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Monday, December 18, 2006

Signs Of Male Menopause

The Basics of Peri-menopause

by Nathalie Fiset

Menopause signals the end of a woman�s childbearing days. It is marked by the end of a woman�s monthly period. This is primarily because of the ovaries� inability to produce eggs. Contrary to popular notion, women do not have a wellspring of eggs. Their ova also run out. Menopause is also caused by the decrease in the secretion of the female sex hormones, progesterone and estrogen.

Like all natural processes, menopause does not just occur without any warning signs. In fact, the body prepares for it, knowing instinctively that a woman cannot cope with the changes abruptly. The preparation of the body is a very gradual process that can take years. This is what the scientific and medical community calls Perimenopause.

Peri-menopause or what is called premenopause is the period in a woman�s life when her body is starting to ready itself towards menopause. This often occurs during the mid-40s; although some may experience some signs and symptoms in their mid-30s.

Perimenopause is not just a short period of time, In fact, it can last for as long as two to eight years depending on the person. Some clinicians even say that it can last for as long as 15 years!

Up until now, there is still no explanation why some women have longer periods of pre-menopause than others. Because there is no specific year span when it occurs, women and even their doctors often overlook the symptoms of premenopause and its effects in the body.

Unlike during menopause where levels of progesterone and estrogen go on a nosedive, hormonal levels during premenopause are erratic. Levels rise and fall. Because of these changes, women may experience disruptions in their monthly menstrual cycles. Menstruation may suddenly extend for a few days or shorten to just a couple of days.

Shortened cycles are the result of the drop in estrogen levels, leading to the shortening of the follicular phase. Cycles can shorten to 24-26 days. This means that there will more frequent monthly cycles than before. On the other side, women may also experience infrequent monthly flow because of the lengthening of the menstrual cycle.

Women in premenopause may also find it hard to conceive although it is not impossible. This is because there are menstrual cycles when women do not ovulate.

Like in menopause, declining levels of the female hormones may result in the experiences of a host of symptoms that are often seen during menopause; symptoms like hot flashes, where women will experience abrupt changes in their body temperatures; incontinence; vaginal dryness because of the decrease in lubrication and elasticity; breast tenderness; mood swings and see-saw of emotions; sleeping problems and other potential complications such as bone loss and osteoporosis.

Symptoms of course vary from one person to another. Some may experience all of them while others may not feel a thing. In fact, some women�s menstrual cycles will just stop without ever experiencing any symptoms at all. This is the reason why premenopause is so hard to detect.

Because of the appearance of these symptoms, many believe that when detected, women undergoing premanopause must begin hormonal therapy in order to balance or combat these problems.

Declining levels of hormones may become such a problem that some doctors may even recommend surgical interventions such as hysterectomy, a procedure wherein the uterus is removed. This however only happens to a very small percentage of women. If your doctor recommends this, try to get a second opinion, as this is not a small thing. Other doctors may provide you with alternatives to it.

Dr Nathalie Fiset is a family doctor and a certified hypnotherapist. For more information go to: http://www.bestmenopause.com/peri-menopause.html http://www.aperfectharmony.com or http://www.a-1hypnosis.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nathalie_Fiset

Sunday, December 17, 2006

Male Menopause Symtoms

Menopause--Information and Treatment Options

by Sylvia Seamands

What Is Menopause?

Menopause is defined in the dictionary as the permanent cessation of the menstrual cycle. This occurs when a woman's egg supply and ovarian function is depleted. It can occur naturally, or surgically with removal of both ovaries. A woman is said to be in menopause when there has been no menstrual period for 12 months. The average age of menopause is around 50 years in the US. Perimenopause refers to the time before menopause when the hormone levels begin to decline, the menstrual periods may become irregular, and fertility is reduced. Perimenopause may come before actual menopause by as much as 2-8 years, the average being about 4 years. Smoking is known to accelerate the transition phase by 2 years, as it speeds the aging process in general.

The classic symptoms of menopause include night sweats, difficulty sleeping, vaginal dryness, depression, and mood swings. One US study showed nearly 60% of US women had hot flashes as early as 2 years before menstruation stopped. Other symptoms in the perimenopause/menopause time frame include poor handling of stress, a more obvious pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS), weight gain, water retention and bloating, problems with memory. These symptoms are related to the drastic changes that are occuring in the body with reducing levels of estrogen and progesterone.

What About Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)?

