men menopause

Introduction

Male menopause, also known as andropause, is a term used to describe the effect of testosterone levels in men as they age. Unlike menopause in women, which involves a cessation of menses and rapid changes in hormone systems, male menopause is characterized by a slow decline in testosterone over time. In this blog, we will explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for male menopause.

Understanding Male Menopause

Testosterone is a hormone that plays a significant role in men's health. However, like many factors in the body, testosterone levels can decrease with age. Low testosterone, also known as hypogonadism, is fairly common, especially in overweight men in their 40s. About 1 in 3 men may have low testosterone in this age group. By the time a man reaches 70, around 30 percent of men will have measurably low testosterone levels.

Symptoms of Male Menopause

The most common symptoms of male menopause are related to sexual health. Men may experience a decrease in libido, fewer morning erections, and difficulty with erectile functioning. However, it's important to note that low testosterone may not always be the primary cause of these symptoms. Other lifestyle factors such as poor sleep, unhealthy diet, and lack of exercise can contribute to similar symptoms.

Lifestyle Changes for Improving Testosterone Levels

If you suspect you have low testosterone, it's important to first evaluate your lifestyle. Making positive changes can have a significant impact on testosterone levels. Here are some recommendations:

• Get at least seven hours of productive and restful sleep each night.
• Engage in regular exercise that builds muscles.
• Follow a healthy diet that is low in sugar and can help reduce belly fat.

By reversing these lifestyle factors, you may be able to naturally improve your testosterone levels without the need for medical intervention.

Testosterone Therapy

If lifestyle changes are not sufficient, testosterone therapy may be an option. Testosterone therapy involves hormone replacement using testosterone. There are various methods of administration, including:

• Injections
• Creams
• Tablets
• Pellets

The choice of treatment method depends on individual preferences and medical considerations. Pellets, for example, slowly release testosterone over a period of weeks or months.

Is Testosterone Therapy Right for You?

While testosterone therapy can be beneficial for some men, it is not suitable for everyone. If you are experiencing sexual symptoms, such as low sexual desire, difficulty with erections, or fewer morning erections, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for evaluation. Additionally, if you have had head trauma, headaches, or changes in vision, urgent evaluation is necessary.

Risks of Testosterone Therapy

It's essential to understand the potential risks associated with testosterone therapy before considering treatment. Testosterone therapy has been associated with an increased risk of coronary artery plaque buildup, temporary increases in cholesterol levels, and an elevated risk of stroke, especially at high testosterone levels. Men with sleep apnea may also experience worsening symptoms with testosterone replacement therapy.

Conclusion

Male menopause, or the decline of testosterone levels in men as they age, is a natural hormonal change that can impact various aspects of men's health, particularly sexual function. While testosterone therapy can be a viable option for some men, it's important to prioritize lifestyle changes first, such as improving sleep, diet, and exercise habits. It's always advisable to consult a healthcare professional to discuss symptoms, evaluate risks, and determine the most appropriate course of action.

Everything we think, and feel, effects who we are, as well as our body. Everyday, and some times every hour or minute, things "Feel "different.This is why one day, we know that the whole world is on our shoulders, and another day we have a ton of pep or are floating on air.

How we eat, what we eat, and how we handle stress can also affect us physically. Having a healthy body requires work on our diet and nutrition, sure it does. But it also requires emotional work and physical exercise. We really can't be whole, and come into our own, until we can get a handle on all aspects of who we truly are.

Yes, to do this requires time and effort. But once again, this body of ours has to last, and work, and move and be, for another 30-50 years. It's like a new car. If you know you need to keep it for the next 10 years, you take really good care of it, do you not, so it will last that long and run well?

What we do not want is; poor healthy, a ton of disease and a scooter chair, right? We also don't want to go though life without grace, love and happiness. You see, it's a whole package, like the car; tires, power windows, CD player. We are made up of so many different, fabulous, unique components.

And we get sick, and we have illness and disease when we do not look at our selves as a whole. And all of those things, everything impacts us. Our emotional well being and our physical strength are truly connected to stress management, unresolved emotional issues, loneliness and loss.

How about treating our body like the best friend it truly is!

Let's consider visualization and meditation in treating our hormonal imbalance. Down times give our adrenal gland and our minds a bit of a rest. This in part, helps with our menopausal symptoms such as breast tenderness, hot flashes and anxiety.

We know what sounds sooth us and draw us in; sounds of nature, chants, ocean waves, Bach, and rhythmic beats are calming. So are drums and pan flutes...think spa music. ( Which reminds me, indulge sometimes, book a massage, it helps as well).

Exercise, and move, our bodies crave it everyday, please. I promise, the more you do, the more you will want to do it. Not only does it help with balancing your hormones, but it's just such a huge gift to give your mind.

Exercise helps with stress, it calms us and boosts our positive moods. Exercise helps keep our bones strong and dense, and burns calories. Moving helps us from gaining more menopause weight and it reduces our risk of breast cancer, heart attacks and stroke.

We deserve to be the best we can possibly be. We can do this though awareness of what we really want and need. We can start by getting control of the stress in our lives, and reaching out to others.

-Interact with your Great Spirit everyday

-Be kind, give back, and play nice.

-Do not judge or stereotype so quickly

-Change negative thinking into positive thinking

-Feel your feelings, then let them go, move forward

-Move your body every day, exercise it at least 3 days a week.

-Sleep 8 hours a night, you will live longer and better because of it.

-Eat clean, whole, real foods, drink lots of water

-Meditate or take deep breaths, and a time out, everyday, and as needed, to keep in charge of that nasty stress.

-Take a day off to relax, read, play in your yard, and go to the beach. Do it without a " to do" list in your pocket, and guilt.

-Indulge in a hobby...garage sales, surfing, gardening, and scrapbooking...whatever floats your boat. Enjoy!

-Learn to laugh, smile more, and don't take yourself so seriously.

