Monday, April 16, 2012

Boning Up on Bones

About this time in life we start hearing about bone density tests and weakening bones. Why should I be concerned?
Let's start with a kinda scary fact: One third to one half of all women over the age of 50 will sustain a bone related fracture complication. As many women die of complications from osteoporosis, one in five, as they do from cancer and heart disease.
The good news is we can make changes and keep our bones health and strong.
Start by replacing your calcium. We do not make anymore bone mass after the age of 35.Your bones and your teeth make up 99% of the calcium in your body. The daily supplement requirement is 1,200 milligrams, and most of us are getting less than half of that each day. So, like a bank, we are loosing more and more bone density, daily. Almonds, almond milk, tuna, vegetables, calcium supplements and fortified cereals and juices are a great source of calcium. Foods that rob your bone bank include meat, protein bars and protein shakes. Salt is number two calcium depleting factor. We all tend to eat too much salt, and this makes us thirsty. We then up our water or liquid intake; we pee more, and like the baby with the bathwater, out goes the calcium as well. And #3 culprit of calcium loss is alcohol, more than one drink a day and we are tapping into the reserves.
Put a little sunshine in your life. Vitamin D helps us to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. It protects us from rickets, osteoporosis and softening of the bone. Vitamin Sunshine may even ward off high blood pressure, depression, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes. New evidence show it has been found to slow down cancer and tumor development as well. About 10-15 minutes twice a week should do the trick.
Exercise..everyday, maybe out in the sunshine. The trick here is weight bearing moving. The weight of the body has to be carried by the bones in order to stimulate bone strength. Walking and dancing are weight bearing, but swimming, cycling and yoga are not. Just add one to the other if you love to swim. A variety of aerobic, load-bearing, strength-training, and balance-enhancing exercises build the bones and stave off fractures.
Because teeth are attached to Bone, you may also experience a decline in the health of your teeth and gums. Bone loss will weaken the attachment of the teeth, and sometimes teeth will fall out. Easy on the carbonated drinks, they do a number on our teeth and our bones.
When your doctor does order a bone mineral density test, (BMD) there is no reason to be alarmed. The tests do not hurt and only take about 15 minutes. The tests are repeated every 2-3 years.
The duel-energy X-ray (DEXA) is taken of your spine and hip, and they have smaller more mobile machines that may scan just your wrist and heel. These two X-ray beams measure bone thickness. The scanning arm scans your body as you are lying down. This is used to check density changes. The report shows colored images of your spine and hip, etc. reflecting different densities. The scans are then compared to the bones of an average 35 year old woman, whose average score is 0. Your scores will range from -1.0 normal, -1.0 to -2.5, lower but stable bone mass, and -2.5 and lower, you have osteoporosis. Your risk of a fracture doubles for every point below zero.
Sit down with your doctor and together decide what forms of calcium fits best into your lifestyle. Remember that the earlier we start saving the in the Bone Bank, the better.
Co-Author of Menopause Master Plan
http://www.menopausemasterplan.com/
Corby Campbell Shields

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Sunday, April 15, 2012

6 Simple Ways to Overcome the Challenges of Menopause And Enjoy Your New Life

Menopause is one of the stages of life that every woman will go through. The transition into this stage of life can be very challenging. Fortunately, there are certain things you can do to overcome the challenges and live your life to the fullest.
When you're going through the process of menopause, don't just sit back and worry, or try to ignore it. Below are the tips to help you cope.
1. Reach out: Talk to other women. Find out what symptoms they're having, what causes them difficulty, and what they do to cope. A lot of women are doing their own research and information-gathering, and they can be a tremendous resource for you.
2. Find a mentor: Some older women who have been through menopause can serve as wonderful mentors. Find a woman 10-15 years older who is living a lifestyle you admire and talk to her about what has meaning in her life. Make her your role model.
3. Know your options: Talk to your doctor about your symptoms and options for dealing with them. Deciding to take hormones is a very individual decision.
Talk to several doctors if you need to, until you find one you're comfortable with and who is willing to respect what you want to do to manage your menopause.
4. Stay connected: There are so many women's community out there. Any of these communities can help you feel connected and productive during this transitional time. Therefore, join a book club or take art lesson or a course that stimulates your intellect.
5. Expect sexual changes: Some women find that sex is not as passionate but becomes more affectionate. And this can be fine, since their mate's testosterone (sex hormone) levels may be dropping as well, lowering his sex drive.
Some women also find that certain places on the body that use to be highly sensitive are less so, and that other places that were not sensitive now are.
6. Explore sexual options: Try to stay sexually active. Not having sex can cause your vagina to change in size and elasticity, which can make sex painful.
Talk to your partner about the changes you're feeling and explore new and different ways to have sex that may be more comfortable. If you don't have a partner, masturbation helps promote circulation and moistness in the vagina helping it to maintain its size and elasticity. Put these tips into practice and you'll be amazed at how wonderful your menopause life will be!
Saeed Sikiru is a fitness enthusiast, a wellness advocate, a full time blogger and freelance writer. He owns a blog where he writes regularly about Health Tips and Advice. You can also Hire Him for your writing and marketing projects at affordable cost.