The question as to whether or not to use HRT has now become a very complex issue. Nearly 30% of menopausal women in the US are taking hormones, commonly given to relieve the side effects as listed above. In the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) 16,000 women were studied for over 5 years, but then the study was prematurely stopped when it was discovered that the combination of estrogen/progesterone replacement therapy resulted in an unfavorable risk to benefit analysis. There is no doubt that the therapy did benefit women's hot flashes and risk of developing osteoporosis. Unfortunately the study revealed definite increased risk of developing endometrial (uterus) cancer, breast cancer, venous blood clots, and probably a risk of stroke and heart attacks. There was also question as to whether the use of HRT could be linked to gallbladder disease, ovarian cancer, colon cancer and even possibly an increased incidence of memory loss and dementia. Some of these risks were directly linked to the time HRT therapy was taken. In other words, the longer you take HRT therapy the higher the risk.

What About Alternative Therapy?

Several naturally occuring plant extracts have been shown to help with the symptoms of menopause and present a natural alternative to hormone replacement therapy:

Black Cohosh--studies in Germany have shown a decrease both in the number and level of menopausal symptoms.

RedClover--rich in phytoestrogens, these little molecules can be extracted from plants such as soy and have a similar structure to estrogen itself but lack the side effects of estrogen itself.

Flaxseed--Also contains a substance with weak estrogen activity.

Soy Isoflavones--also contain molecules with similar structure to estrogen.

Of course, you should talk to your doctor about your choices of therapy during the menopause and perimenopause time and what the possible side effects and risks may be to the various treatment options.

Sylvia Seamands,MD--Dr. Seamands is a retired physician who spent years as a practicing Internist and medical director for several managed care orginzations. She authors information articles for and co-owns http://www.womenshealthshoppe.com, which is dedicated to women's health issues and alternative health solutions.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sylvia_Seamands

Male Menopause Pill

Menopause and Anxiety � How to Bring Natural Relief

by Ryan Arsendatama

Even though menopause is a natural stage of a woman�s life, it often creates anxiety due to misunderstanding of physiological changes. Menopause and anxiety should be understood as cause and effect due to the decline of estrogen level in woman�s body. Thus, proper treatment for menopause can effectively bring emotional relief and eliminate depression and low-esteem in women.

Emotional Changes in Menopause

Menopause is characterized by a permanent cessation of woman�s natural menstrual cycle. The production of the estrogen hormone reduces significantly in a woman during menopause causing her ovaries to stop producing eggs. As the estrogen level drops, the blood vessels expand rapidly leading to temperature rise in the woman�s skin. This can further cause hot flashes that can be felt around the chest, shoulders, head, and neck. The sudden spread of warmth makes the woman to sweat and feel soaked. Many women also experience raid heart beating, insomnia, irritability, and restlessness. All those feelings then create psychological symptoms that include mood swings, depression and anxiety.

Sex and Weight Gain Factors

The feeling of anxiety during menopause could also be caused by misconception of sex and weight gain. There is a myth that a woman will lose her sexual desire during menopause, but in fact the midlife years can be a great time to enhance the sexual experience as there is no restriction from having to use birth control due concerns of possible pregnancy. In the case of vaginal dryness or painful intercourse, the woman can always apply lubricants or creams. After all, sex is about emotional feeling and is free of any hormonal changes.

Another factor that often leads to anxiety during menopause is the fear of weight gain. Biologically the fall of estrogen level can slow down the metabolism, which potentially results in weight gain. Because of this, it is important for women in menopause to maintain a balanced diet. Diet should be particularly high in Calcium and Phytoestrogens, chemicals that mimic and supplement estrogen-like hormones. Phytoestrogens are useful to maintain proper bone density post menopause. These chemicals can be found in soy bean, tofu, linseed, rice, oat, and red clover.

Other Useful Things to Do

Some other things that a woman can do to reduce anxiety and depression feelings during menopause are:

Regular exercise: doing routine exercise can significantly reduce hot flashes. Mild exercises such as walking, climbing stairs, swimming or lifting weight help to strengthen the bones and decrease the risk of osteoporosis.

Proper Sleep: if a woman has trouble going to sleep during menopause, it will be a good choice to take a hot shower before bedtime or drink a glass of warm milk. Taking sleeping pill occasionally is also recommended, with doctor prescription.

Social activity: post menopause, some women find a new hobby like writing, gardening or pottery. Others meet old friends once a week for social. Basically, focusing on other useful things can significantly increase the quality of life post menopause.

