AbFab Menopause
Posted on Mar 25, 2009 under Menopause | 24 Comments
Patsy and Eddy stumble upon a “Menopausals Anonymous” meeting. “I hope you’re wearing thick pants!” … abfab absolutely fabulous menopause thick
Duration : 0:0:38
Archives for March, 2009
Hillary, Be My Best Friend
Posted on Mar 24, 2009 under Menopause | 25 Comments
As seen on CNN, FOX News, NBC News, VH1.com, and The Washington Post Please SUBSCRIBE for more fun videos 
www.myspace
Duration : 0:3:22
Why Do I Have Hot Flashes During Pregnancy?
Posted on Mar 22, 2009 under Hot Flashes | 5 Comments
If you’re experiencing hot flashes during pregnancy, you’re not alone. Anywhere from 50% – 70% of women experience hot flashes or night sweats during pregnancy. Most women experience the sensation of increased warmth while pregnant. You may find yourself kicking off the covers in the middle of the night or trying to squelch an unquenchable thirst. If kicking off the covers is accompanied by soaked sheets, consider yourself normal.
As in menopause, estrogen levels fluctuate during pregnancy. Some studies show that low levels of estrogen are the root cause of hot flashes, but many more studies prove that it’s not a low level, but rather a fluctuating level of estrogen that set them off.
In pregnancy your body is going through so many changes that a hot flash or two may not concern you. But if these hot flashes become embarrassing or unbearable it’s time to seek treatment. Hot flashes during pregnancy must be approached differently than in menopause. Since pregnancy has its own set of “do’s” and “don’ts” hot flash treatment must be handled with caution.
You must find a natural treatment for your hot flashes during pregnancy. That means that hormone therapy and the use of herbs are out. For obvious reasons you don’t want to introduce hormones to control your hot flashes during pregnancy. But staying away from herbs may not be so obvious. Since herbs are natural it seems that you should be able to use them. Not so. Herbs can do all sorts of things to the body and when you’re pregnant, plus interact with other medications you may be taking. Now is not the time to begin experimenting.
More natural and simple strategies will ease your hot flashes during pregnancy. Begin by wearing layers. Simply slip your sweater off when you begin to feel too warm. Don’t be shy about turning on a fan or turning down the thermostat. When you cool down, readjust the temperature. And do always carry a beverage with you. Not only are the fluids good for you, but they will help fight off your hot flashes during pregnancy.
If the experience of hot flashes during pregnancy is just one more symptom to make your life miserable during pregnancy, hang in there. It does get better. Visit a support chat room or a local support group. It’s amazing what a relief and comfort it is to talk with someone experiencing the same symptoms, aches and pains, and hot flashes as you are.
Linda Bruton
http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/why-do-i-have-hot-flashes-during-pregnancy-80214.html
Using Natural Herbs to Curb Hot Flashes
Posted on Mar 22, 2009 under Menopause | No Comment
For women suffering from hot flashes during menopause and perimenopause, finding a cure is often a long and ultimately frustrating process. But amid all of the synthetic treatments currently available on the market, none compare to natural herbal treatments that have been used for centuries by women in the know.
Hot flashes, which are noted by increased heat and flushing in the face, is common among women approaching menopausal age, and some are afflicted by severe symptoms. Finding relief in the form of natural herbs helps eliminate stress that accompanies the problem.
While hormone therapy is a popular treatment which is used by many women, others prefer the natural route, taking doses of Vitamin E and Vitamin B to aid in the easing of symptoms. But herbs play an important role in natural hot flash therapy.
Flaxseed, also perhaps more commonly known as linseed, is used in whole seed and oil form to help ease hot flash symptoms. While there is no hard or solid scientific evidence to back up the support of this claim, many women have used it successfully for years in the treatment of hot flashes.
Evening primrose oil is another herb commonly used to treat hot flashes during menopause. However, this botanical is sometimes accompanied by side effects such as diarrhea and nausea. It’s important to talk to your doctor before combining evening primrose with other medications, such as blood thinning drugs, because it could cause adverse reactions.
Soy products such as plant estrogen, which is found in isoflavones, contribute an estrogen-similar effect to the body to weaken hot flash symptoms. Many women concentrate on using soy-based food products to treat hot flashes, not soy supplements.
Another natural herbal remedy for hot flash symptoms during menopause and perimenopause is the use of black cohosh. As a short-term natural remedy, it works very effectively. But side effects can include an upset stomach, so it needs to be used carefully.
