It may feel like your body has a mind of its own during menopause. Suddenly, you can't sleep, you feel uncomfortably warm, your moods are inexplicably up and down, and you're gaining weight without reason. While doctors can help you manage these symptoms, lifestyle also has a big role to play. Health guides written by doctors, dieticians and homeopaths all agree that diet and exercise are critical during menopause. In this article, we have some simple tips for living a healthier life during this time.
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, pre menopausal women should consume about 1,000 mg of calcium daily. Women after menopause should consume 1,200 mg of calcium per day. Other guides recommend up to 1,500 mg of calcium per day. Vitamin D is also very important for calcium absorption and bone formation. According to a 1992 study, women with post menopausal osteoporosis who took vitamin D for three years significantly reduced their risk of spinal fractures. This issue is controversial, however, as vitamin D can cause kidney stones, constipation or abdominal pain, especially in women with kidney problems.
A well balanced diet that is rich in nutrients and low in fat is also recommended. However, women going through menopause have special dietary concerns that may require changes in the way they eat. Eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grain cereal products, especially those high in vitamin C and beta carotene. Avoid foods and drinks with processed sugar, as many of these products contain empty calories and promote weight gain, which is a big concern for menopausal women. Avoid salt-cured and smoked foods such as sausages, smoked fish, ham, bacon, bologna and hot dogs. These foods are high in sodium, which can lead to high blood pressure. You should eat a diet containing foods high in calcium, including milk, yogurt, cheese and other dairy products; oysters, sardines and canned salmon with bones; and dark-green leafy vegetables like spinach and broccoli.
Menopausal women often experience weight gain. Besides the benefits to the heart and bones, health guides suggest regular exercise to help regulate weight, and it can be a mood enhancer. Women who are physically inactive are more likely to suffer from coronary heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and osteoporosis. Sedentary women may also suffer from chronic back pain, insomnia, poor circulation, weak muscles, loss of bone mass and depression.
The good news is that a regular program of physical activity can help manage many of the uncomfortable symptoms of menopause, as well as the related health concerns, such as heart disease and osteoporosis. The mood-elevating, tension-relieving effects of aerobic exercise help reduce the depression and anxiety that often accompanies menopause. Aerobic exercise also promotes the loss of abdominal fat, which is the place where most women readily gain weight during menopause. Health guides and your doctor can help you create a diet that's right for you so that you can be as healthy as possible.
There are many symptoms of menopause and also many cures for these symptoms. Learn as much as you can about them, and you can take positive steps to find relief for yourself.
Learn more by visiting us at natural menopause remedies site and reading our massive article collection!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Menopause and the challenges women face every day
While some lucky women experience few or mild symptoms during menopause, others feel like their mind and body are no longer their own. Fluctuating hormones can lead to physical, emotional and psychological distress that can drastically affect a woman's quality of life. However, menopausal women don't have to suffer the way they once did. In this article, we'll look at some simple and practical ways of dealing with the symptoms of menopause.
Menopause is a natural occurrence in women as they age and is not a physical disorder. Menopause is the absence of menstrual periods for 12 months and beyond, and most women begin menopause in their late forties or early fifties. Some women experience difficulty during this time because of the changes in hormone levels. While some women have few or no symptoms, others have many moderate or severe symptoms. The clearest sign of the start of menopause is irregular periods, and when blood flow becomes lighter or heavier.
Women going through the change of life can experience a variety of symptoms or no symptoms at all. To predict what your experience may be like, look at the history of the women in your family. Medical evidence shows that genetics may be a factor in how mild or severe your symptoms are. The symptoms can include weight gain, hot flashes, insomnia, night sweats, vaginal dryness, joint pain, fatigue, short-term memory problems, bowel upset, dry eyes, itchy skin, mood swings and urinary tract infections. Most of the time, these symptoms will lessen or go away after a woman has finished menopause. Research has shown that the severity of symptoms can be related to many things, including genetics, diet and lifestyle.
