Signs Of Menopause

Menopause – how it affects your family-and what to do about it

ramance — Tue, 25 May 2010 22:00:55 +0000

A family is a unit, of parents, children and sometimes grandparents, cohabiting under the same roof, held together by genes and similar traits. With onerous burdens of the outside world, a family is what we come back to. And when family expectations exceed limits, friends are whom we bank on. For a menopausal woman both units become strong allies as she merrily dallies between the two!

Life is rosy for a young couple. The entry of children renders meaning, but when teenagers cohabit with teenagers, a family can be reduced to a mad house of sorts! With time, docile children turn into rebels, thanks to the adrenaline rush! Which means that pubescent children who are coping with physical changes and middle-aged parents coping with health changes, spell tense moments for families worldwide.

“Your ideas are outdated. You’ve become a moody nag”, are some bitter words a woman gets to hear from her fledglings and even her soul mate! The cessation of menstruation, onset of hot flushes, a flabby body, growing children, a less than satisfactory sex life, perceived threat from husband’s young secretary, husband’s busy schedule, mood swings et al are more than a handful.

Understanding from one’s family and companionship from friends can alter a menopausal woman’s life for the better. Couples who have had an understanding relationship right from the start are able to better cope with menopause. Nothing equals communication, sprinkled with a bit of humor and time spent together! Women must remember what it was to be an awkward adolescent. Tolerance from adults can bridge the generation gap and teenagers have a valuable role model. Regular family outings, interaction with same sex and age friends, sailing on the same boat with families that are sailing on the same boat as you, inspiring each other, are some things that ‘you’ as a woman can initiate.

There’re couples that learn yoga, meditate, go for walks, go vacationing together sans the kids, or with other middle-aged couples, participate in community activities, or just date each other. One vital lesson that couples must learn at this stage is to be together. Despite busy schedules, couples must endeavor to spend weekends together. It pays to invest time learning a vocation your spouse enjoys.

Lastly, younger couples should remember to live in the ‘now’. Today well lived can render beautiful memories devoid of regrets. ‘Today’ is still a present. Have more fun under the sheets, humor and arouse each other, laugh with your children, go for that check-up now and bond with that trusted female friend.

Menozac Review: A Natural Approach to Menopause

ramance — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 16:25:19 +0000

Product: Menozac Natural Menopause Support

Price: $49.95 per bottle containing 30 capsules (free refill program not included); best value is at $149.95 (Buy 3 Get 3 Free) reducing the price per bottle to $24.99.

Manufacturer: Proudly distributed through the Natural Products Association

Usage: Not explicitly indicated on the label but bottle contains 30 capsules with 1 capsule per serving size

Ingredients: Vitamin E; a proprietary blend of soy, black cohosh, damiana; and other ingredients include microcrystalline cellulose, gelatin, magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide and water

CLICK HERE TO BUY MENOZAC

Claims: Menozac is a botanical formulation containing a blend of natural herbal extracts. It has been developed as a natural alternative support, formulated with the best-known combination of well-researched phytoestrogen botanicals. It claims that it will:

Reduce hot flashes
Support balanced mood and routine calmness
Maintain healthy sleeping patterns
Support hormonal balance during menopause

Side Effects: No reported side effects from the use of Menozac

The Office of Dietary Supplements of the National Institute of Health in Bethesda, MD published the following side effects for black cohosh:

Black cohosh can cause stomach discomfort and headaches.
Clinical trials comparing estrogens with black cohosh preparations have shown a low incidence of adverse effects associated with black cohosh: headaches, gastric complaints, heaviness in the legs, and weight problems were the main adverse effects noted.
Liver damage has been reported in a few individuals using black cohosh, but millions of people have taken the herb without apparent adverse health effects.

Learn more about the medicinal properties of herbs that you are unfamiliar with. If you are taking prescription drugs, or have a medical condition check with an appropriately qualified practitioner before using herbs medicinally.

Guarantee: The manufacturer take great pride in the superior quality of their products and want their customers to be pleased with the purchase. Customers may return any unused and unopened item purchased from the website for any reason within Ninety (90) days of your purchase for a refund of the purchase price (less shipping and handling and up to a $10.00 restocking fee per item).

