December 31, 2008

What Is The Link Between Hysterectomy And Menopause?

Hysterectomy and menopause continues to create confusion among many women who are not sure whether the latter will be induced by having a hysterectomy. In explaining what can occur let's look at the link between the two.

Firstly, what is a hysterectomy? In simple terms, it's the removal of a women's uterus and cervix or part of a women's uterus. Some procedures may also involve removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes.

The Effects Of Hysterectomy

So how does a hysterectomy affect menopause? Women can no longer menstruate or become pregnant following a hysterectomy but it seems there is confusion surrounding the issue of whether this means that menopause has occurred. Simply explained, if one or both of the ovaries are retained then menopausal onset could continue as normal. In fact, one of three things could happen: the ovaries will continue to function normally until menopause occurs; the ovaries could stop functioning as soon as one year following surgery or ovarian failure could be silent.

What Is Surgical Menopause?

Complete removal of the ovaries in pre-menopausal women will result in a drop in oestrogen and progesterone levels which can bring on what is described as surgical menopause. A sudden drop in ovarian production can lead to menopause symptoms occuring just a few days following the procedure. The increased risk of osteoporosis is one of the downsides to this as well as the usual symptoms of menopause including hot flushes and night sweats.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is an option for women who experience surgical menopause. This can help alleviate some of the symptoms such as hot flushes. Information on the benefits of HRT are sketchy to say the least with the treatment having both it's detractors and supporters. Whether it's the right course of action for you can only be made following a consultation with your health physician. The good news for women who elect to skip HRT is that there are alternative and more natural treatments available and this should be one of the first questions you ask your doctor.

Women who have one or both of their ovaries left behind following a hysterectomy will generally experience ovarian production until menopause is reached. The difference is that hormone levels can fluctuate alarmingly or, they can stop producing a lot sooner than expected. If it's the latter and oestrogen deficiency is recognized, then a visit to the doctor is of the utmost importance.

More Issues To Consider

There are other issues regarding whether the ovaries should be left behind. The threat of ovarian cancer always lingers and many doctors will advise their patients to consider removing them. The risk however, is low and in many cases if the ovaries are relatively healthy then many patients will elect to retain either one or both.

Hysterectomy and menopause seems like a very complex issue on the surface and in reality it is because there are many factors to consider. Hysterectomy is one of the most performed surgical procedures in the western world for women and for most, it's a decision made after lengthy analysation. You'll need to weigh up the pros and cons with your doctor before making any decision.

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December 30, 2008

Menopause Migraine Breaking The Cycle

Hypnosis may be effective in relieving some menopause symptoms, but when it comes to treating and preventing menopause migraines, women who experience this unpleasant symptom will likely require other remedies.

Unfortunately, severe headaches and migraines are quite common in perimenopausal and menopausal women. A migraine is the wickedest form of a headache, and is one of the worst menopause symptoms that can be suffered. A migraine can be so painful and intense that it can incapacitate its victim and spoil days of their life at a time.

What causes migraines to occur during menopause?

Psychological Factors include: emotional distress; anxiety; stress; overworking; fatigue.

If these factors are allowed to spin out of control, it can cause chemical imbalances in your brain which can have an affect on the functioning of the body, resulting in a migraine. These migraines are generally brought on by stress and are often alleviated when stress is reduced.

Physical Factors include: hormone imbalance; medication; genetics.

Physical factors are far more likely to be the cause of a menopause migraine than psychological factors. The reason is because many believe the drop in estrogen hormone is the main culprit behind migraines and headaches. When hormones fluctuate they cause the brain's blood vessels to overreact which can lead to a headache or migraine. Thus, as estrogen levels decline, it is a likely migraines will occur more frequently and with greater intensity.

What are the signs and symptoms of migraines?

Migraine with aura symptoms: The aura may begin anywhere from 15-60 minutes prior to the headache and cause -

Â Visual distortion - IE zig zags, flashing light, color variations, complete loss of vision

Â Pain around one eye that is accompanied by tingling or numbness in the surrounding area

Migraine without aura symptoms - This is the more common migraine experience and can cause -

Â Unusual sensations
Â Scalp tenderness
Â Irritability
Â Double vision; blind spots; seeing zig zag; partial blindness in a single eye
Â Dizziness or lightheadedness
Â Nausea and/or vomiting
Â Pounding or throbbing head pain
Â Sensitivity to sound and/or light
Â Paralysis on one side of the face

All symptoms generally subside after the cessation of the migraine. However sensitivity to sound and smell, and a feeling of weakness and loss of appetite, may linger during migraine recovery.

How long can a migraine last? Anywhere from a few hours (3 or more hours) to a few days (3 or more days)

How can you treat migraines?

Â Medication - some over-the-counter medications can provide migraine relief. However, depending on the severity of the migraine, some women may require prescription pills. Furthermore, migraine medication should be taken when first signs appear. Usually, a fully developed migraine will not respond to medication.

Note: talk to your doctor about your migraines and ask for medication recommendation

Â Solitude - Seek the quiet comfort of a dark, cool room, lie down, and close your eyes. You may also want to try relaxation or meditative techniques that focus your mind on a positive image or thought to help relieve pain.

How can you prevent menopause migraines?

Reduce stress - If you are overworked, anxious, or suffering emotional distress you need to find ways to alleviate stress. Take breaks and enjoy time to yourself - relax.

Exercise - Exercise helps improve circulation, mood and reduces stress. Walking, swimming, or engaging in Yoga, are ideas you can explore.

