Menopause is the period that marks permanent cessation of menstrual activity, usually occuring
between the ages of 35 and 58. Menses may stop suddenly, there may be a decreased flow each
month until a final cessation, or the interval between periods may be lengthened until complete
cessation is accomplished. Women with short menstrual cycles may reach menopause as much as
two years earlier than women with long cycles. Cigarette smoking has an effect on menopause,
causing it to occur 1-2 years prematurely. Symptoms of menopause begin occurring soon after
the ovaries stop functioning. Symptoms may last a few months or a few years, and vary from
mild to severe. Some symptoms include vasomotor instability, nervousness, hot flashes,
chills, excitability, fatigue, apathy, vaginal dryness, mental depression, crying episodes, insomnia,
palpitation, vertigo, headache, numbness, tingling, myalgia, urinary disturbances such as
frequency and incontinence, and various disorders of the gastrointestinal system. Hot
flashes may begin with abdominal discomfort and perhaps a chill, quickly followed by a
feeling of heat moving toward the head. The face becomes red and the body breaks out in
sweat followed by exhaustion.Long-range effects of lower estrogen levels are
osteoporosis and
atherosclerosis.
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Menopausal Symptoms
enopause occurs when estrogen
and progesterone production decreases. It can happen suddenly or take years. The first
phase of menopause is often called perimenopause. It is characterized by the fluctuation
of estrogen levels which can begin as early as age 35. Common symptoms of perimenopause
include erratic periods, breast tenderness, night sweats, headaches, food cravings,
anxiety, depression, forgetfulness, and mood swings. These symptoms are very similar to
those present in PMS, so it may be difficult to tell exactly when perimenopause begins.
It is commonly known that women who are
vegetarians have fewer episodes of hot flashes and milder menopausal symptoms. This is
because soy, beans and other plants have mild estrogenic activity because of phytoestrogens,
including isoflavones, lignans, and saponins, so it might be worthwhile to consider a diet
change. In addition, there are some specific herbs that help relieve many of the symptoms
associated with menopause.
Black Cohosh has been
used for many years to help relieve the discomforts of menopause, especially hot flashes.
Scientific studies have proven significant estrogenic activity in women taking Black Cohosh
rather than a placebo. Black Cohosh also possesses antispasmodic and diuretic properties.
Dong Quai acts as a
phytoestrogen. It is similar to but milder than actual estrogen. It has been shown to help
with vaginal dryness as well as hot flashes.
Licorice contains
glycyrrhizin, a natural estrogenic compound, which appears to reduce estrogen levels in
women when they're too high, and increase the levels when they're too low. It also helps
to control water retention, breast tenderness, and certain food cravings. As it boosts
estrogen metabolism, it helps decrease many symptoms associated with hormone fluctuation.
Chaste Tree Berry seems
to normalize the estrogen-progesterone ratio, and
Saw Palmetto has been
used by Native Americans for hundreds of years to alleviate some of the hormonal imbalances
in women. St. John's Wort,
well known as a mood lifter, boosts brain function and fights anxiety and depression which
is a common symptom of menopause.
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products are available from our
Virtual Store.
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It is commonly known that women who are
vegetarians have fewer episodes of hot flashes and milder menopausal symptoms. This is
because soy, beans and other plants have mild estrogenic activity because of phytoestrogens,
including isoflavones, lignans, and saponins, so it might be worthwhile to consider a diet
change. In addition, there are some specific herbs that help relieve many of the symptoms
associated with menopause.
Black Cohosh has been
used for many years to help relieve the discomforts of menopause, especially hot flashes.
Scientific studies have proven significant estrogenic activity in women taking Black Cohosh
rather than a placebo. Black Cohosh also possesses antispasmodic and diuretic properties.
Dong Quai acts as a
phytoestrogen. It is similar to but milder than actual estrogen. It has been shown to help
with vaginal dryness as well as hot flashes.
Licorice contains
glycyrrhizin, a natural estrogenic compound, which appears to reduce estrogen levels in
women when they're too high, and increase the levels when they're too low. It also helps
to control water retention, breast tenderness, and certain food cravings. As it boosts
estrogen metabolism, it helps decrease many symptoms associated with hormone fluctuation.
Chaste Tree Berry seems
to normalize the estrogen-progesterone ratio, and
Saw Palmetto has been
used by Native Americans for hundreds of years to alleviate some of the hormonal imbalances
in women. St. John's Wort,
well known as a mood lifter, boosts brain function and fights anxiety and depression which
is a common symptom of menopause.
These
products are available from our
Virtual Store.
Our liberal
Money Back Guarantee applies.
Note:
This information is provided for educational purposes only
and is not intended to replace the use of a qualified
health care professional. We strongly recommend the use
of a physician for the diagnostic phase of any treatment.
With an accurate diagnosis in hand, we believe the consumer,
at that point, has a basic, unalienable right to seek out
factual information on all therapeutic approaches, both
orthodox and alternative, and choose those approach(es)
that are right for them. Nonetheless, a "good doctor"
should be considered a requisite starting point.To U.S. Users:
None of the products mentioned on this page have been
evaluated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration;
therefore, they are not intended to diagnose, treat,
cure, or prevent any disease.