Menopause

Did you know that women in their 40s and 50s need about 200 calories fewer per day than women in their twenties and thirties?

Women in their menopause years can gain 1 to 1 ½ pounds per year, if they continue with the food and lifestyle choices they made during their younger years. That slow, sneaky weight gain can add 10 to 15, or more pounds to your body before you hit menopause!

Here are a few suggestions that will help you have your youthful figure:
Start going for a 30 minute walk every morning to get fresh oxygen into your brain and body and rev up your metabolism for the day.
Start cooking with coconut oil rather than butter, grapeseed, olive or other oils! Yes, coconut oil has been proven to be a healthy cooking oil that'll help you release body fat!
Are you sick of having a jelly belly? Most women during their menopause years are dismayed to notice that they have extra belly fat that's difficult - "impossible"- to get rid of. Now researchers are identifying natural, nutrient-dense foods that when eaten regularly reduce abdominal fat - especially when combined with regular exercise and eliminating intake of non-foods, sugar and fried foods. These belly fat eliminators include apples - try eating three apples a day, watermelons, tomatoes (large: 33 calories), bananas (75 to 135 calories), tart cherries, raw celery (a negative calorie food - 8 calories per rib), avocados - a nutrition powerhouse, and kelp noodles (6 calories).
Choose to stop eating wheat products, including the ones you've been told are 'healthy' for you. Many women notice their bellies reduce almost overnight when they avoid eating wheat pasta and baked goods.
Here's a little known nutrition secret...start taking a daily multi-mineral supplement so your body gets the micronutrients it's REALLY craving when you think it wants a salty junk food. You cannot absorb vitamins when you are missing minerals, and minerals are missing from our food that's grown in minerally depleted soil. When you satisfy your body with nutrients it needs, you'll no longer have those irresistible cravings for fatty, 0-nutrient foods that are currently contributing to your weight gain. And yes, this small change will set you up to live longer, healthier too!
Don't eat anything with added sugar - those calories are stored rather than burned, and sugar causes many imbalances and deficiencies in your body.
Stop drinking that glass of wine every night with dinner! It's a recipe for weight gain during your menopause years. If you enjoy wine that much, treat yourself to a glass or two - one night a week. A former co-worker of mine looked forward to Friday because that was her 'Wine Night'!
Don't eat anything past 6 pm. Drink water or herbal tea only.
Start doing a nutritional cleanse three to four times a year. It's a healthy weight management tool since it releases the fat that stores body toxins, adds nutrients and reduces calories. Most cleansers notice pounds and inches lost in days.
With a little care, planning and updating your food and lifestyle choices, you can avoid or eliminate weight gain during your menopause years!

Wendy Vineyard is a holistic health practitioner, lifestyle coach and wellness journalist. She specializes in inspiring and empowering women to thrive during menopause naturally - without drugs or added hormones. Are natural remedies the best way to handle your menopause transition? You decide. http://www.naturalmenopausenow.com/ http://www.facebook.com/NaturalMenopauseNow

View the original article here

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 through 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/

View the original article here

Many women go through menopause without any emotional changes at all. Some women experience a sense of relief or even elation at the new freedom that menopause presents: freedom from pregnancy and monthly menses. For others though, menopause is associated with symptoms that are similar to the emotional changes seen prior to their menstrual cycle: fatigue, insomnia, nervousness, irritability, or mild depression. These symptoms are similar to those of PMS. The emotional changes seen in menopause are often associated with hot flashes and insomnia (an interruption of REM sleep).

The number of women afflicted with depression during the menopausal years is not more than the 8 to 10 percent prevalence that is seen throughout the reproductive years. Two groups of women are at increased risk: those experiencing surgical menopause (surgical removal of the ovaries) and those with a previous history of depression. In surgical menopause, the sudden drop in the level of both estrogen and androgen (male hormone) is associated with a greater incidence of emotional changes and depression.

Stressful events are also known to trigger emotional changes and depression. Stressful life events coincide with menopause, which may make it harder to determine the cause of the mood changes. Family or work situations may fuel fatigue, sadness, or low energy level, all of which are symptoms that may be profound in a clinical depression. When a woman has an underlying depression, the low levels of estrogen seen in menopause, or perimenopause, may accentuate the depression.

Many women require no treatment for symptoms associated with menopause. Others prefer to try dietary changes (phytoestrogens), exercise and psychotherapy before considering a trial of medication. Helpful medications include estrogen, which alleviates hot flashes and therefore helps promote restful sleep. Some women feel better on estrogen even if they are not suffering from hot flashes. Women who have undergone surgical menopause may benefit from the addition of testosterone (androgen) if they suffer significant emotional symptoms that are not relieved by estrogen alone. In certain cases, antidepressant medication, such as Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, or cyclic antidepressants, is warranted. These medications affect the uptake of brain neurotransmitters linked to clinical depression.

I hope this gives you some insight into the emotional changes that occur during menopause. Is it wise to stop the antidepressants and see how she does on the hormones alone? No. Treating her depression is crucial and continuing the antidepressants is appropriate. When she feels well, it may be possible to taper her off the antidepressants. But even then, it should only be done with the support and guidance of her psychiatrist. I hope she feels better soon.

Useful materials about pregnancy woman heath.

View the original article here

You really can't get going in the mornings without it; actually over half of us do have a cup of coffee every day. And you have heard a lot of good things about your cup of Joe, when it comes to Alzheimer's disease. Coffee lowers the insulin and estrogen in the blood, and that triggers added protective agents in the brain, that can then protect you from the onset of this disease.

There are two more studies that I also want to share with you on the effects of coffee. When this study was done, it was not about caffeine in general, but specifically on coffee, which has over 200 elements in its composition.

A Harvard study followed 67,470 women between the ages of 34-59 for twenty-six years. Those women drank an average of four cups of coffee a day. They found that 4 cups a day lowered their risk of endometrial cancer of the lining of the uterus by 24%. Women, in the study, who drank and average of 2-3 cups of coffee a day, lowered their chances of getting the disease by 7%. That's a big difference in the percentages, huh?

On the other side of the coin, a study done in 2008 has shown that coffee can prevent some common medicines that menopausal women take on the regular basis, from being properly absorbed completely. These two meds are Levothroxine, for the thyroid, and Adendronate, for osteoporosis. Caffeine can also lower the circulating levels of estrogens and other hormones in women.