We need to work with and on our minds, emotions and physical bodies in every way, to be the best, we can possibly be. And you are such a strong, unique and beautiful person! I wish for you to be truly, truly whole.

Corby Campbell Shields
Co-Author Menopause Master Plan
http://www.menopausemasterplan.com/

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Menopause can be a very frustrating and uncomfortable stage in any woman's life. It is something that many women are eager to treat to escape from nasty symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings and fatigue. The herbal medicine market recognizes this and therefore there are hundreds of possible remedies each claiming to help control side effects and bring women back to a normal, comfortable state.

MenoClear is a supplement based like many others, on the concept of using a natural herbal remedy. MenoClear contains a list of tested ingredients each used to target problems such as hot flashes. One of the main ingredients in MenoClear is Protykin. Protykin is an extract of Polygonum Cuspidatum, which is well known for its detoxifying effects on the body. Originally used in Chinese medicine this ingredient is also known to be beneficial to women in other ways such as improving cardiovascular health and reducing the effects of premature aging.

Another active ingredient in Menoclear is black cohosh. This ingredient stemming also originally from Chinese medicine is used as a replacement of estrogen, which the body lacks during menopause. Research shows that the active ingredients can help minimize hot flashes by 57% and help ease intensity by 38%. Countries all over the world use this ingredient for many different reasons but a very important reason is for regulating a healthy female reproductive system. This extract is most effective for the menopause in regards to hot flashes. Black cohosh should not be taken for a very extended period of time however so amounts taken should be monitored.

Soy Isoflavones are also found in MenoClear which is a supplement highly recommended by many herbalists. Soy isoflavones have been found to be effective for hot flashes during the menopause in term of intensity and frequency. This is wonderful news for women going through the menopause as hot flashes can be extremely uncomfortable, inconvenient, distracting and lets not forget, embarrassing if combined with excessive sweating which is common.

Other ingredients in MenoClear are thought to combine to fight the likelihood of other health issues such as breast cancer and heart disease. MenoClear must be taken regularly for women to experience the full effects. The list of powerful ingredients may dramatically reduce menopausal symptoms and their all-natural properties are healthy for the body. There is a night version of this supplement available so even sleepless nights can be targeted which is a relief for many busy women.

Get the facts and read more reviews here: Menoclear

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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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Menopause is accompanied by various climacteric symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, urogenital (vaginal lining) atrophy, irregular menstruation, insomnia, low level depression, palpitations, and headaches. Because of the risks associated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT), women often turn to alternative therapies to relieve these symptoms. Among the alternative therapies are preparations that include sage, red clover and black cohosh and specifically preparations that do not contain soy, a known allergen and also the cause of gas, bloating and gastrointestinal upset for many women.

Several products are available as single herbs but symptom relief is enhanced when using products that contain multiple herbal ingredients.

Peer review of literature to assess the effectiveness of multi herb products for the treatment of vasomotor, cognitive, and genital climacteric complaints continues with good quality results. Market research revealed OBGYN's preferred their patients to start with a natural solution for perimenopause and menopause symptom relief and life styles changes before turning to potentially harmful treatments such as HRT and BHRT or using antidepressants in the hopes of quieting hot flashes or the need for estrogen.

Herbs are known as Phytoestrogens and means plant estrogen. But phytoestrogens are not estrogen per se. They do not behave the same way as a woman's own estrogen or like the estrogens in HRT or BHRT.

Phytoestrogens structurally resemble a woman's endogenous estrogen. Their chemical structure is such that it allows them to bind weakly to estrogen receptors in the body, potentially impairing excess of endogenous estrogen to the receptor thereby producing estrogen benefits with substantially fewer side effects. Also, when endogenous estrogen is low, phytoestrogens will quiet the body's need for estrogen.

We are all reminded of the dangers of HRT every time we hear of another life-changing moment - a health diagnosis of breast cancer that will change a woman's life forever. She could be your sister, friend, a casual acquaintance or co worker.

It makes me realized how vulnerable we are and that we shouldn't take our health for granted. It is too precious.

As a medical community, we have learned a great deal about the risks of using hormone replacement medications, short and long term. The risks are many and shouldn't be taken lightly by any women regardless of her age or family history.

My work includes defending every woman, at every age and at any stage, when it comes to her menopause transition, health and comfort. My great intention is that the products Solutions for Women offers creates the quality of life that will have a positive impact on you and those you love.

We may forget what we did but we never forget how we feel.

Sabina E. Fasano is the founder of Solutions for Women, the developer of Femmerol®, a patented, clinically tested micronized herbal formulation for addressing hormonal imbalance due to menopause, perimenopause, and monthly hormonal fluctuations. Femmerol is manufactured by the Capsugel Division of Warner-Lambert. To learn more about Femmerol visit http://www.solutionsforwomen.com/ or call 1 + (800) 846-0866

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Imagine the scene if you will.

Marjorie and her husband Ken (not their real names), were settling down for a romantic night in front of the television, when Marjorie quietly leaned over and informed her husband that they were expecting the pitter patter of tiny feet! Apparently Ken almost fell off his chair.

Now normally, this would be a cause for celebration, but what if I told you that Marjorie and Ken were both in their early fifties and they had brought up three children, prior to taking early retirement? This was supposed to be 'their' time, when they had no-one to please but themselves.

You would probably be shocked and then surprised at this story, I know I was when my friends told me. You see, I didn't realise that a woman could become pregnant once she had started menopause. Unfortunately, neither did Marjorie. She had taken birth control right up until she began suffering from hot flashes and 'spotting' and then she stopped. You see Marjorie, as many women do, had wrongly assumed that because she was displaying menopausal symptoms, that she was now infertile.

Many of us believe that menopause is an event with a start and a finish that signals the end of fertility from day one. But, that is incorrect and it is a process that could potentially last for ten years (yikes) usually beginning somewhere in our early fifties. Although some women do suffer from premature menopause and they can go through it many years earlier than this. All that the symptoms mean is that our hormone levels are becoming unbalanced, but this does not mean that we are unable to conceive.

