Studies Show Vitamin E and Minerals Help Menopause Hot Flashes and Insomnia

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How Menopause Changes Your Hormones

Menopause weight gain is something many women experience so don't be depressed thinking you're alone and what's more, there are several ideas to help you cope and feel better about yourself, even when you stop producing egg cells. Weight gain is naturally observed in women who are undergoing peri-menopause and on the average, a pound is added to the scales every year as soon as the symptoms show, even when you eat the same amount of food and exercise for the same amount of time.
The weight is commonly distributed along the lower torso so most women who gain weight during peri-menopause tend to have an apple-shaped body. It is indispensable that you keep your regular healthy lifestyle, but without the obvious results, things might become frustrating. You should realize that unlike in your younger years, you exercise to keep fat away; in menopause years, fat is not the only enemy since your hormones become imbalanced as you age.
Changes in the hormonal levels may play a crucial part in menopause weight gain. Estrogen is one of the primary culprits. Estrogen production slows down during the start of menopause, and since the body was made to cope (survival mechanism), it will look for other sources to provide the necessary amount of hormone. Unfortunately estrogen is produced from fat cells and the body begins to increase body fat. So during low levels of estrogen, fat cell formation is more favored than the burning of unwanted calories. Excess fat cells mean weight gain. That's just one way your body puts on weight. Over eating to cope with the added weight is why some women gain an extreme amount of menopause weight entering and during Peri-menopause.
Progesterone is another female hormone that may contribute to your feeling of heaviness. If your progesterone levels are comparably lower than your estrogen levels, you might be experiencing a medical case called estrogen dominance and this actually causes water retention and in some, hypothyroidism, which negatively affects your metabolism. Testosterone is commonly known as a male hormone although women produce it also. This hormone is responsible for muscle formation and as menopause begins, its level decreases leading to lower muscle mass. Lower muscle mass, in turn, leads to a decrease in metabolism.
Hormone therapy is a very attractive solution since you discovered that the weight gain might be caused by the fluctuation of body substances but there are side effects that you should consider. Before you undergo HRT or hormone replacement therapy, you should consult a doctor first. Supplements can be custom-combined by pharmacists, although most are commercially produced. The method may seem logical, however, there are studies relating the use of supplemental estrogen and breast cancer that is why you need to consult first.
While it seems that the only hope for menopause weight gain is to rehabilitate your hormone levels, you can also try more natural methods like keeping an active lifestyle. Instead of providing your body with synthetic hormones, you can try natural food products that contain the same chemicals. Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables and avoid refined products like sugar and rice. Starving yourself is a big no-no (even for those who are not in their menopause period yet) because it only leads to slower metabolism.
Exercise has been shown to help many woman combat the menopause weight gain challenge. exercise has many benefits physiologically and physically. In addition when a woman exercises at the proper intensity and frequency she will be able to manage her hormone level naturally without HRT or any other over the counter drugs. I'm not against HRT's, but I have that exercise and a proper menopause diet can be a positive alternative to gain menopause weight and not fully loving the body you have to live in.
In the guide the 7 Day Menopause Diet Guide there is step by step plan for losing menopause weight, and keeping it off forever. After coaching hundreds of menopausal I discovered the patterns and trends and how to lessen the severity of most menopause symptoms. The results are not immediate, but rehabilitating your body to its normal state really takes time. Continue living a healthy active lifestyle and you will see that your body will cooperate and it will heal itself. I advise all women over 42 to begin eating whole foods and becoming physically active for 30 minutes per day 4-5 times per week. Within a short few week most women begin to experience far less menopause symptoms and start to lose body weight.
Menopause Fat Loss Expert, Personal Trainer, Nutrition Expert
If you would like to receive my 7 Day Menopause Diet Guide pick a FREE COPY at http://www.7daymenopausediet.com/
Since early 1999, Kris has been teaching women around the world how to use simple effective strategies to lose fat, tone and shape their bodies and feel amazing in their own skin. Kris is the Author of "The Menopause Cookbook" sold through Amazon Books.
Kris has been coined "The Menopause Savior" because of his unique and profound understanding of the women's body and how it works.
"Kris sees the female Body like no other male."


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Using Herbs Can Help You Lose Weight During Menopause

Herbs for weight loss are a common subject of discussion among women who are going through menopause. Weight gain is a real issue for many menopausal women. Changes in hormone levels can decrease energy, increase appetite, and contribute to water retention, all of which can lead to excess weight, particularly centered around the mid-section.

There are many different potential methods for addressing this weight gain, among them herbs for menopause. Which herbs are most effective is a matter of some debate, but there are a few that are generally believed to counter the symptoms of menopause and could be a positive factor in losing weight. As with any treatment plan, you should always consult with your doctor before taking herbs or herbal supplements.

Among the herbs for weight loss most often mentioned are dandelion, chasteberry, black currant and black cohosh. All of these herbs have been used for years to ease a variety of symptoms related to menopause and each can also be beneficial when it comes to losing weight. They should be taken in moderation and you should pay heed to the potential side effects they may cause.

Dandelion is a well-known and documented diuretic. Women in Europe have used it for generations to treat urinary tract infections. It is also among the many herbs for menopause weight loss because it helps to control water weight gain without flushing important nutrients from the system at the same time. Some people have experienced allergic reactions to dandelion, so some caution should be applied.

Since hormone imbalance is such a central part of menopause, the chasteberry is one of the most important herbs for weight loss as it directly affects hormone production. Chasteberry stimulates the production of progesterone, which can help to balance out the lack of estrogen during menopause. By balancing hormone levels, you can improve appetite and increase energy, all of which may make it easier to stick to a weight loss regimen.

As one of many herbs for menopause treatment, black currant is effective on two separate counts. Not only can it help regulate water weight gain, it also contains Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids, which are central to hormone production. By ensuring that you are getting the proper amount of these vital nutrients, you can help to ease side effects of hormone imbalance that lead to weight gain.

Black cohosh has been one of the more controversial herbs for weight loss, but it is proven to combat some of the symptoms of menopause that lead to weight gain. Things like depression, mood swings and fatigue may be alleviated by taking black cohosh, and easing these symptoms can lead to increased energy and a lessened tendency to overeat.

Of course, herbs to do not provide a cure-all for any problem, including losing weight. The best method for losing weight at any stage of your life remains eating a balanced diet and exercising. But during menopause, when it can be difficult for women to deal with the effects of hormonal changes, having a little natural boost may be just what the doctor ordered.

Want to learn more about how to overcome weight issues during and after menopause? Janice Bowles, hypnotherapist and health and wellness coach since 1996 takes the guess work out of how to get your body into shape and feel fabulous as women approach their 50's and beyond. Be sure to visit http://www.weightlossat50.com/ for the latest tips and 'tricks' for healthy weight loss, motivation, fitness, health, beauty and wellness and much more. While you are there, collect your FREE guide on the 'Top Ten Weight Loss Myths' and 'Weight Loss Tips At 50' members newsletter - absolutely Free!

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Ways To Help Women Deal With Menopause

Menopause is a term used to describe a time in the woman's reproductive phase, when the ovaries cease to produce the reproductive hormones estrogen and progesterone. It is in this stage of life that a woman's menstruation periods end and the body under goes changes that make a woman incapable of conceiving. Menopause may cause women to experience hot flashes, weight gain, vaginal dryness, changes in hair quality and weight gain among many other experiences. However, the effect varies from woman to woman. They are a number of ways that women can use to manage these menopause symptoms.

