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.

Natural Hormone Balance With Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture

Our bodies' hormones exist in a delicate balance with one another, and correcting imbalances can be a tricky thing to achieve. In order to understand what exactly we are dealing with, let's take a closer look at our endocrine system, the bodies' messaging system. Then we will further examine how Chinese Medicine can help to balance the female hormones in order to address a variety of common women's health disorders.

The Endocrine System Creates and Distributes Messages

Our Endocrine systems are a fascinating and complex thing to look at. What is the function of this system? The endocrine system is comprised of a series of glands whose job is to produce and distribute hormones. Hormones are one of of our bodies primary messaging systems, and they coordinate our body's physiological activities, much like a symphony conductor coordinates all the musical instruments to create a harmonic performance.

Our key players are the Hypothalamus and the Pituitary gland. This pair of glands regulates the other glands of the body including the adrenals, thyroid, and sex organs. The Hypothalamus and Pituitary team up with several different key glandular players to form multi-functional "Axis'" that work to regulate very important processes of the body. Here are the three major axis' and their functions:

Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Gonad-Think 'Reproduction'

Regulates male and female reproductive systems. Problems with this axis include infertility, menstrual irregularities, endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, sexual dysfunction and menopausal problems.

Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Thyroid-Think 'Metabolism'

Regulates metabolism and energy production and usage. Fatigue, weight gain, emotional disorders, anxiety, and insomnia and heart palpitations indicate problems here.

Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal-Think 'Stress & Digest'

Regulates a wide variety of activities including stress response, digestive function, immunity, emotions and energy. Problems with this axis may present as fatigue, IBS or other organ functional disorders, insomnia, emotional disturbances, and alcoholism.

TCM View of Hormonal Effects

Chinese Medicine developed a different twist on the perspective of hormones and where they come from. The endocrine system is the basic equivalent of the Kidney system in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine). It is responsible for maintaining functions related to genital, urinary, endocrine, bone, blood and central nervous system. The Kidney is our most basic energy source and is primarily responsible for reproduction, growth and development of the body.

How Can Chinese Medicine Help With Women's Hormonal Balance?

Chinese medicine excels at balancing the hormones of the women's body and is an effective treatment for regulating menstrual disorders, treating menopausal symptoms, and addressing infertility. It is also great for addressing mood swings, stress, low libido and poor energy.

Treatment begins with a full heath intake in which we formulate a Chinese medical diagnosis and then go from there. Every woman's body is different and will be treated in an individualized method, unlike Western medicine where a specific health disorder is treated the same with each patient. For example, an irregular menstrual cycle could stem from several different patterns depending on your body and what is going on with you. I will identify your unique pattern and treat you in a customized fashion.

Your treatment plan generally includes a combination of acupuncture treatments and customized herbal prescription and preparation. When you leave the office, you will be equipped with the knowledge of what the problem is, how we are going to treat it, and how frequently you will need treatment.

Using Herbal Formulas to Treat Hormone Imbalance

Chinese herbal formulas have been clinically proven to be effective in altering hormone levels in the body. A commonly used formula in the treatment of menopause, for example, known as Rhemmania Six alters female sex hormones by directly affecting the adrenal cortex, other endocrine glands, or both.

From a biomedical perspective, it has been reported that this formula increases plasma levels of cortisol (our stress-dealing hormone), increases estrodial (an estrogen derivative) and decreases overall FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone). It also increased estrogen receptors significantly. What does all of this mean? The overall effect of the above data indicates a balance of hormone levels resulting in reduction of menopausal symptoms.

Your herbal formula will be designed based on the symptoms you may be experiencing. From a TCM perspective, we would treat imbalances in the Kidney system. I will prepare a formula for you based on your TCM diagnosis that is completely customized for your body using powdered herbs that can be combined to address both your symptomatic picture and your root causal disorder. In other words, we will treat both your symptoms so that you feel better, but we will also be addressing the underlying cause of your symptoms so that your body cab find balance again.

Using Acupuncture to Treat Hormonal Imbalance

Your acupuncture treatment will focus on balancing the systems of the body that are unbalanced by exerting a strong homeostatic effect utilizing the nervous and hormonal systems. You will likely be treated for imbalances in the Kidney and Liver systems in order sedate your nervous system and balance endocrine function.

Your acupuncture regimen will include weekly treatments until the symptomatic presentations have dissipated, then a monthly maintenance treatment schedule will be established to prevent your symptoms from returning. Once we have have achieved maintenance, you may come in for preventative care if you wish.

If you or someone you know is dealing with hormonal imbalances such as menstrual pain or irregularity, menopause, infertiliy, low libido or poor energy, please refer them to my office for a free consultation.

Fast Relief From Water Retention

Every woman knows that there are some stages in their menstrual cycle when they feel their breasts are a little tender, their stomach a bit bigger, and their legs somewhat thicker because of fluid retention. This condition, which is also known as edema, is pretty normal. More often than not, these problems disappear after a few days. However, fluid retention, especially the ones that last for a couple weeks, may be a symptom of more serious conditions. It is wise to go to the doctor and have yourself checked, especially if edema is coupled with palpitations, decrease in peeing, shortness of breath and pain in the leg muscles.

