral contraceptives, progestins, etc.

o Holistic treatments - acupuncture, hypnosis, elimination diet, etc.

o Surgery - Laparoscopy, etc.

Top Remedies For Perimenopause Mood Swings

If you find yourself continuously snapping at people you normally cared for - and increasingly at others whom you don't even know. It may be time for you to take things a little bit more slowly and perhaps attend anger management courses. Now, if you're also experiencing breast tenderness, increase in fatigue, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, irregular periods or urine leakage, then you might want to consider that you are entering another stage in our lives called perimenopause. There's no need to worry about it, all of us women go through this stage. Some transition into this stage gracefully, even with perimenopause mood swings. While others have had to contend with the symptoms described above. The good news is we can do something about it.

These perimenopause mood swings are practically caused by these two things: physical discomfort and the imbalance in our estrogen levels. Fortunately there are natural supplements in the market today that not only takes care of the emotional turmoil, it also addresses their origins. Let's face it, if men have these kinds of discomfort I'm pretty sure that they would be crankier than us.

Ingredients such as the Damaiana leaf, addresses the psycho-emotional aspect of the condition by inducing relaxation and alleviating anxiety. Of course, a stress reduced lifestyle could also work wonders for us. Simple things like taking a break or taking a stroll to clear our minds, in a pollution free environment could do wonders to change our moods. The Damaiana leaf has also been touted, albeit in less scientific circles, as a natural aphrodisiac for women.

Another thing which can cause perimenopause mood swings is the accompanying discomfort that is caused by different symptoms. As a whole, I think we women are psychologically stronger than men. Imagine a man having to suffer through hot flashes, urine leakages or god forbid, breast tenderness and you could only imagine the temper tantrums that they could throw.

Ovarian Cancer-PMS Symptoms - Treatment Options for Ovarian Cancer-PMS Symptoms

Many health conditions have very similar symptoms and therefore it is imperative that if you have any unusual symptoms going on that you get a thorough physical from your doctor to help determine exactly what is going on. Ovarian Cancer and PMS -premenstrual syndrome are two conditions that have some of the same symptoms. The similar symptoms of Ovarian Cancer and PMS will be reviewed. Treatment options for both will be discussed as well.

Ovarian Cancer Symptoms

It has been believed that symptoms of Ovarian Cancer did not appear until the tumor spreads. Very recently however, it has been discovered that there may be early signs. These symptoms can be bloating, abdominal pain and frequent urination or intense urge to urinate. You may experience problems with eating or you may feel full really quickly.
If these symptoms have not appeared before or if they become severe, every woman should see their doctors' for cancer screening.

Other symptoms of ovarian cancer could include a feeling of heaviness in the pelvic/abdominal area, lower abdominal pain, and/or vaginal bleeding. Other symptoms may include irregular periods, unexplained back pain that gets continually worse, and increased abdominal girth. Some gastro-intestinal problems such as gas, indigestion, decreased appetite and problems eating the usual amount of food may be symptomatic of ovarian cancer.

Nausea, vomiting, and feeling bloated may also indicate ovarian cancer. Excessive hair growth may also occur.

PMS Symptoms

There are two believed causes of premenstrual symptoms. The first is low serotonin levels (brain chemical that helps control mood, sleep, and your appetite. Associated symptoms include mood swings, irritability, aggressive behavior, and anger. Fatigue and sleep problems may also occur. Anxiety, depression and concentration problems are also associated symptoms. Food cravings and an increase in your appetite may also occur.

The second possible cause is related to the hormonal fluctuations and may be headaches including migraines. Sore breasts, bloating, and back ache might also be experienced by some women. There are over 100 associated indicators related to PMS.

Treatments

Ovarian cancer can be treated in a number of ways. Surgery is an option and may include removal of just the diseased ovary or both can be removed. If this is the case, you will no longer be able to get pregnant and early menopause may occur if you have had it already.

Radiation Treatment uses extremely high energy x-rays to do one of two things; shrink the cancer cells or to kill them. With radiation you may experience the side effects such as nausea, fatigue, and diarrhea. Report these to your doctor immediately because there are ways to help. Chemotherapy is given most often after surgery.

They may be administered intravenously or by mouth. Once the drugs are in the blood stream they spread throughout the body. This is a good treatment when the cancer has spread beyond the ovaries.

Side effects from chemotherapy may include nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, hair loss, and rashes on the hands and feet. Damage may occur to the kidneys or nerves. Tiredness due to low red blood cell counts, bleeding/bruising from minor cuts due to low platelet counts and mouth sores may occur. Once treatments are done most of these things go away. PMS treatments include prescribed medications; possibly anti-depressants which are used no matter the level of severity. These come with some very serious side effects and as a result many people are looking for natural treatments such as herbal supplements.