Menopausal women don't have to suffer in silence. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, then talk to your doctor about treatment options. There is also a lot of social support available to women now. Learn about menopause through books, articles and other reading materials, talk to friends and relatives who have already gone through menopause, or join a menopause or midlife support-group in your area. To combat the symptoms and boost your mood, enjoy a nutritious diet and regular exercise. It really does make a difference in your quality of life.
One of the most important things menopausal women need is a circle of support around them. Menopause can be very isolating, so the support of your friends and family can make a world of difference. Share your discomfort, worries and concerns with them. Their love is as important as any medication you can take. In addition, take care of your body and make sure that you eat a diet that is rich with nutrients. Get regular exercise and treat yourself well. By not neglecting your physical and mental health, you'll make menopause the beginning of a whole new life.
There are many symptoms of menopause and also many natural menopause remedies for these symptoms. Learn as much as you can about them, and you can take positive steps to find relief for yourself.
Learn more by visiting us at http://www.natural-menopause-remedies.com and reading our massive article collection!
Menopause is a natural occurrence in women as they age and is not a physical disorder. Menopause is the absence of menstrual periods for 12 months and beyond, and most women begin menopause in their late forties or early fifties. Some women experience difficulty during this time because of the changes in hormone levels. While some women have few or no symptoms, others have many moderate or severe symptoms. The clearest sign of the start of menopause is irregular periods, and when blood flow becomes lighter or heavier.
Women going through the change of life can experience a variety of symptoms or no symptoms at all. To predict what your experience may be like, look at the history of the women in your family. Medical evidence shows that genetics may be a factor in how mild or severe your symptoms are. The symptoms can include weight gain, hot flashes, insomnia, night sweats, vaginal dryness, joint pain, fatigue, short-term memory problems, bowel upset, dry eyes, itchy skin, mood swings and urinary tract infections. Most of the time, these symptoms will lessen or go away after a woman has finished menopause. Research has shown that the severity of symptoms can be related to many things, including genetics, diet and lifestyle.
Menopausal women don't have to suffer in silence. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, then talk to your doctor about treatment options. There is also a lot of social support available to women now. Learn about menopause through books, articles and other reading materials, talk to friends and relatives who have already gone through menopause, or join a menopause or midlife support-group in your area. To combat the symptoms and boost your mood, enjoy a nutritious diet and regular exercise. It really does make a difference in your quality of life.
One of the most important things menopausal women need is a circle of support around them. Menopause can be very isolating, so the support of your friends and family can make a world of difference. Share your discomfort, worries and concerns with them. Their love is as important as any medication you can take. In addition, take care of your body and make sure that you eat a diet that is rich with nutrients. Get regular exercise and treat yourself well. By not neglecting your physical and mental health, you'll make menopause the beginning of a whole new life.
There are many symptoms of menopause and also many natural menopause remedies for these symptoms. Learn as much as you can about them, and you can take positive steps to find relief for yourself.
Learn more by visiting us at http://www.natural-menopause-remedies.com and reading our massive article collection!
Monday, April 12, 2010
Dangers of HRT - Breast Cancer Facts You Should Know
The most common treatment for menopause symptoms, which has been around for many years, is called HRT (hormone replacement therapy). For decades, doctors routinely sought to ease these symptoms with hormone replacement therapy. These medications containing female hormones to replace the ones the body is no longer making in sufficient quantities. It was widely believed that boosting estrogen levels after the beginning menopause symptoms could also protect against heart disease and osteoporosis, while improving quality of life and keeping women feeling younger.
The safety of this treatment was put into doubt when in 2002 a large clinical trial called the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) reported that hormone therapy actually posed more health risks than benefits for women. As the number of health hazards attributed to hormone therapy grew, doctors became less likely to prescribe it. The trial was actually stopped due to concerns that the frequency of negative health risks were too great to continue. The study found that women who took combined hormone replacement therapy had higher risks of heart disease, stroke, breast cancer, and other health problems.
