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Monday, December 18, 2006

Natural Remedys For Menopause Symptoms

Natural Progesterone and Osteoporosis Treatment Success

by David Buster

Using natural progesterone and osteoporosis was successfully treated? Is it possible? After all, natural progesterone is safe to use with virtually no side effects when used correctly. It is one of the two primary hormones produced in a healthy woman during the menstrual cycle, the other hormone being estrogen. In perhaps the only study of natural progesterone and osteoporosis treatment of its kind, the success obtained by a leading Harvard-trained physician for reversing osteoporosis in women is explained.

What is osteoporosis? Osteoporosis is a progressive disease where the bones become more porous and weaker over time. Untreated, osteoporosis will weaken, disable and kill both women and men. Almost half of the women in the United States will fracture a hip, forearm or spine sometime in their lifetime. 20% of women who fracture their hip will die within one year. And it is not just a disease of the elderly. Osteoporosis regularly begins its destructive process for women in their 30's. Becoming slightly shorter in height is the most noticable of the osteoporosis symptoms. Osteoporosis causes postural changes, and it makes one more likely to have a bone fracture as one ages.

There are two kinds of bone cells that one should understand. Osteoclasts are the cells that travel through bone tissue, finding bone tissue that needs replacing, removing old bone by dissolving it and leaving small cavities or pores where there once was bone. Osteoblasts are the cells that form new bone cells in the cavities left by the dissolving tissue. This continous process of bone resorption and new bone formation is how bones are kept strong in the healthy body. Bone strength is the result of the balance of these two processes. Osteoporosis happens when more bone tissue is being dissolved than is being rebuilt.

When are the bones the strongest in women? Bone strength is greatest at around age 30 for women. Bone loss typically begins in women 5-20 years before menopause. Osteoporosis occurs regularly in both women and men. Even though a man begins to lose bone mass considerably later in life than a woman, bone loss happens in men. Women often begin losing bone mass as early as in their 30's, whereas bone loss begins in the 50's for a man. By the time men reach their 70's, their bone weakness equals that of women.

Harvard-trained Dr. John R. Lee is the author of the best-selling womens health book What Your Doctor May NOT Tell You About Menopause. Dr. Lee studied 100 of his women patients that were in various stages of osteoporosis. The women in his study ranged in ages from 38 to 83 with 62.5 being the average age. By adding supplementation with natural progesterone to an existing natural osteoporosis treatment program, Dr. Lee found that bone density was increased every year by 3-5% until it stabilized at the bone density levels expected for a 35-year old woman! All 100 women using the natural progesterone and osteoporosis treatment reversed their bone loss and grew new bone cells. These results are astounding!

Dr. Lee also observed that the women who had experienced the most bone loss were the ones that increased bone density the fastest when using this natural progesterone and osteoporosis reversal treatment! Dr. Lee makes it very clear that natural progesterone and osteoporosis treatment must include the osteoporosis treatment elements of proper diet, nutrients and exercise. And for women approaching the age of menopause (late 40's to early 50's) and older, he felt that natural progesterone supplementation would greatly benefit women that had already experienced considerable bone loss, and that natural progesterone would rebuild new bone cells.

Anyone can easily make lifestyle changes that will include weight-bearing exercise, proper diet, nutritional supplements and natural progesterone and osteoporosis treatment. Stopping bone loss, rebuilding and strengthening your bones is entirely possible, according to Dr. Lee. If you or someone you know is at risk for osteoporosis, learn more and benefit from the successes of Dr. Lee and other physicians in safely and effectively treating osteoporosis, a debilitating disease.

David Buster is VP of InfoSearch Publishing and is one of the webmasters of http://www.safemenopausesolutions.com - a website of physician-recommended natural treatments for health problems. Visit the website and learn more about natural ways for improving your health.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Buster

Menopause And Perimen Symptoms List

Low Testosterone Women and Low Testosterone in Women Symptoms

by Olinda Rola

Low testosterone women and low testosterone in women symptoms are related to hormone levels in the woman's body. Testosterone production in a woman is about 10% of the amount typically made by a man. Testosterone is produced primarily in a woman's ovaries and adrenal glands.

Along with the two other vital hormones -- progesterone and estrogen -- testosterone production declines as a woman ages. Low testosterone women may experience certain symptoms, the most notable symptom being low libido. However, low testosterone in women can also contribute to depression and osteoporosis.