Watch your diet - make sure you are eating a healthy diet that includes plenty of water, fruits and vegetables. Limit your intake of caffeine, alcohol and preservative foods, all of which can contribute to migraines.

Get proper sleep - Restful sleep is important for bodily health and balance.

Hormonal therapy - If your menopause migraines are not stress related, ask your doctor about taking hormonal therapy to increase estrogen levels to achieve hormonal balance.

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December 29, 2008

Supplementation Suggestions To Ease Menopause Symptoms

All women go through it. Before we continue – let that notion sink in. Menopause is not a death sentence or something unnatural, it just feels like it sometimes. It is a part of nature's great blueprint - for better or worse. The majority of women experience the onset of menopause between the ages of 45 and 55. It can begin before and after - but this range is fairly typical.

Menopause occurs because the female body experiences rapid changes to the chemical composition of the reproductive system. The body no longer produces eggs in the ovaries and the production of progesterone and estrogen naturally diminish. Hormonal changes lead to a variety of symptoms including: increased or decreased appetite, foggy and hazy thinking, hot flashes, anger, sadness, depression, and other emotional changes.

Fortunately, there are a variety of supplements that can help you to control these symptoms. More and more evidence has been uncovered as to the benefits of supplementation for everyone - but during menopause women can reap even greater benefits.

Traditionally, menopause has been treated by modern medicine. The treatment of choice has been hormone replacement therapy (HRT). On the surface this makes a lot of sense. The female body is no longer producing estrogen and progesterone at a normal rate so why not make up for the deficit with pills? Well, recent studies have shown that this form of treatment may be potentially dangerous. In fact, there may be more risk involved for various diseases including cancer.

Supplementation is a low-risk treatment that has provided millions of women with much-needed relief. Women who do not want to take the risks associated with HRT should definitely check out some of these essential supplements.

Promensil has been studied for years and has proven effective in providing relief for sufferers of menopause. This supplement is highly effective in limiting the frequency and magnitude of hot flashes that consistently trouble women suffering from menopause.

Black Cohosh is a plant utilized by Native Americans. The plant itself functions without estrogen. This supplement is a wide-spectrum treatment for those experiencing the anguish of menopause. It has been studied in a variety of clinical trials and has been shown to relieve a number of menopause related symptoms.

Calcium is another important supplement for those undergoing menopause. One of the effects of menopause and aging in general is a loss of bone density. Without enough calcium bones become weak and brittle. Taking calcium supplements also contribute a shotgun of minerals and vitamins that can help maintain and improve health.

Red Clover is another supplement that has been researched extensively. The active ingredient is taken from psytoestrogens-rich plants like red clover or soy. When taken it has been shown to provide some much-needed relief of menopause symptoms as well as contribute to healthy bones.

Estroven is another phytoestrogen-rich multivitamin that has proven effective in combating the severity of menopause symptoms. Studies have shown that the symptoms either alleviated or improved include: hot flashes, insomnia, and libido.

The use of supplements is important in the battle against menopause. Educate yourself on the variety of natural supplements available and get yourself some much needed - and most importantly - natural relief!

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December 28, 2008

Vitamins For Menopause - Naturally!

Are vitamin for menopause treatments effective? Menopause is the transitional period in a women's life where fertility functions begin to shut down and with it come a host of symptoms which in many cases, catch people off guard. So how important are vitamins in the treatment of menopausal symptoms?

The most common treatment for menopause is hormone replacement therapy (HRT). One of the biggest anomalies with this is that women will normally be offered HRT if they are exhibiting symptoms however, in many cases, these symptoms may not be menopause related at all but attributed to other health conditions. In other words, they are aging related.

Vitamins For A Healthy Body

Being prepared for the onset of menopause doesn't mean you need to stand behind a barricade and keep a lookout for it. Keeping your body healthy and ready to manage this natural occurring process is important. Good vitamin intake in association with a balanced diet means you are giving yourself every chance to adjust to menopause when it "arrives." So a vitamin for menopause treatment should be a strongly considered option.

One of the biggest benefits of vitamin supplements is their role in maintaing a healthy bone structure. Recent studies conclude that bone formation can be impaired without adequate levels of vitamin K. Estrogen levels drop during early menopause and findings suggest that vitamin K function is diminished even before bone loss occurs. So in actual fact, the suggestion is that the accepted level of this vitamin is not adequate enough during the initial phase of menopause. Vitamin K has been the subject of a host of studies in relation to menopause and may not yet be completely understood.

Benefits Of Vitamins For Menopause

What is understood though is the function of vitamins such as B, C and E. Vitamin B has long been known as an active combatant against symptoms of stress and reduced energy levels. A good B complex can aid in the recovery from energy depletion and other related symptoms.

Vitamin E has "scored many bouquets" for having an effect on the incidence of hot flushes. It has also been found useful in aiding vaginal dryness, a common complaint of menopause. Vitamin E has a further multiplication benefit when taken in conjuction with some mineral nutrients.

The benefits of vitamin C have long been known, particularly in the area of treatment for illnesses such as colds and flus however, it has also been effective in reducing incidence of hot flushes in menopausal women as well as having the ability to promote elasticity in the skin. This has a added benefits in both preventing and also treating vaginal dryness.

Maintaining a healthy disposition long before menopause is even a factor can only be helpful in transitioning this natural stage of life. A vitamin for menopause treatment should be a strong option and one you should discuss with your health physician. There are many vitamin products on the market today and they are not all created equal. You may have to probe deeper than just settling for those you see on the supermarket shelves and perhaps consider products not available in the mainstream shopping arena.