It's true that as a woman ages, her fertility decreases and so it becomes less likely that she will fall pregnant naturally - but it is not impossible. In fact there are many stories available to read online of ladies over fifty giving birth naturally.

That's all well and good, providing you are ready to welcome a new born baby into your life, but this article is for those menopausal women who are looking forward to the freedom from child rearing that age and maturity usually brings.

So, how can it happen that a woman is going through menopause and yet she is still fertile? Easy, while eggs are still being released and there is an adequate supply of the necessary hormones, she can still become pregnant.

It doesn't matter that her periods may be all over the place or she is so bloated that she resembles a small planet, providing that she is still having her monthly period, pregnancy is possible. In fact, it is wise to continue with birth control until there has been no show of blood for twelve consecutive months. After this time, it is impossible to become pregnant naturally as there would not be an adequate supply of estrogen to facilitate the process.

Apart from the psychological aspects of a late pregnancy, there are of course health considerations to think about for those women who become pregnant in menopause.

This list is by no means comprehensive, but it will give you an idea of the dangers.

There is an increased risk of infection, miscarriage, bleeding and several other potentially dangerous medical conditions. Furthermore, medical research has proven that the risk grows even higher with every passing year over the age of forty.

So, if you are coming up to an age where night sweats and hot flashes beckon and you don't fancy the idea of early morning feeds and dirty diapers - don't take a chance and hope for the best. Make sure that you continue with the birth control.

If you`re hating your menopause and want to discover great ways of handling menopause signs, or if you just want to feel normal. Visit us today.

Find out more about menopause and pregnancy

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Menopause is a process. There's no going around it, there's only going through it. And we're all going to go through it. Think of it like an arc or a "rainbow" of sorts. It has a beginning, middle, and an end. The beginning "Perimenopause" is when fertility slowly declines and hormone production decreases. Declining hormones cause many menopause symptoms you may be familiar with like hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain, irregular periods as well as depression, anxiety,foggy thinking, insomnia, moodswings, thinning hair, loss of libido...the list goes on and on. The middle "Menopause" itself only happens once. It officially occurs one-year after your last period. The end "Postmenopause" is the glorious time when you truly come into your own. A mature woman is a work of art crafted by her experiences and her own inner resources. This is your opportunity to refashion your purpose in life.

I challenge you to embrace your menopause experience as a whole and develop an understanding of the entire arc of this life transition. This journey brings gifts at each stage. There are treasures for us to discover at every point, opportunities that can be found now that aren't available to us at any other time in our life. It's up to us each one of us to find these treasures, seize the opportunities to grow and expand, and discover the value in the life stage we are in right now.

During this transition it's important to remember that you are not a "victim" of menopause and it's certainly not a "disease" or a disorder that requires a visit to the Doctor and prescription medication for treatment, as many would have you believe. It's a passage in every woman's life that takes place over a period of time. Each one of us is unique and what we will each experience during our transition is likewise unique. Menopause is one of those instances where what's easiest and natural is also best. I recommend and encourage you to include a daily all-natural herbal supplement that's a "full-spectrum" blend, so it will alleviate a broad range of menopause symptoms. I also challenge you to make needed changes in your diet. By supporting your health through good nutrition it will positively influence your hormonal balance - which is critical in managing your menopausal symptoms. Lastly, move your body! Even moderate exercise can have a positive impact on your menopause experience. Remember "a body in motion STAYS in motion."

By adopting a few simple lifestyle changes you can take control of your menopause experience and actually enjoy it. Midlife is the time to gather our gifts, to reclaim the parts of ourselves that are stuck in the past. It's time to let go of those old patterns that are not serving us well, and release them so that all our energies can flow in the same positive direction. It's time to use our insight to become aware, our courage to be able to see, and our wisdom to take charge of our own menopause experience.

Valerie Martinez is a nutritional health consultant who (together with her business partner Carine Horner -- a holistic nutritionist), is dedicated to helping women just like you learn how to achieve relief from their 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 Report.

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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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My mom said something at our last family gathering. She said she was so worried about a good friend, who she had seen recently.

"He scares me; he is just not doing very well at all."(I wanted to say "Duh, ya think?" but that would not have been appropriate to mouth off to my mother like that.)

When did we decide that we do not have any responsibility in the way we treat our bodies? It's like, "Hello, I'm abusing myself, and I do not have any responsibility for this abuse, and I better feel better soon, because this is a pain to deal with." And we keep expecting our body to just take the abuse and keep functioning, properly. We take better care of our cars and phones than ourselves. That's just so wrong!

Let's just pack on the pounds, eating whatever we please.

Anything "that sounds good", snacking all day and drinking tons diet pop.

Oh, and I am looked at as kind of a fanatic because I do take time to work out, and walk. I hear things like, "you are going a little overboard, aren't you, and exercising really doesn't fit into my life.

Seriously, do you not understand that if you do not work in time to take care of your body, in the long run if won't be able to take care of you??

Why is our mindset such that we feel we do not have to do anything what so ever to maintain this miracle that is us? We just think in seconds, or minutes. A world of texting and fast food.

No wonder mom's friend "scared her". He was 200 pounds overweight. He could no longer sit, his back hurt so much. He had to stand or lay down. And he slept in the easy chair, with a C-Pap mask, to keep him breathing at night. Did he change his routine, no, not at all?

Have we finally just given into the idea to eat ourselves to death? Or not eat anything much at all, and smoke and drink ourselves to death? Do we really think that medicine for high blood pressure and diabetes is just the norm? At the age of 30??

You are at a milestone in your life. Fifty can be the start of a new life for you. I know you are ready to make changes. I know you are stronger than you think you are.

Fifty is a great age to start taking care of you and your body. Take control, at a time when you feel you are totally out of control, because of your menopause. Go ahead and buck the system, you'll love yourself for doing it.