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Saturday, April 14, 2012

11 Secret Foods That Ease Menopause Symptoms

Good for you, you have decided to take control of yourself, instead of Menopause controlling you! One of the big steps in your personal makeover as making the right food choices. If you did not know, food choices impacts your symptoms, your energy, your frame of mind.
I am going to share with you 11 foods that have really helped me overcome those negative side affects of menopause. To name a few, bloating, anxiety, depression and constipation. These foods not only help with those wicked symptoms of menopause, but they burn belly fat, and eliminate it; they make your skin glow, increase your energy, help you sleep. These great foods are so good for you, and to you. Doesn't that make you feel a little better?
Here are the 11 Secret Foods that give you clear eyes, soft hair and nails, strong immunity. You will feel energized, empowered, and strong.These good foods even reduce the appearance of wrinkles, add oxygen to your blood, and soften your skin, along with all the other benefits I listed above. And they are so yummy, and filling. Come on, let me introduce you to our friends.
1) Cucumbers - Full of chlorophyll and oxygen, cucumbers are loaded with vitamins and minerals. A fabulous high PH, low sugar, must eat. So yummy and crisp in salads, juices and smoothies.
2) Avocados - A fruit, who knew. With more potassium than a banana. Packed with 70% good fats and oils that give you a slow burn that works on your fat, non - stop.
3) Lime - Even though this fruit is considered acidic,when the body breaks it down, it has an alkalizing effect on the body. This lowers the bodies Ph, protecting us, and burning fat. Limes give that "sweet" taste to foods.
4) Almonds - A fabulous snack! The monounsaturated fats and vitamin E will help lower your LDL cholesterol. It's a healthy substitute for people with wheat allergies or diabetics. And it helps clear your complexion.
5) Wild Caught Salmon - So much protein, vitamin D and omega - 3 fatty acids. These fish are full of good cholesterol, and the proteins and omega - 3 fatty acids are used in your fat burning furnace.
6) Fresh Spinach - Loaded with antioxidants. A strong iron source, vitamins A,E,C & K, and even those great omega - 3 fatty acids. Truly a "super" veggie.
7) Asparagus - Very low in calories and so high in antioxidants. With the nutrient density and wonderful source of fiber, asparagus aids in your digestion, and gives you a natural protein that helps build long, lean muscle.
8) Tomato - Wow, another low sugar, fat burning fruit.Tomatoes have an ostonishingly high level of vitamin A and some have even double the amount of vitamin C. Yummy too.
9) Sprouted Seed Bread - the healthiest alternative to satisfy your bread and carb needs. Yea, you get toast!Plus they are high in fiber,and have a great protein content to keep your muscles strong.
10) Olive Oil - Delicious and full of the monounsaturated fats that help reduce coronary heart disease. The fatty acids in this oil have anti - inflammatory and anti - hypertensive properties.
11) Broccoli - An anti - viral, anti - bacterial goodie. Broccoli,will all that vitamin C, helps burn fat and is an excellent source of fiber.
Look at that list! You can have toast and nuts to snack on and Avocados....no calorie counting, no portion control. And you are Burning Fat while you eat.
Add lots of water with Super Greens Supplement, and Honey, You are a fat burning machine!
Don't worry, don't give up, more help is on the way! Over the next couple of weeks you will be receiving more ammunition to fight those hormones that add belly fat, as well as so many other awful symptoms. I know what you are going though, and I am going to help you win back you sanity, your self.
Hang in there!
It's Your journey, but You're not alone,
Corby Campbell,
Co Founder: http://www.menopausemasterplan.com/

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Friday, April 13, 2012

Making Sense Of Herbal Menopause Remedies

If you've looked online recently for an herbal menopause remedy you've no doubt found tons of remedies and little information about them. Most brands rely on the prior reputation or familiarity of an herb to make the sale. There seems to be very little tangible information about what to expect in terms of results, and virtually no information about side effects and safety issues when taking herbs.
Since you're putting it in your body, you probably want to know a little bit about how a particular herbal remedy works. Let's investigate that first. Menopause complaints span a wide variety of symptoms involving many parts of the body. What they all have in common is the cause. Menopause related symptoms or complaints are attributable to dropping hormone levels of progesterone and estrogen.
Using herbs to replace dropping estrogen and progesterone
Many of the herbs that are advertised as helpful for relief of menopause complaints are essentially herb sources of estrogens. They have been called phytoestrogens (plant-estrogens) by the scientific community. By restoring dropping estrogen levels with plant like estrogens, menopause symptoms are relieved. Some common herbs (and foods) that contain phytoestrogens are red clover, soy, flaxseed and Siberian rhubarb root extract.
Alternately, some herbs contain a progesterone like molecule. The one that stands out is wild Mexican yam. Wild Mexican yam contains a substance diosgenin, which is very similar to progesterone. Different medical researchers argue in both directions-that the human body can, and cannot convert diosgenin into progesterone. So the reported benefits of wild Mexican yam may be due to its direct effect on human tissues. Or it may be due to the fact that it is converted bio-chemically by the body into progesterone, thereby restoring optimal progesterone levels as they drop during perimenopause.
Other menopause herbal remedies-Chasteberry
Other herbs and nutrients frequently used for relief of menopause related complaints don't fall into either of the above categories. That is, they don't mimic the activity of either estrogen or progesterone, yet can have beneficial effects. One example is vitex or chasteberry. This herb has been used more for relief of premenstrual complaints, and particularly for relief of breast pain associated with monthly cycling. How chasteberry achieves its benefit is not fully understood, but it has been shown to change levels of prolactin. Prolactin is a hormone that regulates milk production in the breast.
Black Cohosh
Another herb that is commonly used by menopausal women is black cohosh. It was initially thought that black cohosh contained phytoestrogens. This has been refuted by recent research that suggests that black cohosh impacts serotonin receptors in the brain. Serotonin is a brain neurotransmitter that is sometimes referred to as the "tranquilizing" brain neurotransmitter. Many popular prescriptive anti-depressants (the SSRI's) work by influencing serotonin levels in the brain. Research suggests that black cohosh may have some benefit for osteoporosis. Research also suggests that black cohosh has no benefit for relief of menopause related hot flashes.
St. John's Wort
Another herb that finds its way into herbal menopause remedies is St. John's Wort. The herb has a well deserved reputation for helping to relieve mild depression. Since depression may be associated with premenopause and menopause, some manufacturers of menopause herbal remedies include it in combination formula's. How St. John's Wort works is not clearly understood. It is believed to benefit brain levels of serotonin in the same way as some prescriptive anti-depressants (the SSRI's) such as Paxil, Zoloft, Celexa and Prozac.
Other issues with herbal menopause remedies
There are a number of other issues to be considered with regard to herbal menopause remedies. Herbs are effective because of specific active ingredients within the plant. These active ingredients can vary depending on where the plant is grown, the growth conditions, when the herb is harvested, etc. A quality herbal product monitors the level of active ingredients in the herb. The bottle label should refer to "standardized" levels of key ingredients in the herbs used. Herb purity is another important issue. Herbs harvested overseas can be contaminated with toxins, including bacteria, heavy metals or pollutants. A quality herbal manufacturer tests any and all ingredients used for contaminants. Finally, before taking any herbal product, you should be clear on what side effects to expect. Some herbs tend to have side effects while others do not. If you are taking an herb that may produce side effects, it is important to know what they are. If you experience them, you want to be able to recognize that they are due to the herb you are taking, so that you can stop.
For more information on menopause herbal remedies including which remedies work the best for relief of specific menopause complaints, the side effects of some menopause herbal remedies, issues of herb quality and purity, and more please visit http://herbalmenopauseremedy.com/