Key among them is menopause hormonal therapy. It has widely been used to replenish hormones in a woman's reproductive system that are no longer being produced hence relieving symptoms associated with menopause. They are two types of hormonal therapy used in treating menopausal symptoms. They are progesterone and estrogen therapies. In estrogen therapy, small doses of estrogen are taken alone as pills, patches and creams. Progesterone therapy combines doses of both estrogen and progesterone. Many women have opted to take a special type of hormonal therapy, referred to as Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) which is considered a natural hormone therapy. It involves using of hormones that are identical to the molecular structure of hormones produced in the ovaries of a woman. BHRT is viewed as the most effective hormone therapy in treating menopausal symptoms compared to other conventional therapies.

BHRT is becoming more popular among women is that it is a replica of the hormones produced by the body naturally at one time which is why it is called bioidentical. They are not made from foreign products, which women might fear to have health risks if induced in the body as part of the hormone therapy. It is touted as a natural hormone therapy that does not introduce other chemicals in the body which can cause severe side effects on the health of women. It is also known to reduce or eliminate other problems associated with menopause in women life.

One of the most popular benefits of using BHRT is that it as been proved to accelerate the rate of burning body fat in women. Women have reported reductions in weight gain which is a key symptom that the majority of women experiencing menopause have to fight against. Perhaps this benefit is the reason that BHRT is popular with actresses and people with a very public life to whom physical appearance is very important. These women have also helped to spread the word to other woman around the world about the benefits of BHRT, increasing its popularity.

BHRT has been in use since 1939 and while it has yet to be introduced in some countries, in others it is very popular and widely used. There are a number of health journals that have documented it as a safe and easy to use hormone therapy. In addition, it has no proven side effect and that benefits that occur after administering can last for six months. Apart from using hormone therapy, women are strongly advised to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They are in this regard urged to exercise regularly, eat healthy foods and stop smoking as the secret behind staying healthy.

Habers Pharmacy offers personalized health care medication. Their experienced pharmacists and nutritionists will work with you hand in hand to achieve the best results possible.

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Controlling Menopause With A Raw Food Diet

Menopause is a challenging phase in every aging women's life. However, there are quite a number of solutions that can be utilized to lessen, or better still bring to an end, the fierceness associated with most of its symptoms. At this moment in time, different solutions have been hyped as having the ultimate power to suppress menopausal symptoms. While most of these solutions tend to work, it's important to note that some may end up affecting your health status in ways that can out do the expected gains. It's out of that reason that women are advised to visit their medical doctors for solutions that can work without posing adverse side effects to their bodies or health.

Understanding raw food

Before committing to any menopausal solution, take time to analyze what other people say about the approach preferred and more so read through the pro and cons as highlighted on different sources.

In order to save time when researching on worthy food diet plans, this page touches on findings generated from raw food diet review. To start with, raw food constitutes natural foods that are uncooked and unprocessed. Proponents for the food diet plan insist that cooking destroys nutritional value and kills enzymes that the body requires to function optimally. However, if there's need to have the food warmed; you must ensure that temperatures remain below 115 degrees Fahrenheit otherwise the primary objectives behind having the meal will not have been achieved.

Why raw food diet?

As an aging woman, it's highly recommended that you let menopause and raw food diet go hand in hand. This diet should be adopted way before menopause starts and continued for as long as one can. In point of fact, most women dread menopause phase because of the challenges posed by resulting symptoms. Although the challenges may vary from one woman to another, some remain common and obvious.

Common Challenges women experience during peri-menopause include; Hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, depressions, weight gain, lost libido and poor quality of sleep. Fortunately the main components of a raw foods diet among hold the power to reduce effects of many menopausal symptoms. Although the foods that constitute raw food diet are foods like fruits and vegetables, there are several other options that can be choose for maximum benefits. You can eat foods that include raw milk and raw meat. For a more detailed food plan, have a look at the foods listed below:

· Raw beans, legumes, lentils, sprouts

· Fresh Fruits

· Fresh Vegetables

· Seeds Like Sunflower seeds

· Nuts. Even Cashew nuts

· Dried fruits

· Dried vegetables

· Herbal tea

· Freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juices (Green Drinks are Very Popular)

In view of the fact that menopause is poised to happen at some point in every women's life, you are supposed to keep vigil by eating right unless the symptoms worse. When going through menopause a healthy diet plus constant yet vigorous exercise activities is certainly the pathway to a new stage in life without experiencing physical and mental stress.

Given that raw food diet is primarily composed of foods in their true form, the expected nutritional impact on the body is exceptionally great and capable of facilitating hormonal balance.

During menopause, weight gain is caused by hormonal imbalance hence having it stabilized is essentially important for any one woman who cares about how she feels and looks; as Hippocrates has put it very nicely in words - "Let your food be your medicine, and your medicine be your food."

Kris T. Smith is the author of The 7 Day Menopause Diet Guide and founder of the My Menopause Fix Blog.

If you liked this article and would like to receive more tips, and strategies on menopause fitness, menopause exercise, and motivation sign up for our free newsletter at http://mymenopausefix.com/.

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Menopause and Cellulite - Growing Older And Fatter Need Not Be A Necessity

Weight gain has been and perhaps will always be a major concern from women, independent of their age group, nationality, geographical location or medical condition. No woman wants to sport fat or that extra deposition of cellulite. Cellulite is nothing more than a fat deposit visible under the layer of the skin. Across age groups, women battle with this concern with a range of weapons ranging from medical therapies to diet controls. Especially menopause and cellulite is seen as something synonymous.

The problem of cellulite deposits becomes more pressing with the advance of age. Scientifically speaking, as a woman grows older the level of metabolic activity in her body also reduces. This means that as you grow older you need to exercise more than you did earlier to burn the same amount of calories. The body starts storing more fat and that little extra butter and cheese begins to show more prominently.

Dealing with cellulite post menopause

How then does one deal with extra cellulite post menopause? Menopause causes hormonal changes which reduce the metabolism in a female body even further. Women suddenly notice an abnormal weight gain post menopause. Fat which was not visible earlier now clearly shows on the thighs, hips and waist. Since no woman can avoid menopause, does this also mean that there is no cure for the increasing cellulite deposit in the body?

A little awareness could help you a long way. The preparations to deal with a post menopause life begin early. Researches and studies prove that exercise and diet control are perhaps the best and natural ways to keep the body fit despite the many changes. Women who are used to exercising or yoga have proven to have a more comfortable and physically fit life even post menopause.

The handicap of the female body to burn fat post menopause increases the risk of a heart attack. Cellulite deposits post-menopause thicken the walls of the artery increasing the chances of a cardiac arrest. Hence, it is extremely advisable to train your body for a physically and mentally active lifestyle from now onwards.

The benefits of yoga

Yoga has long since been established as perhaps the most effective and healthiest way to a fit body. What few women know and have embraced is that Yoga can help you stay fit and young even post menopause. Menopause essentially disturbs the secretion of the hormone estrogen. Estrogen is responsible for keeping the skin taut and young. A lack of estrogen is what causes the skin to sag and enhances the signs of aging in a woman. Regular yoga and meditation facilitates a better blood circulation causing the body to stay younger for longer.

