Archive for August, 2007
August 28th, 2007 at 08:37am
Under Female Menopause
With all the symptoms associated with menopause, hot flashes have to be considered among the worst symptom of all. While they are an absolute annoyance, it is the hormonal imbalance during menopause that causes them to occur. Since there are no definitive reasons as to why hot flashes occur, let’s just try to determine how to deal with hot flashes.
It been determined that “lifestyle and psychological factors can increase the number and severity of hot flashes that a menopausal woman experiences. In fact, women who tested at a high level of anxiety had nearly five times the number of hot flashes as those who had a low level of anxiety. Women who smoked experienced twice the amount. Being overweight led to an increase in annoying hot flashes, as well.”
Hot flashes sometimes start with perimenopause, or they may not start until after the last menstrual period has occurred. Usually, they last three to five years and are usually worse during the year following the last menstrual period. However, it has been noted that for some women, hot flashes can last indefinitely.
Although it is believed that hot flashes are associated with a decrease in estrogen levels, there are those who believe it is simply the hormonal balance which acts as the catalyst. Before puberty, girls have low estrogen but they do not suffer hot flashes. However, women in the late stages of pregnancy may have hot flashes at a time when their estrogen levels are high.
It has been stated that “the secretion of hormones is regulated in the brain by the hypothalamus, which houses the body’s thermoregulatory center. They believe that something happens in this center that causes the body’s thermostat to be altered. The result is a hot flash, a feeling of excessive warmth if the body gets just a little overheated. In an attempt to cool down, the body perspires and blood vessels dilate, causing skin to turn pink or red. After a brief time, maybe a few minutes, the heat dissipates, leading to chills.”
The traditional solution to relieve hot flashes was implemented by using hormone replacement therapy. However, we now know that HRT could have side affects which may cause more harm and good. It has also been recommended to support your body in a natural way, thus not having to rely on prescription drugs used in hormone replacement therapy. Many women find that with the proper support, their own bodies can correct the hormonal imbalance that is the real cause.
Finally, taking everything into consideration; it seems that hot flashes – while a definite nuisance – can be handled in a very simply. Just ignore them as much as possible. Accept them as part of the menopause and aging cycle, and do not give them any more importance than you would an annoying fly that just won’t leave you alone.
By admin
August 16th, 2007 at 08:43am
Under Female Menopause
Menopause and Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis has less to do with menopause and the lack of estrogen then it does with just the normal aging process. In fact, smoking, medications, and being underweight have a greater effect on bone loss then menopause. That’s why exercise is so important as it increases overall bone mass. While osteoporosis can lead to loss of height and tiny fractures, woman are also vulnerable to fractures of the hip. Therefore, it is important to take precautionary measures such as proper balanced diet, exercise and calcium and vitamin D suplements to prevent the loss of bone mass.
Further, your doctor may advise you to take a bone density test to determine just how much bone loss has occurred.
The bone density test encompasses taking an X-ray scan which can measure the bone density of your lumbar spine, because the spine is usually the first area to experience loss of bone mass. You probably don’t need a special scan to identify bone loss if you have lost height each year. However, if you have just begun perimenopause or are in the stages of menopause, it may be a good idea to have the test done now.
If after the test you are told your bone loss is minimal, you may decide to do nothing. But it is still important to keep your bones strong , you may wish to keep tabs on the progress of bone loss through regular tests. If, on the other hand, you are told that your rate of bone loss is significant, you may want to take a proactive approach to prevent osteoporosis.
The most effective way to maintain the strength of your bones requires a combination of lifestyle changes and dietary measures, such as: discontinue smoking; exercise 30 minutes a day, three or four days a week; ensure you are following a nutritional diet, with sufficient amounts calcium; exercise caution to prevent falls; and included vitamin D supplements in your dietary regimen.
Clearly, osteoporosis can rear its ugly head at some point. But you can take appropriate action to ensure you are doing everything you can to prevent the onset or, at the very least, stopping its progression.
By admin
August 8th, 2007 at 11:49am
Under Female Menopause
One of the top 3 menopause symptoms seems to be menopause weight gain and a change in the overall shape of your body. About 90% of menopausal women gain some weight between the ages of 35 and 55, research now shows that weight gain during menopause is caused by shifts in your hormones, not over eating. Most women will gain about 10 to 15 pounds during their menopausal years.
As you enter menopause, maintaining weight becomes more and more difficult, and losing weight becomes almost impossible. This is because of the fluctuation in hormones, have a direct impact on your appetite, metabolism, and fat storage.
Hormones Involved in menopause weight gain are:
*Estrogen
*Progesterone
*Androgen
*Testosterone
Although it is natural to put weight on during menopause it is important to still maintain a sensible weight. Here are some tips to help you control menopause weight gain:
• Eat a balanced diet, with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables
• Avoid missing meals will only cause your metabolism to slow down, causing you to gain more weight later on.
• Don’t loose to much weight, being very thin can lead to an increased chance of developing osteoporosis and broken bones if you fall.
• Reduce your intake of caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol.
• Remain active by walking, swimming or taking up a low impact sport.
If you put on excessive weight during menopause, see your doctor as this could be a sign that something is wrong with your hormone levels, blood sugars, or eating habits.
Excessive fat stored around the abdomen especially in menopausal women can lead to an increased risk for heart disease and high blood pressure.
By admin
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