Physiological changes in menopause are inevitable and normal. They may bring feelings of anxiety, depression, and moodiness. However, understanding on menopause treatment can greatly increase the awareness of psychological effects of it.

Proper treatment on menopause can eliminate emotional fluctuations. Find useful
sources on menopause and anxiety here. Understanding menopause facts can greatly increase your awareness of this natural stage of woman's
life. Read also menopause treatments using hormonal and natural ways.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ryan_Arsendatama

Treatment Of Male Menopause

Healthy Diet During Menopause

by Jeanette Pollock

Maintaining a healthy diet is important at any stage in life. But during menopause, it may be even more important. Since you will be losing estrogen, it is essential to get enough vitamins and minerals throughout the day to improve overall health. Losing calcium is another factor women have to deal with as they age. By learning how to eat at the beginning stages of menopause, you will be eating better and feeling better for years to come.

Eat foods that are high in fiber. Fruits, vegetables such as broccoli and spinach are great sources of many vitamins and also fiber. Fiber will keep your bowels clean which will give you more energy during the day.

Getting more calcium into your body will help keep your bones healthy and also help when losing weight. Drink plenty of milk and eat foods such as yogurt, cheese, and dark green leafed vegetables will help you achieve your daily allotment, which should be 1000mgs per day.
Avoid foods that are high in sugar and fat. This includes most dessert items as well as bacon, and hot dogs.

Once you have modified your diet, you will begin to have more energy and you will begin to sleep better at nighttime. In addition to eating properly, it is also important to exercise as well. Drink plenty of water in order to stay hydrated and try to walk or perform some other sort of exercise at least three days a week. Menopause is not the end of your life, but rather a beginning of the next half of it.

Jeanette Pollock is a freelance author and website owner of menopausedomain.com. Visit Jeanette's site to learn more about menopause diet.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeanette_Pollock

Find Male Menopause

Endometriosis Treatment

by Josh Riverside

Endometriosis is a chronic condition that affects millions of women. It is a painful condition the tissue that lines the uterus attaches itself to areas outside of the uterus creating lesions. When a woman is diagnosed with endometriosis, the doctor will consider her age, symptoms and desire for pregnancy before prescribing a course of therapy individualized to her needs.

A number of treatment options exist for a patient with endometriosis, but the patient has to weigh the risks versus the benefits. Drugs such as GnRH Agonists and Danazol used to treat endometriosis often put a woman into chemical menopause. Some treatment methods involve an attempt to shrink endometriosis lesions by stopping the ovulation process. The side effects may be significant with many of these drugs and recurrence of the symptoms soon after ceasing of treatment is a real problem.

A doctor may recommend treating endometriosis with surgical therapy that includes the surgical removal or destruction of growths. Medical therapy reduces growth size and provides temporary relief. In some cases, a doctor may suggest a combination of surgical and medical therapy that is known as combination therapy. A conservative surgery is another treatment option to remove or destroy endometriosis and restore distorted anatomy. To surgically remove endometrial growths, a doctor will usually perform a procedure called a laparoscopy. During laparoscopy, a slender, light-transmitting tube is inserted into a woman?s abdomen through her navel. The laparoscope allows doctors to see the size and extent of endometrial growths and remove as many of them as possible.

Sometimes, it becomes necessary for a woman to opt for radical surgery, including removal of the uterus and ovaries, as well as removal of all endometriosis lesions. This is perhaps the hardest decision that women with endometriosis face. Other treatment options include simply treating the pain with painkillers. As endometriosis symptoms often continue even after treatment, some women have found non- traditional means of alleviating symptoms including herbal remedies, aromatherapy, dietary modifications, vitamin supplements and relaxation techniques.

There is much research underway with huge amounts of money being invested into treatment methods for endometriosis. Some medical experts opine that if as much money was spent on research on how the disease starts in the first place, the development of a treatment that leads to a cure would be much more focused and meaningful.

Endometriosis provides detailed information on Chronic Endometriosis, Endometriorsis And Infertility, Endometriosis, Endometriosis And Cancer and more. Endometriosis is affiliated with Male Menopause.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Josh_Riverside

Allintitle Male Menopause Symptoms

A Blog On Menopause - What You Needed To Know - But Did Not Know To Ask

by Michele McRae

Life has its curves, bumps, cautions, stops, starts and then there is the "PAUSE", Menopause. This pause calls for a whole new perspective on life styles, comforts, adaptability and even outlook on life. If you are having symptoms such as Hot Flashes, Mood Swings, Weight Gain, Irritability, Decrease in Sex Drive, vaginal dryness or depression, just to name a few. YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

Menopause and Perimenopause are periods in a woman's life wherein their bodies begin to change. The problem with this change is that it does not come quietly. It usually comes with a vengeance. Just as women�s bodies are different, so are the symptoms experienced by each woman.