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Thursday, April 12, 2012

Finding the Right Remedy for Menopause

What is the Right Choice for a Remedy for Menopause?Since not every woman is the same it is necessary to find the right remedy for menopause for you. There are prescription treatments, natural treatments, and a variety of other types of treatments. The main goal is to lessen the symptoms and make your life more comfortable while you are going through the journey of menopause.
Understand that treating menopause will require making some changes to your diet, your daily habits, and adding in some exercise. This will help to make it a bit easier than if you continue with your regular diet and your regular habits. Your body is going through some very big changes and you really need to make the right changes to your life as well.
The Most Popular Remedy for Menopause
Probably the most popular remedy for menopause is getting a prescription from the doctor. This does not make it the best treatment just because it is popular and comes from a doctor, however. Most doctors will prescribe estrogen and progesterone, which are better known as hormone replacement therapy.
Usually this treatment is for those women that still have their uterus and it will help to prevent osteoporosis and reduce many of the symptoms of menopause. When a woman has already gone through a hysterectomy most doctors will only prescribe Estrogen instead of both drugs.
Hormone replacement therapy used to be a very popular choice as a remedy for menopause, but more recent studies show an increase in risk of heart disease, blood clots, stroke, and breast cancer are associated with this type of treatment. This may be a few good reasons to seek out treatment other than prescription drugs.
Most of the drugs that comes from doctors come with at least some side effects and risks. Many women are not seeking our more natural ways to treat the symptoms of menopause and there are many choices. Changes to your diet and to your lifestyle can make a difference along with adding in specific vitamins and herbs.
It may take a bit of time to find the right combination to help treat all the symptoms you are suffering from, but it will be worth it. Below are some of the recommended herbs and vitamins that can become the natural remedy for menopause you are looking for.
Choices to Add to your Remedy for Menopause
Before we get into the different natural herbs and supplements you can take to help with things like hot flashes and night sweats you need to understand that natural does not equal safe. If you are currently taking prescription drugs you will need to talk with your doctor before adding in an herbal remedy for menopause because it could react negatively with the drugs you are taking.
Taking Soy and Isoflavones can help with hot flashed within the first two years of menopause and can also help with night sweats. These contain plant estrogens and can be found in the form of soy protein. Taking 50 grams a day can be helpful in the short term and over the long term it can help make your bones stronger and keep your cholesterol down.
However, if you take large amounts of soy it can interact with your natural estrogen and can be harmful to any women with a history of estrogen-dependent breast cancer. It is always good to stick with the recommended amount and having too much can cause issues you don't want to deal with.
A few other choices to treat the symptoms of menopause include St. John's Wort, Flaxseed oil, Red Clover, and Black Cohosh. There are many therapies that can help as well like relaxation techniques, meditation, and acupuncture. These are just a few choices you can add to your remedy for menopause.
Find out how you can get the Menopause Control you are looking for by reading the Menopause Control EBook Review here