This study found that almost half of us drink an average of three cups of coffee a day, which sounds about right, huh? And the study then went on to say that when you drink caffeine 45 minutes before taking your meds, or up to 30 minutes after you take them, that caffeine can actually block the absorption of your prescription by 55% to 60%. That means you are only metabolizing ½ of your thyroid and osteoporosis prescription. I don't know about you, but I am thinking that I would really need the full dose of both of those drugs.

In the same study, it was also found that the caffeine can enhance certain drugs, including antidepressants, antibiotics and birth control pills. Once again, these are common prescriptions, taken by us, women who are dealing with perimenopause and menopause symptoms. The results in this study showed that when taken with coffee, these drugs persisted in the body for several hours longer than normal. It showed that some how the enzyme in the coffee blocked the rapid absorption of these meds.

Other side effects of coffee consumption can be trouble sleeping, it can also make heartburn worse and may be the cause of restlessness, heart palpitations and anxiety.

We hear about new studies coming out everyday. One day a study touts that red wine is good for us, the next day it is not. You have seen conflicting research with studies on oat bran and now coffee. I did want to share this with you these findings though, because I am interested in how and what I eat, affects how I feel, and how my prescriptions work. Hope it helped you as well.

Corby Cambell Shields
Co-Author Menopause Master Plan
http://menopausemasterplan.com/

View the original article here

Have you started menopause? Perhaps you`ve been suffering from hot flashes, excessive wind and bloating for quite a while. How do you think this affects your fertility?

If you are under the assumption that you are now infertile and that it is impossible to become pregnant during menopause - you`re wrong.

On the other hand, if you believe that fertility does indeed decrease as we progress through menopause but that however unlikely, menopausal pregnancy is possible - you`re spot on.

Unfortunately, many women believe that menopause is a process that has a start and a finish and on the day that the first symptoms appear, her childbearing days are over. But, that is simply not true and our menopausal term can last for ten years or more. Usually beginning in our early fifties - although there are women who experience premature menopause many years prior to their 50th birthday - as long as there is still a monthly period, a woman can theoretically become pregnant. All that the symptoms mean is that our hormone levels are becoming unbalanced, but this does not mean that we are unable to conceive.

If you`re wondering how pregnancy can possibly occur at the same time as menopause, it`s because eggs are still being released and, providing there is an adequate supply of the necessary hormones such as estrogen, the lady in question can indeed become pregnant. Quite often, the signs of early pregnancy have been confused with menopausal symptoms. After all, when you`re in your 50`s and experience bloating, weight gain and erratic periods, the chances of it being due to menopause are a lot higher than the chances that you are pregnant.

Now apart from the emotional and psychological challenges that a menopausal pregnancy would inevitably bring to the table, the physical risks cannot be ignored. Pregnancy puts an enormous amount of strain on the body and medical research has shown that with every passing year over the age of forty, the risk of complications increases.

Possible health considerations are:

* An increased risk of infection
* Higher chances of suffering a miscarriage
* Possible bleeding
* plus several other potentially dangerous medical conditions.

Of course there will always be some older ladies who would love the chance to become pregnant - whatever her age. Perhaps she is with a new partner or maybe she feels that she would like to extend her family. Whatever the reason, every good wish to those ladies.

But for most women who are about to start menopause or already going through it, a late addition to the family would not be the most welcome news.

Menopause often signals the time that women and their partners have brought up their families and are looking forward to spending quality time together.

If you would not welcome the idea of a newborn baby to your family, it is advised that you continue with your birth control until there has been no sign of blood for twelve consecutive months. After this time, it is safe to discontinue the birth control. There is now no chance of becoming pregnant naturally.

If you have enjoyed this articles, visit the Complete Menopause for more great information on Menopause & Pregnancy and all things menopausal

View the original article here

Menopause can be a very frustrating and uncomfortable stage in any woman's life. It is something that many women are eager to treat to escape from nasty symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings and fatigue. The herbal medicine market recognizes this and therefore there are hundreds of possible remedies each claiming to help control side effects and bring women back to a normal, comfortable state.

MenoClear is a supplement based like many others, on the concept of using a natural herbal remedy. MenoClear contains a list of tested ingredients each used to target problems such as hot flashes. One of the main ingredients in MenoClear is Protykin. Protykin is an extract of Polygonum Cuspidatum, which is well known for its detoxifying effects on the body. Originally used in Chinese medicine this ingredient is also known to be beneficial to women in other ways such as improving cardiovascular health and reducing the effects of premature aging.

Another active ingredient in Menoclear is black cohosh. This ingredient stemming also originally from Chinese medicine is used as a replacement of estrogen, which the body lacks during menopause. Research shows that the active ingredients can help minimize hot flashes by 57% and help ease intensity by 38%. Countries all over the world use this ingredient for many different reasons but a very important reason is for regulating a healthy female reproductive system. This extract is most effective for the menopause in regards to hot flashes. Black cohosh should not be taken for a very extended period of time however so amounts taken should be monitored.

Soy Isoflavones are also found in MenoClear which is a supplement highly recommended by many herbalists. Soy isoflavones have been found to be effective for hot flashes during the menopause in term of intensity and frequency. This is wonderful news for women going through the menopause as hot flashes can be extremely uncomfortable, inconvenient, distracting and lets not forget, embarrassing if combined with excessive sweating which is common.

Other ingredients in MenoClear are thought to combine to fight the likelihood of other health issues such as breast cancer and heart disease. MenoClear must be taken regularly for women to experience the full effects. The list of powerful ingredients may dramatically reduce menopausal symptoms and their all-natural properties are healthy for the body. There is a night version of this supplement available so even sleepless nights can be targeted which is a relief for many busy women.

Get the facts and read more reviews here: Menoclear

View the original article here

Imagine the scene if you will.

Marjorie and her husband Ken (not their real names), were settling down for a romantic night in front of the television, when Marjorie quietly leaned over and informed her husband that they were expecting the pitter patter of tiny feet! Apparently Ken almost fell off his chair.

Now normally, this would be a cause for celebration, but what if I told you that Marjorie and Ken were both in their early fifties and they had brought up three children, prior to taking early retirement? This was supposed to be 'their' time, when they had no-one to please but themselves.

You would probably be shocked and then surprised at this story, I know I was when my friends told me. You see, I didn't realise that a woman could become pregnant once she had started menopause. Unfortunately, neither did Marjorie. She had taken birth control right up until she began suffering from hot flashes and 'spotting' and then she stopped. You see Marjorie, as many women do, had wrongly assumed that because she was displaying menopausal symptoms, that she was now infertile.

