Menopause is the complete shutting down of the female reproductive system. It usually occurs in midlife, signalling the end of the fertile phase of a woman's life. Natural menopause is triggered by the faltering or shutting down of the ovaries, which are a part of the body's endocrine system of hormone production. The onset is known as the perimenopause (or premenopause) and this is the time when many of the most irritating and uncomfortable symptoms are experienced. The process involves the entire gamut of a woman's reproductive functioning, from brain to skin, and this major physiological event usually has some effect on almost every aspect of a woman's body and life. However, although the transition itself can be challenging for many women, for others it is not difficult.
The effects and symptoms include:
Hot flushes & Night sweats
Palpitations
Depression
Anxiety
Mood swings & irritability
Fatigue
Insomnia & sleep disturbances
Muscle pain, joint pain, back pain
Risk of osteoporosis
Skin thinning, dryness & loss of elasticity
Memory loss & lack of concentration
Vaginal dryness & atrophy
Decreased libido & problems reaching orgasm
Painful intercourse
This is a natural stage of life and therefore does not automatically require any kind of treatment. However when the bodily effects are severe and disruptive they are usually alleviated through medical treatments.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) appears to provide the most reliable pharmaceutical relief. However, the 2002/3 announcements of the Women's Health Initiative of the American National Institute of Health and The Million Women Study by UK Cancer Research and the NHS (UK National Health Service) indicated that HRT treatment coincides with a larger incidence of breast cancer, heart attacks and strokes. This lead to a dramatic decline in HRT prescriptions throughout the world, which was immediately followed by a matching decrease in breast cancer incidence.
Until more becomes understood about the possible risks, women who elect to use hormone replacement therapy are generally well advised to take the lowest effective dose of hormones for the shortest time possible and to question their doctors as to whether certain brands might pose fewer dangers than others.
Dietary supplements for the treatment of symptoms are known to offer anywhere from moderate to significant relief. Some plants are known to have a moderate estrogenic effect. There are claims that soy isoflavones are beneficial. However, a study by the Department of Psychology, Washington State University, indicated that soy isoflavones did not improve or appreciably affect cognitive functioning in postmenopausal women.
Many symptoms may be reduced by lifestyle changes. Look at your current Exercise, Diet and Relaxation regime. Can you see room for improvements? Many "westerners" under-exercise and have poor diets, rich in fats and low in nutritional value. Substitute fruit for burgers and you are well on the way to a healthier life.
The effect of hot flushes may be relieved if you try:
Avoiding triggers such as caffeine, alcohol and spicy foods
Dress in layers of clothing that can be removed at the first sign of a flush
Drink a glass of cold water or juice at the onset of a flush
Keep a flask of ice water or an ice pack by the bed
Use cotton sheets, lingerie and clothing to let your skin 'breathe'
You can find more information by following the link below
Written by Susan Jenkins.
http://menopause-alternative-therapies.blogspot.com
(c) Copyright - Susan Jenkins. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_Jenkins
The effects and symptoms include:
Hot flushes & Night sweats
Palpitations
Depression
Anxiety
Mood swings & irritability
Fatigue
Insomnia & sleep disturbances
Muscle pain, joint pain, back pain
Risk of osteoporosis
Skin thinning, dryness & loss of elasticity
Memory loss & lack of concentration
Vaginal dryness & atrophy
Decreased libido & problems reaching orgasm
Painful intercourse
This is a natural stage of life and therefore does not automatically require any kind of treatment. However when the bodily effects are severe and disruptive they are usually alleviated through medical treatments.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) appears to provide the most reliable pharmaceutical relief. However, the 2002/3 announcements of the Women's Health Initiative of the American National Institute of Health and The Million Women Study by UK Cancer Research and the NHS (UK National Health Service) indicated that HRT treatment coincides with a larger incidence of breast cancer, heart attacks and strokes. This lead to a dramatic decline in HRT prescriptions throughout the world, which was immediately followed by a matching decrease in breast cancer incidence.
Until more becomes understood about the possible risks, women who elect to use hormone replacement therapy are generally well advised to take the lowest effective dose of hormones for the shortest time possible and to question their doctors as to whether certain brands might pose fewer dangers than others.
Dietary supplements for the treatment of symptoms are known to offer anywhere from moderate to significant relief. Some plants are known to have a moderate estrogenic effect. There are claims that soy isoflavones are beneficial. However, a study by the Department of Psychology, Washington State University, indicated that soy isoflavones did not improve or appreciably affect cognitive functioning in postmenopausal women.
Many symptoms may be reduced by lifestyle changes. Look at your current Exercise, Diet and Relaxation regime. Can you see room for improvements? Many "westerners" under-exercise and have poor diets, rich in fats and low in nutritional value. Substitute fruit for burgers and you are well on the way to a healthier life.
The effect of hot flushes may be relieved if you try:
Avoiding triggers such as caffeine, alcohol and spicy foods
Dress in layers of clothing that can be removed at the first sign of a flush
Drink a glass of cold water or juice at the onset of a flush
Keep a flask of ice water or an ice pack by the bed
Use cotton sheets, lingerie and clothing to let your skin 'breathe'
You can find more information by following the link below
Written by Susan Jenkins.
http://menopause-alternative-therapies.blogspot.com
(c) Copyright - Susan Jenkins. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_Jenkins
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