Herbal supplements of high quality should have been put through intense testing. The metabolism of the ingredients is tested at the molecular level and the interactions of the ingredients examined. They also should have been made to meet pharmaceutical grade standards. This guarantees that what the label says it contains, is really in the supplement. The safety, purity, and effectiveness of the supplement are also guaranteed. Before taking any supplement, check with your doctor because the herbs may have an effect on how prescriptions you may be taking for other conditions work.

Conclusion

Ovarian cancer PMS symptoms do have some commonalities such as a little lower abdominal pain, weight gain, irregular periods, and indigestion. These symptoms can indicate either Ovarian Cancer/PMS symptoms. It is very strongly recommended that if you suspect you have PMS or ovarian cancer, to get medical advice as soon as possible. Both can be treated but ovarian cancer may be more survivable if caught early rather than later: and that is usually the case.

How to Treat Adult Acne

Acne vulgaris (commonly called acne) is a common skin condition, caused by changes in the pilosebaceous units. These units are skin structures consisting of a hair follicle and a sebaceous gland. The changes occur as a result of increased sebum production via testosterone stimulation. Both men and women have varying amounts of testosterone. Acne is most common during adolescence, affecting more than 85% of teenagers, and frequently continues into adulthood. This type of acne affects the areas of skin with the largest amount of sebaceous follicles. These areas include the face, the upper part of the chest, and the back. Whenever acne becomes inflammatory it can damage the skin by destroying the collagen. For most people, acne diminishes over time and tends to disappear-or at the very least decrease-after one reaches one's early twenties. There is, however, no way to predict how long it will take to disappear entirely, and some individuals may continue to suffer well into their thirties, forties and beyond.

Patients may be surprised to learn that development of acne vulgaris in later years is actually quite uncommon. True acne vulgaris in an adult woman may be a feature of an underlying condition such as pregnancy and disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome or the rare Cushing's syndrome. It is also known that menopause-associated acne occurs as production of the natural anti-acne ovarian hormone oestradiol fails at menopause. The lack of oestradiol also causes thinning hair, hot flashes, thin skin, wrinkles, vaginal dryness, and predisposes to osteopenia and osteoporosis as well as triggering acne (known as acne climacterica). So what is adult acne and why does it occur in later life? Why does it also seem to affect mostly women and occur around the mouth area where there are fewer pilosebaceous units? In fact why does it last for years and not respond to the normal treatments such as Benzoyl peroxide or Salicylic acid 2% (Acnesal) products. I would also ask why is it so common and bothersome for so many people?.

Is adult acne really acne?

I think these effects happen because what we call adult acne is probably a totally different disease. Several factors are known to be linked to acne, including the tendency for the condition to run in families and exposure to certain chemical compounds such as dioxins. Remember the thirties are the decades of rosacea and what we see is often a different disease called perioral dermatitis masquerading as adult acne. Many GPs also call this acne and treat it the wrong way. Stress, through increased output of hormones from the adrenal (stress) glands causes outbreak of the condition. While the connection between acne and stress has long been debated, scientific research indicates that "increased perioral dermatitis" is "significantly associated with increased stress levels.

So what exactly is perioral dermatitis?

Perioral dermatitis is a condition closely related to acne vulgaris that affect young women between the ages of twenty and forty five. Occasionally men or children are affected. Perioral refers to the area around the mouth, and dermatitis indicates redness of the skin. In addition to redness, there are usually small red bumps or pus bumps, and mild peeling. Sometimes the bumps are the most obvious feature, and the disease can look a lot like acne. The areas most affected are within the borders of the lines from the nose, to the sides of the lips, and the chin. There is frequent sparing of a small band of skin that borders the lips. The skin lesions can affect the area around the eyes. It is not uncommon, and has a tendency to recurrence in individuals who have had it once. This condition is often related to stress and become common in summer time as it acts like rosacea, becoming worse with sunlight exposure. Sometimes there is mild itching or burning.

How long does it last?

If not treated, perioral dermatitis may last for months to years. Even if treated, the condition may recur several times, but usually the disorder does not return after successful treatment.

What causes perioral dermatitis?

The cause of perioral dermatitis is unknown. We know it is a neurodermatis and hence related to stress. Some dermatologists believe it is actually a form of rosacea or sunlight-worsened seborrheic dermatitis. We know that strong corticosteroid creams applied to the face can cause perioral dermatitis. Once perioral dermatitis develops, corticosteroid creams seem to help, but the disorder reappears when treatment is stopped. In fact, perioral dermatitis usually comes back even worse than it was before use of steroid creams. Some types of makeup, moisturizers, and dental products may be partially responsible. There is also a suspicion that fluorinated toothpastes are related to an outbreak of this condition.

