How to Prevent Menopause Symptoms in Your Daily Life

Everybody knows that hot flashes are a symptom of menopause. That is by no means a secret. What is less known however is that most of the hormonal changes brought about by menopause are caused by the hypothalamus, a part of the brain which responds to changes in temperature. So every time a woman feel like her body’s heating up, or she’s sweating profusely, it’s because her menopausal state is sending certain signals to hypothalamus, which in turn causes it to induce what we would call hot flashes.

Generally speaking, menopause symptoms vary from person to person. As such, a woman who is suffering from hot flashes should not think that others are having the exact same experience as she does.

There are simple ways by which to minimize the effects of hot flashes. Wearing light clothes, keeping a fan nearby or staying in a cool place are all very good ideas for dealing with this problem. Also using an ice pack can give temporary relief, while avoiding spicy and high calorie foods can help reduce the frequency and effects of hot flashes.

However, it’s also possible for women who do not yet have their menopause to suffer from hot flashes. So even though most cases of hot flashes do occur as a result of menopause, it can happen to other people, including men under the right circumstances.

The intensity of hot flashes can also be increased by alcohol consumption, medication, and caffeine. So be sure to avoid them. Any food, drink or substance that contains a lot of calories can potentially increase your problems with hot flashes, so losing a little weight can also help you deal with the problem.

And lastly, it’s worth remembering that approximately 85% of cases of hot flashes are the result of menopause. The remaining 15% can come from any number of causes, but in certain cases they can potentially be taken as symptoms for different kinds of illnesses, so you shouldn’t take hot flashes lightly. Discomfort is a natural burden with this sort of problem, but if you were to experience other symptoms, symptoms that are out of the ordinary, then you should consult your doctor.

Overcoming The Symptoms Of Menopause

Menopause is a perfectly natural occurrence that indicates the end of a woman’s menstrual periods. It occurs when the ovaries stop producing sex hormones, which leads to the menopause symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood swings. It also occurs when the ovaries are removed surgically or the ovaries stop functioning for any reason. This is known as “surgical menopause,” but the symptoms and treatment are the same.

Older women often have misconceptions and myths about menopause they learned from their own mothers. They think that life is useless and boring after menopause. However, today, many women begin the day with new discoveries and face challenges at their work during menopause. They know that menopause is a natural contingency in the process of aging. It carries no serious health risks. So, in order to formulate best health decisions, try to understand menopause symptoms and its treatment options.

The frequency and severity of menopause symptoms totally varies from woman to woman, but the most common menopause symptoms are hot flashes, irregular bleeding, urinary incontinence, mood swings, and vaginal atrophy. When hot flashes occur, sudden intense waves of heat and sweating are observed in the upper part of the body, especially the chest, face, and head. Flushing and sweating usually occur as well, followed by a chill. Some women feel their heart beating very fast and become worried.

Hot flashes can last from a few seconds to several minutes. This also varies from woman to woman. Women who have had hysterectomies are more likely to have hot flashes while most of the women experience their hot flashes in the first 2 years after menopause. However, some women have their hot flashes several years before menopause while some have them for 10, 20, or even 40 years or longer after menopause. In addition, these flashes can also affect your social life and work. They can disrupt your sleep if they occur night and the bed sheets of your bed can become wet with sweat.

Most women notice the symptoms of premenopause, most notably the irregular periods. In fact, changes such as shorter or longer periods, heavier or lighter menstrual bleeding, and varying lengths of time between periods may be a sign that menopause is near.

Menopause leads involuntary leakage of urine, infection, or painful urination.

Depression may also occur before menopause. However, it is unclear whether depression is linked to low levels of estrogen or to the many changes women face during their 40s and 50s (such as career or marriage pressures, or care of children or aging parents).

By knowing the four stages of menopause (and how to identify which one you are in), you will be better able to overcome the 35 (or more) symptoms of menopause which accompany it. Menopause does not have to be a traumatic, difficult time of your life that you have no choice but to suffer through. There is constantly new research being done that is helping women deal with – if not totally alleviate – the symptoms of menopause. Many of these therapies, once considered “alternative,” involve herbs or other methods that are helping aging women lead normal, healthy lives.

Melissa Ream

http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/overcoming-the-symptoms-of-menopause-84429.html

Menopause Symptoms May be Eased Through Natural Ways

Menopause symptoms are: hot flashes, night sweats and others. If don’t want to take estrogens here are some non-estrogen options:

Behavioral interventions: wearing cotton cloths may improve the way you feel, relax, practice abdominal breathing and don’t have any hot showers or baths before bedtime. You are suggested to avoid coffee, alcohol, spicy foods, and stress and use ice packs.

Some women feel better when taking vitamin E although studies haven’t shown a reduction in hot flashes, is recommended to take it during the menopausal period.

Soy has been found as having positive effects, but others suggest that hasn’t any effect at all. Soy isoflavones are also contained in one cup soy milk, 1/2 cup tofu, 1/2 tempeh,1/2 cup green soybeans (edamame), and three handfuls of roasted soy nuts. Natural progesterone cream reduces significantly hot flashes and has effects on most women, it si important to see exactly what’s the quantity of progesterone contained in the cream because it varies considerably from 5 mg to more than 400 mg progesterone per ounce.

Herbs

Promensil, is a plant estrogen found in the red clover that helps reducing the intensity of hot flashes, black cohosh is the best herbal remedy in relieving hot flashes. A randomized trial which involved women with a breast cancer history had results in decreasing the frequency and intensity in hot flashes and excessive sweating and lowering blood pressure. So use black cohosh continuously for 6 months.

Remifemin is a standardized extract of black cohosh, which is to be taken 2 tablets twice per day. You also may find black cohosh in different forms such as: powdered root or as a tea, powdered extract, fluid extract and tincture.