Many of us believe that menopause is an event with a start and a finish that signals the end of fertility from day one. But, that is incorrect and it is a process that could potentially last for ten years (yikes) usually beginning somewhere in our early fifties. Although some women do suffer from premature menopause and they can go through it many years earlier than this. All that the symptoms mean is that our hormone levels are becoming unbalanced, but this does not mean that we are unable to conceive.

It's true that as a woman ages, her fertility decreases and so it becomes less likely that she will fall pregnant naturally - but it is not impossible. In fact there are many stories available to read online of ladies over fifty giving birth naturally.

That's all well and good, providing you are ready to welcome a new born baby into your life, but this article is for those menopausal women who are looking forward to the freedom from child rearing that age and maturity usually brings.

So, how can it happen that a woman is going through menopause and yet she is still fertile? Easy, while eggs are still being released and there is an adequate supply of the necessary hormones, she can still become pregnant.

It doesn't matter that her periods may be all over the place or she is so bloated that she resembles a small planet, providing that she is still having her monthly period, pregnancy is possible. In fact, it is wise to continue with birth control until there has been no show of blood for twelve consecutive months. After this time, it is impossible to become pregnant naturally as there would not be an adequate supply of estrogen to facilitate the process.

Apart from the psychological aspects of a late pregnancy, there are of course health considerations to think about for those women who become pregnant in menopause.

This list is by no means comprehensive, but it will give you an idea of the dangers.

There is an increased risk of infection, miscarriage, bleeding and several other potentially dangerous medical conditions. Furthermore, medical research has proven that the risk grows even higher with every passing year over the age of forty.

So, if you are coming up to an age where night sweats and hot flashes beckon and you don't fancy the idea of early morning feeds and dirty diapers - don't take a chance and hope for the best. Make sure that you continue with the birth control.

If you`re hating your menopause and want to discover great ways of handling menopause signs, or if you just want to feel normal. Visit us today.

Find out more about menopause and pregnancy

View the original article here

Let's face it, when it comes to addressing our menopause weight gain, we mentally have to "go there" and be committed. The mental game is so important, it may be the one thing that will determine whether we will succeed, or fail, in our menopause weight loss.

Putting ourselves into the right state of mind may be the key to our success. For me, this was the missing ingredient that turned my thought process around, and to then achieve success, in my menopause weight loss. With out this puzzle piece, I was self sabotaging my efforts. If I could not believe I was worthy, as well as capable of being healthy, I wasn't.

Our minds, with a "can do" attitude, makes a huge impact on our health and vitality. If we are not ready to lose weight, and we doubt we can, we won't! Being prepared and being mentally ready to achieve our health and fitness goals will keep us focused during the challenges we will come across.

Think about it, how we handle and perceive fat loss bumps in the road as well as weight plateaus, will determine our success moving forward. If our mind is not ready for the challenge of addressing our menopause fat loss, our body will not be ready.

We all get excited about wanting to losing weight, and we may think its just our body, moving, burning calories and losing pounds. So, what happens, a lot of the time, when things get tough, and we bail on our program? If we can first prepare mentally for our menopause fat loss goals, then we can survive those road blocks, because our mind will be ready to deal with them. Remember, this journey is both mental and physical.

I must have been a really slow learner, because it took me almost 3 years of working out and working on my diet before "I got it." Without that final, most important piece, the mental mindset, I was floundering and self sabotaging, like crazy.

I thought some tips to help you to "mentally go there", might be helpful. Plus, I don't want you to have to take years to figure this out. Like I said, I was a slow learner:

1. See yourself everyday at that goal weight, that goal size in clothes, that body. When you see it in your mind, and believe it, do a happy dance, knowing, really knowing, it will happen.

2. Trust yourself!! Seriously, you can and will do this, and do it well. You are in control of you. Believe in, and trust yourself.

3. Start with a clean mental slate, everyday. Too many people focus on the past. That's not you is it? Make mental decisions for today, and for the future. Do not look back. Do not beat yourself up for looking back. Let it go, and move forward.

4. Have no fear. Wow, this is a hard one. But being afraid will only bog down your progress. Why, because your mental state will be a mess. Deep breath here, another one, now, put yourself out there!

5. Be kinder to you. Yes, you, be nice to you. Really. Give yourself a break.

6. Don't get fenced in. Not by your family, not by society, not by your "not ready to make that mental change yet", friends. If they don't want to go there, remember... you do.

7. Some with the toughest battles we face in our lives are with ourselves.

We have pain and suffering from failed diets of the past. We beat ourselves up for looking at what we have done to ourselves, our body.

We hate the way our jaw, our knees, our arms look. We are relentless critics of ourselves. This has to stop right now. No one is this hard, or this cruel,about the way other people look. So stop looking at yourself like that, now.

8. Don't listen to the voices of others who proclaim they know what is best for us. This includes me, or answers from anywhere and anyone else. Listen to yourself, know yourself. The answers are from within.

9. Know your triggers. Face those times of the day that when you are the weakest. Mine was 4:00pm. I had to sign up for an exercise dance class at that time, so I wouldn't undo all the work I had done that whole day. Your time might be 9:00pm ice cream, or grazing out of the fridge. Maybe it's 2:00pm at the vending machine. Note these times and deal with them head on.

10. Recognize your sabotages. These are negative things you feel: boredom, unrealistic expectations, and feelings of deprivations. You may be telling yourself you don't deserve it? This is important, yes you do deserve it. You deserve to be the best you can be. Really.

Remember to trust your vision, trust yourself.

"What You Can Conceive and Believe, Is What You Will Achieve." - Earl Nightingale

Co-Author of Menopause Master Plan

Corby Campbell Shields
http://www.menopausemasterplan.com/

View the original article here

Stress is a wake-up call for women in their 40s and 50s to do things differently.

Many women are surprised when they experience stress differently during their menopause years than when they were younger. Hormonally-induced bouts of menopause anxiety, insomnia, brain fog and mood swings can create sudden, intense stressful experiences.

To add to the mix, many of us are working outside the home, and have become the "filling" inside the sandwich of two generations - our children and our elderly parents. This situation can require us to care for what can seem like - 'everyone'! Nature has orchestrated a special opportunity for another group of us to learn a few life lessons by giving us hormonally-challenged teenagers at the same time that we're learning to cope with our own hormonal surges.

Stress can affect your body with increased muscle tension, racing heart, increased sweat, headache and upset stomach, in the short term. Over time, it raises the level of the hormone cortisol, which increases body fat, and eventually adrenal gland burn-out that leads to no energy and ultimately illness. Chronic stress destroys marriages and relationships, and it erodes the joy of living.