Corby Campbell Shields
Co-Author Menopause Master Plan
http://www.menopausemasterplan.com/

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Menopause is a common condition that women experience as they age. Menopause, the change of life, is a normal part of a women's life that can be different for each woman going through it. Greater than 50% of women will experience some form of menopause, slight or severe, during their lifetime. A few of the symptoms can be a dry vaginal, pain, hot flashes, depression, sleepless night and urinary infections. Not all women will have to experience menopause symptoms, and those that do can be treated with medications and supplements designed to be of help with this condition.

The female body is born with a specific number of eggs that are stored in the ovaries where estrogen and progesterone hormones are produced. Hormones are a natural substance that functions as messengers for the body. They travel throughout the body where they adhere to special cells and cause a chain of events. These hormones regulate menstruation and ovulation. Menopause occurs when the eggs are no longer released every month and menstruation stops.

As a woman ages, the body begins to lose its ability to produce estrogen, bringing on menopause. The loss of estrogen can also cause other conditions in the woman's body, like osteoporosis and heart disease. Estrogen helps in the building of new bone and the loss of it can hamper its rebuilding ability.

Menopause is considered a normal part of aging when it occurs after age 40. The average age of a woman having her last period, menopause, is 51. Some women experience menopause early due to surgery, such as hysterectomy, or damage from chemotherapy. Premature menopause can occur before the age of 40 and research has shown that smoking can be a factor in causing an early onset. The symptoms of menopause can last from a few months to several years and can result in discomfort, pain and confusion. Once menopause starts, the female body cannot get pregnant

Menopause occurs it three gradual stages; pre menopause, menopause and post menopause. On approaching menopause or postmenopausal, most women will experience hot flashes, a feeling of sudden warmth that spreads over the upper body (face, neck or chest) and is often accompanied by blushing and some sweating. The duration of hot flashes can last from less than a minute to longer than six minutes and can occur every hour or just occasionally. They can also cause the body to sweat. Half of the women experiencing menopause will have moderate to severe hot flashes during the first few years of the condition.

It will be a help if a record is kept of your periods, charting them as they become irregular. You might suspect the approach of menopause on your own, or your doctor can tell you based on your tests and recorded symptoms. It is important to discuss and understand the effects of the changes the body goes through during this time with your health care provider.

Help with the discomforts of menopause can be obtained through the use of ProEASE. ProEASE is a wild jam cream that is being used by women around the world in addressing PMS and other hormone related issues. This cream has been specifically formulated for younger women that are experiencing lighter PMS symptoms and are pre-menopausal. Users have experienced less PMS symptoms, reduced stress and increased vitality. It has been designed to work with the body to help achieve natural balance and assist in easing symptoms of fluctuating changes experienced throughout a woman's life.

Hormones are substances in our bodies that act like messengers. They travel throughout the body and can bind to specialized areas of cells known as receptor sites, where they then initiate a specific chain of events. The first half of the menstrual cycle is dominated by estrogen, whose role is to build the lining of the uterus in preparation for a potential pregnancy. At approximately day 14 of the cycle, or two weeks prior to menstruation, an egg is released from the ovaries. This is referred to as ovulation. Hormones are substances in our bodies that act like messengers. They travel throughout the body and can bind to specialized areas of cells known as receptor sites, where they then initiate a specific chain of events. The first half of the menstrual cycle is dominated by estrogen, whose role is to build the lining of the uterus in preparation for a potential pregnancy. At approximately day 14 of the cycle, or two weeks prior to menstruation, an egg is released from the ovaries. This is referred to as ovulation.

Evelyn and Don are co-owners of Ladies Hair Care By ED where they offer all natural organic and herbal supplements for hair,health and skin care. Visit them at http://www.ladieshaircarebyed.com/ and discover the quality products they have to offer.

ProEASE

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Yes, mom was right to say "eat your vegetables". Magnesium is one reason why we should have had the dinner salad, instead of the Big Mac. Those dark green leafy vegetables do us a world of good because they are full of our friend, Magnesium.

Who cares, you say? Well 80% of us are not getting enough of this major power house. And, raise your hand here, if the answer is yes, you drink coffee, or have an adult beverage on a semi regular basis? Both coffee and alcohol reduces the amount of Magnesium that can be absorbed. Our body can not even utilise what we are minimally, putting in it. Our typical diet is pretty lacking in veggies these days. How about helping ourselves out here, and consider adding healthy food options like vegetables. Let's start with a dark green salad, or a handful of sunflower seeds or almonds.

Magnesium is the most prolific mineral in the body. It is responsible for over 400 biochemical functions though out our day. Starting with:

1. This mineral is essential to our energy, as well as balancing our hormone health. While we have a drop of estrogen and progesterone, it works to the best of his ability to help us feel "normal" by assisting other hormones do their job.

2. Magnesium allows the absorption of calcium, and then helps transport and places that calcium where it is needed. With Magnesium's help, and building, our bones remain strong, and flexible.

3. This mineral also helps maintain a normal electrical flow of nerve impulses to the heart.

4. Magnesium helps with the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats. It also uses the other hormones, like cortisone, and testosterone to give us energy.

5. This mineral is also essential for the activation of B vitamins. These are the ones we spoke of earlier, dark green leafy vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds.

6. And magnesium is essential for kidney and liver function. That is why, when we have a glass of wine, or a cocktail, we hinder the work that magnesium is doing.

7. This mineral also assists in the production of key brain chemicals.

So, what did we learn? I think it is pretty obvious that the 80% statistic is very telling, and we are not eating enough salads and vegetables. And we would probably feel much better if we kept that in mind. Help yourself, and your magnesium today, hear that little voice in your head that says, "Eat your veggies."

Corby Campbell Shields
Co-Author Menopause Master Plan
http://www.menopausemasterplan.com/

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Revive and Replenish

Ladies, if you have reached your fortieth birthday, there are a few things you should start thinking about now. You have been taking care of and nourishing everyone around you. If you have children you have also become a chauffeur, nurse, chef, janitor and much much more. If you have also had a full time job on top of all that you are more than likely at the bottom of your things to take care of. Well that needs to change as you head toward menopause. The sooner you start to take care of yourself, the better you will be able to combat menopause.