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Wednesday, April 11, 2012

A Unique Natural Hot Flash Treatment - From The Ocean

In my quest to identify Hot Flash Natural Treatments I've discovered an unlikely source which comes from the ocean and that unique source is Kelp...
If you have problems with hot flashes, along with other challenging menopausal discomforts and are seeking a natural solution, then you've come to the right place.
I am on a mission to "unearth" as many natural remedies or treatments for hot flashes as possible. In my pursuit I've "discovered" Kelp which is a variety of seaweed. It is found along rocky sea shores throughout the world.
Oh my! Kelp is so awesome... here's the scoop... In my research of Kelp I found that it is loaded with nutrients which include over 70 minerals and trace elements. I can't believe that I am just now realizing the incredible benefits of Kelp.
Please pay attention to this. In addition to the over 70 minerals, Kelp possess trace elements, growth hormones, enzymes, vitamins, proteins which include iodine, potassium, magnesium, iron and calcium.
Kelp supports the thyroid gland, which is a key sex gland stimulator, can lessen and may even stop menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, weight gain, moodiness and menopausal tension. When Kelp is taken daily it may promote emotional balance.
As a bit of a bonus here are a few more benefits of kelp for all around physical and emotional well-being.
Additional reported benefits of Kelp:
1.) Strengthen immunity
2.) Effectively fights viral condition
3.) Improve liver function
4.) Suppress AIDS
5.) Supports healthy digestion and lessens constipation
6.) Reduce hair loss
7.) Combat against heart disease and cancer
8.) Support lowering of cholesterol level
How Do I Take Kelp?
Kelp can be taken as a supplement, dried, granulated or even in powder form. Kelp is easy to consume you can add it to drinks, used for flavoring in the manner salt is used, add it to meals for seasoning and even eat the powdered kelp directly.
The miraculous Kelp can be easily attained at your local health food store. A side note, I bought Kelp this past weekend at my local health food store in the powered form.
I wanted the dry Kelp (seaweed) but the store only sold the powered form. It has a very distinct taste... rather fishy...now what else would I expect knowing that the source is the ocean.
The second time I tried it I added a heaping tablespoon of Kelp to a half glass of apple juice. Granted the apple juice didn't totally masked the distinct taste of Kelp but it does make it a bit more palatable.
Because I know that Kelp is loaded with all sorts of good "stuff" to keep my body healthy I drank it down in a matter of seconds...
Honestly, I don't know about you but I am literally blown away by the magnificent health benefits of Kelp...
The more I research natural remedies the more I come to the realization that "Mother Nature" seems to hold the "keys" to our wellness...it is the original Source for our health and wellness. Kelp has been added to a viable hot flash natural treatment.
To your excellent health,
Note - Please remember that it is always important to consult your health practitioner before beginning any remedies to make sure they won't harm your health nor have any adverse effects. The information provided on this site is for educational purposes only. This publication, and the product contained herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Ameenah Maria Lutfee has practiced optimal health for over 25 years before becoming a freelance writer. Her "30 Key Discoveries for Natural Relief for Menopause" report is free and available at her blog site, http://www.awesomehealthandwealth.com/. She maintains up to date insights on natural relief for hot flashes via her blog site as well.

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Tuesday, April 10, 2012

I Bet You Are Totally Stressed Out, How About a Bit of Down Time?

In the dictionary Stress is described as mental and physical tension and or strain.
Well duh! We can run into a full blown stress response on a daily basis, sometimes it seems to come at us on an hourly basis. Let's face it, life is stress, and that physical reaction wrecks havoc on our mind and body.
Did you know that 75% -90% of all doctor visits are for stress related problems. That in itself should tell us a boatload.
See if you have experienced any of these beauties on the list;
Headaches, insomnia, digestive problems, ulcers.
How about irritability, high blood pressure, elevation in cholesterol levels, sleeplessness, migraines, neck aches, diarrhea, dizziness, weakening of the immune system.
Stress is a cofactor in common illnesses and diseases such as heart disease, cancer, depression, ulcers, stroke and hyper tension.
OK, now what? How about a bit of help to that poor body with a bit of down time. Don't you and your shoulders that are now in your ears deserve it??
Take time for you, everyday, to unwind, even if it's just for a couple minutes. This is as important as picking up the dry cleaning and running the bank deposit at lunch.
Sit quietly outside and take in the beauties of nature. Take deep breaths. Look at that natural object; a bird, a flower, a tree. Reflect on this object and take deep breaths, clear your mind, just see it, and breathe and feel this living thing's energy. Try to reflect on this thing of beauty and relax for 10 minutes. Breathe in 1.2.3.4.5...breathe out 1.2.3.4.5...
Can't get outside? Find a quiet space, close your eyes.
Choose a calming work or sound, hum or recite a prayer. Repeat this word silently or out loud. ( Kinda depends where you are, huh.)
Start with your toes. Relax completely all the muscles in your toes, hum or repeat your word. Breathe...
Move up to your feet, ankles, calves... relax, and hum... breathe
Now your thighs, abdomen, arms, wrists, fingers
Pull your shoulders down out of your ears and relax them, your neck, your head...
Breathe slowly and naturally, saying your phrase or word as you exhale... Aim for 8-10 minutes. When you are totally relaxed, sit there a minute longer and reflect on how your body feels.
As your day goes by and you are finding your shoulders once again in your ears, think back to that relaxed state, take some deep cleansing breaths, and then move forward again to your task at hand.
Don't forget to be good to you. Hope this helps.
Corby Campbell Shields
Co-Author of the Menopause Master Plan
http://www.menopausemasterplan.com/

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Monday, April 9, 2012

How to Eliminate Perimenopause Bloating With Natural Remedies

I used to be able to eat anything. I'm not kidding. I never got indigestion, bloating or any other type of digestive problem. And then, out of the blue, I started getting bloated. First, it was only when I ate pasta, or drank too much coffee. Eventually, I was bloated all the time. Sometimes I would feel like I was going to explode. Like there was someone blowing up a balloon inside my stomach.
Causes of perimenopause bloating are generally related to hormone imbalance, but they can range from food intolerance to a decline in digestive function. A decline in function happens naturally as you age, but we modern humans have been on a quest to see how fast we can ruin our digestive systems for a hundred years or so.
This may come as a surprise, but we don't eat real food anymore. Let's take whole grains, for example. You've probably read over and over about the need to consume more whole grains if you want to be healthy, right?
What most people don't know is that grains need to be sprouted before cooking for maximum health. You need to soak them in order to neutralize the phytic acid that is present. Phytic acid interferes with absorption of calcium, magnesium and other minerals. In addition, grains contain enzyme inhibitors, which neutralize the enzymes in your digestive tract. Sprouting grains before cooking also increases the amount of Vitamin C, some B vitamins and carotene.
And let's be clear about what a whole grain is or isn't. Whole wheat pasta is NOT a whole grain. Whole wheat muffins or breads or pancakes are not whole grains. Whole grains include brown rice, millet, couscous, quinoa. Not instant versions, but the ones you actually have to cook.
So we spend years and years eating overly processed food that contains pesticides, genetically modified ingredients, grown in soil that has very few nutrients, and is usually full of rancid vegetable oils and/or some form of fructose, and we wonder why we end up with digestive problems.
Steps to Reduce or Eliminate Perimenopause Bloating
If you know there are foods that increase bloating for you, try to reduce or eliminate them. I know this is hard to do, but it is a foolproof way to reduce perimenopause bloating. It took me years to do this, even though I hated the bloating. I kept thinking that my body had never reacted to these foods before, so why should I change my diet now? Needless to say, that didn't work very well.
Use herbs to help balance out your hormones. Black cohosh, dong quai, wild yam, and vitex (chaste berry) are all hormone-balancing herbs. Or you could try some bioidentical progesterone.
Use herbs to help your digestion and/or reduce stress. Stress is extremely hard on your digestive system. Digestive herbs include gentian, dandelion, ginger and peppermint. There are many herbs for stress. My favorites are scullcap, vervain and motherwort.
Learn about fermented foods. Learn how to make them and eat them. Your digestive system will thank you. When your digestion is working well, you will not only be without symptoms like perimenopasuse bloating, but you will gain energy as well.
Candice Hughes is the founder of the Natural Approaches to Menopause website, a resource for women who want to go through menopause using natural remedies. Candice studied herbal medicine at the Pacific School for Herbal Medicine. For more information about perimenopause bloating and natural remedies, visit http://www.natural-approaches-to-menopause.com/perimenopause-bloating.html

