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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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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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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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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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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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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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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