Most women who enter menopause, and who come out the other side, have not only experienced a change in the physical life of their body, but also in their life as a whole. Many have grown children who have left home to venture out on their own journey. Some women choose to return to school, be it to finish their grade 12 or to earn a degree. Several of the women that I know are either single or in the process of a divorce. Being single is certainly a change as well!

Menopause is experienced in the forties or fifties, and it is packed with physical and psychological changes that are caused by shifts in a woman’s hormonal makeup. These changes cause symptoms such as night sweats, vaginal dryness and hot flashes. The process can take as little as six months, or for others, as long as five years. Please God, let me be in the six month bracket!

Although menopause is a normal part of the life cycle, there are certain things that if they happen to you it is important for you to see your doctor. These symptoms include hot flashes that are so severe or frequent that they result in fatigue, depression, mood swings, or sleep interruption. Another important symptom to watch for is if you experience bleeding after your menstrual cycle has ceased for six months or longer, or if you are on hormone replacement therapy and your bleeding is not on the cycle the doctor told you to expect.

There are several alternative methods to help you cope with the symptoms of menopause. Aromatherapy, ayurvedic medicine, Bach flower remedies, diet and herbal therapy can all play an important part in easing your symptoms. Remember that since men have the male equivalent – andropause – they will benefit from some of these alternatives as well!

One option that is often overlooked is using vitamins and minerals to tame the severity of the menopausal symptoms. Magnesium, calcium, vitamin E and a good multivitamin can all help calm the storm of menopause and andropause. Evening primrose for the ladies is a very good idea, and men can also benefit from a good shot of borage oil.

Dosages for each of the minerals and vitamins should be listed on the bottle, but in the event they are not here is a guideline:
Magnesium – 300 – 500 milligrams
Calcium – 500 – 1000 milligrams in divided doses
Vitamin E – 400 i.u. twice a day
Multivitamin (good quality) with at least 25 milligrams of all the B vitamins including B5, or pantothenic acid

By watching your diet and your lifestyle, you can make menopause your change of life! A good informational website is important if you are surfing the web, as not all remedies work for all people. And, while you are surfing, check out a list of courses at your local college – it is never too late for change!

What I am trying to say is when you end your working days, and yet still want to do something, check out what is available for online home businesses on the web! Life is not ending with the onset of menopause – it is a whole new beginning for you – and look at it that way. Sure there may be an empty nest syndrome as one by one those babies/young adults leave to venture into the big world. But rejoice – you have done the right thing, and they will be fine.

Rather a babbling post today, but I did want to mention empty nests, online businesses, and retirement. Enjoy your journey – and remember – different strokes for different folks – what may work for you may not work for your friend, and vice versa! Until next time – Lady Babble!

So, now that summer is here, and the schools are winding down it is time for  . . . wait for it . . . . it is time for rain.  Rain rain and more rain.  And unlike Spain, it does fall more than on the plains.  So far, in the last 24 hours we have had enough rain to cause rivers and creeks to flood, roads to wash away, and basements to flood.

I think that as we get older, and more into our menopausal/andropausal years, the more certain things irritate us.  And too much rain, when not in Spain, and when it falls upon the plains – well that is a lot of irritation!  Where is my Maca???  I don’t usually take Maca everyday, but when little frustrations, setbacks, bad weather,  the night sweats and the hot flashes rear their heads, I am rushing to find the bottle.

I have discovered that Maca is good for energy, good for the adrenals, good for the hypothalamus, and good for the pancreas.  Maca is not just for the hormonal balance it provides.   Maca was an integral part of the diet and commerce of the people of the Andes.   They knew it was so powerful and promoted such energy and well being that it was used only for the members of the Royal Court.

So, in short, when the rain on your plains does not fall mainly in Spain, then reach for the Maca.  You will find the energy and will to do something else, preferably with a loved one, thereby taking your mind off the rain, and reminding you that even though your body is going through some changes, you can still feel the vim and vigor of youth!

Joking aside, many of the “mid-life” crisis’s that people experience can be directly attributed to the hormonal changes that begin to happen right around the age of 40. If you live to be 80, then that is certainly mid-life.

