MIKE SELVON asked:


Most women do not experience the same menopausal symptoms. The symptoms are quite different because of the hormonal changes that women experience. Understanding your menopausal symptoms requires patience and the advice of a professional physician so that you can learn more about your body and how it reacts to the changing hormones within.

Menopause is the end of the menstruation cycle. It is also a part of the natural aging process in women and occurs when the ovaries produce less estrogen and progesterone.

Because of this natural menopause process, a woman is no longer able to become pregnant. The changes leading up to such a symptom can take several years, unlike the beginning of the menstrual cycle which can take place virtually overnight.

The average age in which women begin experiencing these types of symptoms is around 52. There are, of course, cases in which menopause symptoms occur earlier or later than the average age. That is because it is difficult to track the hormonal changes in women when there are so many different variables involved.

A woman’s lifestyle, how many children she had and her reproductive history all can play a role in the natural menopause symptoms she experiences. The general rule of thumb is that a woman is entering in such a phase when she has not had her period for an entire year.

Menopausal symptoms may differ from woman to woman because of the hormonal differences. Because of this, some women may experience symptoms of menopause to a more extreme degree than others.

Some women will not struggle at all with this life change, while others may need medication or treatment for the issues associated with this symptom.

Sometimes even the geographic location of the individual can affect the symptoms of menopause in certain women. It is typically understood that the higher the stress level, the higher the chance of menopausal symptoms becoming increasingly problematic.

Women in cultures with less demands on beauty, for example, will likely suffer less with symptoms of menopause than those in cultures with high standards.

Some of the signs and symptoms of this behaviour include:

- hot flashes

- weight gain

- insomnia

- vaginal dryness

- fatigue

- joint pain

- short-term memory problems

- dry eyes

- itchiness

- mood swings

- urinary problems

The symptoms will lessen or disappear entirely once the cycle has completed. Menopausal symptoms occur as a part of a natural progression of a woman’s life. You can enjoy your menopausal years and deal with your menopause symptoms by simply choosing to.

Learn more about this common discomfort by talking to your doctor and your friends or think about joining a menopause support group in your area. You have the power to help keep menopausal symptoms at bay and enjoy your life to the fullest!



Melinda

David Karlson asked:


If any of the males you know closely has been acting strange lately, do not worry. This is just a phase they are going through. This phase in a man’s life is known as male menopause there are several male menopause symptoms to look for if you want to help someone cope with this phase.

What is male menopause?

It is also referred to as andropause. A gradual drop in the levels of testosterone the body characterizes it. Testosterone is the sex hormone in a man’s body and responsible for the release of sperm. The hormone is also known to provide muscular strength and initiate sex drive. However, studies say that not all men go through this phase. The actual reason for this is unknown.

Male hormones tend to reach its highest levels between the ages of fifteen and eighteen. In some cases, the hormone levels many drop in mid 20s. However, some men experience a drop in testosterone levels when they reach forty. There is a significant drop in these levels by the time they reach fifty. This is due to some of the diseases they suffer from.

There are several Male menopause symptoms to look for in a man:

a) Libido decline: Men tend to lose interest in sex. A man tends to have sex less frequently after menopause and finds it less enjoyable.

b) Fatigue: Menopause results in lower levels of energy in a man.

c) Forget fullness: Men find it difficult to concentrate and tend to forget daily chores.

d) Irritability: Irritability is the common symptom of male menopause. Men tend to display feelings of anxiety, anger, depression and irritability once they reach menopause.

e) Weight gain: Male menopause is accompanied by weight gain and muscle mass loss.

f) Steep difficulties: One of the most common male menopause symptoms includes sleep difficulties. Men find it difficult to enjoy uninterrupted deep sleep. They are unable to fall asleep.

g) Osteoporosis: Bone loss is known to be another symptom of male menopause. This often results in Osteoporosis.

h) Low self-confidence: Men often experience drops in their self-confidence and competency. They also witness a lot of confusion and indecisiveness in their daily matters.

Monitoring symptoms related to menopause can help you to talk about these freely to your health care practitioner and get adequate help.

Other male menopause symptoms:



Muscle pain

Joint pain

Night sweats

Mood swings mood swings list less ness.

Hot flashes

Night sweats

Low libido

Enhanced heart attack risk

Enhanced heart disease risk

Overall loss of energy

Decreased enjoyment of life

Erectile dysfunction.