Can it be prevented?

There is no guaranteed way to prevent perioral dermatitis. Do not use strong prescription strength corticosteroid creams on the face. Your dermatologist may have suggestions about the use of moisturizers, cosmetics, and sunscreens, and may advise against using toothpaste with fluoride, tartar control ingredients, or cinnamon flavouring.

Are laboratory tests needed to diagnose the problem?

Most of the time, no tests are necessary. A dermatologist can usually make an accurate diagnosis by just examining the skin. Sometimes, scraping or a biopsy of the skin is done. Occasionally, blood tests are ordered to eliminate other conditions that can look similar.

How is this condition treated?

Dermatologists tend to use oral antibiotics, similar to the ones we use in Rosacea to treat the condition. This means a patient would require taking doxycycline or tetracycline for minimum of 3 months to prevent recurrence. For milder cases or pregnant women, topical antibiotic creams may be used. Occasionally, your dermatologist may recommend a specific corticosteroid cream, just for a short time to help your appearance while the antibiotics are working.

Is this similar to the treatment of acne?

Yes and no. I suppose systemic antibiotics are a mainstay in the treatment of ordinary acne vulgaris. Some of these antibiotics, such as Doxycycline (ByMycin) and Minocycline (Minocin) have anti-inflammatory properties and generally more effective than tetracycline. However, resistance is becoming more common and other antibiotics, including Trimethoprim (Septrim) are reportedly more helpful in acne than perioral dermatitis. Roaccutane (Isotretinoin) is a systemic retinoid that is highly effective in the treatment of severe acne vulgaris. It does this as it depresses sebum excretion by 70%, is anti-inflammatory, and even reduces the presence of acne bacteria. I do not tend to use it with perioral dermatitis as the basis of the condition is not sebum related. Roaccutane is a teratogenic and pregnancy must be avoided. A negative pregnancy test result is required prior to the initiation of therapy. A doctor will also check your cholesterol and liver tests monthly.

Are lasers of any value?

Lasers that use Photopneumatic™ technology such as the PPx and Isolaz has little use treating this condition as the underlying problem is not related to an increase in sebum However IPL (as used in Rosacea) appears to be of some benefit in controlling the condition.

What can be expected with treatment?

Most patients improve within two months of oral antibiotics. If corticosteroid creams were used for treatment, there may be a flare-up when the creams are stopped. If antibiotic treatment is stopped too early, however, the problem can come back.

Are there any other treatments?

There are many OTC products available for the treatment of acne, many of which are without any scientifically-proven effects. Generally speaking, successful treatments show little improvement within the first two weeks, instead taking a period of approximately three months to improve and start flattening out. Many treatments that promise big improvements within two weeks are likely to be largely disappointing. However, short bursts of cortisone can give very quick results to ordinary acne but are not recommended for this condition. .

Topical bactericidals

Topical bactericidal products containing benzoyl peroxide may be used in mild to moderate acne. The gel or cream containing benzoyl peroxide is rubbed, twice daily, into the pores over the affected region. Bar soaps or washes may also be used and vary from 2 to 10% in strength.

I normally do not recommend benzoyl peroxide to be used in this condition as it is a keratolytic (a chemical that dissolves the keratin plugging the pores) and the primary problem is not due to blocked pores. Other antibacterials with less keratolytic effects include triclosan, or chlorhexidine gluconate.

Topical antibiotics

These include ointments such as erythromycin, clindamycin or tetracycline. They act by killing the bacteria that are harboured in the follicles. While topical use of antibiotics is equally as effective in ordinary acne as oral use, I do not find them as effective in this condition. However, sometime I use Rozex and Metrogel (metronidazole) in much the same way I would treat a Rosacea patient.

Hormonal treatments

In females, ordinary acne can be improved with hormonal treatments. The common combined oestrogen/progestogen pill has some effect, but the antiandrogen, cyproterone in combination with an oestrogen (Dianette) is particularly effective at reducing androgenic hormone levels. Most patients with adult acne are too old to use this drug so it is not generally used

Topical retinoids

This group of medications are used to normalise the follicle cell lifecycle. They include brands such as tretinoin (brand name Retin-A), adapalene (brand name Differin), and tazarotene (brand name Tazorac). Like isotretinoin, they are related to vitamin A, but they are administered as topicals and generally have much milder side effects. They can, however, cause significant irritation of the skin and I never use them in this condition.

