Friday, August 9, 2013

Does Testosterone Replacement Therapy Help Improve Sperm Production?


Testosterone replacement can offer great assistance to the male reproductive cycle, from boosting the sex drive to help treating erectile dysfunction, but one of the most common misconceptions about it is that it can boost sperm production. Introducing testosterone into the body by artificial means causes the body to stop producing its own, and there is a possibility that infertility can result, especially if the treatment is not done professionally. A lot of men are able to treat other testosterone-related problems with hormone replacement therapy and have great success, and only find out later that the process may have caused infertility. Being aware of the side effects and ensuring you understand what the long term consequences for your body are, is essential for you to have a positive testosterone replacement experience. What it really comes down to is why you need testosterone replacement therapy. Do you need it because your T levels are low and have a negative effective on your body's ability to produce sperm, or is it solely due to other reasons?

One of the biggest reasons that testosterone replacement is so popular with older men is that most of them have already had children, and they do not have plans to conceive again. In younger men who need help boosting their testosterone levels, they need to weigh up the benefits or relief from low testosterone side effects against the chances of them not being able to have a family.

One of the most obvious areas we see the effects of long term anabolic steroid use is in the bodybuilding world. Men who have been supplementing testosterone, and often in cases where they have been supplementing it without the right kind of medical assistance, for an extended period of time, experience fertility problems. The problems may only show up a few years later, or they may be immediate. In some cases, infertility may be temporary and stop when the person stops taking the supplements, and in other cases the effects may be permanent and irreversible.

When you start bringing testosterone into the body, you send a message to your body that it does not need to make its own, or it should be making substantially less of its own. Your body is hardwired to maintain homeostasis, or constant levels throughout each system and cell, and to conserve energy and supplementing with testosterone sends it the message that the body does not need as much. Artificial testosterone signals the pituitary gland to stop producing the hormones that stimulate the testicles to generate sperm. In some people, it can reduce sperm production substantially, while in others it can stop it completely. In some cases the testes actually shrink in size, because of their reduced functionality in the body.

In older men who experience hypogonadism as a natural response to ageing, this is not cause for concern, but in younger men whose conditions may be hereditary or caused by a trauma to the body, this is not always the best option. If you are thinking of having a family and need to have testosterone replacement, you should approach it in an informed manner and find out as much as possible about the treatment procedure and what it means for you.

Some men can take reverse hormones and other forms of treatment to encourage sperm production later on, but the process is not always successful for all men. Other men may decide to wait a little longer before having testosterone supplements and have their family first.

While testosterone therapy can improve your quality of life and relieve uncomfortable symptoms, it is a powerful process that will have effects on your body, which need to be discussed with your doctor. It can help your sex life in terms of boosting your libido and even helping with premature ejaculation, but if you want to conceive a child, you might need to investigate it further before making a decision.

DHEA - The Most Underrated Supplement For Women?


Have you ever noticed if a supplement, drug, etc is tried in men, and fails to work, it's written off as being ineffective? Although improving, it's well known that men have been the standard subjects in research, with the results often being applied to women as an afterthought. In recent years, that situation has improved and women are viewed as the physiologically distinct people they are from men, and studies looking at specific effects in women - using women as the test subjects - has grown dramatically. That's the good news at least. The bad news is, there's still plenty of research out there done on men, being applied to women, sometimes to the detriment of women. Obviously, men and women are not so different that a great deal of research fails to be perfectly applicable to both sexes, but the fact remains a great deal of prior research was done looking at men, and the results, good or bad, applied to women more as an after thought.

Such is the case with DHEA in my view...

What is it?

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) has been around as a supplement for a long time, so I'm not going to go into great depth on in this article as there's a ton of info out there already on DHEA and it's fully covered in my ebooks. To quickly summarize: DHEA is a hormone produced primarily in the adrenal glands with minor amounts produced by the testes. It is found in both men and women. DHEA is the most abundant steroid hormone in the human body, and like all steroid hormones, ultimately comes from cholesterol. Most DHEA in the body is found as DHEA-sulphate (DHEA-S). DHEA is a major precursor to other steroid hormones. That's the basic run down of DHEA.

From a strictly health perspective...

From a strictly health perspective - for those deficient due to aging or other causes - DHEA appears beneficial when used as a supplement for general health and well being in both sexes. It's well established that DHEA levels fall off as we age, and the research on health uses of DHEA justifies using small amounts to counter this age related drop off or deficiencies from other causes. DHEA levels rise slowly till they peak at around 30 years of age, and decline steadily after age 35, with levels reduced by 70-80% by age 75. This effect is one of the most consistent and predictable changes in aging known with lower endogenous levels of DHEA/DHEA-sulfate found in advancing age strongly correlated with a myriad of health conditions best avoided.(1) For example, levels of DHEA and or DHEA-s in older men is strongly predictive of death by cardio vascular disease.(2)

Only blood tests will tell a person what their DHEA/DHEA-s levels are and where they are compared to others in their age group. As this is not an article focused on the potential health benefits of DHEA in deficient populations, that's all I'm going to say on the matter here.

What about DHEA as a "muscle builder" in healthy young men?

DHEA often gets marketed as a "muscle builder" to men. As a muscle building supplement in young healthy men, DHEA is essentially worthless, and high intakes may in fact be counter-productive to gaining muscle as high doses also cause an increase in estrogen and the effects on testosterone are minimal. Studies have been conflicting in this area at best, and most "real world" users report no improvements in strength, muscle mass, etc from using DHEA. So, for healthy young men with normal DHEA levels, it's a bust as a "muscle builder" due to the fact it converts to testosterone poorly and raises estrogens levels when used at high doses.

"What About Us Women Will?!"

OK, this finally brings us to women and DHEA after the long winded intro above, but finally, here we are! Although the research in men using DHEA has been unimpressive and contradictory, such is not the case with women. In women, research using DHEA is much more consistent and compelling and there appears to be some gender specific responses to DHEA use.(3)

As a supplement that can improve mood, libido, memory, and possibly alter body composition (i.e., increase muscle, improve bone density, and reduce body fat), DHEA appears to be a winner for women. Most of the research has been done in DHEA deficient populations, but data - and real world experience- suggests it's also a benefit to women not medically deficient in this hormone. Although the benefits of this hormone to women comes predominantly from its conversion to testosterone, it also appears some of the effects may be due to other mechanisms.(4). One recent study concluded:

"The use of DHEA therapy may also be discussed in women of any age when a trial of androgen supplementation seems justified because of the existence of an inhibited sexual desire or a sexual arousal disorder associated with documented androgen deficiency. The rather weak conversion of DHEA into testosterone protects from the risk of overdosing associated with testosterone preparations."

Side Bar: Testosterone myths. Testosterone is often viewed as a "male" hormone. Although testosterone is the dominant androgen in men, it's a hormone essential to the health and well being of both sexes, just as men produce and require some estrogen. How important can this hormone be to women? Karlis Ullis, MD, a faculty member of the UCLA School of Medicine, who treats women with hormone imbalances states:

"It is clear to me, both from my clinical practice and from research, that testosterone is vital for women to preserve their lean mass and to prevent obesity. Not only will testosterone help mobilize body fat and negate some of the fat storing effects of estrogen, it is also extremely effective in building lean mass in women - even at small doses. Hormone replacement therapy that only includes estrogen and progesterone but leaves out testosterone is a curse of many a women's fat loss program. This is not only a concern for postmenopausal women. Young women should think twice about using birth control pills. Birth control pills elevate estrogen and progesterone levels while drastically lowering testosterone levels. This is reason why many women experience large gains in fat as well as a decreased libido when using birth control pills."

In women with established adrenal insufficiency, studies find 50mg DHEA corrects low serum concentrations of DHEA/DHEA-S, and brings testosterone into the "normal" range. With one recent study finding "DHEA treatment significantly improved overall well being as well as scores for depression, anxiety, and their physical correlates. Furthermore, DHEA significantly increased both sexual interest and the level of satisfaction with sex."(5)

Side Effects

Are there any side effects to DHEA use for women? Generally, they are easily dealt with by lowering the dose and "... are mostly mild and related to androgenic activity of DHEA in women and include increased sebum production, facial acne, and changes in hair status." (6)

In my experience, the above is related to dose. The low-normal dose recommended (see below) rarely if ever causes side effects, but there's no free lunch in biology, and adjusting any hormone up or down, comes with potential for side effects along with the benefits. The issue - as in the case with any drug, supplement, etc - is whether the benefits outweigh the risks/side effects. As the (potential) benefits of DHEA high, and the side effects at best mild to non existent, my opinion is the risk/benefit ratio is very much in favor of using DHEA, but everyone has to decide for themselves on that score.

Conclusions and Recommendations

Believe me, there's a lot more research I could cover, but I hope the above covers the essential points regarding DHEA and it's potential value to women specifically. So, let's sum it all up: For women over 40, or those with diagnosed adrenal insufficiency (AI), DHEA could be of considerable value to general well being as well as libido, mood, etc. Typical doses are 25 - 50mg and working with a medical professional to fine tune dosages is recommended.