The increased blood circulation not only ensures that the skin remains firm for longer, but also prevents cellulite deposits along the arteries reducing the risk of a heart attack. Studies in the UK have shown that women who have practiced yoga since their mid-thirties have been affected to a lesser degree by the onset of menopause. Not only are their bodies healthy and almost devoid of cellulite deposits, they are also better able to adjust to the hormonal changes brought about by a menopause.

Yoga therapists and consultants have specialized programs for weight loss after menopause. Their yoga regimes are designed to target areas more prone to cellulite deposits thus preventing an excess show of fat.

Menopause and the correct diet

Teaming your yoga routine with a diet that cuts down your calorie intake is an excellent way to stay fit. Growing old does not mean you have to give up on all the pleasures of life. It however does mean that you have to accept that chocolates and sweets high on calories are going to show. Unless of course you intend to spend the next week exercising from morning to night, food rich in calories is going to be difficult to burn.

Choose a diet that pleases you while takes care of the number of calories you consume. A healthy diet and a healthy exercise routine will reduce the number of complaints you have post menopause to almost none. While cellulite may be an ugly fat that women have to deal with post menopause, menopause and cellulite does not have to be accepted as a part of your life. With a little bit of exercise and a little bit of control you can stay healthy and fit.

Kris T. Smith is the author of The 7 Day Menopause Diet Guide and founder of the My Menopause Fix Blog.

If you liked this article then you can find more tips, and strategies on menopause fitness, menopause exercise, and weight loss at http://www.mymenopausefix.com/.

Read my Article 3 Ways to Rid of Menopause Cellulite at http://mymenopausefix.com/3-ways-to-rid-of-menopause-cellulite/

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Is Pregnancy and Menopause Possible?

Have you started menopause? Perhaps you`ve been suffering from hot flashes, excessive wind and bloating for quite a while. How do you think this affects your fertility?

If you are under the assumption that you are now infertile and that it is impossible to become pregnant during menopause - you`re wrong.

On the other hand, if you believe that fertility does indeed decrease as we progress through menopause but that however unlikely, menopausal pregnancy is possible - you`re spot on.

Unfortunately, many women believe that menopause is a process that has a start and a finish and on the day that the first symptoms appear, her childbearing days are over. But, that is simply not true and our menopausal term can last for ten years or more. Usually beginning in our early fifties - although there are women who experience premature menopause many years prior to their 50th birthday - as long as there is still a monthly period, a woman can theoretically become pregnant. All that the symptoms mean is that our hormone levels are becoming unbalanced, but this does not mean that we are unable to conceive.

If you`re wondering how pregnancy can possibly occur at the same time as menopause, it`s because eggs are still being released and, providing there is an adequate supply of the necessary hormones such as estrogen, the lady in question can indeed become pregnant. Quite often, the signs of early pregnancy have been confused with menopausal symptoms. After all, when you`re in your 50`s and experience bloating, weight gain and erratic periods, the chances of it being due to menopause are a lot higher than the chances that you are pregnant.

Now apart from the emotional and psychological challenges that a menopausal pregnancy would inevitably bring to the table, the physical risks cannot be ignored. Pregnancy puts an enormous amount of strain on the body and medical research has shown that with every passing year over the age of forty, the risk of complications increases.

Possible health considerations are:

* An increased risk of infection
* Higher chances of suffering a miscarriage
* Possible bleeding
* plus several other potentially dangerous medical conditions.

Of course there will always be some older ladies who would love the chance to become pregnant - whatever her age. Perhaps she is with a new partner or maybe she feels that she would like to extend her family. Whatever the reason, every good wish to those ladies.

But for most women who are about to start menopause or already going through it, a late addition to the family would not be the most welcome news.

Menopause often signals the time that women and their partners have brought up their families and are looking forward to spending quality time together.

If you would not welcome the idea of a newborn baby to your family, it is advised that you continue with your birth control until there has been no sign of blood for twelve consecutive months. After this time, it is safe to discontinue the birth control. There is now no chance of becoming pregnant naturally.

If you have enjoyed this articles, visit the Complete Menopause for more great information on Menopause & Pregnancy and all things menopausal

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Top 7 Healthy Tips for Losing Weight During Menopause

Did you know that an average woman will gain 1-2 pounds per year during her menopausal years? As a matter of fact, the average amount of weight gained by women during her menopausal years is 10-15 pounds! Has this happened to you? Maybe you have not gained 10-15 pounds, but you have begun to gain weight. While losing weight during and after menopause can be a challenge due to hormonal issues, it can be done. Here are 7 tips that will help you to fight the weight loss battle during and after menopause.

· Balance Your Hormones- Unbalanced hormones is the main culprit when it comes to menopausal weight gain. It is essential that you get your hormones under control if you want to see any kind of weight loss.

· Add Calcium and Vitamin D to Your Diet- While it is well known that they help to strengthen bone density; did you know that vitamin D and calcium actually can help you to lose weight as well?

· Go For A Daily Walk- Walking helps you to increase your metabolism. Increasing your metabolism is essential when it comes to losing weight. It also helps women who are going through menopause to decrease their risk of osteoporosis because it is considered to be a weight bearing exercise.

· Add Phytoestrogen to Your Diet- Menopause is caused by decreased estrogen production in the body. Phytoestrogen will help to restore normal hormone function to the body which will result in a return of normal estrogen production.

· Change Your Eating Habits- This may sound like common sense but many women fail to lose weight simply because they ignore this simple piece of advice. It's true that if you eat certain foods, they will cause you to gain weight. These being the case, if you are indulging in these foods and trying to lose weight at the same time, you will probably see limited results if any at all.

· Avoid the Diet Soda Fallacy- Many women believe that they can replace regular soda with diet soda and still lose weight. New studies have found that drinking diet soda can actually lead to weight gain instead of weight loss! Try drinking green tea instead. Green tea is packed with healthy antioxidants is very beneficial when it comes to losing weight.

· Keep Food Diary-Believe it or not, if you actually keep a log of the foods that you eat on a daily basis, you will actually become more conscious of the types of foods that you eat. Many people simply eat without thinking. This is what leads to bad eating habits and bad food choices.

These are just a few small but highly effective steps that you can take to start taking back control of your weight while going through menopause. Making these types of changes will not only help you to lose weight, but they will also lead to you living a healthier and happier overall life as well.

Using menopause supplements can greatly help you to increase your chances of losing weight. One of the most common supplements available today is Amberen. To discover how you can use Amberen to lose weight and read about many other women who have experienced Amberen weight loss [http://amberensideeffects.org/amberen-weight-loss/], simply visit: [http://AmberenSideEffects.org].

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What Is Menopause?

A woman enters menopause when her period is absent for twelve consecutive months. The six- to ten-year time before this is perimenopause, when symptoms generally begin. Perimenopause generally begins between the ages of 38 and 48, and marks the beginning of the reduction of estrogen and progesterone produced by the ovaries.

Though menopause has a taboo looming overhead, it is not a disease or a body malfunction. Rather, it is a natural process that all women face at some point in their lives-the natural path the body takes as life goes on. Because the menopause journey is different for every woman, experiences vary. Some women have it very easy, others have complications, and others still have an average, symptom-laden adventure. All women should find a doctor that specializes in Peri menopause and menopause and track her symptoms so she can more easily find her way to hormone happiness.