For a woman there are all the symptoms of pre-menstrual syndrome, pre-menopausal symptoms, peri-menopausal symptoms and menopause symptoms – depending on where she is in life. It is also the time of her life when she may be battling a few extra pounds, low libido, the first really noticeable wrinkles, and then she turns around and sees her beautiful, slim, trim, and full-of-energy eighteen year old who is getting ready to go out with friends on Saturday night. Bam! Life just reached up and slapped her in the face.

She turns towards her husband – who is also 40-something and sees not the handsome young man she married, but an overweight couch potato who is snoozing while watching the news. What she may not realize is that he is in the beginning stages of his hormonal changes as well. His testosterone level is dropping – leaving him tired and sluggish, with low libido. He has worked hard all of his life and his adrenals are tired too – they just don’t want to work as well as they used to. And, to top it off, his sixteen year old son just beat him at an arm wrestling contest. All he sees when he looks at his wife and daughter is an old lady and a young honey. Bam! Life just reached up and slapped him in the face.

With the two of them both going through normal life changes at the same time, without knowing that there is help for the hormones, a nasty fight or break-up is possible, and in this day and age, probable. Why not educate yourself so that you can avoid some of the heartache attached to menopause and andropause. The road may still be bumpy, but at least the two of you won’t derail.

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I have always been interested in Neuro Linguistic Programming – perhaps these courses will help!

Numerology

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I was never good at math but perhaps this will be different!

Countdown to December 2012

Click Here! This one kind of makes me nervous!

]]> http://www.yourmenopauseinfo.com/some-things-to-try/feed/ 0 http://www.yourmenopauseinfo.com/the-joy-of-menopause/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-joy-of-menopause http://www.yourmenopauseinfo.com/the-joy-of-menopause/#comments Wed, 01 Jun 2011 23:18:33 +0000 jdyourme http://www.yourmenopauseinfo.com/?p=60 Natural Relief from Menopause Symptoms
Hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, fatigue and sheer frustration—do these sound familiar? It may be menopause. Menopause is a natural transition from being in the childbearing years to being in the “freedom” years, and it is unique for each woman. Unfortunately for many it does come with a lot of unpleasant symptoms that can disrupt the normal pleasures of daily life. More women are turning to alternative medicine that can provide solutions as effective as prescription treatments. There are several natural options to help reduce the symptoms of menopause.

Options for Managing Menopause Naturally
Gone are the days when menopause was referred to quietly as “the change”. Today, as more women are active and working longer, they are taking charge of their lives by managing their symptoms so they can feel like themselves again. With so many women concerned about recent news on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) treatments, natural options without side effects are sought out to relieve everyday symptoms. Some of the more common herbal solutions include:

Black Cohosh is derived from a species of buttercup. Studies have had mixed results on whether black cohosh is effective in reducing hot flashes. Some studies indicate it may help with mild hot flashes and night sweats for short-term treatment. May lower blood pressure as well. In rare cases, hepatitis has been reported.

Soy has isoflavones, which are phytoestrogens (plant estrogens). Some studies have observed that soy may be effective in reducing menopausal symptoms, and may also lower cholesterol. Only food forms of soy, like tofu and soy milk, are recommended. Soy in tablet or powder form is not advised, and too much soy can have an adverse effect on the thyroid by slowing it down.

Flaxseed has omega-3 fatty acids and lignans, which act as phytoestrogens. Results from studies have been mixed, but it may help symptoms in some women. It is also believed to help lower cholesterol. Avoid whole flaxseed because it is difficult to digest. Ground flaxseed works really well as fibre, and has been shown to help prevent certain cancers.

Topical Vitamin E oil applied to the vagina helps improve lubrication and may also reduce hot flashes.

Yoga, Aerobic Exercise, Breathing Exercises

Exercise and meditation reduce irritability and even hot flashes in some women. Yoga combines both, and is a gentle form of exercise. Exercise also helps most people sleep better.

