What’s the youngest age for perimenopause?

Even though I’m only 27, I’ve been having hot flashes for about half a year and when I have them I get extremely irritable.

Every year thousands of women between the ages of 15 and 44 experience an "Estrogen Crash", a sudden drop in estrogen levels that leaves women in the clutches of early menopause. Although menopause is traditionally seen as a problem in older women, the many younger women who experience early menopause find themselves unprepared for the unexpected changes that occur.

Estrogen Crash occurs when both of a woman’s ovaries are removed or suddenly stop functioning. When this happens the body stops producing estrogen.

Im thinking that if you think you are menapausal you should probably book an appointment with your doctor. Do you still get your period? Is it irregular compared to before a year and a half ago? This is definatly something you should be talking to a doctor about

What is the best way to cope with anxiety if you are going through perimenopause, and will remifemin help?

As we age, our estrogen levels drop 40 to 60% of what they once were. However, progesterone levels drop to zero! Having a higher level of estrogen than progesterone is called Estrogen Dominance.

Estrogen dominance is likely the source of your anxiety and depression. If you take remifemin, you will be adding MORE estrogen, probably making your anxiety worse. Only about 3% of women walking on this earth need estrogen replacement!

Look into natural progesterone. It's the body's own "anti-estrogen" and will balance out the excess estrogen!
Read "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Premenopause" by Dr. John Lee.

Remifemin contains black cohosh, which has been shown to cause liver damage, and to promote (not cause) cancer growth.

Perimenopause Symptoms – The Transition

Until you reached this stage in your life, there’s a high probability that you’d never even heard of perimenopause. As a matter of fact, you were probably a bit surprised that perimenopause (the transitional period before menopause) could begin so early in life, and last for ten years – sometimes even longer.

Symptoms of perimenopause are described almost exactly as those associated with menopause, and may include:

• Weight gain (especially around the mid-section)

• Mood changes

• Night sweats

• Hot flashes

• Vaginal dryness

• Changes in sexual desire (lowered libido)

• Sleep disturbances

• Frequent urination

• Extreme sweating

• Difficulty concentrating

• Other symptoms similar to those you may experience with premenstrual syndrome

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to talk with your health care provider to rule out any other medical conditions. Once you’re sure that perimenopause is indeed the culprit behind the symptoms you’re now noticing, it’s time to “step it up” and take the steps necessary to reduce – and in many cases eliminate – the discomforts that can be associated with perimenopause.

Your physician will likely encourage you to make some lifestyle changes that have been proven to effectively benefit many women during perimenopause. These include:

• Altering your diet to include soy and flax

• Exercising regularly, incorporating weight training into your routine at least three days per week

• Taking supplements of vitamin E

• Avoiding triggers that can cause hot flashes, such as caffeine; also, it’s suggested that you avoid being in extremely warm temperatures or rooms

• Herbal treatments, such as ginkgo biloba, black cohash or Evening Primrose Oil

Depending on your age, health and medical history and the severity of your symptoms, your doctor may also use various other treatments to remedy your perimenopausal symptoms, such as:

• A low dose of birth control to stabilize your hormone levels

• Antidepressants to level out your mood swings

• Progesterone to alleviate symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome

This transitional period can be a bit frightening for many women, but it’s important to remind yourself that you can indeed breeze through perimenopause and menopause if you simply take care of yourself. You can be as healthy, energetic, happy and beautiful as you’ve always been. As an added bonus, your age has brought you to a maturity level you didn’t have twenty years ago, giving you confidence to be certain that you can be and do everything you set your mind to. You will no doubt enjoy and savor your life if you remain positive and determined.

Susan Megge
http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/perimenopause-symptoms-the-transition-62392.html

Perimenopause And Phantom Periods

If you’ve experienced symptoms exactly like those that may occur when you’re expecting your period, but no period is present or ever arrives, it’s most likely that you’re having a “phantom” period.

Phantom periods are described as a period minus the menses. In other words, you may feel irritable, bloated, fatigued, experience headaches and cramps, but the presence of blood is non-existent. Most women notice phantom periods while they’re experiencing perimenopause, the transitional period prior to menopause.

