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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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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By Tina C. Loren

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Can Some Symptoms of Menopause Benefit From Omega 7?

There are currently an estimated 50 million menopausal women in the United States today and, according to the NAMS (North American Menopause Society), approximately an additional 2 million women per year will be reaching menopause.

Menopause is not a disease but rather a natural occurrence in the lives of women as they age. The estrogen and progesterone hormones regulate menstrual cycles and keep the body fertile. As the aging process progresses, usually women in their late 30's, the release of hormones begins to decrease. The degeneration of these hormones becomes more evident into their 40's. When menstruation stops completely a woman is in menopause. Generally this occurs around the age of 50, however for women who have had various cancer treatments or a hysterectomy the age of the onset of menopause can be much lower.

Symptoms of menopause vary but generally include stress, hot flashes, sleep disturbances, thinning hair, mood swings and vaginal dryness. Most of the symptoms are temporary however a few remain into the post-menopausal years, which include vaginal dryness.

In a recent study conducted by The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Turku, Finland, it was concluded that sea buckthorn oil was a natural and effective solution to contributing to the health of mucous membranes including where vaginal dryness occurs, the urogenital tract. Additional benefits were documented in the health of other mucous membranes in the body including digestive, respiratory and the inner surfaces of the eyes.

The study determined that because sea buckthorn combines high levels of beneficial fatty acids, plant-derived antioxidants, vitamins and plant sterols it showed numerous beneficial effects of sea buckthorn oil on mucous membranes. The outcomes, which included: tissue regeneration, improved immune function and reducing lipid peroxidation (which is responsible for releasing free radicals that result in cell damage) were recorded.

Sea buckthorn oils, taken internally contain the highest amount of Omega 7 of any known food source. It is Omega 7 that holds high levels of beneficial fatty acids including Omegas 3, 6, 9, vitamins, and antioxidants... in total over 190 bio active compounds.

The recommended daily dosage is from 250 mg. to 500 mg. of Omega 7 taken internally. Sibu, LLC, leaders in premium Himalayan sea buckthorn products, will soon release a new line of ingestible Omega 7 products called Sibu Seven. The entire line is derived from sea buckthorn fruit oils from a proprietary source and method that grows, harvests and produces the nutrient-dense fruit oil into pure ingestibles that contain no additional additives or preservatives.

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10 Important Menopause Symptoms And Signs You Need To Watch For

Most of the time, women does not have enough knowledge over the things that are happening to them. Even with the changes in their bodies, they cannot grasp the meaning of it sometimes especially with the occurrence like menopause. The emergence of indicators such as excessive perspiring at night, warm or hot flashes, and exhaustion are sometimes being ignored by women until these symptoms worsen, then that is only the time they will learn about the subject menopause.

Similar to menstrual cycle, menopause is a normal occurrence that can happen to a woman when she reaches the age of 40 and beyond which signals that her womanhood will come to an end. The symptoms brought by this condition affect the physical, emotional, and psychological aspect of the body.

First off, let us classify the forms of menopause. The first phase is called peri-menopuase wherein the initial symptoms begin to inflict a woman. Secondly is the actual menopausal stage followed by the post menopause wherein the symptoms gradually fade until it ceases to exist.

Various symptoms and indicators are enumerated as follows:

Warm or hot flashes:
One of the most common and troubling indicator of an upcoming menopause is the hot flash which makes the body reddish eventually leading to excessive perspiring during the night. Some women may experience more severe sensation compared to others that could disturb their life subsequently.

Vaginal Dryness And Breast Sagging:
This conditions may include the following:
- Loss of moisture in the genitalia

- Declining support in the womb and pelvic area

- Sagging of breasts

Missed Menstrual Cycle:
This is the most evident early menopausal indicator wherein woman may not experience menstrual bleeding in a certain date. Lapses occur between periods however, conceiving a child is still possible in this phase.

Painful Intercourse:
This is true when a woman enters the menopausal stage due to the fluctuating hormones resulting to dryness. With this, the intercourse will be painful for her.

Disease and Infection:
As what gave been said, the fluctuating hormones cause the vagina to become more vulnerable especially to some infections including yeast infections. This brings painful urination too together with irritation and awful discharge in the genitals. So a good hygiene should be practiced all the time.

Frequent Urination:
You may not control your bladder when you are menopause because of the decreasing hormones again. The hormones serve as the protector of the tissues and organs in the reproductive system as well as to the adjacent organs like the bladder. Unfortunately when menopause comes, the organs will weaken and lose its original ability. Same with the bladder, as a woman aged, her bladder may not function well of controlling her urine resulting to spontaneous discharge or aching urination.

Bone Weakening:
It is known that during the menopausal stage, the bones of a woman weaken and may even lead to osteoporosis. This is again a result of the gradual decrease of the hormones. As they decrease, the rate of bone weakening and loss subsequently increases.

Forgetfulness:
Menopause also affects the psychological aspect of the body affecting the function of the brain and may lead to memory gap.

If you would like to know more about menopause then check out this great blog http://herbalremediesformenopause.com/ or this Natural Menopause Treatment site for more tips and ideas.

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