For "normal" women under 40, and or have not been diagnosed with AI, 25 - 50mg seems to do the trick, and starting at the lower dose and assessing over a few months is recommended. Most women will notice improvements in mood, libido, and possibly muscle mass and or bodyfat, at lower doses. The effect is increased at higher doses, but possible side effects mentioned above also become more common. At 50-100mg+, DHEA does act as a mild anabolic agent in women in my experience, and I have seen some fairly impressive results of increased muscle mass and decreased bodyfat at the higher doses, but it's not dramatic compared to other anabolic hormones used by some female athletes. High doses of DHEA will also elevate estrogen levels, so that too should be kept in mind. Clearly DHEA is Underrated For Women

See you in the gym ladies!

Citations:

(1,3) Cameron DR, Braunstein GD. The use of dehydroepiandrosterone therapy in clinical practice. Treat Endocrinol. 2005;4(2):95-114.

(2) XV International Symposium on Atherosclerosis.

(4) Buvat J. Androgen therapy with dehydroepiandrosterone..World J Urol. Nov;21(5):346-55. - 2003

(5) Arlt W, et al. DHEA replacement in women with adrenal insufficiency-pharmacokinetics, bioconversion and clinical effects on well-being, sexuality and cognition. Endocr Res. 2000 Nov;26(4):505-11.

(6) DHEA: why, when, and how much-DHEA replacement in adrenal insufficiency.Ann Endocrinol (Paris). 2007 Sep;68(4):268-73. Epub 2007 Aug 8

Is Stress The Reason That You're Feeling Tired?


Are you tired of feeling tired? Like so many of my Personal Program patients, Tom came to me suffering from fatigue and sleep problems. It had been a tough year and a half for him.

Tom explained, "I think it all started when my wife and I finally had to tell our daughter to move out. She had been quite the problem child for a few years: drugs, drinking, non-stop fighting with the rest of us, and a few other things I'd rather not go into."

"All the energy that went into dealing with her got me distracted from my business. It wasn't long before I started developing some serious financial problems. Then, I began waking up in the middle of the night worrying about my daughter and my finances. I couldn't do anything to get back to sleep. And I'm still having that problem, so I get about 4-5 hours of sleep a night, and I know that's not enough."

"So I drink coffee throughout the day. At first, it helped keep me going, and I felt a little better. But now it seems like I'm exhausted by lunchtime. I've been a weight lifter my whole life, and these days I have a really hard time finding the energy to get to the gym. Sometimes I'll grab a double espresso on the way over there, but even that doesn't always do the trick."

It was pretty obvious that Tom had run himself into the ground. Between the family problems, the financial problems, the over-training at the gym, and the all-day caffeine consumption, it was no wonder that he was feeling fatigued. That was just an early symptom of what could be more serious health problems. Since Tom had recently had a complete physical with his medical doctor, he was confident he didn't have any life threatening conditions.

I agreed to work with Tom, and he went on to complete the 13-page Starting Point assessment that I use with my patients. I sent him a Functional Adrenal Stress Profile lab kit so we could see what kind of shape his adrenal glands were in.

The Functional Adrenal Stress Profile is a saliva test that measures stress hormone levels throughout the day. It's an inexpensive and non-invasive way to get a picture of how the adrenal glands are functioning.

The adrenal glands are responsible for making your stress hormones - the chemicals your body naturally produces to help you meet the physical and mental demands of your daily life. Prolonged or poorly managed stresses can start to burn out your adrenal glands, and you can start having trouble getting through your days.

Some of the symptoms can include:


  • Fatigue - from mild to severe. Poor sports performance (feeling like you've lost your edge).




  • Inability to lose weight.





  • Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.





  • Digestive problems like bloating or gas.





  • Depression, anxiety or irritability.



Those are just a few common symptoms that can be associated with adrenal gland burnout. There are generally 3 stages of adrenal burnout:


  • Stage 1 (early adrenal burnout). In the early stages of adrenal burnout, your stress hormone levels (cortisol and DHEA) will be high. Your adrenals are still able to keep up with your high-stress lifestyle.





  • Stage 2 (mid-stage adrenal burnout). In stage 2, one of the stress hormone levels will drop. This indicates that you've dug yourself a "hole" and you need to take steps to let your adrenals recover, including sleeping more, eating right, and taking supplements to support your adrenal glands.





  • Stage 3 (late-stage adrenal burnout). In the later stages of adrenal gland burnout, but stress hormones bottom out. When lab testing reveals such severe burnout, bio-identical (natural) hormone replacement may be necessary to help your adrenals recover. I often work with my patients' primary care doctors in these situations. Fortunately, most of the patients I treat are in Stage 1 or Stage 2. Tom's test results showed that he was solidly in stage 2 of adrenal gland burnout. His cortisol was low, but his DHEA was normal.



The information I was able to gather from his 13-page Starting Point assessment pointed to many different changes we could make. These changes included:


  • Cleaning up Tom's diet, and helping him kick his fast food habit. Low-quality food can prevent your adrenals from recovering.





  • Tapering his coffee consumption down. I'm not against a couple of cups of coffee in the early part of the day, but drinking it all day long will burnout the adrenals. Improving Tom's sleep. Help Tom work on managing his stresses.





  • Creating an exercise program that allows him to work out without burning out, including kettlebell interval training.





  • Helping him avoid foods that he's allergic to or intolerant of. Tom had a pre-diagnosed gluten intolerance, but was not avoiding foods that he should have been staying away from. This is common.





  • Putting Tom on an appropriate adrenal support supplementation protocol, so his adrenals could heal and his body could start naturally producing more cortisol. Tom was eager to start his program, and accepted all the changes that he needed to make. We worked on his exercise program together for 6 weeks. He learned to use kettlebells, and we integrated them into his gym workout.



We cut his workouts from 6 days a week to 3 days a week. After 6 weeks, we moved him back to working out 4 days a week. We met in the office for his bi-weekly coaching sessions, and that really helped him stick to the program.

After about a month, he really started noticing that he felt better. The exercise was helping him get rid of some of the anger he was feeling, and that helped him deal with his stress. It also helped him start sleeping better.

He cut down to two cups of coffee in the morning, and occasionally broke the rules and had a cup after lunch. He took his supplements and faithfully stuck to his nutrition program.

The toughest change we made was keeping him away from the gluten. Since gluten is a part of most baked goods, it's tough for people to stay off of it. Tom did his best but wasn't perfect. I made Tom aware of the relationship between the gluten intolerance and stressed adrenals. This made it easier for him to see the "big picture" and that helped avoid gluten.

At 3 months, we took Tom off of his adrenal support supplements and re-tested him. His cortisol levels had come up nicely, so we kept him on a high-quality multi vitamin / multi mineral. He's doing much better these days.

If you think you're been suffering from the symptoms of adrenal fatigue, you may enroll in one of Dr. Hyman's programs, or schedule a 45-minute initial consultation to discuss your situation.

The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only. Do not use this information for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. Have any symptoms evaluated by a licensed doctor in your state. Never start this or any other exercise, nutrition, supplementation, or stress-management program without consulting a licensed medical doctor. Working out can cause injury and / or death. The author is in no way trying to do anything other than share information with you. He accepts absolutely no liability for any damages you may incur in relationship to anything you read or saw on this website.

Do You Know What the Most Important Female Hormones Are?


In this age of informational "revolution" every woman somewhat knows about hormones and their importance in our bodies. If we put it in simple words then Hormones are fuel of our bodies.Our body needs hormones to function properly.

Hormones tell our body what to do, how to react, and what we need, thats why natural hormonal growth is much important to regulate our inner system. We all face hormonal problems in our lives some less or some more. So practically we need to clear our understandings about essential and natural growth female hormones.

Here are some important hormones and their functions in our body. (Because as we aged our bodies reduce and further stop to producing hormones and thus we entered in menopausal stage.)

Adrenalin
This hormone warns our body to possibly danger, it means some 'Bad things' happening in our body. And besides that it is also regulates some hormones as well to cure those malfunctions. These are two adrenal glands and they sit on top of each kidney
• Aldosterone -It regulates salt and water balance in our bodies.
• Cortisol -control our metabolic processes.

Natural Growth Hormone
This hormone regulates our growth and our metabolism. The conversion of food into energy, to control the absorption of water into our kidneys, breast milk production, and blood presser control, Some aspects of pregnancy and childbirth,Sexuality functions in both men and women, and thyroid gland function all are come under this hormonal functionality.

Estrogen
This hormone basically regulates our menstrual system, and further our pregnancy. Our ovaries produce this hormone and as we go mature our ovaries reduce this production which affects us in number of ways.
Estrogen further divides in three forms -

• Estradiol: use to treat menopausal symptoms.
• Estriol: a weak hormone secreted by the placenta during pregnancy.
• Estone: Our ovaries secreted this hormone to treat estrogen deficiency in our body.

Insulin
This hormone regulates sugar levels in our bodies. Diabetes one of the most common problem occurs when this hormone got imbalance.

Progesterone
Progesterone called pregnancy hormone. It is an important for pregnancy and it produced in our ovaries, during pregnancy. Progesterone is sometimes referred to as "the pregnancy hormone." It is essential for successful pregnancies, and brings about lactation after pregnancy. When ovaries stop working, progesterone levels get drop.