There are several therapies used for controlling male menopause. Some of these therapies include:



Testosterone injections

Testosterone injections

Testosterone creams

Releasing patches

Testosterone pellets



However, it is very important to consult your doctor prior to deciding on a treatment option for male menopause symptoms.



Lillie

Cathy Taylor asked:


Most women recognize that a hot flash is a sign of menopause, even if they aren’t sure what one feels like. But what about all of those other uncomfortable symptoms such as un expected migraines, or mood swings that cause you to weep uncontrollably at the site of a newborn baby? How can we be sure what we are experiencing is menopause, and what can we do to make ourselves more comfortable?

First of all, know that you are not alone.

Menopause currently affects more than 50 million women in the US. As a result, we are finding more and improved ways to cope with the numerous physical symptoms that can appear during the mid-life transition. This time can also come with a plethora of emotions we aren’t necessarily accustomed to dealing with. The good news is that when a woman enters the second half of her life, the change can be beautiful if we become aware of what is happening to us on a physical, mental and emotional level.

In some ways, menopause feels like a rush to the finish line which can be fun for some and too much pressure for others. It often comes at the same time we are facing huge life challenges such as an empty nest, losing loved ones, shifting marital roles, and/or taking care of elderly parents. Is it any wonder many of us find it overwhelming?

One thing is for certain, if you have any unfinished business that you have been sweeping under the carpet, it’s going to rear its head during menopause. As Dr. Christiane Northrup says in her book, The Wisdom of Menopause, “menopause puts your life under a microscope. It’s a time when we reflect on our life lived, and decide what we want to do with the rest of it. A time of getting to know you, all over again as well as of self care and healing.

Let’s address some of the changes your body might be going through and what can be done about them. The debate remains between traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and the new bio-identical and alternative therapies. The intent here is to just lay out options so you can make an intelligent decision for yourself as well as review ways to find some practical help.

 

Menopause is a natural process in every woman’s life, but because of the way it is treated like an illness by some doctors, women often feel confused and devalued. On the other hand, many women find a renewed sense of vigor at menopause. This transition brings the chance to accomplish all of those things that we have put on the back burner. It can be a sweet time because women are much smarter at this stage of life and know how to relax and enjoy themselves better.

Being aware of the signs of menopause is crucial in being able to help yourself. Menopause is defined by our cycle’s cessation for at least 12 consecutive months. As a result, in a lot of cases, what women refer to as menopause is really perimenopause.

 

Perimenopause occurs as our reproductive function begins to wind down. It generally hits in the late 40s or early 50s and lasts for 2 to 4 years. During this time, our body makes less and less estrogen as we lose the ability to become pregnant. You may experience skipped periods or they could even stop for a while and then restart. You may have hot flashes, night sweats, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, weight gain and mood swings. You might begin having trouble sleeping. Vaginal dryness can start to play havoc with your sex life.

 

Remember, menopause symptoms are caused by an imbalance of female hormones. Symptoms can last a few months, while others may persist for years. Some women are bothered greatly by the symptoms of menopause, while others have very few complaints.

 

It’s important to note that natural menopause is different from what women who have surgery experience. Women who have had a hysterectomy can undergo what is labeled “surgical menopauseâ€? and the symptoms are experienced instantly post surgery. This type of induced menopause can also occur if the ovaries are damaged by chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Here are some general survival tips that you can do right away that will make a significant difference in dealing with your menopause symptoms:

              

·         Make healthy food choices- eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Avoid fatty, fried voids and drink plenty of water.

 

·         Get 30 minutes of exercise every day it doesn’t have to be strenuous! Walking is perfect as are dancing, swimming or cycling.

·         Maintain a healthy weight range if you do these first two tips, you don’t have to worry about this one.

 

·         Keep magnesium handy some women find relief from headaches, palpitations and constipation by taking magnesium.

·         If you smoke, STOP! It’s never too late.

·         Avoid caffeine, alcohol and excess salt and sugar.

 

·         Find ways to reduce stress like getting plenty of sleep, keeping your sense of humor and learning how to pamper yourself (this can be the fun part of getting older).

          

Last but certainly not least, find a doctor that will work with you on whatever treatment you choose. Keep in mind that most western doctors, unless they specialize in endocrinology, did not spend a lot of time studying hormones. Nor can a man know what you are going through because he hasn’t been there. But many doctors are now learning more about integrative medicine and there are lists available of these practitioners across the US.