It’s important to remember that menstruation has been a regular occurrence in your life for many years and, therefore, the transition into menopause can take several years, as well. During perimenopause it’s not unusual to experience phantom periods, as well as several other symptoms, such as irregular or unpredictable periods, difficulty sleeping, irritability or depression, hot flashes and weight gain, especially around the mid-section.

If you’ve been experiencing phantom periods it’s a good idea to talk with your health care provider to rule out the possibility of other health conditions that could be contributing to your symptoms. Once you’re certain that you are indeed having phantom periods, there’s no need for concern, as there are no known health risks to women who experience phantom periods.

Just as with normal periods, P.M.S. and menopause, many of the symptoms associated with phantom periods can be reduced and even eliminated by making some very simple lifestyle changes.

It’s been well documented that regular exercise contributes to eliminating many physical and emotional symptoms experienced by women who are pre-menstrual, having phantom periods or noticing signs of perimenopause. Unfortunately, until women actually begin exercising and personally experience the positive results of physical fitness, most simply don’t believe or understand just what a difference a healthier lifestyle can make.

Because of this, the majority of women would rather suffer the many symptoms of “feminine conditions” rather than invest a small amount of time and energy to ensure that they look and feel fantastic well into their 40′s, 50′s and beyond.

I encourage you to at least give physical fitness a trial run. If, after 60 days, you’ve not benefited and have decided this is not the solution for you, go ahead and discontinue exercising. You stand to lose absolutely nothing – other than a few pounds and several inches from your body. I seriously doubt you’ll discontinue, however, once you see for yourself just how much better you’ll look and feel. Go ahead – accept this challenge so that you may begin to look and feel better than you ever thought possible.

Susan Megge
http://www.articlesbase.com/women’s-issues-articles/perimenopause-and-phantom-periods-91301.html

Why are my periods suddenly so short…could it be perimenopause at only 33? ?

My periods used to last 6-7 days, but the last few months they've only lasted like 3 days. I'm NOT pregnant and I'm not depressed and not any more stressed than usual. My worry is that I have an aunt (with whom I seem to share more genetic traits than even my own mother) who went into full on menopause in her mid-thirties. Could I be getting there too? I hope not because I still want another baby, just not right now. What do you think?

it can happen that you finish early.
I spoke to a lady the other day who said she finished her periods at 32yo.
but if you are still having your periods at the moment, even if they are shorter , you should still be able to get pregnant.

Perimenopause question regarding hormones?

I am 44 and for the last few years my periods were 21 – 28 days apart, but my hormones were all over the place – very intense and "tingly" all over. For the last 4 periods though they are now over 30 days apart, sometimes 40 days. The "tingling" and anxiety has also decreased noticeably. Is this normal? Have I gone through a "second phase" of perimenopause and will it change again?

Yes, this is normal, and yes, it will definitely change again.

How do you know if it is depression or perimenopause? Can you share your perimenopausal symptoms?

I do have depression and it seems to recur every few years, this seems different though. I do feel depressed, and anxious (restless). I have no interest in sex and not a great deal of interest in anything else either. I forget things, put things off, can't seem to think straight. I sweat, but I wouldn't say they are hot flashes, more like breaking out in an uncontrollable sweat. There's more things, but I was just wondering what you other ladies may be experiencing. Thanks so much.

We identify 2 types of depression
1. MInor Depression
- Average loss of appetite
- Loss of energy
- Loss of motivation
The person continues to do daily activities and is not pathological.

2. Major depression
- Pervades every single aspect of life and person does not work at all. The person having this issue is also aware of this.

There are normally 5 symptoms. If any 5 of this is experience for more than 2 weeks you are having depression
1.Depressed mood day after day
2. Diminished interest in any activity whatsover
3. Significant weight fluctuations without any dieting
4. Insomnia or Hypersomnia (Loss of Sleep)
5. If you convert normal restlessness to physical activity like cleaning cupboards always, shaking hand in a rhythmic fashion etc
6. Severe fatigue or loss in energy
7. Huge guilt and thoughts of burden on society
8. Diminished ability to take decisions
9. Suicidal thoughts and attempts

Reasons for this can be
1.Stress
2. Traumatic events like death
3. Long illness
4. Excessive meditation
5. Alcohol and drug abuse
6. Hormonal imbalances (Menopause)
7. Chronic patterns of negative thinking

Anxiety is an outcome from any of these and hence its ideal if you seek medical attention.