Testosterone
Testosterone is the hormone of desire as testosterone is responsible to deal with our sex drive. When women enter their menopause stage, testosterone gradually decrease and our sex drive as well, In result we get old.Testosterone also responsible to maintain our muscles and bones, when its production decreases we also lost our muscles and weaken our bone structures.

These are some very important naturally occurring hormones that make our bodies function at its full. Naturally at certain stages of life our hormone levels change or some situations affect their levels before that certain age. The main problem is that changes bring some other changes in our lives, and when these changes not regulated correctly, things gets complicated and we face further health problems, problems lead to hormonal imbalance.

I hope you now have some basic knowledge of our most important hormones and their functions in our bodies as I tried to make them simple and to the point. Our hormone levels fluctuate throughout our life. We need to know how we can combat with hormonal imbalance how to lessen their effects to lead a healthy life.

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Anxiety Disorders And The Menopause Link


In today's society women struggle to survive and do more than they are able to, at work and at home. The demands, especially at work, are increasing and more is being demanded of you. Maybe you are also experiencing relationship issues or coping with other persistent problems (children, aging parents, etc).

Many women will experience extreme nervousness, generalized anxiety and sometimes full-blown panic attacks during menopause. For millions, these feelings are overwhelming and can interfere with their daily activities. Anxiety attacks refer to a combination of negative emotions including extreme fear and worry, often accompanied by physical sensations such as palpitations, chest pain, dizziness and shortness of breath. If you have not been correctly informed, anxiety attacks can indeed be terrifying. It is important that you know about and understand the hormone-based causes.

What causes Anxiety attacks during menopause?

The causes for anxiety attacks are divided into psychological and physical. However, physical causes (hormone imbalances) are primarily responsible for this issue in menopausal women.

o Psychological causes for Anxiety attacks

Here we have the ones related to uncommon disorders- rare hereditary diseases provoked by chemical imbalance in the brain, and those related to life stresses, fatigue, etc. If these cannot be controlled, your emotional stability is lost, culminating in anxiety attacks. However, these cases are temporary and anxiety attacks usually stop when the stressful event is over.

o Physical causes for Anxiety attacks

Hormonal imbalance is the main cause for anxiety attacks during menopause. Sometimes a trigger is something external, such as very loud noise. At other times, the feelings will seem to appear out of nowhere, without explanation or warning.

Estrogen hormones have a great effect on your mental state, as they regulate the levels of cortisol- the hormone that produces stress and anxiety. Thus, if your estrogen drops, cortisol cannot be controlled, leading to producing more stress and anxiety. Also key is the health of your adrenal system. The adrenals can normally assist with hormone production; however if your adrenals have become severely fatigued, you may not be properly manufacturing enough estrogen, DHEA and progesterone. Without proper levels of these hormones, even a small stress event can rapidly escalate into an anxiety attack.

What do I do about Anxiety attacks during menopause?

The most important step in relieving your anxiety is to find out whether your problem has a psychological or physical nature. If there is an extreme psychological disorder, you may need to be treated by a psychologist or other trained mental health professional. There may be a legitimate need for prescription medications to control the symptoms.

You may ask yourself "Why is this happening to me?" because maybe you have never experienced an anxiety disorder before and taking antidepressants or anxiety medication is a concern to you. There are alternative treatments available in many cases. Work with your doctor to explore all possible health issues. Hormone testing should reveal any imbalances, which can usually be corrected with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, medical massage therapy, acupuncture -- or a combination of these therapies. It will take weeks or many months to fine-tune the treatment, but you have a great chance of full recovery.

Bioidentical Hormones: What You Should Know About The Natural and Holistic Approach To Inner Balance


All too often, the term "hormone treatment" immediately conjures up negative medical imagery. Patients immediately associate the words with phrases like "increased chance of heart disease," "blood clot causing" and a whole slew of other unfortunate conditions and diagnoses. For years, the type of adverse backlash has caused women suffering from menopausal symptoms to completely avoid this type of internal balance management simply due to fear of potential side effects - until now.

The onset of bioidentical hormones has completely revamped the hormonal treatment playing field, particularly for patients seeking a natural approach to their holistic health and well-being. Trying to decide if this latest hormonal breakthrough makes sense for your current care routine? Understanding how bioidentical hormones are created and the host of benefits they offer can help you determine if this natural medical innovation makes sense in your health regime as a critical cornerstone in your quest for comprehensive, holistic health.

Understanding The Basics And Benefits of Bioidentical Hormones

Former hormonal health practices often relied on synthetic chemical components that, while organic in nature, do not completely complement a patient's inherent makeup. This is a major differentiator in bioidentical hormones. Unlike their synthetic counterparts, these hormonal replacements are perfect replications of already produced secretions found in women's chemical makeup, making them an ideal alternative for patients seeking a natural approach to internal balance.

Because bioidentical hormones exactly match already existing estrogen and progesterone, side effects are effectively minimized. Additionally, this treatment offers a litany of other critical features and benefits. Bioidentical hormones demonstrate a lasting and more efficient system absorption rate and allow for physicians to easily pinpoint treatment progression and quickly identify practice modifications as needed. Most importantly, these hormonal substances, while primarily used for perimenopausal and menopausal relief, can also help balance several other internal systems, helping to create pinnacle inner equilibrium.

Partner With A Reputable Practice For A Safe Treatment Approach

As with any medicinal management procedure, it's imperative to always partner with a reputable practice to ensure that your use of bioidentical hormones remains structured, monitored and as safe as possible. It's not surprising that identifying the right facility to team with during this critical holistic well-being journal can feel daunting. However, understanding a few key factors to focus on during the selection phase can truly help streamline the process.

Always look for a facility that not only specializes in this type of treatment plan, but also demonstrates the knowledge, and experience necessary to help make your journey to self-healing a happy and healthy one along with treatment plan options for both inpatient and outpatient. Beyond specializing in this innovative hormonal replacement practice, your chosen clinic should also exhibit an understanding in a wide breadth of holistic health treatments. Alternative cancer treatment, internal system balance and treatment for conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and even high blood pressure will help reinforce that your chosen healthcare facilitator has all the necessary capabilities to quickly diagnose any other peripheral conditions that may require attention during the course of your care.

Hormone Wars: How Stress and Cortisol Excess Destroy The Republic of Hormone Harmony


Diane was a middle-aged financial consultant who had been in relatively good health. She had undergone a hysterectomy 24 months prior and used only bio-identical hormones. She ate a healthy diet, worked out regularly, took the proper supplements, and slept well. You may picture Diane as a fit, happy, and healthy person. However, Diane was forty-five pounds overweight, losing her hair, exhausted all day, depressed, perpetually cold, and having digestive problems. She was doing all the right things, so why did she still feel like gum on the bottom of a shoe? The important missing tidbit was that Diane and her spouse of twenty years divorced one year prior. How is it possible for just one stressful circumstance to wreak such havoc? The answer is cortisol induced hormonal chaos.

Hormones are chemical messengers released by our bodily organs is response to orders received from two key areas in the brain, the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland. These two 'parental figures' tightly regulate the functions and behaviors of the body's 'hormone children' so the family lives harmoniously. The sibling hormone cortisol is the most disruptive of them all, and because it is the most influential bodily hormone, it alone can dictate the whole hormone family dynamic in a detrimental way. Cortisol is the body's main stress hormone and is released by the adrenal glands in response to stress. As the primary 'fight or flight' hormone, cortisol is the only hormone we could not survive without. We are designed to mount a 'healthy' fight or flight response for short periods of time. However, if we defy the rules of nature and subject ourselves to persistent stress in its many forms, the body does what it can to protect your life but not your health, peace of mind, and longevity.

Cortisol is the body's primary 'wear and tear' hormone. Its task is to provide cells with the fuel necessary to mount a stress response. Various other hormones including estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, and growth hormone are 'growth and repair' hormones. In order for your body to function optimally, there must be balance between all of these hormones. If chronic stress tips the balance in cortisol's favor, 'non-essential' functions (i.e. digestion, sleep, and reproduction) take a back seat on the long trip to poor health. Exploring the influence cortisol exerts on other hormones may provide a better understanding for why so many bodily functions go awry when we are 'stressed out'.

Cortisol and Estrogen
Estrogen has in excess of four hundred functions within the body which include maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system, building bone tissue, protecting brain function, and promoting reproduction. When cortisol is elevated, the release of estrogen declines. Furthermore, the sensitivity of tissues to estrogen is absent even if it is present. As a result, delayed puberty, infertility, absence of menses, and miscarriage may occur. In aging women, cortisol frequently rises, and it is believed this could be responsible for postmenopausal women's propensity towards developing weight gain, mood problems, inflammation and autoimmune disease, insulin resistance, and greater risk for heart disease.

