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Monday, December 18, 2006

Menopause Dietary Supplement

Menopause and Diet

by Kathryn Whittaker

Many women have found that special menopause diets can minimize the symptoms of menopause and make the change of life transition much easier and smoother. Menopause diets are a good alternative to prescribed medication and are good for those who worry about adverse side effects. Most all gynecologists recommend that women who are in their pre-menopause stages adopt a menopause diet and stay on it throughout the transition to reduce stress, reduce symptoms, and to ensure good health.

Black cohosh is one highly recommended herb to add to a menopause diet. Gynecologists urge that women begin using black cohosh for treatment of hot flashes. This herb is quite powerful and shouldn�t be used any longer than six months. If used any longer than this, although there is no exact effects determined, there could be unknown side effects.

Japanese women intake a greater amount of soy in their everyday diet, and they are only 30% as likely to complain of menopause symptoms as women in the United States and other parts of the world. Soy includes estrogen like substances that are often used in menopause diets to help with hot flashes. The best way to take soy is through soymilk or tofu.

There are some things that, unfortunately, are a large part of most everyone�s diet and are hard habits to break. However, these foods have adverse effects and can make menopause symptoms worse. Some of these are tea, alcohol, coffee, spicy food, soft drinks (with caffeine), and smoking. Try and keep high-calorie, sweet junk food to a minimum and eat as little of these as possible.

The main food experts recommend for menopause diets are fruits and vegetables, basically just eating healthy. Boost your intake of fruits such as melons, oranges, and lemons. Potassium, found in bananas, helps with women who retain water. Good vegetables are dark leafy vegetables like collard greens, spinach, cabbage, broccoli, peppers, and tomatoes. Regular fiber intake is also a healthy part of menopause dieting.

Instead of fried foods, try and stick to food that is broiled or baked. Instead of white bread and white rice eat more whole grains, like oats, rye bread, and brown rice. Try not to eat as many regular potatoes, but rather opt for sweet potatoes or pasta. Other good things to add to your everyday diet include, oily fish like mackerel or salmon, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and unprocessed oils for cooking. Other foods that are not so conventional but are recommended are different types of seaweed (ask at your local health food store) like Nori, Kombu, Arame, and Wakame.

A well balanced, nutritious, healthy diet will help reduce symptoms and achieve optimum health in women. The key is to incorporate as many natural foods into your menopause diet as possible.

Kathryn Whittaker. To sign-up for a Free Menopause Newsletter please visit Natural Menopause Relief Secrets or for menopause articles click here Menopause Articles.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathryn_Whittaker

Menopause Hair

Help for Hot Flashes

by Ada Ozoh

Hot flashes (also known as hot flushes) are the most common symptoms experienced in the perimenopausal years. You may experience hot flashes prior to menopause, which become more frequent and severe with the onset of menopause.

The term hot flush refers to the sudden onset of reddening of the skin, a feeling of intense body heat and palpitations, followed sometimes by profuse sweating. The duration lasts from a few seconds to minutes. Flushes tend to be more frequent and severe at night when they are known as night sweats. Not being able to sleep well at night may lead to irritability and depression. Imagine waking up in the middle of the night with your heart pounding, drenched in sweat.

What causes hot flashes?

This is still not well understood, but it is thought to originate from the brain and is related to a decrease in estrogen in the body. The body�s heat releasing mechanisms suddenly become excited which increases blood flow to the skin causing flushing. This is followed by sweating which has a cooling effect.

Although hot flushes are the most common menopausal symptoms, they are not dangerous to your health.

What Can You Do?

� Keep a record of where and when your flushes occur the most and try and avoid those situations. Avoid activities that seem to be associated with flashes.

� Clothing should be light. Choose natural fibres like cotton which allow perspiration to evaporate. Avoid long sleeves, high necks and tight clothes. Wear clothes that are easy to unbutton.

� Keep your rooms cool and well-ventilated at home.

� Stop smoking. It slows down circulation and worsens hot flushes.

� Eat carefully. Avoid sugary spicy and salty food, chocolates, alcohol, tea, cola drinks and large meals. Eat lots of citrus fruits e.g. oranges and grapefruits.