Is a long menstration typical during perimenopause?

A typical cycle would end with 6-7day menstration…I have not gone up to 4 months without a period, then had a short light one that lasted 4 days, then 3 weeks later had one for 15 days. Is this normal?

I hate to use the word normal, I prefer to say yes its common to experience changes in the duration of your period. A heavy period might indicate some fibrosis or other nonmalignant tumors. Therefore, I strongly urge you to consult a gynecologist, to have a hormone check-up so you know at what stage you are and also to check your uterus and see that all is clear.

Regarding menopause; how do I manage to deal with perimenopause and still having PMS without losing my mind?

I am 37, tested positive for menopause with a home menopause test kit, and have PMS symptoms worse than ever. When will this stop?? I live in a new country with nationalized health care and don't have my card yet so I can't go to the doctor unless it is an emergency. I should get my new medical card in a few months but I am miserable now. Please advise.

I have been there too, I had surgical menopause at 30. What helps is to cut caffiene, nicotine and extra fats and sugars from your diet. try to eat only whole foods and definitely eat soy if you can tolerate it. Eat things that help detoxify your body, pickles, cranberry juice, grapes, etc. The less toxins you ingest, the less bothersome your hot flashes and other symptoms will be. Try to find some sort of hormone replacement therapy over the counter until you can get to the doctor and get the real thing.
Best of luck to you.
Blessings.

Any suggestions for getting pregnant if I’m in Perimenopause?

I'm 43 & have never had a problem conceiving when we wanted children in the past. I always got pregnant within a couple of months of trying. My husband & I would like one last child, but my Dr. says I am in perimenopause, & it will be very difficult, if not impossible, to become pregnant. We have been trying for about 10 months now..even tried Clomid, the fertility drug, for 2 months. Anyone out there have any suggestions for getting pregnant during this phase of life? My 3 children were all born while I was in my mid to late 30's & early 40's. We'd love to have one more baby.

I read that 43 is the age when it becomes almost impossible to get PG for any woman… that said, it does still happen! If I were you I would try IVF, it will probably be your best hope. You should have an ultrasound to see how many follicles you have left. Would you be willing to use an egg donor if need be?

what are the sign and symptoms of perimenopause or menopause? what is the normal age for it to start?

i have not had a menstrual cycle in two months and i get all the symptoms of it getting ready to come. i have taken a pregnancy test and it came back negative.
age at present is 43 years old

The time before menopause, which is often rife with symptoms due to hormonal fluctuations, is called perimenopause. During perimenopause, common symptoms include hot flashes, trouble sleeping, vaginal dryness, mood swings and irregular periods. The average age is between 42 and 52.

http://healthylivingrx.net

Lose Menopause Weight Gain

As you approach menopause, it’s not unusual to gain weight, especially around your mid-section. You have likely not changed your eating habits or level of activity, but the weight continues to accumulate, even if you’re still experiencing regular periods. Most women begin to notice this added weight while they’re in their thirties or forties, and are frustrated by the fact that the weight is not quite as easy to lose as it was a few years prior.

The weight you’re now noticing is perfectly normal and is the result of declining hormone levels as you approach menopause (perimenopause). As your estrogen levels decline, your body will naturally look for other places from where to get the estrogen it needs. Unfortunately for us women, fat cells can produce estrogen, therefore, your body works extra hard to convert your consumed calories into fat.

Not only are your estrogen levels declining, but your body’s testosterone levels are declining too. Testosterone is a necessary hormone to convert your calories to lean muscle mass; as your levels of testosterone decline, the result will mean a loss of muscle. If you no longer have the necessary muscle mass to burn calories, the food you’re consuming will result in fat accumulation.

Fortunately, if you have the determination to lose the extra weight you’re now carrying around, you will do so successfully. The only obstacle between you and a successful weight loss would be a lack of determination and discipline on your part; I sincerely doubt this is the case due to the fact that you found this article because you’re obviously looking for solutions.