Begin with your diet and exercise. These a both very important as you get older, your body starts to change, eating healthy and being active are both great weapons to holding back the hands of time. Start eating more live foods, such as fruits and vegetables, cut back on carbs and animal products. As you start to reduce your menstrual cycle, you will need less calories to maintain you current weight. The fat cells also harbor estrogen, where it can build up and cause problems.

This is also a good time to have your hormone levels checked so you know what your normal levels are. By the time you have reached menopause your hormones could be way out of balance. You and your doctor can then have a much better idea of where to balance your levels. You also need to be asking your doctor if they can prescribe bio-identical hormones. If they don't, I would start checking around for a doctor that is very familiar with them. You can call your local pharmacy and ask if they carry these products and what doctors are prescribing them. The pharmacies that carry these products are usually very knowledgeable concerning their products and can guide you through many of your questions.

If you do not currently have an exercise program, it will be a great benefit to you to start putting one in place. You can start by walking for 20 minutes, three times a week. There a plenty of great products that you can do at home without a large out of pocket expense. You can also find something you love to do that requires movement. Try new things and see what you enjoy, find fellow comrades to join and start challenging the aging process. You will be glad you did after about three months your body will be addicted and except you to keep up this great lifestyle.

Exercise also helps relieve stress, which is one of the most destructive emotions we will have to deal with as we approach menopause. Start slowing down just a little, leave yourself more time to get things done. Rushing causes more stress, this can be detrimental, one way we can relieve this issue is to slow down and be more aware of of how we are handling our day. Take a deep breath and enjoy your family and loved ones. Your health will be a great gift to them, all will reap the rewards of your progress, but you will gain the best perk of all. Your health.

Find out how you can deal with Menopause Belly Fat by reading the Menopause Control EBook Review here.

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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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Wow, seriously! More than 60% of American women of all ages do not do the recommended amount of exercise as prescribed by the U.S. Surgeon General. And 25-40 % of women in America, as well as up to 56% of Canadian women, between the ages of 45-65, are doing nothing, absolutely nothing, at all. I bet there is a lot of other unhealthy news though out the rest of the globe; I am just not that familiar with those statistics.

No wonder menopausal women are sick and tired of being sick and tired. How are our unused and abused bodies going to function and keep us healthy and going for the next 30-50 years, if we don't do a thing to help our poor bodies out?

It's like owning a car; and you never change the oil, always give it crappy gas and never get a tune up. And then you expect that car to just run, well, with no problems, for miles and miles.

We need to treat our bodies like the best friend that it truly is...with love respect, and care. You might be saying, "Not that, I am exhausted, and I can't try and deal with this demand on my time, too". What if exercise was the pill that could make you feel better?

Think exercise won't help with anything you are going though...I bet it will and can:

- Exercise gives you more energy
- Exercise helps you to sleep
- Exercise helps counter anxiety and depression
- Exercise helps you to relax
- Exercise helps you cope with stress
- Exercise improves your self-image
- Exercise gives you an opportunity to socialize and meet new friends

Did you notice anything in that list that might sound like how you feel?? Your body is crying out for a little help here. Stronger muscles aid that 'Bestie" body in a lot of ways.

When bone is stressed though weight bearing exercise, it increases bone mass and reduces bone loss. So it helps with osteoporosis.

When you increase in your muscle mass, that reduces the amount of fat you carry, and your body does a better job of burning calories.

When you add strength and flexibility exercises to your life, it helps decrease your risk of falls, it also increases your stability. Less injuries and less chronic pain is a good thing.

Stronger muscles protect us from injury during normal daily activities. Everything from gardening, lifting, or vacuuming becomes easier.

Core exercises strengthen the muscles in your abdomen and back, helping to prevent low back pain. These exercises also help to improve your posture.

My back used to hurt all the time, why? Because the muscles in my back and stomach were so out of shape, they were doing nothing to support my frame and my bones. So one wrong twist or lift, and I was down flat and out of commission for a number of days.

Once I decided to strengthen all those core muscles, wallah, my back doesn't hurt anymore. My knee was truly wacked too, same deal, out of shape, no muscle strength, and now it works better than it has in years.

Sure, it's hard to get motivated to get out there.. But I bet once you get going, you are really going to be glad you did. And you will feel so much better, mentally and physically because you did something.

Seriously, this is really good for you.....THERAPY.

Grab a girlfriend,, take off and dish your heart out, while you walk around the park.

Join an exercise dance class and go 3 times a week after work. This is a great way to blow off steam, and work on your sexy.

How about water aerobics...if its 100 degrees or 10, you can still be in the heated water moving that body. (Sweating and hot flashes don't have much effect on you in this exercise...nice!)

I do some of my best thinking when I am out on a hike. Something about that time alone, thinking, gives me another way to look at a problem, and usually, find a solution.

I am asking you to do something for YOU, pretty please?

If your best friend asked for help, you would be there in a heart beat, right? Guess what, your heartbeat needs you to be there, for it, and the rest of you.

Corby Campbell Shields
Co-Author Menopause Master Plan
http:///www.menopausemasterplan.com

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A BRA...OMG...why did I wait so long to bring this up. When it is uber im-por-ta-te. Honey, you and I know that we can't go out and buy a shelf bra; for one, the fit of the size XL fits a size 9 junior, and the shelf bra is not an actual measurement. It also has zippo for support. That stretchy, no support bra is only something that we strap across our chest, and everything falls out below the bra, very important things!

Let's start with an everyday bra, and then move into sports bras. They are the same, but different.

Yes, this is an investment piece, but its something you have to wear everyday. I am even getting to the point of putting one on, under my jammies, in the morning, so nothing falls into my cereal. (Plus my son really doesn't want to see all that.)