Drugs:

Effexor or Paxil is an antidepressant that reduces hot flashes, Clonidine normally used in treating hypertension helps relieving hot flashes. Tibolone is a promising remedy. Megestrol acetate is approved for women with breast cancer and helps diminishing the severity of flashes. Gabapentin usually taken for migraines has been observed as having good results in hot flashes.

Acupuncture and yoga

There are yoga studios that offer yoga classes for menopausal women and acupuncture has been tried by some women against hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings and depression. Although studies haven’t shown any results in the post menopausal symptoms may women reported that they have a better state of health after practicing yoga and acupuncture.

Physical exercises

Among physical exercises are: aerobic exercises that reduced the severity of hot flashes, strength training, weight training also helps maintaining in a good shape the osteo-muscular system and maintaining the ideal weight. The symptoms in post menopausal women are relieved by physical exercises and the bone achieves greater density and lumbar spine bone mineral also maintains its density.

For more resources about menopause or about menopause treatment please review http://www.menopause-info-guide.com/menopause-treatment.htm

Groshan Fabiola

http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/menopause-symptoms-may-be-eased-through-natural-ways-131659.html

Coping With The Symptoms Of A Hot Flash

With any hot flash the symptoms may vary, but they all include one major component – heat. Although no one can pinpoint exactly what causes a hot flash, most agree that a hormonal imbalance makes your body think it is overheating causing your blood vessels to open and pump more blood to cool your body down. This is what actually causes the symptoms of a hot flash.

Some women agree that they can feel the symptoms of a hot flash coming on by having an uneasy feeling, or a feeling of anxiety. The flash is just that, a sudden feeling of intense heat. It will start around your waist area and move up quickly to your upper body and face. You will start to perspire and your face can become quite red and flushed looking. You may start to experience nausea, dizziness, instant headaches, weakness, or even a feeling of suffocation. Unfortunately this is all normal, and it will pass eventually, usually in about 2 to 5 minutes, but it can last as long as 30 minutes.

Symptoms of a hot flash also include rapid heartbeat and the feeling of anxiety. This may make you perspire even more than you usually would because of the overwhelming emotion that it provokes in your brain. The amount of sweat also depends on any medication you may be taking, your diet, and the stage of menopause you are in. Some people barely get a glisten on their upper lip, and others look as if they have run 10 miles. The perspiration will soon cool down. Depending on how much you exuded you will suddenly feel very cold and chilled. The rapid chills will last until you essentially dry your body of any left over perspiration.

Although up to 85% of women have symptoms of hot flashes during perimenopause and menopause, only about 10% to 15% actually have them so badly that they need medication. This isn’t to say that you can’t change the frequency or levels of your symptoms. You can do so easily by changing your diet, eliminating alcohol and tobacco, exercising, and doing breathing and relaxation techniques. This will all help to make it a more tolerable experience and to relieve some of the anxiety you have when suffering the symptoms of hot flashes.

Linda Bruton
http://www.articlesbase.com/women’s-issues-articles/coping-with-the-symptoms-of-a-hot-flash-85997.html

Taking Control Of Your Hot Flash Symptoms Before They Take Control Of You

Every woman, ready or not, gets to experience menopause. If you’re currently one of those women you at least have the comfort of knowing that roughly 50% of the population either understands your situation or soon will. Another upside is that with so many people experiencing those annoying hot flash symptoms, there are many resources available that help relieve them. We’ve all heard of the dreaded “hot flash symptoms,” but what other symptoms will you be experiencing during menopause?

Another major menopausal symptom is the mood swing. One moment you’re fine and the next you’re definitely not. You may recognize your lack of patience and increased irritability, but find it incredibly difficult to control or care to control. After the hot flash symptoms and mood swings the vaginal dryness, weight gain, energy loss, and skin and hair changes begin. Depending on severity, these symptoms can be relatively simple to alleviate or a little more stubborn. However, compared to hot flash symptoms, osteoporosis and heart and vascular disease are considerably more significant menopausal problems that women need to address.

Almost ninety percent of women in the United States will experience hot flash symptoms of some sort. These symptoms will continue for about a year or two after their period stops. Some 20-50% of these women will continue to have hot flash symptoms for many more years. However, the intensity and frequency usually diminish over time.

So what exactly are hot flash symptoms? Hot flashes vary considerably in each woman. Some women experience hot flash symptoms that last for up to an hour off and on all day long. Others may only have a hot flash that lasts a minute or two once or twice a day. Most women report hot flash symptoms between six and eight in the morning and from six to ten in the evening.

Hot flashes may seem to feed on themselves. During a hot flash, you are already sweating, thanks to the rise in body temperature. But get ready to keep sweating. Once your brain registers that your temperature has risen it sends out a message to your heart, blood vessels and nervous system to “cool down!” In turn, your body gets your sweat glands going even more in order to release sweat to cool you off. These hot flash symptoms can be quite miserable. Your body’s drop in estrogen stimulates your brain’s response and can change the temperature of your skin by even six degrees Centigrade! It really is a vicious cycle of sweating.

However, hot flash symptoms need not be out-of-control. Since you will be living with hot flash symptoms from one to ten years, action will need to be taken to maintain your body at a comfortable temperature. With the plethora of available resources, you can fight these hot flash symptoms head on.

The old medical treatment was hormone replacement therapy. Because of the recent studies outlining the risks of HRT, most women these days use a combination of herbal remedies and natural strategies. While hot flash symptoms can be very uncomfortable, they are easily controlled with these types of remedies. During menopause, every woman should put together her own hot flash relief strategy. Doing so will insure a much easier and healthier menopause.