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Sunday, April 8, 2012

Can You Benefit From Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Deciding whether or not to pursue hormone replacement therapy can be difficult. Today, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy offers women the ability to safely balance their hormones without subjecting themselves to some of the risks that have been associated with animal-derived and synthetic hormones. Many women have spent years living with imbalanced hormones, wishing they had more energy, suffering from a host of menstrual problems, or other health issues. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy promises to diminish symptoms related to hormonal imbalance that many women suffer from, not realizing that there's help available.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) has traditionally been viewed as a medical treatment specifically geared at women who are going through menopause. Hormones used in BHRT are derived from plants rather than from animals (which are not bioidentical to those produce by human females). BHRT has offered menopausal women the ability to control hot flashes and insomnia, while keeping libido high and decreasing the risk of strokes and heart attacks. BHRT has become well-known as an option for menopausal women because of it's ability to make menopause less uncomfortable and less hazardous on a woman's health. But few young women realize the potential benefits of bioidentical hormone replacement therapies before they reach menopause.
Younger, pre-menopausal women can benefit from BHRT too! A number of young women suffer from health issues related to imbalanced hormones. Indeed, women as young as age 35 can suffer from symptoms of "peri-menopause" (imbalanced hormones related to the bodies transition toward menopause). Many young women don't even realize that their symptoms have to do with hormonal issues pertaining to peri-menopause. BHRT offers women the ability to safely get their hormones under control to experience a clear head, vitality and energy, and the ability to control their weight during this transitional time in their lives.
No matter what your age, if you struggle with issues pertaining to hormonal imbalances, you could probably benefit from BHRT. Plant-derived bioidentical hormones present fewer health risks than animal derived or synthetic hormones, according to a number of studies. Women benefit from BHRT, both for symptoms of menopause and peri-menopause, though hormonal fluctuations related to peri-menopause have only recently come to the attention of researchers. As peri-menopause is researched more thoroughly and understood better, more younger women will be able to enjoy the benefits of BHRT. Whether you're 35 or 60 years old, your decision to pursue hormone replacement therapy can be made easier, knowing that BHRT offers women of all ages a safe alternative to animal-derived or synthetic hormones to enjoy balance throughout every stage of life.
Jennifer is a content editor for Physioage.com. The doctors at Physioage.com all have expert knowledge of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. They can help you determine if this treatment methods are suitable for you. Contact them today for help in your anti-aging efforts.

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Saturday, April 7, 2012

Hot Flash Triggers of Menopause and How I Get Natural Relief

Where is the cold shower, water hose, ice packs or swimming pool? This is the immediate relief you think of when you get the hot flashes of menopause. There are many things that trigger these hot flashes. They can range from minor to severe in nature.
What are hot flash triggers?
They are any conditions or substances that bring about the symptoms of menopause. Hot flashes is one of the main symptom of menopause.
How to know you have hot flashes?
Its exactly what it says it is "hot flashes." Your body becomes or feels flushed, over-heated and you begin to sweat profusely, as though someone poured a bucket of hot water on you. You feel as though your temperature gauge is in overdrive or you think you have a fever. They appear suddenly without notice, usually are erratic and can be frequent or infrequent.
Things that trigger or activate hot flashes are:
1. Spicy foods - especially hot pepper, hot sauce, black pepper
2. Alcohol - all beverages with an alcoholic content
3. Caffeine - tea, coffee and some soft drinks
4. Hot food - soups or foods cooked hot
5. Hot weather
6. Hot shower
7. Hot rooms or environment
8. Smoking
9. Stress - can be minor or major
10. Hot restrictive or woolen clothing
11. Some medications - can be prescribed or over the counter
12. Overweight
How do I get natural relief from them:
1. Mind over matter - Think cool thoughts
2. Exercise - usually in the morning
3. Hydration - plenty of water
4. Showers - cool are best
5. Cool compress - to back of the neck for a few minutes
6. Fan - manual, electric or the little mini battery operated handheld ones
7. Reducing stress level - avoid it at all cost
8. Avoid any thing that you know will activate them
9. Wear cool or lightweight clothing
10. Cool night wear and light weight bed covers
11. If you need to lose weight, it would be an advantage
Some other symptoms of menopause are: fragile emotions (you cry at the drop of a hat), impatient and feelings of depression or anxiety (mood swings), irregular menses or no menses and sleep problems. As with any condition, you must seek the advice of a physician to be safe and ensure good health. Some women require treatment for these symptoms with medication prescribed by a physician. Depending on your severity and the advice of your doctor you still should be able to live a healthy lifestyle.