Verdict: Taken as advised by your health care provider, Menozac will reduce hot flashes; support balanced mood and routine calmness, maintain healthy sleeping patterns and support hormonal balance during menopause.

CLICK HERE TO BUY MENOZAC

My Findings About Black Cohosh for Menopause. It works?

ramance — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 16:29:06 +0000

The essence of a woman is said to be motherhood. Whether a biological mother or not; women have to go through the phase of menopause. It’s a distressing stage that every woman wished they can overcome easily. While pharmaceutically manufactured medications may bring relief, it also brings concern on the artificial ingredients used. Natural remedies are often sought including taking dietary supplements with Black cohosh. Black cohosh alleviated hot flashes among women of old. Nowadays, this herbal medicine is being passed on. Black cohosh for menopause is helping modern women as well.

This herb’s roots and underground stems is used either fresh or dried ingredients in tea infusions. Nowadays, homeopathic medicine manufacturers have packaged nature’s cure in capsules, solid and liquid extracts. Since alternative medicine is gaining mainstream popularity, black cohosh can now be found on shelves as dietary supplements like in Menozac. Homeopathic remedies have been distributed in local drug stores, vitamin shops and in cyber retailers, making this available and accessible to women everywhere.

If not you, your mother, aunt, friend, colleague or neighbor may be going through the anguish of menopause: hot flashes, sweating, nausea, rapid heartbeats and other uneasiness. They go through it at the middle of a meeting, in traffic, while sleeping, baby sitting or even just going to the grocers. It is very uncomfortable and naturally worries them when they shouldn’t. Isn’t it time we showed care about the influential women in our lives?

Black cohosh lessens hot flashes and its discomforts. While the symptoms may never be totally eliminated, every menopausal woman can breathe a sigh of relief now with natural remedies such as Menozac. It contains black cohosh which helps in the symptoms of menopause.

Does Black Cohosh for Hot Flashes Really Work?

ramance — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 22:17:31 +0000

My mother told me about it. It is a sudden rush of intense hot sensation on the face and sometimes, the upper body. No, it’s not the ecstasy of romance. On the other hand, it is the agony of hot flashes. My aunt told me that hers was accompanied by rapid heartbeats, sometimes this increase of heart pace came before. Sweating, dizziness, nausea, headache, anxiety came along with it. These make menopausal women weak and leave a feeling of suffocation. That was the “hot” part. Now, the “flash” part is comes as a flush leaving them reddened and covered with sweat. A chill usually climaxes these episodes. The best way to beat the heat is to overcome the heat naturally. Homeopathic healers recommend black cohosh to reduce hot flashes.

Black cohosh is an herb historically used for rheumatism and muscle pains. Lately, it has been used to treat hot flashes. Black cohosh is believed to treat other symptoms of menopause such as night sweats and vaginal dryness. This herb has also been used to treat menstrual irregularities, PMS or premenstrual syndrome, and to induce labor for pregnant women.

The roots and underground stems of Black cohosh has been used either fresh or dried in teas, pills/ capsules or tinctures (liquid extracts). Of course, you don’t have to plant and harvest the plant yourself. Manufacturers of homeopathic medicine like Menozac did extensive research and development to package the herbal supplement in desirable dosages.

Black cohosh treated hot flashes in menopausal women in the past. The same remedy has been passed on to benefit baby boomers. Black cohosh deals with menopause and the distress it brings to women. It is a natural supplement that has been time tested.

How to lessen the effects of Menopause

ramance — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 22:45:46 +0000

The word menopause is from the Greek word ‘mens’ meaning monthly and pause meaning to stop. Before the advent of menopause women undergo something called the perimenopause that is prior to menopause. This happens 3-4 years before the menstrual periods stop completely.

Sleepless nights, irritation, depression, water retention and osteoporosis are some of the symptoms of menopause. A woman physically as well as mentally undergoes changes during this time. How to reduce the effects of menopause?

