DrStocks asked:

Popular television and movie actress Suzanne Somers speaks on the subject of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy for the alleviation of menopause, a cutting edge medical protocol she has personally experienced. Filmed at the 15th annual American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine World Congress December 11, 2007.

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ummcvideos asked:

Overview:
Menopause is a natural transition in a womans life, not a medical problem. But many women have a tough time with menopausal symptoms and theyre looking for safe and effective ways to get relief. In this interview, well hear the latest information about menopause, and dispel some of the myths.

Part One:
Definition of menopause
Factors affecting menopause
Perimenopause
Hot flashes
Vaginal dryness
Sleep disturbances

Part Two:
Ways to alleviate menopause symptoms
Hormone replacement therapy
Natural estrogens
Estrogen patches and creams
Diet & exercise

Guest:
Dr. May Blanchard, an OB/GYN at the University of Maryland Medical Center and an assistant professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

Links:
Menopause – Treatment Options (Part 1)

Menopause – Treatment Options (Part 2)

Maryland Womens Health Center

http://www.umm.edu/womenscenter/index.htm

Dr. May Blanchard
http://www.umm.edu/doctors/may__blanchard.html

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Wirat Muenpan asked:


The symptoms of menopause are caused by changes in estrogen and progesterone levels. When estrogen drops suddenly, as is seen when the ovaries are removed surgically (called surgical menopause), symptoms can be more severe. Perimenopause begins several years before menopause, when the ovaries gradually produce less estrogen. Currently, hormone replacement therapy (estrogen with or without progestin) is the primary treatment for the symptoms and long-term risks associated with menopause. The work is the latest salvo in a years-long back and forth about memory, menopause, and estrogen. During menopause, the ovaries produce less estrogen than during the reproductive years. As a result, many problems women have with menopause relate to low estrogen levels.

Perimenopause is the span of time prior to menopause when the ovaries’ production of estrogen begins to slow down. Women experiencing peri- and postmenopause have found that supplemental estrogen provides the hormones they need to produce and maintain physical and emotional well being. During postmenopause, the depleted level of estrogen can increase other health-related risks such as heart disease and osteoporosis. The lower amounts of estrogen that come with menopause will cause changes in your body. Other Therapies Women also can take selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) to help prevent some of the bone problems that can occur during menopause. Generally in the past when a woman advanced into menopause, a doctor would routinely prescribe estrogen or progesterone in various strengths. During menopause, it is believed that when estrogen levels drop, this decreases the amount of serotonin available to the brain. Many physicians recommend estrogen replacement therapy to: Reduce the undesirable symptoms of menopause.

At this stage, many women experience menopause symptoms (see below). Middle-aged herself, Northrup writes from experience and, more important, from her professional expertise as a physician who has treated many women and researched menopause. A population based survey of women’s experience of the menopause. You may begin to experience signs and symptoms of menopause well before your periods stop permanently. Prior to the onset of menopause, a woman can experience major changes in her moods and attitude. Prognosis Although menopause is a difficult period for some, most women will experience menopause without long-term problems. Women in perimenopause transition typically experience abnormal vaginal bleeding such as erratic periods or abnormal bleeding patterns. Women who smoke experience the menopause at an earlier age than non-smokers. However, many women experience major life changes during their middle age including menopause and sleep disturbances, which can increase the risk of developing depression. In the past, menopause was shrouded in mystery and often viewed as a negative experience and a precursor to death. Most women experience menopause between the ages of about but some go through it years earlier or later, as well. “But some fortysomething women are beginning to experience menopause and many find their desire for sex declines,” Gupta informed us. Some experience menopause problems that their friends never do. In the western world about 12% of woman don’t experience symptoms of menopause and about 14% experience intense physical or emotional problems.

Women and physicians have questions and concerns about the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) during and after menopause. Like Sheehy, she reassured women that menopause encourages a journey inwards towards wisdom and serenity.%u201D Menopausally-provoked spiritual insight continues to strike publishing gold. Several generations ago, few women lived beyond menopause. In some women the early menopause occurs spontaneously. The same may be true of women approaching menopause, many of whom live a life filled with stress and worry. Malnourished women begin menopause about 4 years earlier than well-nourished womenEarly onset of menstruation. Each week nearly 30,000 women of all ages and stages find their spirits lifted by the show’s light-hearted look at menopause. While some women choose to live with their symptoms, there are many therapies for the conditions associated with menopause. Today, women can expect to live one third of their lives after menopause.

Pueraria Mirifica capsule Pueragold THAI FDA. G. 10/2003 (E)

Pueragold is a premuim grade Thai herbal product derived mainly from the White Kwao Krua (Pueraria Mirifica) which contains. Phytoestrogen (Natural Plant Estrogen). This all-natural herbal formula stimulates and rebalances older women and men hormones level.

Pueraria Mirifica CAPSULE Pueragold THAI FDA. G. 10/2003 (E)

ALL Natural Dietary Supplement

High Phytoestrogens (especially isoflavones):

*Reduces Menopausal/Post-Menopausal symptoms

*Increases sensitivity and vitality

*Enhances physical and mental ability

*Darken white hair & increases hair growth

*Alleviates sleep disorder & improves eyesight

*Enhances Breast and Skin Appearance

*Supports Healthy Prostate Function

*Supports Healthy Bone Structure

Ingredients: Pueraria Mirifica and other herbs

Packaging: 60 capsules per box

Recommended Dosage:

Men/Post-Menopausal Women: Take 1 capsule after breakfast and dinner everyday

Precautions: *If should not be used in pregnant women,nursing cervix mothers, or women diagnosed with tumors in estrogen-sensitive organs, e.g., ovary, uterus and breast.

http://www.phuketherb.com/phytoestrogen-natural-plant-estrogen.html



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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.



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ProudMommy_1 asked:


My mother was prescribed a bioidentical hormone in the form of a cream for her menopause. She is wondering if anyone knew the best time of day to apply the cream of does it not matter? Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

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