With these increased risks in mind, it is not common for any long-term HRT use to be recommended any longer, especially in women who smoke or have other health risks. Short-term use for providing relief for some symptoms of menopause may be prescribed by your doctor, but it’s always a good idea to ask your doctor for this advice and to weigh the risks versus the rewards provided. For women who are experiencing severe symptoms that other menopause remedies don’t seem to help, such as loss of sleep, hot flashes, depression, etc. HRT may be of help. Many women are turning to other alternative treatments that are more natural – such as herbs, DHEA, roots, and certain bio-identical hormones which are made from natural ingredients. Only you can decide!
The health risks of some natural remedies are not known, since conclusive research has not been done on their long-term use as of yet. The main things a woman can do to increase the likelihood of avoiding negative health issues is to take care of her self, getting plenty of exercise, eating a more natural wholesome diet, drinking plenty of water, and of course staying away from smoking entirely. Learn as much as you can about how to stay healthy, and you will see better management of your menopause symptoms.
There are many symptoms of menopause and also many natural menopause remedies for these symptoms. Learn as much as you can about them, and you can take positive steps to find relief for yourself.
Learn more by visiting us at http://www.natural-menopause-remedies.com and reading our massive article collection!
The safety of this treatment was put into doubt when in 2002 a large clinical trial called the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) reported that hormone therapy actually posed more health risks than benefits for women. As the number of health hazards attributed to hormone therapy grew, doctors became less likely to prescribe it. The trial was actually stopped due to concerns that the frequency of negative health risks were too great to continue. The study found that women who took combined hormone replacement therapy had higher risks of heart disease, stroke, breast cancer, and other health problems.
With these increased risks in mind, it is not common for any long-term HRT use to be recommended any longer, especially in women who smoke or have other health risks. Short-term use for providing relief for some symptoms of menopause may be prescribed by your doctor, but it’s always a good idea to ask your doctor for this advice and to weigh the risks versus the rewards provided. For women who are experiencing severe symptoms that other menopause remedies don’t seem to help, such as loss of sleep, hot flashes, depression, etc. HRT may be of help. Many women are turning to other alternative treatments that are more natural – such as herbs, DHEA, roots, and certain bio-identical hormones which are made from natural ingredients. Only you can decide!
The health risks of some natural remedies are not known, since conclusive research has not been done on their long-term use as of yet. The main things a woman can do to increase the likelihood of avoiding negative health issues is to take care of her self, getting plenty of exercise, eating a more natural wholesome diet, drinking plenty of water, and of course staying away from smoking entirely. Learn as much as you can about how to stay healthy, and you will see better management of your menopause symptoms.
There are many symptoms of menopause and also many natural menopause remedies for these symptoms. Learn as much as you can about them, and you can take positive steps to find relief for yourself.
Learn more by visiting us at http://www.natural-menopause-remedies.com and reading our massive article collection!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Menopause & Your Heart Health - What You Should Know
For many years researchers believed that hormone therapy was beneficial for heart health. Medical practitioners routinely prescribed hormone replacement therapy to women as a preventative measure for heart disease. However, several important studies, such as the Women's Health Initiative, have cast significant doubt on this practice. In fact, there is substantial evidence that proves hormone replacement therapy may increase the risk of heart disease. With such information, how can woman protect her heart during menopause? In this article, we'll answer this critical question.
A woman has a reduced rate of heart disease before menopause compared with men her own age. After menopause, however, a woman's rate of heart disease increases considerably, until by the age of 65, her risk is equal to that of her male peers. Recent research has found conclusively that there is no coronary health benefit for women with a history of heart disease, who take estrogen alone, or estrogen plus a progestin. Research has also found that women without a previous history of heart disease may also face an increased risk for heart disease when taking hormone therapy. Estrogen therapy is still a safe, short-term option for some women, but numerous other therapies also are available to help you manage menopausal symptoms and protect your heart during this important phase of your life.