Strict diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, lots of exercise and security of the family can reduce the stress caused by menopause. Western women get hot flushes during this time.

For hot flushes, use cotton clothes that better absorb sweat. This way, allergies can also be kept to a minimum. Wear cotton underclothes and use cotton bed linen. Avoid the intake of hot drinks such as coffee and tea. If this is difficult, change over to herbal tea. Soy and soy based milk and foods are a great reliever of distress during menopause.

Curb spicy food. Alcohol is also a big no-no! Smokers who always wanted to quit, must quit now, as you are at a higher risk to experience heart diseases and osteoporosis, as nicotine depletes calcium.

Each and every symptom is distressing to menopausal women and managing these and making your family cope with your mood swings can seem a Herculean task. However, many times, the hype surrounding the phenomenon is sufficient to make women wallow in self-pity.

Let there be more action between the sheets with your loved one, and fantasizing and foreplay are better lubricants, compared to drugs. Nonetheless, lubricants are available to keep you sexually active even post menopause. This gives you the confidence that at least you have not ‘lost your touch’!

Pamper yourself by having a good massage at one of your favorite spa. Aromatic oils and flower therapy can reduce the stress and make you feel good about yourself. Change your wardrobe and add some bold colors to your clothes. Bright and cheerful attitude goes a long way in driving away the blues caused by menopause.

Remember that this is a passing phase and that you will be relieved of your monthly cycle for the rest of your life. How wonderful. Thoughts like these will lift your spirits and help in alleviating your mood. And do remember that this is not the end of life but a whole new phase begins from now.

Perimenopausal symptoms

ramance — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 20:24:07 +0000

Also known as pre-menopause, this is a phase just before the actual ending of periods, when ovulation declines or varies, resulting in various symptoms. Perimenopause is a time when periods are erratic and discomforts like hot flushes, insomnia etc occurs. Although according to research, perimenopause occurs almost a decade before actual menopause, medically this happens just 2-3 years before the actual time. Also, since it occurs in women who are just 35, symptoms are ignored.

Another reason this is ignored is because it occurs subtly. Women with a 28 day menstrual cycle, suddenly begin to have a 26 day cycle. Or, in some cases, the cycle gets prolonged to 30 days. Breast tenderness, hot flushes, vaginal dryness are prevalent too. Some women experience very heavy periods, making hysterectomy the only viable option.

Is it possible for a woman to conceive during perimenopause?

Yes! Although ovulation is frequent in women in their 20’s or 30’s, ovulation does occur, albeit with irregularity even during perimenopause. So just because your periods have become erratic occurring once in 45 days, does not protect you from pregnancy! Until there is a full-stop of menstruation for a year, you aren’t still safe. So, women in their 40’s could ovulate and thereby conceive.

Gynecologists these days believe that perimenopause is the right time to begin estrogen or progesterone or testosterone therapy. This is because when therapy at this stage is started, hormones are never in excess and are just being replaced by a declining natural supply. When actual menopause occurs, there could be an excess of hormones.

Perimenopause is the right time to change your existing lifestyle in case it is unhealthy. This is the right time to start the intake of calcium supplements, in order to prevent osteoporosis. Cut out unhealthy junk food and try to replace sodas and sweet juices with water. It will help you combat weight gain that can happen in menopause. Also, change your food habits to include more leafy vegetables, fresh fruits rich in fiber, reduce intake of salty food, stop smoking, try meditation, yoga and cultivate hobbies.

Exercising can help a lot during this time. Aerobics or dancing classes like Salsa or jazz can keep the spirits high as well as keep you fit and trim. Preparing for the actual arrival of menopause can mitigate many of the symptoms. Natural exercises like walking, running, bicycling and swimming can be helpful forms of exercise.

How to manage menopause

ramance — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 20:20:40 +0000

Fortunately, we’re in an era when medical facilities are available and we have alternatives to choose from. Drugs and hormone therapy are in vogue, enabling women to cope with menopause. However, a healthy nutritious diet, comprising leafy vegetables, soy, fruits, brown bread and rice and an intake of calcium supplements are more beneficial. Regular exercise, yoga, meditation and stretches can also work wonders. Actually these cheap, natural remedies are advantageous than the common HRT-Hormone Replacement therapy, which although helps prevent bone loss, also has side effects!