Linda Bruton
http://www.articlesbase.com/advertising-articles/taking-control-of-your-hot-flash-symptoms-before-they-take-control-of-you-79786.html

How To Take On That Hot Flash Symptom And Win!

You’re listening intently at the morning meeting when you feel your heat rate increase. “Uh-Oh” you think, this isn’t the first time you’ve felt this. You feel an intense heat in your face and upper body. “Please don’t let a headache start” you beg. That’s the anxiety kicking in. You hear your boss say something about “procedural changes” as your knees feel weak and you begin yet another doodle on your note pad to keep your head in the game while you wait to see how this one will end: chills or no chills? “At least they keep me guessing,” you tell yourself in a last desperate cling to optimism.

On average a hot flash symptom lasts 4 minutes. But some women report hot flashes lasting from 20 minutes to an hour. Along with vertigo, nausea, dizziness, perspiration, heart palpitations and anxiety, a hot flash symptom can occur infrequently or even 15 times a day or more. There’s no scientific measurement of how your hot flashes will affect you or when they’ll end, for that matter, since they vary significantly in each woman.

Perhaps even more frustrating is the seemingly unfair fact that while you’re still menstruating, you will most likely develop hot flashes. Also, the faster your body transitions from peri-menopause – regular period to no period – the more intensely you’ll experience the hot flash symptom. Unfortunately, for about 10-15% of women their hot flash symptoms will be so severe that they will be compelled to seek medical attention. One silver lining to hang onto is that over time your hot flash symptom will diminish.

If the thought of a hot flash symptom frightens you, take heart. Just a few simple tips can help alleviate your discomfort. For starters, wear layered, cotton clothing. If you can’t change your inner temperature you can at least control the temperature of your outward environment. A glass of cold water can also do wonders. When you feel a hot flash symptom grab a quick drink of water. If the coolness of the drink doesn’t reduce the heat you’re feeling, the fluid will help hydrate your body since we all know there will be sweating involved.

Knowing your hot flash symptom triggers is another significant tool in alleviating your discomfort. Common triggers are alcohol, smoking, stress, hot and humid weather, spicy foods, and foods with high-acid content. It’s not known exactly why some things trigger a hot flash symptom, but accepting what your personal triggers are will benefit you for the length of time that you experience menopause.

Linda Bruton
http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/how-to-take-on-that-hot-flash-symptom-and-win-79123.html

Chinese Medicine Can Provide An Effective Hot Flash Remedy

There is no way to completely avoid hot flashes, but turning to a hot flash remedy may help ease the intensity and severity of an attack. It doesn’t matter whether or not a doctor prescribes the hot flash remedy or the treatment is more of a natural alternative. It never hurts to consider some of the methods available to the public when it comes to finding an effective way to relieve hot flashes.

When looking for a worthy hot flash remedy, many people are turning to the healing properties of Chinese medicine. These kinds of remedies would exclude the use of man-made chemicals and drugs. The practice of Chinese medicine has long been used to deliver a very effective hot flash remedy to women. While menopause is viewed as one of the main culprits, there are numerous varieties of hot flashes. For each one, the Chinese have a description and different approach aimed at providing relief in a holistic and healthy way.

If you choose to seek out help from the wisdom of Chinese medicine, you will notice that a Chinese doctor will ask you questions concerning all areas of your health history. A complete physical will also take place. You may notice that special care is taken in analyzing the tongue and your pulse. After this battery of tests and assessments is complete, the doctor will determine the type of menopause you are suffering from. This will also help settle on the best course of action in providing you with a hot flash remedy.

What to Expect

When entering the world of Chinese medicine, you will most likely encounter either acupuncture or an herbal hot flash remedy. Through acupuncture, a doctor will tap into your inner spirit and energy. Many consider this approach extremely effective. When dealing with an herbal hot flash remedy, you may ingest a wide range of herbs that are combined to provide a well-rounded treatment.

Most often, these herbs are consumed in the form of tea. Some of the ingredients a doctor may use include ginseng, red raspberry leaves, evening primrose oil, licorice root, spearmint, chasteberry, black cohosh and wild yams. These Chinese herbs have been highly regarded when it comes to a hot flash remedy and have been used for many centuries.

Linda Bruton
http://www.articlesbase.com/women’s-issues-articles/chinese-medicine-can-provide-an-effective-hot-flash-remedy-84144.html

Common Hot Flash Symptoms And How To Cope With Them

You’re driving to work on a cool morning listening to your stereo when all of a sudden you feel intense heat. You know that you don’t have a fever – you were feeling great just a minute ago. And yet there is no denying the severe heat you feel inside your body. The sudden feeling of severe warmth is unexplainable. That’s when you realize that what you are feeling are hot flash symptoms.

Hot flashes are a condition typically present during menopause, which can occur for several years before and after you cease menstrual bleeding. Hot flash symptoms are primarily caused by hormonal changes. Although in some cases, hot flashes can occur in people who have a rigorous lifestyle or those who are taking certain medications.

Here are the most common hot flash symptoms:

1. Sudden redness of the skin, commonly noticeable on the face and the upper body.

2. Intense heat, despite the coolness within your environment. This feeling is different than heat from outside the body – it feels like it comes from within. The heat can vary between women, and even with hot flash episodes. It may be gone after a few moments and then recur a few minutes later.

3. Excessive sweating may be felt when you experience hot flash symptoms. This is not the ordinary sweating common with heavy exercise. Instead of hot sweats, you may go through cold sweats. This is especially common during the night, when you may experience what are usually called “night sweats.”

4. Night sweats will often cause difficulty in getting a good night’s sleep.

Other accompanying hot flash symptoms apart from the above are:

1. Heart Palpitations
2. Nausea
3. Dizziness
4. Anxiety
5. Headaches
6. Shortness of Breath

After experiencing redness of the face and upper body, a feeling of severe and unexplainable hotness, as well as discomfort, is almost certainly a hot flash when all of those symptoms end with a chill. Experts say that a “chill” is often the culmination of a hot flash.