Some women encounter menopause at a younger-than-average age. This is called primary ovarian insufficiency (POI). For more on POI, listen to this radio broadcast on Sirius XM Radio (Ch. 107) with Dr. Lawrence Nelson of the National Institutes of Health. Though POI can be debilitating, these women, too, can find hormonal peace.

The more women learn about menopause before they start experiencing the symptoms, the easier the transition will be into perimenopause, menopause, and post menopause. If women understand that they can expect to possibly experience hot flashes, insomnia, night sweats, weight gain, vaginal dryness, and unexplainable mood swings or irritation, they will be able to better deal with these hormone changes, and their loved ones will have a better grasp on what their mother/sister/wife/friend is going through, too.

As the symptoms and their intensities vary for everyone, women look for remedies in several places. Some women prefer bio identical hormone replacement therapy, or HRT (here is a great list of questions to ask your doctor if that's the route you want to take), and some look to all-natural alternatives such as soy products, yoga, or simply better hydration. Soy products are difficult to prove perfectly effective, but many women will attest to their helpful aspects. For more on soy, read this Q&A with Dr. Gordon Saxe, MD, of the UC San Diego Center for Integrative Health.

A common misconception people have is that menopause is only a woman's issue. On the contrary, men experience a form of male menopause, or and ropause, too. Men experience a gradual decrease in the production of testosterone, causing symptoms like muscle loss, weight gain, fatigue, a decreased libido, depression, memory loss, hair loss, erectile dysfunction, urinary problems, and irritability. Many of these symptoms overlap between men and women. Men, too, can take measures to find hormonal balance. More men have been turning to bio identical HRT to treat their symptoms as well as rejuvenate their health and confidence.

Whatever your symptoms, remember that with the right approach, you can take control, conquer your menopause, and live a happy and healthy life functioning at 100%.

Shmirshky is the first book on menopause of its kind - it's easy, funny, and full of love! Rest assured, this is not your mother's menopause resource book. Shmirshky the pursuit of hormone happiness comes with a Daily menopause Symptoms Chart, which will help you communicate your symptoms to your doctor. Remember, reaching out is IN. Suffering in silence is OUT!

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Menopause and Lack of Sleep

It is very difficult to function over time when you don't get that much needed sleep. Now some of us (like the famous Margaret Thatcher) need only 4 hours a night. Some of us can get by on 6 hours and think we're lucky with that. And yet others of us definitely need a good eight hours in order for to be 'human' and function properly and fully each new day.

Without eight hours' sleep, many of us are short fused and edgy (not in a good way), not fully functioning and just generally not very pleasant to be around (you know who you are out there - yes, I'm talking to 'you'!) It just feels like you're running on empty - if you know what I mean - and there are a lot of us out there going through the exact same thing.

Now you add into the mix (after trying to get 'yourself' through the day), taking care of the house, taking care of the kids, and the husband and let's not forget the full time job for many of us. It's a wonder more of us don't end up in some kind of asylum, if only to get a bit of a rest from it all. Oh, but then again we come back to the good old menopause and we're not sleeping properly to start with, remember - that's what making everything ten times worse than it already is.

So what's the answer? Well, you can try the herbal remedies and over the counter supplements and give them a whirl and see if they do the trick. Or you can see your doctor and have him prescribe sleeping pills - not the best route since most of them are definitely habit forming - despite how they're portrayed on the tv ads!

Alternatively, like more and more women nowadays, you can look for alternative and safe products - one's that are 'not' chemical in nature or chemical HRT (which some women can't take in any event) and sure enough, there 'will' be something out there that suits you. It's a matter of doing a bit homework, seeing which product/therapy 'suits' you personally the most and giving that a shot.

These alternative therapies can and do work, just as well as the drugs prescribed by our well-meaning doctors - you just have to take the decision to take matters into your own hands and be responsible for your own health - don't take everything as gospel what you're told by the medical profession - research and see what's out there - try out remedies which are safe and natural and those which 'you' feel comfortable with. You owe it to yourself and your future wellbeing.

If you've had enough and seriously want to get rid of the menopause symptoms, starting today, then please check this out. You'll find vital hormone information (written by a 'real' doctor) offering you a completely natural approach to feeling well and normal again. To access the information, visit http://www.menopause-remedy.com/ and start helping yourself today.

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Menopause, Bloating, Hot Flashes - And Now Acne!

If you`re suffering from acne AND menopause, you have my sympathies.

Menopause can cause a dip in confidence at the best of times. Your body starts behaving in ways that you never expected or experienced before - hot sweats, bloating, incontinence! Which is enough to knock anyone sideways. But then you look in the mirror one morning and you can see the first signs of a breakout. I don`t mean a few harmless pimples here and there, but blackheads, whiteheads and small pustules. The type where your skin looks like a ripe tomato and a new blemish seems to pops up every couple of minutes. I can tell you that it`s a horrible experience.

Your first response may be to rush out and buy the strongest medication that you can lay your hands on, and if you have really bad acne, that may be necessary, but before you do that why not try to control your breakout without visiting the pharmacist.

Acne affects menopausal women more than you may imagine, in fact it`s quite a common problem. And unlike teenagers, who are warned about the dangers of eating sweet, greasy foods, for us older ladies, things are not quite so simple.

As with almost all menopausal symptoms, it`s those pesky hormones estrogen, testosterone and progesterone that are mainly responsible for our less than perfect complexion. They fluctuate greatly as our body goes through the menopausal changes and consequently, we experience all of the associated menopause symptoms.

I was fortunate, in that I had worked in the cosmetic industry for many years and so my skin care routine was impeccable. I had always insisted on natural products, with no added color or fragrance (and animal friendly), that may cause an allergic reaction. I drank plenty of water and never went to bed without removing every last trace of make up. As I got older, I changed only my moisturizer and made sure that it was rich enough to nourish my skin, but did not clog the pores. I also exfoliated weekly without fail, which many women do not do, but which does make a big difference as the dead skin cells do not slough off as efficiently on mature skins. This not only makes the skin look dull, but the dead skin cells will block the pores and cause spots.

It is a not true to say that acne is caused because people fail to wash their faces often enough. Too much cleansing or scrubbing the skin harshly can make acne worse.. The best way to cleanse the face is to gently wash it twice daily using a mild cleanser. Be careful to remove make-up without harsh scrubbing.

If you do find yourself in the grip of menopausal acne, don`t be tempted to buy the strongest cleanser possible and literally try to dry out every last bit of oil on your skin - as this would be counter productive and leave you with flaky skin which still had pimples. Cleaning away all of the surface oils doesn't help menopausal acne, as it starts under the skin

Of course, it goes without saying, that no matter how tempting, don't pick or squeeze your spots because you can cause infection and the skin will certainly become red. By stressing and being self-conscious, you will only draw attention to yourself and stress can, in fact also trigger an acne breakout. Worrying and fretting about your face, affects your hormones and will not help your emotional state - or your skin.

In time, the acne will improve and eventually disappear completely. But in the meantime - apart from trying to maintain a sense of humor - here are a few other suggestions to help combat menopausal acne.

* Practice relaxation techniques
* Drink plenty of water
* Use gentle products that won`t aggravate your skin
* Speak to your doctor about stopping hormone replacement therapy if you think it is the cause of your acne
* GENTLY exfoliate twice a week
* Exercise will get the blood pumping, increase your oxygen intake - and help improve your complexion.

....And did I mention retaining a sense of humor always helps?

For more information on menopause acne and all symptoms of menopause, visit us at the Complete Menopause

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What Does Menopause Mean For You?