Phototherapy

It has long been known that short term improvement can be achieved with blue and red light. Recently, visible light has been successfully employed to treat acne (phototherapy) - in particular intense violet light (405-420 nm) generated by purpose-built fluorescent lighting, LEDs or lasers used twice weekly has been shown to reduce the number of acne lesions by two thirds. It is even more effective when applied daily. The mechanism appears to be that a porphyrin produced within P. acnes generates free radicals when irradiated by 420 nm and shorter wavelengths of light. These free radicals ultimately kill the bacteria.

Hot Flashes in Men Are Quite Common

Male hot flashes are quite common. In general terms they in men occur almost as often as in they do for women. Male hot flushes however are not typically heard of, just as male menopause is rarely discussed. One of the main reasons for this is that many men do not discuss the fact that they suffer from hot flushes because they feel embarrassed about it. The fact of the matter is that menopause symptoms in men should be expected due the condition known as andropause, or male menopause.

Male flashes are generally caused by the very same things that cause the menopausal symptoms in women, namely hormonal fluctuations. Just as in women, male hot flashes can also be caused by the side effect from some prescription drugs which they may be taking for another unrelated health problem. Male hot flushes can be treated by traditional drug therapy, however there is a great deal of interest in finding a more natural non drug approach to relieve hot flashes in men.

It is also becoming more common for Men to suffer from flashes as a result of treatment for prostate problems, and prostate cancer in particular. Part of the treatment in these types of cases typically includes hormone therapy as a part of the remedial treatment regime. From research on the subject, it would seem that there is a lack of a non-medical treatment for male hot flashes that consistently works. Many of the traditional hot flush remedies are not suitable for men because of possible negative side effects.

There is however a new non drug product which is showing great promise, and is in fact being recommended by some doctors specializing in Menopause treatment. The product is is a Band aid type product which is placed around the top joint of the little finger, close to the finger nail. It is simple to use at any time and reports indicate an almost immediate reduction in the effect of the hot flash.

Menopause - Dealing With Hot Flashes

Those of you who have had to deal with menopause or peri-menopause probably have had the experience known as hot flashes, or "your own personal sauna" as some women refer to it. What can you do about hot flashes other than suffer through them?

First, let's talk about what causes hot flashes. We actually don't know what causes them for sure, some people feel that it is due to low levels of estrogen. But since they tend to happen more during peri-menopause which is a time of extreme hormonal fluctuation, we could also assume that they are somehow caused by the hormonal ups and downs, specifically estrogen.

So one of the first choices for treating hot flashes are just some simple lifestyle changes you can adapt to help you get through the period of symptoms. Try to identify your triggers that may be connected to your hot flashes, like drinking a hot beverage or being in situations that stress you out. Some women find that staying away from coffee or other beverages that contain caffeine can help lessen the occurrence of hot flashes. Avoiding alcohol and spicy foods can help too. Dressing in layers can help too in addition to lowering the room temperature and having a small fan handy. Adding more soy protein to your diet may help, but you may want with your doctor before making dietary changes. There are some questions about the affect of soy protein on women who are at high risk for breast cancer.

The second choice is alternative treatments, which include the use of supplements and vitamins and herbs. Acupuncture is an alternative treatment which has been shown to be helpful in treating hot flashes. Vitamins E has been used for years but there has yet to be any data that shows that there is a proven benefit for using it, again because of the breast cancer issue. Bioflavinoids can provide some of the benefits of estrogen and those can be taken with vitamin C. One of the herbs that has been proven to help hot flashes is Black Cohosh. It is available in a product called RemFemin. There are no studies that prove that homeopathic remedies can help relieve symptoms, but they are not shown to cause any harm either, Lachesis, Pulsatilla, Amyl Nitricum and Belladonna are some of the homeopathic remedies that people use to treat hot flashes.

The third option is using drugs. There are non-hormonal drugs and hormonal drugs that can be used to alleviate the symptoms of hot flashes. Some of the drugs that do not contain hormones include Bellergal (belladonna alkaloids, ergotamine and phenobarbital), clonidine, lofexidene and some or the SSRIs like Effexor, Paxil and Prozac. The other drug option is to take hormonal supplements. If your hot flashes are unbearable and you are not at risk for breast cancer or a breast cancer survivor, estrogen is probably going to be your best choice especially for short term use. Sometimes doctors will prescribe birth control pills as treatment when a woman is experiencing hot flashes and still having a period.

Using one or a combination of many of these techniques or treatments should bring you some relief from the annoyance of hot flashes. Just remember that most of the time hot flashes and night sweats are temporary while your body is going through the period of hormonal fluctuations that occur during peri-menopause and should subside once you officially hit menopause.