Cortisol and Progesterone
Not only is progesterone a reproductive hormone, it also functions as an anti-inflammatory, anti-muscle spasm, anti-anxiety, and anti-uterine cancer and anti- breast cancer hormone. Its capacity to also serve as a neuroprotective hormone (preserving and sustaining the brain) enhances thought processes, focus, and recall. Since the body normally uses progesterone to make cortisol, during times of acute and chronic stress, a unique phenomenon identified as "the progesterone steal syndrome" may occur. The result is a decrease in levels of progesterone as it funnels into cortisol production to meet the body's increased cortisol requirement. This can cause premenopausal females to have PMS symptoms and postmenopausal women to suffer from worsening signs and symptoms of estrogen dominance (i.e. irritability, sleep disturbances, an increase in weight, bowel disturbances, breast cancer, and uterine cancer)

Cortisol and Testosterone
Testosterone plays as essential a role in men as estrogen does in women. Studies have revealed testosterone to be crucial in instrumental in maintaining heart health, optimizing blood glucose control, improving sexual function, and improving bone health. Testosterone is essential in women too serving to maintain energy levels, sex drive, mood, bone strength, and mental function. As is the case with other 'feel good' hormones, levels of testosterone plummet in the face of cortisol dominance.

Cortisol and DHEA
DHEA is the other primary adrenal gland hormone and it rises with cortisol during an acute stress response. Just as progesterone is the body's natural 'anti-estrogen' hormone, DHEA is the body's natural 'anti-cortisol' hormone. Its appearance during acute stress helps prevent cortisol from causing extensive injury to otherwise healthy tissues. Chronic stress leads to a decrease in DHEA. Since DHEA is essential for immune system function, heart health, bone building, and brain function, cortisol induced reductions in DHEA can bring about a myriad of signs and symptoms involving many different bodily systems. One unique hint that DHEA could be low is loss of hair in the armpits, on the legs, and in the pubic area.

Cortisol and Thyroid Hormone
Thyroid hormone is a key player in the metabolism of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, advising cells how to handle each type of energy form. Thyroid hormone is also crucial in maintaining the health of tissues, stimulating bone growth, and boosting brain cell development. Like cortisol, thyroid hormone is actually a 'wear and tear' hormone. To protect itself from stress induced spontaneous combustion, the body can put the brakes on thyroid hormone production and action. Common symptoms of low thyroid hormone levels include lethargy, cold intolerance, constipation, depression symptoms, memory problems, and an increase in weight. Considering that stress induced alterations in thyroid hormone occur in an indirect manner, test results may fall 'within the normal range', and therein lies the challenge.

Reestablishing Hormone Family Harmony It may be more obvious why Diane's hormone balance was disturbed soon after she experienced a tremendously stressful ordeal. Since cortisol effectively negates the beneficial effects of other hormones, every organ system can be harmed by perpetual cortisol excess. It is important for your health care provider to check the integrity of your stress response system, including cortisol levels, before initiating any kind of hormone replacement therapies. Bear in mind, sibling rivalry is intense between cortisol and all the other hormones. Just as a cortisol lowers other hormones, replacing other hormones in the presence of low cortisol can cause and equal and opposite problem. Estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, and thyroid hormone, especially when given simultaneously, can lead to signs and symptoms of worsening fatigue, weight gain, depression, and chronic pain since these hormones will tip the balance out of cortisol's favor (remember hypocortisolism?)

I call stress 'The Great Equalizer' for good reason. Only in the company of a happy stress response system will the body function at optimal levels.

Bioidentical Hormones and Menopause


If you're going through menopause, chances are you've heard a lot about Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), and the risks it carries, such as an increased risk of breast cancer and uterine cancer. What you may not have heard is that Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT, aka Biodentical Hormones) have been generally accepted as safer by the homeopathic medical community.

Below are some ways to determine if biodentical hormones are right for you, and what to do if you decide to get treatment while going through menopause.

Types of Menopause

The most common association with the word, "menopause" is the change in a female's life where she stops getting her monthly menstruation. This is a normal change in life that results in a variety of symptoms (more on that below). But there are other types of menopause that can occur in both sexes.


  • Male menopause, when the male's body slows its production of androgen (testosterone);

  • Surgical menopause, when removal of the ovaries through hysterectomy occurs;

  • Induced menopause, when radiation, chemotherapy, or other medical treatments decrease the production of hormones in the body, and -

  • Postmenopause, when you have not had a menstrual period for one year.

Menopause greatly affects women, it's true, and more women than men seek treatment for their symptoms. But an increasing number of men are now seeking help through biodentical hormones for their symptoms of menopause.

Symptoms of Menopause

There are several symptoms that both men and women may notice while they are perimenopausal (aka "premenopausal," prior to the onset of menopause):


  • Hot flashes (more common in women)

  • Decreased libido

  • Feelings of itchy, crawling skin

  • Depressed or irritable mood and mood swings

  • Insomnia or poor sleep quality

  • General aches and pains in joints

  • Irregular periods (in women)

  • Palpitations

  • Night sweats (more common in women)

  • Difficulties concentrating and memory problems

  • Headaches

While this is not an exhaustive list of the symptoms of menopause, they are the most common, and are often the most aggravating.

Using Biodentical Hormones

BHRT is a solution that many people are considering over synthetics. There are a few advantages to using biodentical hormones instead of synthetically created ones.

BHRT is derived from plants and then altered to resemble, most closely, the hormones that were being produced by your body. That means you're more likely to respond favorably and effectively to BHRT.

Additionally, BHRT is delivered in a variety of ways over synthetics so that more can be absorbed into your system, bypassing the liver on the "first dose." This helps alleviate menopausal symptoms faster than synthetics can.

Healthy Hormones Part 2 - Natural Solutions For Hormonal Symptoms


In Part 1 of this article I looked out how important it is to have your hormones in balance, and what the symptoms and effects of oestrogen dominance are. If your hormones aren't healthy, you are going to have some recurring symptoms that need tackling. As well as talking to your doctor or health specialist to get the background on what is happening, you can also take action yourself to both prevent and alleviate many conditions.

Hormonal health is very much linked to your general health, so the best way to take care of yourself is to follow the general guidelines for good health that apply to all of us. Eat a good varied diet and try to exercise regularly as it has been proved to reduce excess oestrogen levels in the body significantly, and help to regulate overall hormone levels.

A healthy hormone diet

Obviously diet is very much a matter of individual choice but here are some basic guidelines that you can follow and adapt to suit your particular circumstances: A good hormone health diet is based around these factors:

The big 4 to reduce drastically are sugar, refined carbohydrates, caffeine and alcohol as they can play havoc with blood sugar levels. Replace them with 'green' and 'brown' foods such as vegetables, brown rice, wholemeal bread and mueslis for 'white' foods such as sugary breakfast cereals, white bread or rice, pastry and biscuits.

• Fibre will really help normalise oestrogen levels so eat more porridge, fruits and bran cereals

• Don't underestimate the effect of food allergies or sensitivities on your hormones to deal with them first. Wheat and dairy are the most common so switch to rye, corn, rice, buckwheat and oat products, and try goats and sheep' cheeses or yoghurts, soya milk and yoghurt, rice milk, oat milk or coconut milk (diluted).

• If you are already feeling the effects of oestrogen dominance try to make your life as stress free as possible as it will increase symptoms. Use any relaxation method that works for you such as aromatherapy, yoga or consult with a professional.

The Big 3 Hormonal Conditions:

You will be a lucky woman if you get through life without being affected by PMS, mood swings and period problems, though hopefully not all three together!

PMS affects around 80% of pre-menopausal women and around 70% of these have been found to be linked to oestrogen dominance.Simple dietary changes can make a big difference so switch to using soya milk and tofu and include linseeds in your diet. Most women find that a general B complex, plus some additional B6 seems to help and the most important nutrients to supplement are magnesium (deficient in around 50 per cent of women with PMS), vitamin E, and GLA in the form of evening primrose oil, starflower oil or borage oil.

Mood swings really do respond well to cutting out sugar and stimulants as that regulates blood sugar swings which can affect mood. In really severe cases it can also help to have a small snack every 2 hours to keep your blood sugar levels topped up. Go for hummus, live yoghurt, fresh fruit, unsalted nuts and seeds. Avoid coffee, strong tea and alcohol as these stimulants use up B-vitamins which normalise levels of serotonin which is vital to regulate moods. If low moods are a problem, then try taking B complex and natural mood elevators like St John's wort or a supplement of serotonin.

Period Problems often arise because during a period the muscles of the womb have to work hard to shed the inner lining, and this can result in painful cramps. Avoid this by cutting back on red meat and dairy produce as they contain the type of fats which interfere with short-term hormones called prostaglandins, and this can encourage inflammation.

繚 Switch to eating oily fish and eating polyunsaturated fats to see an improvement. Caffeinated drinks and alcohol can also make it worse by interfering with mineral absorption from the diet and influencing the conversion of fats into prostaglandins. Painful cramps respond to supplementing with magnesium as, with its sister mineral calcium, it affects the nerves which regulate muscle contractions. Sources of calcium and magnesium include: dark green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, wholegrains, soya beans sardines, salmon. It's important to have twice as much magnesium as calcium, so don't overdo dairy products as although they are a rich source of calcium they have very little magnesium and this can upset the balance..

繚 If one of your symptoms during a period is that of heavy bleeding then you must always have this checked by a doctor as it can be sign of fibroids or endometriosis. There is a possible link between low vitamin A levels and heavy blood loss and many women experience this just after stopping the Pill. It can help to supplement, but please check this out with a nutritionist first and do not take vitamin A if you are planning a pregnancy or are pregnant.