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Friday, April 6, 2012

Hormone Replacement Therapy in Menopause

Getting older is inevitable although many women dread the thought. As women age and reach menopause, they experience many changes to their bodies that can be uncomfortable and debilitating. Although there are several treatments available, these treatments are not safe for everyone. As with any medication, there are always risks and side effects that need to be considered. The physician should be consulted about whether hormone replacement therapy is suitable for them in helping to alleviate the symptoms of the menopause.
Hormone replacement therapy helps many women deal with the harsh reality of menopause. While this treatment has helped many, it may not be the right choice for everyone. Hormone replacement therapy has been know to produce both positive and negative side effects from use, this is why it is important for women to determine if this is the proper treatment for them. A physician should help one determine if using hormone replacement therapy is the wisest decision for them, as well as if the benefits outweigh the possible risks.
For many, hormone replacement therapy has proven to relieve the discomforting signs of the menopause. In fact, doctors believe that these treatments can actually help prevent many serious conditions that women are faced with as they become older. Studies show that estrogen can tremendously reduce a woman's risk for developing heart disease when taken early in menopause.Some more recent studies however have shown the converse of this,i.e that estrogen replacement actually causes heart disease. Also, a woman's risk for colo-rectal cancer is reduced significantly as well. Furthermore, studies have noted that osteoporosis can be reduced or prevented with the use of hormone replacement therapy treatment. In addition, the chances of fracturing the hip due to bone loss are reduced as well. Other benefits of this therapy include lessening of hot flashes, as well as ease of vaginal symptoms such as dryness and pain.
Although there are many benefits from taking hormone replacement therapy to prevent symptoms of the menopause, these powerful medications are not for everyone. Throughout the years, doctors have discovered that for some women, this type of therapy may actually cause more harm than good. Many negative side effects have been associated with hormone replacement therapy. In fact, women on this treatment may have an increased risk of developing breast cancer. In addition, many women taking hormone therapy treatments may experience abnormal mammograms, especially false negative readings. Furthermore, the chance for stroke and blood clots are increased as well for women who manage symptoms of menopause in this way. Every woman should be evaluated individually to determine if this treatment is appropriate for them.
Even though hormone replacement therapy has many risks associated with it, it is still the most widely used option for dealing with menopause. For most women, the benefits of taking this treatment far outweigh the risks. If a woman experienced menopause early, particularly before she was 40, then the benefits likely will outweigh risks. Also, before starting this treatment, it is important that the individual does not have any previous bone loss or severe health problems. For example, if a woman currently has a heart condition, then this treatment will likely not be prescribed. In addition, a woman's family medical history and individual health are all factors that determine if this therapy should be used on a particular person for treating symptoms for menopause. With a physician's assistance, the lowest dose possible should be used, and women need to be reevaluated at least twice a year. With close evaluation and monitoring, hormone therapy treatment may help a menopausal woman get her life back to normal.
Faye Finlay has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Sciences. She works as a Health Researcher. Her special interest is in Women's Health. For more information on symptoms menopause, please visit her website at http://www.thesymptomsofthemenopause.com/

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Thursday, April 5, 2012

Menopausal Vaginal Dryness

The Positive Side of Menopause
Menopause is often called "the Curse" or the "Change". Personally I prefer to refer to menopause as "the Change" because not all aspects of leaving the reproductive part of life are negative. There are benefits such as:
• No more messy periods to deal with.
• No more worrying about unwanted pregnancy
• Women who experience heavy or painful periods finally get relief.
The Not So Positive Side of Menopause
There is however, a downside to menopause. You may experience some, or all of the following symptoms:
• Hot flushes
• Irritability
• Vaginal dryness
• Pain during sexual intercourse
The Role of Estrogen
At menopause, less estrogen is being produced in your body compared to the levels that you had when you were fertile. In fact, a post-menopausal woman commonly produces only about 30% of the estrogen that she once produced. Unfortunately, this lack of the female hormone, estrogen causes changes in the vagina - including dryness. Less lubrication being produced by the vagina means more friction in the vagina during penetrative sexual intercourse. This increased friction can quickly become painful.
Some Medical Options for Menopausal Vaginal Dryness
Oral Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Until very recently, most doctors have commonly prescribed oral HRT (hormone replacement therapy in a pill form). Oral HRT dramatically improves menopausal symptoms, but unfortunately oral HRT has been linked to an increased risk of many types of cancer. Breast cancer rates and ovarian cancer rates are significantly greater in HRT users. Many doctors are aware of the increased cancer risk, and advise using the minimum dosage of HRT that can successfully relieve the symptoms and only use it for the shortest period of time.
Estrogen Vaginal Creams
Another medical option is estrogen cream that is applied by smearing in the vagina. Because estrogen creams are applied locally rather swallowed (which then affects the whole body), they are somewhat safer than oral HRT pills. Unfortunately, estrogen creams also increase the risk of endometrial cancer. The common advice is to use them infrequently or as little as possible.
Viagra for Women
Studies have been done by Pfizer, the makers of Viagra that show that taking Viagra (Sildenafil Citrate) before sex can help to increase lubrication in women who suffer from vaginal dryness during sexual intercourse.
Please consult your doctor for advice if you are considering any of the above medical options.
Non - Medical and Natural Approaches for Menopausal Vaginal Dryness
Personal Lubricants
The simplest way to treat vaginal dryness is to use a personal lubricant (also known as a sexual lubricant) such as those you find in supermarkets, chemists and pharmacies, adult stores and online. There are even natural ones made from kiwi fruit available.
The Role of Diet
A healthy diet consisting of plenty of fresh foods, vegetables and plenty of good, natural fats is helpful in restoring moisture to skin cells everywhere - including in the vagina.
Natural Herbal Supplements
You may also want to try natural herbal supplements such as Evening Primrose Oil or Black Currant oil, which contain concentrated gamma linoleic acid (GLA) which can help to balance the female hormones.
Bio-Identical Herbal Hormone Replacement Therapy
Consulting a naturopath who specialises in bio-identical (herbal) hormone replacement may bring you amazing relief. Many women have had wonderful results from a naturopathic option such as personalised 'herbal HRT'.
Natural Vaginal Cream
A 99% natural vaginal cream cream called "LadySoothe" contains the essential oils of tea tree and lavender, both known for their naturally estrogenic properties. LadySoothe has a moisturising coconut oil base and is applied with clean fingers to the vagina. LadySoothe can be beneficial in helping to lubricate and provide a boost to your vaginal estrogen levels - naturally.
http://ladysoothe.com/
Jenny K Thompson is a qualified natural health practitioner specialising in women's health. For more than 10 years, Jenny has advised women on diet, weight loss and herbal remedies for various ailments.