The Best Natural Perimenopause Supplements And Remedies

Natural perimenopause remedies fall into two categories, those that promote overall health and longevity, and those that relieve perimenopause specific complaints. I will start with the general health remedies and follow that with herbal remedies for perimenopause complaints.

Our bodies in perimenopause need optimal nutrition to function well. Most women, with busy lives and no time to study or research nutritional issues, end up popping a one-a-day multiple vitamin mineral and trust that it is providing them with what they need. It is certainly understandable. Unfortunately, a one-a-day while perhaps insuring against deficiency diseases like scurvy, pellagra and beri-beri does not provide the nutrients we need for a vibrant, energetic and long life. Most one-a-day's are certainly better than nothing at all, but our goal here is health and vitality through old age, not just prevention of the classic vitamin deficiency diseases.

Why one-a-day multiple's don't make it

Why doesn't a one-a-day do it? One-a-day's generally do contain the RDA (recommended daily allowance) for the major vitamins and minerals. Most do not contain additional anti-oxidants, nor trace minerals or essential fatty acids. You cannot fit everything a 40+ woman needs into one tablet daily. Nutrition supplement manufacturers would have you believe so, but you simply cannot. This is true even for one-a-day's which purportedly focuses on the nutritional needs of 40+ women.

A good 40+ woman's multiple vitamin mineral should contain more than 100% of the RDA for vitamins and minerals. It should also contain anti-oxidants, trace minerals and phyto-nutrients too. Phyto-nutrients are plant based molecules with a multitude of health benefits, over and above their anti-oxidant benefit. Resveratrol is an example of one such phyto-nutrient that is recommended for 40+ women. Optimal nutrition for 40+ women in perimenopause requires taking a multiple that not only has the above groups of nutrients, but has them in adequate quantities to actually have a positive impact on health. Phytonutrients for instance, do not have RDA's. Supplement manufacturers take advantage of this fact with misleading statements. A brand will distinguish itself saying that it contains resveratrol for instance. Looking closer at the label one finds that it contains just 3 mg of resveratrol per tablet. Yet to effectively get the benefits of resveratrol, one should take something near 20 mg of resveratrol daily.

Look too at the quality of the nutrients in your multiple. Often my patients bring in their supplements and I check the ingredients on the label. A brand will advertise for instance that it contains "calcium for bone health". The RDA for calcium is 1000 mg per day for women aged 19-50 and 1200 mg for women aged 51-70. (Many nutrition companies will use cheaper ingredients, to bring the price of the product down. Since most people tend to buy the cheapest bottle on the shelf, they do so to sell their product.)

The cheapest form of calcium is calcium carbonate, found in shells, limestone and chalk. Calcium carbonate is poorly absorbed by many older women for lack of adequate stomach acid. Calcium citrate is a more expensive form of calcium which is better absorbed in low acid conditions is therefore advisable. Multiples with calcium citrate cost more, but the benefit outweighs the cost.

To summarize then, a high quality multiple vitamin mineral is an essential part of any perimenopause health strategy. But it must contain adequate quantities of all vitamins and minerals, of anti-oxidants and trace minerals, and even phytonutrients. In practical terms, what this means is spending upwards of $1 per day and taking a least 3 tablets daily. You would do best to buy your multiple from a health food store or an alternative health practitioner who is educated in nutrition.

Herbal menopause remedies

The second part of a natural health strategy for perimenopause addresses the specific complaints of perimenopause. These are varied and different for all women. The most common initial complaints of women entering perimenopause is erratic menstrual periods and hot flashes. Other complaints include sweats, vaginal thinning and dryness, irritability and anxiety, insomnia, urinary control problems, aching and stiffness in joints, to name a few. While these complaints are varied and involve the entire body, there is a common thread among them. They are all effects of lowered production of estrogen and progesterone.

Restoring the levels of these two hormones gives profound relief of these perimenopause complaints. Consider hot flashes and night sweats for example. Hormone replacement therapy has been shown to reduce hot flashes by 94%. The problem is that conventional medical hormone replacement is fraught with risks. So much risk in fact, that medical doctors are now reluctant to prescribe it for relief of menopause related complaints. But there is an alternative in what are called phytoestrogens.

Phytoestrogens are plant molecules that have a weak estrogen effect in the human body. The effect is so weak that they pose no health risk. Yet some of these plant estrogens have been shown to relieve perimenopause complaints attributable to low estrogen. One in particular, has been reported in the prestigious medical journal Menopause. The second part of a perimenopause natural health strategy is one of the phytoestrogen containing herbs.