Hot flash symptoms vary from one person to another. To get an accurate picture of your menopausal symptoms and their severity, it is a good idea to keep a diary. You can record in your diary the times, length, and severity of each symptom as it occurs.

Fortunately, most hot flash symptoms can be treated quite easily with a combination of lifestyle changes and herbal medications. A first line of defense is to eliminate spicy foods, alcohol, coffee, and smoking. Make sure you are eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and fresh vegetables. Increase your exercise and practice deep breathing. Just these steps alone will often greatly reduce hot flash symptoms.

If you are still suffering symptoms, try one of the many herbal remedies for hot flashes that are readily available at most health food stores. Black Cohosh and Evening Primrose Oil are herbs that are very effective in reducing hot flash symptoms. Finally, consult with your doctor for additional suggestions and help in navigating your journey through menopause.

Linda Bruton
http://www.articlesbase.com/women’s-issues-articles/common-hot-flash-symptoms-and-how-to-cope-with-them-89842.html

Coping With The Dreaded Menopause Hot Flash

Menopause is a burden that every woman must bear, which comes with its own host of medical annoyances and irritations. One of the most talked about symptoms that women tend to dread is the onset of a menopause hot flash. Almost all women will suffer from menopause hot flashes, which commonly marks the end of a woman’s ability to reproduce.

What is a Hot Flash?

When it comes to a menopause hot flash, a woman will experience a brief sensation of heat that often leads to uncomfortable and embarrassing pools of sweat. A hot flash may also show on the face of the sufferer, turning their facial features red and flushed. While the cause is relatively unknown, there are certain triggers that increase the chances of feeling a menopause hot flash. These include diet, smoking, alcohol, and hot surroundings. Caffeine and spicy foods are very common triggers.

As the body prepares to combat the effects of a menopause hot flash, a woman displays flushed, red skin, as the skin attempts to cool down the body. The neck and face is where the outward signs of menopause hot flashes are seen. Inside, you may be feeling intense heat and discomfort. Perspiration also follows, which is another way the body tries to provide coolness during a menopause hot flash attack. Additional signs include chills after the hot flash, as well as an increase in heart rate.

At night, menopause hot flashes bring excessive sweating regardless of how many layers of clothing you may or may not be wearing. This condition, known as night sweats, can make it rather difficult to achieve a good sleep. Not every woman undergoes the same menopause hot flash experiences. Some episodes are more intense than others. Certain women tend to suffer from more attacks than some, while others unfortunately have to deal with hot flashes for the rest of their lives. More commonly, however, hot flashes tend to decrease after menopause and taper off altogether.

Prevention Measures

While it is doubtful that you can prevent the onset of all menopause hot flash attacks, you should be aware of some of the associated triggers. To reduce the number and intensity of hot flashes, you should avoid stressful situations, caffeine, alcohol, heat, tight shirts and pants, as well as spicy foods. For long-term relief, there are many natural remedies that have been used by women for centuries, including black cohosh and Evening Primrose Oil. The combination of natural herbs and reduction of triggers can have a dramatic effect on menopause hot flash symptoms.

Linda Bruton
http://www.articlesbase.com/women’s-issues-articles/coping-with-the-dreaded-menopause-hot-flash-83603.html

Getting Control Of Your Hot Flash Symptoms

Hot flash symptoms strike 85% of women entering menopause and may continue on the average of 1-2 years after their last period. There is also a hefty percentage of women who will face further hot flash symptoms for more than a couple of years. And an unfortunate handful of women actually experiencing the effects for the rest of their lives. One thing is for sure – the intensity of hot flash symptoms seems to decrease as time passes. Overall, this speed bump in life is rather irritating, causing varying levels of discomfort.

When it comes to hot flash symptoms, no two women will experience the same fate. While some women suffer long and intense bouts of hot flashes, others deal with milder hot flash symptoms. The onset, duration, frequency, and symptoms of hot flashes differ for each woman. For instance, one woman may experience an episode that lasts a few seconds while others are plagued with hot flash symptoms that last close to an hour.

What Are Hot Flash Symptoms?

Hot flash symptoms are rather unmistakable. Women describe these episodes as the rapid appearance of a deeply hot sensation that travels across the face and throughout the upper body. Some women experience an increase in their heart rate, while others may feel sick to their stomach. Additional occurrences associated with hot flash symptoms include dizziness, anxiety, headaches and weakness, as well as profuse sweating. Some women complain of feeling suffocated.

Hot Flash Prevention Measures

You can incorporate a variety of prevention measures into your daily routine to reduce the onset of hot flash symptoms. Staying cool is one of the main strategies to both control your body heat and also to decrease the chances of suffering from hot flashes. At night, using a fan keeps a room at a cooler temperature. During the day, fans also come in handy. When dressing in the morning, turn to the clothes made from natural fibers, such as cotton.

There are also ways to reduce the intensity of hot flashes when you feel an episode coming on. Deep, slow breathing from the abdominal muscles helps to ease the tension of hot flash symptoms. These techniques are rather easy to catch on, usually consisting of 6 to 8 breaths per minute. Some women practice this approach for a short amount of time each morning and night.

When you increase the amount of exercise in a day, you may decrease your risk of suffering from hot flash symptoms. It doesn’t matter what you do to get the blood pumping; taking a walk or dancing to the radio are all feasible options to consider. A home remedy for hot flashes to consider before going to bed is to chill your pillows. Cooler objects against the skin will improve your sleep at night.