With so much controversy in the news about hormone replacement therapy, it is important that women find reliable and natural ingredients they can use to treat various symptoms associated with menopause.
The herbs mentioned in this article only serve as a small reminder of natural cures that you can find to treat a single symptom – hot flashes. There are dozens of other herbs that can help alleviate the other menopausal symptoms women have to endure over the years.
James Penn
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/using-natural-herbs-to-curb-hot-flashes-107492.html
hot flashes at the age of 23?
Posted on Mar 20, 2009 under Hot Flashes | 6 CommentsOver the last few months I have been experiencing what I think are hot flashes. They hit me all of a sudden but don’t last long maybe 5 mins. Its just real annoying , any suggestion? Do you think it could be hormonal related?
It probably is hormone related.
The question is which hormone?
go in and get some blood work.
Make sure you are not in premature ovarian failure.
Hot Flashes and Other Girlie Stuff
Posted on Mar 18, 2009 under Hot Flashes | 25 Comments
I talk about new stuff for the e-store, my horriffic hot flashes and other nutty stuff. www.mamalovesmamboplussize.com WOW, this is Reymon14
Duration : 0:10:38
When do women generally start
Posted on Mar 17, 2009 under Menopause | 5 CommentsI'm in my early 40's and was wondering when I should be concerned about menopause. I've been very moody lately and just don't feel like myself…could this be pre-menopause? What are some of the symptoms emotional and physical that accompany menopause? How long does menopause last?
50 to death
Detecting Menopause Through Testing
Posted on Mar 13, 2009 under Menopause | No Comment
Menopause comes from two Greek words that mean “month” and “to
end,” and the current medical definition of menopause means
exactly the same: the absence of menstruation for twelve months.
Menopause can occur between late thirties and late 50s, and not
a single woman can avoid this period. Considering that menopause
hits a woman in her most active life stage, it is not surprising
that women want to prepare to menopause and avoid discomfort
using a wide variety of convenient menopause tests.
Although menopause is a natural part of growing older, many
women find menopause symptoms start interfering with their daily
lives. Menopause symptoms include missed or heavy menstrual
periods, hot sweating and flashes, mood changes, nervousness,
insomnia and a general feeling of being “down”. Due to hormonal
changes a woman may add some weight or her hair may thin. Then,
after the stopping of menstrual periods for a full twelve
months, a woman enters menopause, and after twelve months a
woman is post-menopausal. And while many women may experience
mild discomfort, others may have moderate to severe health
problems and may want to ease their symptoms.
Menopause symptoms can be relieved, if not avoided, by timely
preparation. Menopause tests help women detect menopause in its
early stage. Using menopause tests may be reasonable even for
women in their 30s to determine when their ovarian function
changes which may mean the slow shift into the perimenopause.
Such symptoms are irregular menstrual periods, hot flashes,
insomnia, nervousness, decreased sexual desire, or night sweats
may signal the approach of perimenopause or menopause, but they
can also manifest a number of other disorders and conditions.
For accurate results, menopause test employs a hormonal analysis.
The menopause test measures the presence of a hormone known as
follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). This hormone is produced by
woman’s pituitary gland. Follicle stimulating hormone levels
increase temporarily each month to stimulate ovaries to produce
eggs. When a woman enters menopause and ovaries stop working,
her follicle stimulating hormone levels increase.
Applying urine to the wick of a menopause test kit activates
menopause tests. If a woman’s hormonal level is higher than
normal, it may signal that she is approaching menopause.
However, this test will not show not if a woman definitely is in
menopause or even in perimenopause. Menopause test may be
influenced by oral or patch contraceptives, hormone replacement
therapy, or estrogen supplements that a woman has been taking
before the test.
There are a number of traditional menopause tests that should be
done in doctor’s office. Typically these tests require a sample
of blood that is sent to an outside lab for examination. Results
are normally available three to five days later. If the
menopause test results show that the hormonal levels are
increased above the norm, it is standard medical protocol to
perform a second menopause test.
Today, menopause symptoms can be relieved using traditional or
herbal therapy methods. If you are concerned about the symptoms
of menopause talk to your doctor about a menopause test
Kathryn Whittaker
http://www.articlesbase.com/women’s-issues-articles/detecting-menopause-through-testing-2943.html
Perimenopause And Phantom Periods
Posted on Mar 11, 2009 under Menopause | No Comment
If you’ve experienced symptoms exactly like those that may occur when you’re expecting your period, but no period is present or ever arrives, it’s most likely that you’re having a “phantom” period.