繚 Vitamin C, together with bioflavanoids, can help to control heavy periods and if you are anaemic or have insufficient iron due to heavy periods then cut down tea drinking as it can reduce uptake of iron from a meal by two thirds. Raw beetroot increases blood levels of iron gently, and green foods such as spirulina and chlorella also significantly improve iron uptake.

繚 Water retention and bloating can be tackled with foods rich in potassium like bananas, tomatoes, watermelon and potatoes. Eat more artichokes, asparagus, parsley, watercress and chamomile tea as they are naturally diuretic but avoid salt which encourages water retention.

To to ensure that your hormones are in balance, you could have a blood or saliva test to establish the levels are many women find that supplementing with natural progesterone alleviates many of thes symptoms. To be fit, healthy and happy it really does pay dividends to pay attention to your hormones.

Is Fibromyalgia Because of Hormone Loss?


This is a really good question, which comes up regularly among women over 50. Most of the women who thought they had fibromyalgia, once they went on bioidentical hormones, no longer experienced the symptoms they were having that are associated with fibromyalgia.

What is fibromyalsia? Symptoms of fibromyalgia -- also known as fibromyalgia syndrome or FMS include many of the very same symptoms of menopause or hormone imbalance.

Widespread pain is the most common symptom of fibromyalgia, according to research, which states this is said by 97 percent of patients with fibromyalgia.

Currently one of the most common yet complex chronic pain disorders, fibromyalgia syndrome, affects an estimated 10 million people in the U.S., physically, mentally and socially. Fibromyalgia is a syndrome, not a disease - a collection of symptoms, and medical issues that typically occur together, but are not related to one identifiable cause.

The challenge is that women in menopause are confusing the many symptoms of hormone imbalance with those of conditions like chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia. Women taking bioidentical hormone replacement therapy are finding relief for their fibromyalgia symptoms.

About 75-90 percent of the people who have fibromyalgia are women, although it also occurs in men and children of all ethnic groups. Often seen in families, among siblings or mothers and their children, the disorder. Diagnosis is usually made between the ages of 20 to 50 years, but the incidence rises with age so that by age 80, approximately 8 percent of adults meet the American College of Rheumatology classification of fibromyalgia. Severe fibromyalgia can be debilitating as it interferes with basic activities of everyday life.

The condition is often characterized by abnormal pain processing, multiple tender points, fatigue, psychological distress and sleep disturbances. Whereas hormone imbalance symptoms are primarily caused by the incorrect relationship between progesterone and estrogen levels in the body, and can have a dramatic effect on health, resulting in a number of the symptoms of hormone imbalance that are similar to those of fibromyalgia.

But the primary symptom of fibromyalgia is chronic widespread body pain, and most people with fibromyalgia also experience sleep disturbances, moderate to extreme fatigue, cognitive difficulties, and sensitivity to touch, light, or sound. Many individuals also experience a number of other symptoms and overlapping conditions, such as lupus, arthritis and irritable bowel syndrome. Symptoms also include poor stamina and profound exhaustion. Fibromyalgia symptoms may vary widely from one person to the next.

Recent research shows that women on bioidentical hormones have experienced relief from symptoms like insomnia, muscle aches and pains, chronic fatigue, depression, and many other typical fibromyalgia symptoms.

One woman talks about her sister who takes bioidentical hormones. She stated, "She has recently run out and has been suffering the consequences of not having the hormones in her system. (Her fibromyalgia is acting up; she has osteopenia in all her joints - her pain levels are highly escalated when she's not on the bioidenticals)."

"It's actually diminishing hormones that are the cause of the classic lower back pain common in middle-age people," said author T.S. Wiley. "The backache of old age is really just a case of threadbare sciatic nerves. Scientists found that natural progesterone increased in the expression of the gene that remyelinates the nerves in the rats lower back. At the main nerve junctions of communication, like the heart and brain stem, wires start to fray when hormones levels fall off.

Estrogen must peak and cause ovulation, or there's no progesterone. Without progesterone to remyelinate nerves, peripheral nerve bundles that are farthest from the brain fray first. The biggest ones, farthest down, after the one in the base of your neck, is at your tail bone area in the lower back."

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Learn to Identify the Symptoms of Low Estrogen So You Can Enjoy a Better Life


Estrogen is a very important hormone and lower levels of it can lead to a lot of discomfort. The symptoms of low estrogen can be very dramatic and unmistakable but in some women they can be very subtle.

Estrogen is needed for a variety of reasons, particularly to preserve bone density and to regulate the production of cholesterol. It also helps to maintain a lubricated and thick vaginal lining. Maintaining normal levels of estrogen also helps to curb memory loss. As you can see, this vital hormone helps to keep women young longer and so they have to keep a close watch on its levels. Women who are approaching menopause typically find that their estrogen levels are dropping.

The typical symptoms of low estrogen that most aging women experience are hot flashes, headaches, water retention and joint pains. Other common symptoms that affect their looks are dry skin, weight gain and hair loss. They also experience psychological symptoms such as depression, anxiety and mood swings at this time, in addition to memory loss. Vaginal dryness and loss of libido also occurs at this time.

Doctors have also realized that there are certain medical conditions that occur in a woman that could be considered to be symptoms of low estrogen. These are artherosclerosis, arthritis and vaginal infections. Doctors should always check the estrogen levels in women who are in their 40s and above if they suffer from any of these conditions. Boosting the estrogen levels is normally all it takes to improve their condition.

It is very important to identify these symptoms of low estrogen so that women start taking the correct steps to address this issue. With the advancement in medical science it is now possible to replace the diminishing levels of this hormone or any other one with bioidentical ones. Since these hormones are identical to the ones that the body produces, they can be used without being overly concerned about health risks.

If the treatment to replace the lost estrogen, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), is started early enough you can retain your youthful looks and disposition for as long as possible. This is why it is so crucial that you have the ability to identify the symptoms of low estrogen at the right time. You will not have to deal with common problems associated with menopause and can enjoy an energetic and satisfying life for as long as possible.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy - What is It?


One alternative to the sometimes harmful synthetic hormones is the use of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT). These are much more effective due to the exact match of the hormones naturally produced by the body. Bioidentical hormone therapy has afforded a near identical match to the natural hormone with the use of a soy and wild yam base. Unlike (BHRT), synthetic hormones are foreign to the body and in turn cause a palette of potential adverse reactions.

The human body produces hormones through body cells. These hormones target a destination and travel through the bloodstream carrying important messages to and from cells throughout the body.

Testosterone, progesterone, and estrogen deficiencies are common in women both before and during menopause, or if they have had their ovaries removed. Mood-swings, vaginal dryness, headaches, achy joints, and sleep disturbances are typical symptoms involved with a lack of hormone production. BHRT is referred to as a successful form of treatment used to rid women of these symptoms.

Andropause, the male version of menopause, usually affects men during their aging process. Hormones production is slowed during this time and a testosterone deficiency is a common occurrence. Low levels of testosterone (in men) are usually the cause of a reduction in bone density, muscle mass, and sex drive, along with irritability, insulin resistance, and depressed feelings.

Bioidentical hormones can be applied as topical creams, or orally/sublingually taken in a pill form. It usually depends on what form of treatment the patient prefers. The cream is a slower-absorbing form of therapy, while the other forms are quickly absorbed.

Disease prevention is the target goal of using bioidentical hormones. If left untreated or improperly managed, severe symptoms and conditions may develop. It is important to gain control of hormone regulating to successfully combat and prevent disease and illness. Prompt management helps prevent the development long-term conditions and life altering symptoms. The result of treatment is a substantial improvement in health and an improved quality of life.

Researchers have provided an extensive amount of information on the different affects of BHRT on the human body. There have been many positive results, but they have also found connections of this treatment with an elevated risk of heart disease, stroke, blood clots, and breast cancer. This has causes debate between health professionals for many years, which is why only some of them offer this form of treatment.

Hormone deficiencies affect many people and can go unrecognized for a long time. Hormone imbalances that are left undiagnosed and untreated can cause many serious complications for the person with the condition. It is important to seek professional advice from an endocrinologist or an internal medicine doctor if symptoms of hormone loss develop. These doctors have more in-depth experience in dealing with hormonal issues than family doctors, and are capable of providing a quick diagnosis with simple blood tests. Many doctors offer BHRT, but there are a large percentage of them that are against it due to the different risks that are involved with their usage.

How To Balance One's Hormones To Help With Acne And Being Healthy


It is common knowledge that acne is caused by oily skin but few people know what causes that shine on your face and especially the T-zone. The oil is due to high levels of a hormone named androgen.

However, since a normal secretion of androgen gives a healthy skin, therefore it cannot be completely done away with either. The hormones are most actively produced during puberty, hence the oily skin and acne. Now the question that arises is how to balance ones hormones to help with acne.

Now hormones in our body can be balanced by different methods like having a balanced diet, avoiding stress and getting enough exercise. However, external methods include some treatments that may help to correct the imbalance as well.

Information that you need

There is a disparity in your body when the superfluous hormones and toxins from your body do not drain out. This function is usually performed by the liver and kidneys and what aids these organs to do so are a balanced diet that gives the essential nutrients. These nutrients regulate the glands and hence help you get a blemish free skin.