Linda Bruton
http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/getting-control-of-your-hot-flash-symptoms-84395.html

Menopause Strategies: Taking Vitamins For A Hot Flash

There are many different effects that take place in your body when you are having a hot flash. Most notable is the loss of essential vitamins and nutrients that may cause you to feel weak or exhausted. Some women don’t feel the automatic response of tiredness, but over the long run they will find themselves unable to keep up the energy level they had before they started having hot flashes.

Hot flashes deplete our body of necessary vitamins such as Vitamin B, Vitamin C, and other nutrients such as Magnesium, and Potassium. Possibly even Calcium is lost leading to bone density problems later in life.

For mild to moderate hot flashes, you should consider taking a dosage of 400 to 800 IU’s of Vitamin E to aid your body in controlling the hot flashes. Vitamin E is fat soluble and must be taken with a meal in order for it to be properly absorbed. The recommended regimen is to take 1 tablet with each of your meals, up to 3 per day. You shouldn’t take over 200 IU’s at any given day.

More does not mean better in the case of any vitamin. It may take approximately 2 to 6 weeks for you to see the results, but up to 65% find this vitamin alone effective in controlling hot flashes. Vitamin B6 and Peridin-C, which contains antioxidants, are also good choices. They should not be taken with the Vitamin E but if Vitamin E does not work, these are viable solutions.

Magnesium is considered to be the most underrated of all menopause remedies. It is actually the fourth most abundant mineral in our bodies, and the one taken most for granted. Magnesium is found in your bones and it is what keeps our bones strong and healthy. During menopause and more specifically hot flashes, our body can deplete our supply leading to brittle bones and postmenopausal osteoporosis. Although the magnesium deficiency alone won’t cause osteoporosis, it actually alters the calcium metabolism and the hormones that regulate the calcium.

You can find many one a day vitamins that have both magnesium and calcium in them. Together, along with Vitamin E or other herbal treatments, the addition of magnesium and calcium can go a long way in managing hot flashes. Taking vitamins for a hot flash is indeed a very viable remedy for a lot of women!

Linda Bruton
http://www.articlesbase.com/women’s-issues-articles/menopause-strategies-taking-vitamins-for-a-hot-flash-84603.html

Are There Side Effects Of Black Cohosh When Used For Hot Flashes?

What is Black Cohosh? It is a natural herb found in the United States and was something that the Native Americans used to treat women’s illnesses. They would brew it into a tea and drink it for relief from the common side effects of menopause. This has continued to be a treatment today for the relief of menopause symptoms and is found in pill form.

There are some possible side effects of black cohosh just as there are with any other medication. However, they are not very common. Most women use black cohosh without any side effects at all. Some of these include an upset stomach, headache and weight gain. The degree to which you will experience side effects will depend on the amount that you are taking.

Your general all around health will also have some impact on the degree of frequency or severity of the side effects of black cohosh. Dizziness is also a possible side effect of black cohosh, so you will need to be careful depending on your daily routine.

If you are pregnant you should not use this herbal treatment as it has been found to increase your risk of miscarriage. You should also not use this herbal treatment while you are breast-feeding. If you are not pregnant or breast-feeding and your health is otherwise in good condition, you are safe to use this medication. For the most part, if you are perimenopausal or menopausal, black cohosh is a safe, very effective herbal medication.

The results you will have with this herbal remedy will vary, as is the case with any medication. We are all different and that means that we will all react differently to the medications we take. The side effects of black cohosh will vary and you may gain more weight than the next person or not gain any at all.

It is also recommended that you keep track of what you are taking, how much of it you are taking and how often you are taking it. This information should be shared with your doctor to help prevent drug interaction risks with other medications.

Linda Bruton
http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/are-there-side-effects-of-black-cohosh-when-used-for-hot-flashes-92005.html

The Magic Of Black Cohosh For Hot Flashes

You might ask those around you “is it hot in here or is it just me?” If everyone in the room is fine with the temperature, you might be suffering from the onset of menopause. While sifting through the many supplements geared towards women, you will encounter a wide range of products. But most will pale in comparison to the results offered through the use of black cohosh for hot flashes. For many years, this herbal medication has been highly regarded for its powers on premenstrual distress and other gynecological concerns.

If you ever wanted to know where black cohosh for hot flashes comes from, you will find that it is a perennial plant located throughout North America. Also referred to as Squaw Root, Black Snake Root and Rattle Weed, black cohosh belongs to the same family as the buttercup. The plant can reach a height of nine feet tall, presenting white flowers that give off an undesirable scent. When using black cohosh to treat hot flashes, you should know that it is the roots that provide the medicinal effects you seek.

Black Cohosh Side Effects

Many individuals warm up to the idea of using black cohosh for hot flashes because there are very few side effects associated with this herbal remedy. Usually, the worst a consumer encounters is an upset stomach. Additional complaints received in regards to the use of black cohosh for hot flashes include headaches and a heavy feeling in the legs.

Purchasing Black Cohosh

For many years, Native Americans have used black cohosh for hot flashes, to sooth sore throats and ease kidney ailments. Recent studies suggest that the fukinolic acid discovered in the plant is responsible for the positive changes in menopausal symptoms, especially hot flashes. There are numerous dietary supplements on the market that utilize the healing properties of this plant. Today, black cohosh for hot flashes can be found at many large grocery stores, specialty shops, and health food centers.

Linda Bruton
http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/the-magic-of-black-cohosh-for-hot-flashes-82042.html

Stopping Menopausal Hot Flashes

Studies show that over 50% of women going through menopause experience hot flashes—that means you are more likely to get them than you are to be hot-flash-free. These uncomfortable moments cause sweating, a rapidly beating heart, and flushing and make you physically uncomfortable, possibly even embarrassing you when you are in public situations. They also can occur at all times of day (and night). Fortunately, because so many women suffer from hot flashes, there are many remedies for the situation.