Cold drinks help you feel cooler. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which are diuretics that encourage dehydration. Try cold water or fruit juices with antioxidant vitamins.
Warning

Dietary or herbal supplements may have side effects or interactions with each other or with other drugs. Some may be unsafe to take due to certain medical conditions. Consult with your doctor prior to using them.

What men often don’t realize is that they “cycle” too. They have hormonal imbalances, mid-life crisis’s, and they have the male equivalent of menopause which is called andropause, or male menopause, or manopause! It is hard – if not impossible – to remove a uterus from a man so what does one do with a man who is in andropause?

First, let me give you some information: andropause is the result of the gradual drop of the testosterone hormone. When a man reaches his early 30s, he begins to lose about 1 – 2% of his testosterone each year. In fact, a recent World Health Organization report stated that a man in his 70′s has about 10% of the testosterone level that he had in his mid twenties. Men can begin to experience the symptoms of andropause between the ages of 40 and 55 – roughly the same age that women experience the symptoms of menopause.

What is so important about testosterone? Testosterone helps men in building protein, and it is crucial for a normal sex drive, stamina, and to produce erections. Testosterone also contributes to bone formation, liver function, and the health of the prostate gland. Women, by the way, also produce testosterone, just not as much as men do.

Some of the symptoms of andropause include: weight gain, memory loss, diminished libido, sleep apnea, male pattern baldness or hair loss, erectile dysfunction, muscle loss, depression, fatigue, hot flashes and night sweats!

It is no wonder that often if a couple reaches menopause and andropause at the same time, and with no nutritional support, a divorce or a breakdown of the relationship will follow.

What can be done? In a previous blog I mentioned Maca for menopauseand it is also very helpful for andropause as it is an adaptogen and will help out the hormonal situation. Saw Palmetto is another good choice to increase testosterone. Tribulus Terrestris will also increase the testosterone in a man. Remember that just as women benefit from a good diet, so will a man.

Remind him to ease up on the beer, or any alcohol, the coffee, the donuts, sugar, white flour, and have him eat more servings of vegetables and good quality protein. And, to keep your relationship on an even keel – both of you head out for a walk after supper!

Let me just explain a few things. I have had an attack of Transverse Myelitis (TM) – basically an injury to the spinal cord, and the attack hit between T4 and T5. For those of you who are not quite sure what that means, well, for me it means that I have no temperature control below my bra line, my legs and feet are always cold, and I am on a lot of medication in order to facilitate my ability to walk. So . . . since I was still young (well 45 is now young to me) and still having a regular cycle, I just presumed that the power surges of heat were either a side effect of the meds or a side effect of the TM. It wasn’t until I chatted with a friend that it dawned on me that perhaps I was closer to menopause than I thought.

Fortunately I listened to my friend, and began taking supplements to help with the heat flushes – and help they did. My sheets no longer need to be changed in the middle of the night, I no longer have visible heat waves emanating from my body, and I am a much happier camper all around.

I guess the point I would like to make is that any time after 35 is time for the body to begin to head towards the menopause stage. It doesn’t mean that suddenly at 36 you will be a crone, it just means that the body is beginning to change. Many women still have their monthly period into their 50′s, and some stop at 40. Wherever you are in life – remember that menopause is the one year after your last period. Often we are through menopause before we realize it has started! So, yes, if you go 10 months without a period and then have one, you have to start all over again with the count. It sucks, I know, but also remember that you could get pregnant during that one year as well! Happy menopause, ladies, whenever it starts or whenever the one year is up!

I think that this is a good place for us to swap titles and tidbits. Why not share some of your favorite titles with me? I will share some of mine with you – and we can all be wiser!

I really like the book What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause (TM): The Breakthrough Book on Natural Hormone Balance . Dr. Lee really discusses the ins and outs of menopause, and polycystic ovarian disease, progesterone, estrogen, and many other topics of great interest for women. Another one of my favorite books of his is What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Premenopause: Balance Your Hormones and Your Life From Thirty to Fifty . This book has literally helped hundreds of my clients achieve hormonal balance and sanity and in many cases the information in this book has saved their relationships, and marriages! Now that is worth a read.