If you notice carefully you will see that too much stress can also cause an unexpected outbreak of acne. This is because stress triggers the production of hormones that cause the pimples. One easy way to relieve oneself from stress is of course exercise, and the added advantage is that it is also good for the rest of your body.

External treatments for balancing hormones that people can opt for can be allopathic as well as alternative medicine like an herbal treatment. Once the doctor has determined that the acne caused is due to a hormonal imbalance he/she might recommend birth control pills for women as they restrain the androgens. However, if the problem is acute then the doctor might also suggest corticosteroids.

Many herbs like black cohosh, evening primrose, red clover, chaste berry, licorice etc can be used both on males and females to balance their hormones. However, personal experimentation is advised against and the patient should always consult a doctor before starting this treatment.
Finally this treatment is only possible if you get a thorough checkup of your hormone levels, and people who have an acute acne problem should go for a regular checkup to see the condition and improvement. Hormone level testing can be done by saliva testing and blood testing. There is also the option of bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. However, balancing your hormones the natural way is always much more desirable.

6 Benefits of Cold Showers - Why Should You Crank Up The Cold Water?


If you've ever watched the people in the polar bear club who run into the freezing water for a moment or two, and then run back into the safety of their warm shelter - you will recognize the spark for life it gives them while they do so. While they do it for many different reasons, there are many benefits that they may or may not be aware of, and you don't have to join their club to reap the benefits for yourself! You can instead jump into a cold shower.

Here are some benefits to take that cold shower in the morning instead of the hot one.

Improved Circulation - When you immerse yourself in a cold shower your blood has to rush to the organs to keep them warm. This is in contrast to the normal routine of warm water, which causes the blood to move towards the skin. If you mix up the two you are stimulating the circulatory system in a way that doesn't normally happen, and this is argued as a way to keep yourself healthier and younger looking as a healthy circulation aids in recovery from stresses on the body.

Strengthens the Mucous Membranes - Your mucous membranes, such as the ones in your mouth and nose, manufacture slimy fluid called mucus, which is what protects those membranes and keeps them moist. The cold water strengthens these membranes, which means your chances of colds and other mucous issues drops down drastically.

Increases Energy - Skip the energy drink to get you going in the morning and take a cold shower instead. The cold water will get your heart pumping and your mind going better than anything else will. If you weren't awake and ready to go before you stepped into the shower, you will be when you come out.

Nourishes Skin and Hair For Natural Health - Cold water doesn't dry out your skin and hair like hot water does. It also helps keep your pores tight which will give you healthier looking skin. If you find yourself having to lather on the lotion and re-condition your hair after your showers, then you may want to give the cold trick a try.

Boosts Your Immunity - There have been studies done that show the support of cold water therapy produces a stronger immune system. The reasoning is that the immune system releases more white blood cells, due to increased metabolic rate, when the body has to warm itself up.

Reduces Chance Of Infertility - Guys, if you are trying to get your wife pregnant then this may be of interest to you. The testes hang outside of the body for a good reason. The sperm do not like the heat of body temperature and don't 'do well' in that environment. If you are constantly exposing them to hot bathes and showers, then you can decrease the amount of sperm you have and how much they move around. This results in decreasing your chances of producing a baby.

Help With Weight Loss Success - Cold water is said to increase your metabolic rate because your body has to burn through some calories to warm itself up. A higher metabolic rate is associated with faster weight loss. Because your metabolism is a natural calorie burning process, it stands to reasons that an increase in metabolic rate will help you in your efforts to reduce weight.

Bioidentical Hormones - The Truth About Using Them During Menopause


Can menopause symptoms be safely comforted with bioidentical hormones? Recent research suggests that menopause can be treated with bioidentical hormones, a natural replacement for a woman's body, with no reported side effects.

In the past, menopause has been treated like a disease - primarily with Hormone Replacement Therapy or HRT (including Premarin, which is made from pregnant mare's urine, Prempro and Provera), which meant ingesting synthetic chemicals on a regular basis. Now we know that these drugs are causing the very problems we're trying to avoid including breast cancer and heart attacks.

Bioidentical means the hormone molecule in the product, for example progesterone cream, acts exactly like the molecules produced by the female body. They function in your body in a natural and normal way unlike synthetic chemicals. A "natural hormone" is really a compound synthesized in the lab from a natural source (such as soybeans used for estrogens and testosterone; or wild Mexican yam in the case of progesterone and sometimes testosterone).

Synthetic hormones are typically only available in oral form, but bioidentical hormones come in a variety of delivery systems such as oral, transdermal patch, cream, lotion or sublingual drops. Bioidentical hormones recently caught mainstream attention in part because of Suzanne Somer's new book, The Sexy Years

Typically a successful approach to dealing with a woman's menopausal symptoms is to begin with laboratory tests of hormone levels called a "hormone panel." The doctor can then prescribe a precise dosage of bioidentical estrogens, testosterone or DHEA that can be made for you at a Compounding Pharmacy This is contrary to HRT treatments that are typically "one size fits all."

Most doctors prescribing bioidentical hormones find that a large percentage of women find some relief by using medical-grade supplements, over-the-counter bioidentical progesterone, and dietary and lifestyle changes (including the proper nutrition and exercise). And, for the percentage of women who need a little more help, most doctors don't support the idea that bioidentical hormones should be used indefinitely as some kind of fountain of youth.

Is it right for you to treat your menopause with bioidentical hormones? First you need to consult with a doctor to get the right answer for you. Once you know what you need, your doctor and you can work out the best alternative for your body.

What is the Best and Safest Menopause Treatment?


The experience of menopause is different for different women. Some women do not experience any symptom at all. Such women do not need any menopause treatment except for regular medical check-up that ensures that there are no signs of osteoporosis or other complications.

However, women with more bothersome symptoms must think of a multi-pronged, comprehensive menopause treatment.

In general, the most common menopause treatment is hormone replacement therapy. The uncomfortable symptoms that accompany menopause are the direct result of hormonal imbalance. This hormonal imbalance is a part of aging and nothing can be done to prevent it. Hormonal imbalance is what causes signs of aging, hot flushes, lack of sex drive, vaginal dryness, mood swings and other symptoms associated with menopause. The most effective way to re-establish hormonal balance is to supply the missing hormones in the right levels to the body. This can be achieved through hormone replacement therapy.

However, in recent years, hormone replacement therapy has been the subject of much speculation because synthetic hormones can cause severe side effects, like cancer and heart problems. An NIH-sponsored study showed that women on long-term hormone therapy had greater risk of developing endometrial cancer and stroke. These findings have led to a decline of interest in synthetic hormones.

In recent years, however, doctors have been using natural hormones in hormone replacement therapy. These hormones are called bioidentical hormones as they are similar in structure to natural hormones. Therefore, there have been no reports of any undesirable side effects associated with natural hormones.

The benefits of natural hormones are many:

* They are metabolized more easily by the body
* They mimic the action of natural hormones
* They may be administered in just the right dosages
* They may be administered transdermally, which means that these are not metabolized in the liver

However, for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy to work as an effective menopause treatment, it is important to customize the treatment according to individual requirements.

Along with hormone replacement therapy, it is also recommended that patients adopt a comprehensive treatment for symptoms. This includes the intake of essential supplements. Alternative treatments for menopause are also effective in alleviating the discomfort associated with menopause. For instance, Black Cohosh is known to be helpful for hot flashes. Soy supplements are also helpful.

Women who are going through the symptoms of menopause should take particular care to eat a balanced diet. They must take in sufficient quantities of calcium to minimize the impact of osteoporosis. Kegel exercises relieve symptoms of incontinence. An active lifestyle and sound hygiene practices also help a lot.

Understanding Hormone Imbalance


Women are unique and their hormone levels are different and constantly changing. These changes can lead to some natural phases of life and sometimes, if not regulated correctly, can lead to further health problems.

These hormone levels that fluctuate throughout a woman's life are perfectly natural, yet sometimes other factors can lead to hormonal imbalances. Stress, lack of exercise, birth control pills, drug use, stimulants like caffeine and alcohol, and poor nutrition can disrupt a normal menstrual cycle and hormonal
balance.

There are a variety of symptoms that could indicate a potential hormone imbalance. Some of these symptoms include: depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, hair loss, increase in facial hair, pms, sudden change in sex drive, osteoporosis, headaches or migraines, sudden weight gain, water retention, bloating, and sudden changes in skin - acne or wrinkles.

Women suffering from these symptoms could indicate a hormone imbalance between the two female hormones, estrogen and progesterone. They are the dominant hormones in women.

The hormone estrogen is produced mainly in the ovaries. Estrogen informs your body when to menstruate, when to ovulate, and when to support pregnancy. The ovaries also produce progesterone. It is needed for women to have a successful pregnancy.

These hormones work together and are needed in the right quantities to achieve the desired balance in a woman's health.

Estrogen and progesterone are designed to balance each other. A good balance translates into weight control, energy, youthful appearance and overall a sense of well being.

With the many symptoms of hormonal imbalance, it is almost always progesterone, not estrogen, that is deficient. All the commonly known symptoms are those of estrogen dominance. Mood swings, lack of sex drive, irritable during PMS, recurrences of acne and even osteoporosis are results of estrogen dominance which brings about hormonal imbalance in women.

When balance is restored by increasing the natural progesterone levels, these symptoms may typically disappear.

