What really is menopause?

It's the time in a woman's life when her body changes due to the gradual reduction of estrogen and progesterone. These primary female hormones are produced by the little eggs which are abundant in a young woman. By the time we reach mid-life the supply of these eggs is exhausted and consequently the hormone production is reduced. This then may trigger a whole range of symptoms: hot flashes, mood swings, sleep disturbances, vaginal dryness and weight gain.

The severity of these symptoms is different from woman to woman and the process we go through from having our monthly menstruation to no menstruation is gradual. It can take months or years. The median age of menopause is 51 but many women start having symptoms in their late thirties.

Is there anything to alleviate the symptoms?

The simplest rule of all, eat right, exercise and stay active. Reduce your calorie intake by 200-300 calories per day to avoid putting on weight. Increase fruits, soy products and vegetables in your diet; avoid animal fats, alcohol, caffeine and smoking.

Have your hormone levels checked: You may be a candidate for estrogen replacement therapy or even testosterone therapy if you have loss of libido. But be sure to discuss these issues with your physician who needs to advise you on the positives and risks of taking hormones.

You may need some vitamin or mineral boosters. Certain special nutrients and vitamins can be especially beneficial during menopause: soy products are known estrogen boosters. Consume at least 30 grams per day.

Your daily dose of calcium may help protect against osteoporosis. Black Cohosh has helped many women with hot flashes . There is preliminary data that Ginko Biloba as well as vitamin E may stimulate brain function and help protect you against Alzheimer's.

Be aware that the tissue in your vaginal area, just as in your face, gets thinner and loses elasticity. The vaginal pH becomes more alkaline and becomes more prone to infections and irritation. Loss of estrogen causes a reduction of moisture in the intimate area and often results in vaginal dryness which can be very uncomfortable, even painful, during intimacy.

You might want to use a vaginal moisturizer before sexual activity. Avoid body cleansing products high in detergents (lots of bubbles), containing fragrance or chemical dyes. They often cause vaginal dryness to become worse. Do not use soaps in the intimate area. Use pH balanced cleansing wash or lots of lukewarm water and refrain from sitting in scented bubble bath.

Enjoy the benefits menopause brings. No periods, no cramps, no worries about pregnancy and more knowledge about who you are and what you like. That means you have the experience and confidence to meet each day and make life a daily adventure.

Jacqui



		Menopause & Menstruation
	Menopause: How to Cope Before, During, and After. What really is menopause? It's the time in a woman's life when her body changes due to the gradual reduction of estrogen and progesterone. These primary female hormones are produced by the little eggs which are abundant in a young woman. By the time we reach mid-life the supply of these eggs is exhausted and consequently the hormone production is reduced. This then may trigger a whole range of symptoms: hot flashes, mood swings, sleep disturbances, vaginal dryness and weight gain. The severity of these symptoms is different from woman to woman and the process we go through from having our monthly menstruation to no menstruation is gradual. It can take months or years. The median age of menopause is 51 but many women start having symptoms in their late thirties. Is there anything to alleviate the symptoms? The simplest rule of all, eat right, exercise and stay active. Reduce your calorie intake by 200-300 calories per day to avoid putting on weight. Increase fruits, soy products and vegetables in your diet; avoid animal fats, alcohol, caffeine and smoking. Have your hormone levels checked: You may be a candidate for estrogen replacement therapy or even testosterone therapy if you have loss of libido. But be sure to discuss these issues with your physician who needs to advise you on the positives and risks of taking hormones. You may need some vitamin or mineral boosters. Certain special nutrients and vitamins can be especially beneficial during menopause: soy products are known estrogen boosters. Consume at least 30 grams per day. Your daily dose of calcium may help protect against osteoporosis. Black Cohosh has helped many women with hot flashes . There is preliminary data that Ginko Biloba as well as vitamin E may stimulate brain function and help protect you against Alzheimer's. Be aware that the tissue in your vaginal area, just as in your face, gets thinner and loses elasticity. The vaginal pH becomes more alkaline and becomes more prone to infections and irritation. Loss of estrogen causes a reduction of moisture in the intimate area and often results in vaginal dryness which can be very uncomfortable, even painful, during intimacy. You might want to use a vaginal moisturizer before sexual activity. Avoid body cleansing products high in detergents (lots of bubbles), containing fragrance or chemical dyes. They often cause vaginal dryness to become worse. Do not use soaps in the intimate area. Use pH balanced cleansing wash or lots of lukewarm water and refrain from sitting in scented bubble bath. Enjoy the benefits menopause brings. No periods, no cramps, no worries about pregnancy and more knowledge about who you are and what you like. That means you have the experience and confidence to meet each day and make life a daily adventure. Jacqui Copyright 2000 Brandwynne Corporation. All rights reserved.

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