During this time of change listening to your body is very important. Pay attention to your symptoms and don't just ignore them, hoping they will go away. There are solutions to the problems of each symptom. Menopause is a change of life not the end of life. There is still much to be gained just before, during, and after Menopause.

To go through menopause and keep control you need HELP!! Knowledge is power. "Streams of Success" will give you just the help you need to tame that Monster and enjoy life again. Having quality of life is very important. Meeting our obligations and responsibilities are a necessity. Go ahead take control.

We are a company that specializes in providing answers to some of the health care concerns of women. We focus on helping you balance Good Health and Financial Solutions.

http://www.streamsofsuccess.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michele_McRae

Natural Remedy For Male Menopause

Pros and Cons of Hormone Replacement Therapy and Estrogen Use Alone

by Patsy Hamilton

Combination hormone replacement therapy and estrogen only replacement therapy are not prescribed as much as they were at one time for the relief of symptoms associated with menopause, due mostly to studies performed by the Women�s Health Initiative. Those supporting estrogen replacement therapy have noted that these studies focused on the risks associated with long-term use and that no studies have been completed to date concerning bio-identical hormones. Dietary supplementation with herbs and other plant components may provide a safe and effective alternative to women seeking relief from menopausal symptoms.

Many women have questions about the safety of hormone replacement therapy and estrogen replacement therapy for the prevention of hot flashes, night sweats and other menopausal symptoms. The latest research supporting estrogen replacement at lower doses than were prescribed in the studies performed by the Women�s Health Initiative indicates that women may experience a 60-70% reduction in hot flash symptoms. Doctors hope that lower dosages of hormones will be safer, but continue to advise that they should be used for the shortest period of time possible. This may leave many women frustrated, since some menopause related symptoms may appear five or six years before the onset of menopause and may continue for several years after their last period.

Research supporting estrogen like substances found in plants, which are called phytoestrogens or isoflavones, show that dietary supplements containing soy isoflavones can reduce hot flashes by 87.8%. This is about equivalent to the relief experienced by women who use traditional dosages of combination hormone replacement therapy and estrogen only replacement therapy.

The health risks associated with combination hormone replacement therapy and estrogen only replacement therapy include blood clots and stroke. Those supporting estrogen use that is bio-identical believe that since the hormones used are molecularly identical to those produced by the human body, it should be safe. Opponents of hormone replacement therapy and estrogen replacement therapy of any kind believe that menopause is a natural part of a woman�s life, and that efforts to keep hormones at a level similar to those of a younger woman will ultimately cause health problems of many kinds.

As with many drugs and other compounds created by pharmaceutical companies, the initial research focuses on relief of symptoms and unwanted side effects. Estrogen replacement therapy first became popular for the relief of menopausal symptoms during the sixties and continued to grow in popularity, until a study published by the New England Journal of Medicine in 1975 reported that women using estrogen were seven times more likely to develop endometrial cancer than women who had never used estrogen. The study showed that the risks increased with continued use and that those women who used estrogen for seven years or more were 14 times more likely to develop endometrial cancer.

In order to reduce the risk of endometrial cancer, pharmaceutical companies added synthetic progestin (similar to the hormone progesterone) commonly referred to as combination hormone replacement therapy and estrogen only replacement was typically reserved for use by women who had undergone a hysterectomy at some time in their past. Those promoting and supporting estrogen and progestin use theorized that estrogen causes the lining of the uterus to build up, but without progesterone, it is not shed, thus adding synthetic progestin would cause the endometrium to be shed and reduce the risk of cancer.

Opponents of hormone replacement therapy and estrogen use quote studies indicating that estrogen can cause breast cancer, heart disease, stroke and other health problems. The majority of experts now advise that if a woman chooses to use HRT, of any type, she should use the lowest dosages for the smallest amount of time possible. For information about alternative solutions for the relief of menopausal symptoms and special nutritional requirements for women, please visit the Menopause and PMS Guide.

Patsy Hamilton was a health care professional for over twenty years before becoming a freelance writer. Currently she writes informational articles for the Menopause and PMS Guide. Read more at http://www.menopause-and-pms-guide.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patsy_Hamilton