For women to have good health and immunity, hormonal balance is essential. There are many ways to treat symptoms of hormonal imbalance that are effective and can improve your overall health helping to restore balance to hormonal levels.

A proper diagnosis must be established to determine the best possible treatment options to correct it.

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Menopause - What is It, Are You Going Through It, and What You Can Do to Alleviate Your Symptoms


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 unexpected 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 menopause 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:

繚 Make healthy food choices- eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Avoid fatty, fried voids and drink plenty of water.
繚 Get 30 minutes of exercise every day, it doesn't have to be strenuous! Walking is perfect as are dancing, swimming or cycling.
繚 Maintain a healthy weight range if you do these first two tips, you don't have to worry about this one.
繚 Keep magnesium handy some women find relief from headaches, palpitations and constipation by taking magnesium.
繚 If you smoke, STOP! It's never too late.
繚 Avoid caffeine, alcohol and excess salt and sugar.
繚 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.

Why Do Men Suddenly Lose Interest? Follow These 7 Useful Tips to Figure Out What's Going On


Men by nature can't be monogamous and if you don't work on your relationship it is bound to flounder. If you too are noticing him distancing himself then here are seven possible reasons why he would lose interest in you. Take corrective measures before you end up losing him forever.

There is someone hotter
It is quite possible that he has found someone that is far hotter than you are and therefore he is losing interest in you. There is very little you can do in such a case other than pray and reason out with him. If he still does not change then good riddance to him.

You took the relationship too lightly
It is also possible that he was looking for a much deeper relationship than what you are presently offering him. Ask him what he expects from this relationship and make the necessary changes before he is gone forever. Men are not articulate and therefore you need to probe to find out what is it that he is not satisfied with.

Your sex life sucks!
Many a relationship breaks as the sex stops being exciting. Women, after a period of time begin to treat sex as an unavoidable chore and it is at this time that men begin to lose interest. Make sure he has no complaints on this account.

You are a stranger
The commercial was better than the actual product! You promised a great deal in the initial stages of the relationship but as time passed you did not come good on your promises. He feels trapped with a stranger. Introspect and take corrective measures.

You are a control freak
Some women like to control their men as if they are children. This is resented by most men and they see no reason in continuing with relationship. Remember he wants a lover not a mother.

Lack of intellectual stimulation
Apart from physical satisfaction, emotional and moral support a man also wants intellectual stimulation. If the woman does not have the capacity to converse intelligently with him then he is soon going to get bored with her. If you too fall in this category then it would help if you begin taking active interest in matters that concern everyday living and have meaningful and intelligent conversations with him.

You no longer take care of yourself
Very often women ignore themselves as they get busy with everyday life. This then starts showing as you begin to gain weight and lose your glowing skin. If you want your guy to stay hooked to you then take care of the way you look at all times.

Factory Farming - Why It Is So Dangerous


Factory farming is the most common method used in the United States today to raise animals for meat. Most meat found in United States supermarkets comes from factory farms, and most consumers are not only unaware of what is in that meat, but what it is costing all of us in terms of our health and safety to produce it. In addition to the horrific atrocities perpetrated on the animals, factory farming causes massive contamination of soil and groundwater, is promoting the development of "super" drug-resistant bacteria, routinely endangers the well-being of its workers, and is creating at least half of all greenhouse gases.

When we hear the word "farm" we think of pastures, grazing animals, and a big red barn. The term factory farm is a bit of a misnomer therefore as only the first half of the term is accurate. The conditions in which the animals are raised bear no resemblance whatsoever to the idyllic vision we have of a family farm, but the abundance of concrete and steel are along the lines of what one would expect to see in a typical factory. Most animals are penned closely together indoors for their entire lives, never seeing daylight. In these circumstances, the animals become ill, so they are fed huge doses of antibiotics. This causes new strains of bacteria to develop that are resistant to antibiotics - super bugs.

The animals are also fed growth hormones to speed their growth so that they can be slaughtered more quickly. Under normal circumstances it takes a calf over two years to reach full maturity. With growth hormones it takes half that time and the hormones and antibiotics that have been fed to the animals are then passed on to the consumer in the meat they buy. This is causing early physical maturity in children and lowering people's immune resistance.

In addition to growth hormones, the animals are fed a high-carbohydrate diet of genetically modified soy, corn, and other grains for the purpose of producing plumper and more tender meat. Because this is not the animals' natural diet, they experience difficulty with digestion and excrete excessive quantities of methane gas, which moves into the upper atmosphere adding to the greenhouse gases. It is currently estimated that almost 50% of greenhouse gas is methane.

The feces of grain-fed animals also contains high levels of e-coli, a deadly bacteria that contaminates soil and water run-off. The contamination can spread to fruit and vegetable crops, which we have already seen in the forced recalls of products like peanuts and spinach. If you ever hear about food products being recalled due to e-coli contamination, you can be sure there is a factory farm behind it.

As it happens, meat-processing is one of the most dangerous jobs one can do. Because of this, many meat processing plants are manned by illegal immigrants and workers who have no other options. These workers are exposed to toxins in the raw meat, and in the feces that runs from the intestines of the slaughtered animals.

So although the packages in the meat section of the supermarket look pristine and appealing, they are full of hormones, antibiotics and traces of excrement - not very appetizing. The good news is that more and more people are becoming aware of the dangers posed by factory farming and are choosing to patronize local farms in their communities or buy organic meat. Animals raised organically are treated more humanely and are not fed hormones or antibiotics. If you know of a farm in your area, particularly one that uses organic methods, you may want to think about paying a little bit extra for healthier food.

Even The Elderly Can Fight Back Against Cancer


It was not so long ago that an elderly person suffering from cancer would have received limited treatment and been sent home to die.

"The common thoughts used to be that it wasn't worth treating cancer in older patients; that they'd lived their lives; they might be dying anyway; they couldn't tolerate the treatment; the treatment might adversely affect their quality of life; or that they didn't want to live with the side effects of treatment," said Gary Shapiro, MD, chairman of the department of oncology at Johns Hopkins Bayview and co-founder of its Geriatric Oncology program.

That would not have been particularly good news to people like Charlotte, an 83-year-old local woman who five years ago was diagnosed with breast cancer. Today, after surgery and chemotherapy, Charlotte remains in remission and lives an active live that includes traveling, taking adult education classes, gardening and spending quality time with her children and grandchildren.

Nor, would it have been good news to a neighbor of Charlotte's, 91-year-old Gordon, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer when he was 85. In the past, the philosophy was that with a slow growing tumor like this, there would be no reason to intervene. Gordon's physician, however, convinced the tumor was aggressive, suggested an intensive protocol of radiation. Six years later, he is still driving, playing an occasional round of golf and competing in bridge tournaments.

When Charlotte was first diagnosed with cancer, her children's first thought was that they didn't want to put their mother through any rigorous regimen that would affect her quality of life. Only after the oncologist, who had considerable experience in working with geriatric patients, assured them that he thought Charlotte was healthy enough to cope with the treatment and had a good prognosis, did they feel comfortable with having her undergo treatment. Gordon's children were equally concerned about their dad having radiation. He tolerated the treatments well and has not looked back since.

A Disease of Aging
Cancer can strike anyone at any age, but it is considered a disease of aging. The average age of those diagnosed with all types of cancer is 70. Certain cancers, such as breast, colon, prostate, pancreatic, lung, bladder and stomach cancer, are linked to aging. For lung cancer, for example, the average age of onset is 72; for colon cancer it's 71; breast cancer is 68. These statistics notwithstanding, relatively little is known about how cancers develop and progress in older patients or how best to treat them.

What is known is that recent research has shown that many older cancer patients can tolerate more aggressive treatment than they have typically received. Yet, this group of cancer patients has not been studied in proportion to its size so there is still a dearth of information in understanding the functional, physical, mental, pharma-therapeutic and socio-economic factors that affect the course of disease and outcome of treatment decisions.

In many cases, older people with cancer present with other medical conditions as well. They may have heart disease or diabetes, for example, and the cancer may impact those problems, and conversely.

When it comes to treatment for cancer, older adults:

• May be less tolerant of certain cancer treatments
• Have a decreased reserve (i.e. a capacity to respond to disease and treatment)
• Have other medical problems that also need to be treated
• Have functional problems, such as memory loss or an inability with the ADLs.
• May lack any support network

Additionally, medical professionals need to take into account an older patient's susceptibility to falling and breaking a hip, which can greatly compromise cancer treatment. This may mean the need to prescribe physical therapy to increase strength and reduce risks with a patient who may become weaker as a result of treatment.

Similarly, nutrition may pose a problem when it comes to tolerating certain types of treatment. A dietitian may need to create a nutrition program to boost the patient's health status prior to any intervention. A home care professional may be needed to take care of the patient until treatment is completed, particularly for those without any family caregivers living nearby.

Yet, all this notwithstanding, cancer survivors like Charlotte and Gordon, who are both living full lives, are testaments to the need not to write off geriatric cancer patients, but rather to make sure they receive comprehensive assessments in developing the right care plan once they've been diagnosed.

Can Bio-Identical Hormones Really Help You During Menopause?