Stress affects your emotions by generating, or at least aggravating, anxiety, depression, and hopelessness.

Stress affects your mind with panic and inability to think clearly.

When stress ruins your peace of mind, you're unable to live your life's purpose to contribute to others and the world, or to see and feel the beauty and the blessings that are all around you. Ignoring stress only magnifies and entrenches it deeper into your life.

In fact, the only control you have over stress is your response to it. That includes choosing to be kind to yourself when you find yourself suddenly in the middle of it.

The perception of stress is an individual thing. You already know from your own experiences that what's stressful for one person is a joy, or simply a challenge for another person. However, what's not universally known is that stress can almost always be alleviated by taking time for yourself in a way that's meaningful to you, without guilt or obligation.

Women in particular, are reluctant to take time for themselves on a regular basis because our society tells us to give until we hurt. Society's definition of a good mother or a good daughter is: 'She gave and gave and never thought of herself.' Unfortunately, that's also a description used to describe the deceased at too many funerals of women who died before their time.

What can you say 'no' to? Here's a start: if someone wants you to do something you don't want to do - and no lives are in danger - just say no! No guilt! You'll be setting healthy boundaries for yourself and teaching others how to treat you. No one has the right to expect more from you than you're willing to give.

Below are 12 simple, effective de-stressors that you can start using now:

Take a walk in natureDo aerobics exercises for 30 to 40 minutes - take a class, get on the treadmill - use your best judgment and choose exercise that's right for your bodyPet or brush your cat or dogPractice meditation for 15 to 30 minutes every morning or eveningPractice your favorite yoga posesUse Emotional Freedom Techniques aka 'Tapping' - Check http://www.YouTube.com for short videos. See how you can tap along with someone else's issues and get benefits for yourself when you set your intention first. You may want to work with a practitioner to deal with deeper issues.While you're on You Tube, search for 'funny videos' and let a good belly laugh or two distract you from your challenges for awhile - you can get videos of babies, people falling, people getting scared - whatever makes you laugh! No guilt!Play your guitar or piano or other musical instrumentListen to music that is relaxing for youSoak for 20 minutes in a warm Epsom salts bath with a drop or two of your favorite essential oil e.g. geranium, neroli or lavender.Enjoy a cup of chamomile tea 30 minutes before bedPlace a drop or two of lavender essential oil on each end of your pillowcase before you go to sleep.

To prevent stress, sometimes you may need to get outside your comfort zone and ask for help from your children, your spouse, family, close friends, or hire some extra help.

There are lots of ways to de-stress even during your menopause years. The only catch is...you have to pick one, or more, and actually do it!

Wendy Vineyard is a holistic health practitioner, lifestyle coach and wellness journalist. She specializes in inspiring and empowering women to thrive during menopause naturally - without drugs or added hormones. Are natural remedies the best way to handle your menopause transition? You decide. http://www.naturalmenopausenow.com/
http://www.facebook.com/NaturalMenopauseNow

View the original article here

Most of the time, women does not have enough knowledge over the things that are happening to them. Even with the changes in their bodies, they cannot grasp the meaning of it sometimes especially with the occurrence like menopause. The emergence of indicators such as excessive perspiring at night, warm or hot flashes, and exhaustion are sometimes being ignored by women until these symptoms worsen, then that is only the time they will learn about the subject menopause.

Similar to menstrual cycle, menopause is a normal occurrence that can happen to a woman when she reaches the age of 40 and beyond which signals that her womanhood will come to an end. The symptoms brought by this condition affect the physical, emotional, and psychological aspect of the body.

First off, let us classify the forms of menopause. The first phase is called peri-menopuase wherein the initial symptoms begin to inflict a woman. Secondly is the actual menopausal stage followed by the post menopause wherein the symptoms gradually fade until it ceases to exist.

Various symptoms and indicators are enumerated as follows:

Warm or hot flashes:
One of the most common and troubling indicator of an upcoming menopause is the hot flash which makes the body reddish eventually leading to excessive perspiring during the night. Some women may experience more severe sensation compared to others that could disturb their life subsequently.

Vaginal Dryness And Breast Sagging:
This conditions may include the following:
- Loss of moisture in the genitalia

- Declining support in the womb and pelvic area

- Sagging of breasts

Missed Menstrual Cycle:
This is the most evident early menopausal indicator wherein woman may not experience menstrual bleeding in a certain date. Lapses occur between periods however, conceiving a child is still possible in this phase.

Painful Intercourse:
This is true when a woman enters the menopausal stage due to the fluctuating hormones resulting to dryness. With this, the intercourse will be painful for her.

Disease and Infection:
As what gave been said, the fluctuating hormones cause the vagina to become more vulnerable especially to some infections including yeast infections. This brings painful urination too together with irritation and awful discharge in the genitals. So a good hygiene should be practiced all the time.

Frequent Urination:
You may not control your bladder when you are menopause because of the decreasing hormones again. The hormones serve as the protector of the tissues and organs in the reproductive system as well as to the adjacent organs like the bladder. Unfortunately when menopause comes, the organs will weaken and lose its original ability. Same with the bladder, as a woman aged, her bladder may not function well of controlling her urine resulting to spontaneous discharge or aching urination.

Bone Weakening:
It is known that during the menopausal stage, the bones of a woman weaken and may even lead to osteoporosis. This is again a result of the gradual decrease of the hormones. As they decrease, the rate of bone weakening and loss subsequently increases.

Forgetfulness:
Menopause also affects the psychological aspect of the body affecting the function of the brain and may lead to memory gap.

If you would like to know more about menopause then check out this great blog http://herbalremediesformenopause.com/ or this Natural Menopause Treatment site for more tips and ideas.

View the original article here

You want to do everything you can to help with your menopause symptoms. Let's face it; these body changes are frustrating and miserable. Here are five small changes that can really help you and the way you feel, as well as, deal, naturally with these signs of menopause.

You know that something is off. You go from short sleeve shirts to adding a sweater all day long, on, off, on, off. It's really hard to go to sleep and stay asleep all night. You seem to be battling your bed and your covers as well. You are hot, then cold, then hot, then freezing. Am I going through menopause?

These symptoms can start as early as in your late thirties. The average age of starting the change is 41 years old. And honey, you are not alone dealing with this different body, there are 100 million of us world wide trying to keep cool as well as sleep through the night. Here are 5 tips to help you battle the beast within.

1. Drink lots of water. I prefer mine with a Super greens supplement, it's a salad in a glass, looks like swamp water and is easily absorbed into your tissues and organs. Drinking water will help get moisture to where the body lotion and KY jelly can't reach.