Now that you understand the havoc your hormones are capable of wreaking, you now have a clearer picture of what it is you need to do to lose the weight you’ve gained due to declining hormone levels. You see, simply cutting calories is no longer enough to reduce or eliminate the weight you’ve gained around your mid-section. Muscle plays a crucial role in weight loss, so it’s imperative to build muscle in order to have your body burn calories around the clock.

I’m not suggesting anything extreme, but getting into a regular exercise program, which includes cardiovascular workouts, as well as weight training at least three days a week will result in a much leaner body.

Congratulations on taking the first step toward having a body that is healthy, beautiful, lean and toned.

Susan Megge
http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/lose-menopause-weight-gain-72241.html

19 Facts About Depression At Midlife – Tips, Strategies, And Info-Bites

When we age, we produce less of two important mood stabilizing hormones, serotonin and dopamine. So, depression is a risk factor for both men and women as we get older. Yet twice as many women compared to men suffer from depression, which leads some to believe there is a link between the female sex hormones and depression.

1. Memory loss at midlife may not be related to aging, but depression. Depression affects our ability to concentrate and remember things. Our mind instead is caught in a cycle of self blame, guilt, or hopelessness,

2. Of the studies that differentiate between major depression and minor depression, an increase in minor depression (ie. non-clinical) is reported, rather than an increase in major depressive episodes,

3. Major depression is characterized by feeling sad or tearful all, or most of the time. Other symptoms include losing interest in regular activities and engaging in day to day life.

4. Those that seem to be at risk of suffering from major depression during menopause are those that have suffered major depression at some other time in their lives. This can include postnatal depression, severe depression associated with PMS, or any other type of clinical depression.

5. Some of the symptoms of perimenopause are also the symptoms of depression, so it’s important to consider the whole picture. These common symptoms include tiredness, weight gain, insomnia, difficulties in concentration, memory loss, and a loss of interest in sex.

6. Depression is usually treated with psychological treatments and medication. The psychological treatments include cognitive behaviour therapy which looks at the negative ways we think; and Interpersonal therapy, to improve relationships.

7. Antidepressant medication covers a range including SSRI’s, SNRI’s, MAOI’s, and others. Each class has a lot of individual medications within it, and people may tolerate one well, but have side effects on others. Finding an antidepressant medication appropriate to the individual can be a trial and error endeavor.

8. Some anti-depressants – prozac and others in the category of Selective Serotonin Re-uptake inhibitors (SSRI’s) – may cause cardiovascular problems in some people after long term use.

9. If you’re taking hormone replacement therapy, too high a dose of estrogen or androgen hormones can lead to side effects like headaches and anxiety. Synthetic progesterone treatments are also often associated with depression.

10. Caffeine and sugar, in excess, may have a negative impact on recurring depression.

11. Estrogen boosts the levels of serotonin and acetylcholine, which are neurohormones that make people feel good, and are part of a normal memory.

12. Deficiencies of the B vitamins biotin, folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12, have been linked with depression, as have vitamin C deficiencies.

13. Vitamin B6 is important because of it’s role in making the monoamine neurotransmitters, which help stabilize moods.

14. Minerals linked to depression include deficiencies of calcium, copper, and magnesium.

15. St Johns Wort has been found to be as effective as prozac in treating mild to moderate depression.

16. Anecdotally, 5HTP has been found to help some people with depression who also suffer from weight problems and insomnia.

17. Our brain needs a small supply of good qualify fats every day. This is because nerve fibers are coated with a fatty sheath called myelin. Good sources of healthy fats include non-hydrogenated olive oil, sesame oil, and fish oil. Deficiencies of the omega 6 fatty acids may play a role in depression.

18. Depression is a risk factor for coronary heart disease.

19. Depression can increase the risk of more heart problems in people with coronary heart disease.

Rebecca Prescott
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/19-facts-about-depression-at-midlife-tips-strategies-and-infobites-57171.html

Menopause, Moodiness And Men

If you’re a woman experiencing symptoms of perimenopause or menopause, this means you’re dealing with hot flashes, weight gain, irregular periods, mood swings and/or other symptoms typical in middle aged women.

Quite often these symptoms are unsettling because you’re entering a new phase in your life and you’re not quite sure what to expect. Your mood swings may be as a result of declines in your hormone levels, but it’s also important to understand that it’s not unusual to experience everyday life events that can also bring on stress, depression or moodiness.