As women at midlife, we can finally take a deep breath and exhale. We have arrived at the gateway, that marvelous middle place where we are perfectly positioned, poised between where we have been and where we are going. We can look back from this unique vantage point and draw wisdom from all the experiences we've had, and we can also look forward, ahead of us, to the many exciting years to come. At this wonderful time in our lives we each have the power to choose what our menopause experience will look like. Our journey through menopause presents us with so many diverging paths, so many opportunities, that these years are potentially the richest of our lives.

Menopause is the time at midlife when we begin to ask the important questions: How can I make my life more meaningful? What should I be doing now? What am I meant to do? If my children have grown and left home, what is my role now? Do I still have the same value? How do I manage to deal with the changes in my body and in my life, and still keep a positive self-image as I get older? Is it all downhill from here? The questions we ask ourselves can really be distilled down to this: "Am I living the best life I can? Am I living true?"

How do we live our true life? What would it look like? Is it even possible to have a "true life" with all the day-to-day pressures we face? Well, it is possible. In fact, it has never been more possible. We are at the best time of our lives. Right here. Right now. It is up to us to determine what today will bring, and what the coming years will look like. Life at menopause is filled with transitions and challenges. There are so many ways we can go. That's why it is so important to experience these years with a true and open heart.

We've never been in a better place, or at a better time, to choose for ourselves. We've never been in a better place to make positive changes in our lives. We've never been in a better place to use the wisdom we have gained over the years, and to make the choices that will allow us to embrace our menopause journey.

Yet, at midlife, some of us may feel defeated by the symptoms of menopause. The hot flashes and menopause induced lack of sleep. The depression and moodiness. We may have given up. We may not have the energy or the courage to know how to best help ourselves through this transition. We may have even tried menopause treatments but were disappointed with the results leaving you dispirited and worse, resigned to being miserable. When we resign we miss out on living our own greatness. Resignation is our death knell, whether we are thirty or eighty.

Don't resign. Resist the voice that has made you give up any part of your life, the voice that justifies the uncomfortable symptoms of menopause, the one that says it's just too difficult or it won't make a difference anyway. When we surrender to whatever we think binds us, we automatically contract. We see ourselves as victims.

Realize we are privileged to be at a different point in our lives than the generations that came before us. We have the opportunity to experience menopause differently from the way our mothers or grandmothers did. We know we are not quite the same as we were in our twenties, but for the most part, we are healthy, intellectually active, interested, and have a sense of adventure and spirit much younger than generations before us.

Having the courage to make the most of your life can begin at any age, but it's important to realize that the sooner you make up your mind to take action, the faster you will see results. Menopause is the ultimate wake-up call, a chance to evaluate how we've been living up to this point. It is the culmination of years of lifestyle habits, both good and bad. But it's never too late to change our habits - all it takes is desire and commitment to assume responsibility for your own health. Step by step, one day at a time, you can begin to build, or even rebuild a sound foundation for a comfortable menopause and quality longevity.

It is comforting to know that the classic symptoms of menopause - night sweats, vaginal dryness, insomnia, and mood swings - are not inevitable. There are many vitamins and herbs that can help to balance a changing body chemistry - without side effects. Taking control of your treatment for menopause now will start you on a journey to continued health, vitality and radiance.

Most of all, make this a special time of life for you. Take some quiet time for yourself on a daily basis. Meditation and deep breathing are excellent tools for calming the mind and smoothing out the ups and downs of day to day living. Reading uplifting affirmations and spiritual books can often take you outside of yourself and renew your perspective on life. Treat yourself well and listen to your body/mind signals. Menopause can be a wonderful time for taking inventory of all aspects of your life. Explore this time with joy and adventure, because, for many women, the best is still ahead. May your journey be blessed with happiness and wisdom as well.

Valerie Martinez is a nutritional health consultant who (together with business partner Carine Horner -- a holistic nutritionist), is dedicated to helping women just like you learn how to achieve relief from menopausal symptoms naturally and safely vs. the outdated traditional approach of HRT (hormone replacement therapy). To learn more about effective, SAFE, all-natural menopause symptom relief, visit our website at http://www.menopauserelieftoday.com/ and pick up your FREE Guide.

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6 Tips For Dealing With Menopause Symptoms

Entering into menopause can be a very confusing and trying time for a lot of women. This is because their bodies start to react and act in ways that they do not understand. Most of the things that happen to their bodies at this time have been associated with the decreasing levels of the two hormones - progesterone and estrogen. Since these two hormones are responsible for most of the sexual characteristics of women - like their periods, libido and mood - their decrease is seen to cause a lot of unwanted symptoms and effects on women.

If you are above 40 years, there is the chance that you have already started seeing signs of menopause like heavy or lighter periods, irregular periods, mood swings and irritability. Another change that most women notice in their bodies as they approach menopause is unwanted weight gain. Menopause and weight gain are usually taken synonymous; however what every women should understand is that weight gain during menopause does not have to be inevitable. Given below are 6 tips that can help you to have a healthy and toned body through menopause and beyond:

1. Understanding what menopause is

What every woman should know is that menopause is a natural transition in a woman's life; it happens as there is a decline in hormone levels, dwindling and then complete end of ovulation, and ceasing of menstrual cycle. It is not any kind of illness to be feared; it is a natural process that every woman has to go through. You have to accept it as it comes, and of course be prepared to deal with any symptoms that it may bring along.

2. Learning how to recognise the signs of menopause

You may not know, but subtle hormonal shifts, for many women, begin as early as in their thirties. Therefore, you should already start watching out for any signs of menopause if you are above 30s. The perfect time to tackle the menopausal weight gain is when a woman first notice a change in her shape or weight - and that may be much earlier than she may have expected. Remember, change in your weight may or may not be accompanied by other signs of menopause, which are relatively easier to spot, like irregular periods or hot flashes. It is never too early to begin taking steps to control any excessive weight gain.

3. Understanding why one gains weight so easily during the menopause

For most women, menopause and weight gain goes hand in hand. Weight gain is amongst the first signs of menopause that a woman experiences as she approaches the menopausal age. And it is the hormones, in particular cortisol, that are to be blamed for menopausal weight gain more than anything else. The body releases cortisol when one is under stress. Cortisol, in turn, prompts one to over-indulge in sweet and fatty foods, seemingly comforting. Needless to say, this makes the things worse as it encourages the body to lay down layers of fat right around one's midriff.

4. Three-pronged attack to achieve weight loss during menopause

As soon as the signs of menopause including weight gain manifest, every woman must make at least three life-style changes: adapting her eating patterns, getting more active and de-stressing. As for eating patterns, she should minimize junk (it actually is not good at any age, however, a woman needs to get more cautious as she approaches the menopausal age), go for fresh foods, and get regular, small meals. A woman can include some kind of exercise in her daily regime to get more active; yoga is excellent. And, last but not the least, she should know how to de-stress and relax.

5. Yoga - the best medicine to fight menopausal symptoms and weight gain

For any woman, at midlife or beyond, yoga can prove to be a primary form of menopause medicine, which can help her adjust to hormonal changes taking place in her body, and cope effectively with a wide range of menopausal symptoms or signs of menopause - including night sweats, hot flashes, mood swings, heavy bleeding, and fatigue.