You need a professional fitting at a department store, or an undergarments specialty shop. You can't just grab one off the rack at an average chain store, throw it in your cart, and hope it will fit later. You have to try on the bra, and check for fit. You need to look for wicked support, and check to see if all of you is in there. You can't just buy a bra, if you think it is close to fitting. Also, if you are still wearing the same style for the last 30 years, and it is really, really comfortable, we can all tell, because it's not doing a thing for your girls. They are "in your cereal." Bras only last about 6 months, or 30 washings, max. Then they are tired, and worn out, as they should be, this is serious work, they are doing.

I can almost guarantee that what you are wearing is the wrong size, and yes, the cup size for sure, will probably be 2-3 times bigger than you think. Well...look what all has to go into that bra with your girls. The stuff under your arm pit, some of the under your arm stuff, and, do we really have to go there, back fat, baby. Gravity has NOT been our friends, especially for 40 some years. There are actually ladies out there that are professional undergarment fitters. And these foundation experts are amazing at what they do. I thought I was a 34C. I was a 40 DD. Lets lock and load, ladies. The best part of all, when you buy a new bra, is, it will make you look like you just automatically lost 10-15 lbs.!! Yea, Seriously.

I have tried a lot of sports bras. I have picked them up at an average discount store, as well as athletic stores. I have also found sports bras in catalogs that cater to active women. I order one, try it on, see if it had enough support, ship it back and exchange it for another one. Try that one on,etc. I look for the ones with 5 or 6 barbell ratings for serious support and no bounce. You need to find a company that is really dedicated to the women athlete...i.e.; YOU and US!! It's hard to find a sports bra that is supportive, but gives you the stretch and give, to move, but not bounce. If the bra is not tight under the girls, it can't lift and support. And once again, the shelf bra is really not your friend.

As for care for your bras, I have heard many things. One is to not wear the same bra, 2 days in a row, so it has time to "recover" between uses. That might be the case, because it has a demanding job including heavy lifting. Yes, I know you are suppose to hand wash your bras. But seriously, that might not happen for weeks, and I need to have them available sooner then that. So I use those little mesh bra bags, that you then throw in the washer. Use a gentle cycle, and your bra gets clean, but not bent out of shape from the agitation. Air dry them please, dryers are tough on the elastics.

Your bra really is a very hard working friend. It has to be there with you, and for you, all day long. Spend some time and money on this important foundation piece. Treat it with care, especially when washing it. As for a comfortable, supportive bra, on my list of must haves, I put it right up there with the night moisturizer and lipstick.

Corby Campbell Shields
Co-Author Menopause Master Plan
http://www.menopausemasterplan.com/

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Vitamins for Menopause help support your daily food choices. An average diet of fast and processed foods, which consists of lots of meat and potatoes, adds very little of the nutrients your body needs to function. Lots of green leafy salads, avocados, carrots, sweet potatoes and oranges are some of your best sources of natural vitamins.

Vitamins for Menopause, consisting of A, B, C, D & E should be taken twice daily as a multivitamin. When taken in the morning, and then again that evening, these nutrients can be utilized though out the day instead of just all at once.

Vitamin A helps keep your skin soft, smooth and supple. It is also important in supporting eye health. This vitamin is a natural lubricant, which will help with skin and vaginal dryness.

Vitamin B needs to be supplemented daily. Its job is to increase your resistance to infection, and helps maintain your adrenal gland. Vitamin B gives you energy and supports your liver function.

Vitamin C has anti-stress properties that help with anxiety, tension, as well as, insomnia. As an antioxidant, Vitamin C increases your immunity to diseases. It is also a help with allergies.

Vitamin E is shown to help with PMS symptoms. As an antioxidant it supports thyroid health. Vitamin E has also been shown to reduce the chances of breast cysts.

Extra Vitamin D is needed to work with calcium. This vitamin's job is to promote the absorption of calcium. Without sufficient vitamin D, bones can become thin, and brittle. Your best source is the sun, because this vitamin is naturally present in very few foods. 10 minutes a day of exposure will help with your liver and kidney function, as well as help prevent osteoporosis.

Another supplement to add to your vitamins for menopause is Calcium. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body. 1% of its job is muscle function, vascular support and nerve transmission. The other 99% of it's time, calcium is stored in and remodeling your bones. The balance between stored bone and depleting bone changes as we age and go though menopause. So, it is essential that calcium is added, as a supplement, as early as possible to your daily regime. This supplementation will show down the deterioration of your bones, as well as delay the onset of osteoporosis.

Bottom line, skip the fries and add a side salad. How about a glass of grapefruit juice instead of a soda, or a broccoli substitution for the white rice? Our body is trying to do its best to keep you functioning, well, for the next 30-50 years. How about helping yourself out, with a glass of milk instead of a cup of coffee? Vitamins for menopause, it does the body good.

Corby Campbell Shields
Co-Author of Menopause Master Plan
http://www.menopausemasterplan.com/

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Hair says a lot about us. I know we are dealing with mid life and menopause symptoms, and all that goes with it, but our hair can sometimes determine how good our day will be. How often have we walked out of our bathroom, to start the day, totally defeated, because of a "Bad Hair Day"? Because I really do love who we are; strong, wise, wonderful women, I want that first impression of us to be a positive one. And I want us to feel good about ourselves. Maybe with just a tweak, to our hair, we all will feel more confident.

If we wear our hair short, totally natural, boring, and easy to maintain, what does that really say to the world? What are we saying when we don't even have time to check the back of our heads for "sleep spot" before we head out the door? (This one is very telling on Sunday mornings, when one is looking at the back of lots of bed heads in church).If all we wear, everyday, is our damp hair up, in a clip or scrunchy, as we run out the door, might we consider something else?

Do we spend more on hairspray than vitamin supplements? Helmet head is really the other end of the spectrum here. The hair is curled and then combed into place, and then just glued there. Another rendition of hairspray hair may be a person who is still stuck in the 80's with "big" hair. Or someone is touting chocolate ho-ho bangs, (the short, straight bangs, curled under with a curling iron, and then sprayed with in an inch of their lives). Let's leave all this hair spray to the fashion icon, The Donald, and his comb over. Our hair should be shiny and soft, and move in a breeze.