Perhaps your grown children are giving you reason to be concerned, or maybe you’re spending a lot of time helping an aging parent. In addition to trying to keep a home running smoothly, going to work, taking care of parents and dealing with your children, there’s a good chance you’re also dealing with a man (a.k.a. husband or mate).

It’s funny, but some of the personality traits that first attracted me to my husband now are a complete pain in my “you-know-what.” For instance, I loved watching him get excited over a sporting event or video game. Now, these things irritate me. Not all the time, but when there are more pressing issues to deal with, such as a broken toilet, clothes dryer or numerous other items throughout the house that are in disrepair. I honestly believe that men will always be boys and this is just one more issue we women are faced with, along with so many changes taking place in our own bodies during this period in our lives.

Not only are men boys because they would rather “play” than take care of responsibility, but so many men can become crabby and demanding at times, very much like small children. My sisters and I took a road trip one year, which should have taken about eight hours. Due to a poor sense of direction and numerous wrong turns, I believe we were probably in the car for a good eleven hours. We all had a good laugh discussing the fact that if our husbands would have been there, the extra time in the car would have been a tragedy equal to that of a nuclear war.

So, what should you do when you’re getting ready for work and your husband is complaining because he’s faced with quite a dilemma – his coffee is cold. Or maybe he can’t find his blue shirt. Oh no! His wallet’s not where he put it. Unfortunately, it’s in our nature to nurture and take care of our husbands, so we stop what we’re doing and warm his coffee, find his shirt or his lost wallet. But, it’s so very important for you to also take care of yourself during this time. If that means neglecting your husband’s needs once in awhile, so be it. If your mate is in a lousy mood, don’t allow him to bring you down with him. Remember, you needn’t count on his happiness in order for you to be happy. Walk away. If you allow yourself to get into a confrontation or argument you’ll only be hurting yourself, sending your blood pressure sky-high and feeling emotionally and physically drained. If you’re not there to absorb negative feelings, he’ll just need to get over it, right?

Your body is going through some tremendous changes and needs to be well taken care of. If you continue nurturing everybody else and leave no time for yourself, there’s a very good chance that your hormones, combined with the many stressors you’re faced with on a daily basis will result in depression. Not only can depression leave you feeling lethargic, sad and hopeless, but it may also lead to physical conditions as well, such as heart disease and a loss of bone density.

Since the majority of us loves our mates and is still attracted to the boy in them, it’s not likely that we’ll be eliminating this particular “pain-in-our-you-know-what” anytime soon. But, because you’re a strong, mature, capable and beautiful woman, it’s crucial to remain that way by nurturing your body; eat healthy, exercise regularly and take time for yourself. In a few years you’ll be past this transitional period and if you do as is recommended you’ll feel energized and able to enjoy life to its fullest.

Susan Megge
http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/menopause-moodiness-and-men-64423.html

The Relationship Menopause has with Weight

The menopause can be a difficult time for many women. If at all possible, being able to reduce the various problems associated with ageing can be an uplifting possibility. One such instance can be attributed to increased weight during this particular phase of life.

The unfortunate truth is that when many women hit the menopause they put on weight more easily, especially around their midriffs. Suddenly, trying to control or remove this excess fat is much more difficult. Often it is in the perimenopause that fluctuations in weight start developing, an increase of one pound per year is not uncommon.

During this point in time the normal areas of fat deposition seem to transfer from your hips and thighs to your abdomen.

Reasons for this increase in weight abound. In general you require less calories as you age, your body having stopped growth, now just requiring maintenance nutrients.

Weight gain has been seen to potentially lead to serious health problems like cholesterol build-up, increased blood pressure and insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, heart attacks and strokes, or maybe breast cancer. Weight loss, even if small, really can reduce the risk of such ailments and so is very important.

A subscription to a local gym will definitely help. Try to increase the time you spend doing physical actions you enjoy, e.g. gardening or going for a walk. Increase this basic small level of exercise slowly but surely, at the right pace. Eventually you should find yourself in the midst of a full on work out burning loads of calories every day.