Yoga balances the endocrine system, thereby reducing the effect of hormonal changes that take place during menopause. The regular practice of yoga poses - sitting, standing, lying down, forward bends, backbends, and twists - activates and stimulates all the organs, glands, cells and tissues of the body. Thus through yoga, you not only keep the weight under check but also keep your body healthy, fit and stress free.

6. Pay attention to your menopause diet

At this stage of life, with signs of menopause appearing, it is not only what you eat that matters but also how much you eat. You should include plenty of fruits and vegetables, wholegrain carbs and sufficient protein. Try eating several smaller meals than one or two huge ones. Also don't overeat; when you get up from the table, you shouldn't be too full, and you shouldn't be too hungry.

Menopause and gaining weight isn't a given. Follow the above tips, and make looking after your health and yourself your top priority. Build yourself the happy and healthy long-term future you so rightly deserve.

Menopause Fat Loss Expert, Personal Trainer, Nutrition Expert

If you would like to receive my 7 Day Menopause Diet Guide pick a FREE COPY at http://www.7daymenopausediet.com/

Since early 1999, Kris has been teaching women around the world how to use simple effective strategies to lose fat, tone and shape their bodies and feel amazing in their own skin. Kris is the Author of "The Menopause Cookbook" sold through Amazon Books. He also is the creator of the highly visited blog http://www.mymenopausefix.com/

Kris has been coined "The Menopause Savior" because of his unique and profound understanding of the women's body and how it works.

"Kris sees the female Body like no other male."
AnnaMaria D. (49) NYC

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Dreading Menopause or Already There and Hating It? Here's What You Can Do

When women begin experiencing symptoms such as irregular periods, vaginal dryness, hot flashes, mood swings, and increased abdominal fat among other things, this probably signals the onset of menopause. This will vary from woman to woman.

Menopause is sometimes dreaded by women as the end of youthfulness. Actually, this can really be the start of another amazing phase of life that can be joyfully accepted and looked forward to. That is, if the uncomfortable unpleasant symptoms can be managed or eliminated. Many women do not know that there is an alternative to dangerous drugs for the handling the symptoms.

There is much more information available today than in years past on this topic. Women usually enter menopause on average around age 50. Part of the menopause process is the cessation of estrogen produced in the ovaries. Estrogen is used throughout the entire body beyond reproduction; it also includes the urinary tract, the heart, bones, skin, hair, and also the brain.

This lack of estrogen in a woman's body can cause many symptoms that will vary between women. However, there are alternatives to harsh chemical drugs prescribed for the various symptoms of menopause. Natural dietary supplements can be a blessing and a great alternative for many women.

Estrogen can be prescribed to women who experience severe symptoms such as vaginal dryness, vaginal atrophy, hot flashes, depression, and mood swings. However, estrogen therapy itself comes with some dangerous often deadly consequences. It is sometimes difficult to decide whether to take the risk of adding estrogen therapy, but still knowing the debilitating symptoms will continue without the therapy.

Some women never experience these symptoms, but the ones that do suffer a great deal. There does not appear to be a rhyme or reason as to who will have these symptoms and who will not. Remember, these symptoms can continue for years.

For women suffering with menopausal symptoms, try adding natural dietary supplement to your daily habits. There are many ingredients that offer relief, including: feverfew, dong quai, horse tail, milk thistle among others. Choose one that will contain some of the ingredients listed above.

Remember, there are natural alternatives to the harsh and dangerous drugs prescribed over and over that are not always the best for our bodies. Mother Nature sometimes knows best. Always check with your primary health care provider before adding any supplement to your diet. You need to be sure it will not interact with any prescribed medication you are currently taking.

Virginia takes a keen interest in all maters relating to health and fitness. She also does research in the areas of natural dietary supplements. I am sure you are concerned about your health; therefore, I suggest you visit Dietary Supplements to obtain information on a supplement that is the most comprehensive, effective and advance in the world today and cater for a wide age range.

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Non-Estrogenic Herbal Supplements for Menopause

Ongoing research over the last decade has cast the efficacy and potential safety of many commonly prescribed synthetic drugs into doubt. Hormone Replacement Therapy has come under particular scrutiny during this period, with research suggesting links between long-term use of the treatment and an increased risk of heart disease, blood clots, breast and ovarian cancer and stroke. This concern over the potential side-effects of HRT has led many women to look for safer, cheaper and more natural ways to treat their uncomfortable menopausal symptoms without synthetic hormones. In this growing trend towards natural medicine, non-estrogenic herbal supplements for menopause have become a first line of treatment for many women.

What are non-estrogenic herbs?

The most effective kinds of herbal supplements for menopause are either phytoestrogenic or non-estrogenic. Phytoestrogenic herbs contain a natural compound which is very similar to human estrogen, which means they can help balance fluctuating hormone levels when they are consumed on a regular basis. Non-estrogenic herbs, however, - as the name suggests- do not contain any substance that replicates the effects of estrogen in the body. Instead, this kind of herb works by stimulating the pituitary and endocrine glands to produce more of the body's own natural hormones more efficiently.

There are many varieties of plant that can be considered non-estrogenic, but only a small number contain the nutrients needed to improve the function of the endocrine system and balance hormone levels, and fewer still have been clinically proven to be beneficial to menopausal women.

What are the benefits of non-estrogenic herbs?

Non-estrogenic herbal supplements for menopause are effective for many women because they encourage the body to produce more of its own natural estrogen, at a time when hormone production is gradually winding down to a halt. By nourishing the endocrine gland, non-estrogenic herbs help to restore hormonal balance and prevent many of the problems caused by fluctuating hormone levels during menopause, including hot flushes, night sweats, depression, mood swings and vaginal dryness. Furthermore, because non-estrogenic herbs help to keep estrogen at a healthy level, it is thought that herbal supplements of this kind could help prevent osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease, two conditions which menopausal women are particularly vulnerable to as their estrogen levels start to decline.

Recent medical research has indicated that certain kinds of non-estrogenic herbal remedies for menopause can be used as a natural alternative to Hormone Replacement Therapy. These herbs promote hormonal balance in a very similar way to HRT, but instead of introducing synthetic hormones to the body, they improve natural hormone production and work in harmony with the rest of the body. Non-estrogenic herbs are widely prescribed in countries such as Germany, France and Japan for menopausal women who report uncomfortable and distressing symptoms and they have become increasingly popular in America and across the rest of Europe. These herbal remedies for menopause generally come in capsule form and are recommended for daily use.

If you want to know more about herbs for menopause then please visit http://www.ccherb.com/herbs-for-menopause for more information.

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Symptoms of Menopause

Menopause is a natural part of the aging process for women. The medical definition of menopause refers to no longer having the inability to reproduce and have children. A woman is no longer fertile. Menopause also involves hormonal changes and a drop in estrogen levels. There are many symptoms associated with menopause which can be uncomfortable or unpleasant for women. There are numerous things that you can do to feel better during this natural life cycle change.

Menopause Symptoms: Over 70% percent of women experiencing menopause will have symptoms related to the condition. There is the pre-menopause state known as "perimenopause" where hormone levels already begin their decline. This usually begins in your early 40s. Hot flashes and night sweats are the more common symptoms associated with menopause. Additionally you may experience a lower libido and irregular menstruation. The hot flash is similar to a warm sensation that may feel like a flushing over the entire body. These can be mild or more severe. If they occur at night they can also induce the common night sweats associated with menopause. Irregular menstruation means you may have your period twice in a given month or skip a month or two between cycles. The lightness or heaviness of your period can also vary. Loss of sexual interest: This can lead to a lack of interest in sexual activity due to the hormonal imbalances that are occurring.