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Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Lose Weight, Restore Energy and Start Your Path to a Younger You!

How many of you have learned that in order to lose weight you must limit your calories? Have you also been told to eat less fat and more carbohydrates? Has it worked for you? The only time that this type of diet worked for me was during my 20's and 30's when it didn't matter what I ate, or so I thought!
If you haven't found out already, it's not the amount of calories that are important to keeping a healthy weight it's the type and proportions of foods that you ingest day in and day out. This is actually good news my friends, because you don't have to starve yourself. That's right, you can eat all day long and lose the pounds that have been hanging on to you for dear life.
The number one key to losing weight is to feed the body every two to three hours with a small meal consisting of protein, fat and complex carbohydrates, no processed carbs please. This will help to balance blood sugar and hormone levels, help reduce adrenal fatigue, increase energy, prevent ups and downs in energy and mood, and promote weight loss.
The second key to losing weight is to feed your body with healthy, organic proteins, fats and carbohydrates to be sure that you are not ingesting toxins such as; hormones, pesticides, antibiotics and more. A Lower Carb Mediterranean Diet will give you the nutrients you need to attain optimal health and the balance you need to reach your optimal weight.
Rules to live by:
Do not eat carbs alone and especially do not eat a carbohydrate based breakfast.
Avoid stimulants including; coffee, tea, sugar, fruit juices and alcohol.
No processed foods.
Eat real, whole, fresh food.
Avoid trans-fats and rancid fats (all hydrogenated oils) such as margarine, vegetable shortening, and almost all commercially prepared packaged foods.
Eat more vegetables than fruits.
Salt your foods liberally with sea salt (low salt diets contribute to adrenal fatigue).
Drink plenty of water (filtered or spring water).
Eat foods rich in Omega 3 fatty acids such as fatty cold-water (not farm raised) fish, such as salmon, trout, herring and mackerel. Limit tuna as they absorb high amounts of mercury.
Eat walnuts, flaxseeds and green leafy vegetables.
Use monounsaturated oils, especially cold pressed extra virgin olive oil as your primary oil/fat source.
No canola oil as it is highly refined.
Avoid oils that are high in Omega 6 fatty acids including; corn, safflower, sunflower, soybean, and cottonseed oils.
Eat 7 or more vegetables and fruits per day (fresh or frozen).
Make complex carbs (breads, pasta, and grains) your smallest food group.
Eat natural and preferably organic sources of good protein.
Let's not forget to EXERCISE.
If this seems overwhelming to you, start small, change one or two things each month and develop healthier habits one step at a time, but do start. It's your life, live it to the fullest.
Dr. Brenda Sahlin invites you to visit her website at http://www.managingmenopausenaturally.com/ and pick up your free eBook of '9 Secrets to Feeling Energized and Staying Young' for more tips to living a healthy and full life.

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Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Help With Menopause - What Are Bio-Identical Hormones?

During pre-menopause and menopause, many women suffer from an array of symptoms and need help with menopause symptoms. In this article I will discuss the cause of most menopausal symptoms as well as what options women have to alleviate them.
Most pre-menopause and menopause symptoms are due to a poor diet, a sedentary lifestyle and exposure to environmental estrogens. And also an imbalance in a woman's hormone levels. Two hormones in particular are out of balance at menopause: estrogen and progesterone.
When at menopause, the progesterone level drops to zero, a woman's menstruation stops and she starts suffering from painful breasts, weight gain, bloating, low bone density, trouble sleeping, anxiety and stress. At the same time, estrogen also declines and brings symptoms such as breast tenderness, anxiety, allergies, decreased sex drive, weight gain particularly around the belly, foggy thinking, insomnia, irritability, etc.
If the symptoms are not too severe, one type of help with menopause a woman can try is by changing her diet to include more fruits, vegetable, lean meats, whole grain and legumes. It is also important to include the healthy fats such as the Omega 3 found in fish such as salmon, herring, tuna.
Extending this natural treatment includes staying away from all types of stress as stress can worsen symptoms and cause further hormonal imbalance.
If the symptoms are more severe, a woman then can talk to her doctor about bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. Bio-identical hormones are natural, plant -based hormones that mimic the structure of the hormones made by the body. Because they are natural. They do not have any side effects.
This is important to know because many medical practitioners still want to use synthetic hormones which are obtained from pregnant mares and are foreign to the human body. Studies have found that the regular hormone replacement therapy increase s the risk of breast cancer and stroke.
In order to be put on Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) you will have to find a physician knowledgeable about hormones to help with menopause symptoms. The doctor in turn will prescribe a special formula that is unique to your hormonal levels after some tests.
It is important that you get adequate information about bio-identical hormones because a lot of doctors still prescribe synthetic hormones as they are more readily available and supported by the pharmaceutical industry. Because the natural hormones cannot be patented by the pharmaceutical companies, there is still some controversy about their efficacy. So you will be wise to find out more information so you can make an educated decision about the best options for you when it comes to help with menopause.
To learn more about bio-identical hormones as well as help with menopause, get the free e-book at Menopause in Women.