Whatever you choose, do so at the right time. There are women who prefer not wasting money on these ‘frivolities’, believing this is a passing phase. But when your bones are fragile, you are more susceptible to fractures. And you don’t want to break your bones and have a nurse shove a bed pan under your bottoms!

Dehydroepiandrosterone, more commonly known as “DHEA” is miraculous in anti-aging effects, acts as an anti-depressant, and aids in fat burning. Testosterone in the form of crèmes or gels helps in balancing hormones and boosting libido. Aromatherapy and Bach flower remedy also help combat depression. According to TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), ginger is known to combat depression and fatigue. Ginseng is supposed to be a panacea for menopause, alleviating hot flashes, and elevating your libido! Indian herbs like saffron are also supposed to boost libido.

According to Dr. John Lee, women with water retention, fibroids and wrinkling skin are the ones who suffer from a dip in their libido. These symptoms are a resultant of progesterone deficiency due to failure in ovulation. And when these women take progesterone supplementation, their sex drive increased too! Weak kidneys or adrenals also cause fluid retention. Cucumber, melons and grapes should help flush out excess water naturally. Essential oils like lavender, juniper and rosemary are known to relieve water retention and also alleviate depression.

Acupuncture and acupressure are known to relieve menstrual pains and even shrink fibroids. Homeopathy and vitamin-E supplements also help in dryness of the vagina. Acidophilus tablets inserted inside the vagina is supposed to lubricate the area and also prevent yeast infections. Consuming fresh vegetables and fruits, yogurt and a long foreplay are natural remedies to combat dryness. Homeopathy helps in reducing vitiligo that distresses a small percentage of women.

Another cheap and effective remedy is ‘Mudra therapy’, where your fingers are held in a certain way, helps in reduction of water retention, weight gain and depression.

Hormone patches – pros and cons

ramance — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 16:29:41 +0000

Although menopause is inevitable, one can minimize its effects effectively. The trick is to start early. Women in their 20’s and 30’s must examine their lifestyle and make changes. Adolescence marks the beginning of a carefree lifestyle, where consuming junk food, starving to maintain a slim figure, changing partners, a sedentary lifestyle are all common, the results of which will be reflected during menopausal years.

Surgical menopause occurs when the ovaries along with the uterus is surgically removed. While you stop menstruating when the uterus is removed, you will still ovulate when ovaries are not removed. When both are removed, it’s surgical menopause. One main culprit can be the use of contraceptive pills. Avoiding these prevent the occurrence of fibroids etc.

Adopting a healthful diet, rich in fiber, calcium, potassium and iron will work wonders for your skin, muscles and bones. Start at age of 20 itself. Diabetes during menopause can worsen matters, so cut down on sugar. Most women at this stage have a sedentary lifestyle. Thus, it’s wise to work out in a gymnasium or try yoga. If you don’t have the time for exercise, take the stairs instead of the elevator. Park your car a little away form home or office and walk it up. This way you’ll get your needed exercise. Avoid binging in between hours. Limit intake of alcohol and caffeine. Opt for a salt fat diet to prevent bloating.

If all the above doesn’t work, hormone patches are a good alternative:

HRT (Hormone replacement therapy) is known to decrease incontinence, vaginal dryness, hot flashes, itching and even osteoporosis, although there’re reported case of breast tenderness and uterine cancer. Hormone patches are available in all drug stores across the country. Do consult your doctor before using it. These patches are safer than pills. These are discreet patches which are quite effective than creams and pills. These are estrogen patches which induce more estrogen into our body which has been reduced due to menopause.

Risks cannot be ruled out as hormone therapy has side effects. Patches and gels are already known to be effective for relieving the hot flashes and sleeplessness and night sweats that plague many women. No one knows whether they will prove safer than pills in terms of breast cancer, heart attack or stroke risk.