Fatigue: This is also common. Many women will feel consistently tired and weak. This can have a very negative impact on their lives as it makes it difficult to keep up with daily activities. There can also be an increase in facial hair with some women as well as thinning of the hair on the scalp. Irritability: Many women suffer from moodiness with changing emotions that can be rather intense at times. In more severe cases a woman may feel a sense of panic. This could lead to panic disorder which is associated with feelings of intense anxiety. This could be a brief episode or become a more serious problem. Depression can also occur with menopause.

Difficulty Sleeping: You may experience frequently waking up at night and in general your sleep may not be as restful. Memory Lapses: There can be some mental confusion that occurs and difficulty concentrating. This can also be connected to not getting enough sleep. Weight Fluctuations: Many women will gain excess weight particularly in the stomach region. This is in part due to the slowing down of the metabolism and the natural redistribution of fat that occurs as women age. You can prevent this from happening by changing your diet and exercising to increase your metabolism.

Some women experience varying levels of incontinence where they will urinate accidentally during common everyday activities such as sneezing or laughing too hard. This can be terribly uncomfortable and embarrassing for many women. The reason that this can occur varies. It could stem from a loss of sensation that you need to urinate to a weakening of the bladder muscles themselves.

In addition to weight gain you may have abdominal bloating and some fluid retention. Irregular Heart Rate: Another common complaint is rapid or irregular heart rate. If this occurs you need to be careful and see a doctor immediately if you experience any discomfort.

Changes in Skin and Nails: Menopause will signal the more rapid onset of aging which will affect the skin and nails. As collagen levels decline the skin will develop increased wrinkles. Fingernails may become dry and brittle and break more easily.

Lifestyle Factors to Make Menopause more tolerable: Good nutrition is essential. Healthy eating can lessen many of the symptoms associated with menopause. Having adequate amounts of calcium is important for bone health and to prevent osteoporosis. Some good food choices include yogurt, cheese, sardines and dark green vegetables. Avoid consuming bad fats but eat good fats in the form of omega-3 fatty acids. These can be found in fatty fish such as salmon and tuna, olive and flax seed oils. Increase Vitamin C by eating fresh fruit such as oranges. Include foods high in fiber to help your digestive track and bowels stay regular. Limit your intake of processed foods such as hot dogs and premade frozen and canned meals. Excess sugar can be very unhealthy and can lead to weight gain and blood sugar fluctuations which could make your other menopause symptoms seem even more uncomfortable.

Exercise: Getting regular and appropriate exercise is such an important factor in your good health. It goes without saying that exercise is important at every age and will help to naturally boost your mood and increase your energy levels. Women's bones become frailer with menopause and regular exercise helps to strengthen them. Exercise will also help with the dreaded weight gain that is common. When you exercise your body releases endorphins which make you feel happier and less stressed. Try to find an exercise program that you would enjoy participating in. It could be as simple as walking every morning for 20 to 30 minutes. Or you might like to join a gym and find classes and programs that you could commit to on a regular basis. Remember as with any lifestyle or dietary change always consult with your medical doctor before undertaking particularly if you suffer from any disease or ailment or are taking prescription drugs.

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If you would like more information regarding the treatments available at The Issels Medical Center in Santa Barbara, California, please call 805-962-2126 or toll free at 888-374-7735. And please visit the website at: http://www.issels.com/Questionaire/questionnaire_IMC.aspx.

By Tina C. Loren

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What Ladies Can Do to Deal With Menopause Properly

Contrary to what many people think, men are also affected when their female companions-single or married but sexually active-undergo the menopausal stage. Menopause can negatively affect relationships and even considerably modify the dynamics of lovemaking because of the psychological and physiological shifts it brings about. It might even spark a breakdown in relationships or the termination of any kind of physical intimacy.

When a natural bodily function ceases, it may be a traumatic experience if not handled properly. The women can be prone to regular mood shifts at the beginning of, throughout, and even after menopause. This could make family life challenging not only for the woman, but also for other family members. As other family members might not fully understand the matter, the emotional pressure may cause many disputes.

A woman goes through menopause when her ovaries cease producing eggs, rendering her unable to have children. It also puts an end to a woman's reproductive years, causing a sudden change in her hormonal levels. The end of a woman's menstrual period normally happens between the ages of 47 and 53, but can also come earlier or later based on several factors, which are sometimes genetic.

There's a widespread misconception that the younger generation might be more active in sex than their more mature counterparts due to the "newness" of the experience. However, research in several countries has shown the opposite-men can be more active in sex as they get older, while middle-aged women have improved sex lives. The latter seems to bedue to women's doubts concerning the outcomes of menopause.

Middle-aged women may try to maximize their time before the beginning of menopause and take part in more intimate activities. Although menopause can reduce a woman's intimate desires, she can still look for help to mitigate its consequences through bio identical hormone replacement therapy. This treatment can help women who have undergone menopause and give comfort to their lovemaking anxieties.

Sex can be quite excruciating for women that are in menopause. Nonetheless, despite their decreased sex drive, some women refuse to give up to please their partners. A bioidentical hormone replacement procedure can help the woman and her spouse meet their sexual requirements. It can also alleviate the vaginal symptoms of menopause such as burning, dryness, itching, and some other kinds of discomfort.

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can mitigate hot flashes, mood swings, headaches, anxiety attacks and other negative effects of menopause. It may also provide some defense against heart disease, colorectal cancer, and osteoporosis. Menopause may be inescapable for women, but it should not put a stop to intimacy with their spouses. You may visit the following website to find out more: www.emedicine.medscape.com/article/264088-overview.

For more details, search bio identical hormone replacement therapy and bioidentical hormone replacement in Google.

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Are You Suffering From Menopause And Arthritis?

Climb up to a life free from menopause arthritis

Recent studies have shown that women in their late forties and early fifties are displaying signs of menopause arthritis - a form of osteoarthritis triggered by menopause. Was it not enough that menopause brought on the hot flashes, night sweats and a variety of aches and pains which kept a woman up at night, that menopause arthritis has now been added to the list? The thought of a flight of stairs makes you want to balk and makes you want to move to a more comfortable but expensive apartment on the ground floor.

But before you start looking at adapting your lifestyle to accommodate this new phenomenon, understand what is happening with your body first.

Understanding what is arthritis

Osteoarthritis or arthritis is a common complaint of women in the age group between thirty to fifty years. Arthritis is caused by the wear and tear of the cartilage around the joints. As this wear and tear is gradual arthritis usually is a complaint of people belonging to an older age group.

Menopause arthritis - What is the connection between the two?

Arthritis has always been more of a complaint with women than with men. The logical hormone connecting menopause with arthritis then seems to be the hormone estrogen. When a woman's ovaries stop producing eggs during menopause her body experiences hormonal imbalances. Especially the levels of the hormone in a woman's body start reducing. Researchers have laid the blame for arthritis on estrogen because of the following reasons:

· The occurrence of arthritis in twice the number of women as the number of men suggests that the trigger to arthritis has to be some hormone exclusive to the female body

· Pregnant women have experienced the symptoms of arthritis more extremely than the average woman. A pregnant woman is also known to have higher levels of estrogen

There are multiple causes which trigger arthritis. While estrogen leads the race in this matter, there are other changes in the woman's body which affect arthritis. During menopause, owing to the hormonal imbalances, a woman is prone to gaining more weight. The weight gained adds more pressure on the knees, causing further wear and tear of the cartilage.