Bio identical Hormone Replacement Therapy is a term used to describe medications containing estrogen, progesterone, or other hormones that are chemically exact duplicates of hormones produced by women, primarily in the ovaries. Some bio identical hormones are made by drug companies, are approved by the FDA, and are sold in standard doses. Other bio identical hormone preparations are made at special pharmacies called compounding pharmacies, which make the preparations on a case-by-case basis for each patient. Those "custom-made" preparations aren't approved by the FDA.

Despite the hot debate of terming bio identical hormone use as unsafe and risky, many patients treated with the same therapy for menopause symptoms are amazingly satisfied by the results. Glaring examples of such women are Suzanne Somers (author of "The Sexy Years") and also Oprah Winfrey who writes; "After one day on bio identical estrogen, I felt the veil lift,...After three days, the sky was bluer, my brain was no longer fuzzy, my memory was sharper. I was literally singing and had a skip in my step."

In addition, many other patients have revealed that using bioidentical hormone therapy has helped them a lot during their menopausal stage and in fighting back the maddening symptoms, particularly in terms of hotflashes, night sweats and insomnia.

According to the supporters of customized Bioidentical Hormones, every individual is different and they have to work that out with their doctor. Therefore, at compounding pharmacies, hormones are mixed to match exactly what each woman's body needs. After initial blood tests and saliva tests, the doctors determine what hormones need to be replaced in your body.

Bio-identical hormones have emerged as the latest technique to control menopause symptoms. But considering this technique natural and safer than the pharmaceutical type is wrong because bioidenticals are after all chemicals! It's strongly recommended that you do complete research and consult expert doctors before going into the whole process.

The Best Sleep You'll Ever Have


Have you been given sleeping pills to help with your sleep, pills that leave you spaced out, like you're moving in slow motion and not fully rested? Not being able to sleep is critical, resulting in loss of memory, ineffective work habits, and increasing irritability. Starting in their early 40's, women are in commonly plagued with sleeping problems. The answer is really quite simple. About ten years before menopause, ladies progesterone levels start to plummet. This sets them up for sleepless nights. Progesterone, natural progesterone that is soy-based, not the peanut oil pharmaceutical progesterone Prometrium, provides improvement in sleep, dramatic reduction in irritability (who wouldn't be irritable if you can't sleep and remain exhausted), reduction in headaches and the reduction in the signs of estrogen dominance. Besides natural progesterone, NOT synthetic progestins like Prempro or Provera, has now been shown to reduce breast and uterine cancer, reduce cholesterol and reduce heart disease. And it also makes you feel better!

Sleep medicines don't deal with the real underlying causes of why women are having trouble sleeping as they get older. The major reason is because progesterone levels are so low. Progesterone is like nature's Valium, it is the Feng-Shui of hormones providing calmness and relaxation, factors critical in falling asleep.

With women who are either perimenopausal (which can be up to 10 years before menopause), menopausal, or suffering from surgically induced menopause (hysterectomy), the progesterone levels can drop to such low, immeasurable level that ladies simply can't sleep. It often takes women an hour or more to get to sleep or they find themselves waking up throughout the night.

So how does bio-identical hormone replacement therapy help?

When natural progesterone is taken as a pill, versus in the cream, it travels to the brain and interacts with the GABA receptors. These receptors when activated naturally promote sleep and help patients reach the restorative sleep (REM sleep) more quickly.

How does hormone replacement with progesterone differ from taking sleeping pills when it comes to the quality of sleep a woman might expect?

Sleeping pills are synthetic, not natural. There is nothing natural about them, and because of that the natural restorative REM sleep is never achieved. Oh yes, sleeping pills will help you get to sleep, but they don't get the quality of sleep achieved naturally. When I treat women struggling with sleep issues in their 40's and 50's, sleep undoubtedly affected by progesterone levels, one of the most common response I hear after starting progesterone is 'This is the best sleep I've ever had'.

How quickly can patients expect results?

I have seen patients experience results very quickly. Sometimes within the first one or two doses. They often can't believe how rested they are when they wake up and want to get rid of their sleeping pills as soon as possible.

One patient of mine, Erika is a perfect example of the difference a good night's sleep can make. In her early fifties, I met Erika with major concerns of "I just can't sleep". She had been experiencing "on and off sleep" - waking up frequently throughout the night for years. Essentially sleep deprived. The lack of sleep was making her feel older than her years, and mentally and physically exhausted. She told me, "It was horrible and very hard to function."

After only a few weeks of hormone replacement however Erika reported to me with excitement in her voice, "I can sleep now. I can think clearly now. It's unbelievable." Though still dealing with the stresses and pressures of before, she finds it easier to deal with now she has the benefit of a full and restful night's sleep. "I really do feel like this very huge dark cloud has been lifted, thanks to you, Dr. Carlson." She said fighting off tears of joy. "I see everything in a different view." Her words of encouragement to ladies struggling with menopause and sleeping problems are: "I'm sleeping through the night and feeling like I'm back in my twenties or thirties. It's amazing."

The Best Sleep You'll Ever Have... is in your grasp and so simple.

Monday, August 5, 2013

Can Menopause Affect the Heart Health?


For many years researchers believed that hormone therapy was beneficial for heart health. Medical practitioners routinely prescribed hormone replacement therapy to women as a preventative measure for heart disease. However, several important studies, such as the Women's Health Initiative, have cast significant doubt on this practice. In fact, there is substantial evidence that proves hormone replacement therapy may increase the risk of heart disease. With such information, how can woman protect her heart during menopause? In this article, we'll answer this critical question.

A woman has a reduced rate of heart disease before menopause compared with men her own age. After menopause, however, a woman's rate of heart disease increases considerably, until by the age of 65, her risk is equal to that of her male peers. Recent research has found conclusively that there is no coronary health benefit for women with a history of heart disease, who take estrogen alone, or estrogen plus a progestin.

Research has also found that women without a previous history of heart disease may also face an increased risk for heart disease when taking hormone therapy. Estrogen therapy is still a safe, short-term option for some women, but numerous other therapies also are available to help you manage menopausal symptoms and protect your heart during this important phase of your life.

There are many things that menopausal women can do to reduce their risk of heart disease. First, quit smoking and reduce your alcohol intake. This will almost immediately reduce your blood pressure. Secondly, eat a diet low in saturated fats and plentiful in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. A diet high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in cold water fish, can prevent heart disease.

Cold water fish include salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring and halibut. Fish oils high in omega-3 fatty acids can also help to prevent blood clots, can decrease inflammation in the blood vessels, and can promote a regular cardiac rhythm. Increasing dietary fiber by eating a whole foods diet high in vegetables can lower cholesterol levels and can have a positive effect on the health of your heart.

Exercise is a most beneficial activity for women during menopause. Before you cringe, remember that the exercise does not have to strenuous and painful. To get the benefits to your heart health, you have to get your heart rate up for twenty minutes. Gentle exercises that promote mobility, flexibility and relaxation, while decreasing stiffness and soreness are best. Vigor and energy are usually enhanced with regular exercise. Using stairs whenever possible and increasing daily walking time are two of the very best exercises.

Since women often struggle with insomnia and fatigue during menopause, the last thing they may be thinking about is going out for a walk. However, besides improving your heart health, regular exercise has a number of other benefits. Once you get into the habit of exercising, you'll notice that your body feels more relaxed, your mood will improve, and you'll even feel more alert. You don't have to get an expensive gym membership and pump iron until you drop. A brisk walk several times a week is all you need. Before you know it, exercise will become a part of your routine that you will look forward to every day.

The Benefits of Organic Cosmetics


Most of us cannot live without cosmetics nowadays. And this does not apply only to women nowadays as men also are big users of cosmetics nowadays. This is mainly due to the effect of marketing campaigns made by the big brands in order to boost their sales. Unfortunately these products may have some adverse effects on our body and this is what you will be learning from this article.

Cosmetics that we use are often made from toxic and almost entirely artificial ingredients. However, we do wash ourselves on a daily basis and therefore make use of a lot of shampoo and soap. Have you ever considered the effects of these products on your body. Indeed, the poor quality of cosmetic products used by many dermatologists is the source of many skin problems. This can cause a lot of problems as these harsh chemicals can dry your skin paving the way for other skin conditions.

Given this reality you should take steps in order to avoid this ordeal to your skin. Excessive drying can cause various problems such as eczema, psoriasis and acne. Also, numerous soaps contain toxins so powerful that they pass through the epidermis of your skin to get inside your body and may be really harmful. More and more specialists are making a correlation between the use of these products and the development of cancer.

If you are really interested to protect your body you should make use of shampoos and soaps that are really natural and organic. There are a wide variety of plants that will provide your skin with all the ingredients that it needs without damaging it. Furthermore, in health food stores you can find a range of products without risk to your health and the environment. You can find also a lot of soaps and shampoos, toothpaste, deodorant, moisturizer to provide a complete care for your body.

The components of natural cosmetics are very diverse. In fact, you will find, in particular, jojoba oil, palm oil, coconut oil, olive oil, aloe vera, calendula oil, lily, etc that used in order to you're your skin in good health. Indeed these products can be as effective as conventional cosmetics with the added advantage of not being harmful for your body.

So the next time that you will be choosing some cosmetics, think about the problems associated with traditional cosmetics and consider making the switch to natural ones.