Some women still believe in and continue to take HRT. With the advent of the recent Women’s Health Initiative report that indicated women taking HRT suffered from more heart attacks, strokes and blood clots, you may want to seek out alternative treatments. Find a good news source to keep up to date on these research studies.

 

There are plenty of natural options that can soothe symptoms. Read up on bio-identical hormones. I have been able to balance out declining progesterone levels with an over-the-counter cream. Within days I was relieved of debilitating mood swings, irritability and the occasional hot flash. I also fight depression with 5HTP.

 

There are great forums on the internet where women talk about their issues and what they tried that did and didn’t work. Join an online discussion group so you don;t feel alone. With so many alternatives available to women today, there is no need for any of us to suffer through menopause.



Peter

Gena G asked:


I think I maybe be starting menopause. I do have an appointment with my gyno. But I have been having some really strange dreams lately. They are really effecting my sleep. I don’t know why else I would be having these dreams. Has anyone else experienced this at the onset of menopause?

Carol

simulwording@yahoo.com asked:


I wear a patch. It helps with my mood and legs. What else is there to help? I really don’t want to get breast cancer.

Bryan

Jodie Philips asked:


When a woman experiences menopause before the age of 40 it is termed perimenopause or early menopause. Early menopause symptoms are the same as those of normal menopause. Early menopause symptoms manifest themselves in the form of brittle bones, mood changes, heart disease and other problems.

Early menopause symptoms are seen more in women who smoke regularly and those who have never conceived. Such women are more prone to heart attacks and an increased cholesterol level. Since menopause has occurred earlier than usual, such women must consult their doctor to learn about ways to fight the early menopause symptoms.

Early menopause symptoms result from decrease in production of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. This causes less absorption of calcium and results in fractures. One should therefore take calcium supplements in the diet, in the form of leafy vegetables and soy products.

Hot flushes and nighttime sweating are one of the most common early menopause symptoms. These are caused due to constraint of blood vessels. Hot flushes disturb one’s sleep and can cause insomnia. One becomes restless and a lack of rest can leave a person feeling irritable.

Other early menopause symptoms include dry skin and a persistent burning sensation on the body. Applying a lot of moisturizer all over the body can treat this. One gets migraine attacks from time to time and the joints become stiff.

Reduction in hormone production causes a loss of elasticity in body tissues. Due to this women experience early menopause symptoms like vaginal dryness, painful intercourse and a general lack of interest in sexual matters. Women may get an urge to urinate more frequently due to some loss of bladder control.

In general, the premature onset of menopause is a tough time for any woman with increase in occurrence of early menopause symptoms like fatigue, low self-confidence and a general feeling of rejection. However, information about the early menopause symptoms ensures that one can handle menopause better. One must adopt healthy habits in the mid-thirties itself. This includes no smoking, a moderate intake of alcohol and a nutritious diet of green vegetables and lean meats. All women must take a cup of low-fat milk everyday to build healthy bones and a store of calcium in the body.

It is a good idea to reduce the intake of tea and coffee to a minimum since this hampers absorption of calcium. One can substitute the body’s hormones by natural plant estrogens like tofu. A woman must incorporate a regular exercise regimen in her daily schedule. This can be in the form of a brisk walk or any other physical activity to build strong bones. Overall, physical activity induces a feeling of good health and is the best weapon against early menopause symptoms. One can also take hormone replacement therapy under strict medical supervision to combat early menopause symptoms. The line of treatment to overcome early menopause symptoms varies from a woman to woman and depends on the individual’s needs and physical health.



Lucy

lilgurl asked:


I think I am experiencing the beginning of menopause? My periods are much shorter and painful, and two days before my period I get unbelievable cramps!~ Is this normal with menopause?

Sylvia

Natural Salt asked:


My father-in-law’s girlfriend who is 50 or so is saying she is pregnant. Says she has a positive pregnancy test. Someone said it happens in menopause because of hormone imbalance. True or false?

Lydia

auntiee asked:


I read an article today that said -premenopause out of 1000 calories, you would burn 700 and store 300. Postmenopause the opposite-burn 300 and store 700. I’m not going for numbers,but a basic idea of how different it is. Is this fairly accurate? Thanks for the help.

Pearl

yo asked:


I am experiencing hot flashes at night, especially, and wondering how likely it is that I am in peri-menopause? ( pre menopause) I heard you can get symptoms years before you turn barren.

Dora