Harvard-trained family physician Dr. John R. Lee describes his experience with low testosterone women in the book What Your Doctor May NOT Tell You About Premenopause. He reports that several clinical studies have shown that using a small amount of natural testosterone supplementation may enhance the good effects of the other hormones.

However, Dr. Lee observes that testosterone production depends on sufficient progesterone levels in the body. In the healthy human body, progesterone converts into another form of progesterone, which converts into androstenedione from which testosterone is made. If progesterone levels are too low -- common today with women in their 30's and older -- low testosterone in women may be the result. For low testosterone women, Dr. Lee recommends first using natural progesterone cream supplementation for at least six months, using dosages in the same amounts as what the body would normally produce. Dr. Lee found that natural progesterone supplementation often solved the problem of low testosterone women and low libido.

While low testosterone in women is one problem, excessive testosterone can also cause problems. Dr. Lee describes what often happens as women approach menopause and ovarian function slows. Women often show symptoms of becoming androgen dominant, and testosterone supplementation may only make this condition worse. Symptoms of androgen dominance in women include male pattern baldness and facial hair growth.

In addition, an excess of estrogen in the woman's body can result in the occurance of these same two symptoms. Clearance of testosterone from the body is related to the healthy balance of estrogen and progesterone levels. Too much estrogen slows down the clearance of testosterone, while progesterone enhances testosterone clearance. By staying in the body longer than necessary, testosterone may produce the androgenic characteristics described above. Dr. Lee found that supplementation with natural progesterone cream tended to reverse the androgen dominant characteristics.

Dr. Lee recommends that low testosterone women first use natural progesterone cream supplementation for at least six months. His experience was that frequently no testosterone supplementation was required as natural progesterone corrected the symptoms. He suggests that if low libido is still being experienced after doing progesterone supplementation for at least six months, then consider trying a small amount of natural testosterone supplementation -- approximately 0.5 - 2 mg in the mornings. If testosterone supplementation begins to produce facial hair growth and/or male pattern baldness, reduce or discontinue testosterone supplementation.

He recommends using only natural testosterone, not one of the synthetic testosterone drugs that can have undesirable side effects. You will need to consult with your physician to obtain natural testosterone which is easily available from compounding pharmacies.

Learn as much as you can about when to use natural hormone supplemention to help stay healthy and free from the symptoms associated with low testosterone in women, and understand the vital role that natural progesterone plays in women's health.

Copyright 2005 InfoSearch Publishing

Read more about natural progesterone supplementation and natural hormone therapy. Olinda Rola is President of InfoSearch Publishing and webmaster of http://www.safemenopausesolutions.com - a website of natural health articles and resources.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Olinda_Rola

Menstrual Symptoms No Period Is It Menopause

Dealing with Fibromyalgia - The Wise Woman Way

by Susun Weed

"Dear woman," Grandmother Growth's voice seems to float in the deepening twilight, echoing, reverberating, ringing in your ears. "Bring me your soreness. Bring me your pain. Bring your aches to me. Bring your burdens. Bring all you can no longer stand, can no longer bear, can no longer carry, can no longer shoulder, can no longer be responsible for. Give it to me. Put it down. Let us sit in council together and listen to the stories your pain tells. Menopause is a journey which requires you to pack light. Heavy things - bitterness, regret, vengeance, clinging to pain - will make your travels wearisome and bring you down. Take only the stories. Leave the rest behind. Burn the soreness in your hot flashes. Let it leave you. This is the Change. Let it change you, dear woman; let it change you."

Step 0: Do Nothing

Women dealing with fibromyalgia have less pain if they sleep in a completely dark room. If that's impossible, wear a sleep mask.

Step 1: Collect Information

The chronic pain disorder I called "sore all over" when I wrote this section ten years ago is now big news. Ninety percent of the 4 million Americans dealing with this debilitating, frustrating condition - known as fibromyalgia - are white women, and many of them are menopausal.

Neither cause nor cure for fibromyalgia is known. It is not a disease but a range of symptoms characterized by chronic, widespread pain on both sides of the body, above and below the waist. (As one of my apprentices put it: "But I don't hurt in all those places at once. The pain moves around. I never know where it will be next.") Some women have a low fever in addition to pain. More than half of those with fibromyalgia also suffer from headaches, endometriosis, and/or irritable bowel syndrome.
The symptoms of fibromyalgia are quite variable, making diagnosis difficult. (Orthodox diagnosis is predicated on finding soreness at specific trigger points.) Fibromyalgia mimics aspects of multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, arthritis, hepatitis C, hypothyroidism, lupus, polymyalgia rheumatica, and early dementia. Many women with fibromyalgia are told their distress is "all in your mind."