Oral pills have to pass through your liver and stomach that may have effect on these organs. But a hormone skin patch is directly absorbed into the bloodstream, and therefore can be given in far lower doses to be effective. So stick a patch and feel free from menopausal blues.

How Menopause Affects Different People

ramance — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:07:11 +0000

Menopause is a fact of life and no matter who we are it is going to come at some point in our lives. It is usually a fairly gradual process and should not suddenly hit you and take you by surprise. However we are all individuals and how menopause affects us will be an entirely personal thing. There are several factors involved, which govern how menopause will affect us.

Some women will really not experience too much trauma with menopause, while others have deep physiological and mental problems. It is important to understand the symptoms and how they are affecting you personally. Do not let things get out of hand.

One of the first signs you will notice is irregular bleeding. Your menstrual cycle will either shorten or lengthen and you can even experience spotting in between periods. This can be heavy or light depending on different individuals. It is good to check with your doctor in case this bleeding is a sign of some underlying problem. Naturally you will also have a decrease in fertility due to irregular ovulation. However do not rule out pregnancy during this time until all periods have stopped.

The commonest symptoms in menopause are hot flushes and night sweats. These can vary greatly. They are fairly uncomfortable but not life threatening. The worst scenario is disruption of sleep patterns and a feeling of tiredness during the day. These can last up to 5 years and in a small minority 10 years. Some women experience hot flushes frequently others not very often. Again it is an individual thing.

Vagina problems can occur. As the lining gets thinner and less elastic, it can also be vulnerable to infections. It is important to be careful of this and to catch the signs of infection like itching and burning early. The same problem can happen to your urethra and cause some urinary tract infections. Incontinence can also be present, especially when you strain yourself or cough and sneeze.

Added to this is the fact that you can also experience mood swings and in extreme cases depression. A feeling of tiredness and memory loss can also occur. It is important to make sure that you see your doctor if deep depressions occur as these can be life threatening. Weight gain, wrinkles, acne and some facial hair can also be present.

All these symptoms can be present in varying degrees for individual women. It is important to remember that they do not last forever, even if you feel that they will. There are many treatments available now, depending on how severe the actual problems are.

Treatment for menopause

ramance — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 19:55:31 +0000

Julia celebrated her 50th birthday in great pomp and splendor. Her husband Paul gifted golden bangles for his golden wife on her golden jubilee birthday. Her daughter flew down with family to be with her mom on her special day and her son too did the same. Her kids threw her a surprise party and all her friends and relatives were a bit jealous of Julia for having such a wonderful and affectionate family. Still Julia was not happy. This worried Paul and he didn’t know what to do to make his wife happy. He spoke to his friend who was a doctor and he assured Paul that Julia is going through menopause. The hormonal imbalance caused in her body due to menopause kept her moody and sad most of the times without any reason. Julia is not alone in this. All women go through this phase in life and this is indeed a traumatic period for many.

There is no specific treatment for menopause. The important things to remember are: eat healthy, get plenty of rest, exercise daily, stay active socially and don’t ever be ashamed of menopause. If the symptoms are very severe then doctors do recommend hormone therapy. Estrogen replacement therapy, progestin’s, 1500 mg of calcium daily, anti -anxiety drugs and anti-depressants are some of the treatment for menopause.

These medicines can only help in reducing your stress levels. Calcium is good for the bones as osteoporosis is common in menopausal women. Herbal remedies and diet can also help in reducing the stress. A body massage at a spa with aromatic oils lifts the spirit of the woman so that she feels better about herself.

Long walks or a work out at the gym or even swimming can help during menopause. Attending dancing sessions, if you like to dance with friends can also help during menopause, as being amongst people makes an individual feel secured and wanted.

Taking calcium and vitamin supplements also helps during menopause. B complex and calcium is a must daily. Estrogen can be used to improve vaginal dryness which occurs during menopause. Estrogen is available in the form of cream or oil so that applying it helps in lubrication. Menopause treatments are designed to reduce the symptoms that women experience during this time in their lives. So women like Julia need not worry or fret about menopause but face it boldly with a positive attitude. After all this is just a passing phase.