Because of our menopause symptoms, we all feel like we could use a little more hair, (like Mr. Trump). If you are especially concerned, have your diet, as well as your blood work checked. See your doctor, or a dermatologist that specializes in hair. Both will know about the latest treatments what might work best for you.

One of the easiest ways to look younger, fresher, updated, and put together is with our hair. So where do we start?

Start looking at hair styles, and stylish women on the subway, at the coffee counter, when getting a manicure. Ask that person in line with you at the market, where she gets her hair cut. She will love that you asked, will love what you noticed, and will grab the name and number off of her phone, right then and there.

Check out a local style show, like at a major department store, the club, or a mall fashion show. See who is doing the hair for the runway. Look in the program at a charity event, or a silent action. These salons will be listed. Great salons attract great stylists.

Check into trying out a different stylist. Drop into other salons, ask questions. Is the place busy, is it clean? Look them over, do the stylists look put together, or stuck in a time warp as well?

Book a consultation first. Have the stylist look at you with your clothes on, not in a cape, for your consultation. They should ask you things like: What are your favorite colors, where do you spend most of your time? What is your lifestyle?

Tell them what you like and dislike about your hair.

Bring a picture of the style you like.

Tell them how you live, how much time you have to work with your hair, how much effort you want to put into your look.

Be open to what they say and what they would do.

Book them, if you feel good about this stylist, or tip them very well, and try someone else.

Once you decide to sit in a new chair, with a new stylist, don't be rude, but don't talk their leg off. While they are working one you, let them concentrate on how your hair naturally lies.

Yes, it will be different, yes; it might be a new color. Yes, it might be parted differently, and yes, you will need to be able to work with it. But remember, yes, it is different; it is updated, thank goodness.

Geez, if we can have babies, run a household and totally plan, as well as work, a big event, surely we can move forward with a new hairstyle.( We might even be able to move on to a new updated makeup routine?)

If we decide on a different hair or highlight color, remember that it needs to look natural. The colors should blend into each other for shine and sun kissed highlights. For darker hair, go for slightly lighter highlights, it adds richness and depth. Keep colors warm and natural: gold, honey, toffees. Stay away from black, artificial reds and white blond.

Once we have found a color, or colors we really like, keep it maintained. I have to go to my stylist every four weeks, my hair grows really fast. Some of my girlfriends can wait eight weeks. It depends, but we need to keep our color maintained, conditioned and shiny.

When deciding on do it yourself, at home, keep it simple. Staying close to our younger, natural hair color usually shows best. Start with a test, snip off about 20 hairs from the back of the head, and adjust up or down the amount of color from there, lighter or darker. Write down how the formula was adjusted, and keep the numbers with the box and brand of color. Remember to start lighter, and go darker from there.

We get more depth when you mix two different colors, for example: 7/8's of the one your base, and 1/8 of a highlight color, i.e. gold brown to red, warm light brown to blonds, rich nutmeg to brunettes, brown spice to black.

When touching up at the roots, for emergencies. Use ¼ of your normal formula, just at the hairline and part. A lot of the companies also have a touch up kits with special touch up combs, just for that color, and the brand you selected.

Longer or shorter, natural, gray or colored to the nines, it's all good. Just like whom we are, variety and being true to ourselves is the key. It's so important to find a hairdresser that can work with us, we like going to, as well as someone we want to get to know better. This relationship is an important one, it is your hair, in their hands.

Make sure that the new style fits your lifestyle, reflects the inner beauty of who you are, and gives you confidence when you go out the door. When you invest in yourself it shows, and you are so worth it. Enough said. I wish you all "good hair days."

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Sad, but so true, one of the #1 most common symptoms of menopause is weight gain, as well as a change in the overall shape of your body.

About 90% of pre menopausal and menopausal women gain weight, an average of 10-15 pounds.

Women who have an early menopause or surgical menopause (due to cancer treatments or hysterectomies) may experience more rapid and extreme weight gain. Lovely!

Here's the kicker, when it comes to menopause and weight gain - you may be eating and exercising exactly the same way you always were, but you still can't seem to maintain your previous weight. You continue to gain, and it seems to be landing right around your middle?

As you enter the early stages of pre menopause, maintaining weight becomes more and more difficult, and losing weight becomes almost impossible. This is because of a fluctuation in your hormones.

Your hormones have direct impact on your appetite, your metabolism and fat storage. This is why it is so difficult to control your weight gain during menopause, no matter what you do. Fluctuating Estrogen, Progesterone, and Androgen will fight you all the way.

Estrogen:
This is the female sex hormone that is responsible for causing monthly ovulation. During female menopause, your estrogen levels decline rapidly, and your body will stop ovulation. Estrogen also seems to play a big role in the weight gain. As your ovaries produce less estrogen, your body works harder to convert calories into fat; the fat is used to increase those depleting estrogen levels. Unfortunately for you, fat cells don't burn calories the way muscle cells do, which causes you to pack on unwanted pounds.

Progesterone:
As we enter menopause, progesterone levels will also decrease. Like estrogen, lover levels of this hormone can be responsible for weight gain, or at the least, the appearance of it. Water retention and menopause often go hand in hand, since water weight and bloating are due to the decreasing progesterone levels. Your clothes will probably feel tighter and you may - ok, you will - feel heavier.

Androgen:
This hormone is responsible for sending your new pounds directly to your middle section (oh, joy!). In fact, menopause and weight gain is often known as the "middle age spread" because of the rapid growth of the mid section. Often, one of the first signs of menopause is an increase of androgen in your body, which causes you to gain weight around your abdomen instead of around your hips and hind end.

Drops in the hormone testosterone, insulin resistance and stress are all big contributors to your weight gain during menopause as well. Constant inactivity and thyroid disorders also come into play.