There are many things that menopausal women can do to reduce their risk of heart disease. First, quit smoking and reduce your alcohol intake. This will almost immediately reduce your blood pressure. Secondly, eat a diet low in saturated fats and plentiful in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. A diet high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in cold water fish, can prevent heart disease. Cold water fish include salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring and halibut. Fish oils high in omega-3 fatty acids can also help to prevent blood clots, can decrease inflammation in the blood vessels, and can promote a regular cardiac rhythm. Increasing dietary fiber by eating a whole foods diet high in vegetables can lower cholesterol levels and can have a positive effect on the health of your heart.
Exercise is a most beneficial activity for women during menopause. Before you cringe, remember that the exercise does not have to strenuous and painful. To get the benefits to your heart health, you have to get your heart rate up for twenty minutes. Gentle exercises that promote mobility, flexibility and relaxation, while decreasing stiffness and soreness are best. Vigor and energy are usually enhanced with regular exercise. Using stairs whenever possible and increasing daily walking time are two of the very best exercises.
Post menopausal women who exercise regularly are about half as likely to develop diabetes, which is the case with their more sedentary counterparts. Exercise also significantly reduced heart disease. Your heart health is critical, so make exercise an integral part of your lifestyle during menopause. Not only will you feel better physically, but you'll also notice an improvement in your movement. Best of all, you'll love the compliments about how vibrant and fit you look!
There are many symptoms of menopause and also many cures for these symptoms. Learn as much as you can about them, and you can take positive steps to find relief for yourself.
Learn more by visiting us at http://www.natural-menopause-remedies.com and reading our massive article collection!
A woman has a reduced rate of heart disease before menopause compared with men her own age. After menopause, however, a woman's rate of heart disease increases considerably, until by the age of 65, her risk is equal to that of her male peers. Recent research has found conclusively that there is no coronary health benefit for women with a history of heart disease, who take estrogen alone, or estrogen plus a progestin. Research has also found that women without a previous history of heart disease may also face an increased risk for heart disease when taking hormone therapy. Estrogen therapy is still a safe, short-term option for some women, but numerous other therapies also are available to help you manage menopausal symptoms and protect your heart during this important phase of your life.
There are many things that menopausal women can do to reduce their risk of heart disease. First, quit smoking and reduce your alcohol intake. This will almost immediately reduce your blood pressure. Secondly, eat a diet low in saturated fats and plentiful in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. A diet high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in cold water fish, can prevent heart disease. Cold water fish include salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring and halibut. Fish oils high in omega-3 fatty acids can also help to prevent blood clots, can decrease inflammation in the blood vessels, and can promote a regular cardiac rhythm. Increasing dietary fiber by eating a whole foods diet high in vegetables can lower cholesterol levels and can have a positive effect on the health of your heart.
Exercise is a most beneficial activity for women during menopause. Before you cringe, remember that the exercise does not have to strenuous and painful. To get the benefits to your heart health, you have to get your heart rate up for twenty minutes. Gentle exercises that promote mobility, flexibility and relaxation, while decreasing stiffness and soreness are best. Vigor and energy are usually enhanced with regular exercise. Using stairs whenever possible and increasing daily walking time are two of the very best exercises.
Post menopausal women who exercise regularly are about half as likely to develop diabetes, which is the case with their more sedentary counterparts. Exercise also significantly reduced heart disease. Your heart health is critical, so make exercise an integral part of your lifestyle during menopause. Not only will you feel better physically, but you'll also notice an improvement in your movement. Best of all, you'll love the compliments about how vibrant and fit you look!
There are many symptoms of menopause and also many cures for these symptoms. Learn as much as you can about them, and you can take positive steps to find relief for yourself.
Learn more by visiting us at http://www.natural-menopause-remedies.com and reading our massive article collection!
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Hormones Gone Wild - Symptoms of Menopause
When a woman reaches that age when the signs of menopause
start to really become a concern, she must question how - and why - this is happening. The hormones of course are the real cause, and here is what goes in in your body.