What is also important is that you should try to eat less calories than you can burn, every day. Limit fat to 25-30% of your daily energy intake. As you progress into your 40′s on average you will require 200 less calories per day. Eating only when you are hungry is a very useful tactic.

Being able to plan what you eat more sensibly whilst still offering your self a variety of choices is key here. At the very least you must ensure you are consuming the minimum quantity of nutrients (fats, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals) required to be healthy.

The great thing about a well thought out exercise program is that is has a far wider list of benefits (e.g. increased fitness, self esteem and bone strength) than simply the loss of excess pounds.

When seeking to create a weight loss plan use a realistic program, one that you believe you can follow continuously. Try to ensure support is available to help keep you focused. This can take the form of encouragement from friends and family, nutritionists or gym instructors, amongst other less obvious but nevertheless influential factors.

If possible, start a weight control program as early as possible, you’ll be healthier and leaner for longer.

Alex Rider
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/the-relationship-menopause-has-with-weight-63076.html

Induced Menopause is Not the End

Many women see induced menopause as the end of their life. The thought of not being able to have children is often seen as a death sentence to a younger woman who is forced to go through menopause. They are not worried about menopause relief, menopausal symptoms, pain, or perimenopause. These women are only concerned about not being able to bare children.

Women who have undergone a surgical procedure to have their ovaries removed are forced into an early symptom menopause. They do not go through premenopausal reactions or have any other sign of premenopause; instead, women who have an induction of menopause are thrust into the world of hot flashes, night sweats, and emotions. An induced hot flash is just not the same as a hot flash at the age of 55

Menopause that is caused by a medical condition such as certain drug or radiation therapies is hard for a young woman to come to terms with. Many times the illness related to the drug therapy, or radiation, came on quickly and without warning. Within a matter of weeks or even days, their doctor may have brought up the discussion of inducing menopause.

Removing the ovaries can also induce menopause. For women who have had a surgically induced type of menopause, fertility ends immediately. Levels of estrogen and testosterone will decline much more rapidly than natural menopause. For women who have to go through this type of menopause, the symptoms can be exaggerated and extremely hard to deal with.

All the normal symptoms of menopause are present, like:

• Hot Flashes

• Night Sweats

• Irritability

• Mood Swings

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Formication… the feeling of creepy crawlies all over your body!

None of these menopausal symptoms are fun to go through during natural menopause. When a woman is thrust into menopause, these symptoms can be completely unbearable. The extreme nature of a forced menopause can include one symptom that is exaggerated or it can include all the symptoms being exaggerated at the same time.

On a more positive note…women who go through a forced menopause are likely to suffer their symptoms for a much shorter time period than a woman who goes through natural menopause. Natural menopause can last several years but a forced menopause will last only a fraction of that time.

Menopause is a time of great change throughout a woman’s body and her life. For women who go through natural menopause, they have time to prepare for the changes that are about to take place. For a woman who undergoes a forced early menopause, the body and life changes are fast and often unexpected. This expedited menopause can leave the woman with dramatically increased menopause symptoms, which can be very difficult to handle. The plus side is that a forced menopause will not last long.

So for any woman, who has to go through an abrupt menopause, remember that it is not the end and life will go on!

Remy Jirek
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/induced-menopause-is-not-the-end-76296.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

6 Questions and Answers to Help Prepare you to Go Through Menopause

Are you or a loved one approaching the time of life many women fear — menopause? If so, you probably have questions about this sensitive subject.

Here are 6 answers to help you go through menopause as comfortably as possible:

1. Why is menopause a puzzling time of life?

Before reaching the change of life, many women don’t know what to expect. That can be scary! There are horror stories floating around that can make women unnecessarily apprehensive, but you need to know that menopause is a normal part of your journey through life.

2. At about what age does menopause begin?

Most women cease having periods between the ages of 45 to 55. However, menopause can be induced earlier by surgery.

3. What are some of the symptoms?

During the early stages of menopause, called perimenopause, a woman’s menstrual cycle becomes irregular. When menopause has been completed, a woman no longer has periods at all. One of the most widespread symptoms of menopause is hot flashes and a high percentage of menopausal women have them. Some women experience feelings of depression while they are going through menopause and mood swings can accompany the change of life.