2. Back off from caffeine and alcohol (even though you think that cocktail or glass of wine is the only thing that can get you though each day). Spicy foods may also be the "trigger" that brings on a hot flash. And smoking has been shown to also contribute to hot flashes and night sweats.

3. Move that body! Get in those walks, hikes and biking or gym dance classes. Exercise helps with water retention, weight gain, bone strength and your overall frame of mind. Add resistance training to keep your self strong.

4. Try to keep from going to bed already hot. Take a shower in the morning, as well as blow drying your hair then. Avoid a long hot soak in the tub right before bed as well. Natural sheets and jammies in cotton, silk and bamboo are cooler than polyester blends.

5. Stay away from processed foods, especially prepackaged frozen diet meals. They are full of salt and preservatives that do nothing to help with the water weight gain and bloating.

Remember that we can help our bodies; help it self with a few changes. And these changes will help us feel so much better.

Corby Campbell Shields
Co-Author Menopause Master Plan
http://www.menopausemasterplan.com/

View the original article here

No matter where you got your roots, every woman will go through menopause. Honestly, there's no avoiding it-especially if you let it happen without taking any form of precaution or relief formula. It isn't the actual stage of menopause that can be avoided, but the side effects certainly can. The process that a woman goes through during this time really takes a toll on her body. Just think about it...this is the breaking point from when she stops being able to reproduce, her uterus shrinks, and she no longer gets a monthly menstrual cycle. That is a lot of change to handle and the new balance of estrogen in her body can take her comfort levels for an unpleasant ride. Bringing the hormone balance back will be the best thing for controlling menopausal side effects. Soy isoflavones are highly suggested and used by women worldwide to help with this problem.

Isoflavones are chemical compounds that have a similar build up to the estrogens naturally produced in the body. For women that lack estrogen, they will need an estrogen substitute. Thanks to phytoestrogens this deficiency can easily be solved. Phytoestrogens are estrogens that are derived from plants. You can find isoflavones in soy and plants that phytoestrogens. In this case, for menopause treatment, we are referring to soy isoflavones.

Many women actually use soy in their diet to help make it through menopause. Honestly soy isoflavones can do a number of positive things to the body. They can help subdue hot flashes and night sweats along with a number of other side effects. Beside menopausal benefits, the compound can also help prevent a number of different diseases.

An interesting fact about Asian women and Asian countries is that they typically use much more soy in their diet than, for example, American women do. When doing comparisons between the two diets, the women of Asian descent with soy in their diet do not see the intense side effects of menopause that American women do. So because they already have soy incorporated in their diet, Asian women tend have a more healthy hormone balance and can virtually avoid the imbalance.

The thing that most women want to make disappear with menopause is the hot flashes. If you are looking for a remedy try taking a relief supplement that has soy isoflavones in the formula. This way you can restore hormonal balance to your body.

View the original article here

Soy is the original hippie food that gave birth to the words Natural and Organic. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and the AHA (American Heart Association) for more then twenty years have questioned the risks and benefits of soy. In the meantime, soy has become an extensively overused ingredient. So while Americans consume soy either by choice or for lack of reading a label, it's uncertain whether soy has a negative effect on the thyroid and does soy in fact, offer any health benefits at all.

Tofu, tempeh, miso, soy milk, soy flour, soy chicken, soy tuna, soy protein, soy in condiments and per-prepared foods, burgers, sausage, and hot dogs, soy supplements and soy in menopause wellness formulas, soy in breads and pastas, soy in lotions, potions and hair dye, soy oil, soy cheese, soy in lipsticks, cosmetics, candles, shampoos and household cleaning products, soap, crayons, paper, and clothing. Even if you are a soy devotee, the ingredient has morphed from fermented bean curd into everything else.

Soy and the Thyroid

During perimenopause and menopause it is not unusual for women to develop thyroid problems. Since 1970, the number of thyroid incidences has more than doubled and approximately80% of thyroid disease is experienced by females.

Soy is a food that is categorized as a goitrogen. These are foods that promote the formation of goiter, a swelling in the thyroid gland, which can lead to a swelling of the neck or larynx. Soy is capable of interfering with the thyroid's normal function causing thyroid disease such as Hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone or Graves' an autoimmune disease that can cause over activity of the thyroid -- a condition known as Hyperthyroidism.

During perimenopause and menopause many women develop digestive problems that can easily interfere with daily life. Because we think we are doing all the right things to manage menopause naturally, we simply may not be connecting the dots.

Soy is it a common allergen, so even if it is not affecting your thyroid function specifically, it may be triggering symptoms of an allergic response, which include gastric upset, indigestion, gas, bloating constipation, acne, nausea, a stuffy nose, diarrhea, stomach pains, cramps, headaches, heart palpitations, skin rashes, hives, swelling in the throat, brain fog and fatigue. Also, if you take a thyroid medication for any reason soy can interfere with its proper absorption.

Christiane Northrup, MD, the author of The Wisdom of Menopause, has been a frequent guess on the Oprah Winfrey Show to talk about menopause. As an advocate of soy, Dr. Northrup suggests that women incorporate soy into their diets. Today, both Dr. Northrup and Oprah are hypothyroid. Coincidence or not, we will never know.

Thanks to Oprah she has graciously once again shared from her own unfortunate thyroid story and has created awareness for many women about soy, hormones and thyroid health.

Some women might believe that bioidentical hormones are the right treatment for thyroid problems - and they're not.Some women might think that bioidentical hormones such as estradiol or progesterone are risk-free - and they're not.Some women might believe that soy milk and other soy foods are beneficial for thyroid function - when they can actually harm the thyroid.

Does Soy Have Heart or Bone Health Benefits?

After 19 clinical studies on soy the National Institute of Health (NIH) states "there are no significant effects on HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, lipoprotein, or blood pressure. Among the 19 studies of soy isoflavones, the average effect on LDL cholesterol and other lipid risk factors was nil.

Soy protein and isoflavones have not shown to lessen vasomotor symptoms of menopause, and results are mixed with regard to soy's ability to slow postmenopausal bone loss. The efficacy and safety of soy isoflavones for preventing or treating cancer of the breast, endometrium, and prostate are not established; evidence from clinical trials is meager and cautionary with regard to a possible adverse effect. For this reason, use of isoflavone supplements in food or pills is not recommended."

The American Heart Association has also declared that soy has little or no effect on cholesterol and is unlikely to prevent heart disease.

