Why Am I Having Allergies During Menopause?

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

Change of Life Reactions to Substances And Pollens

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

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

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

The Allergy-hormone Connection

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

How to Overcome Male Menopause - Andropause - Naturally

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

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

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

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

Homeopathic Remedies For The Treatment Of Menopause Symptoms

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Treating Uterine Fibroids

Fibroid are cellular growths on the wall of the uterus. They are almost always non-cancerous and are very common. The majority of women will get some form of fibroid during their lives and most of them will have no problems as a result. Some fibroid are tiny and cause no trouble. Some, however, grow to be very large and cause a lot of problems.

Causes of fibroid

The precise cause of fibroid is unknown, although there are many theories. What is known is that both estrogen and progesterone must be present in order for fibroid to grow. Once a woman reaches menopause, fibroid will no longer be able to grow and cause problems.

Symptoms of fibroid

Many women never have any of the symptoms of fibroid. The ones who do experience symptoms often have large fibroid. Some of the most commonly experienced symptoms are heavy menstrual bleeding, painful stomach, uterine, and back cramps, urinary difficulties, and bladder pressure. Anemia is very often a result of the heavy menstrual periods caused by some fibroid.

Women who do experience symptoms need to seek medical treatment, especially those who experience heavy bleeding during their menstrual cycles. Anemia occurs rapidly with the loss of large amounts of blood and must be treated. Occasionally, fibroid will grow so large that they block the ureters, which are tubes that transport urine to the bladder.

Treatments for fibroid

Many options are available for the treatment of uterine fibroid. For many women, treatment is not even necessary. Once fibroid are discovered, the physician will just keep a check on them to make sure they don?t start causing problems. If women are near menopause and aren?t having problems, the fibroid will often shrink once menopause starts.

For women with large fibroid that are causing problems, surgery might be the only possible solution. If fibroid block the ureters, interfere with blood circulation, or cause severe anemia, it might be best to remove them. Fibroid can be removed by using a surgical procedure called a myomectomy. This procedure removes only the fibroid and does not involve taking the uterus or the ovaries. Hysterectomies are frequently performed on women who have major problems with their fibroid. These surgical procedures do involve removal of the uterus and, very often, the ovaries as well.

Medications

There are some medications that physicians prescribe to treat the symptoms of fibroid tumors or to temporarily decrease their size. Sometimes, women who are near menopause will take medications that decrease the tumor size long enough for them to actually reach menopause. This is done because fibroid will usually cause no problems once a woman?s menopausal stage is reached. This buys them time in order to avoid having surgery.

If you are one of the many women who have fibroid tumors, be sure to see your physician regularly to ensure that the tumors are not growing at a fast pace. If you are one of the less fortunate who have large fibroid that are causing you problems, then a consultation with your physician should be scheduled to determine the best course of treatment for you.

Copyright (c) 2009 Rod Hoss

Symptoms & Treatment of Post Menopause

Post menopause symptoms will occur basically during the age line of around 45 to 55, but it varies from person to person! Post menopause includes quite several symptoms like night sweats, insomnia, mood swings, irritability, hot flashes, and other more. If the situation prolongs without undergoing good treatment will result to several health oriented troubles including bone loss, risk towards heart diseases, variation in cholesterol levels and other more. You will be confirmed about the occurrence of menopause symptoms, only if you take urine and blood tests. With these check-ups, you will be explained about the level of hormone imbalance. To overcome the hormonal imbalance, you can take hormone tablets in order to relieve from the post menopause symptoms. But it is mandatory to get advice with a good medical practitioner, so that you can avoid risking your life.

There are several symptoms that will occur, if you are directed to post menopause! They are here for your better understanding.

Hormonal Imbalance - This is the first principle symptom that a menopause woman will experience. The hormonal imbalance will lead to post menopausal bleeding.

Vaginal Dryness and Itching - Itching or scratching! This is the other symptom that menopause produces. Post menopause will make your vagina to appear dry and dulls the happiness of your sexual contact.

Urethritis and Cystitis - If you have ever experienced this symptom in your daily life, then it is really good! This will create the bladder infection and gives a burning sense to the bladder. They really less hold you urine and as a result, urine might leak out when you perform any actions.

Tress Incontinence - This is basically the leakage of urine, while the time you sneeze, laugh, lift, cough or run fast.

High blood pressure - High blood pressure is also called as hypertension will lead to severe health associated problems. The tenor of blood vessels will turn to be badly diminished thereby makes the blood passage way badly smaller.

Bone fracture, leg and muscle cramps - When you are directed towards menopause, you turn physically week and the density of the bone gets automatically reduced. If your bones turn weaker, you easy fall prey to bone fractures and leg cramps.

When considering the real fact, you never have to undergo any special treatment to get relief from the post menopause symptoms. Healthy dieting and good procedural lifestyle will make you to stay out from post menopause. Get a good sound sleep and rest well, as this is the most important key factor you must follow. Finding an alternative medicine will also be good and beneficial! The best treatments for post menopause are bulleted here for your reference:

Choose right food to intake. It is good to eat diets that have low fat content and fiber-rich. Along with, it is good to take good amount of vegetables and fruits. Eat good amount of soy, as they are really good to get relief from post menopause symptom.  