Besides estrogen, there are other hormones in a woman's body which experience the imbalance brought on by menopause. The secretion of these hormones causes the tissues and cartilages around the joints to deteriorate more rapidly.

Menopause arthritis can it be avoided?

There is no fool-proof plan which will keep you free from the clutches of menopause arthritis. However, the onset of arthritis can be prevented by taking small but simple steps:

· Applying hormone topical creams on aches and pains which begin early, can delay the onset of the arthritis. These creams are designed to balance out the estrogen levels in the body and hence help relieve the pain caused by inflammation

· Regulating your diet and switching to a gluten-free diet will make sure that you do not gain more weight and add more pressure on your knees, aiding the wear and tear of tissues around the knee joints. Weight gain also affects other joints besides the knee, like the back, ankles and wrists

· Using a mild anti-inflammatory cream during peri-menopause delays the onset of menopause arthritis

· Using supplements to strengthen the bones from an early age, prevents the early onset of arthritis

Menopause arthritis Herbs that can help

There are also home remedies you can resort to when you begin to first experience the aches in your joints. Indian researchers have placed great faith in the practice of Ayurveda and the use of medicinal herbs to ease aches and pains which lead to the arthritis caused by menopause.

· Boswellia - An Indian herb with no side effects interrupts the inflammation in the joints and the release of biochemicals which cause pain. Many women who have used this herb during perimenopause have had a menopause free of joint and back aches

· Turmeric - Turmeric is the wonder herb of India. The uses of turmeric are vast and varied, primarily used as an antiseptic to heal wounds, turmeric is known to have curcumin which reduces inflammation and eases pain. Application of turmeric paste over aching joints reduces the pain

· Cayenne - More popularly famous as a spice, Cayenne contains capsaicin which works as a soothing painkiller on joint aches. Capsaicin actually encourages the body to release its own hormones responsible for relieving pain

While menopause arthritis is a painful truth most women have to deal with, it does not have to become a way of life. There are natural and medical ways to prolong the onset of arthritis and to deal with its early onset. Switching to a healthier diet and taking care of your body from an earlier age will help you have a more comfortable and pain-free menopause.

In conclusion the best practices for handling arthritis or any of the other 34 menopause symptom is to take a proactive approach to staying healthy, eating a clean, adding more daily fibers to each meal, lower fat and sugar intake, and exercise at least 30 minutes everyday.

If you would like to receive my 7 Day Menopause Diet Guide pick up a FREE COPY at http://www.7daymenopausediet.com/

Here's a Few Topic I share in the 7 day Menopause Diet
* How to sleep 6 hours without waking up with hot flashes
* 6 Key natural herbs and vitamins every women should be taking
* Exercise for Menopause Relief not Weight Loss

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Soy Isoflavones Bring Hormonal Balance to Women Going Through Menopause

No matter where you got your roots, every woman will go through menopause. Honestly, there's no avoiding it-especially if you let it happen without taking any form of precaution or relief formula. It isn't the actual stage of menopause that can be avoided, but the side effects certainly can. The process that a woman goes through during this time really takes a toll on her body. Just think about it...this is the breaking point from when she stops being able to reproduce, her uterus shrinks, and she no longer gets a monthly menstrual cycle. That is a lot of change to handle and the new balance of estrogen in her body can take her comfort levels for an unpleasant ride. Bringing the hormone balance back will be the best thing for controlling menopausal side effects. Soy isoflavones are highly suggested and used by women worldwide to help with this problem.

Isoflavones are chemical compounds that have a similar build up to the estrogens naturally produced in the body. For women that lack estrogen, they will need an estrogen substitute. Thanks to phytoestrogens this deficiency can easily be solved. Phytoestrogens are estrogens that are derived from plants. You can find isoflavones in soy and plants that phytoestrogens. In this case, for menopause treatment, we are referring to soy isoflavones.

Many women actually use soy in their diet to help make it through menopause. Honestly soy isoflavones can do a number of positive things to the body. They can help subdue hot flashes and night sweats along with a number of other side effects. Beside menopausal benefits, the compound can also help prevent a number of different diseases.

An interesting fact about Asian women and Asian countries is that they typically use much more soy in their diet than, for example, American women do. When doing comparisons between the two diets, the women of Asian descent with soy in their diet do not see the intense side effects of menopause that American women do. So because they already have soy incorporated in their diet, Asian women tend have a more healthy hormone balance and can virtually avoid the imbalance.

The thing that most women want to make disappear with menopause is the hot flashes. If you are looking for a remedy try taking a relief supplement that has soy isoflavones in the formula. This way you can restore hormonal balance to your body.

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Two Great Herbs for Menopause

There are two herbs that have shown great promise for women in their fight against the drastic changes associated with menopause, Red Cover and Black Cohosh. Read on to learn the key points of nature's little assistants.

Red Clover

Unlike synthetic hormone replacements, the phytoestrogenic isoflavones of this herb provide mild estrogenic effects within a woman's body when estrogen levels are insufficient. That seems like a good deal of big words but what it really means is that a smooth, nearly symptomless transition between level changes is possible. These phytoestrogenic effects ensure a natural check-and-balance system in the body because they bind to estrogen receptors. During menopause, there are substances that are able to bind to these receptors, causing the drastic changes in mood, hot flashes, and other complaints. Because Red Clover keeps these herbs from binding, they are instead removed from the bloodstream and broken down for excretion.

Overall, this herb provides a natural way to keep estrogen levels in check, ensuring a balanced mood and body.

Black Cohosh

This herb softens the impact of menopause on the body. While it is similar to Red Clover in that it addresses the estrogen receptor sites in the body, the two herbs are different in the manner in which they do this. Red Clover provides a balance and produces this hormone naturally when needed, Black Cohosh has been shown to produce estrogen whether it is needed or not. While this may suggest that you should choose one over the other, don't act too quickly. Black Cohosh has shown promise in greatly reducing the intensity and frequency of hot flashes during menopause and also has a sedative effect on the nervous system, helping to curb mood swings. This effect has proven beneficial during menopause as well as menstruation.

Beyond these herbs and the help they can provide, be sure to consider vitamins and minerals as well. Bone loss is not uncommon for women during this time and calcium supplements as well as magnesium are beneficial. Magnesium assists the effectiveness of calcium supplements and while you may not want to take an additional pill each day, your bones will thank you.

Evening Primrose Oil and Vitamin E have shown great promise in eliminating hot flashes and night sweats when taken long-term so consider incorporating these into your wellness regimen as well. Other great supplements to consider include a multi-vitamin, which is important for everyone, as well as B vitamins to support your adrenal glands. Because of the rapid changes, women's bodies can feel run-down and a B vitamin will assist your adrenals in keeping your energy levels up naturally.

While this change is no cake walk, the addition of the vitamins, herbs, and minerals listed above can provide a bit of relief. Relying only on chemicals or hormone replacement therapy can have a negative impact in other parts of your body so consider researching how natural remedies can benefit you.

To learn more about these herbs as well as foods and spices to incorporate into your diet during menopause, see this blog post http://www.hannakroeger.com/2012/02/08/herbs-for-menopause/

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