Phantom periods are described as a period minus the menses. In other words, you may feel irritable, bloated, fatigued, experience headaches and cramps, but the presence of blood is non-existent. Most women notice phantom periods while they’re experiencing perimenopause, the transitional period prior to menopause.
It’s important to remember that menstruation has been a regular occurrence in your life for many years and, therefore, the transition into menopause can take several years, as well. During perimenopause it’s not unusual to experience phantom periods, as well as several other symptoms, such as irregular or unpredictable periods, difficulty sleeping, irritability or depression, hot flashes and weight gain, especially around the mid-section.
If you’ve been experiencing phantom periods it’s a good idea to talk with your health care provider to rule out the possibility of other health conditions that could be contributing to your symptoms. Once you’re certain that you are indeed having phantom periods, there’s no need for concern, as there are no known health risks to women who experience phantom periods.
Just as with normal periods, P.M.S. and menopause, many of the symptoms associated with phantom periods can be reduced and even eliminated by making some very simple lifestyle changes.
It’s been well documented that regular exercise contributes to eliminating many physical and emotional symptoms experienced by women who are pre-menstrual, having phantom periods or noticing signs of perimenopause. Unfortunately, until women actually begin exercising and personally experience the positive results of physical fitness, most simply don’t believe or understand just what a difference a healthier lifestyle can make.
Because of this, the majority of women would rather suffer the many symptoms of “feminine conditions” rather than invest a small amount of time and energy to ensure that they look and feel fantastic well into their 40’s, 50’s and beyond.
I encourage you to at least give physical fitness a trial run. If, after 60 days, you’ve not benefited and have decided this is not the solution for you, go ahead and discontinue exercising. You stand to lose absolutely nothing – other than a few pounds and several inches from your body. I seriously doubt you’ll discontinue, however, once you see for yourself just how much better you’ll look and feel. Go ahead – accept this challenge so that you may begin to look and feel better than you ever thought possible.
Susan Megge
http://www.articlesbase.com/women’s-issues-articles/perimenopause-and-phantom-periods-91301.html
Herbal Remedies Are They Effective?
Posted on Mar 10, 2009 under Hot Flashes | No Comment
Herbal remedies for hot flashes are an alternative to the use of hormonal therapy. This route is taken when it has been determined that hormonal therapy is too dangerous for a particular patient. This is particularly true for women who have had breast cancer.
But as recent studies have made all too clear – hormone therapy can actually increase the risk of breast cancer, stroke, and heart problems. The herbal remedies for hot flashes are all scientifically based and in many cases the hormonal treatments are based in part from the herbal remedies.
Certain plants are capable of creating estrogenic and progestational effects, thereby achieving the same or similar results as hormone therapy. In the United States the idea of using herbal remedies for hot flashes is just finally gaining widespread acceptance while in Germany 70% of doctors prescribe herbal remedies. In Europe herbal remedies are also covered by insurance in the same manner as hormonal therapy.
Herbal remedies for hot flashes include Black Cohosh, also known as Squawroot, Black snakeroot, Rattle weed. Hot flashes are some of the early symptoms of menopause and include night sweats, anxiety, and sleeplessness. Your hot flashes can generally last from just a few seconds to 6 minutes or longer and come on several times a day. The degree will vary from person to person and in some can be very severe.
Hot flashes can not only be very embarrassing but also debilitating as well. They can cause you to have problems sleeping at all or to toss and turn all night. One of the most effective herbal remedies for hot flashes involves using the rhizome of the Black Cohosh plant. Native Americans would boil this plant to make a tea that would treat various illnesses that affected women. This herbal remedy works by blocking the receptors for estrogen, which results in the LH (a hormone) being lowered.
You will need to consult with your herbalist to determine if this will work for you. They will tell you how to take this herb to gain the best results for your case. Or you may want to try one of the many herbal remedies already available in health food stores that contain black cohosh. Many doctors today have also been studying homeopathic medicine as well to provide another alternative.
The use of herbal remedies for hot flashes is a natural process. When used as prescribed they have not had any reports of toxic side effects. That certainly isn’t the case with hormone replacement therapy!
Linda Bruton
http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/herbal-remedies-for-hot-flashes-are-they-effective-90155.html