4. What about hair loss during and after menopause?

Hair loss sometimes occurs to some women with the aging process. This is one of the most distressing side effects of menopause. However, there are a lot of women who don’t lose their hair during this transitional period in their lives. Some women have higher levels of the hormones that cause hair thinning. If you are experiencing hair loss, you should check with your doctor about treatment options.

5. Are there any special nutrition recommendations for women going through menopause?

You might want to consider adding soy products to your diet to assist your estrogen levels. Be sure to get enough vitamin A to help your skin and hair to be as healthy as possible. Health food stores offer a variety of herbal extracts to help with menopausal symptoms.

6. What medical help is available while you’re going through menopause?

Your doctor may prescribe treatment options to help lessen disturbing side effects of the change of life.

A combination of estrogen and progestin may be recommended by your doctor — if you don’t have a history of breast cancer in your family. There are treatments to help you if you are suffering from hot flashes that disturb your sleep and other symptoms as well

Although cessation of menstruation can be a puzzling time dreaded by many women, there are a number of advantages to this period of your life’s story. It’s a new chapter opening before you! You will probably be able to enjoy greater freedom than ever before to pursue interests you could not pursue before because of family responsibilities. Why not investigate new opportunities and challenges in this new chapter of your life!

Patricia Wagner
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/6-questions-and-answers-to-help-prepare-you-to-go-through-menopause-77016.html

Coping With Anxiety During Menopause

Although pregnancy isn’t a major concern for most menopausal women, anxiety can be. In fact, anxiety is one of the most common perimenopausal and menopausal symptom. Anxiety is something that everyone experiences during different periods in their life. It is normal to feel anxious, nervous or worried at times, but these are feelings that should not be felt constantly or make one feel overwhelmed or trapped.

What causes anxiety during menopause? Menopausal women are more susceptible to anxiety due to the fact that their hormones are in a constant state of fluctuation as their body prepares to shut down its ability to reproduce. During this time, many women suffer from depression and high stress levels. It is believed that feelings of depression are a result of insufficient estrogen, and anxiety is often a symptom of depression.

In addition, research has found that the hormone progesterone, which also depletes during menopause, has been known to have a calming and relaxing effect on the body. Thus, the lack of hormones are unsettling and allow for emotions that were once overlooked or produced minor anxiety, to be blown out of proportion.

Anxiety can cause emotional and physical symptoms including:
- Trembling or shaking
- Fast heartbeat
- Breathlessness
- Tight or full feeling in the chest and/or throat
- Profuse sweating, or cold and clammy hands
- Muscle tension and/or soreness
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Constant worry and feeling sad
- Lack of concentration
- Irritable
- Restless sleep

The above symptoms may be felt independently during different times, or many of them can occur suddenly, last for a period of time, and then disappear. This sudden onslaught of anxiety is known as an anxiety attack or panic attack. Women who experience such attacks are likely suffering from an anxiety disorder.

The severity of anxiety women experience will vary, and is usually at its worst during perimenopause. Symptoms of anxiety tend to taper off after menopause is complete. However, despite how anxiety may affect you, it is important to seek treatment if the anxiety you feel is debilitating or interrupting your lifestyle.

The following are 5 ways in which you can help relieve the anxiety you feel:

1. Identify and reduce the stressors in your life – Carefully analyze your life and think about what triggers your anxiety or causes you high stress. Is it your job, your home life, or the people you work with? Do you feel like you don’t have enough time to get things done? Once you identify stress, you need to find ways to alleviate it. This may mean changing jobs, getting help at home, and finding ways to free up more of your time.

2. Take time to enjoy yourself – You need to make time to relax and do things you enjoy. Everyone needs a break. If you don’t relax, your stress with catch up with you.

3. Eat well – Avoid crash diets, skipping meals and eating before bed. These eating programs are sure ways to increase your anxiety level and cause restless sleep. Make sure you stay well hydrated, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, and stay clear of high fatty, processed foods. Be good to your body!

4. Exercise – Yoga, Tai Chi, walking, swimming, jogging or playing sports are all excellent ways to increase energy, clear your mind, boost your metabolism, strengthen your body and improve circulation.