If you eat, drink or take soy in a supplement and are concerned about your thyroid, speak with your doctor and get tested. Until there is a clear answer to soy's toxicity and risks, please use your good sense and not marketing mania as your purchasing guide.

Sabina E. Fasano is the founder of Solutions for Women, the developer of Femmerol®, a patented, clinically tested micronized herbal formulation for addressing hormonal imbalance due to menopause, perimenopause, and monthly hormonal fluctuations. Femmerol is manufactured by the Capsugel Division of Warner-Lambert. To learn more about Femmerol visit http://www.solutionsforwomen.com/ or call 1 + (800) 846-0866

View the original article here

Women dread menopause. There are a variety of reasons for this. Not only must they deal with the psychological aspects of not being of "child-bearing" age anymore, women must also navigate through the arduous symptoms involved in going through "the change". Night sweats and hot flashes are famous among females in their 40's and 50's. But even more distressing than the night sweats and hot flashes are problems with weight gain, depression, irritability, moodiness, vaginal dryness, lack of libido, and a host of other problems associated with menopause. Dealing with all of these symptoms can be extremely overwhelming, no matter who you are.

Finding a way to put up with the symptoms of menopause or diminish them is important to most women. There are some herbal and homeopathic treatments out there to help women cope with certain symptoms but few herbs or homeopathic remedies exist to cure all of the problems in one fell swoop. However, for women who are dealing with a particularly pesky symptom, these herbal and homeopathic treatments can be remarkably helpful.

Synthetic hormones, which are artificially created, have been in use since the 1930's to help women deal with their hormonal changes. Unfortunately, synthetic hormones have been correlated with a host of very negative and undesirable side effects (like breast cancer). Though some women still take the risk and go ahead and use synthetic hormones to cope with menopause, there are other, less risky options available.

Bioidentical hormones are derived from plants, and developed to be identical to those produced by the human body itself. They have been proven useful to help alleviate the symptoms of women going through menopause. Using bioidentical hormones in treatment often takes care of all the symptoms related to menopause rather than chipping away at the problem one symptom at a time. Women often feel rejuvenated and young again. As a result, they feel as though they can enjoy their golden years rather than dreading them.

Dealing with the harsh symptoms of menopause is not easy. Luckily, many women have found relief using different forms of treatment to calm these symptoms. While herbs, homeopathic treatments, and synthetic hormones have been in use for some time to allow women to cope with menopause, bioidentical hormones are a more natural approach. The health repercussions of menopause can also be avoided to keep older women looking and feeling healthy for many years into their future.

The PhysioAge Medical Group specializes in helping women by providing menopause treatment options that will help you make it through the terrible symptoms associated with it. Call them today to find out if they can help!

View the original article here

Menopause is a natural part of the aging process for women. The medical definition of menopause refers to no longer having the inability to reproduce and have children. A woman is no longer fertile. Menopause also involves hormonal changes and a drop in estrogen levels. There are many symptoms associated with menopause which can be uncomfortable or unpleasant for women. There are numerous things that you can do to feel better during this natural life cycle change.

Menopause Symptoms: Over 70% percent of women experiencing menopause will have symptoms related to the condition. There is the pre-menopause state known as "perimenopause" where hormone levels already begin their decline. This usually begins in your early 40s. Hot flashes and night sweats are the more common symptoms associated with menopause. Additionally you may experience a lower libido and irregular menstruation. The hot flash is similar to a warm sensation that may feel like a flushing over the entire body. These can be mild or more severe. If they occur at night they can also induce the common night sweats associated with menopause. Irregular menstruation means you may have your period twice in a given month or skip a month or two between cycles. The lightness or heaviness of your period can also vary. Loss of sexual interest: This can lead to a lack of interest in sexual activity due to the hormonal imbalances that are occurring.

Fatigue: This is also common. Many women will feel consistently tired and weak. This can have a very negative impact on their lives as it makes it difficult to keep up with daily activities. There can also be an increase in facial hair with some women as well as thinning of the hair on the scalp. Irritability: Many women suffer from moodiness with changing emotions that can be rather intense at times. In more severe cases a woman may feel a sense of panic. This could lead to panic disorder which is associated with feelings of intense anxiety. This could be a brief episode or become a more serious problem. Depression can also occur with menopause.

Difficulty Sleeping: You may experience frequently waking up at night and in general your sleep may not be as restful. Memory Lapses: There can be some mental confusion that occurs and difficulty concentrating. This can also be connected to not getting enough sleep. Weight Fluctuations: Many women will gain excess weight particularly in the stomach region. This is in part due to the slowing down of the metabolism and the natural redistribution of fat that occurs as women age. You can prevent this from happening by changing your diet and exercising to increase your metabolism.

Some women experience varying levels of incontinence where they will urinate accidentally during common everyday activities such as sneezing or laughing too hard. This can be terribly uncomfortable and embarrassing for many women. The reason that this can occur varies. It could stem from a loss of sensation that you need to urinate to a weakening of the bladder muscles themselves.

In addition to weight gain you may have abdominal bloating and some fluid retention. Irregular Heart Rate: Another common complaint is rapid or irregular heart rate. If this occurs you need to be careful and see a doctor immediately if you experience any discomfort.

Changes in Skin and Nails: Menopause will signal the more rapid onset of aging which will affect the skin and nails. As collagen levels decline the skin will develop increased wrinkles. Fingernails may become dry and brittle and break more easily.

Lifestyle Factors to Make Menopause more tolerable: Good nutrition is essential. Healthy eating can lessen many of the symptoms associated with menopause. Having adequate amounts of calcium is important for bone health and to prevent osteoporosis. Some good food choices include yogurt, cheese, sardines and dark green vegetables. Avoid consuming bad fats but eat good fats in the form of omega-3 fatty acids. These can be found in fatty fish such as salmon and tuna, olive and flax seed oils. Increase Vitamin C by eating fresh fruit such as oranges. Include foods high in fiber to help your digestive track and bowels stay regular. Limit your intake of processed foods such as hot dogs and premade frozen and canned meals. Excess sugar can be very unhealthy and can lead to weight gain and blood sugar fluctuations which could make your other menopause symptoms seem even more uncomfortable.

Exercise: Getting regular and appropriate exercise is such an important factor in your good health. It goes without saying that exercise is important at every age and will help to naturally boost your mood and increase your energy levels. Women's bones become frailer with menopause and regular exercise helps to strengthen them. Exercise will also help with the dreaded weight gain that is common. When you exercise your body releases endorphins which make you feel happier and less stressed. Try to find an exercise program that you would enjoy participating in. It could be as simple as walking every morning for 20 to 30 minutes. Or you might like to join a gym and find classes and programs that you could commit to on a regular basis. Remember as with any lifestyle or dietary change always consult with your medical doctor before undertaking particularly if you suffer from any disease or ailment or are taking prescription drugs.