Never take spicy foods and caffeine. Rest well and practice good exercise to overcome the post menopause troubles. If you have the habit of smoking, then your health risk will be aggressively doubled by resulting several other health problems like cholesterol, multi-vitamin, hear diseases and early aging. To avoid all these troubles, it is good to take mineral and multi-vitamin supplements like calcium and other more.

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Menopause Insomnia? Fight it With Natural Treatments!

If you are like most menopausal women, you experience menopause insomnia. Try these natural menopause treatments to fight menopause insomnia and get some more sleep!

Maybe you climb into bed and lie there with your eyes open, or maybe you fall asleep only to wake up a few hours later unable to get back to sleep. Either way, losing sleep is not fun.

Not getting enough sleep can affect our weight, our mood, our relationships, our health, and our productivity. That is pretty much everything that gives us a good quality of life!

You probably already know that you should have nighttime rituals like taking a bath or listening to relaxing music while you read a magazine and smell a scented candle. (I am sure that is exactly what you do every night, right?)

Although it is hard to fit relaxing nighttime rituals into a hectic day, these kinds of routines signal to your body and mind that the day is ending, and it is time to wind down. Without them, it is all too easy for our minds to wander until we are trying to solve all of our life's issues rather than sleep.

If you have already implemented nighttime rituals, and they are not working for you, you might want to look into some natural menopause sleep treatments.

Here are some popular supplements to help you sleep:

Calcium-Magnesium:

The calcium is good for your bones and teeth and the magnesium will make you sleepy. Take this supplement right as you are going to sleep.

Valerian Root:

It has a bad taste (so take it in a pill form), but this root will help you sleep.

Chamomile:

Maybe you have already introduced a cup of chamomile tea into your nighttime routine. If you have not, you should! Chamomile will help you sleep, and a soothing cup of tea can relax your nerves and get your body and mind ready for sleeping.

Natural Progesterone Cream:

If you know that your progesterone level is low, using a progesterone cream can help you fight menopause insomnia. Rub this cream onto your face, the palms of your hands, or your thighs.

Along with those supplements, you might also consider dropping your intake of refined carbohydrates and eating a high fiber diet, working out in the morning, cutting out alcohol, and getting 15 minutes of sunshine every day.

Menopause - Early Onset - Causes Symptoms and Treatments of Menopause

Menopause marks a period of time where a woman's body goes through yet another drastic change. Simply put - menopause is the end of menstruation for women. It usually occurs somewhere around the ages of 35 to 55. There are a few identifiable causes of menopause early onset. There are some very effective treatments available.

Causes of Menopause Early Onset

Autoimmune disorders can attack and damage the reproductive system and disrupt or prevent the body's production of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. This can bring on menopause because of the drop and the fluctuation of hormone levels.

Irregular chromosomes may be linked to early menopause as well. Every woman has two X chromosomes one is active and one is not. If there is a defect in the inactive chromosome early menopause could ensue.

Chemotherapy and Radiation treatment that are used in treating various cancers can trigger menopause early. This can occur because these treatments can cause ovarian damage. This is usually permanent damage. Ovarian damage can occur from other surgeries and trigger menopause early.

Another set of causes could include a total hysterectomy where the ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus are removed. It can also occur if both ovaries are removed (bilateral oopherectomy). All of these occur because hormone levels become very low.

Symptoms of Menopause - Early Onset

The signs or symptoms that you might be in early menopause may include the following:

Hot flashes

Night Sweats (Hot flashes in the night)

Irregular periods

Breast sensitivity

Incontinence

Reduced sex drive

Vaginal drying

Headache

Mood swings

Irritability

Reduced sex drive

Fatigue and lack of energy

Depression and anxiety

If you suspect that either yourself or someone you know might be in menopause with early onset, it is imperative that medical treatment occurs quickly.

Treatments

Non-medical treatments can be something as simple as changing your life style. Reduce your intake of alcohol and quit smoking. Eating a healthy diet and getting exercise will not only help you to feel better. Exercise might also boost your sex drive. Accept the fact that you are aging and be more open to your partner during this time.

Pharmaceuticals such as HRT - hormone replacement therapy are effective but they have some serious after effects. Many women seek to avoid these side effects. Natural treatments including herbal supplements may be an option.

Pain relievers, muscle relaxants, and anti-depressants may also be used to treat menopause early onset. These also come with serious side affects. Women, again, want to seek out more natural/herbal products and/or supplements to avoid these side effects.

Herbal supplements ideally will be a blend of Phytoestrogen (Plant based estrogen) and non-estrogen herbs. Phytoestrogen is beneficial for low hormone levels. Using hormones that are made outside of the body can actually lower the body's own ability to produce enough hormones. Non-estrogenic herbs help the pituitary and endocrine glands get stronger and more effectively produce the body's own hormones. High quality supplements are thoroughly tested and made according to pharmaceutical grade standards to ensure their safety, purity, and effectiveness. The consumer is guaranteed quality from capsule to capsule and from bottle to bottle. There will be no additives, preservatives or fillers used.

Conclusion

Menopause, early onset can be triggered by auto-immune disorders, surgeries, and chromosomal anomalies in the inactive X chromosome among other things. Treatments can be pharmaceutical, changes in lifestyle, or herbal/natural supplements. You and your physician can decide together which would be the most appropriate course of treatment to meet your needs.