When you first talk to your doctor about the hot flashes you are experiencing, he or she will probably recommend a number of lifestyle changes that you can make to reduce this symptom of menopause, which can last up to a half hour. Living in a healthy way alone can cause the hot flashes to disappear—eat a healthy diet, stay cool, exercise often, relax, and quit smoking. There are also a number of herbal supplements you can take that have been shown to effectively reduce hot flashes in menopausal women. Some include black cohosh and red clover. Other popular dietary changes include eating wild yams, chasteberry, and licorice.

The above-listed options are the best choices for women experiencing mild or infrequent hot flashes. Even without treatment, these hot flashes usually subside within a year’s time. However, if you are experiencing 8 or more hot flashes every day, or you find them to be unbearable, your best choice may be hormonal treatment.

The most effective way to stop hot flashes is estrogen therapy, but this form of treatment has risks as well. It is normally taken in conjunction with the hormone progesterone. Some of the main risks of estrogen include heart disease, stroke, blood clots, and breast cancer. Therefore, if you are already at risk for these conditions, you may want to reconsider your use of estrogen. Even if you were not previously at risk, it is important to use the lowest dose of estrogen possible, and to discontinue use as soon as the effects of menopause, including hot flashes, become bearable without treatment.

If estrogen and progesterone therapies are not medically sound options for you, there are other medications you may wish to pursue as well, although studies are still being done to find if they are safe and useful. One such option is taking antidepressants. In low doses, many menopausal women have used them to reduce hot flashes. However, they may have unwanted side effects as well. Gabapentin and clonidine, medications used to treat seizures and high blood pressure, respectively, are also being studied for their effectiveness in treating menopausal hot flashes.

Your doctor can give you more information on all the treatment options available if you find that you have begun suffering from hot flashes. This condition is common among women, and you do not need to continue suffering from the hot waves that flood your body during the day and the night sweats that disturb your sleep. Remember that this is one of the many changes you will see in your body during the menopause, and most will subside within a year.

Kathryn Whittaker
http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/stopping-menopausal-hot-flashes-79487.html

Some Facts About Early and Premature Menopause

A lot of people believe that menopause is a condition that appears in older women, above the age of 60. But, statistics say that about 1% of women between the ages of 15 and 45 are affected by early or premature menopause. This can appear because of many reasons, and it always leaves an imprint on the lives of all affected women.It was decided that if menopause appears before the age of 45, it is considered early menopause, and if it occurs before the age of 40, it is considered premature menopause.

In many cases, the doctors are not able to determine a cause for menopause in younger women, but sometimes, there are obvious causes of premature or early menopause.The women who have premature ovarian failure have ovaries that do not work properly, and this condition will cause the naturally-occurring premature menopause. The premature ovarian failure can occur because of many reasons. In 65% of the cases, autoimmune disorders are responsible. The body sees itself as an invader, and develops antibodies to its own products, including ovum and menses. Genetic factors can also have a role in the apparition of the premature ovarian failure. Some women are born with very few eggs which will cause menopause to occur years before it should, other women are born with irregularities in their X chromosomes, interfering with egg production before menopause should begin, and there are also other women that enter into menopause early because the same thing happened to their mothers.Premature or early menopause can also appear because of the so-called surgical menopause. Because of some health reasons, like endometriosis, polyps, or ovarian cancer, women will suffer an oophorectomy, or a hysterectomy, surgeries that cut off ovarian function, and as a result estrogen levels will drop suddenly, and the women will enter into menopause.Infections such as the mumps and tuberculosis can infect the ovaries, and will affect the hormonal balance. These cases are rare, but they can be linked with premature menopause.Chemotherapy or radiation cancer treatments can kill cancer cells, but they also kill healthy cells, especially digestive cells, and ovarian cells. There can appear temporary menopause, or permanent menopause.

Usually, the symptoms of premature menopause are the same as those of natural menopause. We can mention night sweats, hot flashes, insomnia, headaches, and joint or muscle pain. There can appear body shape changes, and water retention.

Emotional ups and downs including depression, cravings, and forgetfulness can be experienced by the menopausal women.Usually, early and premature menopause tend to develop more severe symptoms than menopause occurring after the age of 45. In early menopause there is often a rapid decline in the amount of estrogen, and there can appear extreme hot flashes, fatigue, mood swings, and depression in some women.

As treatment, it is suggested that most women who have undergone early or premature menopause seek out hormone replacement therapy. Taking appropriate doses of estrogen can ease the menopause symptoms, which are very sudden and severe, especially after surgery.A good help can be given by friends, family and other menopausal women who will be your support to pass through the difficult times.

For more resources about menopause or about menopause products please review http://www.menopause-info-guide.com/menopause-products.htm

Groshan Fabiola

http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/some-facts-about-early-and-premature-menopause-118416.html

Hot Flashes Remedy – Is There One That Really Works?

Looking for a much needed hot flashes remedy? Then you are obviously experiencing “the change.” Hot flashes are the first sign of approaching menopause and the one symptom that most women would like to conquer. Before you run to your doctor and begin hormone therapy, try employing a few simple tips that can work as your hot flashes remedy.

One little known hot flashes remedy is apple cider vinegar. Taking a little of this vinegar has given many women relief from migraines, sinus headaches and even allergy symptoms. More importantly, women report fewer hot flashes! If apple cider vinegar works as your hot flashes remedy it may even increase your energy, alleviate dry skin and aid in weight loss. For no known side effects, I say bottoms up!