� Both estrogen and progesterone can be used to alleviate hot flashes. Try a natural progesterone cream, 1/4 teaspoon twice a day.

� Take evening primrose oil or borage oil which contain gama linoleic acid. It increases the production of prostaglandins which seem to reduce frequency and severity of hot flashes.

� Eat lots of soy e.g. about 60 grams. This can be in the form of soybeans, tempeh, tofu etc. An easier way to get lots of soy is in the form of soy bars and soy shakes.

� Take a good herbal formula for women especially one containing a combination of black cohosh, dong quai, licorice and ginseng. These have a mild estrogen-like activity. Do not use ginseng if you have high blood pressure or asthma.

� Take a good vitamin B complex supplement.

� Take high doses of vitamin E. Up to 1000 international units (IU) have been helpful for some women. You may reduce the dose as flashes subside. Take it at the end of a meal as it needs food to be absorbed into your body. It seems to work more effectively when taken with vitamins B and C. Use the natural form of vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol), not the man-made form (dl-alpha tocopherol). Avoid vitamin E if you have diabetes, hypertension or heart problems.

� Relaxation � this can be difficult during a hot flush. Practice deep breathing and mental imagery which can shorten a hot flush or stop it altogether.

� Regular exercise � This improves the circulation of blood around the body. It also increases the levels of estrogen in the body as well as endorphins (chemicals which act like morphine) which make you feel good. Women who exercise regularly have fewer flashes than those that don�t.

You are unique in every way. There is no magic formula to relieve hot flashes. You may have to try different things before you find a combination that works for you. Most importantly, don�t give up!

Ada Ozoh is a women's health expert. For up-to-date information and resources, especially related to menopause, visit HREF="http://menopauselifestyle.com">MenopauseLifestyle.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ada_Ozoh

Menopause Heavy Bleeding

A Public Menopause Was Not The Plan

by Patricia Little

With the new freedom of expression menopause has suddenly been allowed to become an experience of grand dilemma with a broad knowledge base including millions of both useful and useless words.

Everyone has access to the private inner workings of every female body. Nothing is sacred and absolutely every sign or symptom experienced by a lady during her years of change has the potential to be analysed and scrutinized in the interests of mankind as well as femininity.

The original meaning from the messenger was designed as a message to introduce a new season coming from some very personal decisions based on equally personal experiences.

For some a happy productive family with a strong, supportive, husband or male partner may have promised the provision and necessities for a home business or the encouragement, agreement and support for the venture into a job, a voluntary help program or even a community college computer course. The success or completion of these would provide satisfaction and fulfillment for about 1% of the ladies from real life.

Each of us has an issue, a challenge or a hurdle to be dealt with. The growth for the new season can�t achieve that blooming success till all ground has been tilled to the required standard. Even the ladies with the super supportive backgrounds must have the ground tilled.

A focus would have had time to develop over a possible 50 years. Only you know what it is but what it should be will come from the way in which you prepare the ground from the season�s signs.

Copyright 2006 Patricia Little

Patricia Little is a writer and the editor of a re-released classic ebook- it will show you how to get the best of health and wealth out of all your future years. For more go to http://www.Young-at-Sixty.com.

Remarkable "How I Became Young at Sixty" brings renewed vigor to your body, and hope to your mind. You Can Get your Free ebook "How I Became Young at Sixty" by going to http://www.Young-at-Sixty.com/get-your-f-r-e-e-ebook.htm

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Patricia_Little

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patricia_Little

Menopause The Musical In Denver

Sex and Menopause: What Every Woman Needs To Know

by Colette Bouchez

As we enter mid-life, changes abound . But for women, it's not only hot flashes and mood swings that can dominate. Indeed many gals discover that the most disconcerting change of all can be the change in they experience in their sex drive.

In short - it can all but disappear.

For some, replenishing those dwindling hormones -with Mother Nature or Father Pharmaceutical - can be a big help.

But what if hormones aren't on your agenda? Not to worry - there are still things you can do!