It isn't in your mind (alone). Menopause can leave you feeling like you've been beaten on. Muscles respond to hormonal changes by feeling sore and cranky. Sleep loss can make you ache. (Non-restorative sleep is a hallmark of fibromyalgia.) Lack of calcium (and other minerals) can make your bones ache. Whether you are dealing with these challenges, or the greater problem of fibromyalgia, why not give Wise Woman Ways a try? The remedies listed here have been remarkably successful in helping many women.

"People with fibromyalgia aren't just sensitive to pain; they also find loud noises, strong odors, and bright lights aversive." - Daniel Clauw, MD, Director: Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, Georgetown University

Step 2: Engage the Energy

Having a support group is one of the strongest factors in keeping fibromyalgia under control.
Homeopathic Arnica is an amazing remedy for sore and aching muscles. Daily use of homeopathic Rhus toxicodendron reduced pain by 25 percent in those with fibromyalgia.
Make a list of things you are sore (upset, angry) about. Where do these things live in your body? With the help of an experienced bodyworker, loosen those places. Women with fibromyalgia are very likely to be survivors of trauma (sexual or domestic violence, alcoholism).
Go back to your Mother. Float in the ocean. Lie belly down on the earth. Naked. Let her ease you. Let her heal you.
Listen to a relaxation tape. Have someone show you how to do the yoga position called the "Corpse Pose". Learn how to bring yourself to a deep state of inner quiet and peaceful mind.
Hypnotherapy can help you gain some degree of mental control over their symptoms. Cognitive behavior therapy is also helpful.

Step 3: Nourish and Tonify

Consistent use of nourishing herbal infusions, especially comfrey leaf and stinging nettle, in place of coffee, tea, and sodas is the single most effective thing I know for mitigating and overcoming fibromyalgia.
Gentle exercise - walks, yoga or tai chi practices - keeps muscles from weakening and becoming more painful. Experts suggest starting with as little as three minutes a day, and gradually building to at least four sessions of five minutes each per day. Persist; the reward is worth it.
Regular consumption of yogurt also proves very helpful for those with fibromyalgia. Perhaps it is due to yogurt's ability to strengthen and nourish immunity; some suspect fibromyalgia is a result of immune system malfunction.
Magnesium is a critical nutrient for preventing pain in muscles and connective tissues. Legumes, whole grains, leafy greens and nourishing herbal infusions - like nettle and oatstraw - are the best sources.
Moxibustion is also known as needleless acupuncture. Safe and easy to do at home by yourself, moxibustion gives fast relief from sore joints and aching muscles. It not only relieves pain but tonifies, decreasing future pain and gradually effecting a "cure." You can buy a moxa "cigar" at an Oriental pharmacy or health food store. Bring the glowing end of the moxa (after lighting it) near the painful area and move it around in small slow spirals until the heat becomes too intense. (This may take a few minutes or many.) Pain relief is usually immediate and often lasts for twelve or more hours.

Step 4: Stimulate/Sedate

Tinctures of willow bark or spirea (1-2 dropperfuls/1-2 ml is a dose) are highly recommended as important green allies by women dealing with fibromyalgia.
St. Joan's wort tincture - not capsules, not the tea - is a powerful ally for women with fibromyalgia. It is one of the best muscle relaxants I have ever used. A 25-30 drop dose not only stops but also prevents muscle aches. I have used it as frequently as every twenty minutes (for ten doses) when the occasion has necessitated it. St. Joan's wort prevents soreness when taken after exercise; and even better if taken before. I take a dose every hour while on an airplane to prevent muscle aches and jetlag.
Regular massage from an experienced therapist stimulates the circulation of blood and energy, relieves pain, reduces fatigue, and eases stiffness. Avoid deep tissue massage; it increases pain. Light strokes and gentle myofascial releases are more helpful. Chiropractic manipulations are of little benefit.
Massage with heated stones and other heat treatments works wonders for some women. For others, cold treatments work better (but not too cold, and not for too long either, please).
Ginger compresses, hot or cold, stir up circulation and mobilize the body's own healing agents to take action and ease your pain. I grate several ounces of fresh ginger into simmering water, cook it gently for ten minutes, then soak a cloth in the liquid and use that as an application to the sore area.
The National Institute of Health lists fibromyalgia as one of the few conditions that acupuncture can relieve.
If lying down sleep makes the pain worse, slip into something relaxing: valerian, skullcap, or St. Joan's wort tinctures, up to a dropperful/1 ml of any one, repeated twice if needed.