Another more prevalently known hot flashes remedy is exercise. Women who reported hot flashes so severe that they plagued them day and night sing the praises of exercise as the ultimate hot flash cure. The amount of exercise required to diminish your symptoms and act as your hot flashes remedy will vary. Reportedly, moderate exercise for 1-2 hours a day, 4-6 times a week has squelched hot flashes completely. On a side note, when the regular exercise stopped, the hot flashes immediately came roaring back. Talk about an incentive to keep exercising!

An increasingly popular hot flashes remedy is to drink soy milk or take soy products. In some women a glass of soy milk has almost a miracle effect. One woman reported that a glass of daily soy milk kept her hot flash free during the day, but she was continuing to experience night sweats. After warming up a good old cup of soy and enjoying it before bed, her night sweats disappeared and she finally got that elusive good night’s sleep. As long as you’re not allergic to soy, there’s a great possibility it may be your long sought after hot flashes remedy.

Soy not doing it for you? How about trying a little Tumeric? Women in India use this powder to help ease their menopause symptoms. This spice is said to not only ease hot flashes, but also soothe irritated skin. Taken in a small dose Tumeric has no known side effects, but they have the potential to help your fight in finding your hot flashes remedy.

A more common hot flashes remedy is cutting out the sugar in your diet. Cutting your sugar intake is known to help with many physical and emotional ailments, but also may decrease the frequency and intensity of your hot flashes.

If the above suggestions don’t help, never give up! There’s no need to live in misery for years and years to come. There are many other natural remedies that relieve hot flashes. It is simply a matter of systematically finding what your triggers are and eliminating them, then trying some of the many remedies that are readily available to you. Keep at it and you will eventually develop your own hot flashes remedy.

Linda Bruton
http://www.articlesbase.com/women’s-issues-articles/hot-flashes-remedy-is-there-one-that-really-works-80758.html

Why Do I Have Hot Flashes During Pregnancy?

If you’re experiencing hot flashes during pregnancy, you’re not alone. Anywhere from 50% – 70% of women experience hot flashes or night sweats during pregnancy. Most women experience the sensation of increased warmth while pregnant. You may find yourself kicking off the covers in the middle of the night or trying to squelch an unquenchable thirst. If kicking off the covers is accompanied by soaked sheets, consider yourself normal.

As in menopause, estrogen levels fluctuate during pregnancy. Some studies show that low levels of estrogen are the root cause of hot flashes, but many more studies prove that it’s not a low level, but rather a fluctuating level of estrogen that set them off.

In pregnancy your body is going through so many changes that a hot flash or two may not concern you. But if these hot flashes become embarrassing or unbearable it’s time to seek treatment. Hot flashes during pregnancy must be approached differently than in menopause. Since pregnancy has its own set of “do’s” and “don’ts” hot flash treatment must be handled with caution.

You must find a natural treatment for your hot flashes during pregnancy. That means that hormone therapy and the use of herbs are out. For obvious reasons you don’t want to introduce hormones to control your hot flashes during pregnancy. But staying away from herbs may not be so obvious. Since herbs are natural it seems that you should be able to use them. Not so. Herbs can do all sorts of things to the body and when you’re pregnant, plus interact with other medications you may be taking. Now is not the time to begin experimenting.

More natural and simple strategies will ease your hot flashes during pregnancy. Begin by wearing layers. Simply slip your sweater off when you begin to feel too warm. Don’t be shy about turning on a fan or turning down the thermostat. When you cool down, readjust the temperature. And do always carry a beverage with you. Not only are the fluids good for you, but they will help fight off your hot flashes during pregnancy.

If the experience of hot flashes during pregnancy is just one more symptom to make your life miserable during pregnancy, hang in there. It does get better. Visit a support chat room or a local support group. It’s amazing what a relief and comfort it is to talk with someone experiencing the same symptoms, aches and pains, and hot flashes as you are.

Linda Bruton
http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/why-do-i-have-hot-flashes-during-pregnancy-80214.html

For Fast Relief Use An Herbal Remedy For Hot Flashes

Not everyone is keen on using chemicals and other man-made substances to treat the symptoms of menopause. For centuries, choosing an herbal remedy for hot flashes was common throughout the world. In the United States, there are numerous natural products on the market to consider for those who prefer an herbal remedy for hot flashes.

Although herbs have been used for a long time to reduce or eliminate signs of hot flashes, there is no product standard that herbal remedy companies must adhere to. This means there is no guarantee that the herbal item you select is completely safe. When it comes to combating hot flashes with an herbal remedy, there are several natural ingredients proven to be the most beneficial. Below you will find a few recommendations to mull over when you wish to choose an herbal remedy for hot flashes:

Black Cohosh Root

There have been numerous studies regarding black cohosh as an efficient herbal remedy for hot flashes. Proven to decrease a variety of menopausal symptoms, the root also alleviates depression, painful menstruation, and nervousness. For those taking blood pressure medications, black cohosh may not be the best herbal remedy for hot flashes. This is because low blood pressure has been known to occur when the two substances are taken at the same time.

Maca Root

Often used to replenish hormonal balances, the maca root offers an acceptable herbal remedy for hot flashes. When taking a maca root supplement, you will not only benefit from non-toxic properties and the absence of side effects, but also enjoy a boost in fertility, sex drive and performance.

Chasteberry

When signs of menopause arise in a patient, chasteberry has been known to help ease the effects of hot flashes. In Europe, this herbal remedy for hot flashes is quite popular, aiming to restore the emotional balance before and during menopause. Plucked from the coasts of the Mediterranean, many consider this herb one of best to provide relief from menopause.

Dong Quai

When menopause rears its ugly head and brings with it the symptoms that all women dread, this herbal remedy for hot flashes also works wonders for insomniacs and those looking to clean out their reproductive tract.