Indeed, oftentimes small changes in areas of your life you might not even connect with sex - like nutrition, exercise, or even sleep - can make a huge difference in your ability to not only enjoy sex, but actually look forward to intimate encounters.

Here are five things from my book " Your Perfectly Pampered Menopause" that you can try right now to get your libido off and running!

# 1: Take a Nap

Although this probably doesn't sound either sexy or romantic, experts say that fatigue is the number one killer of great romance, not to mention terrific sex. Because night sweats and hot flashes may be keeping you awake at night, don't be ashamed to steal away for a cozy nap any time you get the chance. If you arrange for a rendezvous' with your partner upon waking, you may be surprised to discover how attuned you have become to what may have been "hidden" sexual desires.

# 2 : Eat Your Fruits and Vegetables

In addition to whatever " aphrodisiac" foods you may have heard of, at mid-life doctors say one of the best sex boosters is a healthy diet. Studies show that when the basic requirements for good nutrition are met, hormones function better. And that means you are less likely to feel the "bumps" in your perimenopause road as easily or as often. Also try eating six small meals a day rather than three large ones. This can help keep blood sugar stable which not only increases your energy level, but also can improve your mood and your desires.

# 3 : Quit smoking

You know it's bad for your heart and lungs - but did you know smoking can also put a damper on your sex life? In studies conducted on perimenopausal and menopausal women, doctors found that smoking as little as one pack a day had a greater ability to decrease sexual function than the hormonal changes of menopause! Smoking is also linked to a decrease in estrogen, which can impact sexual response and vaginal sensitivity. The good news: Just months after you stub that last butt, you'll see an appreciable change in your health - including a upswing in your desire for sex!

# 4: Take Time To Relax
Whether it's curling up with a great book, planting petunias in your garden, or taking a pottery class, take time to relax and watch the benefits flow in the bedroom! Indeed, studies show that stress can be the number one thief of sexual satisfaction, and, some experts say it can put a real damper on desire. The link involves an entire cascade of hormonal activity that is set in motion by your response to stress. Once it starts, it can impact a variety of physiological functions, not the least of which is mood - and desire. And, even if you have the desire to make love, being under stress can inhibit both your ability to become aroused and to reach orgasm. So, take a few deep breaths and learn to relax - and you might be surprised at how much better you feel about making love.

5: Buy New Shoes . . .
�or get a new hairdo, change your color, go for a make-over, get a facial, even lose a few pounds. Anything you can do to feel better about yourself IS going to make you feel better about relating to your partner, not just in the bedroom, but in ALL the rooms of your life! Certainly there are important physiological reasons why sex may not be on the top of your list during this time of your life. Sometimes, however, how we feel about ourselves, and even how we view the idea of aging itself, can greatly influence how we feel about having sex and even influence what we think about our own sexuality. Doing whatever you can to enhance your self image - in your own eyes- often translates into feeling better about your partner, your relationship, and ultimately your sexuality and your sensuality

Colette Bouchez is the author of Your Perfectly Pampered Menopause- Health, Beauty and Lifestyle Advice for the Best Years of Your Life and the director of http://www.YourMenopause.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Colette_Bouchez

Sunday, December 17, 2006

Severe Menopause Symptoms

Menopause-Demystified What You Need to Know

by John Mancini

Menopause has a bad rap, at best. This is one of the most misunderstood times in a woman's life. However, it is natural and can be controlled through both medicinal and non-medicinal means. The following information regarding menopause will, hopefully, answer some questions and offer some treatment options for the millions of women who will soon be entering this next stage of life.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) has been the standard of care for menopausal women since the 1970's. In fact, more than 40 million women every year receive prescriptions for this treatment. However, in recent years this form of treatment has come under attack as it is being thought that it causes an increase in heart disease.

The use of soy and vitamin E as a treatment for the symptoms of menopause are gaining momentum among those women who do not want to use hormone replacement therapy. Nevertheless, these options have not been subjected to the same scrutiny as prescription drugs. The reason for this is that vitamins, minerals and other non-traditional methods are classified as food items and not drugs. Therefore, the studies that may have been conducted are not done in accordance with the FDA guidelines. This means that any information gleaned from such studies may not be accurate.