Step 5a: Use Supplements

A study found little benefit from those with fibromyalgia taking either SAM-e or 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan - a precursor to serotonin). Do not use 5-HTP if you are taking St. Joan's/John's wort.
Lack of sleep can quickly aggravate symptoms of fibromyalgia. (See Step 0.) If sleep confounds you, melatonin at bedtime, the lowest dose you can get, may help.

Step 5b: Use Drugs

Essential oil of lavender was recommended by several women who have dealt with fibromyalgia for many years. Dilute with jojoba or olive oil and use as a rub.
Orthodox treatment of fibromyalgia relies heavily on drugs, primarily antispasmodics, antidepressants and muscle-relaxants. But Celebrex, Vioxx, Valteran, amitriptyline (Elavil), fluoxetine (Prozac), vanlafaxine (Effecor), trazadone (Desyrel), alprazolam (Xanax), and cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) can adversely affect the liver and disrupt the immune system.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen do not reduce fibromyalgia pain for most women.
Tramadol (Ultram) is a drug which addresses both the altered brain chemicals and the pain signals of those with fibromyalgia.

Step 6: Break and Enter

Beware invasive diagnostic tests. Many women report enduring endless rounds of tests trying to put a name to their pains with no success and at the price of physical, mental, and emotional distress.
Injections of lidocaine, a drug that temporarily numbs nerves, are effective in relieving fibromyalgia pain for some women. Injections of capsaicin (from cayenne) relieve pain by destroying nerve endings.

________________________________________

If you liked this article by Susun S. Weed, you will want
New Menopausal Years, the Wise Woman Way
available from http://www.ashtreepublishing.com.

Legal Disclaimer: This content is not intended to replace conventional medical treatment. Any suggestions made and all herbs listed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, condition or symptom. Personal directions and use should be provided by a clinical herbalist or other qualified healthcare practitioner with a specific formula for you. All material contained herein is provided for general information purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Contact a reputable healthcare practitioner if you are in need of medical care. Exercise self-empowerment by seeking a second opinion.

Susun Weed

PO Box 64

Woodstock, NY 12498

Fax: 1-845-246-8081

Vibrant, passionate, and involved, Susun Weed has garnered an international reputation for her groundbreaking lectures, teachings, and writings on health and nutrition. She challenges conventional medical approaches with humor, insight, and her vast encyclopedic knowledge of herbal medicine. Unabashedly pro-woman, her animated and enthusiastic lectures are engaging and often profoundly provocative.

Susun is one of America's best-known authorities on herbal medicine and natural approaches to women's health. Her four best-selling books are recommended by expert herbalists and well-known physicians and are used and cherished by millions of women around the world. Learn more at http://www.susunweed.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susun_Weed

Menopause Symptoms 2b Peri Menopause

Triggers and Causes of Hot Flushes

by Patsy Hamilton

The causes of hot flushes, hot flashes or night sweats are believed to be decreasing levels of estrogen or other naturally occurring hormonal changes, unique to a woman. The symptoms of hot flushes and other symptoms of menopause are more severe in women who have had their ovaries surgically removed, supporting the belief that loss of hormones produced by the ovaries are the actual causes of hot flashes. Certain things trigger hot flushes, increase their severity and frequency, even though they are not the actual causes of hot flushes.

Hot flushes, flashes or night sweats are considered a �vasomotor� symptom, because dilation of the blood vessels and changes in circulation are involved. For many years estrogen replacement therapy was the most commonly recommended treatment, but because of the health risks associated with this form of treatment, it is not recommended nearly as often.

The symptoms of hot flushes typically include excessive warmth in the chest, neck and face. The hands and feet may feel chilled at the same time, once the heat has subsided a woman often feels chilled all over. Increased perspiration under the arms, on the chest, neck and forehead may occur. A woman�s face and neck may look red, blotchy or �flushed�.

When hot flushes occur at night they are usually called night sweats. They can interrupt a woman�s sleep, sometimes leading to insomnia, decreasing energy levels and overall sense of well being. A recent study indicates that the majority of peri-menopausal (a term referring to the time �around� menopause) women do not feel that hot flushes affect their quality of life as much as emotional changes and mood swings. Mood swings and emotions like anger, frustration and irritability are not causes of hot flushes, but they can be triggers.