The bottom line is that our hormonal imbalances can decrease lean muscle mass, thus, fewer calories will be burned. The cells need less energy and thus store more fats, which will then accumulate in and on the body. You, as a smart, unique, put-together woman, have many ways to address this change, as well as your menopause and weight gain.

Corby Campbell Shields
Co-Author Menopause Master Plan
http://menopausemasterplan.com/

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Menopause is widely accepted as one of the most physically challenging and emotionally draining stages of a woman's life. Symptoms such as anxiety, mood swings, hot flashes and feeling helpless and overwhelmed, all combine to make life very difficult for women experiencing menopause.

While menopause is considered a natural biological process, there exist many different methods in aiding this process and ensuring that the period of transition is smoother and more comfortable.

One natural method growing in popularity is Yoga. By practising Yoga, you can help to alleviate feelings of anxiety and stress, clearing your mind so it is more able to cope with the many significant changes happening in your life.

Here are some of the most popular Yoga stretches for women experiencing menopause.

1) Kapalabhati - This is primarily a breathing exercise that helps reduce feelings of tension in the chest area.

2) Warrior Pose - This stretch allows one to improve their stamina, balance and concentration. In addition to this, the Warrior Pose has also been shown to relieve backaches.

3) Tree Pose - Also known as the Tadasana, this stretch is useful for strengthening ankles, calves and back muscles, while showing significant benefits to hip and groin ailments. This pose is best used by those who have flat feet or sciatica.

4) Boat Posture - This is a useful pose for those wanting to tone muscles in the abdominals area. The Boat Posture can also be used for improving digestion and relieving stress.

5) The Bow - The Bow promotes elasticity of the spine, whilst also improving posture, vitality and reducing fats in the abdominal area. This pose has also been shown to aid the digestive system and enhance the reproductive system.

To increase the effectiveness of Yoga, you should try and create a regular time where you know you can perform your exercises without disturbances and stress. Creating a relaxing environment is a major part of the relaxation process, but one that is often forgotten.

While Yoga can help to alleviate symptoms that already exist, many natural herbal remedies can stop these symptoms from even occurring. Curcuma Comosa has been show to effectively prevent recurrences in many menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, vaginal dryness and lowered sex drive.

Countering the symptoms of the menopause isn't easy, but options do exist. Practising exercises such as Yoga, and taking herbal supplements such as Curcuma Comosa, can certainly make a positive difference.

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When you think of heart disease, you may think of someone who isn't leading a healthy lifestyle or perhaps you think of your own genetics. The number one cause of death in American women is heart disease, which accounts for over half of all deaths in women in the United States exceeding 50 years old.

Cholesterol and Estrogen

There are two types of cholesterol found within the body: high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL). HDL cholesterol is good and has a cleansing effect in the bloodstream while LDL cholesterol is bad and causes plaque (fat) to build up on the walls of arteries, eventually clogging them. Estrogen helps keep LDL cholesterol in check, which in turn lowers a women's cardiovascular risk. Thus, estrogen is thought to be "cardioprotective."

When a woman enters menopause, her estrogen level begins to drop, which tends to increase the chance of cardiovascular problems. In a recent study led by University of Pittsburgh professor of psychiatry and epidemiology, Karen Matthews, PhD, it was discovered that on average, a postmenopausal woman's LDL cholesterol will increase by about 9 percent. With this increase of cholesterol comes a higher risk of heart issues, such as hypertension (high blood pressure), stroke, angina, and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).

In one large study of postmenopausal women in the Netherlands, researchers found that earlier age of menopause onset caused higher cardiovascular risk, but as women aged, the risk decreased. It was suggested that longer exposure to natural estrogen with later onset of menopause is cardioprotective.

Fighting the Age Risk

While it is true that your LDL cholesterol will likely rise during menopause, it doesn't necessarily mean that it is cause for serious alarm. Whether or not you are worried about your cholesterol, one of the first steps of prevention is to make sure you're living a healthy lifestyle. This means not smoking, exercising for at least 30 minutes most days of the week, and reducing your intake of red meat, trans fats, sodium, and refined sugar. There are also prescription medicines available, such as Lipitor, that are designed to lower your cholesterol. A consult with your doctor will tell you if these medications are appropriate for you.

Among the medical complications that can occur at menopause are metabolic changes, especially those that come with significant weight gain. Most women will see some upward change in their waistlines and hips with menopause, but putting on a lot of weight carries a very real danger. Obesity leaves you vulnerable to high cholesterol, diabetes, and hypertension, any of which, if uncontrolled, can cause serious damage to your health.

Visit Your Doctor

There are many at-home cholesterol test kits available, but it's best to visit your doctor to have an accurate test of your cholesterol levels and get his or her professional advice regarding your risks. There may be a good chance you aren't at risk, but if you are, your doctor can tell you about some ways to prevent high cholesterol levels and to help you manage them.

Lastly, many physicians believe that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a viable solution for menopausal women who are at high cardiovascular risk. Be aware that HRT carries its own set of risks and should be considered carefully before proceeding. For more information on HRT, visit our section on Clinical Treatments and Therapies.

Whether you're considering addressing your cholesterol levels through the use of clinical treatments or natural processes, a chat with your doctor is in order. Only he or she can evaluate your body and its needs and prescribe the best plan of action for your specific situation.

Resources for you: http://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/ss/slideshow-cholesterol-overview

HotFlashNetwork.com (HFN) is a health and lifestyle website where women will find searchable access to a broad and varied spectrum of content and resources regarding the diagnosis, treatment, lifestyle changes, and survival tips for managing their Hot Flashes and other disruptive symptoms of Menopause. HFN's primary mission is to educate and empower women by providing a filtered resource of significant, diverse, and relevant content and product information without opinion, recommendation, or bias.

Most importantly, through the website, the HFNewsletter, the HFN Forum, Facebook, and Twitter communities, site visitors are able to connect with a global network of like-minded women who face these similar challenges and garner support from sympathetic women all over the world who understand exactly what they're going through.

Please visit us at: http://www.hotflashnetwork.com/

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