The Issels Medical Center in Santa Barbara, California is a world renowned alternative cancer treatment center. The Issels Treatment is an Integrative Immunotherapy program with a 50 year history. Founded in 1951 by a pioneer in integrative cancer medicine, Dr. Josef Issels, MD., a German oncologist, The Issels Medical Center in Santa Barbara, California treats patients with all natural non toxic therapies for a variety of health conditions including cancer.

If you would like more information regarding the treatments available at The Issels Medical Center in Santa Barbara, California, please call 805-962-2126 or toll free at 888-374-7735. And please visit the website at: http://www.issels.com/Questionaire/questionnaire_IMC.aspx.

By Tina C. Loren

View the original article here

Hitting menopause can be a stressful time with a lot of discomfort and unwelcome distractions from your busy daily life. Many supplements and menopause aids claim to help reduce symptoms and return your body to a comfortable state. Swanson Menopause Essential is a supplement claiming to do just that.

The fluctuations of hormones in the body at the time of the menopause can create hot flashes and night sweats. The ingredients in Swanson Menopause Essential claim to combat these symptoms by bringing the balance back to the female hormones to a similar state to their child-bearing years.

The key ingredients of Swanson Menopause Essential are Chaste tree berry and black cohosh. The flavanoids in chaste tree berry target the pituitary gland, which in turn has an effect on certain hormones, in a women's case balancing them and bringing up levels of progesterone. This ingredient can also be used for the menstrual cycle to help keep it regular. It is helpful in treating irregular bleeding in menopause.

Black cohosh is a potent ingredient that originated from ancient Chinese medicine. It is used to regulate the production of estrogen. Therefore the combination of the two ingredients are effective to control unusual hormone unbalances during menopause as the levels of progesterone and estrogen in the body must be at an appropriate level for side effects to reduce. Black cohosh is especially known for treating hot flashes and keeping a healthy reproductive system.

Soy isoflavones are also present in Swanson Menopause Essential. Soy has been used in Asian cultures for thousands of years and studies show Asian women who have a lot of soy in their diet experience much less of the symptoms Western women do during the menopause. Soy beans are nutritious if eaten but the soy isoflavone extract can directly target menopausal hot flashes and postmenopausal bone loss.

As well as the obvious side effects, a lack of libido is a less talked about but no less important problem during menopause. Women often look for a cure for this to save relationships with their partners. The ingredients present in this supplement for this are damiana and Dong Quai. As there is some history of chaste tree berry being used to reduce sex drive it is important to feature something that combats this and the symptom of low libido.

This supplement contains a mix of powerful ingredients, which should reduce most symptoms in women hopefully returning their bodies back to a comfortable state.

Get the facts and read more reviews here: Swanson Menopause Essentials

View the original article here

Before entering the menopausal stage, there are various symptoms that a woman may experience. This transition in a woman's life may be experienced when she reaches 40 years old and above. However, there are cases wherein one may experience it even before the age of 40 and this is due to some reasons.

One of the most common symptoms of an upcoming menopause is the missed menstrual period. This is greatly affected by the hormonal imbalance which causes the ovaries to stop producing eggs to be ovulated during menstrual cycle. Estrogen level drops down during this phase of a woman's life resulting to many unexpected changes.

In the early stage of menopause, a female may experience a heavy bleeding during her period or a light one. She may also experience a very early menstrual period rather than the usual or a very late one. These changes may cause also to the changes of the pre menstrual syndrome and other effects. One may observe some alteration of the regularity of PMS and the like. She may experience severe menstrual cramps and other effects.

Changes in the attitude and severe exhaustion are several of the symptoms as well. Due to the imbalanced hormones and the decreasing count of estrogen in the reproductive system, the emotional condition of a woman could be affected resulting to changes in attitude and lose of temper from time to time. When not alleviated, this condition may get worse. Another indicator of initial menopause is when one begins to feel some warm sparks in her body that may cause soreness of the face. This condition is also a result of the changes in the hormonal count.

A woman will apparently experience serious exhaustion, nervousness, and stress. Menopause may likewise bring a disturbance in sleep and great depression that will consume one's energy. Because estrogen count decreases, one may have a sudden hair growth due to the active testosterone. Other situation brings thinning of hair or hair fall on the other hand. Other symptoms include lack of sleep which could result to insomnia, vaginal dryness, and reduction of sexual drive.

All women will have menopausal symptoms at some stage during their life, the vast majority in their forties or later but some can experience them in their twenties so it is vitally important that the early signs of menopause are recognized so treatment can begin at the earliest opportunity.

If you would like to know more about menopause then check out this great Remedies For Menopause site or this Menopause Treatment blog for more tips and ideas.

View the original article here

Ongoing research over the last decade has cast the efficacy and potential safety of many commonly prescribed synthetic drugs into doubt. Hormone Replacement Therapy has come under particular scrutiny during this period, with research suggesting links between long-term use of the treatment and an increased risk of heart disease, blood clots, breast and ovarian cancer and stroke. This concern over the potential side-effects of HRT has led many women to look for safer, cheaper and more natural ways to treat their uncomfortable menopausal symptoms without synthetic hormones. In this growing trend towards natural medicine, non-estrogenic herbal supplements for menopause have become a first line of treatment for many women.

What are non-estrogenic herbs?

The most effective kinds of herbal supplements for menopause are either phytoestrogenic or non-estrogenic. Phytoestrogenic herbs contain a natural compound which is very similar to human estrogen, which means they can help balance fluctuating hormone levels when they are consumed on a regular basis. Non-estrogenic herbs, however, - as the name suggests- do not contain any substance that replicates the effects of estrogen in the body. Instead, this kind of herb works by stimulating the pituitary and endocrine glands to produce more of the body's own natural hormones more efficiently.

There are many varieties of plant that can be considered non-estrogenic, but only a small number contain the nutrients needed to improve the function of the endocrine system and balance hormone levels, and fewer still have been clinically proven to be beneficial to menopausal women.

What are the benefits of non-estrogenic herbs?