The sudden changes in body temperature are not believed to threaten a woman�s health. No medical treatment is required, unless they happen frequently, are severe or disruptive to a woman�s life. In these cases, doctors may recommend hormone replacement therapy. For women who are bothered by them, but cannot or do not want to risk hormone therapy, there are natural herbs and other plant components that can relieve them.

Most women can get relief from hot flushes by using an herbal supplement called black cohosh. This herb was used historically by Native American healers to correct symptoms related to hormonal imbalances, to help regulate menstrual cycles, as a diuretic and a mild sedative. Research has shown that women get as much relief from hot flashes when using black cohosh as they do from estrogen replacement. It is highly recommended for women who can not risk estrogen replacement therapy, because of previous cancers or other concerns.

Because, the Women�s Health Initiative found that the health benefits of hormone replacement therapy do not outweigh the risks, most doctors no longer recommend this treatment unless numerous symptoms are present and are severely impairing a woman�s ability to function, her relationships or her quality of life. Black cohosh, on the other hand, is being recommended more and more.

Although they are not actually causes of hot flushes, there are a number of substances that can trigger them. By using a symptoms diary or journal, you may be able to find other triggers that affect you personally. The most common triggers are alcohol, caffeine, nicotine and spicy foods. For more information about hot flushes and other menopausal symptoms, please visit the Menopause and PMS Guide.

Patsy Hamilton was a health care professional for more than twenty years before she became a freelance writer. Currently she writes informational articles related to women�s health for the Menopause and PMS Guide. Read more at www.menopause-and-pms-guide.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patsy_Hamilton

Sunday, December 17, 2006

Sign Symptoms Of Pre Menopause

Menopause and Water Retention

by Cathy Taylor

When women reach a point where they stop ovulating, it is called menopause. It indicates the end of fertility in women. Menopause affects different women differently. For some, menopause starts early, but most would experience it around the age of 50. There is a reduction in the production of estrogen and progesterone in the body during and after menopause. The reduction of estrogen and other hormones in the body leads to many symptoms, and women resort to various ways and medications to replenish the depleted estrogen.

Water retention is excessive accumulation of fluid in the body. It occurs in women during menopause or perimenopause when they take estrogen replacement hormones. Water retention in the body is an indication of weak adrenals or kidneys, the circulatory system, or perhaps the heart. Water retention and/or bloating during menopause or perimenopause can easily be cured. The kidneys become fatigued on overloading, especially when you bloat due to fluid retention. It would be advisable to limit the intake of fluids.

Menopause and Ways to Reduce Water Retention
If you often bloat with water retention during menopause, try the following:

� Reduce salt intake - Excessive sodium in the blood leads to water retention in the tissues. It would be ideal to cut down on junk foods. Avoiding salty fries, pepperoni pizza and other foods containing hidden salt, some types of salad dressings, cereals and canned soups would be a good start. Inculcate the habit of reading labels before buying food off the shelves.
� Get exercising - Start walking, bicycling, and similar activities. These can help reduce water retention in your body. With age, you generally tend to reduce such activities, when you actually need to do the exact opposite!

Although ascorbic acid - Vitamin C - increases water output from the kidneys, its excessive use could stress your kidneys and there is a likelihood of increase in water retention in the future. There are certain things you can try to increase the output of water from your body:

� Tincture of Dandelion - About 10 to 20 drops of this tincture is a great way to reduce water retention. It helps in removing excess fluid from the cells, nourishing and toning your kidneys, the adrenals and the liver. It increases the ability to digest food and aids hormones to ease menopausal change.

� Dong Quai - When used regularly, it relieves bloating, and has a diuretic effect - increase in the discharge of urine. This oil also has a mild sedative effect, soothing the intestines and bladder.

� Helpful Foods - Eating asparagus, corn, cucumber, grapes, and watermelon may be helpful. Reduce intake of parsley, celery, black tea and coffee in order to avoid water retention.

� Other Remedies - Certain oils, such as cypress, geranium, juniper, lavender and rosemary, may help reduce water retention in your body. These essential oils may be used in the form of baths, gargles, mouthwashes, vaporizers, inhalants, as well as compresses and massages.

Trying these remedies, including reduced salt intake, will help in reducing water retention.