5. Seek the advice of your doctor – If you are experiencing physical symptoms that are incapacitating or seriously interfering with your daily and social life, you should seek medical attention. Severe anxiety is a sign that what you are suffering from is a disorder. You may need antidepressants to help you cope with your situation, or you may find that what you are suffering from is not anxiety, but another condition.

Remember, anxiety is not something that should be ignored. Take care of yourself by eating well, relaxing and tell others about the way you feel.

Kathryn Whittaker
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/coping-with-anxiety-during-menopause-122407.html

Medications Such as Effexor and Has Been Shown to Ease the Number and Intensity of Hot Flashes

Without a doubt, the most frequent complaint of women in perimenopause or menopause is the hot flash. Defined as a mild to intense sense of warmth that extends from the upper body to the face and neck, the flash or flush is accompanied by intense body heat and ends with profuse perspiration and chills. The flash may last 30 seconds to 30 minutes, and is more frequent at night and in warm environments.

Fifty percent of menopausal women may experience hot flashes, which may occur once or multiple times a day and last for months or years. Heart palpitations, chest discomfort, anxiety, chills, sweats and insomnia may coincide with hot flashes. However, conditions such as heart disease can mimic these symptoms and shouldn’t be ignored, so women should seek a medical evaluation.

The precise reason for a hot flash is not fully understood, but it’s believed to originate in the area of the brain that’s sensitive to decreasing levels of estrogen.

Many physicians and others specialize in treating hot flashes and menopause. In reality, though, the only consistent treatment is hormone therapy. Other treatments aren’t doomed for failure, but most often the patient and her specialist will embark on a trial-and-error process to find an effective treatment. What works for one patient may not work for the next patient.

Treatment for hot flashes may include lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise; medical therapy including hormone therapy; dietary supplements; and/or antidepressant medications. All of these treatments have succeeded and failed in treating hot flashes.

Hormone therapy includes traditional estrogen and progesterone therapy and bioidentical hormones or “natural” hormones customized to the patient. Traditional hormone therapy, which has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, was the proven method of care until the Women’s Health Initiative study in 2002 found increases in heart disease, stroke, dementia, blood clots and breast cancer. Since then, however, new evidence has surfaced to reinstate hormone replacement therapy in short interval usage as the standard treatment of menopausal symptoms.

Some hormone therapies derive estrogen from natural sources such as soy. For those who want to stay totally “natural,” bioidentical hormones have become more popular. They are compounded specifically for a patient based on an evaluation of her saliva to determine which hormones are lacking. While not FDA-approved, many women have found bioidentical hormones to be of great help in relieving hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms.

Be sure to do your homework, however, before embarking on any hormonal therapy.

Medications such as Paxil, Prozac, Effexor and Celexa, in small doses, all have been shown to ease the number and intensity of hot flashes. For women who cannot take estrogen, these medications work well, but can have side effects such as nausea, insomnia, dizziness and sexual dysfunction.

Unfortunately, most dietary supplementations, including vitamin E, soy, black cohosh and red clover, have not fared well in clinical studies. Their effect on hot flashes has not been shown to be any more successful than placebo. Still, there usually is no harm in trying these alternatives, and they do work for some women.

Perhaps the easiest way to treat hot flashes is lifestyle modifications. Exercise is at the top of the list and has been shown to decrease the number and duration of hot flashes. Walking for 30 minutes or so six to seven days a week can significantly reduce the number and intensity of hot flashes. The use of slow controlled breathing (deep breath in, hold for a few seconds, slowly exhale) a few times a day also can reduce the number of hot flashes.

Keep a diary of what you consume to find out which foods and beverages can trigger a hot flash. Alcohol, coffee, tea and spicy foods are all known to instigate flashes. Of course, tobacco use is associated with hot flashes, yet another reason to quit smoking.

In most cases a treatment plan designed by you and your doctor will result in at least a decrease in the number of flashes, if not total elimination. Be patient during the trial-and-error portion of your treatment. Remember that what works for one person may not work for another, and something as simple as lifestyle modifications or vitamin supplementation may be all that’s needed to relieve your symptoms.

Be assured, there’s no inherent health hazard for those suffering from hot flashes. Keep your doctor informed of treatments you have tried and those you think may be working best for you. Together you can improve your health and happiness.

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Jennifer Alinio
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