Non-estrogenic herbal supplements for menopause are effective for many women because they encourage the body to produce more of its own natural estrogen, at a time when hormone production is gradually winding down to a halt. By nourishing the endocrine gland, non-estrogenic herbs help to restore hormonal balance and prevent many of the problems caused by fluctuating hormone levels during menopause, including hot flushes, night sweats, depression, mood swings and vaginal dryness. Furthermore, because non-estrogenic herbs help to keep estrogen at a healthy level, it is thought that herbal supplements of this kind could help prevent osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease, two conditions which menopausal women are particularly vulnerable to as their estrogen levels start to decline.

Recent medical research has indicated that certain kinds of non-estrogenic herbal remedies for menopause can be used as a natural alternative to Hormone Replacement Therapy. These herbs promote hormonal balance in a very similar way to HRT, but instead of introducing synthetic hormones to the body, they improve natural hormone production and work in harmony with the rest of the body. Non-estrogenic herbs are widely prescribed in countries such as Germany, France and Japan for menopausal women who report uncomfortable and distressing symptoms and they have become increasingly popular in America and across the rest of Europe. These herbal remedies for menopause generally come in capsule form and are recommended for daily use.

If you want to know more about herbs for menopause then please visit http://www.ccherb.com/herbs-for-menopause for more information.

View the original article here

If you`re suffering from acne AND menopause, you have my sympathies.

Menopause can cause a dip in confidence at the best of times. Your body starts behaving in ways that you never expected or experienced before - hot sweats, bloating, incontinence! Which is enough to knock anyone sideways. But then you look in the mirror one morning and you can see the first signs of a breakout. I don`t mean a few harmless pimples here and there, but blackheads, whiteheads and small pustules. The type where your skin looks like a ripe tomato and a new blemish seems to pops up every couple of minutes. I can tell you that it`s a horrible experience.

Your first response may be to rush out and buy the strongest medication that you can lay your hands on, and if you have really bad acne, that may be necessary, but before you do that why not try to control your breakout without visiting the pharmacist.

Acne affects menopausal women more than you may imagine, in fact it`s quite a common problem. And unlike teenagers, who are warned about the dangers of eating sweet, greasy foods, for us older ladies, things are not quite so simple.

As with almost all menopausal symptoms, it`s those pesky hormones estrogen, testosterone and progesterone that are mainly responsible for our less than perfect complexion. They fluctuate greatly as our body goes through the menopausal changes and consequently, we experience all of the associated menopause symptoms.

I was fortunate, in that I had worked in the cosmetic industry for many years and so my skin care routine was impeccable. I had always insisted on natural products, with no added color or fragrance (and animal friendly), that may cause an allergic reaction. I drank plenty of water and never went to bed without removing every last trace of make up. As I got older, I changed only my moisturizer and made sure that it was rich enough to nourish my skin, but did not clog the pores. I also exfoliated weekly without fail, which many women do not do, but which does make a big difference as the dead skin cells do not slough off as efficiently on mature skins. This not only makes the skin look dull, but the dead skin cells will block the pores and cause spots.

It is a not true to say that acne is caused because people fail to wash their faces often enough. Too much cleansing or scrubbing the skin harshly can make acne worse.. The best way to cleanse the face is to gently wash it twice daily using a mild cleanser. Be careful to remove make-up without harsh scrubbing.

If you do find yourself in the grip of menopausal acne, don`t be tempted to buy the strongest cleanser possible and literally try to dry out every last bit of oil on your skin - as this would be counter productive and leave you with flaky skin which still had pimples. Cleaning away all of the surface oils doesn't help menopausal acne, as it starts under the skin

Of course, it goes without saying, that no matter how tempting, don't pick or squeeze your spots because you can cause infection and the skin will certainly become red. By stressing and being self-conscious, you will only draw attention to yourself and stress can, in fact also trigger an acne breakout. Worrying and fretting about your face, affects your hormones and will not help your emotional state - or your skin.

In time, the acne will improve and eventually disappear completely. But in the meantime - apart from trying to maintain a sense of humor - here are a few other suggestions to help combat menopausal acne.

* Practice relaxation techniques
* Drink plenty of water
* Use gentle products that won`t aggravate your skin
* Speak to your doctor about stopping hormone replacement therapy if you think it is the cause of your acne
* GENTLY exfoliate twice a week
* Exercise will get the blood pumping, increase your oxygen intake - and help improve your complexion.

....And did I mention retaining a sense of humor always helps?

For more information on menopause acne and all symptoms of menopause, visit us at the Complete Menopause

View the original article here

There was an article in the Chicago Tribune the other day that I could really relate to. It seems the more weight we gain, and the rounder we become, because of our hormonal changes, really affects our self esteem. This article was about a study they did out of the Rush University Medical Center. They called it the WISHFIT study, and it involved women in menopause.

The Medical Center started a program to hopefully motivate women in perimenopause, to take time for themselves, and to exercise. The center was concerned about the rising risks associated with these women's "visceral fat" or belly fat, brought on by hormonal changes. Because of their growing waist line and weight, the women were more prone to heart disease and diabetes.

With grant funding from the National Institute of Health the first group of women were paid money to go out and exercise. The other group of women in the study underwent a "positive framing" program. WISHFIT was to be a motivator to live a healthier lifestyle, by getting family, friends and neighbors involved. These women of the second group were also encouraged to think about physical activity as being "fun". The Center believed that with this support group, these women would be able to eat healthy, decrease their stress and be more physically active. The end results, they hoped, would also be weight loss for both groups.

At the end of the first round of this study, they found that the results of both groups were very similar. Why? One group was being paid to exercise, and the other group had lots of support from family and friends. What was similar in both groups?

Even with all of this motivation in place, the women in both studies were shown to be so overscheduled and wrapped up in the lives of their family members, that they didn't have the time to exercise. They also struggled to find time to spend on themselves. And lastly, and most telling, is the fact that they also didn't view their needs as being important. So even though these women had been encouraged, using different forms of incentive, these women always put themselves on the back burner.

From personal experience, I know that we feel like we do not matter. Everything and everyone in our live is more important than us. And as our body changes, and becomes heavier and rounder, we feel like we even matter, less. And our thoughts are that we are even less worthy.

There are 100 million of us world wide. Our pre menopause, menopause and post menopause stage is made up of almost half of our years, alive. By changing this attitude of not being worthy, as well as taking time to help ourselves be healthier, we can take better care of the people we love, because we love ourselves more.

Take the time for you today. Feel better because you spent a part of your day showing yourself that you are unique, and beautiful and so worth it. Why, because you are!

Corby Campbell Shields
Co-Author Menopause Master Plan
http://www.menopausemasterplan.com/

View the original article here