If your water retention problem is cyclical or is part of hormonal imbalance caused by menopause, there are actually ways to flush out the fluid safely and naturally. Here are some pointers to getting rid of water retention fast:

Drink Up

People think that if they are bloated, they are probably consuming too much water so the logical thing to do is to stop drinking this precious fluid. The argument may appear sound, but depriving your body with water is not really a good idea. When you are dehydrated, your kidneys will be in a conservation mode and will try to retain fluid to make sure that your body has enough to perform important functions. In fact, the underlying reason why you are suffering from edema is the fact that you dehydrated. If you want to prevent being bloated, try drinking about 2 quarts of water everyday.

Jump For Joy

You may see no reason to jump for joy if your belly seems bloated and your legs are so round. According to alternative medicine practitioners, jumping is actually effective in improving your circulation and help flush out surplus fluids in your body. The upward and downward movements improve and stimulate the lymphatic system, which is responsible for moving and draining fluids.

You will see significant improvement with regard to your water retention woes after bouncing on a trampoline or doing jumping jacks for 10 to 15 minutes each day. You can stop these exercises as soon as you feel that your retention woes have disappeared.

Try Diuretics From Nature's Bounty

If you are not suffering from any serious conditions, you can do away with diuretic drugs and pills. Instead, eat one or more servings of foods that are natural diuretics. Foods that you may want to include in your everyday fare are celery, parsley and watermelon because they are the best diuretics nature can offer. Other foods that can also help flush excess water out of your system include carrots, asparagus, alfalfa sprouts, and artichokes.

Feel Dandy With Dandelion

Dandelion's leaf has been known as an effective remedy for bloating problems. Taking supplements of dandelion leaf extract three times everyday will help give you relief from water retention caused by high blood pressure. Dandelion leaf is actually safe so you can take it indefinitely. However, if you are pregnant or have swollen legs, you should only take dandelion leaf supplement only until the symptoms of bloating are under control. Moreover, seek the advise of your doctor before taking any natural remedies.

Go Easy On The Salt

If you do not know what is causing your water retention problems, then it is time to check your diet. People who eat a high-salt diet are usually prone to bloating and swelling. If you want to get rid of your short-term fluid retention troubles, then cut back your salt, ketchup, processed foods, chips, and other foods that are high in sodium.

One product that is also helpful in safely easing your bloating problems during menopause and post-menopause is Expelis. Find out more about other people's testimonies about this product by visiting http://www.expelis.com/.

How Long Does it Take For BHRT to Start Working?

Bio Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) involves using hormones that are identical in molecular structure to the hormones that the human body produces. They come from a plant source of which a substance known as diosgenin is extracted and then altered to a variety of bio-identical hormones. It is used to treat symptoms of menopause, perimenopause, and post-menopause.

Once you have had the blood or salivary tests, and the BHRT has been created to meet your specific hormonal needs through a compounding pharmacy, you should notice that it is working within 3 to 4 days. It is important to be aware that because response to the treatment is individual, your dosage may have to be adjusted during the first few months of treatment to achieve the desired result.

A Bioidentical Hormone course of therapy is made by a compounding pharmacist for each individual patient that is centered on the particular symptoms and test results. The types of hormones used in BHRT include Progesterone, Tri-Est (Estriol, Estrone and Estradiol mixture), Testosterone, DHEA, Pregnenolone, Melatonin, and Desiccated Thyroid Extract, T3 & T4.

One method of administration is Transdermal. (Creams and Gels) They are absorbed into the skin and the hormones are dispersed within a few seconds. They attach to the target cells. Vaginal creams are also used in a Transdermal treatment.

Oral capsules are another method of administration. These capsules have to be formulated so they do not get broken down in the stomach and rendered ineffective. Sub-lingual Drops and Troches are dropped on veins close to the surface of the mouth. (Usually the vein under the tongue) It is designed to be directly absorbed quickly. Small doses are given and the drops are normally flavored.

Conventional Synthetic Hormone Replacement Therapy has been discovered to increase the risk of breast cancer, strokes, heart attacks, as well as blood clots. BHRT treatments have been proven not to increase the risk of these kinds of medical problems. Other benefits of BHRT include: decreasing insomnia, anxiety, depression, bloating, headaches, irritability, and hot flashes. There is also improved concentration, alertness, sex drive, and menstruation cycles.

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy has fewer side effects because the hormones are natural. Before going through treatment, it is important to test for a hormone imbalance so it is not misinterpreted for another illness such as depression. As well, the specific hormone that is not in balance has to be identified so the correct therapy will be given and customized to fit the particular needs of the patient.

A hormone imbalance can be very challenging condition to cope with. Anxiety, mood swings, depression, can be a tough situation to handle for both patients and their families. Fortunately medical researchers are discovering and implementing safer methods to boost low hormones. BHRT is one hormone replacement treatment that more medical professionals are now prescribing as a harmless and simple treatment for hormone replacement. Find out how Bioidentical Hormone Restoration Therapy can improve your overall health and well being.