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Monday, April 2, 2012

Can We Actually Feel Better Though Our Diet for Menopause?

What is a diet for menopause? It is a diet that can help with your stress, as well as the stress on your body. It is a diet that does not add extra, to your already growing waist line, due to hormonal changes and the stress on your body.
This is a diet that gives you soft supple skin, energy and shiny eyes. It is a diet that makes you feel so good, you will want to get up out of your chair and move, and bend, stretch and walk.
Whole foods fill you up, are packed with great vitamins and minerals, and they are very low in calories. These are natural, raw, real foods with names like sweet potato, avocado, spinach, almond, and cucumber. Another foreign sounding thing to consider is water. Clean, pure, body craving water.
When you decide to start eating healthier, your headaches and constipation are better. And you didn't even know how bad you felt, until you started to feel better.
So now you have decided to consider you diet for menopause. This diet involves whole fresh foods and lots of water. What does this change eliminate?
It eliminates that sluggish, sleeping feeling you get from eating frozen, processed. diet meals.
The headaches, anxiety and constipation diminish because you are no longer downing fried, fast foods.
The dull skin, puffy eyes and expanding waist line from dairy laden pizza, mac and cheese and drive thru food is a thing of the past.
And the wrinkles and depression from diet pop, sugary coffee drinks and lack of water are not so noticeable.
Sometimes it is more about what you don't eat, than what you do eat, that matters and makes a difference. Whole foods fill you up, are packed with great vitamins and minerals, and they are very low in calories. Sounds like a win-win thing to consider. Where do you start?
Start at the beginning and go from there. See if you feel better.
1. Substitute a vegetable or salad for French fries. This is a conscious start. Think about what to put in your body that is healthy. You body needs to last another 30-50 years. Help it as much as you can, so you can feel really well, as you age.
2. Order "just water, please" instead of a medium soda. This is so simple, and less expensive. Our body is 90% water. Everything in it fires and runs and blinks on water. Give your body what it craves.
3.Consider fresh juice instead of a pastry at snack, Not processed orange or apple juice, which contains a ton of sugar, but 'made from scratch' juice. The best thing about juice is it tastes amazing.
I love a glass of juice made from: supergreens and water, green grapes and green apples, cucumbers and spinach. It's so fresh, and light and tart and delicious. Juice is seriously good, and good for us. Juice is also packed with nutrients; it is filling, and is really, really low in calories.
Little changes make big differences. You may feel run down, sluggish and yucky because of what you ate. Consideration of the fuel you put in our mouth is important. Adding healthier choices is a consideration when it comes to your diet for menopause.
Corby Campbell Shields
Co-Author Menopause Master Plan
http://www.menopausemasterplan.com/

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Sunday, April 1, 2012

Do Depression and Menopause Come Together?

Depression and Menopause - What you can Expect
It is true, depression and menopause can happen together. They may not belong together, but if you are going through menopause it can cause a certain amount of depression. Scientists and doctors really don't have a true answer to why the two go together, but they have found it is worse in women from families with a history of depression.
Most believe that depression and menopause are actually related more with the pre-menopause period than during actual menopause. This is when estrogen levels are beginning to decline on a gradual basis and some studies suggest this can bring out the depression in women. If you are going through the premenopausal years here are some of the symptoms you might expect.
Some of the most common symptoms with depression and menopause:
- Multiple weeks of a depressed mood
- Appetite change
- Less pleasure from activities
- Sleep patterns change often
- Loss of energy and fatigue
- Struggle concentrating
- Suicidal thoughts
- Guilty feelings and feelings of worthlessness
- Irritability
What to do During Periods of Depression and Menopause?
There are many options when going through depression and menopause at the same time. Antidepressant medications are one of the options and if you believe your depression is severe, then you need to consult your doctor. However, if you are looking for a more natural remedy, then you can try these options.
Exercise - When you add regular exercise to your daily life you will be able to help lessen the effects of depression. This will help both your mood and your physical health and there is really no substitute for exercise. A good goal to start is to strive for 30 minutes of exercise three times a week, but if you cannot manage this even 10 minutes can help.
Taking away Daily Stresses - Usually women going through depression and menopause need to ask for help around the home and with other daily tasks because you have the stress of children to care for and potentially elderly family as well. Ask for help and eliminate some of the different daily tasks to help lessen your stress.
Nutrition - Making changes to your diet can also help during this time of your life. This can include eating better and healthier foods, adding supplements into your diet, and also adding in an herbal treatment. If you put together the best choices for your diet it can help support your body and keep your depression to a minimum.
Sleep - It is necessary to make sure you get enough sleep every single night. This can be where women struggle due to night sweats and hot flashes. There are some herbal remedies and some specific diet changes you can use to help make it easier to sleep at night and this will help with both your night sweats and your depression by allowing you to get proper rest.
Seeking Help for your Depression and Menopause
If you know you are suffering from depression and menopause, then you may want to seek professional help. This can come in the form of psychotherapy, your health care provider, or even a book. Finding the right help for you may not be easy and you will have to decide whether you want to trust prescription drugs or if you want to use a more natural treatment.
Naturally treating menopause and depression is a good way to alleviate the symptoms without having to deal with the side effects possible with some of the prescription drugs. You can use specific herbal remedies, vitamins, mineral supplements, diet changes, and other natural treatments to make your journey through menopause easier.
Finding the right book or eBook can help you tremendously and it is much less expensive than taking a trip to the doctor, getting prescription drugs, or going through therapy. Plus treating your depression and menopause with a natural treatment found in a book or eBook can be much better for your body over the long journey you are about to go through.
Find out how you can get the Menopause Control you are looking for by reading the Menopause Control EBook Review here.

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