There are a myriad of symptoms that signal the beginning of menopause. Irregular bleeding, menstrual cycles that are longer or shorter than normal, hot flashes and night sweats are some of the more common signs. It is important to note however, that even with a list that is this varied in symptoms that not all women have the same symptoms or experience the same severity of those symptoms. One woman's experience of during this time in her life may vary greatly from the experiences of her friends and family.

It is best to talk to your health care provider if you suspect that you are entering the early stages of menopause. Together, you will be able to decide upon a course of action to alleviate some of the more uncomfortable aspects of this time of your life. Treatment does not need to follow either traditional or non-traditional methods, in fact, for many women a combination of the two works best.

The first step to alleviating some of the fear that is associated with menopause is to understand what menopause is. Simply put, it is the time when a woman's ovaries cease to function. The ovaries control such functions as producing eggs and estrogen, when the ovaries stop working, so does the production of these two things. The cease in production of estrogen can lead to a fluctuation in hormone levels and can cause osteoporosis later in life. This is why hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) is the treatment of choice.

One last piece of information, menopause is not considered complete until the absence of a menstrual cycle for 12 consecutive months. During this time, you may experience an occasional cycle. It is important to note that pregnancy may still occur, if menopause is not completed. It would be wise to continue any birth control that you prefer during the menopause phase, if pregnancy is not wanted.

John Mancini has been writing about Menopause online and offline for a long time. Visit http://menopause-now.info or http://menopause-web.info to read more about matters like stop hot flashes and menopause.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Mancini

Phytoestrogens In Soy Products Relieve Symptoms Of Menopause

Male "Menopause" - The Alternative Anti-Aging Approach

by Rodrigo Rojas MD

Andropause is a syndrome resulting from the deficiency of hormones, especially testosterone. It�s onset and symptoms may not be as dramatic as female �menopause�, but its effects can be just as serious. It is interesting that hormone replacement is quite routine in women but barely even addressed in men. The decline in hormone levels in both sexes has an adverse impact on one�s state of health. Starting around age 25, DHEA and testosterone levels begin a progressive downward trend. With falling hormones, it is much harder to maintain muscle mass. Things begin to sag and fat begins to form increasingly thick layers around the lower back and abdomen. Stamina is affected and exercise intolerance occurs. Osteoporosis is well-documented in women and occurs in men as well. This can result in hip and vertebral compression fractures. Wrinkles that carve deep crevices in the face are partially due to testosterone deficiency. Libido is reduced and even impotence may develop. These changes are all a result of male �menopause�.

Hormone replacement has been available for women for decades and the positive results continue to multiply. In Anti-Aging medicine, it is expected that maintenance of hormone levels in the youthful range (that of a 25-30 year old) will provide substantial health benefit. Proper monitoring of hormone replacement is a relatively recent innovation that makes this therapy much safer. We can now insure proper dosages in the accepted normal physiologic range. Cancer risk is greatly reduced by this refined approach to replacement therapy.

The decline in testosterone occurs as a result of multiple causes and treatment should be directed accordingly. Aromatase (an enzyme that converts Testosterone into Estradiol) increases as we gain years. This increases raises the free estrogens and lowers the free Testosterone. Prostate cancer is correlated with high circulating estrogens. Aromatase inhibitors, such as chrysin, nettle extract, and Arimidex can inhibit aromatse. Testicular atrophy leads to decreased testosterone production. A course of treatment with HCG stimulates testicular development and can boost Testosterone production. A complete vitamin, mineral, and antioxidant supplement plus a proper diet help to correct nutritional deficiencies. DHEA and possible melatonin replacement also serve as alternatives and as adjuncts to testosterone therapy. A diet that includes a large amount of legumes, especially soy, is helpful in providing the necessary building blocks for our bodies to manufacture hormones. Maintaining cholesterol in the normal range (not to high or to low) is also critical for hormone synthesis. Testosterone replacement can be accomplished by the use of creams, pills or even injection. It is best if the physiologic patterns natural to the body are mimicked, which makes injection less favorable. Creams containing natural testosterone are well absorbed through the skin, bypass metabolism by the liver, and are easy to apply, thus making them superior to pills. The potential risks of testosterone administration include increases in red cell mass, worsening of sleep apnea, changes in plasma lipid levels, and fluid retention. There is some concern that testosterone replacement might exacerbate benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). There is no change in PSA with testosterone therapy. You are not a candidate for this replacement therapy if you have an active testicular or prostate cancer. Finally, testosterone supplementation may produce adverse side effects if administered to men with normal levels, hence the importance of monitoring.