Christine Northrup’s Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom (Revised Edition): Creating Physical and Emotional Health and Healing is chock full of tips and medical advice, both alternative medicine and conventional medicine. She has quite a selection of books specifically for women, and Mother-Daughter Wisdom: Understanding the Crucial Link Between Mothers, Daughters, and Health is a perfect gift for you, your mother, or even your daughter.

The list of books to read could go on forever, since menopause and perimenopause affects all women, whether there has been a hysterectomy, a tubal ligation, or the natural occurence of menopause itself. There are even books on andropause – the male menopause. Yes, they do have the equivalent, and what is even more interesting is that a man and a woman living together will result in the man cycling at the same time as the woman. The Andropause Mystery: Unraveling Truths About the Male Menopause may be just the book to read to understand him.

Anyone else have any ideas for reading material on this subject? I know that Louise Hayes ( You Can Heal Your Life (Gift Edition) ) has lots to say about health and relationships, but what about books specifically on menopause?

You are most welcome to share your ideas, your favorite books, and how you manage your menopause or perimenopause with me. Together we can make a difference!

Article by Aftab Ahmad

Before beginning a male hormone replacement therapy method, most men ask on their own if they have male menopause symptoms. Symptoms of men’s menopause, also referred to as andropause, include decreased mental speed, decreased electricity and strength, less wish for activity, lessened muscle, greater body fat, sweating or sleep problems, mild to moderate depression and depression and reduced sex drive.

If you have one or more of such symptoms, hormone replacement remedy can make you feel as if yourself once more.

Exactly what does an intensive Male Hormone Replacement Program Contain?The essential male hormone replacement method includes the male growth hormone and thyroid supplements. Hgh supplement (human growth hormone) may also be used as an recommended component to treatment method. Please understand that HGH may be expensive, but will provide a visible boost in order to supplement the actual testosterone treatment plan.

How long may will it take for me for you to feel superior?Most adult males notice a general change in their energy and really feel better within the first 3 weeks of treatment method.

1st week- You can see a change in your emotional quickness and clarity.

2nd week

– You can expect your power levels and endurance to improve. One publication on the subject known as the change in energy because, “getting your MoJo back.” If perhaps you were experiencing moodiness and sweating prior to cure, you can expect these types of symptoms to disappear within the very first week.

3rd week- Your sex drive should enhance. You should experience an increase in early morning erections and perhaps night goals and morning fantasies. Work out will start to turn out to be easier in addition to result will quickly show.

The subsequent Months:Above the next couple of months, you should start to be able to feel like by yourself again. You may be energized and discover improvements inside your mood and sense involving well-being. You will have an increased quality of sleep in addition to improved sexual interest and heightened sexual performance. With proper diet and exercise, you’ll see an increase in lean muscle and an surge in muscle energy.

Other great things about hormone substitution include increased bone density and an improved cardiovascular system. Osteoporosis is undoubtedly an increasing condition in men as well as testosterone remedy has been shown to enhance bone nutrient density.

Isn’t it time to Start some sort of Male Hormone Replacement Therapy Program?If male hormone replacement therapy sounds like it may benefit you, searching online for just a male hormone replacement therapy program. A great andropause treatment practitioner will be able to reply your questions and also help you discover a physician near you. Lab testing will be established near in your area. Once those results are offered an appointment will be made with some sort of male hormone treatment physician.

If you’re a choice for male hormone replacement therapy, your medical professional will talk about your therapies, which include dental tablets as well as capsules, injection therapy or skin medications. Your doctor will probably follow-up with you often to monitor change and additional optimize remedy.Bodily hormone replacement cure has helped the overall-being of numerous men. It’s been demonstrated to obtain positive effects with mood, levels of energy, sex drive in fact it is safe. The male growth hormone treatment has been linked to results on tiredness, mood and also sexual operate and total feelings regarding wellness whilst reducing depressive disorders and frustration. With their the male growth hormone levels to a normal, wholesome level, mankind has reported a rise in lean body mass and also increased skeletal muscles protein synthesis and carved strength. Within male hormone replacement therapy program, you will definitely see a vast improvement in your physical and emotional well being in the first thirty day period of treatment method.

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