Cathy writes frequently on mid-life issues for women and men particularly
menopause and andropause. A copy of her book can be found at
http://www.howtoconquermenopause.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cathy_Taylor

Exercise And Symptoms Of Menopause

Menopause Symptoms and Natural Solutions

by Michael Russell

Treating menopause systems seems to be as controversial as any other disease or illness we encounter as humans. As with most ailments, there seem to be a number of ways to treat menopausal systems. First, let's identify common symptoms.

Hot Flashes - We all know of someone who has hot flashes - this is when the room temperature is 70 degrees; however, it feels like 90 degrees to her. Then within moments, that same room feels like 60 degrees. Dizziness or faintness may occur as well.

Night Sweats - For most, hot flashes occur during the day, but for others they occur primarily at night where women wake up drenched in perspiration. This interruption in sleep often can create even more havoc with hormone levels.

Unexplained Weight Gain - The truth of the matter is, women don't get fat and yet they experience metabolic changes between the ages of 45-55. This is normal, yet many do not accept the maturing body image as such. Instead, they diet and exercise only to find that that extra 10 pounds won't go back to where it came from.

Vaginal Discomfort - This includes itching, dryness and pain. The cells in the lining of the vagina often become thinner and less resistant due to a decrease in estrogen and androgen. Let's face it our bodies have been around half a century.

Frequent Urination - Though this is a very common, yet troublesome symptom, there are many, unfortunately, that experience urinary tract and kidney infections. As with the vaginal discomfort, the urethra and bladder tissues become thinner and therefore more susceptible to irritation and infection.

Skin Changes - Topically thinning, drying and wrinkling of the skin are most common signs.

Other Symptoms - Mood swings, increased facial hair, thinning hair, body odor, gastrointestinal distress, tingling or shock sensation under the skin, bleeding gums, anxiety or panic attacks, increased headaches or fatigue and memory lapses.

There are many times that women between the ages of 40 and 55 experience some or many of the above symptoms; sufferers tend to believe they are just going out of they're minds, not realizing the changes that are occurring within them. Women wish, just sometimes, that men shared some of they're biological changes, instead of reaping the glories of becoming distinguished?

So how do women overcome the difficult times of menopause? Most go to the physician and he/she prescribes medication to create some kind of hormone balance. However, others prefer to take a more natural course to get through this difficult time of change.

Women who use herbs and nutrients with food content, as well as a balanced diet and exercise, in addition to sharing their experiences with either a close friend or counselor believe they are going through this life change "as nature indented it to be".

There are many different companies from which to purchase natural products and your doctor cannot prescribe these natural cures. So if you choose to go it the more natural way, get advice from the experts - do your research, it's well worth the time and always let your physician know what you're taking.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Menopause

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

Menopause Symptoms With The Breast

Hot Flashes and You-What You Need to Know

by John Mancini

Many women have hot flashes during menopause. Most women experience this particular symptom of menopause for about five years (80%), while some continue to have them longer, around ten years (10%). While great majorities of women live through hot flashes during their change of life, not a lot is known about what causes the hot flashes. However, there are some measures that can be taken to alleviate hot flashes.

Some of these treatments include using plant and vitamin supplements to help alleviate the symptoms of hot flashes. If a women wanted to try an alternative method, there is not a shortage available, everything from soy to new breathing techniques have been touted as the cure for hot flashes.

The most important thing that you can do for yourself when experiencing hot flashes before or during menopause is to speak with your health care provider. They will be able to walk you through the process of choosing a treatment regimen. Discuss with your doctor if you have any concerns regarding hormone replacement surgery, together you can find the right form of relief for you.

Hormone replacement therapy is by far the most affective means to treat hot flashes and is prescribed to more than 40 million women every year. However, this program has been under intense scrutiny recently, as new research as indicated that the hormone replacement may be a leading cause in heart disease among women. For that reason, more and more women are turning away from this traditional treatment in favor of more natural methods of controlling the hot flashes.

Even though not a whole lot is known about hot flashes, it is believed that they occur not because of low hormones, but are due rather to a fluctuation in those hormones. Traditionally, hot flashes are treated with a prescription of estrogen via an oral or transdermal medications; this treatment is called hormone replacement therapy (HRT). These medications are a way of evening out the hormones with in the body and are proven to slow the occurrences of hot flash by 80-90% in most women.

John Mancini has been writing about Menopause online and offline for a long time. Visit http://menopause-central.com or http://my-menopause.com to read more about matters like early menopause symptoms and herbs for menopause.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Mancini