With proper replacement, you can expect to regain muscle mass, increase bone density, increase stamina, increase libido, reduce your risk for a variety of cancers and Alzheimer�s disease, and live an improved quality of life.

Dr. Rod Rojas is a board certified physician and Medical Director of IHC SKIN LASER AND ANTI AGING CLINIC, member of the prestigious American Academy Of Anti-Aging Medicine.

If you are suffering any of these symptoms, give us a call at The Skin Laser and Anti-Aging Clinic 843-757-8717.

We will be very happy to assist you.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rodrigo_Rojas_MD

Menopause Hot Flash What Is

FSAD - Female Sexual Arousal Disorder Causes & Cures

by Sacha Tarkovsky

The American Medical Association has estimated that millions of US women suffer from what US doctors refer to as 'female sexual arousal disorder' or 'FSAD'.

While there is a huge amount of media dedicated to male libido female libido while a big problem is not so openly discussed.

So what causes FSAD and what can be done to help women with the problem. Let�s look at the subject in more detail

It's important to stress fist of all that many women with FSAD have no problems with having orgasms.

The problem lies in their lack of libido and sex drive; they are simply not turned on by the prospect of having sex in the first place

For most women, lack of libido is only a temporary phenomenon.

Some will get over it by themselves and others can be helped by medical or psychosexual advice.

What are the causes of lack of libido in women?

As is the case with men, lack of desire in women can either physical or psychological.

Physical causes include

1. Anemia - which is very common in women, due to lack of iron loss during their periods (and of course in childbirth).

�2. alcoholism.

�3. drug abuse.

�4. Generalized disorders, such as diabetes.

5. Post-baby coolness (PBC): this is the term for loss of libido that occurs after childbirth.

It is almost linked to changes in hormones that occur at this time, though as yet, no clear-cut changes in hormones have been identified by medical research.

The general trauma of childbirth plays a part - and after having a baby, many women are too exhausted to think about sex.

6. Prescribed drugs, particularly tranquillizers are a common cause for many women.

7. Hyperprolactinaemia - A rare disorder in which the pituitary gland is simply overactive.

We haven't mentioned the menopause as a physical cause of loss of desire.

However contrary to myth it doesn't usually cause loss of libido at all.

Many women tend to feel sexier unlike men (and have more orgasms) in the postmenopausal part of their life.

Psychological causes

these causes are all common, when a woman are having a bad time emotionally they Lose interest in sex and FSAD occurs.

Psychological causes include:

�1. Depression

2. Stress and overwork

3. Anxiety

4. Problems from childhood

5. Sexual abuse

6. Lesbianism

7. Relationship issues

Women should consult their doctor for professional advice to isolate the problem causing FSAD

The big drug companies are searching for a drug that will turn women on but for now their is no drug on the market but there are a number of proven natural cures that can help, which we have covered in another article in this series.

Libido can be restored, although it takes more than a Viagra-like pill.

With men, HSD is usually related to an erection problem.

A woman's lack of sexual desire and libido i.e FSAD is often more complex, and many more factors are at work.

Use expert help to find out what is causing your loss of libido, then you can take the action.

There is no single cause for FSAD and there fore there is no single solution that works for all women.

For some women lack of libido is due to medical conditions, for some it�s psychological.

For most women stress and exhaustion can be a big factor and there are many herbal remedies on the market that will decrease stress increase libido and will help a women re discover her sex drive and libido.

MORE FREE INFO

Is available on FACD at avialable at our website. Please go tot the health section and read a variety of articles on getting more from your sex life and maintiaing optimum sexual and general health at www.net-planet.org

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