Where To Get Hot Flash Herbal Remedies

There are numerous herbal remedies for hot flashes sitting pretty on most of the shelves of supermarkets, pharmacies and health food stores. On the Internet, there is also an endless supply of online resources that are more than happy to ship your herbal remedy for hot flashes to your doorstep. If any concerns should arise, pertaining to drug interaction or side effects, your physician should be contacted to make sure you are selecting the herbal remedy for hot flashes that is best for you.

Linda Bruton
http://www.articlesbase.com/women’s-issues-articles/for-fast-relief-use-an-herbal-remedy-for-hot-flashes-81598.html

Overview of Male Menopause

Utter the word menopause, and most people immediately picture the middle aged woman. It’s very unlikely that any American woman will reach her 40s without some knowledge of menopause lurking in her future. Pharmaceutical and herbal companies are wooing the woman, seeing her as a soon-to-be customer. She cannot help but be aware that she will experience at least some of the well known symptoms of menopause: hot flashes, moodiness, depression, insomnia, night sweats, thinning hair, vaginal dryness, and loss of libido. For all the attention given to women and their experiences with menopause, there is very little literature or advertising aimed toward the middle aged man. But men often do experience changes between the ages of 40 and 70 that are part of a phenomenon called andropause.

Like his female counterpart, the “menopausal” man may experience mood swings or irritability, thinning hair, loss of bone density, sleeplessness, weight gain due to shifting metabolism, and various sexual problems like decline in libido, difficulty achieving or maintaining erections, less than rigid erections, and decreased sensation. Yet, for a couple of reasons, male menopause has not received the same attention as female menopause, nor has help dealing with the symptoms been as easy to come by. When a woman experiences menopause, the most obvious sign of her fertility– her monthly cycle– ceases. This is obvious and measurable. Also, women are typically more open about discussing problems and willing to seek help from professionals and from peers. Men’s symptoms, on the other hand, are usually subtle and less noticeable. In addition, men are often expected to maintain a stoic attitude about problems they may be having. Men are less likely to consult with their physicians about symptoms that don’t seem life-threatening. It’s unfortunate that male menopause isn’t addressed with doctors, since there are steps a man can take to make his transition into his golden years more comfortable.

If people are aware of male menopause, that is, andropause, they are likely to believe it’s caused by a decline in testosterone. While the decline in testosterone levels is part of the problem, the whole situation is much more complicated than that. There is a mix of hormones and proteins in the male system that must be kept in balance for sexual health and optimal functionality. It’s the disruption of this balance as the man ages that is responsible for the symptoms of male menopause. For this reason, simply treating the menopausal man with testosterone may not be enough. Experts recommend that men dealing with shifting hormones should exercise, adhere to a healthy diet, monitor alcohol intake, and refrain from smoking. In addition, there are certain formulas men can take to readjust the balance of hormones necessary for well-being. Some of these treatments are by prescription only, while others are more along the herbal lines of treatment, and may be gotten without a doctor’s prescription.

A menopausal male should follow the same plan of attack as women have for decades: he should take care of himself, familiarize himself with what is going on inside his body, confide in friends who are experiencing the same symptoms, and consult a professional for advice on medication or supplements to address the imbalance in his aging body. Then he will be able to sail through his own change of life knowing that he has done all he can to help himself.

Christopher Thomas

http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/overview-of-male-menopause-121973.html

Which Natural Cure For Hot Flashes Actually Works To Relieve Symptoms?

When someone says the word “menopause” there are two words that immediately come to mind – “hot flashes.” The two terms pretty much go hand in hand. Depending on which study you listen to – between 60%-90% of women will experience hot flashes when menopause hits. One advantage with so many women experiencing the same thing is that there are multiple information sources to help guide you to hot flash relief. The overwhelming consensus is to start by exploring a natural cure for hot flashes.

Hot flashes vary in intensity and duration. One woman finds sufficient relief fanning herself while another finds herself reaching for a hand towel to wipe off the pouring perspiration. As for consistency, some women experience upwards of fifteen hot flashes a day, where another will feel a hot flash about once a month. Also varying from one woman to another is what works as a natural cure for hot flashes.

One natural cure for hot flashes is to change your diet. Some find that a low-fat diet helps. But if you find yourself losing excessive weight your menopause symptoms may worsen. Each woman will find that different foods and spices increase their symptoms. By monitoring yourself you will easily find a culprit or two.

As for relaxation and stress reduction: just do it! Not only can it be a natural cure for hot flashes, but a regular part of a healthy lifestyle. Every one has stressors in their lives and the onset of menopause doesn’t help. Yoga, meditation, massage and relaxation exercises are a great way to begin your natural cure for hot flashes.

A less popular natural cure for hot flashes is the use of Chinese medicine. Well, less popular in North America. This little used method is long in tradition when treating hot flashes. The Chinese doctor will first determine if you are experiencing “hot” or “cold” menopause. “What?” you may say, “of course it’s a hot menopause.” In Chinese medicine this term is not referring to the physical temperature, but the type of menopause. A natural cure for hot flashes in Chinese medicine includes acupuncture and herbology.

Acupuncture involves the combination of your inner wind, energy or spirit. Achieving balance by following Chinese acupuncture may result in a natural cure for hot flashes. Not all women find relief through acupuncture, but again, some do.

Herbology is, in short, the study of herbs and their relation to each other. Herbology is a significant natural cure for hot flashes in Chinese medicine. The doctor understands which herbs work together in order to help. However you never want to experiment with herbs without knowing what you’re doing. There is a possibility of concocting a harmful mixture.

If you find yourself wondering about the nature of your sudden flushed face and warm upper body, it may be time to find a natural cure for hot flashes. With the plethora of available resources, you will easily find one or ten tips that will significantly alleviate your sudden discomfort!

Linda Bruton
http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/which-natural-cure-for-hot-flashes-actually-works-to-relieve-symptoms-81254.html