There is a hormone called estradiol in women (found in reduced amounts in men also) that is created in the ovaries, and acts like a magic serum. It the cause that women develop breasts, start their menstrual cycle, and get pregnant, but also has other secondary roles in enhancing health in women. It also helps to keep your skin flexible, your bones solid, and in general keep you robust and healthy.
However as a woman ages, the ovaries produce this hormone in less significant amounts, and that is where things begin to go downhill. When a woman is confronted with (premature menopause due to injury, surgery, or other misfortune, then this can place an even bigger imposition on her body since she may not have reached the peak of her physical health yet, depending on her age. If that happens, the symptoms of menopause can indeed be brutal and measures must be taken to try to even up the hormone levels.
At this time other hormones are also in a decrease, most importantly estrogen, which is the main hormone responsible for the synchronizing of a woman’s period. When estrogen is on the decline, a woman will observe this right away as the period will be much more sporadic in timing and heaviness. Not knowing when her period will attack is certainly aggravating, but the other symptoms can be much worse.
So how does a woman know when she is formally in perimenopause? This is the beginning stages of menopause, but actual menopause isn’t begun until a woman goes for 1 year without a period. This can take several years to occur, and the interim is really perimenopause (or pre-menopause as some call it). This can be diagnosed by your doctor by taking a blood sample and finding out the hormone levels in a woman’s body. This gradual process can take place in varying time frames depending on a woman’s health, genetic factors, and personal habits.
The main thing for women to remember is that this thing called menopause is just a natural process that is a part of the aging process, and nothing can be done to stop it. Of course there is always hormone replacement therapy, which is an option in a few cases. However the dangers of this therapy have been proven with many case studies to this is never a permanent option, only to be used in the short term.
There are many symptoms of menopause and also many cures for these symptoms. Learn as much as you can about them, and you can take positive steps to find relief for yourself.
Learn more by visiting us at http://www.natural-menopause-remedies.com and reading our massive article collection!
start to really become a concern, she must question how - and why - this is happening. The hormones of course are the real cause, and here is what goes in in your body.
There is a hormone called estradiol in women (found in reduced amounts in men also) that is created in the ovaries, and acts like a magic serum. It the cause that women develop breasts, start their menstrual cycle, and get pregnant, but also has other secondary roles in enhancing health in women. It also helps to keep your skin flexible, your bones solid, and in general keep you robust and healthy.
However as a woman ages, the ovaries produce this hormone in less significant amounts, and that is where things begin to go downhill. When a woman is confronted with (premature menopause due to injury, surgery, or other misfortune, then this can place an even bigger imposition on her body since she may not have reached the peak of her physical health yet, depending on her age. If that happens, the symptoms of menopause can indeed be brutal and measures must be taken to try to even up the hormone levels.
At this time other hormones are also in a decrease, most importantly estrogen, which is the main hormone responsible for the synchronizing of a woman’s period. When estrogen is on the decline, a woman will observe this right away as the period will be much more sporadic in timing and heaviness. Not knowing when her period will attack is certainly aggravating, but the other symptoms can be much worse.
So how does a woman know when she is formally in perimenopause? This is the beginning stages of menopause, but actual menopause isn’t begun until a woman goes for 1 year without a period. This can take several years to occur, and the interim is really perimenopause (or pre-menopause as some call it). This can be diagnosed by your doctor by taking a blood sample and finding out the hormone levels in a woman’s body. This gradual process can take place in varying time frames depending on a woman’s health, genetic factors, and personal habits.
The main thing for women to remember is that this thing called menopause is just a natural process that is a part of the aging process, and nothing can be done to stop it. Of course there is always hormone replacement therapy, which is an option in a few cases. However the dangers of this therapy have been proven with many case studies to this is never a permanent option, only to be used in the short term.
There are many symptoms of menopause and also many cures for these symptoms. Learn as much as you can about them, and you can take positive steps to find relief for yourself.
Learn more by visiting us at http://www.natural-menopause-remedies.com and reading our massive article collection!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)